Auto News
AutoGuide News Blog
The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

03/12/2009 | By: Colum Wood

IMG_2596.JPG

Volvo’s entire product lineup is in a state of change as the Swedish automaker works to update models with new curvy designs inspired by the brand’s revolutionary XC60 luxury crossover. The latest two models to receive the stylistic upgrade are the C70 convertible and C30 hatchback.

The C30 gets a new front end with a new bumper, grille and headlights. There’s also a new rear end using colored panels, as opposed to black plastic ones, while on T5 models large 90mm exhaust tips will be included. A new Orange Flame Metallic paint job (shown here) will also be offered, as will white wheels. In addition a sport chassis will be offered with stiffer bushings, a tighter steering ratio (by 10 percent) and springs that are 30 percent stiffer as well.

As for the C70, it gets a similar redesign and will now be offered in a new Flamenco Red Pearl paint (shown here). Out back, the C70 now also gets LED tail lights. Inside, a slight dash redesign helps keep things modern and luxurious.

Along with updating the rest of its product lineup over the next few years Volvo has said it will introduce diesel engines as well as diesel-hybrids to North America in an effort to meet the new 2016 CAFE standard of 35.5 mpg. Volvo has already announced a plug-in hybrid vehicle will arrive in Europe in 2012 and we’re likely to see diesel-powered models (which are big sellers for Volvo in Europe) soon. In Europe Volvo now offers its new C30 1.6D DRIVe diesel model, which gets an incredible 74.3 mpg.

GALLERY: 2010 Volvo C30

IMG_2593.JPGIMG_2594.JPGIMG_2595.JPGIMG_2596.JPGIMG_2597.JPGIMG_2605.JPG

GALLERY: 2010 Volvo V70

IMG_2598.JPGIMG_2599.JPGIMG_2600.JPGIMG_2601.JPGIMG_2603.JPGIMG_2604.JPG

08/09/2009 | By: Colum Wood

images\20467_1_5.jpg

The Volvo C30 will get a much needed facelift for 2010, debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week alongside the modernized C70.

“Since its introduction in 2006, the Volvo C30 has become highly appreciated for its unique appearance. This applies in particular to the rear. With the new front, it feels as though everything has fallen neatly into place and that the car’s entire personality has been boosted to an entirely new level,” says Daniel Backman, Product Manager for the new Volvo C30.

We’re not sure we agree with the comments about the car’s back-end, but the new front certainly adds a bit more style to the C30, helping it appeal to its intended young-buyer audience. Much of the design cues have been taken from Volvo’s progressive new XC60 crossover.

The new front end features not only a new bumper and grille, but also new headlights. A new rear end is also a part of the redesign, using colored panels, as opposed to black plastic ones, while on T5 models large 90mm exhaust tips will be included. A new Orange Flame Metallic paint job (pictured above) will also be offered, as will white wheels.

Volvo has also decided to offer a long list of interior trim options to customers, with items like an Espresso/Blonde two-tone interior, as well as Cranberry leather.

In addition a sport chassis will be offered with stiffer bushings, a tighter steering ratio (by 10 percent) and springs that are 30 percent stiffer as well.

We’ll be sure to bring you more on this new model live from the Frankfurt Auto Show starting September 15th.

GALLERY: 2010 Volvo C30

images\20476_1_5.jpgimages\20465_1_5.jpgimages\20466_1_5.jpgimages\20471_1_5.jpgimages\20474_1_5.jpgimages\20475_1_5.jpg

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…