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03/12/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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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

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GALLERY: 2010 Volvo V70

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16/09/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Along with a redesigned version of the C30 hatchback, Volvo also debuted a facelifted C70 model at the Frankfurt Auto Show. While the retractable hard-top convertible isn’t entirely new for 2010, the redesign shows a noticeably different body with design cues from the S60 Concept and the new XC60 crossover. Volvo will also offer the C70 in a new Flamenco Red Pearl paint. Out back, the C70 now also gets LED tail lights.

Inside, a slight dash redesign helps keep things modern and luxurious.

“The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own,” explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars. “We’ve carefully redesigned the front and rear with a more aggressive presence that more closely mimics the new XC60. Inside, we’ve upgraded the materials to enhance the C70’s atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car.”

As expected, the C70 is incredibly safe. Included in the vehicle’s long list of safety features are roll-over bars that deploy when necessary. Volvo’s Rollover Protection System (ROPS) even uses metal spikes on the bars to break through the car’s rear glass. In addition, side curtain airbags are included, which have been mounted to the doors in the absence of a roof structure.

The C70’s roof opens and closes in a lengthy 30 seconds. One great feature, however, is that the trunk can be opened separately of the roof compartment. This is ideal as so many hard-top convertibles require you to life the incredibly heavy rear clamshell to access the trunk.

As for the engine, it continues to be Volvo’s turbocharged five-cylinder with 227hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo C70

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01/09/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in mid-September is the new 2010 Volvo C70 retractable hard-top convertible. While the car isn’t entirely new, the redesign shows a noticeably different body with design cues from the S60 Concept and the new XC60 crossover. Volvo will also offer the C70 in a new Flamenco Red Pearl paint. Out back, the C70 now also gets LED tail lights.

Inside, a slight dash redesign helps keep things modern and luxurious.

“The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own,” explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars. “We’ve carefully redesigned the front and rear with a more aggressive presence that more closely mimics the new XC60. Inside, we’ve upgraded the materials to enhance the C70′s atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car.”

As expected, the C70 is incredibly safe. Included in the vehicle’s long list of safety features are roll-over bars that deploy when necessary. Volvo’s Rollover Protection System (ROPS) even uses metal spikes on the bars to break through the car’s rear glass. In addition, side curtain airbags are included, which have been mounted to the doors in the absence of a roof structure.

The C70′s roof opens and closes in a lengthy 30 seconds. One great feature, however, is that the trunk can be opened separately of the roof compartment. This is ideal as so many hard-top convertibles require you to life the incredibly heavy rear clamshell to access the trunk.

As for the engine, it continues to be Volvo’s turbocharged five-cylinder with 227hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque.

For more info on the C70, be sure to check back for our live coverage from the Frankfurt Auto Show starting September 15th.

GALLERY: 2010 Volvo C70

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Official release after the jump:

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