[Phil Pugliese]

http://thehollywoodextra.com/c60/c60.html

Fact or fiction? could it be a Strasmann aftermarket?

 

[S.R.]

I have never seen this picture before! I think that it would take a lot of work to turn a 4-door S60 into a 2-door C60 convertible. The convertible top and windows look very fake (Photoshop). Volvo is much more likely to base their new coupe and convertible on the upcoming Focus chassis spawning the new S40, V50, and C40 coupe/convertible. BTW, good find on the picture!

-Drew

 

[Phil Pugliese]

Drew,

If someone is gonna go thru the hassle of a photoshop conv. wouldn't they use a better starting picture?

 

[[email protected]]

Not necessarily. Sometimes they want it to look like a spy photo, and in the case of this site, I looked over it quickly and did see some photoshopped images... the VW Golf and Mustang specifically.

I'll be honest, I think it looks fake, and I agree that if there will be a new coupe from Volvo, it'll probably be the Focus based 40 series.

Volvo describes the S60 a lot as the sedan that looks like a coupe (basically referring to the roofline). Many times, manufacturers will push stuff like that when they are trying to consolidate their product offerings, and possibly eventually drop the C70 without a replacement. That's speculation, but it's possible.

That said, I passed the pic along to a contact at Volvo. He thought it was interesting and said he'd pass it around to see what people think.

George

 

[T5 Dave]

Actually, I think a coupe based on the smaller S40 would be a mistake. If it were based on the S60 and if it used the R powerplant, the C60R would eat Mustangs for lunch.

Going to 2 doors would lower the weight of the vehicle by (hopefully) a few hundred pounds and would make the C60 a screamer. My T-bird was wrecked, so I was forced into buying what was available at the time, the S60 sedan, but if the C60R would have been available I would have opted for that in a heartbeat, even over the S60R.

No, the S40-based coupe is too small and would represent a step backwards.

Hey, I'm only a Californian, what do I know?

 

[S.R.]

I think that it is probably hard to speculate right now what Volvo is planning with their next generation of small cars. Ford says that the C1 technologies program will spawn a little over 15 new vehicles, which is quite a lot IMHO. This could mean that Ford, Mazda, and Volvo will get around +/- 5 vehicles each.

It is my guess that Volvo will use this new chassis for the S40, V50, V50 XC, H30, & C40 Coupe/Convertible. I think that Volvo learned a hard lesson with the current C70 series, in that there are not a lot of people who will shell out $45-50k for a C70 convertible or coupe.

I think that entering a C40 convertible at a lower price point than the 3-series, A4, 9-3, and CLK convertibles will be a smart move, as long as they load it with everything, meaning few options. The example I am trying to get at is the Acura 3.2TL, as it has basically blown away the competition in sales numbers. It is basically a loaded car, with only DVD Navigation as an option, at a price well below the competition. Thus, the C40 would offer brand cachet and safety at a reasonable price, just like Acura markets the 3.2TL over the Accord EX V6.

This is what I speculate is going to happen since Volvo has already made such a big deal about the S60 being inspired by coupe design elements. That is why I think that the S60 will never be used for the basis of a coupe/convertible. To me at least, the C40 coupe/convertible just makes more sense.

Some observations, look at the a-pillar and dashboard. The passenger side of the dashboard on the S60 does not slope up like that and the a-piller is rendered with only a 3-pixel line. Also, the cutout for the back of the passenger front door has been blurred out. Plus, you can see the artificial 'fuzzy' looking light on the top of the convertible fabric.

-Drew

[This message has been edited by InDy (edited 10-12-2001).]

 

[Phil Pugliese]

Drew,

I agree with everything you just said. All word from Volvo was that the new coupe/conv were to be on the P1 platform. This picture thru me for that reason. My service Manager will be going to Canada to drive the SUV next week and will be bringing this photo with him to ask questions. If Volvo can marker this car in the upper 30's to just over 40,they got a viable car. But is if to be and it is priced where the current conv. is stop now and move on.

As far as disecting the picture...I think that is reflections you are seeing not the dash. Also If you look though the car you can see the writing on the wall. Asctually the reflections on the side of the car look darn smooth to me.

 

[Phil Pugliese]

My Service guy was with Volvo last week testing teh SUV and the S60 AWD. HE brought up the picture to them and showed them. This is the real thing. The car is indeed out there and Volvo knows excacly where the picture was taken. Now whether or not it will be produced, is another question.

Also the new V50 will be the SCC for 03.

 

[S.R.]

quote:

Originally posted by Phil Pugliese:
My Service guy was with Volvo last week testing teh SUV and the S60 AWD.

Phil,

Any info you can give us on the new SUV? From everything that I have heard, it will be shown at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. Did your service guy give up any info about it?

-Drew

 

[Phil Pugliese]

Late 02 intro as an 03. Motors have yet to be decided, talk of using the T5, which is a huge mistake from a marketing stand point. 6's from the 80 should be the first motors with the V8 down the road. It will look alot like th ACC, with a very similier shape. 16" wheels standard and will see 17"s too. 7 Passenger all forward facing.

Also the V50 will have the funky back door from the SCC to access the read reats and the style will remain to resemble the P1800 rear.

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks for the info Phil. I'll have to call Volvo and bug them for more...