If there’s one piece of automotive engineering that never ceases to amaze with all of its iterations, it
would have to be retractable hardtops. It seems each engineer considers it a challenge to design a retractable hardtop
that tucks away with more panache than the last. Volvo’s new C70 convertible drew a crowd at the Detroit auto
show every time its top was activated. I caught a quick vid of the process in motion and
think I’m going to start a collection now.Video: Volvo C70's origami hardtop
If there’s one piece of automotive engineering that never ceases to amaze with all of its iterations, it
would have to be retractable hardtops. It seems each engineer considers it a challenge to design a retractable hardtop
that tucks away with more panache than the last. Volvo’s new C70 convertible drew a crowd at the Detroit auto
show every time its top was activated. I caught a quick vid of the process in motion and
think I’m going to start a collection now.Add your comments
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Wintrode @ Jan 11th 2006 12:24PM
FYI - That's not a C30, It's a C70.
Rocket Punch @ Jan 11th 2006 1:01PM
I think they know, but they can't edit the film....
Steve C. @ Jan 11th 2006 2:44PM
I worry about things like this after, say, 1,000 cycles and how well everything aligns, what will all the pieces and moving parts. I've got to believe a 3-4 year old C70 with 50,000 miles on it will be a rattle-matic every time you go over the railroad tracks.
Rob @ Jul 30th 2007 9:14PM
The top is actually warrantied for 20 thousand drops and lifts and theres a counter on the system.
Rocket Punch @ Jan 11th 2006 3:10PM
#3 you can bank on it. Stuff like these and integrated "hi tech" gadgets like iDrive are find if nothing goes wrong. If you are buying just make sure you sell it before the warranty is over or better yet lease only. I don't even want to know how much it will cost to fix stuff like that.
Edsel @ Jan 11th 2006 4:05PM
It almost makes one lust for a vintage but simple British folding top. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to every Volvo service tech that will be required to "fix" this contraption.
zverg @ Jan 11th 2006 6:53PM
Edsel -- or lust for the Mazda MX-5 with it's one handed folding from the driver seat, no motors involved.
Lee Gibson @ Jan 11th 2006 7:51PM
"vintage but simple British folding top"
Huh? You mean the one that you have to pitch like a tent? I'll take the Miata's soft top any day. Even though I wasn't supposed to, I'd frequently put it up and down while driving. On the highway. Yeah, I'm a bad person...but that's one good convertible top.
TyreDurgan @ Jan 12th 2006 12:00AM
It looks good, but I don't want to pay the bill when it breaks.
Roomba @ Jan 12th 2006 6:35AM
Next we have the George Jetson car fold in to a suit case
mj10990 @ Jan 12th 2006 8:39AM
Volvo has just continued to produce stunning design in all aspects of their vehicles. That being said, yes, I would be hesitant to buy a first model year of this car until all of the kinks are worked out. And for the record, my Miata's top is not as easy to open and close as people imply. I love my Miata (1st gen), but could knock my shoulder out of alignment if I tried to open or close the top with one hand. I would prefer on a daily driver (the Miata is not a daily driver) to have a power top.
JIm @ Jan 12th 2006 12:03PM
Some time ago I owned a '95 Mustang Cobra 2-top. The hard top - although removable - made me a believer in a top design other than canvas. With the hard top, typical convertible issues go away; noise, weather, etc. Clearly the folding steel roof is the way of the future. Even the MX5 is suppose to offer one next year.
Rattles are not my biggest concern, however. A rear "fender bender" with the top down could very quickly become a $7K-$9K repair - or more.
theguru @ Jan 12th 2006 5:33PM
Way to whore out your lack of hits and post on Digg.com
This is stupid and a waste of bandwidth!
HwayHzrd @ Jan 13th 2006 10:30AM
theguru wrote:
"This is stupid and a waste of bandwidth!"
I could not make a better assessment of your post.
Having worked with Volvo in the sales end in the past, certainly there may be problems with the first generation, but you can say that for any new product.
However, I have no doubt they will get it right sooner rather than later.
Allen @ Jan 17th 2006 3:54PM
I think that the new C70 convertable design looks awesome. It looks like a better design than the last convertable they came out with. I would not worry about how many times it can go up and down, it looks bullet proof. I would not hesitate to get one when they come out... A+ for Volvo on this one
R.C. Harris @ Jan 18th 2006 6:25PM
The top is a bit convoluted in motion but a rather clever design I think. Kudos to the designers for this impressive bit of engineering. I'm far less concerned about this folding hardtop than Volvo's choice of power plants. I really want to love this car but the anemic T5 motor turns me off. When are they going to come out with a truly solid six that meets the competition?
ACC @ Jan 31st 2006 8:12AM
I need help!
I am having trouble choosing between the Volvo C70, Saab 9-3 Aero Cabrio, or BMW 330CiC.
All 3 vehicles are about the same price (when options are equalized). I really like the concept of a hardtop convertible that has back seats, but I too am worried about getting the Volvo b/c (1) 1st model year, (2) possible expensive repairs on hardtop, and (3) Volvo's T5 engine can't match the Saab turbo or BMW 6 cylinder.
All 3 cars are well-designed, safe & classy vehicles, but I don't want to be kicking myself in 5 years, hence my dismay over this decision.
I haven't driven the Volvo yet (and can't as I'm buying the car through their military sales program), but I can confirm that the Saab & BWM are excellent cars in almost every respect.
Anyone have any words of wisdom?
Lisa @ Mar 12th 2006 1:29PM
Whatever you do, do NOT buy the C70. Mine has been in the shop 19 times in the last 4 years. As fun as that retractible top is when working, it's no fun when it gets stuck in either open mode or halfway open mode (both of which have happened to me, the former just as a heavy rainstorm was whipping up).
Save yourself the heartache.
Muscle Car @ Apr 7th 2006 12:29PM
Granted it's not a Chevy, Ford or Dodge, but it is a coollooking set up. Top will drop like a stack of cards.
I do think Volvo is a sub Co. of Ford now. Could be wrong. Now lets see what Japan will have on the shelf next. wake up Honda and Toyota...All you guys have is a Scion XB box?
Now thinkg about how cool your new Jeep would be with this than the soft top.
All I can say is that is one cool car.
Erik @ Apr 15th 2006 7:07PM
Comparing the previous generation C70 with the new folding hard top 2006 C70 is not a fair comparison but I too would have some concerns about the complexity and reliability of the folding hard top. Certainly not as simple/efficient as my MX-5 Miata's top.
I also own a '05 Volvo V50 which is built on simliar platform as the new C70 and I'm impressed with it. I look forward to a test drive soon on the new C70.