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.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Lisa 1:29PM (3/12/2006)
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.
Reply
Muscle Car 12:29PM (4/07/2006)
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.
Reply
Erik 7:07PM (4/15/2006)
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.
Reply
Richi 7:23PM (5/28/2006)
that is a sweet looking car, how fast can it go and how fast can it get up to 60???
Reply
Rebe 10:20PM (7/03/2006)
Inresponse to following post:
16. 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?
Posted at 8:12AM on Jan 31st 2006 by ACC 0 stars
As a sales person for Volvo for 3 years I drove the T5 S40 and V50 on a daily basis. So I can testify to the power of this engine. cylinders alone do not make up the power of an engine. Torque ratio is very much a factor in making this car a very quick responsive little brute...Saab son't go there, this is no longer a Swedish car and has truly been botched by GM. If there is a Volvo dealer any where near you simply test drive the T5 S40, it's basically the same car, same engine configuration etc...you will get a feel for the Turbo 5 cylinder and not be disappointed! Good luck!
Reply
Johny H 4:24PM (7/19/2006)
Avoid the new C70 at all costs. I bought one in May 06 and experienced nothing but problems with the electric roof. So much so I had no confidence in using the car due to on 2 occassions having to call volvo assist to take the car on a truck to the dealership due to the roof getting stuck pointing upwards. The roof leaked also on both sides. The car is now sold to someone who has the time to spend half their life at the dealership!I would not have another one if it were given to me for free!!
Reply
Kathryn 5:00PM (7/21/2006)
Hey! I test drove one- very reluctantly- and fell in love. of course i asked about the reliability of the hard top mechanism- at lee volvo in Wellesley they claim to have had no issues with malfunction??? anyway- i ordered the 07 model and can't wait till it arrives. i am getting rid of a 94 lebaron soft top and an 02 Chevy trailblazer- to me a hard top convert is the best of both worlds! we'll see i guess if i made a good decision! I remain hopeful :-) Kathryn
Reply
Daniel 6:55PM (10/06/2006)
Hey hey i am working at the Uddevalla plant for Webasto with the retractable hardtop and trunk system and we have had some problems with reliability but it has definatly improved a lot. So dont hesitate to buy one but i might wait a year or two.
Reply
Wintrode 12:24PM (1/11/2006)
FYI - That's not a C30, It's a C70.
Reply
Rocket Punch 1:01PM (1/11/2006)
I think they know, but they can't edit the film....
Reply
Steve C. 2:44PM (1/11/2006)
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.
Reply
Rob 9:14PM (7/30/2007)
The top is actually warrantied for 20 thousand drops and lifts and theres a counter on the system.
Rocket Punch 3:10PM (1/11/2006)
#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.
Reply
Edsel 4:05PM (1/11/2006)
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.
Reply
zverg 6:53PM (1/11/2006)
Edsel -- or lust for the Mazda MX-5 with it's one handed folding from the driver seat, no motors involved.
Reply
Lee Gibson 7:51PM (1/11/2006)
"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.
Reply
TyreDurgan 12:00AM (1/12/2006)
It looks good, but I don't want to pay the bill when it breaks.
Reply
Roomba 6:35AM (1/12/2006)
Next we have the George Jetson car fold in to a suit case
Reply
mj10990 8:39AM (1/12/2006)
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.
Reply
JIm 12:03PM (1/12/2006)
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.
Reply