Filed under: Hatchbacks, Volvo, Rumormill
Rumormill: 350 hp Volvo C30 R in the works
Click above for a high resolution image of the C30 D-Design package
Volvo gave its C30 hatchback a pretty aggressive look when it introduced the R-Design package, but unfortunately none of that sportiness made its way beneath the hood. Adding some show to the go, Volvo has reportedly created a C30 prototype fitted with a turbocharged inline-5 pumping out 350 horsepower using the Ford Focus RS engine block as a base. Best of all, it would be able fully put down all that power combined with Volvo's AWD system, unlike the FWD system on the Focus RS. Unfortunately, Volvo has no current plans to bring the car to production, and with high gas prices and upcoming fuel consumption regulations, it would be tough to convince them otherwise.
[Source: MotorAuthority.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Goat Law 9:46AM (7/19/2008)
"Adding some show to the go." I believe you meant go to the show, since the initial package was appearance only.
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P.V. 9:49AM (7/19/2008)
You mean Volvo R cars will actually BE high-performance like they used to be, not just LOOK high-performance like they do now? SWEET!
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Josiah 10:02AM (7/19/2008)
Highly unlikely as they *just* made the decision to nix the performance line. I expect this rumor to die a quiet fuel efficient death.
P.V. 10:16AM (7/19/2008)
My point is that the current "performance" R-series is just an appearance package (as far as I know), but that this may change that.
But you're right; the R-series may die altogether.
P.V. 9:50AM (7/19/2008)
I actually have not seen a single C30 on the road yet.
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nardvark 10:09AM (7/19/2008)
There are a couple where I work. They're pretty sharp looking, especially in white. The guy always has sports gear piled in the back. I think it's a good little fun car for someone who doesn't have more than one passenger.
Stuka 10:49AM (7/19/2008)
Seen quite a few here in CA. Great looking cars. Unfortunately the MS3 is quite a bit cheaper, and has more power, and more utility.
ambientFLIER 12:46PM (7/19/2008)
Great looking cars? Have you guys actually seen them from the back? Ugly doesn't begin to describe it...
Torrent 1:18PM (7/19/2008)
I have seen one in my entire life. It was like a Ferrari, you know exactly what it is when you see one, and when it passes, you barely remember it.
Ian 1:24PM (7/19/2008)
Agreed, looks GREAT from the front and sides... back? Not so much.
EJNelly 8:43PM (7/19/2008)
The only place I've seen them was at the Sac Auto Show. Looked great, until I got to the back.
Lee 12:18PM (7/21/2008)
The other day when I went to see The Dark Knight (amazing film) I saw a brand new Dodge Challenger in the parking lot. I usually see new cars right when they come out.
Somehow, the C30 has completely eluded me.
stealth 9:50AM (7/19/2008)
volvo needs this
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Quattrofan 10:39AM (7/19/2008)
That's kind of what I was thinking. Get this puppy going at WRC.... nah, not going to happen with Ford at the helm.
PJ 1:06PM (7/19/2008)
I agree that Volvo needs to make the C30 more exciting. But adding ~100 hp is barking up the wrong tree.
The C30 already does 0-60 in 6.5 and makes handling numbers similar to the GTI's. The subjectives are what make it less fun: a muted engine, numb steering, soft damping, floppy shifter, all the traits inherited from the S40.
Volvo's last R-cars were similar "numbers" performance machines, and even 300 hp didn't make them all that much fun.
ASEVENSEE4 4:09PM (7/19/2008)
The big thing about the T5 is the dual scroll turbo, from a dig it's quicker than the MS3/GTI, so peak numbers for it are not the only thing, it suffers from no turbo lag and is a very nice engine to chip. It also returns good MPG when you're not flogging it.
But this rumormill is garbage, Volvo JUST announced that they did away with the R Line and will only offer R-Line Appearance packages, WHY would they start it back again?
Jason 10:15AM (7/19/2008)
Volvo is dying on the vine. A move like this would move them into the STI, GTI/R32 space and do wonders for their boring reputation.
I disagree with the end of this post in that some how gas prices should prohibit this car from being produced. Gas prices in europe are and have always been much higher than ares and that has resulted in them having tons and tons of small car options. I don't see why that shouldn't happen here as well. Volvo should be figuring out as many different ways to bake the C30 and C40 BECAUSE of gas prices. They should be able to get this car in the 24mpg range which would be acceptable for many people especially when you consider the level of performance you're getting.
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Paul 1:34PM (7/19/2008)
Lets also not forget the gas mileage that the S60R gets... these are pretty damn efficient vehicles AND have nice power.
Will 10:42AM (7/19/2008)
This would bring me back to Volvo. This would be a great competitor to the Alfa MiTo GTA.
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wagonphile 10:43AM (7/19/2008)
If they are smart about the gearing, gas mileage shouldn't be a deterrent. This would be a huge image model for the brand, and the R series shouldn't be allowed to die or become a mere appearance package. This car could potentially have smart looks, slingshot acceleration, and awesome grip-- a performance compact for the adult, not the boy racer.
I'm a big fan of the brand and its history, and I'd love to see it continue with more than just the sensible qualities the marque was built on.
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