Autoblog

Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Volvo

Volvo enthusiasts should know the name Polestar well. The performance garage has a long history of tuning Volvos, and was anointed by the factory to run its works touring car program. Based on that success, Polestar launched a radical C30 PCP concept that is tipped to jump-start a new era of performance models from the Swedish auto marque.

Most recently, Volvo turned to Polestar to help tweak its R-Design specs, and had the tuning house start work on an ECU reflash for the S60. Now Volvo has officially announced the availability of the fruit of its collaboration with an upgrade for select models.

For $1,295 (including installation), owners of the C30, C70 and S40 (and soon the V50) with the T5 engine will be able to have an extra 23 horsepower and 29 pound-feet of torque squeezed out of their turbocharged five-pots with a dealer-installed tuning package.

The enhancement is affected by increasing airflow and optimizing spark timing, and while the aftermarket could surely squeeze out more for less, for a factory-backed upgrade, it strikes us as a good deal. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295

Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo nixing C30 in favor of five-door V30?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volvo, Rumormill, Electric

The Volvo C30 is nearing the end of its lifecycle and that means Volvo can take its compact hatch in one of two directions: plug on with a three-door variant or make a more spacious five-door to compete with the Audi A3.

According to Autobild and based off these previous spy shots, Volvo plans to go the latter route, with a new stretched hatchback to take on the BMW X1, upcoming Mercedes-Benz BLK and Volkswagen Golf abroad. Slated to arrive sometime next year, the so-called V30 would pack a range of gasoline and diesel mills, maxing out with a 240-horsepower four-cylinder driving the front wheels. There's not talk of an all-wheel-drive version, but an all-electric variant that extends the capabilities and range of the C30 EV prototypes running around Europe is most certainly in the cards.

Volvo nixing C30 in favor of five-door V30? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Four-door Volvo C30 spotted... call it V30?

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Volvo

Don't let this test vehicle's proportions deceive you - there's stretched Volvo C30 architecture under all of that cladding. Yes, Volvo is working on expanding its C30 range with the addition of this, the upcoming V30, set to rival the Audi A3 and recently redone BMW 1 Series hatchback in Europe. There's also a high-riding crossover variant, tentatively dubbed XC30 (go figure) in the cards.

The V30 will launch along side or shortly after the next-generation C30 hatch, and this prototype previews the new 30 family's design. In front, we can see smaller, more angular headlamps that better mimic what we see on the S60, and around back, we can see a more shapely taillamp design, still incorporating Volvo's signature all-the-way-up-the-D-pillar lighting scheme.

Look for the V30 to officially debut in late 2012 or early 2013.

Four-door Volvo C30 spotted... call it V30? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo to launch new performance line with production C30 PCP

Noah Joseph — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volvo

Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype - Click above for high-res image

If you ever looked at those old Volvo ads that suggested their station wagons were the next logical step up from a Lotus, well, you can stop snickering. Sure, it may still be a long shot, but Volvo appears to be getting serious about offering performance-oriented automobiles.

A couple of weeks ago, we brought you a report that indicated Volvo was forging a closer relationship with Polestar, the racing outfit that fields the company's entries in the Scandinavian and World Touring Car Championships. Volvo, it seemed, had already turned to Polestar to squeeze a bit of extra juice from its S60 and XC60 R-Design models, and according to the report, was prepared to utilize Polestar's talents even more in the future.

A clearer picture of that that partnership is now emerging, and so far, it looks promising. Their first collaborative project is tipped to be a production version of the baby-blue, 400-horsepower, all-wheel drive C30 hatchback unveiled last year. If given the go-ahead, we could be looking at a limited run of 500 cars priced around £50,000 in the UK - about the same as a BMW M3.

Like the concept, the production Volvo/Polestar C30 would be the first to carry the PCP badge - referring not to the chemical narcotic, but standing, somewhat repetitively, for Performance Concept Prototype. Similar high-performance versions of Volvo's other products would follow and wear the same nameplate, creating a subdivision for Volvo that would be equivalent to what Mercedes-Benz has in AMG and what BMW does with its M division.

Volvo to launch new performance line with production C30 PCP originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo pondering slimming U.S. model range, adding finance arm

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Volvo

2011 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Automotive News, Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby has stated that the automaker will likely "trim [its] product line" in the United States over the next few years. Jacoby has not revealed exactly what models will be cut, but instead says that the company's core products here in the States will be the S60 sedan, as well as the XC60 and XC90 crossovers.

Volvo has already announced that it plans to stop selling the V50 and V70 wagons in the United States, and according to Tamara Darvish, a Volvo dealership owner in Rockville, Maryland, the company will likely phase out sales of the S40 sedan. Our own speculation suggests that the C30 premium hatch could be on the chopping block, as well.

Jacoby has said on many occasions that Volvo hopes to sell 120,000 vehicles annually in the United States by 2020. In 2010, Volvo managed to move 53,948 vehicles, and current data suggests that the company is on track to sell between 60,000 and 70,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2011.

Automotive News also reports that Volvo is looking to start its own captive finance arm here in the U.S. "We're committed to increasing sales here," Jacoby stated, saying that a decision about such a finance division would be made by the end of the year. If this plan gets the green light, it will likely involve a joint venture with a bank or other financial service institution. Currently, Volvo dealerships often obtain financing from U.S. Bank.

Volvo pondering slimming U.S. model range, adding finance arm originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solid start to the touring car season for Volvo Polestar Racing

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 May 2011 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Volvo

Polestar Volvo C30 WTCC at Zolder - Click above for high-res image

Last year, Volvo's factory-backed Polestar Racing team clinched the title in the Swedish Touring Car Championship. Based on that success, the Swedish outfit elected to bump up its efforts to challenge for the World Touring Car Championship, all the while fighting to defend its national title back home where the Swedish series has merged with the Danish one to form the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship.

This week saw the debuts of both the World and Scandinavian series, the former kicking off at Belgium's Zolder circuit and the latter at the Jyllands-Ringen in nearby Denmark. Volvo Polestar made a strong showing in both with its competition-spec C30.

At Zolder, Polestar/Volvo landed 13th place in the first race and 7th in the second, scoring its first points in front of 27,000 spectators and a television audience of 45 million. Meanwhile, in Denmark, the team finished on the podium in 2nd and 3rd in the first race but 8th and 13th for the second when the starting grid was reversed, putting the team second in the standings so far.

Polestar continues working on a new turbocharged engine that it figures will account for the difference between its position at Zolder and the leader's. The WTCC heads to Monza in three weeks for the next round, as the STCC heads back to Sweden in one week. Follow the jump for the official press releases.

Continue reading Solid start to the touring car season for Volvo Polestar Racing

Solid start to the touring car season for Volvo Polestar Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo rolls out exclusive C30 Black Design for Italy... does it look better? [w/poll]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volvo, Design/Style

2011 Volvo C30 Black Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volvo C30 is a bit of a divisive design. Some love the radical P1800ES-inspired hatch, while others find it awkward. But maybe the brand's latest special edition can help.

Called the C30 Black Design, it's limited exclusively to the Italian market and to just 600 examples. What sets it apart is the application of a 3M carbon-look film to the roof, pillars, grille surround and wing mirrors. There's also 17-inch matte black wheels (upgradable to 18-inchers) and a specially trimmed interior with individualized dedication plaque.

Italian buyers can choose between the 115-horsepower D2 or 150-hp D3 turbo-diesel engines, or a 145-hp 2.0-liter gasoline four, and specify theirs in white, gray or orange. The question is, does the faux-carbon trim make the C30 look better or worse? Cast your vote in our poll below after looking over the gallery.

View Poll

Gallery: 2011 Volvo C30 Black Design

[Source: OmniAuto.it (translated)]

Volvo rolls out exclusive C30 Black Design for Italy... does it look better? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo C30 to get special edition with a hint of citrus?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volvo, Specialty

Once again an automaker is turning to you, The American Car Buyer, to find out what you want. This time, it's Volvo wondering what America's consumer audience thinks of a special edition C30 that would combine metallic Orange Flame paint and 17-inch wheels outside with two-tone seats in T-Tec and orange cloth, Sirius Satellite, an an upgraded audio system inside. If you answered, "Yes, I like the sound of that," Volvo wants to know if an automatic, climate control and bi-xenons would also be on your list.

The Orange Metallic paint is a current option on U.S. C30s - this is really about the interior and the special wheels, which aren't available. There is nothing to indicate that you'll have a chance to buy such a C30 no matter how badly you want it, but Volvo product communications guru Dan Johnston is listening to all comments left over at our friends at Swedespeed. Check 'em out by clicking on the link below.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Volvo C30 to get special edition with a hint of citrus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Autocar calls Polestar Volvo C30 a 'junior Nissan GT-R'

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:22:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Volvo

Polestar Volvo C30 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Earlier this year, Volvo and Polestar debuted the C30 Polestar Performance Prototype hot hatch, showing what would happen if a Swedish touring car were tuned down for road car use. It's a menacing little devil, what with its turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five boosted to 405 horsepower, Haldex all-wheel drive, massive brakes and raft of other performance add-ons.

The team at Autocar recently had the chance to flog the Polestar C30 around Volvo's proving grounds, saying that the hatch feels like a well-sorted version of Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution or even a "junior Nissan GT-R." High praise, indeed, and we don't doubt them. Obviously, we won't be seeing a production version of the vicious C30 anytime soon, but this exercise mostly shows what sort of performance machines could come from a partnership between Volvo and Polestar. This would certainly give BMW's M and Audi's S/RS divisions a run for their money, and we'll never complain about having too many hot hatches on the market.

Follow the jump to watch Autocar's test of the Polestar C30, and head back to our earlier post to read all the details about the road-ready touring car.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Autocar calls Polestar Volvo C30 a 'junior Nissan GT-R'

Video: Autocar calls Polestar Volvo C30 a 'junior Nissan GT-R' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo teases C30 Polestar Performance Concept

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volvo, Racing

Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype - Click above for high-res image

Volvo and Polestar are set to officially unveil the C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype this weekend. Designed to be an exercise in what would happen if a race team was allowed to do what they do best without the burden of a regulatory body looming over them, the wicked hatch is about as far from what's available at your local Volvo dealer as you can get.

The base C30 gets its power from a 2.5-liter, 227-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder, and the Polestar version bumps that same mill up to a heavenly 405 ponies thanks to a larger turbo, massive intercooler and custom internals. The pistons, connecting rods and camshaft are all unique units build just for the project.

The Haldex all-wheel drive system stays in place, though mechanical differentials, front and rear, have been fitted to add a little control to the chaos. Polestar also dropped in a quick-ratio steering rack and an Ohlins suspension. Brake work gets handled by epic Brembo six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units out back.

Obviously Volvo doesn't have any plans to bring a Polestar C30 to production, though it is cool to see a road-going version of a Swedish touring car come to life. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo teases C30 Polestar Performance Concept

Volvo teases C30 Polestar Performance Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Touring car gurus Polestar Performance announce 395-hp AWD Volvo C30-based roadcar

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, Europe, Hatchback, Volvo, Luxury

Polestar Performance Volvo C30 - Click here for the press release

Volvo has unleashed Polestar Performance on the lovable C30 hatch to create a new prototype. If that name sounds familiar to you, odds are you spend a fair amount of time downloading footage of the Swedish Touring Car Championship. Polestar Performance has been banging fenders since 1996, and has campaigned a C30 for two seasons now. But Volvo wanted to see exactly what the team could create without any pesky race regulations looming over them.

The result sounds mighty tasty to us. Polestar's wrenches managed to pull around 400 horsepower from the car, though so far the team is keeping engine details to themselves. All that power goes to the ground via an all-wheel-drive system, and judging from the grainy rendering, it looks like we can expect a substantial amount of work on the C30's suspension and aero package. The proto should see the light of day for the first time at the Gothenburg Motor Show on April 22.

[Source: Polestar]

Continue reading Touring car gurus Polestar Performance announce 395-hp AWD Volvo C30-based roadcar

Touring car gurus Polestar Performance announce 395-hp AWD Volvo C30-based roadcar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV silently motors into the Motor City

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hatchback, Volvo, Electric

Volvo C30 EV Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, Volvo brought along an all-electric C30 hatchback concept to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. While this isn't a production vehicle at this point, Volvo says the car is a fully drivable prototype with a complete interior, full instrumentation, and enhanced battery packaging.

We made our way down to Volvo's area here at Cobo in Detroit to check the battery-electric C30 out for ourselves, and honestly we came away impressed. As Volvo says, the C30 EV is a complete package with little evidence that it's not a production model. See for yourself in our high-res gallery of live images below.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV

Gallery: Battery electric Volvo C30

Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV silently motors into the Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Volvo, Electric

Volvo C30 BEV prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo has built versions of its C30 hatchback with efficient diesel engines, plug-in hybrid powerplants, flex-fuel ICEs, and pure electric drivetrains. It's the all-electric version that will get some extra attention at the Detroit Auto Show next month with Volvo's announcement today that it will build at least 50 units of the BEV C30. The cars will be made next year and are due to start real-world tests in 2011.

Volvo brought a drivable prototype version of the C30 BEV to the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year, but the machine that will be shown in Detroit is a more evolved iteration. Volvo says that the NAIAS unit has a complete interior, full instrumentation, and enhanced battery packaging.

Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles, said in a statement, "The first prototype helped us identify the main technological challenges, such as battery packaging and safety issues. We have addressed these challenges without compromising the C30's cool and fun-to-drive personality. I am very happy with the result. The electric C30 in Detroit is a much more complete product." Want to know more? Check out the high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Battery electric Volvo C30

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Detroit 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials

Detroit 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 gets it right

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volvo

2010 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When you're an auto ~~journalist~~ blogger, you're constantly, incessantly bombarded with a series of questions. Usually it's, "What's the best car you've ever driven?" (Personal answer: Superformance Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, followed by blank stares.) The other question we get more frequently than, "How you doing?" is, "What car should I buy?" Sorta like the initial question, we have a a few boilerplate responses. One of them just happens to be the sadly invisible but highly desirable Volvo C30. Really, if you're in the market for a small, stylish car under $30K, you can't do much better. Usually, we're totally ignored. Though one friend did heed our advice -- she also happens to own a 1972 Datsun 240Z. In other words, a woman with taste.

For 2010 Volvo has updated the C30. The biggest change is that the small hatch's snout is now up to snuff with its rear. We especially dig the new grill (also seen on the 2010 C70). Kinda looks like an upside down Aston Martin front end, no? The long, arching headlights are major improvement, too. We even like the the mirrors. Inside, the song remains very much the same -- think icy, Scando fortress of solitude. And of course, the rear end is as killer looking as ever. Sure it harkens back to the P1800's stern, but the C30's isn't slavishly derivative. In fact, the 2010 model's reworked bumper makes it look even better. Long story short, as long as Volvo's around, we'll keep recommending the C30. Especially since it's as close to we can get to a shooting-brake.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C30

Frankfurt 2009: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 gets it right originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Refreshed Volvo C30 peeks out ahead of Frankfurt

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hatchback, Volvo

2010 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, Volvo will do the nip tuck on its entry-level model, the C30 hatchback, for the 2010 model year. The first official pictures and an accompanying press release have just been unleashed ahead of the car's upcoming debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and, not surprisingly, the updates focus mainly on the front and rear fascias and closely mirror the modifications made to the C70 hardtop convertible.

Up front, an interesting mixture of sharp angles and creases join organic shapes and headlamps that are stretched well back into the fenders. Prominent badging puts Volvo's iron mark front and center in the shapely new grille. At the rear, the brand name is spelled out in larger script on the C30's trademark glass hatchback.

Besides the refreshed appearance, the 2010 C30 will also sport a bevy of new color options, including an Espresso/Blond interior combination. Chassis mods start and end with an available Sports package that lowers the car by 10 millimeters, adds stiffer bushings, dampers and stabilizer bars and a quicker steering ratio. Want more? Check out our gallery below and hit the jump for the U.K. press release.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo C30

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Refreshed Volvo C30 peeks out ahead of Frankfurt

Refreshed Volvo C30 peeks out ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: Volvo C30 R-Design is R-some

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Volvo

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Volvo C30 R-Design

Volvo directed its efforts at the New York Auto Show toward debuting the XC60 SUV for North America, but quietly standing sentinel at the front of the display was the C30 R-Design. There's not much to complain about when you gaze upon any C30, though the R-Design trimmings offer sprinkles on the cupcake. The cars will be exclusive, with oly 400 hitting showrooms in April for a base price of $25,700. The easiest way to spot the special Swedish hatches will be the metallic mirror housings, grille and grille crossbar. There's also a subtle R-Design badge affixed to the grille to identify the car as something just a little special. Special paint colors will also set off the R-Design cars, and the body kit-equipped car we photographed shined resplendently in Black Sapphire. Interior changes consist of blue-faced gauges like the actual high-performance S60R (RIP) and R-Design logos embossed into the leather inserts on the seats and metal accent bits around the cabin. The R-Design cars are more style than substance, but the exclusivity will be of value to buyers who like to have something special, and the T5 powertrain that all U.S.-bound C30s carry offers snappy performance already.

Gallery: New York 2008: Volvo C30 R Design

Continue reading New York 2008: Volvo C30 R-Design is R-some

New York 2008: Volvo C30 R-Design is R-some originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Volvo C30 V2.0

Dan Roth — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, Volvo

2008 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been told for so long that hatches don't sell here in the U.S., so it's surprising to see a new crop of two-box premium cars going on sale. MINI started it with its R53 Coopers; retro flash met modern dash and it sold successfully enough to warrant an upgrade to the R56. Volvo's got the same lust for entry-level customers to its premium wares, so on the scene rolls the C30. Based off the S40, the C30 reaches back over three generations of boxy-but-good styling to a time when Swedish cars wearing the alchemist's symbol for iron had curves and a shooting brake profile. Hatch/wagon/brake/estate - call it what you will, Volvo's hoping it can call the C30 a success.

Gallery: Review: Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0

Continue reading Review: 2008 Volvo C30 V2.0

Review: 2008 Volvo C30 V2.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bats and Boats - Special edition Volvos for Bo' Sox fans and sailors alike

Dan Roth — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, Lifestyle

New England is Volvo Country. It's also home territory for the loved and loathed Red Sox. There's plenty of cars plastered with "B" stickers, license plates and trinkum. Long a sponsor of Red Sox baseball, Volvo's rolled out a special edition of its stubby C30. The Kammback hatch comes with a factory-fitted Team logo stuck to the glass of the rear hatch, fender badges and a distinctive shade of red. This regionally pimped Volvo is a limited edition, with only 107 examples being produced.

If baseball (or just the Red Sox) isn't your thing, Volvo's got an Ocean Race Edition that spans the V70, XC70 and XC90 models. Ocean Race cars have been available a couple of times before, sporting Ocean Blue paint and nautical detailing, and the new Ocean Race themed cars continue to tie in with the actual sailing event. New this time around is the availability of Ocean Race models in Electric Silver as well as Ocean Blue. Interior details are more evocative of sailing, and new wheels draw inspiration from the undulation of the ocean. Volvo expects to shift 9,000 of these maritime units, which should make it easy enough to find a limited production Volvo, even if you miss out on the baseball themed C30. Ocean Race press release after the jump

Gallery: Special Edition Volvos

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Bats and Boats - Special edition Volvos for Bo' Sox fans and sailors alike

Bats and Boats - Special edition Volvos for Bo' Sox fans and sailors alike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volvo plans XC30 CUV to join V30 wagon and C30 hatch

John Neff — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Volvo

We recently got confirmation from a Volvo PR person that the Swedish automaker's new C30 hatchback will soon be joined by a V30 five-door wagon. Just-Auto.com is going one step further by reporting that Volvo will also add a new XC CUV model to its lineup based on the C30 hatch to be called, not unsurprisingly, the XC30. Presumably it will also be a five-door model with all-wheel-drive that's jacked up off the ground a bit.

The burgeoning of Volvo's 30 series of cars will come at the expense of the S40 sedan, which will be merged with the larger S60 eventually creating a common mid-size sedan likely to retain the S60 name. The new S60 won't get a V-named wagon counterpart, however, which would be too close in concept to Volvo's standalone V70 and XC70 models. Do expect, however, an XC60 CUV model to be based on the XC60 Concept that debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January.

Finally, as we recently reported, rumors of the larger XC90's demise have been exaggerated and Volvo's largest SUV is expected to get a refresh soon and a full-on replacement eventually. Clearly, however, Volvo sees future profits by filling out its small car lineup with versions of the C30 hatchback that will sell well all over the world, and not just the U.S.

[Source: Just-Auto.com]

Gallery: Volvo C30 T5

REPORT: Volvo plans XC30 CUV to join V30 wagon and C30 hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS could beget Volvo C30R

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volvo

Mere minutes after receiving word that Volvo would begin producing the C30 hatch, we've been speculating about the possibility of a performance version that would evolve the stylish three-door into a GTI competitor. The announcement that Ford is developing a new Focus RS has given us even more reason to be hopeful. Pure speculation and performance prognostication says that the 2.5-liter turbocharged mill shouldn't be an issue since it's already fitted into the C30 and its platform siblings, the Focus ST and S40, plus, all-wheel-drive could be part of the equation.

A 300 hp C30R has the potential of joining the Mazdaspeed3 as another way of satiating our desire for a hot Focus, and if the price, we're smelling a hit.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Thanks for the tip, Paul!

Ford Focus RS could beget Volvo C30R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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