What Changed for 2008:

• Horsepower increased from 218 to 227


• New leather-covered steering wheel and gearshift knob


• Standard tire-pressure-monitoring system (TPMS)


• New safety features


• Minor interior cosmetic changes


• New Convenience package


• New color: Ice White


• Sovereign Hide premium leather seating surfaces

Overview
The Volvo C70 is a 2-door, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger convertible. Introduced in 1997, the first-generation C70 featured a power-retractable soft convertible top and a choice of turbocharged 5-cylinder powerplants under the hood. The second-generation C70 debuted in 2006. Unlike its predecessor, the all-new C70 introduced a 3-piece hardtop. Quieter, and with improved outward visibility thanks to its enlarged glass windows, the second-generation C70 delivered a closed coupe experience similar to its open-top persona. For 2008, Volvo has increased power, added some safety features, and made minor cosmetic changes in the passenger cabin.

All 2008 Volvo models are covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile comprehensive Volvo New Car Warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile corrosion warranty. Volvo On-Call roadside assistance is standard for the first four years of ownership.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Volvo C70 is only available in T5 trim, which in Volvo nomenclature is a designation reserved for a vehicle with a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. Standard on all models is a power-operated, 3-piece, retractable hardtop convertible roof that can be raised or lowered in about 30 seconds, Volvo says. In raised position, the top features a large rear heated glass window offering excellent outward visibility, the automaker claims. In base trim, the C70 features a full complement of convenience accessories including power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and dual-zone electronic climate control. The power exterior mirrors are heated, and the interior mirror is auto-dimming. New for 2008 is a standard leather-covered steering wheel and gearshift knob.

Volvo offers four different option packages on the C70. The Premium package includes leather seating surfaces, Homelink door openers, and a compass in the mirror. The Dynaudio package upgrades the audio system with Dolby ProLogic II Surround Sound, premium speakers, and more powerful amplifiers. The Convenience package adds rear park assist, keyless drive, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), power retractable exterior mirrors, and the Interior Air Quality System (IAQS). The Climate package features heated front seats, headlamp washers, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Stand-alone options for the 2008 C70 include a DVD-based navigation system, bi-Xenon headlamps, Sirius satellite radio, and Sovereign premium leather seating surfaces.

Powertrain
The standard engine on all 2008 Volvo C70 models is a turbocharged 5-cylinder powerplant. Displacing 2.5 liters, the engine is rated at 227 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque (up from the 218-hp rating of the 2007 model). The intercooled engine powers the front wheels through a standard 6-speed manual transmission. Volvo’s 5-speed Geartronic micro-processor-controlled automatic transmission with “Auto-stick” function is optional. The turbocharged C70 is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, unusual among turbocharged vehicles. According to Volvo, acceleration to 60 mph takes 7.0 seconds with the manual transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 149 mph. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2008 Volvo C70 range around 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway, depending on transmission.

The suspension is of a MacPherson strut design with coil-over springs and a stabilizer bar in the front. The rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with coil-over springs and a stabilizer bar. The rack-and-pinion steering system is power-assisted. Brakes are discs on all four corners with a standard anti-lock system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

Safety
The 2008 Volvo C70 benefits from a comprehensive array of safety features. Dual-stage front air bags (SRS) and Volvo’s standard Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side air bags (SIPSBAGS II) and inflatable side curtain help protect front passengers from injury. (The side curtain—unique in a convertible—is manufactured from a special material that is designed to support itself without a roof structure.) The C70 features Volvo’s Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS), Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS), and seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners in all four seating positions. A Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is optional. All 2008 models are equipped with Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) and a tire-pressure-monitoring system (TPMS).

The 2006-2008 Volvo C70 has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2008 C70 earned a “Good” rating for the frontal offset test overall evaluation—the highest rating issued by the Institute. The side-impact test results were also scored “Good” (the vehicle tested was equipped with front-door-mounted head curtain air bags and front-seat-mounted torso air bags). In conjunction with its “Good” ratings and by also offering electronic stability control, the 2008 Volvo C70 is an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” for 2008.

Technology
The 2008 Volvo C70 offers HD radio, touted as one of the most significant advancements in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. Traditional AM/FM radio is broadcast in analog format. HD radio is broadcast digitally offering CD-quality FM sound and AM stations with much improved FM quality. The audio is free from pops, hiss, distortion, or station drop-offs, according to Volvo. With more bandwidth, HD radio is also able to display information about song title, artist, traffic, weather and more. HD radio is free of subscription or monthly fees.