Frankfurt Motor Show: 2010 Volvo C30 R-Design Facelift

We can see the 2010 Volvo C30 and C70 facelift at the Frankfurt Motor Show, also the 2010 Volvo C30 R-Design. It comes with a number of visual and technical improvements to the standard one.

The most noticeable and important update is the redesigned chassis and the steering, which create a sporty driving experience and better response. The chassis of the R-Design has been modified in several areas in order to meet high standards. The steering is more precise thanks to the stiffer bushings.

"A customer who test-drives the new C30 R-Design will immediately feel the difference," said Stefan Sällqvist, manager Vehicle Dynamics at Volvo Cars. "Even before the car has covered fifty metres, the driver will be aware of the crisp steering and the distinct chassis response. We are very pleased with the result and have considerable hope that keen drivers will feel the same way."

Additionally, the spring stiffness has been increased by no less than 30 % and the dampers are also stiffer due to the use of mono-tube type dampers that build up pressure much more quickly. With the new springs and dampers, the car ride height has been reduced by 10 mm. Volvo also installed stiffer roll stabilizers.

In terms of styling, the 2010 Volvo C30 R-Design features a redesigned front and rear bodykit, including the R-Design badge on the grille, grille and door mirror housings in special silk metal finish, new colour-coded side skirts, a tailgate spoiler and chrome-plated sports tailpipes. The car stands on 17-inch five-spoke Cratus aluminium wheels (18-inch optional). Buyers get seven options of exterior body colors.

Inside, the R-Design ‘theme’ continues, such as blue speedo and rev counter gauges, embossed R-Design emblems in the front seats, a sports steering wheel trimmed in leather with the R-Design emblem and a gear lever knob trimmed in leather and aluminium. The upholstery is available with two colour combinations: cream-coloured leather with sides in dark grey Flex-Tec, or off-black leather with edges in off-black.

Volvo announces 2010 XC60 R-Design

VOLVO has introduced its sporty R-Design variant of the ever-popular XC60 crossover, --- 2010 Volvo XC60 R-Design SUV. Set to go on sale shortly after its debut at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show, the XC60 R-Design gets an enhancement of the looks further and also a better driving experience.

The R-Design chassis is stiffer and the dampers have been revalved to firm up the ride. Furthermore, the steering ratio has been tightened up to improve steering response and help drivers feel more connected to the road.

The XC60 R-Design is targeting the young and the restless. "The R-Design model boosts the XC60's already sporty aura and gives the car an even more refined character in terms of both driving experience and design." says Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles. "These are properties that we know appeal to the discerning buyers of this type of cars."

From the outside, it's easy to recognize the typical R-Design attributes: door mirror housings, trim mouldings and trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes. The five-spoke 'Cratus' aluminum wheels are also unique for the R-Design models. In standard form they measure 18in but there's also the option of a 20in set. Another new feature is that the lower section of the car is now colour-matched to the rest of the body instead of the matte black design of the standard model.

For the interior Volvo has continued to make it stylish while sporty, adding aluminum inserts in the steering wheel, door mouldings and the stylized center stack. The standard pedals have also been replaced with aluminum units, while the seats have been covered with a new dual-tone leather design. Finally, the sports steering wheel has been trimmed with perforated leather and features an engraved R-Design emblem sitting center.

The price is not revealed yet.