Justin
Friday 22nd October 2004, 19:26
Volvo Car Corporation is rewriting the rulebook on how it will use its cars in the future with its 3CC prototype being unveiled to the public for the first time at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai, 12-14 October.
From the outside, the Volvo 3CC has a tapered shape that the company says is '…designed to make a dynamic statement that nonetheless is unmistakably Volvo'.
Under the bonnet is an electric powertrain that propels the Volvo 3CC to a governed top speed of around 85 mph, and which delivers a 0-62 mph acceleration time of approximately 10 seconds – with zero emissions.
Just 3899 mm long, 1624 mm wide and 1321 mm high, the Volvo 3CC has dimensions similar to a classic 2-seater sports car – but that is where similarities end. For the Volvoe packs a surprise: a unique two-plus-one configuration, providing seating for two adults in the front and a unique rear seat solution for an additional adult or two children.
The Volvo 3CC is the brainchild of the designers, engineers and business people at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center think-tank in California. Their task was to create a `future-proof concept´ that would enhance sustainable mobility. A car not only fuel-efficient, versatile, comfortable, and safe, but also exciting to drive and look at.
Inside, the fixed eye plane ergonomics and low profile A-pillar create a sense of openness aided by three transparent panels in the roof. As the doors open by swinging upwards, a floating dash panel slides forward to ease ingress and egress. A unique sliding seat system also assists access to the rear seat. The pedals also adjust for individual requirements.
With a potential driving range of over 300 km (180 miles) under certain driving conditions, the torque-to-weight ratio is roughly comparable to the powerful T5 model, but available over 0-3500 rpm. In typical driving conditions, about 20 percent of the energy can be recovered by regenerative braking. This performance is achieved using a drivetrain specifically designed for the Volvo 3CC, although it too is a prototype. The electric power comes from lithium-ion cells, identical to those used in modern laptop computers, that are packaged in the thin sandwich floor.
The interior of the Volvo 3CC offers ergonomic positioning for both driver and front passenger. Unique solutions include replacing instrument panel toggles with proximity sensors that are activated by a finger, as it gets to within 5 mm, to adjust lights, climate, and audio system.
"Rather than refining existing cars and technologies for new markets, Volvo has listened, questioned and speculated about the future and developed this all new concept," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of Brand, Product & Business Strategy. "We think the Volvo 3CC opens a door into that future and we will develop the concept further."
http://images.newcarnet.co.uk/car_pic2/Volvo_3CC.jpg
More pics here :) http://www.volvot5.co.uk/volvogallery/thumbnails.php?album=95
From the outside, the Volvo 3CC has a tapered shape that the company says is '…designed to make a dynamic statement that nonetheless is unmistakably Volvo'.
Under the bonnet is an electric powertrain that propels the Volvo 3CC to a governed top speed of around 85 mph, and which delivers a 0-62 mph acceleration time of approximately 10 seconds – with zero emissions.
Just 3899 mm long, 1624 mm wide and 1321 mm high, the Volvo 3CC has dimensions similar to a classic 2-seater sports car – but that is where similarities end. For the Volvoe packs a surprise: a unique two-plus-one configuration, providing seating for two adults in the front and a unique rear seat solution for an additional adult or two children.
The Volvo 3CC is the brainchild of the designers, engineers and business people at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center think-tank in California. Their task was to create a `future-proof concept´ that would enhance sustainable mobility. A car not only fuel-efficient, versatile, comfortable, and safe, but also exciting to drive and look at.
Inside, the fixed eye plane ergonomics and low profile A-pillar create a sense of openness aided by three transparent panels in the roof. As the doors open by swinging upwards, a floating dash panel slides forward to ease ingress and egress. A unique sliding seat system also assists access to the rear seat. The pedals also adjust for individual requirements.
With a potential driving range of over 300 km (180 miles) under certain driving conditions, the torque-to-weight ratio is roughly comparable to the powerful T5 model, but available over 0-3500 rpm. In typical driving conditions, about 20 percent of the energy can be recovered by regenerative braking. This performance is achieved using a drivetrain specifically designed for the Volvo 3CC, although it too is a prototype. The electric power comes from lithium-ion cells, identical to those used in modern laptop computers, that are packaged in the thin sandwich floor.
The interior of the Volvo 3CC offers ergonomic positioning for both driver and front passenger. Unique solutions include replacing instrument panel toggles with proximity sensors that are activated by a finger, as it gets to within 5 mm, to adjust lights, climate, and audio system.
"Rather than refining existing cars and technologies for new markets, Volvo has listened, questioned and speculated about the future and developed this all new concept," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of Brand, Product & Business Strategy. "We think the Volvo 3CC opens a door into that future and we will develop the concept further."
http://images.newcarnet.co.uk/car_pic2/Volvo_3CC.jpg
More pics here :) http://www.volvot5.co.uk/volvogallery/thumbnails.php?album=95