Green light for the 300 hp Volvo C30

Volvo intends to produce an exclusive new version of the C30 hatchback, an all-wheel drive model according to the company’s officials. It is programmed already that the new high-performance model will be developed in a limited edition of just 4500 vehicles. The car will be powered by a 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine, same used on the forthcoming Ford Focus RS and will receive a Haldex-derived four-wheel drive system.
Read Article

Whelan - 9/30/2008 2:06:52 PM

+1 Boost

So volvo is going to make a car that uses the Ford Focus RS engine. The car will be heavier, cost more, and be less of a steal than the RS itself. So why make it? I would just assume get a Focus RS for a lot less $$$ and take the extra money I saved for a vacation, plus a nice dinner out.

bmwdrvr - 9/30/2008 8:44:02 PM

0 Boost

Audi does the same thing with the S3, and TT

S4cabriofoxone - 10/1/2008 12:13:13 AM

+1 Boost

How so, bmwdrvr?

Whelan - 9/30/2008 2:07:56 PM

+2 Boost

Oh not to mention it is only a limited production, where I could go get the RS at any dealer when it becomes available.

Not a good way for Volvo to boost the C30 sales when they are slumping cause it came out as an overpriced model already. Nobody wants to pay this kind of money for a Mini Cooper.

sector - 9/30/2008 2:08:00 PM

-2 Boost

Haldex sucks, it's faux AWD.

budfrogS4 - 9/30/2008 2:52:12 PM

+3 Boost

If I understand correctly, is Haldex AWD a generation behind? Seems like it can split torque between the axles but not between the wheels (ie. torque vectoring). You'd think they would use a current AWD system...but maybe the chassis can't support it? I think this is the case for the A3 and TT. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Nonetheless, it's one of the more exciting vehicles to come from the Ford family for the US. Face value, that engine sounds excellent.

sector - 9/30/2008 4:18:32 PM

+1 Boost

Haldex is more computer/electronically controlled when wheel slippage of 20 or more degrees are detected i.e. is reactive vs proactive systems like quattro, 4motion, sh-awd, subaru symetric awd. It needs considerable amount of time to react.

Torsen mechanically redistributes torque to the axle with the most available grip instantly, and works to proactively to prevent slippage vs reacting to slippage.

Volvo R's have a very similar system to to SH-AWD. Using a special Haldex setup, 90% of the power can be directed toward the rear wheels. It reacts to wheel spin in 1/7 of a tires rotation

Although Volvo's R cars have a special Haldex setup that can even distribute power based on vehicle dynamics like SH-AWD minus the capability to distribute power between the rear wheels without using ABS, but not sure the C will have such expensive setup.

michal1980 - 9/30/2008 3:22:30 PM

0 Boost

is't 4500 the total the sold in NA of the regular c30