It's a gift from the gods! Visitors to the New York Motor Show have been treated to a sneak preview of the spiritual successor to the classic Volvo P1800, famed for its star role in the Sixties TV series, The Saint.
Set to go on sale in 2005, the newcomer will be part of the eagerly awaited V50 range, and is based on the hi-tech C1 platform that will also underpin the next Ford Focus. From what our sources have told us, it's destined to be a car even the elusive Simon Templar would be pleased to be seen in.
Christened the C50, and aimed at the likes of the Audi TT and BMW's 3-Series Coup�, this two-door Volvo will fill the gap left by the powerful C70, which was axed in October 2002.
A strict 2+2, the newcomer will add a much needed sporty injection to the firm's fast-growing line-up. The C50 will be far more sporty than the larger S60 saloon, and will offer handling and performance to tempt enthusiastic drivers away from traditional favourites.
At launch, the company says entry-level editions of the car will be front-wheel drive. A choice of petrol and diesel engines will be offered, including 140bhp, 170bhp and 200bhp editions of the firm's new 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbo. A D5 diesel is also under development. Expected to offer 160bhp, this turbocharged oil-burner will mix performance with great fuel economy.
Flagship models will use the 300bhp 2.5-litre which debuted in the recently launched S60 and V70R. And because the Focus C1 platform has the capacity to cater for an all-wheel-drive layout, the top-of-the-range car, badged C50R, is likely to put all that muscle to good use by delivering power to both axles....cont |
