September 3^rd,  2001

PCC II - wagon struck by the Blue Bolt

At last year’s Paris Motor Show, the Volvo Cars stand was struck by a bolt of blue lightning. Now it strikes again at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2001, the Volvo Performance Concept Car II showing that a future high-performance car from Volvo could very well be a wagon.

Just like the first Volvo Performance Concept Car, a highly modified version of the S60, its successor is equipped with one of the world’s most advanced continuously adjustable chassis, electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a 300 bhp powerplant.

What is unique about the Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept (FOUR C), is its ability to collect huge amounts of information about the way in which the car moves and to respond instantly by adjusting the damper characteristics to suit.

Every alternate millisecond (500 times per second), the system’s microprocessor monitors the precise position of each wheel. It assesses its degree of grip, and alters the damping characteristics of each individual wheel accordingly.

Same taste, different shape
Under the bonnet of the laser blue car is a potent version of Volvo’s 5-cylinder 2435 cc engine. Producing 300 bhp and no less than 400 Nm of torque, it is mated to a 6 speed compact four-shaft manual gearbox developed in-house.

“Last year, we wanted to provide a taste of what a future high-performance saloon car might look like. Now we’re exploring the future in a different direction, this time with the Volvo V70 wagon,” said Peter Horbury, head of design at Volvo Cars.

 “Both models have a discreet yet powerful racing aura that communicates refined sportiness,” said Mr Horbury.

“We demonstrated back in 1994 that a family car could more than hold its own against the fiercest competition, when we entered the British Touring Car Championship with a Volvo 850 wagon.”

The sedan version of the PCC is expected to be a feature of the Volvo stand at the Sydney International Motorshow in October.