2010 Volvo C30 R-Design
Hot on the heels of the reveal of the facelifted C30 hatchback, Volvo has taken the covers off the latest addition to its sporty R-Design lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2010 C30 R-Design. Set to go on sale shortly after its debut at this week’s 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the modified C30 has been spruced up with a specially tuned lowered sports chassis and a distinctive bodykit.
On 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.
The biggest changes in the new Volvo C30 R-Design, however, are actually hidden beneath the skin--it's the chassis and the steering that have been the main focus of attention for Volvo’s engineers.
The steering is more precise owing to the installation of stiffer bushings. The steering ratio is lower, giving 10% faster response to steering wheel input. Spring stiffness, meanwhile, has been increased by no less than 30% in order to increase the car's handling abilities even further. The dampers too are stiffer and are now of the exclusive mono-tube type that builds up pressure much more quickly. The stabilizers are stiffer, too, to reduce any roll when cornering.
For the interior Volvo has continued the sporty theme by 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.
