Volvo XC70 All Terrain

[edgear]

Check out this new concept vehicle from Volvo:

http://news.caradisiac.com/IMG/jpg/VolvoXC70AT-1.jpg

http://news.caradisiac.com/IMG/jpg/VolvoXC70AT-2.jpg

http://www.swedespeed.com/news/publish/Volvo_News/article_679.html

:26_7_2:

edit: nevermind about it being new -- just noticed that the date is form 2005, not 2006

[CLynn85]

I think that was shown at sema a year ago. Very neat proof of concept vehicle. I always get evil thoughts now when I pass the volvo dealership.

[Kermit]

I saw something similar to that with portal axles a while back...lets see if I can find it...

edit: hear it is... http://www.forza.se/sidor/projekt/volvoxc70.htm

[Scott Brady]

It is sweet and has an air suspension (variable). It was at SEMA two years ago.

[flywgn]

We've had Diana's XC70 on some interesting dirt roads, including this one below outside Sedona, AZ. It was amusing to see the expressions on the faces of the Pink Jeep Tours guides, not to mention their customers, as they drove by.

She won't let me take it to Pta Bufeo, though. :(

Allen R

(Hey, I just noticed all the new smilies! Swell!)

[rusty_tlc]

I saw something similar to that with portal axles a while back...lets see if I can find it...

edit: hear it is... http://www.forza.se/sidor/projekt/volvoxc70.htm
Another site. (http://www.dakar2003.nu/default.asp?PageId=208)

[devinsixtyseven]

so...this might seem a little silly but...

where exactly do they expect to use the hilift jack :confused:

(i know, i know, concept vehicle :p)

[kcowyo]

They can use the Hi Lift with the Lift Mate (http://www.hi-lift.com/products/liftmate.htm)-

http://www.hi-lift.com/images/ph_liftmate_large.jpg

For a vehicle with any kind of increased wheel travel modifications, this is a much better option than using a slider or custom bumper as a jack point anyway. Too easy to max out the jack on a lifted vehicle.

[XXXpedition]

i'd definately go with the portal-axle one...

[Martinjmpr]

One thing that bothers me about the concept vehicle (and many others) are the "wagon wheels." I mean, what are those things, 19"? 20?" Do you really need "dubs" to drive off-road? :rolleyes:

It just seems like a purely appearance-driven fashion accessory. If you really go off road, wouldn't you want a big sidewall so you can air down and get a bigger footprint? Except for my very first 4x4 (1957 International Travelall) that had oddball 17.5" wheels, my Toyota's 16" are the biggest wheels I've ever had. And honestly, If I could find some inexpensive 15" rims I might consider swapping, just because (1) bigger sidewall = bigger footprint off road and (2) 15" tires are noticeably less expensive than 16s.

[DaveInDenver]

One thing that bothers me about the concept vehicle (and many others) are the "wagon wheels." I mean, what are those things, 19"? 20?" Do you really need "dubs" to drive off-road?
One argument for larger wheels is bigger brakes, one thing that can get really worked on an OHV. But in general, I've always wondered the same thing.

As far as the Hi-Lift, I think anyone who travels beyond pavement could benefit from a Hi-Lift. Heck, even on roads, a flat in snow or mud or rolling too far off a soft shoulder would be a great time to have a Hi-Lift, either so that you don't have to crawl around in the muck to place a bottle jack or as a hasty come-along.

[Martinjmpr]

Ah, didn't think about the brakes. But still, aren't 16's or at most, 17's adequate for all but the raciest of brakes?

Otherwise, I like the XC70 pictured. In fact, I've been a big fan of the XC for some time, I think it's one of the best looking wagons out there, and way better looking than the porky XC-90.

I have heard rumors (unverified) that Volvo quality has diminished since they started falling under the Ford banner. Don't know if that's objective truth or just bias, though. Unfortunately, Volvos still command premium prices, 5-10k more than a even a 6-cyl Subaru Outback.

A gorgeous as the XC-70 is, if I were in the position to get a "macho wagon" I'd probably get the Outback (having had experience with Subaru) and spend the extra $$ modifying it with off-road parts (a surprising number of which are available, most come from Australia.)

[XXXpedition]

it'sall about the looks

[zimm]

the 3.5 inches of travel is good for some serious crawlin'.