Digimods designs the Volvo XC70 AT unveiled at SEMA 2005
Back in the middle of 2005 I was asked by IPD USA to
come up with a design for a meatier version of Volvo's XC70.
IPD are subcontracted by Volvo to produce and build special
versions of their road cars for various motor shows in
America. The XC70 in question was to be shown at that years
SEMA motorshow. This was the first (and to this day the only)
car that I have designed that was going to actually to be made
and due to this fact, I had to ensure that all the
modifications designed could be completed in real life. I was
given a design brief, a tight deadline and after many emails
and different ideas the final concept was decided upon. The
car was then built at the IPD head quarters.
The following extract is taken from a Volvo press
release and will give you a further insight into the vehicle
and it's many modifications.
"With three years of SEMA history behind it, Volvo Cars of
North America, LLC (VCNA) is unleashing perhaps its wildest
concept vehicle yet for the 2005 show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Built in conjunction with Volvo aftermarket specialists, ipd,
the XC70 All Terrain (AT) has been extensively modified to
handle almost anything terra firma can dish out.
Based on the production version 2005 Volvo XC70, this highly
modified one-off concept vehicle features an array of
performance and off-road upgrades and was inspired by the
legendary Baja 1000 Mexican desert race. And like its racing
brethren, the XC70 AT is harnessed with a lot of horsepower
under its hood.
The XC70 AT features a 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine that
is normally found in the V70 R sport wagon. But where the V70
R makes an impressive 300 horsepower, the XC70 AT, with its
Garrett GT2835R turbocharger and ipd/MTE Stage III software
upgrade makes 408 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. Keeping the
hot-blooded engine cool is an Aquamist in-cylinder
intercooling system and an extra large top-mounted
intercooler. Low restriction 3-inch stainless steel exhaust
pipes emit a husky sound that would be more familiar coming
from a Volvo XC90 V8.
Producing an amazing 398 lb-ft of torque at a low 4,000 rpm,
the XC70 AT uses the same 6-speed automatic transmission that
is standard in the XC90 V8 and the 2006 V70 R. Making sure all
four wheels get the most of the broad torque curve is Volvo’s
legendary fully automatic all-wheel-drive system by Haldex. If
any tire slips more than one-seventh of a rotation, Haldex
automatically applies torque to the tires with the most
traction.
Even with all this power and torque, every desert racer has to
stop sometime. Thankfully the XC70 AT is fitted with the
appropriate equipment. The fully functioning ABS features huge
13-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors, each with 4-piston
calipers. Aggressive 20x10-inch KMC XD wheels and 285/50-20 BF
Goodrich All Terrain tires chew through almost anything and
add to the XC70 AT’s intimidating stance.
New on the production XC70 for 2005 is Volvo’s remarkable
Four-C adaptive chassis ride system with Sport and Comfort
modes. Taking this concept to the next level, ipd developed a
custom fully independent air ride suspension offering 4-inches
of adjustability via dash-mounted buttons. Add in the ipd
designed 4-inch lift kit and the XC70 AT can ride up to 8
inches higher than the production Volvo XC70. To keep body
roll in check, ipd 25-mm front and 28-mm rear anti-sway bars
have been fitted.
Equally impressive outside, the XC70 AT features a brilliant
orange Saffron and Titanium paint scheme that pays homage to
the stunning Baja, Mexico sunsets. Ipd custom designed and
fabricated the front bumper (to conceal the 10,000-lb Warn
winch), side cladding and fender flares. On top, ipd custom
made the rack with the fully integrated high-output back-up
lights and the light bar featuring sunlight-bright PIAA 520
off-road lamps. Additional accessories include a 1,000
generator, high-lift jack, spare jerry can and tire and remote
exterior battery terminal connections.
Given the XC70’s harsh environment, the interior is easy to
clean and befitting of Volvo’s premium brand image. The
orthopedic designed Volvo seats have been covered in ipd
custom-designed upholstery finished in a black and gray
neoprene “wetsuit” material. Brushed aluminum trim pieces
normally found in the V70 R, replace the production XC70’s
wood trim pieces, giving the interior a sporty, function
appearance."
|
Digimods has been featured in The New York Times, Redline, Max
Power, Revs, Auto Week, VMax, Sport Compact National, The
Observer, Performance Ford, Performance BMW, Banzai, Konig,
GR8 Street Performance, Import Racer, Autotuning, Piston
Heads, Autoblog, The Garage & MOT Professional and Total
Vauxhall magazine. Designer of the Volvo XC70 All Terrain
Concept
|