Safety and the Volvo C30 by IPD at 2006 SEMA Show
Bring On the Bling – Yet Safety’s My Thing
 

Las Vegas, Nevada (October , 2006) – Big wheels, wild doors and a screaming yellow interior capture the essence of the exotic Volvo C30 show car by International Product Development (IPD). So how does this concept play with Volvo’s penchant for safety? The answer is…beautifully.

Before the first wrench was turned, Volvo laid down the law that all of the C30’s standard safety systems remain intact and function. IPD accepted the challenge and went to work creating one of the most outrageous customized Volvos imaginable.

The defining element that sets this car apart from its peers is the fully articulating gull-wing doors. In addition to looking fantastic, the doors open up the interior to show off its stunning style and memorable modifications. While Volvo has no plans to offer such a door configuration on the production C30, that didn’t deter IPD from bringing the dream to life. In a technological tour de force, IPD engineered the setup to retain the C30’s IC (Inflatable Curtain) safety system.

A standard feature of all Volvo cars, the IC inflates in 25 thousandths of a second across the front and rear side windows. It can absorb as much as 75 percent of the energy exerted by the head when it is thrown to the side. In the event of multiple collisions, the IC offers additional protection by remaining inflated for about three seconds before deflation occurs. It thus reduces the risk of being partially thrown through a side window as well as the possibility of intrusion of external objects.

Dual-stage airbags, safety belt pretensioners in all four seating positions, force limiters on the front belts and collapsible pedals help protect the occupants of the car in a frontal collision. The steering column deforms in a controlled manner in a horizontal movement to interact with the airbag as effectively as possible.

Outstanding outward visibility, a hallmark of Volvo design, continues with the smallest Volvo. The C30’s unique shape, with its vast expanse of side glass, creates a panoramic view from all four seats. The inwardly curving rear side windows and the unique glass tailgate provide excellent rearward visibility. Well placed rear seats, with their theater style layout gives passengers in the back a good view through the front side windows.

Volvo continues to pioneer new driver support systems. To make it easier for the driver to detect other vehicles in the blind spot at the side of the car, Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) will be available as on option on the production C30. The system uses cameras mounted in the side door mirrors to register if another vehicle is in the blind spot. If a vehicle is detected, a lamp located at the base of the A-pillar illuminates to alert the driver of the situation.

To help reduce the risk of the driver being distracted by untimely information in critical situations, Volvo’s Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) is standard on the C30. IDIS is an electronic information system that continuously monitors certain functions in the car such as steering wheel movements, accelerator pedal movement, the direction indicator controls and braking. In demanding driving situations information that is not crucial to safety, such as text messages from the instrument panel, is delayed until the situation requires less of the driver’s attention.

Even though the C30 is 8.5 inches shorter than its sedan sibling, the S40, the body structure is engineered to contribute to controlled deformation. The front structure is divided into zones that are constructed of different grades of steel with different deformation characteristics, to distribute and absorb collision forces in a controlled and effective manner. The lower side members are designed to help prevent the front wheels from being forced into the cabin in a collision.

*Founded in 1963, IPD provides Volvo enthusiasts around the world with performance parts for models from 1958 to 2006. Product development and R&D evolved through 15 years of amateur and professional sports car racing (including winning Volvo’s first professional race in America in 1982). Today IPD is a recognized leader in Volvo performance with over 40 years of providing Volvo owners with legendary customer service, helpful tech tips, full color catalogs and website. IPD serves customers worldwide from its headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Point your browser to www.ipdusa.com for more information.