Volvo's XC70 Surf Rescue Concept
by GLADY REIGN
Ford Motor Company's Volvo Cars division has proven its world class vehicle development with a new model heading to the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. The design team at Volvo Concept Center in Sweden coordinated with the Volvo's styling center in Barcelona (Spain) and the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) in Camarillo, California to create the one of a kind Volvo XC70 SUV model inspired by the works of the lifeguards dedicated to promote the safety of individuals in Southern California's famous beaches.
Called the Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue (SR) concept, this new model is equipped with numerous features and unique design cues. In addition, the vehicle is fully equipped with lifesaving devices and other medical components including two scuba tanks, oxygen tank, first aid kit, resuscitator box, and medical supplies and surf rescue equipment. These features highlight the Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue (SR) concept.
Furthermore, the XC70 Surf Rescue (SR) concept has a wide range of functional interior features. The driver can activate numerous flashing blue strobe lights in case of emergency. The vehicle also comes with waterproof front bucket and folding rear seats. These seats are made of wetsuit style neoprene fabric with black and gray trim and bright yellow inserts.
In terms of aesthetic and exterior design, the Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue (SR) concept offers nothing but striking and eye-catching custom designed components. The vehicle comes with yellow multi-layer effect coating exterior with red tinted clear accents. Other exterior components include custom-crafted front fascia with milled aluminum billet grille, front and rear skid plates, wider wheel lip cladding, front and rear overhangs, roof-mounted emergency light bar, Volvo wiper blade, rescue board rack, supplied roof rails, and custom designed 20-inch wheels covered with Pirelli 275/45 R 20 tires.
According to Larry Abele, Design Manager at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC): "The entire design process was performed digitally. This enabled us to review and modify the design in real time by projecting it onto large scale screens at each studio."
The Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue (SR) concept retains the 3.2-liter in-line 6-cylinder normally aspirated engine. This power unit produces 235 horsepower and 236 lb. ft. amount of peak torque, and coupled with a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. Other technical parts found on the XC70 Surf Rescue concept include All-wheel-drive with Instant Traction, Electronic Hill Descent Control (HDC), lifted chassis, and strengthened rear sub frame.
Volvo Cars did not yet release the availability and the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of this special Volvo XC70 model.
