Above all else, it's a Volvo. Since Volvo Cars began showing concepts at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow five years ago only one rule has been set: all standard safety systems must remain intact and functioning no matter how extensive the modifications made to the vehicle. The Heico Sportiv C30 is no different. Despite its eye-popping orange interior and boldly designed surf pattern exterior, the Heico Sportiv C30 is still a Volvo at heart.

Volvo's Intelligent Vehicle Architecture (VIVA), first introduced in the XC90 SUV, is a key component of Volvo's smallest car. It is a unique approach to building a car that integrates everything from its crashworthiness to its dynamic styling and exciting driving characteristics. This is possible due to several interacting units, including a very stiff chassis, front and rear structures with unique energy-absorbing properties and, as always, a focus on crash protection for the occupants.

Different Grades of Steel

A smaller vehicle such as the C30 has less room for large energy-absorbing structures. Precise deformation modeling is the key to helping bring large-car safety to the C30. The frontal body structure of the C30 is divided into several zones, each with a different task in the deformation process. The outer zones are responsible for most of the deformation. The closer the collision forces get to the passenger compartment the less the materials used deform. The intention is that the passenger compartment should remain intact in most collisions.

In order to give each zone the relevant properties, different grades of steel are used in different areas. Four different steel grades are used. In addition to conventional bodywork steel (mild steel), three different grades of high-strength steel are employed: High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra-High Strength Steel.

Well-designed Engines Contribute to Crash Safety

Owing to efficient packaging, the transverse mounted 2.5-liter turbocharged engine features reduced width to create greater space between the engine and passenger compartment. In a frontal collision, the engine can be pushed up to 5.9 inches rearward before the crankshaft comes into contact with the crossmember near the bulkhead.

During a frontal collision, the three-piece steering column can be deformed up to 5.5 inches and moves horizontally to provide optimal airbag positioning. With an unbelted driver the steering column deformation is delayed to allow the occupant to contact the airbag and slow down the column's inward movement. This allows forces to be absorbed by the airbag and steering column earlier than would be with a belted driver. With a belted driver the steering column takes less force to compress completely as the seatbelt pretensioner and spool-out system absorbs the occupant's acceleration forces. The steering column separation is controlled by a pyrotechnically charged separation bolt which is controlled by a seatbelt-position sensor.

Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)

The new Volvo C30 is 0.5 inches wider than the S40. This creates added space for deformation in a collision. In other respects, the Volvo C30 has the same type of side impact protection as found on the S40, with SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) side-impact airbags for the front seat occupants and inflatable curtains for the front and rear occupants. These curtains are designed to provide enhanced protection in side impacts. The side airbags are scaled to provide more effective protection at the hips and chest.

Several features contribute to the C30's solid body structure and help prevent the side from deforming in a collision:

- The reinforced, transversely installed tubular beam between the A-pillars
- The diagonally installed beams of Ultra High Strength Steel in the doors
- The B-pillars, which have been significantly reinforced and are dimensioned to help provide enhanced protection

Rear Impact Energy Absorption

The Volvo C30 is designed to help provide the best possible protection in a rear-end collision.

Volvo designed the rear section to deform in a downward/inward movement and allows the trunk-mounted spare tire to rotate upward in a controlled manner. The concept is to move the body structure and forces away from the rear seat occupants. Volvo tests at 35 mph have shown this methodology to be effective in displacing impact forces, controlling metal deformation and helping to protect the rear seat occupants.

Volvo's system for avoiding neck injuries - WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) - is one of the most effective on the market. In the event of a severe impact from the rear, the seat backrest and head restraint accompany the movements of the seat occupant's body. The seats and backrests are of a particularly robust design. They are designed to withstand high loads from items such as unsecured luggage.

More Safety Solutions in Common with other Volvo Models

- Dual-stage airbags
- Seat belt pretensioners for the front seats and rear outer seats
- Force limiter for the front seat belts
- Belt reminder for the front seats

SEMA

Windswept beaches, twisty island roads and outrageous North Shore waves have just landed in the middle of the Nevada desert. Yet this is not a mirage. It's the groundswell of excitement generated by the debut of the breathtaking Volvo C30 by Heico Sportiv. One look at this modified special-version C30 is enough to spark island fever among those longing to leave civilization behind and embrace the Aloha spirit of adventure.

The beauty of Volvo's new C30 is that it begs to be customized. Like a blank canvas or a pristine white sand beach, Heico's designers dressed the solid white flanks of the C30's exterior with a radiant, splashy orange surf-pattern kit. The bright orange wave originates at the lower front fenders, artfully climbs up the doors, crests the edges of the tailgate and wraps neatly around the rear fascia.

Inspired by the well-toned surfers who spend countless hours battling the waves, the Heico C30's refined bodywork is rippling with its own athletic, muscular appearance. Widened fender flares and lower side skirts are painted to match the body for a seamless appearance. The front features integrated spoiler flaps, three larger air ducts, combined fog and cornering lights and a sport grille emblazoned with Volvo's iron mark. A deeper and wider rear skirt frames quad stainless-steel exhaust pipes.

The hunkered-down look is further accentuated by a modified sport suspension with performance shocks and springs that lower the vehicle by 40 mm. An awesome set of 19-inch five-spoke light alloy VOLUTION® V TITAN wheels is wrapped with low-profile 235/35R19 Continental Sport Contact III tires. Bringing the action to a stop is the job of the enhanced four-piston brake system. Ocean-blue painted calipers displaying the Heico Sportiv logo grab onto 326 x 30 mm discs via sport brake pads.

Surfing is a highly addictive sport that's guaranteed to generate an adrenaline rush for the experienced and novice alike. The same can be said about the enhanced capabilities of the Heico C30's modified powerplant. The stock 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine has been massaged to deliver a robust 300 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a stout 309 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm. So equipped, Heico says this C30 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.4 seconds.

The turbocharger and intercooler have been modified for enhanced performance while breathing is improved via a Heico sport air filter. To ensure that the engine delivers the goods, Heico has fitted an enhanced ECU power upgrade to the show car. Since enthusiasts like to take matters into their own hands, the C30 is equipped with Volvo's slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox that transmits power to the front wheels. All of the safety features found on the production C30, including Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) remain operative on this totally radical ride.

Vibrant sights and sounds of the islands have been lavishly interpreted and applied to the Heico C30's cabin. Open the door and even the most jaded dude or dudette is apt to exclaim "Cowabunga!" The interior takes the orange theme to the next level. Like a spectacular ocean sunset, tropical flowers or custom surfboard, the depth and richness of the hue is sure to cause double and triple takes.

The bespoke high-quality sport bucket seats emblazoned with the Heico Sportiv logos are swathed in rich orange leather with matching orange stitching. But the Heico team didn't stop there. The material also covers the split-folding rear seats, door panels, steering wheel, floor console armrest, shift knob and parking brake handle. Meanwhile, the matching shade of orange has been skillfully applied to the dashboard, floor mats and even the seatbelts.

Building upon the C30's high tech ambience, stainless steel doorsills with the Heico Sportiv logo add to the look of luxury. The C30's signature super-slim center console is covered with brushed aluminum like the production car. The alloy theme continues with Heico's aluminum pedal set, driver's footrest and aluminum door pins.

The C30's Premium Sound system, standard on the production T5 Version 2.0, features a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine®, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround and 10 loudspeakers from Danish speaker manufacturer Dynaudio®. Total output is an amazing 650 watts. Also included is an auxiliary audio jack for connecting MP3 players and an in-dash CD that can playback MP3 and WMA format music files.

Calling this specially prepared C30 a concept car is a bit of a misnomer. It's more of an "idea car" that can be replicated by anyone with the desire and motivation to do so. "This is not just a one-off prototype," says Holger Hedtke, president of German tuning and motor sports company Heico Sportiv. "All the performance parts used are available in our tuning product range."