The biggest changes in the new Volvo C30 T5 R-Design are actually hidden beneath the skin. While the car’s extroverted body kit and design cues are easy to see, it is the chassis and the steering that have been the main focus of attention. The aim is to create a sporty driving experience and a sophisticated feeling of comfort.

The R-Design chassis has been modified in several areas. Stiffer bushings allow for more precise steering. The steering ratio is lower, giving 10 percent faster response to driver input. Spring stiffness has been increased by 30 percent in order to better maintain the C30 T5 R-Design’s poise during enthusiastic driving. The mono-tube dampers are stiffer and build up pressure much more quickly. The roll stabilizers are stiffer to reduce any leaning tendency when taking corners.

The new sport chassis has made the C30 R-Design a better-balanced and more agile car. Road contact is more distinct and feedback from the wheels is faster and clearer, promoting a more alert feeling while driving.

The most noticeable design change is an all-new body kit featuring a redesigned front and rear. The body kit is monochromatic, giving a visual impression that the car has been lowered by much more than the actual 10 mm reduction in ride height. The new C30 R-Design is also equipped with 18-inch “Midir” diamond cut alloy wheels, just like the rest of the R-Design range. The interior is now available with dramatic new black upholstery as an alternative.

Pricing and Options

2011 C30 T5 – $24,600*
2011 C30 T5 R-Design – $26,950*

Preferred Package – $1,800
Power driver seat
Power passenger seat
Keyless drive (R-Design only)
Power glass moonroof
Aluminum Inlay (T5 Only)

Climate Package – $900
Heated front seats
Headlight washers
Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)
Electronic climate control
Rainsensor windshield wipers

Multimedia Package – $2,000
Dynaudio premium sound system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound
Navigation system with real-time traffic
2 complimentary map updates

Stand Alone Options
Metallic paint – $550
Premium Electric Silver Metallic Pain (R-Design only) – $675
5-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic – $1,250
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) – $700
SIRIUS satellite radio with complimentary 6-month subscription – $400
Dual Xenon Active Bending Lights (ABL) – $800
Portable navigation system – $750
Leather seating surfaces – $1,200
Exterior styling kit (C30 T5 only) – $1,445
Interior styling kit (C30 T5 only) – $295

The 2010 Volvo Cars model lineup includes the award-winning S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); the stunning C70 retractable hardtop convertible; the dynamic C30 and the new XC60 with standard City Safety.

*prices do not include destination charges of $850

A new name, a new segment, a new car. Is there a more fascinating challenge for a car designer? Bold and surprising design was what the Audi team was aiming for in 2007 when it designed the A1 project quattro for the Tokyo Motor Show and again in 2008 for the A1 Sportback concept for the Paris Auto Show. Both studies are emotion-packed visions for a new, young target group and the particular requirements of city driving, and have been systematically refined ever since. The future is almost here: The countdown to the A1 is on.

The car is still a secret, yet Stefan Sielaff, Head of Design at AUDI AG, is already talking about the future smallest model in the Audi family. “The new A1 has Audi design in its genes. Like all Audi models, the ratio of greenhouse to body is between 1:3 and 2:3. The front overhang is short, but the wheel wells are pronounced, giving the A1 a wide road stance.”

The Audi design team has also come up with something special for the C-pillar. The coupé-like silhouette of the A1 is clearly different from that of the A3. “Audi is renowned for taking a lot of features of its showcars into series production. The roof arch is a unique characteristic of the Tokyo showcar; there is a certain dynamism in the flow of the A- and C-pillars. An important detail for customization; that much I can tell you,” said Sielaff. There will be many ways to customize the A1 to your personal ideas, especially in the interior.

The single-frame grille – a central Audi design feature – will identify the A1 as an Audi. But there’s a surprise in store. “We’ll do something here, maybe with the corners and the width of the grille,” says Sielaff. This will affect the headlights. But more on that in January 2010.

Mercedes is set to show off its future look at next month’s Detroit motor show with a concept that hints at its next design direction.

In an interview with AutoCar, Mercedes’ chief designer, Gordon Wagener, said “We want to elevate our design towards art and if any company can do it Mercedes can.” He added that the concept will be a “long and exaggerated” showpiece which is not intended to foreshadow any production model.

Wagener wouldn’t be drawn on exact details of the Detroit concept but admitted that it was a “pure design concept which is long and exaggerated” but with no firm clues to a specific production model.

Look for more information to be released when the concept is officially unveiled early next month.