saying he was on the Dutch bobsled team. That's no longer the case. Volvo stylists have done a remarkably good

job of making their new coupe look exciting and familiar at the same time.

In front, the trademark rectangular grille with its diagonal trim flash dominates, but this boxy element is

surrounded by rounded forms that create a sporty appearance. In profile, the C70 has a contemporary look

relieved by tastefully applied sculptural elements. Its proportions are similar to those of the new

Mercedes-Benz CLK coupe, but Volvo's execution is more dramatic.

From the rear, the C70 exhibits a family resemblance to Volvo's S70 sedan. Wheels and tires make a large

contribution to the C70's rakish, hunkered-down appearance. For years, stylists have exhibited sketches of

concept cars that draw much of their visual appeal from large tires filling fender openings. Practicality

usually cuts these down to a more traditional size by the time images on paper are translated into steel.

Volvo chose to stay with the fanciful large rims and rubber, equipping the C70 with standard 17-inch alloy

wheels. The optional 18-inch wheels, as supplied with our test car, are even more dramatic.

By class standards, the C70 is fairly large, riding on the same 104.9-inch wheelbase as its sedan sibling--with

which it shares many chassis and drivetrain components.

Though only a single version of the C70 is offered, Volvo offers buyers considerable leeway in configuring the

car to their preferences. There are, for example, two spring and shock absorber settings available (firm and

firmer), two wheel and tire options, manual and automatic transmissions, traction control, heated front seats,

upgraded leather upholstery and a choice of finishes for interior wood trim. Everything else the driver of a

luxury sport coupe might want is already standard equipment.

A convertible version of the C70 is set to make its debut during the 1998 model year.