Designed with efficiency in mind, Volvo's 3CC concept features an electric powertrain, lightweight construction and an interesting 2+1 seating configuration.
Aft of its windshield pillars, the 3CC's cabin tapers in teardrop fashion before abruptly terminating at the vertical rear fascia. Seating for two adults in front and one adult or two children in back is provided, and Volvo claims the concept car's cabin design provides high levels of visibility for occupants.
Transparent roof panels are positioned above the seating positions, and the 3CC is equipped with swing-wing doors. When these doors are opened, the dash slides forward to aid occupant entry and exit. The seats slide to make access to the rear seat easier.
Underneath the concept's carbon-fiber body is a high-strength steel space frame. The floor of the car houses 3,000 lithium-ion battery cells; if you're viewing this page with a laptop computer, you also have this type of battery power source.
The concept powertrain consists of an 80-kilowatt electric motor that provides 107 horsepower and 162 pounds-feet of torque. The motor can be used to decelerate the car and recharge the batteries, though the car does need to be plugged in when not in use.
One of the 3CC's trick features is its sensor technology. In place of instrument panel switches, sensors that are triggered when a finger nears them are installed. These sensors are used to control the climate system, stereo and lights.
On the safety side, the 3CC has what Volvo calls its Safety Ride Down Concept. During a frontal collision, the entire 2+1 seating area can move forward as a unit up to 8 inches, slowing the passengers down gradually. The rate of movement is controlled by adaptive shock absorbers.
Volvo says the seat system's travel distance is equal to increasing the crumple zones by the same length. The system also functions in rear-end collisions. |
— Reported by
Mike Hanley, cars.com;
photographed by Casey Spring, cars.com;
additional image courtesy of the manufacturer |
