Digimods designs the Volvo XC70 AT unveiled at SEMA 2005

Back in the middle of 2005 I was asked by IPD USA  to come up with a design for a meatier version of Volvo's XC70. IPD are subcontracted by Volvo to produce and build special versions of their road cars for various motor shows in America. The XC70 in question was to be shown at that years SEMA motorshow. This was the first (and to this day the only) car that I designed that was going to actually to be made and due to this fact, I had to ensure that all the modifications designed could be completed in real life. I was given a design brief, a tight deadline and after many emails and different ideas the final concept was decided upon. The car was then built at the IPD head quarters.

The following extract is taken from a Volvo press release and will give you a further insight into the vehicle and it's many modifications.

"With three years of SEMA history behind it, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) is unleashing perhaps its wildest concept vehicle yet for the 2005 show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Built in conjunction with Volvo aftermarket specialists, ipd, the XC70 All Terrain (AT) has been extensively modified to handle almost anything terra firma can dish out.

Based on the production version 2005 Volvo XC70, this highly modified one-off concept vehicle features an array of performance and off-road upgrades and was inspired by the legendary Baja 1000 Mexican desert race. And like its racing brethren, the XC70 AT is harnessed with a lot of horsepower under its hood.

The XC70 AT features a 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine that is normally found in the V70 R sport wagon. But where the V70 R makes an impressive 300 horsepower, the XC70 AT, with its Garrett GT2835R turbocharger and ipd/MTE Stage III software upgrade makes 408 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. Keeping the hot-blooded engine cool is an Aquamist in-cylinder intercooling system and an extra large top-mounted intercooler. Low restriction 3-inch stainless steel exhaust pipes emit a husky sound that would be more familiar coming from a Volvo XC90 V8.

Producing an amazing 398 lb-ft of torque at a low 4,000 rpm, the XC70 AT uses the same 6-speed automatic transmission that is standard in the XC90 V8 and the 2006 V70 R. Making sure all four wheels get the most of the broad torque curve is Volvo’s legendary fully automatic all-wheel-drive system by Haldex. If any tire slips more than one-seventh of a rotation, Haldex automatically applies torque to the tires with the most traction.

Even with all this power and torque, every desert racer has to stop sometime. Thankfully the XC70 AT is fitted with the appropriate equipment. The fully functioning ABS features huge 13-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors, each with 4-piston calipers. Aggressive 20x10-inch KMC XD wheels and 285/50-20 BF Goodrich All Terrain tires chew through almost anything and add to the XC70 AT’s intimidating stance.

New on the production XC70 for 2005 is Volvo’s remarkable Four-C adaptive chassis ride system with Sport and Comfort modes. Taking this concept to the next level, ipd developed a custom fully independent air ride suspension offering 4-inches of adjustability via dash-mounted buttons. Add in the ipd designed 4-inch lift kit and the XC70 AT can ride up to 8 inches higher than the production Volvo XC70. To keep body roll in check, ipd 25-mm front and 28-mm rear anti-sway bars have been fitted.

Equally impressive outside, the XC70 AT features a brilliant orange Saffron and Titanium paint scheme that pays homage to the stunning Baja, Mexico sunsets. Ipd custom designed and fabricated the front bumper (to conceal the 10,000-lb Warn winch), side cladding and fender flares. On top, ipd custom made the rack with the fully integrated high-output back-up lights and the light bar featuring sunlight-bright PIAA 520 off-road lamps. Additional accessories include a 1,000 generator, high-lift jack, spare jerry can and tire and remote exterior battery terminal connections.

Given the XC70’s harsh environment, the interior is easy to clean and befitting of Volvo’s premium brand image. The orthopedic designed Volvo seats have been covered in ipd custom-designed upholstery finished in a black and gray neoprene “wetsuit” material. Brushed aluminum trim pieces normally found in the V70 R, replace the production XC70’s wood trim pieces, giving the interior a sporty, function appearance."