All-Volvo coach for UK this year
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VOLVO has introduced its first ever complete bodied coach, the C1OM. The vehicle is significantly different from any other coach in production and has established a number of engineering innovations.
The C1OM retains the Volvo favoured mid-engined concept but has the engine closer to the rear axle. By introducing a longer wheelbase, with shorter front and rear overhang, the C1OM has large underfloor luggage areas, behind the front axle and in front of the engine, with additional space behind the rear axle.
Volvo claims that the long wheelbase has also given the C1OM better road holding, ride and stability than its rear engined rivals. The model is also the first production coach to feature a number of new passive safety features, including body roll bars.
Design work on C1OM started in 1978 and has involved extensive use of computer simulation and "real life" unit testing as well as the analysis of operator requirements in a number of European countries.
The C1OM is to be available in three basic versions with two different wheelbases. The overall 12-metre C1OM-70 has a 7 metre wheelbase. It is this wheelbase that is expected to be sold in the UK. The shorter 6.33 metre wheelbase version is intended for the Belgian market.
A new generation of the Volvo horizontal 10 litre engine used in the B1OM chassis has been introduced for the C1OM. The coach is available with a turbocharged and charge-cooled version of the new THD101 engine. Designated THD 101 KC, this engine develops 228kW (310bhp) and 1,220Nm (9001b ft). The chargecooler used is an air to water type.
The standard engine is the THD101 GD which is turbocharged but not charge-cooled. This unit develops 203kW (276bhp) at 2,200 rpm and 1,0 5 0 Nm (8 0 3 lb ft) at 1,400rpm. Both engines have a new lubrication system where oil flows through a bypass filter and a full flow filter. The bypass filter improves oil filtration and an oil cooler is introduced as standard.
Like the B1OM the C1OM is available with ZF 6.90 six speed, manual gearbox with an optional splitter unit. ZF HP500 fully automatic transmission is available as an option for the non charge-cooled coach only. The coach is to be built exclusively with full air suspension.
The integral body and spaceframe construction is unusual and features a stainless steel underframe from the floor downwards together with wheel housings and doorwells.
The C1OM body sides are sheet steel with front and rear sections of grp. A grp roof with extruded aluminium roof edgings is used. The body incorporates three roll bars of box profile steel. U-profiles are integrated with the space frame and body structure. A 2.5mm, front collision shield, front door and driver's door are reinforced by 'antiintrusion' bars of square aluminium profile. For the driver the C1OM introduces a number of new safety and comfort features. The instrument and facia panels are made of energy absorbing polyurethane, reinforced with glassfibre. An adjustable steering column and a safety steering wheel are standard.
Driver and guide seats are fitted with lap seat belts. A separate air-conditioning system for the driver and guide is also standard on the C1OM. Passenger compartment air conditioning, is a factory fitted optional extra.
Interior trim is 'soft' with extensive use of carpet type materials. Aircraft type lockers are featured above the passenger seats. Heating is by thermostatically controlled water filled 'central heating' radiators and two heat exchangers incorporated in the roof mounted air intake. Each seat has individually adjustable air inlets and reading lights. The offside continental door and toilet compartment are mounted at the rear of the vehicle.
The C1OM is intended as a 'top of the range' coach and will complement the B1OM chassis range. The coach is to enter production in the autumn. The first right hand drive model is expected to be shown at the Motor Show in Birmingham. The price has not yet been announced although a Volvo spokesman said the C1OM is expected to compete with the more expensive, heavyweight, continental integrals on the market.
Production of C1OM will be limited for the first year, with about 40 to 50 to be sold in Britain. The coach will be marked as a complete Volvo product with Volvo's back-up and warranty. The body is to be built to Volvo specification in Switzerland.
Driving and riding in the C1OM at the test track near Gothenburg, Noel Millier found the coach to be impressively stable and particularly smooth riding. Interior noise levels are low and passenger comfort and appeal should prove favourable.
Access to the engine and other mechanical units is better than with conventional chassis, midengined coaches. The space frame concept allows ready access to the top of the engine from the side hatches.
The introduction of the C1OM will further intensify competition for the British and continental European coach markets. It will pose a particular challenge for Leyland's Royal Tiger Doyen, MCW`s Metro-HiLiner, and the new Renault FR1.