Memperingati 26 tahun kelahiran Volvo 480ES

Apa yang best mengenai model volvo ini? Ok, korang familiar dengan model-model kereta Volvo tak? Model Volvo yang korang kenal sekarang kebanyakannya adalah pacuan 4 roda ataupun pacuan depan. Tapi tahukah kamu bahawa model-model awal Volvo semenjak tahun 1927 adalah dipacu oleh pacuan roda belakang?

Tetapi ianya berubah semenjak tahun 1985, bilamana Volvo telah mengorak langkah dengan memperkenalkan teknologi pacuan roda depannye yang pertama. Dan model yang bertuah mendapat sentuhan ini adalah model 480ES ini.

The future was called Galaxy
Volvo 480 ES was the result of a strategic product planning project. This project - which was all about the future Volvo cars and called Galaxy - contained several suggestions for future replacements of the 340/360 cars, the 240 line-up and the 760/740 models in a long term perspective. To put it simple, Galaxy resulted in the 400 and 850 cars. Work progressed on two fronts; at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg with the larger car and in the Dutch company Volvo Car B.V. with the compact models.

Volvo 480 ES was the first model to emanate from a whole new generation of cars from Volvo Car B.V., Volvo Car Corporation's Dutch subsidiary that built its cars in the Born plant. It wasn't just the technical layout with front-wheel drive that made the 480 different from other Volvos, it was also sleek and boldy wedge-shaped, a 2 + 2 seater with its rear body shaped like an estate car and a glass tailgate. It also featured pop-up headlamps and the classic Volvo grille with its diagonal ribbon was merely hinted - positioned below the front bumper. Its exterior was the work of Dutchman John De Vries with Briton Peter Horbury being responsible for the inside. The latter was later to become head of design at Volvo Cars. Twice to be exact.

Model inilah pemangkin kepada model-model Volvo yang kita kenali sekarang. Aku bukanlah seorang peminat tegar Volvo, tetapi ini adalah satu info permotoran yang sangat bagus.

Terima kasih kepada volvo club UK dan flickr