30 years ago, Volvo set out to create a vehicle that weighed less than 1,500 pounds, could seat two people safely, and achieve a minimum of 58 miles per gallon. It was part of the automaker's Lightweight Component Project. The end result was the LCP 2000. While this vehicle never made it to production, it has had a profound impact on the auto industry today. Here at Volvo of the Triad, we would like to take a moment and explain why.
There are three design factors the LCP 2000 introduced that are now standard on new Volvo vehicles, and many other auto brands as well. First, is the materials used throughout the vehicles infrastructure. It possessed elements of aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber. Today, nearly all automakers use these materials in everything from a base level model to a high-end luxury car or speed machine.
Next is a diesel powertrain. This clean fuel variant has been rapidly growing in popularity over the past few years and can be found in current Volvo models here at our Winston Salem showroom.
Last but not least is aerodynamics. Judging by today's standards, we could hardly think the LCP 2000 was streamlined, but Volvo was well ahead of the curve. 30 years ago, the vehicle possessed a drag coefficient of 0.25, which is on par with the current model year Toyota Prius
With the all future innovations coming down the pipeline for Volvo, we will more than likely be saying the same things about this generation 30 years from now as we are about the LCP 2000 today.
For more information on all things Volvo, stay connected to our blog by subscribing to our RSS reader. We also welcome you to visit our Volvo dealership serving the Triad area to speak with one of our experts or to test drive models that peak your interests.