2011 Volvo C70: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 13, 2026

2011 Volvo C70

The 2011 Volvo C70 gets a substantial mid-cycle refresh led by redesigned front and rear styling and an updated dashboard. A five-speed automatic transmission and leather upholstery also become standard across the US lineup.

Shop 1 in stock at Carvana

About the 2011 Volvo C70

2nd generation C70 hardtop convertible (2006-2013), 2011 refresh year.

The 2011 C70 is Volvo’s two-in-one convertible: a steel-roof coupe when the top is up and an open-air cruiser when the top is down. Volvo’s messaging centers on that retractable hardtop, the extra quiet and security it brings compared with a soft-top, and the brand’s long-standing safety focus. In practice, the C70 stands out as a stylish four-seat luxury convertible with year-round usability, turbocharged power, and a more enclosed, coupe-like feel than many rivals.

The sole T5 trim is positioned as a quiet coupe with its three-piece steel roof raised and an open-air convertible with the roof lowered. It pairs a 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, leather upholstery, power front seats, Bluetooth, and an audio system with HD Radio and a USB input. Pop-up roll bars, an inflatable side curtain, and whiplash protection support its convertible-focused safety design.

What changed, by category

Styling
The C70 receives a redesigned front end with a revised grille, headlights, and front fenders, along with updated rear styling and LED taillights. Inside, Volvo revises the dashboard surface and gauge graphics, and leather upholstery becomes standard.
Powertrain
The 227-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive layout carry over, but the five-speed automatic transmission becomes standard on every US-market C70.

2011 Volvo C70 specs and features by trim

Feature
2011 Volvo C70T51 in stock
Engine5-Cyl, LP Turbo, 2.5L
TransmissionAutomatic, 5-Spd Geartronic
DrivetrainFWD
Fuel TypeGas
MPG City19 mpg
MPG Highway28 mpg
Horsepower227 hp
Torque236 lb-ft
Max Towing2000 lb
Trunk/Cargo12.8 cu-ft
Rear Legroom33.9 in
Seats4
Doors2
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
USB Ports
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Remote Start

How the 2012 Volvo C70 compares

The biggest change for the 2012 Volvo C70 is its new three-step trim lineup: T5, Premier Plus, and Platinum. Otherwise, it is a light update, with standard Bluetooth audio streaming but no redesign or mechanical changes.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Volvo C70 a full redesign?

No. The 2011 C70 is a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation model, not a full redesign. Its front and rear appearance and dashboard are updated, while the underlying structure and retractable hardtop carry over.

What changed on the 2011 Volvo C70 compared with the 2010 model?

The 2011 C70 gains redesigned front and rear styling, LED taillights, a revised dashboard surface, and new gauge graphics. A five-speed automatic transmission and leather upholstery also become standard across the US lineup.

Did the 2011 Volvo C70 get a new engine?

No. The 2011 C70 keeps the 227-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The powertrain-related change is that the five-speed automatic transmission becomes standard.

Did the retractable hardtop change for 2011?

No. The 2011 C70 retains the three-piece power retractable steel hardtop. The major updates are to the exterior appearance, dashboard, and standard equipment rather than the roof system.

Is the 2011 Volvo C70 meaningfully different from the 2010 model?

Yes, mainly in appearance and standard equipment. The 2011 model has fresher front and rear styling, an updated dashboard, standard leather upholstery, and a standard automatic transmission, but its engine, front-wheel-drive layout, and retractable hardtop are fundamentally unchanged.