Volvo 480
| Volvo 480 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo Cars |
| Production | 1986–1995 |
| Assembly | Netherlands: Born (NedCar) |
| Designer | John de Vries, Peter Horbury |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car (C) |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | Volvo 440/460 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed Renault JC5 manual 4-speed ZF 4HP14Q automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,503 mm (98.5 in) |
| Length | 4,258 mm (167.6 in) |
| Width | 1,710 mm (67.3 in) |
| Height | 1,318 mm (51.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,016–1,079 kg (2,240–2,379 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Volvo P1800 |
| Successor | Volvo C30 |
The Volvo 480 is a sporty compact car that was produced in Born, Netherlands, by Volvo from 1986 to 1995. It was the first front-wheel drive car made by Volvo and the only Volvo featuring pop-up headlights. The 480 was available in only one body style on an automobile platform related to the Volvo 440/460 five-door hatchback and four-door saloon models.
It features an unusual four-seat, three-door hatchback body, somewhere between liftback and estate in form. The 480 was marketed as a coupé in Europe starting in 1986. The car was originally intended to be marketed in the United States as a 2+2 "sports wagon" in the fall 1987, although these plans were cancelled in part due to the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar during 1987.