Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Volvo concepts for SEMA

Every year at the SEMA show in Las Vegas manufacturers roll out special concepts or tuner versions of their production models showcasing new technologies or promoting new models. Volvo has two that I found on BlueOvalNews that are obviously attempts to give their image a boost.

The XC70 AT, is a high powered version of the V70 XC70 with a turbo charged I5 making 408 hp and 392 lb ft of torque. I think the most improtant aspect of this concept is that it shows just how much power could be squeezed out of the I5. Volvo will never build it, but the parts are used in their line and it's an excellent showcase vehicle.
Now the T6 roadster is just silly, and hasn't this been done to death? While a handsome concept, do we need another rear engine "Hot Rod" for the car show circuit? It has the I6 from the S80 mounted in back, much like many of these concept hot rods over the years. Eye candy pure and simple. Instead Volvo should have had a S40 done up rally style or maybe an S60 done in tuner style.

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