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2006 Volvo-Caresto V8 Roadster Concept

A Volvo Hot Rod? Whod Have Thought?

Big autoshows are always great fun to attend by virtue of the concept cars that are introduced. Major shows, such as Detroit, Paris or Frankfurt always get the best of the best, with creative new designs that forecast what the roads of the future will be like. But theres one major show thats different from the rest, and thats SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association). This yearly event also showcases many concept cars, but theyre designed by tuning companies in collaboration with the manufacturers, rather than design houses and design centers. Because there are fewer formalities in the anything goes SEMA arena, all sorts of vehicles go on display. Now

Heres something that you wouldnt see at Paris or Frankfurt: a hot rod powered by and built with Volvo components. (Photo: Volvo)

this Volvo-Caresto V8 Roadster joins the fray.
Aside from the trio of heavily modified Volvo C30s that were on display at Volvos booth, it was probably the unlikely appearance of the Volvo-Caresto V8 Roadster that gathered the most attention. Hot rods are a classic tradition in the States, and the Caresto delivers in the looks department, but the fact that its associated with Volvo is sure to make people curious. It follows closely with

Volvos two retro showings for SEMA: the V8 Roadster (front) and an Amazon Wagon (back). (Photo: Volvo)

the styling of modern classic hotrods, such as the Mitsubishi Aluma Coupe and Plymouth Prowler, with an extra-clean interior, clutter-free open-wheel suspension and a tapered body shape. Unlike most hot rods of this type, the Carestos nose doesnt taper in at an exaggerated angle; rather, its a blunt-shape with a large, egg-crate grille.

While the V8 Roadster is a modern interpretation of a classic car, theres plenty of new technology and features that might seem out of place on this type of vehicle, but theyve been smoothly integrated into the design. The

Thank goodness for those rear-view cameras: when the roofs up, theres no back window to see out of. (Photo: Volvo)

headlamps, for instance, arent a part of the nose or fenders as with regular cars, but rather they stick out to each side and inside the small housings are powerful Hella xenon-beam bulbs. To keep the bodywork clean, the V8 Roadster also doesnt have side-view mirrors. Providing rearward vision are three rear-facing cameras, two to each side and one directly behind. The third camera is only operational when the roof is up, which does not have a rear window.

The idea behind the Volvo hot rod isnt new. In fact, the Caresto V8 Roadster has been the second Volvo hot rod in the past two years. You might recall seeing or hearing

The V8s been stuffed in the back. The long nose is just to achieve the hot rod look... (Photo: Volvo)

about the Volvo T6 Roadster, which also was shown at SEMA. The Caresto is a company founded by Leif Tufvesson, the same guy that built the T6. As the name suggests, one of the main differences is that instead of using a smaller engine, theyve gone and installed Volvos brand new 4.4-liter Yamaha-designed V8. That should also appease traditionalists who believe a hot rod isnt a hot rod without a V8. This particular engine has been modified to run on ethanol, and although outputs have not been disclosed, we wouldnt be surprised if it makes more than the 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque that the stock V8 makes in the XC90. In the Roadster, power goes through the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic with Geartronic manual mode.
But Tufvesson doesnt view his latest creation

Proper suspension and sports-tuned chassis ensure that the Caresto-designed hot rod is as fun to drive as it is to look at. (Photo: Volvo)

as a showcar, destined to spend the rest of its life behind velvet rope, or up on a rotating pedestal; he thinks it should be driven. He says, "Actually, its a sports car with a design idiom that is a further development of the classic hot rod. Perhaps, it could establish a new school of thought and coin the term Sport Rod. My idea was to build a car that was actually as much fun to drive as it was to look at. Road-holding characteristics have never been the hallmark of traditional Hotrods." Beneath what might otherwise look like a rather primitive automobile is a chassis that, true to Tufvessons words, is optimized for performance driving.

The V8 Roadsters powertain is positioned differently than almost any other hot rod: the engine is mid-mounted. Where a trunk or a rumble seat ought to be is the 4.4-liter V8 engine, which gives the car the unusual weight distribution

Heres the highest concentration of Volvo components: steering wheel, shifter, gauges... (Photo: Volvo)

of 40:60 front to rear. Though hot rods tend to be light by nature, the Caresto is a featherweight in this category, thanks to a sports chassis design that revolves around modern materials. The frame of the car is made from aluminum, while the bodywork is extensively made of aluminum and carbon fiber. The open suspension system might also look retro, but through extensive tuning and clever Ohlins dampers, its capable of keeping the tires in contact with the road as well as most production sports cars.

But aside from the engine, how much of the V8 Roadster is actually derived from Volvo? The steering wheel, column stalks, instrument panel and gear shift lever are all from current Volvo products, as is much of the electrical equipment and wiring. But no matter how familiar these controls are, they appear out of place in such a minimalist-looking and narrow cabin. The chunky rimmed steering wheel is a definite contrast to the old-fashioned door panels, and the chocolatey leather provides

Yours for only $338,000. Hmmm... (Photo: Volvo)

a definite contrast to the baby blue exterior finish, which spills over the doors and into the interior. Standard Volvo seats, although supremely comfortable, wouldnt fit in the narrow cabin of the roadster, so custom-designed seats were used instead. They do, however, look just as plush and comfy.

Most hot rods tend to be one-off creations, and although thats the case for the V8 Roadster right now, Tufvesson wants to build five more as a part of his business plan for Caresto. A duplicate of the showcar will set buyers back about $338,000, which is downright expensive, even by modern hot rod standards. A typical turnkey hot rod will run a buyer somewhere in the neighborhood of $85,000 to $150,000. That kind of money buys a lot of different cars from some of the worlds finest carmakers, but thats not the point of this vehicle. The hand-built, mid-engined V8 Roadster is one of the most creative, purposeful and downright eccentric hot rods weve seen. That and its the only one we know thats powered by a Volvo V8 capable of potentially passing the ULEV II emissions regulations, and one that burns bio-ethanol!

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