Wild Volvo Hot Rod Revealed

By Matt Joy

02nd February 2005

Outboard wheels front and rear are a classic US design cue, but the Roadster also has modern elements, such as the door mirror-mounted indicators. All the panels are crafted from lightweight aluminium, except the bonnet which is carbon fibre. Leather and Alcantara cover the dash, with the instruments in a centre pod. But the steering wheel borrows an old idea, using a chrome ring fixed around the hub to operate the horn.

The bodywork is mounted on to a spaceframe chassis constructed from steel tubing. The 2.9-litre turbocharged engine is transversely mounted over the back axle, and power is delivered via a standard automatic gearbox. With 272bhp and lots of weight at the rear to boost traction, the T6 Roadster will provide superb acceleration.
The idea of modern rear-engine hot rod racers linked with major car makers isn't new. GM lent its name to the Belly Tank Lakester, developed by US tuner So-Cal in 2003. While the T6 is an independent project, Volvo has a history of bringing privateer creations in-house. A souped-up XC90 and the S60 Evolv first appeared on a tuning firm's stand at the 2004 SEMA show in Las Vegas, but were on the car maker's own display at last month's LA event.