2005 Volvo T6 Concept

A standout surprise from Sweden arrived at the SEMA Show when Caresto unveiled the Volvo T6 Roadster. Built specifically to impress an American audience, the car follows classic hot-rod rules—and proves Europeans can play on that turf just as well as the pioneers.

Styled after 1930s American hot rods and often compared to the Chrysler Prowler, the two-seat T6 Roadster is constructed around a steel tubular frame using key components from the Volvo S80. Power comes from Volvo’s 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged T6 engine, mounted behind the seats and cooled through a dedicated air-assisted hatch.

There’s no traditional trunk. A small front compartment houses the ABS unit and audio amplifier instead. Inside, the roadster borrows seats, trim, and controls from the Volvo S60 and S80, blending familiar Volvo quality with raw hot-rod character. The result is a bold cross-continental take on classic American performance culture.