2007 SEMA - Volvo S80 T6

After debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show just days earlier, this striking concept version of its S80 sedan made its American debut at SEMA. Volvo worked with German tuning experts Heico Sportiv to create this head turner. Despite looking like bare aluminum, the S80 is actually painted to resemble polished metal using a special seven-step process that takes a few weeks to complete. The result of this shiny coat is that the S80s curves are better highlighted, giving it a sportier appearance. Needless to say, this treatment isn't destined for production.

In our recent luxury sedans road test, we reported that the new 235-horsepower, 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine feels outclassed for the category. This concept car addresses that weakness head on; Volvo claims that the flex-fuel, turbocharged straight-six engine with 350 horsepower can propel the all-wheel-drive sedan to 60 mph in under six seconds.

With new suspension components, the S80 concept sits a little lower than the conventional S80. Combined with 20-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in Continental high-performance tires, this S80 T6 concept has real presence, even in these crowded SEMA halls.

—Cliff Weathers

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