No, your eyes aren't deceiving you - this really is a Volvo. Underneath the retro bodywork lies the running gear from an S80. Badged the T6 Roadster, it's inspired by classic US hot rods of the Thirties, and bears an uncanny resemblance to the Plymouth Prowler.

The car is the work of former Volvo designer Per Gyllenspetz, and has a striking front end, with the firm's familiar grille blending with headlights mounted in pods either side of the slim nose.

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.