2008 Caresto V8 Speedster

(from Volvo Press Release) The V8 Speedster still shines

The Caresto V8 Speedster also shines bright on the Volvo stand at SEMA.

The V8 Speedster, a mid-engine car with an ethanol-powered Volvo V8 powerplant, initiated the playful term "Sportrod" last year when it had its premiere public outing at the 2006 SEMA show.

"Actually, it's a sports car with a design idiom that is a further development from a classic Hotrod. My idea was to build a car that was as much fun to drive as it was to look at. Since driving dynamics have never been the hallmark of traditional Hotrods, the term "Sportrod" felt pretty good," says Leif Tufvesson.

The car is designed with just this in mind - excellent roadholding with an ideal 60/40 weight distribution. The V8 Speedster is built completely of aluminum and carbon fiber and has an advanced sports-car chassis featuring hlin shock absorbers all round.

The interior in leather is exquisite, with a nostalgic retrospective feel. The steering wheel, instruments and gear selector come from Volvo, as do the V8 engine, the six-speed automatic transmission and the car's electrical system. The engine is tuned with the environment in mind and has been converted to run on ethanol.