Volvo Shows Off Shocker XC90 PUV at SEMA

Both Power and Safety Issues Represented with new XC90 PUV

High-speed performance and safety issues are rarely showcased in a single, unified theme in the car business, at least from

The supercar-bashing version of Volvo's SUV, dubbed the XC90 Power Utility Vehicle (PUV), debuted at this year's SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada)

any other carmaker than Volvo. Even rarer is the unorthodox combination in a sport utility vehicle.

The Swedish manufacturer presented its three newest models at this year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) tradeshow, all of which follow the theme of ultimate performance and safety. Taking front and center stage at Volvo's display is a thoroughly reconstructed, supercar-bashing version of Volvo's sport utility vehicle, dubbed the XC90 Power Utility Vehicle (PUV), created in part with automotive specialists Aria Group.

Volvo chose to base the radically transformed PUV on the all-new XC90 V8, unveiled just this past September at the Pairs

The XC90 V8 was designed primarily for the American market, and what better a way to draw attention to it than by modifying it to extreme levels. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada)

Auto Show. The V8 is now the top-tier XC90, helping to bridge the gap between entry-level six-cylinder XCs and their many V8-powered rivals. These include the BMW X5 4.4i, Mercedes-Benz ML500, Volkswagen Touareg V8, and the upcoming Audi Q7 and Saab 9-7X.

Due to the XC90 being Volvo's biggest seller in North America, and the fact that the XC90 V8 was designed primarily for the American market, the decision to create a pumped-up demonstration vehicle is the perfect way to introduce the newcomer with a bang.