Though the SEMA Show is intended to showcase the wares of automotive aftermarket companies, the onslaught of concept vehicle debuts by the manufacturers continues. Though its vehicles are not usually thought of as tuner potentials, Volvo is nonetheless debuting two concepts this week, the first being the XC70 AT.

The XC70 AT (All Terrain) is based on the XC70 crossover wagon and features an impressive 408 horsepower and 398 lb-ft. of torque from its Garret-turbocharged version of the 2.5L five-cylinder found in the V70R. It gets the XC90 V8's six-speed automatic and the company's Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The XC70 AT also features a fully independent air suspension developed by ipd that offers four inches of adjustability that can raise the concept a full eight inches higher than a stock XC70. The suspension also features front and rear anti-sway bars to keep the vehicle under control in the corners. Other add-ons include a generator, high-lift jack, spare jerry can and tire and remote exterior battery connection terminals.

More pics and full press release after the jump…

[Source: Volvo]

VOLVO UNVEILS XC70 ALL TERRAIN AT 2005 SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT MARKET ASSOCIATION TRADE SHOW
 
    
VOLVO UNLEASHES ITS ULTIMATE OFF-ROAD XC70
    
XC70 AT CELEBRATES VOLVO?S THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR AT SEMA
    
INSPIRED BY LEGENDARY BAJA 1000 OFF-ROAD RACE
    
BUILT IN CONJUNCTION WITH ipd
 
Las Vegas, Nevada (November 1, 2005) ? Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA), in conjunction with Volvo aftermarket specialists, ipd, today unveiled the ultimate cross-over utility vehicle, the Volvo XC70 All Terrain (AT) concept at the 2005 SEMA trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Built to handle almost any on- and off-road situation, the XC70 AT is inspired by the grueling Baja 1000 desert race held annually in Baja, Mexico.

     ?What we?ve done with this vehicle is to take the already rugged XC70, a cross-over known for its all-weather capability, and transformed it into the ultimate all-wheel-drive vehicle,? said Anne Belec, President and CEO of VCNA. Built as a pure concept vehicle, there are no plans currently to produce the XC70 AT, but the vehicle does follow on the heels of other Volvo surprises that have been unveiled at the SEMA show since 2003.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF VOLVO AT SEMA
Since then Volvo has continued to push the envelope of OEM support for the SEMA show. In 2003, Volvo, along with Evolve, unveiled two outrageous S60 R concepts that left many scratching their heads. With 400 horsepower, lowered, race-tuned suspensions, and aggressive xx-inch wheels and tires, these two concept cars left a huge impression.

     In 2004, Volvo entered SEMA with no fewer than three concepts: an Evolve-built 550-horsepower S40, and Aria-built XC90 V8 and a Volvo-built 300-horsepower all-wheel-drive V50 SV sport wagon. This vehicle was the first factory-built SEMA concept from Volvo and it let the world know that Volvo, through its in-house skunk works Special Vehicles department, could compete with the best aftermarket tuners.

     This year marks the third anniversary of VCNA?s participation at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association tradeshow in Las Vegas. But instead of focusing on all-out street performance, the 2005 Volvo concept is built to handle almost any off-road situation. The rugged beauty and brutality of the Mexican desert and the legendary Baja 1000 off-road race are the inspirations behind this year?s stunning XC70 AT.

THE INSPIRATION
The idea for the Volvo XC70 AT was hatched during the launch of the 2005 XC70. In an effort to demonstrate how truly capable the Volvo XC70 was in off-road conditions, Volvo Car Corporation invited media from around the world to the Mexican desert of Baja California, a vast, scorched finger of sand, rocks and cactus that juts out into the Pacific Ocean.

     The three day drive route crisscrossed the racecourse of the renowned Baja 1000 desert race and put the stock Volvo XC70s to the ultimate test. The cars passed with flying colors, but the event itself caused a few Volvo executives to wonder just how far we could push the envelope. ?It?s one thing to carefully pick your way over a ravine,? commented Soren Johansson, Manager, Public Affairs, VCNA. ?It?s something else completely when you have the ability to fly over it. And that?s what the XC70 AT is meant to do.?

     Perhaps what is most inspiring is the XC70 AT?s custom paint. It?s actually a color that Volvo has used before. In 1997 Volvo unveiled a car that set the automotive styling world on its collective ears. Titled Saffron, the metallic paint was originally seen in 1997 when Volvo unveiled its beautifully styled C70 coupe. The deep orange tint, flecked with yellows and reds and glimmering silvers hints at the beautiful Baja sunsets that seem to last for hours in the crystal clear skies over Mexico.

BUILT IN CONJUNCTION ipd
Based off the factory Volvo XC70, the XC70 AT has been heavily modified (please see additional releases for details) to meet the