By Nick Aziz
Thursday, Jan 5th, 2006 @ 8:50 am

Volvo and aftermarket Volvo specialists Evolve teamed up at the 2006 LA Auto Show to unveil an SUV specifically designed to appeal to the car-crazy Southern California marketplace. The Volvo XC90, owned by film director Brett Ratner, has been significantly redesigned with a number of visual and performance enhancements. More photos and details after the jump…

Bathed in high-gloss black paint with matte-black accents, the Evolve XC90 V8 rides on a lowered sports suspension that is highlighted by high-performance three-piece 22×9.5 Evolve “E7�? forged wheels. Low profile Pirelli Scorpion Asimmetrico 295/30ZR-22 tires fill the flared wheel wells and shroud the massive Evolve Brake Kit featuring 15-inch slotted front rotors clamped by eight-piston calipers and 13-inch rears with four-piston calipers. The fully custom body kit includes front and rear fascias, rocker panels, fender flares and signature Evolve grilles which all compliment this XC90’s stealthy appearance. Increased nighttime visibility is created by PIAA light bulb replacements and auxiliary lighting. A bit of extra V8 rumble and increased power is created by the Evolve Exhaust System.

Inside, the Evolve XC90 is as stylish and eye-catching as the exterior. A complete Evolve interior package incorporates two-tone gray and black seating surfaces with contrasting stitching. A matching Evolve steering wheel, Evolve pedals, and custom painted gloss black and bright-silver interior highlights add some drama to the interior. The already outstanding Volvo in car entertainment system features Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound and a Rear Seat Entertainment system with twin flat-screen LCD monitors mounted to backs of the front-seat headrests.

As with every other customized Volvo, the Evolve XC90 V8′s safety features are all fully functioning. When the Volvo XC90 was introduced in 2002 it was the first SUV on the market with Roll Stability Control (RSC) and side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats.
Currently, the Evolve XC90 V8 is only a concept. There are no plans to offer the vehicle through the Volvo retailer network, but potential customers should contact Evolve if they are interested in modifying their personal vehicle.