VOLVO has just unveiled some colourful and creative vehicles for an American equipment manufacturers' show - and sitting in the line-up is a retro-cracker, the Caresto Hot Rod.

It is the fifth time Volvo has exhibited at the world's biggest car-product trade event, the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association, or SEMA, show in Las Vegas, and the firm has gone out of its way to prove that there is a fun side to its serious, safety-driven image.

All show eyes were on the Caresto Hot Rod, which was first shown at last year's US event - it was so well received Volvo revived it for the 2007 show.

It is the brainchild of Leif Tufvesson, who worked as a car designer for Volvo before leaving to set up his own firm, Caresto, and the Hot Rod is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

The Hot Rod, from Swedish design-to-build custom specialist Caresto, features many previous-generation S80 Volvo parts, including the 311 horsepower V8 engine.

The mid-engine siting means the long nose and deep grille are more for show, but the whole vehicle has been hand-built using only aluminium and carbon fibre.

Other show entries from Volvo include the XC70 Surf Rescue (SR), designed around the lifeguard vehicles seen on many California beaches.

Aside of the eye-catching XC70 bodywork, the SR's suspension gets a five-inch lift and oversized tyres, and body panels have been heavily modified.

Inside, the SR carries a host of life-saving equipment and custom rescue surfboards.

Complementing the SR is the Heico C30, which was inspired by surfing. There is a unique surf pattern inlay on the C30's aluminium centre stack, and striking orange designs on the outside.

The Heico C30 also gets a lowered stance, a full custom body kit, and a turbocharged engine that can power the Volvo from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 155mph.

Meanwhile, Ferrari has just extended its FXX prototype programme - yet the trials are not intended to result in a supercar being produced for either future road or racing use.

The FXX car, the most advanced GT ever created, will instead by used for research and development only, and accessed by a select group of 20 or so clients who are involved in the testing sessions.

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher has been supporting the FXX trials at Maranello, Italy, and the FXX has been updated to further improve its handling and performance.

Latest FXX modifications have focused on honing aerodynamics, running gear, and electronics, and seven-times Formula One world champion Schumacher has trialled the flyer on several occasions.

The FXX's 6,262cc V12 engine can punch out a massive 860 horsepower at 9,500 rpm.

Over the next two years, the FXX's talents will also be paraded at a series of track events in North America, Europe, and Asia, backed up at each event by a 15-member Ferrari team made up of engineers, electronics experts and mechanics.