Cadillac VSR concept--photos

Take a large displacement, high powered engine, and drop that puppy under the hood of a stripped down chassis. That's the hot rod formula. That's also what makes the Cadillac VSR concept so interesting to a gearhead like me.

The VSR starts with an aluminum and fiberglass chassis laid low to the ground.

All four of the VSR's corners are independently suspended with air suspension. Up front, a pair of 20-inch wheels is connected to an electronic power steering system.

Out back, huge 22-inch wheels put the power to the road.

The huge engine in question is a 6-liter Cadillac V-8, outputting 400-horsepower.

Look carefully and you'll see cooling ducts on the backside of the wheels that divert air over the 13-inch, six-piston disc brakes.

The VSR was displayed in a single-seat configuration, but the passenger-side tonneau cover can be removed to reveal a second seat.

Behind the scissor doors, you'll find a pair of carbon fiber bucket seats and a digital instrument cluster. An iPhone compatible audio system and rearview camera round out the admittedly limited cabin tech package.

GM really had to cram the V-8 into the narrow engine compartment along with the radiator, so gold foil heat shielding is used to protect the air suspension components.

When can you expect to see the VSR concept on the road? Our CNET Magic 8-ball tells us "almost certainly never."

Stay tuned to our continuing coverage of the 2009 SEMA Show for more hot rods and concept cars.