It's a conundrum many auto enthusiasts with an eco-conscience face. You want to do right by the environment by driving a low-emissions, high-mileage car, but due to your family's size and/or lifestyle, you need a multiple-passenger vehicle capable of towing some sort of trailer. What's a Green to do? Volvo, a car company noted for its environmental sensibilities, has a solution: The XC90 V8.
Why a V8 and why now? In a nutshell: market share. Approximately 30% of all SUV sales in the U.S. are V8s. And with Volvo currently being the top-selling luxury European SUV this side of the Atlantic, it made sense to outfit the XC90 with an eight-cylinder engine. But, this being Volvo, not just any V8 would do. The Swedish company needed a V8 that was transverse, would fit into the existing XC90 frame and keep the SUV's deformation zones intact, have low emissions and good fuel economy, and have car-like driving properties. Oh yes, and have competitive horsepower and torque numbers, and it must sound like a V8. The result was a custom engineered 4.4-liter engine from Yamaha that meets every one of Volvo's requirements.
This first V8 from Volvo Cars is the most compact V8 for its capacity on the market. Measuring just 29.7 in. long and 25 in. wide, the 60 aluminum V8 weighs a mere 419 lb. Its compactness is maintained with direct-mounted accessories, a two-stage cam timing chain and reversed-bank offset. In addition, the new engine meets both U.S. ULEV II (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, Stage II) and Euro 5 emissions standards, gets an estimated 18 mpg and provides 311 bhp at 5850 rpm and 325 lb-ft at 3900 rpm of torque-more than enough grunt to haul the toys of your choice. Speaking of grunt, the new V8 has a distinct low-register grumble that is pleasing to the ear. "A charismatic off-beat burble" is how Volvo engineers describe it.
As a new transmission was needed to handle the V8's readily available high-torque output (271 lb-ft is on tap at 2000 rpm), Volvo developed an all-new six-speed Geartronic. The new 'box provides NVH improvement over the standard five-speed and increased slipping lock-up capacity. To ensure the V8 and six-speed act as one unit, Volvo engineers developed new controlling software called CVC (Complete Vehicle Control). CVC balances driving properties, performance and fuel consumption to suit current driving conditions.
Not content to just offer a new engine and tranny combo on its new model, Volvo has upgraded its awd system by incorporating Instant Traction (IT), which provides enhanced traction on slippery surfaces. Developed by the Swedish company Haldex, IT has a non-return valve that allows for software control of the base torque programmed into the awd system. The result is less wheelspin and increased short-term torque to the rear wheels-50% more when compared to the current XC90.
While the main reason most people buy a V8 is power, sales would probably be a bit less if said V8's exterior didn't in some way denote its special status. Thus, the XC90 V8 makes its presence known with V8 badges on the grille and tailgate, new 18-in. wheels, body-colored side mouldings and door handles, chrome-plated bumper air-intake trim and twin exhaust pipes. When you pop the hood it's obvious a V8 is housed within. Instead of hiding under a large cover, the engine's V-configuration and eight inlet pipes are clearly visible.
I spent nearly a full day either behind the wheel or as a passenger in the new XC90 V8, navigating the incredibly complex (read: confusing) streets of Gteborg before heading out into the Swedish countryside. The V8's low-end grunt came in handy when sudden bursts from city-street speeds were required to get into the correct left or right lane. On the open highway, the eight-cylinder powered up to top speeds at a decent rate. (It has an estimated 0 to 60 mph of 7.0 sec., not bad for a 4,610-lb seven-seater.) The enhanced awd system allowed us to throw the SUV through one sweeper after another, no matter what the road conditions were. Steering control was precise with direct feedback, and the compromise between handling and ride comfort was as near perfect as you could want on an SUV.
This being Volvo's top-end luxury SUV, the standard equipment list is extensive and includes leather seats (including the third row, which also has A/C controls), power glass moonroof, six-CD in-dash changer, rear audio headphone outlets and controls and integrated second-row booster seat. A dual rear-screen entertainment system is optional.
The XC90 V8 goes on sale in the U.S. (we get it first) in early 2005 with a proposed base MSRP of $45,395. A seven-seater luxury SUV with power to spare that doesn't overly harm the environment and has an affordable price: What more could your conscience ask for?