While these external modifications are hardly radical, what's under the skin should get an enthusiast's heart stirring. Without going into too much detail, the S80's drivetrain is close to the same system that's used in both the S60 AWD, as well as the quasi-off-roader XC70. What's different? The S80 shares genes with the speedy S60R/V70R, but detuned to reduce turbo-lag and improve smoothness. It's mounted east-west, just like all other S80s.
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| The S80's drivetrain is close to the same system that's used in both the S60 AWD, as well as the quasi-off-roader XC70. (Photo: Volvo) |
The engine choice may seem a little odd, as a slightly more powerful version of the 2.4T engine as fitted to the S60 would have done perfectly fine. In fact, the 2.5T's merely adequate 208 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque is somewhat off the mark when compared to its 6-cylinder competitors. It should be quick enough though, with few who should complain at taking just 8.3 seconds to hit 100, and topping out at 212 km/h. In-gear acceleration is actually said to be phenomenal. The five-speed automatic reacts quickly enough to allow for a 5.7 second time when leaping from 80 to 120 km/h.
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| Like the S60 AWD, drivers of the S80 AWD are unlikely to notice the rear driving wheels unless the going gets rough. (Photo: Volvo) |
It should be mentioned that two alternative S80 drivetrain choices are available, starting with a 194-hp 2.9-L 6-cylinder with 207 lb-ft of torque and a much more powerful twin-turbocharged version of the same engine featuring 268-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, both driving the front wheels only.
The all wheel drive system is Haldex-based, and extremely front-biased, according to Volvo's press materials. In normal conditions the front to rear ratio sits at 95:5, but it can be diverted to 50:50 if needs be. Like the S60 AWD, drivers are unlikely to notice the rear driving wheels unless the going gets rough - which it rarely does thanks to available 17-inch rims and 225/50 R 17 performance tires. While Volvo will not offer Four-C continuous damping on the S80 AWD, it does feature speed-sensitive steering, a revised rack and new gearing.
