The SUV with a halo
For many, Sport Utility Vehicles are a plague that needs to be eradicated sooner rather than later. With World oil supplies slowly (or rapidly depending on some opinions) depleting, consumer groups and manufacturers alike are looking for alternatives. The fact of the matter is that there is still a strong demand for these types of road hogging means of transportation even though the $1 litre and $2 gallon of fuel are here to stay.
Volvo has been selling 90 000 XC90s a year since 2002 when Volvo's first SUV was launched as a 2003, a daunting 80% more than they had anticipated. For the mid-cycle refresher, Volvo has commandeered the services of Yamaha (best known for their motorcycles and for giving the Ford Taurus SHO its reason for being) to build a powerful and compact V8 engine to satisfy the American craving for more muscle. Volvo expects that 75% of all the V8s sold world-wide will be brought home by North Americans. Volvo also did this to remain competitive in the luxury SUV segment which continues to grow and be dominated by the European makes. By the way, this is the first time ever that Volvo offers a V8 engine since the company began in 1927.
The price range for the 2005 XC90 starts off at $49,995. As of July 2005, the range will be capped at $64,995 for a 5-seater V8 and $67,295 for a 7-seater V8.
Styling
The 2006 V8 retains the look and styling of the XC90 as we know it. All but the V8 badges, a graphite grey grille and specific optional 18" alloy wheels make it impossible to differentiate it from the 2.5T.
The cabin of the XC90, or any Volvo for that matter, is tasteful and spartan at the same time. The materials used, both synthetic and natural, are exquisite and brilliantly put together. Optional with the Luxury group is a Dolby Pro-Logic II audio system that gives new meaning to concert hall-like sound. The front seats snuggle the occupants and never make you feel like you have been sitting down too long. Of the two available seating options, 5 and 7 passengers, the latter should outsell the earlier by 5 to 1.
Technical
For 2006, two
engines will remain available for the XC90, however the T6 (turbocharged inline-6 cylinder 2.9L) will be replaced by an all-new Yamaha-built V8. The base engine is a carry-over and comes in the form of a 2.5L turbocharged inline 5-cylinder that develops 208 hp at 5 000 rpm and 236 lb/ft of torque at 4 500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and an AWD drivetrain.
The optional engine is the narrow-angle 60° V8 that displaces 4.4L and produces 311 hp at 5 950 rpm and 325 lb/ft of torque at 3 900 rpm. Together with a new 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, the V8 and gearbox weigh 10 kg (22 lbs) less than the 6-pot and the 4-speed autobox. Not only that but the combo takes up the same amount of space in the engine bay thanks to all of the engine accessories being mounted on the motor.
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Volvo has been selling 90 000 XC90s a year since 2002 when Volvo's first SUV was launched as a 2003, a daunting 80% more than they had anticipated. For the mid-cycle refresher, Volvo has commandeered the services of Yamaha (best known for their motorcycles and for giving the Ford Taurus SHO its reason for being) to build a powerful and compact V8 engine to satisfy the American craving for more muscle. Volvo expects that 75% of all the V8s sold world-wide will be brought home by North Americans. Volvo also did this to remain competitive in the luxury SUV segment which continues to grow and be dominated by the European makes. By the way, this is the first time ever that Volvo offers a V8 engine since the company began in 1927.
The price range for the 2005 XC90 starts off at $49,995. As of July 2005, the range will be capped at $64,995 for a 5-seater V8 and $67,295 for a 7-seater V8.
Styling
The 2006 V8 retains the look and styling of the XC90 as we know it. All but the V8 badges, a graphite grey grille and specific optional 18" alloy wheels make it impossible to differentiate it from the 2.5T.
The cabin of the XC90, or any Volvo for that matter, is tasteful and spartan at the same time. The materials used, both synthetic and natural, are exquisite and brilliantly put together. Optional with the Luxury group is a Dolby Pro-Logic II audio system that gives new meaning to concert hall-like sound. The front seats snuggle the occupants and never make you feel like you have been sitting down too long. Of the two available seating options, 5 and 7 passengers, the latter should outsell the earlier by 5 to 1.
Technical
For 2006, two
engines will remain available for the XC90, however the T6 (turbocharged inline-6 cylinder 2.9L) will be replaced by an all-new Yamaha-built V8. The base engine is a carry-over and comes in the form of a 2.5L turbocharged inline 5-cylinder that develops 208 hp at 5 000 rpm and 236 lb/ft of torque at 4 500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and an AWD drivetrain. The optional engine is the narrow-angle 60° V8 that displaces 4.4L and produces 311 hp at 5 950 rpm and 325 lb/ft of torque at 3 900 rpm. Together with a new 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, the V8 and gearbox weigh 10 kg (22 lbs) less than the 6-pot and the 4-speed autobox. Not only that but the combo takes up the same amount of space in the engine bay thanks to all of the engine accessories being mounted on the motor.