Giving the XC70 AT the power to muscle through the rock-strewn terrain of the Baja is Volvo's most powerful production inline-five. The S60/V70 R's
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| The S60/V70 R's 300-horsepower 2.5T has replaced the 200-horsepower light pressure turbocharged motor found in the production XC70. (Photo: Volvo Cars) |
300-horsepower 2.5T has replaced the 200-horsepower light pressure turbocharged motor found in the production XC70, but IPD and Volvo didn't just stop at the engine transplant. Given IPD's extensive background in Volvo performance, they've modified the motor even further to extract an amazing 408-horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.
The XC70 AT's hefty power gains can be attributed to what's essentially a total engine makeover. The mild-mannered wagon now features a bigger Garrett turbocharger, and an upgraded top-mount intercooler for better performance. A new 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system improves flow and amplifies the inline-five's unique engine note. Aside from building the
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| A new 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system improves flow and amplifies the inline-five's unique engine note. (Photo: Volvo Cars) |
vehicle, IPD also contributed their in-house developed Stage III software, which enables the relatively small engine to produce such massive amounts of power - it has a specific output of 163-hp per litre.
Given the fact that this is probably the most powerful Volvo XC70 in existance, upgrades to the drivetrain were made. The extra torque from the engine, and the vehicle's rough and tough off-road nature put unforeseen demands on the car. To cope, the AT Concept features the new six-speed automatic gearbox borrowed from the new XC90 V8 SUV. Surprisingly, the car still utilizes the Haldex multi-plate wet clutch system, which distributes power when wheel slip is electronically detected. Within one-seventh of a rotation, torque can be redistributed to maintain optimal traction.
