2005 Volvo XC90 V8 Preview

The Dodge Durango, GMC Envoy XL and Toyota 4Runner also sport V8 engines, but each models' position in the market means they're not

Saab will soon be selling its Chevy TrailBlazer-based 9-7X in North America. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

direct competitors to the Volvo. Next year the Jeep Commander will offer 7-seat occupancy and premium accommodations while sibling brand Mercedes-Benz will come to market with a V8-powered R-Class (GST) crossover SUV. The next-generation BMW X5 is also expected to spawn an X7 version, the seven designating its size and resulting seating capacity upgrade over the X5.

Directly competitive, Saab will soon be selling its Chevy TrailBlazer-based 9-7X in North America. It's too early to tell if the GM division will be able to sufficiently separate the new model from its truck-based roots, not helped by the fact that its optional V8 engine is an old-tech OHV lump, but the new SUV nevertheless needs to be mentioned.

Doolan's next statement was crafted to put a dagger into the heart of

Unlike any other gas V8 engine, the new Volvo 4.4-liter engine meets ULEV II regulations in the U.S. and upcoming Euro 5 exhaust emissions standards in Europe. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada)

disenfranchised Saab owners, when he said, "It is also important that we, Volvo, can launch a V8 without compromising our core values."

Those core values include premium attributes, such as 4-valve per cylinder and dual-overhead cam technology. Also important to Volvo is environmental concerns. The new 4.4-liter engine meets ULEV II regulations in the U.S. and upcoming Euro 5 exhaust emissions standards in Europe, a feat which no other gasoline V8 has yet to manage - yet another reason for the Yamaha powerplant.