State-of-the-Art V8 for Volvo XC90

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The new engine from Volvo is the cleanest petrol V8 on the market today. It meets the American ULEV II (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, stage II) requirements and the forthcoming Euro 5 requirements for Europe – which no other petrol V8 has yet managed.

The four-valve engine also features continuous variable inlet and exhaust valve timing (CVVT). This system adjusts the valve opening phasing so they suit the engine’s revs and load conditions. The engine is thus utilised more efficiently, cutting fuel consumption, lowering emissions and increasing performance.

The Volvo XC90 V8 produces 232kW and its torque – the most important characteristic of a V8 engine – is a massive 440Nm at 3900rpm. And at the sort of revs at which most driving takes place, around 2000rpm, no less than 370Nm awaiting the driver’s call.

“We chose to give our new V8 a sporty yet sophisticated appeal, with masses of power in reserve even as the revs rise,” explains Svensson.

Acceleration from standstill to 100km/h takes 7.0 seconds and fuel consumption is 13.0 litres/100km (preliminary figures). Top speed is limited to 210 km/h.

The engine note is an important detail, and this is something to which Volvo Cars paid careful attention during the development of the new engine. In the hunt for that characteristic V8 rumble, it is the position of the inlet manifolds that is the main deciding factor.

“Our new V8 has just the right sort of charismatic off-beat V8 burble, but it is somewhat more muted in the European fashion rather than producing the more traditional meaty American throb. We feel this provides better audio comfort for the car’s occupants,” comments Svensson.

The power from Volvo’s 4.4-litre V8 engine passes through an entirely new six-speed automatic transmission. This compact transmission was designed specifically to handle the high torque loads produced by the V8 without interfering with the XC90's overall structure. Sixth gear is a pure overdrive ratio to ensure quiet cruising and low fuel consumption.

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