Yamaha Supplies 315-HP 4.4-Liter V8 Powerplant

Volvo has made its plans to integrate a V8 engine into its popular XC90 sport utility vehicle official this week, and in so doing directly targets other premium brands such as BMW, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz, while also taking on Volkswagens new Touareg SUV which also sports an optional V8.

While the 5- and 6-cylinder equipped XC90 enjoys best-selling-in-U.S. status among European SUVs, approximately 30 percent of sport utilities in the premium segment roll off the dealers lot with V8 engines. That statistic bodes well for future XC90 sales.

Being that Volvo doesnt currently offer a V8 engine in any of its new models, an never has

Its official, Volvo will be producing a V8 powered version of the popular XC90. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

"With the V8, we will not rest on our laurels but will build on our success," says Vic Doolan, president and CEO,

Seeing that Volvo has never produced a V8 engine in their 77 year history, they needed some outside help. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

Being a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, why wouldnt Volvo opt for one of its Premier Auto Group (PAG) 32-valve, DOHC V8s? Jaguars 4.2-liter 8-cylinder would be a likely choice, having just recently been optimized to 4.4-liters for use in the new Land Rover LR3.

Volvo has worked hard

Being a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, why wouldnt Volvo opt for one of its Premier Auto Group (PAG) 32-valve, DOHC V8s? (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

Volvos Yamaha-built V8 boasts 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

Volvos Yamaha-built V8 boasts 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, which should prove ample for transporting up to seven-occupant SUV quickly. Maximum torque comes on at 3,900 rpm, but more importantly it only needs 2,000 rpm to dole out 273 lb-ft of torque. Its transverse placement is unusual, for sure, as most V8 engines are configured longitudinally. Positioning it sideways allows for excellent packaging.

While Volvo North America has not announced pricing, however, the division says the new XC90 AWD V8 will be priced competitively within the 8-cylinder

Saab will soon be selling its Chevy TrailBlazer-based 9-7X in North America, featuring an old-tech OHV, 2-valve per cylinder V8. (Photo: General Motors)

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