For immediate release
VANCOUVER (April 1, 2005) – Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. showcased the 2006 XC90 V8 to Canadians today at the Pacific International Auto Show in Vancouver. The XC90 V8 will go on sale at Volvo retailers during the summer of 2005 as a 2006 model.
“The new V8 engine and the XC90 is a winning combination,” said Paul Cummings, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. “The XC90 V8 features all of the luxury refinements and class-leading safety systems introduced with the vehicle’s 2003 launch but mixes in healthy dose of power and prestige associated with a V8 engine. It’s a combination that takes the XC90 further into the luxury SUV market.”
The 4.4-litre DOHC V8 engine – delivering 311-horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque – is mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic to deliver spirited performance. Volvo’s next-generation all-wheel drive system with InstantTrac also makes its debut on the XC90 V8.
Tailor-made to fit in the compact engine bay of the XC90, the engine is the most compact V8 on the market. The design makes it possible to install the new engine transversely within the existing crumple zones, maintaining the vehicle’s crash safety standards. It is also the first gasoline-powered V8 that meets both the U.S. stringent ULEV II and Europe’s forthcoming Euro 5 exhaust emissions regulations.
While pricing has yet to be announced, the XC90 V8 will be situated at the top of the Volvo line and remain competitive within the V8-powered mid-size luxury SUV market. Volvo Car Corporation expects XC90 V8 sales to total 15,000 worldwide annually with 75 per cent of total production sent to the North American market.
“When we introduced the Volvo XC90, we were the first manufacturer with the next-generation SUV,” said Cummings. “Now we know that our customers share that view. The combination of a premium European SUV with up to seven seats, a high level of safety, the driving characteristics similar to a passenger car, and competitive environmental properties, has helped make the Volvo XC90 one of the automotive world’s most highly acclaimed models. With the addition of a V8 engine, we believe the appeal of the XC90 is that much stronger.”
Open to the public April 1-10, 2005, the Pacific International Auto Show is at the BC Place Stadium.
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to the 43 Volvo automobile retailers across the country. The company’s product range includes the flagship S80 luxury sedan, the versatile V70 wagon, the S60 sports sedan, and an XC-line of vehicles that includes the rugged XC70 and the award-winning XC90 sport utility vehicle. For 2005, the company is introducing the completely redesigned S40 sports sedan and V50 sportswagon, providing performance for a new generation.
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