For immediate release
TORONTO (July 4, 2005) – For 2006, the award-winning Volvo XC90 sport utility vehicle is available with the company’s first production eight-cylinder engine. The new XC90 V8 combines 311-horsepower, a new 6-speed automatic transmission and a next-generation all-wheel drive system with Instant Traction to deliver class leading performance and driving excitement.
The United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany and Japan make up the five largest markets for V8 engines in the premium SUV segment. As a result, five- and six-cylinder versions of the Volvo XC90 have thus far only exploited a portion of its market potential. For 2006, the new V8 version will replace the six-cylinder 2005 XC90 T6 as the standard-bearer for the Volvo XC line and will compliment the existing XC90 2.5T five-cylinder variant. The XC90 2.5T will also feature the new AWD system with Instant Traction.
Volvo Cars’ new V8 engine has been tailor-made to fit within the XC90’s existing crumple zones to meet the company’s industry-leading crash safety standards. With the clever engine design and the standard 6-speed automatic transmission, the V8 offers competitive fuel economy with the out-going XC90 T6 model with superior performance and towing capability.
Thanks to clever engineering, the engine is the most compact on the market. The design makes it possible to install the new engine transversely within the existing crumple zones. It is also the first gasoline-powered V8 that meets both the American ULEV II and Europe’s forthcoming Euro 5 exhaust emissions regulations, an important environmental consideration.
The excellent safety and environmental properties add a healthy measure of extra spice to a V8 market where buyers often base their choices on emotional arguments such as driving pleasure, power and even engine sound. A traditional American V8 has a throaty growl while Europeans favour a slightly smoother, sportier rumble.
The XC90 2.5T, equipped with 5-passenger seating, a 2.5-litre, turbocharged, 208-horsepower, 5-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic, has a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $49,995. The 2.5T model can be further upgraded with a sunroof ($2,125) and 7-passenger seating with leather ($4,250). A wide selection of option packages can further customize the XC90 2.5T to better meet the needs of customers.
The XC90 V8, when equipped to accommodate 5-passengers, has an MSRP of $64,995. The seven seat XC90 V8 is an additional $2,300 and includes an integrated child booster seat in the second row. The Luxury Package ($2,000 for the five-seat or $1,800 for the seven-seat) includes rear parking assistance, mass movement sensor, level sensor, cargo cover, retractable side-view mirrors, wood steering wheel, integrated booster seat (for the five-seat version) and a Dolby Pro Logic II premium audio system.
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 the completely redesigned S40 sports sedan and V50 sportswagon. For buyers looking for more rugged versatility, the Volvo XC-line of vehicles that includes the XC70 and the award-winning XC90 sport utility vehicle.
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