Volvo XC90 gets the state-of-the-art V8 powertrain
•The first V8 from Volvo Cars – and extremely compact
•Transversely installed for optimum protective safety
•4.4 litres and 232 kW/315 hp (311 SAE)
•440 Nm at 3900 r/min
•First launch of a petrol V8 meeting ULEV II
•Exclusive engine design
•New 6-speed automatic transmission
•AWD with Instant Traction™ for enhanced ability – a world first
The Volvo XC90 reinforces its position as one of the most successful SUV models in the premium segment. An entirely new powertrain featuring a V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and the latest-generation AWD system further broadens the customer base for the Volvo XC90. The new Volvo XC90 V8 will make its debut at Paris Motor Show 23 September.
The new V8 engine marks a new turning-point in Volvo Cars’ history. It is the first V8 the company has produced since it was founded in 1927, and the Volvo XC90 is the first model to be powered by the new engine.
“An SUV in the premium segment needs a V8, especially on the North American market where we sell about 60 percent of all the XC90s we make,” explains Hans Wikman, Vice President, Vehicle Line Large Cars.
One absolute requirement for the new V8 engine was that it had to be installed transversely in the engine compartment, just like all other Volvo engines.
“A transverse engine is helpful in maintaining the frontal crumple zones in the XC90 and thus not compromise on protective safety,” says Hans Wikman. For this reason, extremely compact external dimensions were essential for the new engine. This also explains the choice of just 60 degrees between the two banks of cylinders – as opposed to the more conventional 90 degrees.
The imbalance that is a natural consequence of a 60-degree ‘V’ configuration between the banks of cylinders is prevented by a counter-rotating balancer shaft.
V8 tailor-made for the XC90
In order to maintain overall compactness, all the ancillary units such as the alternator are fitted directly onto the engine itself without any space-stealing brackets. The starter motor is fitted above the transmission for the same reason.
What is more, the exhaust camshafts are driven by secondary chains running off the inlet camshafts, saving additional space.
The left-hand cylinder bank is offset half a cylinder ahead of the right bank, contradicting normal practice in the automotive world – so the engine can slot neatly into the structural beam network of the XC90 and thus enhance collision safety.
“We’ve tailored this V8 specifically for the XC90,” confirms Hans Wikman. The result is a V8 that is just 754 mm long and 635 mm wide – the most compact on the market compared to engines of equivalent volume.
As a result of these compact dimensions and the fact that both the block and cylinder head are cast in aluminium, Volvo’s new V8 weighs just 190 kg – an important consideration when aiming for low fuel consumption.
First launch of petrol V8 to meet ULEV II
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) – which no other petrol V8 has yet managed.
“This is an achievement we’re really proud of,” says Jörgen Svensson, Chief Programme Engineer.
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