The Spies were on the hunt for wild Jackalopes this week (a yearly trek to spot the ever exclusive varmint known for taking golf balls off the green and hiding them in the rough)in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. While we were there, we also came across one of the hottest new SUV's for 2005. And, it's this companies first ever V8 in a car OR a truck.
It's the all new volvo XC90 V8, coming to dealers in early 2005.
As you know, we picked the XC90 as the Auto Spies 2004 SUV of the year.
The V8 only makes this suv more attractive in our opinion.
During the presentations giving by the Volovo product people, some intersting facts about the V8 SUV were uncovered.
Did you know that over 30% of SUV's sold in the USA are V8's?
The Yamaha built V8 that Volvo will use in the new XC90, is the cleanest V8 on earth, exceeding ULEV-2 standards.
The XC90 is outselling the BMW X5 and VW touareg, with only an inline-6 version available.
82% of XC90's are conquest sales (meaning the buyer is leaving another brand to buy the XC90).
When the V8 XC90 shows up in dealerships, it will be priced BELOW the X5 I6 3.0!
The V8 XC90 will be the first to have the second generation traction system called 'Instant traction', that always keeps 'pre-charged' torque available so there is virtually NO wheel slippage on slippery surfaces.
XC90 V8 Review:
What we like about the XC90 V8-
It's absloutely the best package in non-off road based SUV's (Like the the Land Rover LR3). It's the perfect sized SUV with the third row seat and great cargo area. Ride is excellent and it has the most comfortable seats on the planet. It's also the safest SUV made with its anti-rollover technology. The V8 is powerful (you'll love it!), smooth and extremly quiet in the cabin (Lexus like quiet).
What we didn't like about the XC90-
There was not much to complain about but if there was an one thing, it was the mushy feel of the brakes.
What we would change-
We would add integrated satellite radio (Let the user choose-XM or Sirius), a keyless go system, add some hotter colors (they're mostly very bland) and maybe a power tailgate.
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here to view part two