An entirely new powertrain featuring a V8 engine, six-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 on 23rd September.

The Volvo XC90 reinforces its position as one of the most successful SUV models in the premium segment.

This leading-edge 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 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.

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 Wikman. The result is a V8 that is just 754mm long and 635mm wide – the most compact V8 on the market compared to engines of equivalent capacity.

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 kilograms – an important consideration when aiming for and achieving low fuel consumption.

“This is an achievement we’re really proud of,” says Jörgen Svensson, Chief Programme Engineer.

ULEV II/Euro 5 have been met with the help of:

• Four catalytic converters. Two of these are of Close Coupled Catalyst type and fitted to one exhaust manifold each. The other two are installed under the car floor.
• Higher idling speed, about 1250 r/min, and optimised ignition for faster warming of the engine at cold start and thus also the catalytic converters
• Lean air/fuel mixture for lower emissions at cold start

The result is extremely low emissions before the catalytic converters are activated – which takes place just 15 to 20 seconds after the engine starts up.

“It is during these 15–20 seconds that the majority of the emissions of environmentally harmful substances take place,” explains Svensson.

The four-valve engine also features continuous variable inlet and exhaust valve timing (CVVT). This system adjusts the valve opening phasing so they suit the engine’s current revs and load conditions. The engine is thus utilised more efficiently, cutting fuel consumption, lowering emissions and increasing performance.

The Volvo XC90 V8 produces 232kW and its torque – the most important characteristic of a V8 engine – is a massive 440Nm at 3900rpm. And at the sort of revs at which most driving takes place, around 200rpm, no less than 370Nm awaiting the driver’s call.

“We chose to give our new V8 a sporty yet sophisticated appeal, with masses of power in reserve even as the revs rise,” explains Svensson.

Acceleration from standstill to 100km/h takes 7.0 seconds and fuel consumption is 13.0 litres/100km (preliminary figures). Top speed is limited to 210 km/h.

The engine note is an important detail, and this is something to which Volvo Cars paid careful attention during the development of the new engine. In the hunt for that characteristic V8 rumble, it is the position of the inlet manifolds that is the main deciding factor.

“Our new V8 has just the right sort of charismatic off-beat V8 burble, but it is somewhat more muted in the European fashion rather than producing the more traditional meaty American throb. We feel this provides better audio comfort for the car’s occupants,” comments Svensson.

“We get simply massive ‘take-off’ force with this auto transmission,” says Svensson. “And at the same time, it has a very sporty nature and does not change up in the middle of a curve, for instance, but instead stays in the same gear until the bend straightens out.”

The new six-speed transmission is of Geartronic type, which means that it can also be shifted manually. There is also a possibility for Lock-up, and slipping Lock-up, on all gears.

To ensure the optimum balance between driving properties, performance and fuel consumption the engine and transmission are treated as one unit. This is achieved with new software developed by Volvo, called CVC (Complete Vehicle Control). CVC is part of the integrated software package used, both in the engine control module and the transmission control module.

Among the many benefits of this approach was the possibility of integrating an overdrive sixth gear while still maintaining good driving performance by adjusting functionality, gear and torque to suit current conditions.

“A non-return valve allows us to use software to control the base torque that is programmed into the AWD system. When starting off from standstill, 80Nm of torque is pre-charged in the system since the non-return valve prevents the unit from becoming totally drained of hydraulic fluid.

“This reduces the usual wheelspin of about one-seventh of a turn that the current system permits before the power is delivered to the rear wheels,” explains Svensson.

The AWD system has also been upgraded to handle the power of the V8 engine. Maximum short-term torque at the rear wheels has been increased by 50 percent compared to current XC90.

• New 18-inch wheels
• Side mouldings and door handles painted in the car’s body colour
• Graphite-grey grille
• New chrome-plated trim around the bumper air intake
• New twin exhaust pipes

Volvo’s design department has also took considerable care over the appearance of the engine itself. The V8 is the first example of a new design language for the engine compartment in Volvo’s coming models.

“We want there to be no doubt that this is a V8, and a modern and technically advanced V8 at that. We therefore chose not to hide the engine beneath large covers but instead to enhance the V-configuration and the eight inlet pipes,” says Anders Myrberg, head of engine compartment design at Volvo Cars.

On the inlet manifold, Volvo’s classic ‘iron’ symbol can be clearly seen in relief against a background of brushed aluminium and complemented with an elegant V8 emblem.