January 6, 2005

Volvo shows supercharged V-8 XC90 concept

Los Angeles, California - Hot on the heels of the introduction of Volvo's first V8 engine at the 2004 Paris International Auto Show, Volvo has unveiled a supercharged XC90 V-8 concept vehicle.

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"This supercharged XC90 is a great way to illustrate the supercharged year of sales we've had," noted Vic Doolan, President and CEO of VCNA. "It could possibly be the ultimate Volvo."

The "raging moose" XC90 V-8 concept puts out an estimated 600 horsepower through the use of a supercharger, revised engine mapping and low restriction exhaust. That power is routed through Volvo's Haldex electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. The system is "pre-charged" meaning that power may be instantly routed to the wheel with the most traction. A new 6-speed automatic "Geartonic" transmission rounds out the driveline.

Riding a full two inches lower than a production XC90, the supercharged XC90 V-8 sits squarely on its 9-inch wide ultra high-performance alloy wheels. The Pirelli P-Zero Assimetrico tires are 275/40-ZR20s front and rear.

Up front is an ultra deep front airdam with a wide-mouth opening that helps to channel cool air into the engine compartment and the supercharger's intercooler. Fared into the front fascia are small, high intensity foglamps. Air slips smoothly around the car's front end and over the ultra-wide, custom fabricated wheel arches. Deep cuts at the rear of the side sills direct air around the tires to the 13-inch floating rear brakes, shod with 4-piston calipers. Brake duty up front is handled by 15-inch floating discs with 8-piston calipers.

Around back, the rear valance smoothly integrates the custom fabricated quad exhaust tips. Tinted windows, tail lamps and headlamps and body-coloured rear-view mirrors round out the cosmetic touches to the supercharged XC90.

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