[Source: Volvo press release]

"Driving characteristics are of a caliber that few thought were possible in a Volvo SUV," said Susana Johnsson, Product Manager of Special Vehicles at Volvo Car Corporation. "We have succeeded in finding a balance between driving stability and the capacity to absorb unevenness in the road." The XC90 V8 Sport gains firmer springs and struts as well as thicker stabilizer bars for a high level of stability when cornering. The steering has also been modified for quicker response.

The XC90 V8 Sport shares its high-tech 4.4-liter 32-valve engine with the XC90 V8. Fitted with continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing (CVVT), this naturally aspirated V8 develops 311 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Both V8 models feature standard all-wheel drive with Instant TractionTM. This traction enhancing system employs computer-controlled Haldex AWD that instantaneously delivers up to 50 percent more torque to the rear axle only when needed, such as during takeoff. A six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission is standard on all XC90s.

Also introduced last year was an all-new 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine for the XC90 3.2. This naturally aspirated powerplant replaced the 2.5T, utilizing the latest technology to maintain the same exterior dimension and fuel consumption as a five-cylinder engine. The result is 235 horsepower, an increase of 27 hp versus the 2.5T, and an identical 236 lb.-ft. of torque. It achieves performance and economy thanks to Variable Cam Timing (VCT) and Cam Profile Switching (CPS). With CPS, the intake valves can be lifted to different heights depending on engine revs and load - a lower lift for economical driving and a higher one for more power.

For 2008, the XC90 V8 gains even more upscale cues with standard Sapeli wood inlays, shift knob and steering wheel, bright headlamp, taillight and C-pillar trim and fender extensions. A new Executive Package includes 19-inch "Galateia" alloy wheels, premium soft leather seating surfaces and premium floormats. All models receive a standard auto dimming rearview mirror.

A high performance sound system comes with all XC90s. For increased listening pleasure, V8 models can be equipped with a Dynaudio® premium sound system. This includes a 6-CD changer, auxiliary input, MP3 capability, Dolby Pro-Logic II® Surround Sound, 650-watt amplifier and 12 Dynaudio speakers. A dual screen rear seat entertainment system is also available to help preserve family harmony on the road. And to help guide the driver to the target destination, the Volvo navigation system with DVD map data and remote control is another popular option.

Adhering to Volvo's core value of safety, all XC90 models are equipped with Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Side impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable Curtains for all three rows. Volvo's state-of-the-art Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is available on all XC90s. Active Bi-Xenon headlamps with automatic level control, standard on the V8 Sport, can be specified for all other models. With this system, the headlight beams swivel up to 15 degrees for enhanced nighttime visibility while cornering.

What's New: 2008 Volvo XC90

XC90 3.2

• Standard auto dimming rear view mirror
• 17-inch "Antaeus" alloy wheels replace 17-inch "Neptun" wheels
• New stand-alone options include 18-inch Atlantis" chrome alloy wheels and 18-inch "Camulus" alloy wheels
  
  

XC90 V8

• Standard auto dimming rear view mirror
• 18-inch "Camulus" alloy wheels replace 17-inch "Antaeus" wheels
• Sapeli wood inlays, shift knob and steering wheel
• Bright headlamp and taillight trim
• Fender extensions
• Mirror cap
• Bright C-pillar trim
• New Executive Package includes 19-inch "Galateia" wheels, premium soft leather and premium floor mats
  Touring Package deleted
• 18-inch "Atlantis" chrome alloy wheels is a new stand-alone option
• Ember Black
  
  

XC90 V8 Sport

• Standard auto dimming rear view mirror
• Sport Calcite leather seating surfaces with contrasting trim
  

 

Premium Package (3.2)

• Power glass moonroof
• Leather seating surfaces
• Power passenger seat
• 6-CD in-dash changer
  
  

Versatility Package (3.2)

• Third row seat with leather seating surfaces
• Third row climate control
• Self-leveling rear suspension
• Integrated center booster seat
  
  

Convenience Package

• Rear park assist
• Power retractable rearview mirrors
• Power child door locks
• Compass in rear view mirror
• Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)
  
  

Climate Package

• Heated front seats
• Headlamp washers
• Rainsensor windshield wipers
  
  

Executive Package (V8)

• 19-inch "Galateia" alloy wheels
• Premium soft leather
• Premium floor mats
  
  

Technology Package (V8 Sport)

• Active Bi-Xenon headlamps with automatic level control
• Sirius satellite radio
• Dynaudio premium sound system
  
  

Stand Alone Options

• Metallic paint
• White Pearlescent (V8 only)
• Premium Electric Silver (V8 Sport only)
• Dynaudio premium sound system (V8 only)
• Volvo DVD-based navigation system
• Active Bi-Xenon headlamps (3.2 and V8 only)
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Wood steering wheel (3.2 only)
• Leather steering wheel (no charge option V8 only)
• Dual screen rear seat entertainment system
• All-Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM (3.2 only)
• 18-inch "Camulus" alloy wheels (3.2 only)
• 18-inch "Atlantis" chrome alloy wheels (3.2 and V8 only)