Volvo Announces Pricing of XC90 V8 Package

Volvo Cars of North America recently announced its new pricing strategy for its first V8 powertrain XC90 SUV package. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the XC90 V8 is $45,395. The XC90 V8 will be available in the first quarter of 2005.

"Our new XC90 V8 addresses what is important to today's premium SUV buyer," stated Vic Doolan, VCNA CEO and President. "With class-leading performance, safety, versatility, and value, we feel the V8 will further solidify the XC90's role as the undisputed leader among European SUVs." The XC90 is the best-selling European SUV so far in 2004, with more than 25,000 vehicles sold.

The 4.4 liter V8 engine outputs 311 bhp with 325 lb/ft of torque at 3,900 rpm, and is Volvo's first ever made. The company reported that it is also the first automaker to introduce a gas-powered V8 engine that is compliant with the very stringent ULEV II emission standards. The compact engine is mounted transversely for optimum protective safety, a Volvo standard. The completely new powertrain also has a 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and the latest-generation AWD system, which is expected to further broaden the customer base for the Volvo XC90.