Yamaha V8 for Volvo

BW · 02-05-04, 09:45

Here's an article from yesterday's Autocar magazine. Ford Taurus SHO anyone?

Quote:

YAMAHA V8 FOR VOLVO

Volvo plans to unveil the first V8 production model in its 77-year history at September's Paris show. To improve competitiveness, especially in America, Volvo's largest market, the range-topping XC90 and S80 get a new Yamaha-designed and built V8.

Autocar sources suggest it will be a 4.2-litre V8 developing 320bhp, making it more powerful than the existing top engine in both, the 270bhp turbocharged T6. The V8 will be mounted transversely only on all-wheel drive versions.

This is not the first time Volvo has planned a V8. The 90deg Douvrin V6 was intended to form the basis for a V8 in the early 70s, but that plan was killed by the energy crisis. Cosworth developed a V8/V10 for Volvo in the 90s but this engine, too, was shelved.

I guess Ford shouldn't have too many identical V8's (S-type, Thunderbird, LS, Discovery III, XJ)...

jgv · 02-06-04, 03:03

This is a really compact/light weight engine. Not to mention how technologically evolute it will be.
I heard this for more than a year in Volvo forums. The project has been consecutively delayed due to economic reasons.