VOLVO XC90 test drive since 2007 SUV
Volvo XC90 V8
It happens that, in order to finish the picture, the artist lacks one, the main detail. Without it, the picture is not bad, but still unfinished. In the case of Volvo XC90, such a part was not enough. There was not enough powerful engine with which the Swedish all -around could compete with classmates on equal terms. Search
The new V8, which will now be installed on xc90, is the first engine in the history of the brand with such a location and number of cylinders. The engineers from Gothenborg had the idea of \u200b\u200binstalling this motor as soon as it became clear that XC90 was awaiting success, especially in the USA. In addition, statistics indicate that 30% of the premium segment all -rounds have V8 engines. But the first fact, namely the success in the USA, seemed to be more important, so the new car is primarily oriented to the American market, where it is planned to sell about 10 thousand XC90 V8 per year.
The problem was only that the manufacturer had no experience in the production of such a motor. That is why it was decided to contact third -party organizations. And the strategic partner was found - they became the Japanese Yamaha, who once made the engine for Ford Taurus Sho. Actually, the Japanese danced from this motor. The developers set themselves two very important tasks: to fit the unit in the motor compartment of the XC90 and make sure that the new motor does not affect the safety of the car as a whole. The result was a 8-cylinder unit with a volume of 4.4 liters, the length of which is 745 mm and the width is 635 mm. This is the most compact engine of this volume! The power of the motor is 315 hp, and the maximum torque is 440 nm. The head and engine of the engine are made of aluminum, which, of course, affected its mass - it weighs only 190 kg. The angle of the collapse of the cylinders in this case is 60 against the traditional 90. The balancer shaft is used to reduce vibrations, and the camshafts of the inlet valves are driven by additional chains. The engine is equipped with a system for changing the phases of gas distribution and 
inlet collector of variable length. The engineers finally have the opportunity to establish a modern gearbox: this V8 was selected in a couple of 6-band KP again by the Japanese production-Aisin. It is equipped with a new control computer, and the software for the box and the engine has a loud name Complete Vehicle Control (full control over the car). I wonder if the person is left? As an appendage, the motor is equipped with four catalytic neutralizers and is already complies with the EURO 5 and ULEV II standards. For European versions, the maximum speed is limited to 210 km/h, and acceleration up to 100 km/h takes 7.3 s, which is only 0.3 s less than the indicator of the main competitor - the BMW X5 4.4. A full -wheel drive transmission with a Haldex coupling has undergone changes, because the torque of the motor has increased. Now a special valve is used in the design of the coupling, and when starting, the rear wheels are transmitted by a larger torque compared to the T6 version. If there is no slip, then after 15 km/h the torque is almost completely transmitted to the front axle. Minimum external changes. CHs90 with a new motor has acquired a chrome rim of the lower air intake, new 18-inch wheels and brown moldings painted in color. Dive pipes appeared from behind
the muffler, who, however, could be more supposed - still obliges the status. There were no v8 nameplates, which are located in the most noticeable places - on the radiator grille and on the trunk door. But there are no changes in the cabin. It seems that nothing can disturb this reserve of Swedish ergonomics. It still smells of skin, and the panels are decorated with wood, although it would be possible to decorate the salon with the appropriate nameplate so that the driver was even more pleasant. We were able to evaluate the results of the search results in the United States, where, according to marketers, the car is waiting for an unconditional success. We were to overcome several hundred miles in American highweacs and, turning off them, a little admire the wildlife of Arizona. Yorgen Karlsson, representing the power unit, told us about some of the features of the engine voice even before we turned the key in the ignition lock. Knowing about the unlimited love of the Americans for the rumbling sound of the engines, the Swedes set up the exhaust system so that the engine sounds like a chopper motor. In machines intended for Europe, this sound will be a little quieter and higher.
The driver’s place is rather a captain’s cutting with a trimmed with a helm and large dials, and when the engine comes to life, it seems that giant motors have earned in the machine department of a cruise ship. It is well known that strict speed restrictions apply in the United States, and violations are fraught with serious problems. Therefore, for some time we simply sailed in the city of Phoenix and enjoyed the views. The confident bass of the motor penetrates into the salon, which does not at all prevent to perceive the idyllic picture of the American lifestyle. The main thing on Hayve is as soon as possible to take the left ranks, because the accelerated stripes are very short. This is where all the advantages of a powerful traction engine are manifested. You need to get used to two things - a large course of the gas pedal and a more quick machine gun. It does not reach the shots, just sitting in the car covers with a wave of acceleration. The potential of the motor can be used by using the manual mode of switching. Fortunately for future owners, the manual regime here is honest, without forced switching. At high speeds, the engine's roar becomes more distinct, and the driver with the whole body feels the power resource of the car. He served the pedal, and the car with a formidable roar rushed forward. The suspension remained the same as on the basic versions, on the waves of asphalt, it swinges the body vertically. The same can be said about the steering, which, despite the increased power, remains the same imposing -calm - his character is weakly linked to the V8, but they say that the Americans are frightening the excessive turnover of the car. However, the previous versions of XC90 did not differ in the veneration of reactions on the steering wheel. Having gained the most allowed 75 miles/h, you can turn on the cruise control and to go to the fairway, popular in the south of the United States. Seats without a hint of side support are also part of the American ideology of the car. For example, we do not understand the love of Americans for the wide sofas, on which passengers make maneuvers along with the car. 
In the vicinity of Lake Apachi, where the steppes are adjacent to the mountains overgrown with cacti, we were given the opportunity to drive along an impromptu off -road highway. Of course, this test did not become any revelation for us, and XC90 has remained a real SUV, however, now it has a greater supply of traction, which means that it can overcome off -roads more effectively. We got real pleasure from driving, oddly enough, on a primer where there are no speed restrictions and patrol on motorcycles. This is where, under the combat rumbling of the motor, you can truly light up. And we finally understood the charm of a new car. It cannot be kept on a hungry ration! He likes when the speedometer arrow is located in the region of 4000 rpm, then it is completely revealed, turning into a filigree -sophisticated tool that can get into a sprint during a suburban walk. Here it is, real pleasure when the surroundings announces the victorious voice of the new V8! 
The final The supply of Volvo XC90 V8 to the markets of North America has already begun, and there it costs about 50 thousand dollars. There was no certainty with the price for the Russian market at the time of preparation of the article. The only thing that can be said is lower than on the BMW X5 4.4. Everything will finally become clear in early summer, when we will begin to sell a new XC90. The Swedish all-terrain vehicle remained faithful to himself: he is still calm and balanced, but now he is able to get involved in the asphalt confrontation with competitors. From the quiet clerk Volvo-Driver turns into a more or less balanced promising manager who is not alien to comfort and high-speed riding.
Some technical characteristics of the Volvo XC90 V8
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm 4800x1900x1740
Base, mm 2860
Front/back track, mm 1630/1620
Diameter of the turn, m 11.9
V8-valve gasoline engine type
Working volume, cubic meter. cm 4414
Max. Power, L.S./rpm 315/5850
Max. moment, nm/rpm 440/3900
The transmission is automatic 6-band
Tires 235/60 R18
Max. Speed, km/h 210
Acceleration time 0-100 km, with 7.3
Fuel consumption (average), l/100 km 13.0
Tank volume, l 72
Text: Maxim Rakitin
Source: Avtopanorama magazine
