If Reports Are to be Believed, Yamaha will Engineer and Build Volvo's New 320-HP V8

The folks at Volvo love to tackle problems in an unusual manner. From integrating creative safety features, Volvo's

Thanks to innovative features such as an active bumper system, WHIPS active headrests and Volvo's rollover protection system the XC90 SUV is a leader in its class. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

hallmark, into each product in the automaker's lineup, to delivering one of the most space-efficient, dial-actuated radio preset systems in the industry, Volvo is an innovator.

The Swedish brand's XC90 luxury sport-utility vehicle is near the top of such innovations too, being the first SUV to install an active bumper system designed to protect smaller cars on impact, the integration of WHIPS active headrests and Volvo's rollover protection system. Its third row seating system is among the most practical in the SUV segment, optimizing space when in use and when stowed away.

The XC90 is luxurious too, including leather seats, woodgrain and aluminum

The one area that the Volvo SUV currently falls short of the competition is the fact only 5- and 6-cylinder powertrains are offered. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

interior trim, high-grade audio systems, power accessories and more. Its interior tactile quality is easily within the league of its premium brand rivals, and better than some brands that enjoy more status.

One of the reasons the XC90 lacks such status is due to only offering 5- and 6-cylinder powertrains. Sure, Volvo's R-models feature small-displacement inline-fives with high-pressure turbochargers that rival competitive brand V8 engines when it comes to horsepower, but low-end torque, what an SUV really needs to pull away from the line, would be lacking if Volvo considered the option for an upmarket XC90.