What's the alternative? To combat premium sport utilities such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz ML500, Porsche Cayenne and

According to early reports, Volvo is considering adding a 4.4-liter V8 to the XC90. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo needs a V8 of course. And that's what it's about to get according to a recent report in USA Today. The Swedish brand is considering adding a 4.4-liter V8 to the XC90 and possibly, the next generation S80.

The information about Volvo's new engine is scarce and speculative at best, but it has been reported that Japanese manufacturer Yamaha has been contracted to engineer and build it. While it would seem logical for Volvo to turn to parent company Ford Motor to acquire one of a variety of 32-valve, DOHC V8s, this isn't the case. Apparently Yamaha, revered for its high-revving motorcycle engines, has been chosen to preserve the unique

Instead of hitting up its parent company Ford for a V8 engine, Volvo is reportedly sourcing the new powerplant from Yamaha. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

character of Volvo. A completely new V8 would help maintain the Swedish brand's autonomy, but it the move does seem strange in today's world of cost cutting and optimizing economies of scale. After all, if a common engine is good enough for a Lincoln, Jaguar or Land Rover, why not a Volvo? According to the report, the engine will be a 4.4-liter V8 boasting 320 horsepower.

While unorthodox, choosing Yamaha as an engine supplier doesn't exactly come without precedent within the Ford family. A previous example of this relationship in action can be seen is Ford's Taurus SHO that appeared in 1988 as a 1989 model, featuring a high-revving V6 when it first entered the market, replaced later in the 1996 model year with a sport-oriented V8.