The connection with company owner Ford was little help, at least as far as its current line-up of V8's goes. But about ten years

The narrow block V8 found in the XC90 is made by Yamaha, although the Swedes aren't exactly playing up that connection. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada)

ago, there was a Ford Taurus called the SHO, and in its last incarnation, it had a transversely-mounted, 60-degree (versus the usual 90) V8. That engine was made by Yamaha, and it was the conceptual inspiration for the Volvo V8, which is also made by the Japanese firm, although the Swedes aren't exactly playing up that connection. The narrower block angle is the solution to both fitting a V8 transversely into the engine bay, and maintaining the all-important safety standards of the XC90. The output is as one would expect for a DOHC 32-valve 4.4-litre engine, with 315 horsepower, and 325 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm, over 80 percent of which is available as low as 2,000 rpm thanks to some creative intake manifold design and variable valve timing.

Volvo claims the new engine is the cleanest gasoline-powered V8 on the market

Volvo claims the new engine is the cleanest gasoline-powered V8 on the market today. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

today, meeting the American ULEV II standards, thanks in part to the use of four catalytic converters. It is also one of the most economical, returning 16.4 L/100 km in the city and 10.7 L/100 Km highway. Volvo put some thought into how the V8 should sound. After all, it is aimed primarily at North Americans who are quite accustomed to big V8s and their macho rumble, but such crassness would hardly be suitable for a classy Euro SUV. The Swedes settled on a muted, yet authoritative sound, with an appealing burble when the throttle is let off. The folks down at the country club won't be offended.