2004 Volvo XC90 Review

Specifications

Both Power and Safety Issues Represented with new XC90 PUV

High-speed performance and safety issues are rarely showcased in a single, unified theme in the car business, at least from any other carmaker than Volvo. Even rarer is the unorthodox combination in a sport utility vehicle.

The Swedish manufacturer presented its three newest models at this years SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) tradeshow, all of which follow the theme of ultimate performance and safety. Taking front and center stage at Volvos display is a thoroughly reconstructed, supercar-bashing version of Volvos sport utility vehicle, dubbed the XC90 Power Utility Vehicle (PUV), created in part with automotive specialists Aria Group.

Volvo chose to base the radically transformed PUV on the all-new XC90 V8, unveiled just this past September at the Pairs Auto Show. The V8 is now the top-tier XC90, helping to bridge the gap between entry-level six-cylinder XCs and their many V8-powered rivals. These include the BMW X5 4.4i, Mercedes-Benz ML500, Volkswagen Touareg V8, and the upcoming Audi Q7 and Saab 9-7X.

Due to the XC90 being Volvos biggest seller in North America, and the fact that the XC90 V8 was designed primarily for the American market, the decision to create a pumped-up demonstration vehicle is the perfect way to introduce the newcomer with a bang.

The XC90 PUV is to the XC90 V8 as Mr. Hyde is to Dr. Jekyll. Its a full on transformation from mild-mannered, elegance to a rip-roaring hooligan. Compared to the regular XC90 the PUV versions stance is much more aggressive, as its not only lower but wider. A squared off front bumper, which bears an evil looking intercooler, powerful projector-beam fog lamps and slits for ventilation of the brakes, has been moulded to the XC90s handsome face. Massive fender extensions carry the wild look of the new front end back along the sides of the car, ending at the tail where they integrate into a revised rear bumper. A new rear valance with a matching gray finish is finished with two pairs of twin tailpipes.

But theres a greater purpose to the PUVs aggressive body kit than just neck-snapping style. For instance its oversized wheel arches are also necessary for improving the SUVs driving characteristics, allowing equal-sized Pirelli 275/40 ZR 20 P-Zero tires fitted at each corner, on seven-spoke deep-dish alloy wheels. The feat would be unachievable with the regular XC90.

From a dynamic standpoint, the 2-inch lowered ride height reduces the cars center of gravity, and the stiffened high performance springs and dampers cut back on body roll, both of which should make the XC90 infinitely better in the corners. Wider front and rear tracks boost the XC90s stability too.

Other minor XC90 changes have been fitted to the PUV, including tinted windows, headlamps and taillamps, as well as body-colored side-view mirrors.

The transmogrification of the XC90 into the mutant PUV is finished off with a glossy coat of bright red paint. A yellow and blue crest on the flanks of the front fenders doesnt bear Ferraris prancing horse, but instead a steadfast elk. Its a slightly comical tip of the hat to Italys best supercars, and a calling card that this Volvo SUV, complete with roof racks, could very well keep up with even the worlds top road-going cars.

Volvos called its latest concept the PUV for good reason. Its got plenty of power. While the new Yamaha-designed 4.4-liter V8 produces 315 horses and 325 lb-ft of torque, enough to make it Volvos most powerful production vehicle, when compared to other sport utilities such as the BMW X5 4.8is, VWs W12-powered Touareg, or for that matter the 500 horsepower twin-turbocharged Cayenne, the new V8 seems weak at the knees. While Volvos engine-development team hasnt quite completed work on the brawny V8, from what we know its expected to be impressive. A remap of the engine, a power-boosting supercharger, and a free-flowing exhaust system are some of the improvements.

When all is said and done the XC90 PUV is expected to be the most powerful factory-constructed Volvo ever produced, with a reported output expected be in the 650 horsepower range.

The PUVs pavement-scorching power has been harnessed by a new 6-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox, and to all four wheels via the sophisticated and very effective Haldex permanent all-wheel drive system. As with the regular XC90, the Haldex system is pre-charged, in that power can be instantly routed to the wheels which need traction the most, ensuring little slip and plenty of grip.

Peel back the skin of the PUV and youll find that it is still very much a traditional Volvo, which puts passenger safety above all else. Introduced two years ago, the XC90 broke ground in five areas of active and passive safety for both occupants and pedestrians outside, an accomplishment which many manufacturers still cannot match. This holistic approach covers one of the best active anti-rollover systems on the market, which links stability control, traction control and the Haldex all-wheel drive system to keep the car stable even under the most violent maneuvers. This allows the XC90 to lead the way in rollover protection, featuring pillars and roof frames made of super high tensile strength steel, as well as side curtain airbags to protect all three rows of seats.

While Volvo has no intention of producing the XC90 PUV, the vehicle is an important part of the ongoing revolution of Volvos image, which started with the introduction of the S80 in 1998 as a 1999 model. Since that time Volvo has continued to evolve, turning out new ideas and forming them into metal. Having experimented with safety, practicality and green-power, the PUV joins other Volvo concepts shown at this years SEMA show as examples of the Swedish brands ongoing quest for a performance image. Perhaps Volvo will consider upping the ante on its XC90 V8 to create an R model, calling on a few of the PUVs unique traits.