Volvo Adds T6 Power to V70, XC70, S80

Volvo’s latest additions to its lineup, the range-topping S80, its wagon sibling, the V70, and its popular XC70 are some of the Swedish brand’s finest creations. They’re visually appealing on the outside, and have brilliantly crafted, modern interiors that are refreshing and contemporary takes on contemporary Swedish design. In terms of active and passive safety, Volvo leads the way with blind spot warning systems and radar-based collision mitigation, and has stepped up its game dynamically with a brand new platform architecture that is more rigid and responsive than the one it replaces.

Although the S80 is available with Yamaha’s 4.4-liter 311-hp V8 engine, exclusive to Volvo, if you’re in the market for a Volvo wagon, or a less expensive S80, you don’t have much by the way of choice. Sure, Volvo’s 3.2-liter straight six is smooth and refined, but when stacked against rivals it doesn’t provide the same numbers: 235 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque is merely adequate.

If it’s more power that you want, then Volvo’s answer will be on the way shortly. T6 models of the V70, XC70 and S80 will feature a revised version of the 3.2-liter straight-six, which has actually been downsized to 3.0-liters by reducing the bore and stroke of the engine. It gains an advanced twin-scroll turbocharger that boosts power up to 281 horsepower and torque to 295 lb-ft. All T6 models will come standard with all wheel drive and a six-speed automatic. The new, more powerful Volvos will go on sale this fall as 2009 models, with more information on pricing to be revealed at a later date.