Volvo adds T6 Turbo AWD to S80 line
click above image to view high-res pics of the 2008 Volvo S80 T6 Turbo AWD
Volvo has given the S80 line a little more power and traction with the introduction of the T6 Turbo AWD edition. The T6 utilizes a twin-scroll turbo unit to provide the extra power, and the velvety-smooth 3.2L inline six has been down-sized to 3.0L due to a narrower cylinder bore and shorter stroke. Don't let the reduction in displacement fool you, though. The turbocharged S80 will unleash 285 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque at a very low 1500rpm, which Volvo says will result in smooth, linear power delivery. That's 50 horsepower more than the normally asipirated 3.2L inline-six and only 26 ponies short of the top-end V8 model.
All that power going to the front wheels means that the T6 needs all-wheel drive, which was previously only available with the high-end V8. Thus, you have the T6 Turbo AWD. Pricing and availability of the T6 Turbo AWD have not yet been announced, but we're betting that it will be a few thousand dollars south of the V8 model's $47,350 price tag, and availability should be soon.
Volvo's press release is available after the jump.
[Source: Volvo]
Gallery: 2008 Volvo S80 T6 Turbo AWD
PRESS RELEASE:
New driveline in the Volvo S80: T6 turbo with AWD
The acclaimed all-new Volvo S80 will soon be available with a new six-cylinder, 285 bhp T6 performance engine with All Wheel Drive
"The T6 engine adds an extra dimension to the S80 engine range," says Hans Wikman, Vice President Vehicle Line Large Cars at Volvo Cars. "The engine has been programmed to provide the highest possible performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust emissions."
The T6 petrol engine is based on the compact 3.2-liter in-line aluminum engine that has been part of the S80 engine range since its 2006 introduction. The turbo version has a displacement of 3.0 liters, producing 285 bhp and no less than 295 lb/ft of torque. Maximum torque is on tap from just 1,500 rpm and remains available all the way up the rev range, resulting in remarkably quick acceleration and smooth drivability.
The somewhat smaller cylinder displacement of the turbo version, owing to the slightly narrower cylinder bore and shorter stroke, is compensated by the turbocharger which in this engine takes in exhaust gases in two stages, with the inflow divided into two lots of three cylinders each, a system known as twin-scroll technology. Twin-scroll technology permits use of a more compact and uncomplicated turbocharger and provides extremely swift response, fully on a par with that from twin turbochargers.
All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction
The T6 model in the Volvo S80 is equipped with Volvo's All Wheel Drive. Using an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch, the AWD system distributes drive between the front and rear wheels to ensure the best possible road grip in all situations. The system features Instant Traction, which shifts drive at lightning speed from the front to the rear wheels when starting on a slippery or loose surface.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mark 11:37PM (5/04/2008)
I bought an S80 T6 this weekend. Who gives a crap about absolute numbers unless you ar going to race the car. The Volvo I6 turbo has enough power/torque to make you smile every time you punch the trottle.
It is worth the money for the safety features and adaptive cruise control alone, the power is an extra bonus.
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mike 8:37PM (5/08/2007)
Is it just me or do the lines of the T6 S80 look a lot like the Azera in the photo? Even the headlights seem to have a similar shape.
Don't get me wrong, I'd take this over Azera anyday. :)
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Chris 9:55PM (5/08/2007)
I wasnt expecting this. Nice engine. Also nice decision Volvo.
Ford should stick this engine in the NEW Range Rover LR2 and call it the LR2 sport. Or they could use a supercharged version of the i6, if they want to keep the whole supercharged theme.
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Ed Kapuscinski 9:52PM (5/08/2007)
Reducing engine displacement for only 285 horses? What's that???
My 99 V70 does 200 out of one less cylinder and significantly less boost.
That's it, I'm done with Volvo... I just wish Infiniti made a G35 hatch or wagon.
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Chris 9:56PM (5/08/2007)
#2 what r u talking about?
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JC3 9:58PM (5/08/2007)
They made the same mistake as Jaguar.It looks identical to the outgoing model.This says ,no changes ,no improvments to the general public even if it's a whole new car.Their job will be to educate the car buying public that this is entirely new.An uphill battle.
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bernie 10:09PM (5/08/2007)
Y-A-W-N
Volvos used to be odd but special. This one is like a sleeping pill for geriatrics. A 25,000 Altima will outrun it.
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sfast 10:18PM (5/08/2007)
Didn't Volvo already have a turbo 5 cylinder that made 300hp?
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MikeW 11:00PM (5/08/2007)
Just wait for the twin turbo one.
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K 10:53PM (5/08/2007)
Chris @ #2: you must have a really small penis, huh?
What? A turbo-charged SUV? Another hunk of junk clamouring for attention of the immature-boy generation? Gimme a break.
And who cares about this new engine? It's still a fricking Ford.
If people were smart, they would buy the V8 version with its Yamaha engine and Aisin transmission. Why would they even consider a Volvo with a Ford in it?
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Jon 10:49PM (6/01/2007)
"Why would they even consider a Volvo with a Ford in it?"
K: Just wanted to inform you of a handful of cars with Ford engines in them that can knock the pants off of just about anything out there.
#1. Mustang Super Snake - 600-725 HP
#2. Saleen S7 - 0-60 in under 3 sec
#3. Lincoln MKR - 415HP and 20mpg
And let us not forget Carroll Shelby's 800HP Cobra.
Paul 11:03PM (5/08/2007)
No, the two turbo 5 cylider engines were the GLT light pressure turbo (190 hp) and the T5, which was the same engine with more turbo boost (236 hp). Oh and the R had an extra tuned version with 250 hp (thanks, Wikipedia). Nothing terribly close to 300 hp. The larger 6-cylinder engine and the twin-scroll turbo should also eliminate turbo lag. Yum, I want one.
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KDC 1:37AM (12/20/2008)
The 300hp came later-all single turbo.
MikeW 11:08PM (5/08/2007)
If you are going to pan the LR2, do it for the fact it doesn't have four wheel drive (where is center differential, somebody get Waldo to find it?) It has Haldex (hopefully the pre-charged version)
This is not a Ford engine. I wouldn't be suprised if the Yamaha engine was dropped for '09. If anything, the V8 is more Ford than this (go look up the Taurus SHO)
Have a race with this new model and the V8 up to the top of Pike's Peak. You can even let the V8 start first. The V8 is going to be struggling at over 10,000 feet, and that isn't even the parking lot of ~14,000 feet.
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DJ 11:14PM (5/08/2007)
As the owner of an S80 V8 AWD, the question that I have is Why? Mine will click through 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, has more torque and I'm averaging 17 to 18 around town and 24MPG on the highway. Unless this can meet or beat hose at much lower price, then Why Bother?
By the way, the statement that up until now, AWD was only available on the V8 is INCORRECT. AWD has been available on the normally aspirated 6 cylinder models, but not those sold in the US. As a matter of fact, only AWD models (and Ruby Red paint) are available in Canada, regardless of engine.
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Drewboy 11:21PM (5/08/2007)
I like the car. Understated, and elegant.
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wigglesxjr 11:27PM (5/08/2007)
Is this thing not intercooled? I'm looking at the intake tract and all I see is s strange canister thing on the right.
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Mike G 11:48PM (5/08/2007)
Well I like that they didn't "stupid it up" like the 500/Taurus/Freestyle/Focus.
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CH 11:54PM (5/08/2007)
Paul, the current S60R and V70R launched in 2003 (MY04) with a 300 hp 5-cyl engine high pressure turbo (HPT) engine. Your other numbers are also outdated. GLT is a model designation from the previous generation V70 and the 850 series.
The current base LPT 5-cyl engine (S60/V70 2.5T) has had 208 hp since MY04. That engine modified to fit the smaller S40/V50, etc., is designated T5 and produces 218 hp (~230 hp for 2008). The S60/V70 T5 has had a 2.4-liter HPT engine producing 257 hp since MY04.
DJ, you kindda answered your own question - better fuel economy and price. In addition, the T6 will be better than the V8 at high altitude, and is more attractive to those into mods.
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sfast 9:39AM (5/09/2007)
As I pointed out before. What is the point of a 6-cyl turbo when they already have an 5-cyl turbo that makes more power? Sounds like a waste of money, which Ford doesn't have much to waste.
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