2003 Volvo XC90 LS 35

Vehicle Overview Volvo has been well known for decades as a manufacturer of safe, solid sedans and wagons. Now, the Swedish company is joining the sport utility vehicle fray for 2003. The new XC90 makes a bold statement, definitely, said Hans-Olov Olsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars, during the SUVs introduction at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car-based XC90 promises the ride, handling, safety and emissions attributes of a passenger automobile. Chief Designer Peter Horbury calls the XC90s appearance not aggressive, but confident. He says this SUV is expected to help create the new look of Volvo today and describes the XC90 as masculine, but not macho muscular, but not aggressive. The XC90s chassis is based on the one used for Volvos S60 and S80 sedans and V70 wagon. The engines are also derived from Volvos passenger-car lineup but are reprofiled to gain maximum advantage in an SUV installation. Outputs reach as high as 268 horsepower for the bi-turbo inline-six-cylinder. A turbocharged five-cylinder engine delivers 208 hp. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) permits the vehicle to operate on a variety of terrains, but the XC90 is not intended for serious offroad driving. In normal use, nearly all the power goes to the front wheels. When they begin to slip, up to 65 percent of engine power will automatically be diverted proportionately to the rear wheels a shift that takes place within one-seventh of a wheel turn. Competing in the premium midsize SUV segment, the XC90 will rival the Acura MDX, BMW X5 3.0, Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes-Benz ML320. Dan Werbin, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars North America, said that while the XC90 serves as a complement to the companys V70/XC (cross country) wagon, the two are very different vehicles. Volvo claims that the XC90 will be the safest SUV on the market, with several industry firsts. It will feature such systems as Roll Stability Control, Dynamic Stability Traction Control and inflatable side curtain-type airbags. Night Vision might be offered later. To improve compatibility with other vehicles, a lower cross-member has been added to the front suspension subframe, which is positioned at the height of the beam in a regular car. In a collision, the XC90s cross-member should strike the oncoming cars protective structure, which will activate its crumple zone. Starting with a price tag of $33,350 (not including the destination charge), the XC90 will go on sale in the first quarter of 2003. Regular (base) and T6 editions will be offered. Volvo expects to sell 50,000 XC90s in its first year, with 65 percent of sales in North America. By 2005, Volvo hopes to be selling 200,000 cars per year in North America, and that goal should be easier to achieve with the XC90 in its lineup. Exterior Compact in exterior dimensions, the XC90 is no Big Foot on the road, says Hans Wikman, the vehicles project director. At 188.9 inches long, the XC90s overall length is 3.4 inches greater than that of the V70 wagon. In addition to the 112.6-inch wheelbase, the wide 64.3-inch front and 63.9-inch rear track dimensions help to enhance stability. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches. Styling features include tall taillamps a dark, upright, eggcrate grille an accentuated V-shaped hood and a cockpit-forward profile. The 70/30-split tailgate flaunts a rather sporty angle, according to Volvo, in contrast to the companys traditional wagons. The lower section can be used as a platform or seat. A dealer-installed Styling Kit that includes running boards, color-keyed side decor, 18-inch wheels, a rear skid plate, roof ribs and mudflaps will be available. Interior Seating either five or seven occupants, the XC90 has a 40/20/40-split, second-row bench seat. With the seven-passenger configuration, a child booster seat installed in the second row may be slid forward to the front