Actually, even Ford gets it, I should have written.

This is mostly relevant about the RL in the Acura line, but also the NSX. Up to now, Volvo has been known for using small 4 or 5 cylinder engines forced fed to make acceptable power. This time Volvo went all out. A V8 making 320 HP and 296 pounds of torque ready to go in the S80. The S80 also gets a longer floor for more room.

The best part is that they could have gotten the 4 liter V8 from the "sister company" Jaguar, but they chose to work with Yamaha on an all new powerplant! Wow! That is expensive. The car adds AWD as well, a similar version as Acura's VTM4. FWD under normal conditions, but AWD when slip is detected.

The price will be lower that of the 540i and that of the E500.





Acura has NO options now. Now more than ever.

 

Nice!!!! I rented one last weekend. Talk about comfortable seats!!!!!!

 

Yeah, a buddy of mine at work has one.
I think those seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in.
I used to think BMW's where best.

 

Volvo's are generally nice cars, and when I saw this post, I was thinking "Oh, God...I hope they don't keep it front wheel drive." Good thing they offered AWD, it should be a formidable competitor. And good for Volvo for developing their own V8, as opposed to using the AJV8 that's now in Lincoln and Jaguar as well.

I'm interested in test driving one. My boss has a S80 Boston Coach Edition, black on tan leather with tinted windows, etc...completely loaded. Very nice car, a bit soft in the suspension and there's torque steer from the turbocharged 247HP I-6...but otherwise it's perfect.

Go Volvo. I bet this will end up in their upcoming SUV eventually.

 

Photos aren't working for me.

 

They weren't working for me when I first posted, but after checking to see what your reply was, they loaded.

By the way, I love your signature.

 

pic #2 is the new one right? Looks nice. Like the new headlamps. The first pic looks just like my pop's 01' model.

 

Hahaha it's like insult added to injury for Acura.

 

How so???? Acura has been planning to put a V8 into the RL for the past year.

 

I think it makes 268HP. You are referring to the 2.8 liter T6 model I suppose since you wrote "turbocharged".

 

Well, where is it then?

 

:o My Volvo skills are not up to date.

 

Not my cup of tea but damn that V8 should be really nice.

BTW, what's up with the 3 windows in the back (door and the 2 little windows)?

 

They probably had to locate the pillar in a little bit for saftey measures. I am sure it doesn't do much to take away from the ambiance, because it is behind the head of the passenger.

 

Probably there for rigidity reasons. If you notice, the same is not so for the car in the first photo.

 

Uhm, I was subtly insulting Volvo by saying it's an insult that even Volvo gets it.

 

Wish that was true of my girlfriend's new S60. The seat are adequate and better than her previous Accord, but we both like sitting in my car better. And her headrests (like mine, not adjustable) are positioned a little too far forward--much worse than too far back. But the worst part: She has a tan leather interior. While my car smells--ah!--new car!, her car smells--ugh!--septic tank! Really, if the car has been closed for a while, especially in the sun, it is rank from foul-smelling out-gasing.

 

The 2004 NSX is expected to get a V8 @ 400hp, though I'm told that Honda is a master of deception about this sort of thing and there is even speculation about a V12 (V8 most likely, though, to share with RL). My Acura guy tells me that Honda is still fighting out the details, including whether the body will remain aluminum. Anyway, it's fair to assume that the NSX will have a significant hp boost for 2004 along with the major redesign.

 

I had an S60 rental once and it stank like what you describe exactly. That means they all do that Good for us.

 

And all that is known by most here. My point was that that Volvo has a V8 ready "today" when Acura needs another 2 years. Rediculous at best.

Oh and Infiniti had that V8 available 6 months ago. Wow. The more I think about it, the more redicilous it sounds. I mean BMW was half the company Honda is today when even they, had a V12 in the 850i and CSi. How pathetic is that?