Volvo Reveals 400-hp Hybrid Option for SUV

Volvo Car Corp. says its upcoming plug-in hybrid XC90 SUV/crossover will deliver nearly 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but emit only 90 grams per kilometer of carbon dioxide over the New European Driving Cycle.

The hybrid model, which will carry a "T8" badge, is expected to go on sale at the end of this year.

The T8's front wheels will be powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that uses a supercharger to enhance output at low engine speeds and a turbocharger to do the same at higher rpm. The powerplant makes about 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The rear wheels are driven independently by an 80-hp electric motor. The driver can switch to 100% rear drive to travel on pure electric power for about 25 miles or use both power sources for maximum performance.

A non-hybrid "T6" option for the XC90 will use the same supercharged/turbocharged four-banger. Volvo predicts the configuration will deliver best-in-class fuel economy compared with both gasoline- and diesel-powered competitors.

Volvo describes the next-generation XC90 as its most luxurious model ever. The seven-passenger crossover will be the first to use the company's scalable product architecture. The platform eventually will carry models representing two-thirds of total sales volume.

Volvo says the SPA chassis improves drivability, enables more advanced safety features, increases passenger compartment roominess and enhances vehicle design options.