2007 Volvo XC90 V8 Sport

Volvo is injecting some sporting DNA into its XC90 in an effort to better take on the likes of BMW's soon-to-arrive updated X5. Called the XC90 V8 Sport, Volvo is hoping a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded exterior and interior bits will help turn up the fun factor.

The XC90 Sport's Yamaha-sourced 4.4-liter V8 (rated at 311 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque) and six-speed automatic transmission is unchanged from the base V8-powered model.

The big changes are in the suspension and handling departments, where shock absorbers and anti-roll bars were stiffened and a dynamic sport chassis setup added. A speed-dependent adaptive-steering system and the Nivomat self-leveling system are standard and provide greater stability and control, Volvo says.

Available in either Volvo's Passion Red or Electric silver hues, the Sport rides on 19-inch wheels. The exhaust tips are chrome and wheel arch extenders are color keyed to accentuate the larger rubber. For the trim, Volvo uses a matte silver finish instead of chrome. The roof rails and lower skid plate also get the matte silver touch. Sill moldings are a stylish brushed stainless steel.

The interior changes include a special three-spoke steering wheel and the gear selector knob is replaced with one made of perforated leather. Sport bucket seats are upholstered with two different kinds of leather and side bolsters are improved to hold the occupants in place during hard cornering. The instrument cluster features metal-chronograph faces on a blue background.

Finally, Volvo adds a new option package exclusive to the Sport called the Technology Package, which features active bi-xenon GDL headlamps, a Dynaudio Sound System and Sirius Satellite radio.

The 2007 XC90 V8 Sport will hit showrooms toward the end of 2006 and starts at $49,995.