With 650 HP, This Volvo XC90 PUV Was The Brand's Most Powerful Car In The 2000s

Volvo vehicles are often derided as boring and underwhelming, but their high degree of safety is often the deciding factor in whether or not buyers would purchase one. Not as well known is this Volvo XC90 built in 2004, which was the most potent Volvo since 2000. We're talking about Volvo XC90 PUV (Power Utility Vehicle), which featured a turbocharged V8 engine and was the most powerful version of the car.

Even from the outside, the Volvo XC90 PUV stood out. Its athletic bodywork features, not the red color it debuted with at SEMA 2004, are what we're talking about. The front bumper was altered to include a big air inlet that assisted in cooling the V8 engine. A pair of fog lights can also be seen here.

The front bumper flows into the wide front wings, which were designed specifically for this project. The air vents in the fenders were designed to keep the 15-inch front disc brakes and 13-inch rear disc brakes cool. A set of beautiful 20-inch diameter wheels encased in Pirelli P-Zero Assimetrico 275/40 tires completes the exterior look.

The most intriguing feature, though, is found beneath the hood. The PUV was powered by a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 petrol engine. It produced 650 hp when combined with a modified ECU and a new low-resistance exhaust system.

A Geartronic six-speed automatic gearbox regulated the output, which was then routed to the wheels via Volvo's electronically controlled Haldex all-wheel-drive system. Unfortunately, this version of Volvo XC90 PUV was too audacious for mass production, especially given the brand's conservatism. As a result, it's not surprising that the car has remained a concept car.

The high-powered SUV made a comeback at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2005. Similar in nature, but completed in a brighter shade of yellow and sporting a different set of wheels, it was unveiled as the Volvo XC90 Supercharged V8.

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