my wife & i drove to dayton, ohio (an hour a way) to test drive the closest XC90 V8 'sport'. this one is 'passion red' ... the only color 'exclusive' to the sport version. there are only 400 sports produced a year... i hope it meets up to my expectations. :p
the other color choices are:
- black sapphire metallic (no way!!! :p)
- electric silver (maybe)
- titanium grey metallic (nope)

i will report back with pics...

sport version details:
4.4 liter engine specially designed for the XC90 311 hp / 325 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm
Dual continuously variable valve timing
Advanced emission control
All-road capability with a generous ground clearance of 8.6 inches
Six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission
Sport -Tuned Suspension and Steering
19" Vulcanis wheels with all-season tires
SPORT seats, steering wheel and leather gear shift knob
SPORT interior styling with alu-deco inlays and watch dial instruments
SPORT exhaust tips



UPDATE: (after test drive) ...
wow... i must say i was overly impressed with the volvo...

the positives:

- volvo safety...
- the ride was nice and crispy...
- all around the size was perfect...
- the seats & steering wheel are outstanding...
- all-season 19" tires
- wonderful sound system...
- a throaty engine & exhaust sound...
- no premium fuel required...
- a unique sport package (i won't see myself coming & going)...
- the color look so good in person (pics don't do it justice)...
- good insurance rates...
- discounted from 54k to 42k...

the negatives: (the little things)

- daytime running lights...
- no tilt down passenger mirror when backing...
- no self dimming side mirrors...
- no front parking sensors...
- no area to house the gas cap when removed...
- the red paint shows finger prints very easily...
- the gas mileage 15/20 (but expected)...
as we all know... no vehicle is perfect... but an extremely strong contender... if not the one. i really liked it and so did my wife...









~ now narrowed down to the X5 4.8 sport... range rover hse sport... or the volvo XC90 V8 sport

thoughts??? (my wife had an '01 X5 4.4 sport as a prior vehicle)...