Is VOLVO's XC90 SUV based on any one of GM's SUV body styles?

Question

Is VOLVO's XC90 SUV based on any one of GM's SUV body styles? I might bemistaken- but I 'saw' a few vehicles that look very very similar to theXC90? Any opinions?

Rob Guenther · Accepted Answer

Not at all.The XC90 was the first vehicle approved of when Ford took over, but thedesign work was still all Volvo.Don't think Volvo ever had connections with GM... If you want to see aSwedish SUV that is based on a GM vehicle look at the upcoming Saab 9-7,it's based on the Trailblazer.The XC90 is designed to compete with the BMW X-5, Mercedes M320, VW TouaregV6, Smaller Range Rovers... those types of cars, GM doesn't really haveanything like these ones, at least not directly competitive, as far as I canremember (maybe the Buick Rainier - but I don't think they measure up inrefinement, as per usual)

Paul · Answer

Read somewhere that the original S80's tranny came from GM.

Mike F · Answer

No, it's based on Volvo's car platform, S80 etc. And the S80 T6 transmission is indeed the GM 4T65LE. I'm not 100% sure, but I think the XC90 T6 transmission is also the same GM transmission, modified for the power takeoff to the rear wheels.

Rob Guenther · Answer

Yes it did... BMW also buys trannys from GM (some of it's automatics).  GMhas quite a good spinoff company that makes transmissions.That inline 6 engine has been using GM trannys for a while, I believe thetransmission in my 960 is a GM unit as well (the 960 engine was the originaldesign of what was transformed into the modern 2.9L and 2.9L bi-turboengine).

Randy G. · Answer

That's too bad. We have a Blazer with the 700R4 tranny, and I don't think much of it at all They are good for about 100,000-125,000 miles or so and that's about it.. At least in my experience. One of the reasons we ruled out purchasing another GM product and ended up with the Volvo. __ __ Randy & \ \/ /alerie's \__/olvo '93 960 Estate

Rob Guenther · Answer

Volvo speced out the tranny tho, I wouldn't be too worried. I've never heardof a tranny problem on a 960. I mean if BMW and Volvo are buying them,they've got to be good - GM's tranny division is just a supplier, they gettold what to build... Doesn't mean that can't make a good product, just GMusually skimps on everything when they build a car.

John Horner · Answer

No, not in any direct way.  Ford owns Volvo.John

John Horner · Answer

It isn't a spinoff company, it is an entirely GM owned, operated and managed division called GM Powertrain. It's main mission is sourcing engines and transmissions for GM vehicles, but has also sold transmissions to other companies for many decades. Jaguar and Rolls Royce, for example, used GM Turbo Hydramatics for years.

John

John Horner · Answer

Volvo is buying a pretty much off the shelf GM design.   Don't be so sureabout your assumptions.John

Mike F · Answer

Don't worry, your 960 (and every other 960) don't use a GM transmission. All 960 inline 6 cylinder engines use the Asian Warner transmission. (So do 850s, but they've proven to be not a reliable as the rear drive versions.)

WPWise · Answer

But Volvo is now owned by Ford.  So why are they using GM parts?Walter Wise

Is VOLVO's XC90 SUV based on any one of GM's SUV body styles?

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