Volvo S80 V8 road test : Wolf in sheep's clothing

Dressed in a business suit with 315bhp tucked under its hood, this really is one quick executive express.

Introduction

The Americans are the world’s biggest fans of the V8 engine – think Corvettes, Mustangs, Firebirds, Challengers or even Saleen S7s that growl and roar their way down streets. Right from Bullitt to the remade Gone in 60 Seconds, V8s have adorned the silver screen as well. The Europeans have never been too far behind; you only have to hear the wail of an F430 at full chat to know that it isn’t always about torque, this V8 business. We at CarWale have revamped our road-test section, and what better way to start a new chapter than with the road-test of a V8? We didn’t land us a Yankee muscle car or Italian exotic, though – what lies under the Swedish Volvo S80’s hood is, in fact, Japanese!!!