Latest news with #T8
Motor Trend
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD First Test: Simpler, Swifter, Better
Pros B transmission mode a great quasi-one-pedal option Ample EV power for around-town cruising Reasonable day-trip range and overnight recharging Cons Abrupt engine engagement in Hybrid mode Front-biased power challenges traction Laggy screens We've heaped a ton of praise on the second-gen Volvo XC90 luxury three-row SUV, from crowning it our 2016 SUV of the Year to marveling at its continued viability nine years later, when it was ostensibly meant to be replaced by the all-electric EX90. Well, it's still here, we've driven all its variants, tested the midgrade B6 trim, and now strapped our gear to the range-topping T8 plug-in hybrid version. Have we found a hole in this SUV's armor this time around? 0:00 / 0:00 Simpler Not really. This 2025.5 model is the automotive epitome of working smarter, not harder. Its powertrain is vastly simplified and at the same time measurably better at its job. When we first praised the T8, its powertrain comprised a four-cylinder engine that was assisted by not just a turbocharger and belt-driven supercharger, but also a mild hybrid helper motor sitting just ahead of the transmission, with a more powerful second motor powering the rear wheels. Nowadays, that same basic 2.0-liter turbo makes about the same output sans supercharger. And despite ditching its 46-hp/111-lb-ft helper motor, swapping in a 143-hp/228-lb-ft motor in the rear (replacing an 87-hp/177-lb-ft unit), and roughly doubling the size of its battery, total system power jumps from 400 hp and 442 lb-ft to 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. Gotta love modern math. (Cake icing: Doubling the battery size apparently offset the weight of the supercharger and front motor, as this '25.5 T8 Ultra weighed precisely the same 5,132 pounds as the 2017 T8 Inscription range-topper we tested, while improving front/rear distribution by a percentage point, to 51/49.) Swifter In lieu of that supercharger, the new engine employs the Miller cycle. This efficiency booster is where the engine runs a high mechanical compression ratio that's offset by leaving the intake valves open during part of the compression stroke, reducing the negative work on the crank and effective compression, while allowing a full expansion ratio. (This trick is called Atkinson cycle until you bolt on a turbo or supercharger; then it's a Miller cycle). The hole-shot launch doesn't improve that much, so the 0–60 time only drops by a tenth—to 4.9 seconds—but at the quarter mile the new car is half a second and 8.8 mph out in front of the older one, at 13.4 seconds and 105.9 mph. Less Grippy? Tire compounds may have changed over the past eight years, because the tire sidewall markings suggest they're similar and yet an identical, better distributed curb weight resulted in a 6-foot longer 60-mph stopping distance (a still quite respectable 121 feet), a less tenacious 0.80 g of maximum lateral grip (down from 0.84), and a 1.1-second-slower figure-eight lap (differences in stability-control programming likely account for some of this time difference). Under the conditions where you'd have an opportunity to observe these differences, you'll likely be laser focused on an impending emergency. In normal driving, this new XC90 feels as poised and adroit as ever. It's also worth noting that the 295-/228-lb-ft front/rear torque split led to the occasional front-wheel peel on damp roads, especially in turns, before traction control kicked in. A Genuine PHEV Many plug-in hybrids over the past decade have struck us as disingenuous tax-incentive grabs. Vehicles with short EV ranges and insufficient electric oomph to support normal driving can end up being way worse for the environment than a purely combustion version of the same vehicle if they result in multiple cold starts in any given trip, because cold starts account for the vast majority of a vehicle's controlled emissions. Here, with 143 hp and 228 lb-ft of rear-drive power on tap, it's possible to accomplish all your normal around-town driving in EV mode. Volvo facilitates this with a setting that lets the XC90 start in Pure (EV) mode, in which case the engine only starts if you floor the accelerator, depressing the 'kick-down' switch. Even in Hybrid mode, a variable line on the power meter clearly indicates the point at which the engine will engage. And after a day or so of gentle driving, a full battery indicated 35 miles of EV range (3 more than the EPA rating). That's darned close to the 39.7 miles the DOT says is the nationwide daily average for drivers. Those looking to exercise all 455 horses and 523 lb-ft may notice that during part-throttle acceleration, the transition can be somewhat abrupt, surging noticeably as the ICE wakes up. Great One-Pedal Idea for Two-Driver Households There are no shift paddles or screen menu options that adjust one-pedal driving. Those who like this feature will adopt a habit of double-tapping the Orrefors crystal shifter to engage B mode, while occasional users who do not like it need never struggle to disable it. One slight drawback is that one-pedal devotees must remember that feature never works in reverse. B-mode regen is roughly aligned with the middle setting in three-level adjustable systems. Complaints? The updated Google-based UX looks nice and adds functionality, but screen response can be laggy, raising the question whether the new tech stack's reach has exceeded the legacy electrical architecture's grasp. We still wish the lovely center and driver screens offered more data for us to consume—you know, like Springsteen laments: '57 channels and nothin' on.' Bottom Line Maybe a future test of the entry B5 version will give us a chance to really complain about a Volvo XC90, but don't count on it. This remains a very well thought-out luxury three-row SUV, and at $74,295 for the entry Core model, it's a decent value in the segment. No wonder the XC90 remains the top pick amongst Luxury 3-Row SUVs and Luxury 3-Row Hybrid SUVs in MotorTrend's Ultimate Car Rankings. And unlike some PHEVs like the Mazda CX-90 that make their electric motors spin through the gas engine's transmission, the XC90's powerful rear motor spins a single reduction-gear drive as in a proper EV, making this a great 'training EV,' providing weekday electric driving plus 530 miles of carefree weekend range. Maybe buy this one now, and plan to trade it in on an EX90, which itself may still seem equally fresh years down the line.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PGA Championship 2025 odds, betting, lines: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy favorites to win year's second major
The 2025 PGA Championship tees off Thursday at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Scottie Scheffler (+450 at BetMGM) is the slight favorite to win. Scheffler, the No. 1 ranked player in the world, is coming off a fourth-place finish at the Masters and a dominating win two weeks ago at the Byron Nelson. He has yet to win a PGA Championship but finished tied for second in 2023 and T8 last year. Rory McIlroy ended his decade-plus majors drought and won the Masters in April, beating Justin Rose in a playoff after losing the lead down the stretch. McIlroy (+500) has the second-best odds to win the tournament at BetMGM and is the only other player in single digits. Scheffler and McIlroy are followed on the odds board by Bryson DeChambeau (11-1) and Justin Thomas (18-1). Thomas has won two PGA Championships — the last one coming in 2022 — but has failed to make the cut in five of his last nine major appearances. DeChambeau was two shots off the lead heading into the final round at the Masters, but shot a final-round 75 to finish fifth. Xander Schauffele (20-1) is the defending champion and is tied for the fifth-best odds with Jon Rahm. Jordan Spieth (50-1), Dustin Johnson (100-1) and Phil Mickelson (300-1) are a few former major winners with longer odds.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PGA Championship 2025 odds, betting, lines: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy favorites to win year's second major
The 2025 PGA Championship tees off Thursday at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Scottie Scheffler (+450 at BetMGM) is the slight favorite to win. Scheffler, the No. 1 ranked player in the world, is coming off a fourth-place finish at the Masters and a dominating win two weeks ago at the Byron Nelson. He has yet to win a PGA Championship but finished tied for second in 2023 and T8 last year. Rory McIlroy ended his decade-plus majors drought and won the Masters in April, beating Justin Rose in a playoff after losing the lead down the stretch. McIlroy (+500) has the second-best odds to win the tournament at BetMGM and is the only other player in single digits. Scheffler and McIlroy are followed on the odds board by Bryson DeChambeau (11-1) and Justin Thomas (18-1). Thomas has won two PGA Championships — the last one coming in 2022 — but has failed to make the cut in five of his last nine major appearances. DeChambeau was two shots off the lead heading into the final round at the Masters, but shot a final-round 75 to finish fifth. Xander Schauffele (20-1) is the defending champion and is tied for the fifth-best odds with Jon Rahm. Jordan Spieth (50-1), Dustin Johnson (100-1) and Phil Mickelson (300-1) are a few former major winners with longer odds.
Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Commuters face disruptions, delays over Sydney Harbour bridge closure
Listen to article A major police operation on the Sydney Harbour Bridge triggered widespread transport disruptions on Monday afternoon, with rail services suspended and multiple traffic lanes closed, disrupting thousands of commuters during peak travel hours. Train services on the T1 North Shore Line between Wynyard and North Sydney were brought to a halt due to the incident. Commuters were urged to make alternative travel arrangements, including switching to Metro services where possible. The police operation also caused significant disruptions to other rail lines, including the T1 Western Line, T9 Northern Line, T2 Leppington & Inner West Line, T3 Liverpool & Inner West Line, T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line, T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line, and the T8 Airport & South Line. Additional delays were reported on the South Coast Line and Southern Highlands Line. Traffic was similarly affected, with two northbound lanes and one southbound lane on the Harbour Bridge closed temporarily. Motorists were advised to plan for extra travel time and remain cautious, as emergency services and traffic crews were on-site to manage the situation. The disruptions coincided with the build-up to the West Tigers vs. Parramatta Eels NRL game, adding further strain to the city's transport network as fans made their way to the stadium. By 4:00 p.m., all lanes on the Harbour Bridge had reopened, and train services between Wynyard and North Sydney had resumed. However, authorities continued to warn commuters to allow extra time, stay updated through announcements and displays, and remain aware that travel alerts and service changes may occur at short notice.
Forbes
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test Driving The 2025 Volvo XC90 T8
The XC90 T8 is a Volvo-boxy medium-sized luxury SUV that will offend no one and will look white-wine-and-cheese elegant in your driveway. It's also one of the safest rides available, gets excellent mileage and did what it does best correctly over recent week's test, with no surprises - meaning it was a great week. 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 FRONT 2025 brings minimal changes but they include enhanced hybrid performance and a tweaked design, including a spiffed-up front grille and updated cabin materials. For the purposes of this review, we're talking specifically about the T8 - the hybrid-assisted model. It looks like what it is - a boxy Volvo with a pleasing, mod front grille and sleek body lines. Signature Thor's Hammer headlights add a sharp touch. The rear features sculpted taillights and a slightly raised stance. You can take it off road but the body doesn't beg you to - it's not rugged or ferocious. It's dignified and practical and solid. 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 FRONT It's a cocoon of quiet elegance accommodating up to seven passengers with three rows of seats. I had no passengers during the test but crawled in the back-back and, as usual, the smaller occupants, or children, or animals, may ride there with a full house. The cabin features a minimal Scandinavian design with high-quality leather and wood. 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 FRONT The updated infotainment system includes a large touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android AutoAdvanced voice recognition allowing hands-free control of various functions. The cabin also features a premium sound system and ambient lighting, further elevating the luxury feel. The jewel is the diamond-like shift. 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 FRONT The T8 features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, offering an impressive 455 horsepower. The electric-only range is approximately 23 miles, making it suitable for short commutes. In hybrid mode, the XC90 T8 achieves an estimated 27 miles per gallon combined. My 2025 XC90 T8 starts at $80,000, with prices increasing for higher trims like the T8 Inscription, which can reach $93,000 or more with additional features. On the road, the XC90 T8 is steady-as-she-goes, with quick acceleration from a dead stop or around town, less so at speed. Acceleration is smooth and the all-wheel-drive system gives you stability in the snow and rain, both of which I was pelted with during the 311 miles the test ate up. The regenerative braking system contributes to smooth deceleration and it's fun to both get the hang of it and use to your best advantage. At lights, if the traffic ahead of you moves and you don't, you'll get an alert. 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 FRONT This XC90 isn't as agile as its competitors, but adequate for the tasks you ask of it. It's more comfort and swank than rock-n-roll. But it makes a great long-distance tripper, or a pleasant daily commute. Some may find the 28-or-so miles the XC90 T8 can get out of a charge chintzy. Also, during the entire 7 days, the sound system never once gave me a break and remembered that I use my phone's Bluetooth system. I had to stop what I was doing before setting off 100% of the time, find the Bluetooth icon on the upper left screen, press it, wait for the arrow on the screen to appear, push that arrow, and we were back in business. 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 FRONT Standard features include Volvo's Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system, and more. Volvo's City Safety system offers automatic collision avoidance - and it works well. Conclusion: This is a quality Volvo from looks to manners to safety through-and-through, If you're a fan of the brand, check out the XC90 T8.
