Just to set the record straight: In the early 1990s Volvo introduced an
entirely new family of modern overhead cam engines to replace the aged
"red-block" family. This new family is often called the "white-block"
engines by Volvo enthusiasts as the blocks are plain cast aluminium.
This new family of engines shares many common components and features
while being made in 4, 5 and 6 cylinder in-line versions. The 6 was
introduced in the 960, the 5 in the 850 and I believe the 4 was first
used in the S40. There are also two valve per cylinder and four valve
per cylinder versions of at least the 5 cylinder and perhaps others as
well. Turbocharging is also an optional feature.
Many parts are interchangeable between the various family members.
I don't believe any Ford branded vehicles have ever used any of these
designs, but Volvo continues to use updated versions of the 5 and 6.
I'm not as sure about the 4 cylinder variations as they were not big in
the US. Now that the S40 is Ford Focus based perhaps it is using Ford
base engine designs, I really do not know.
The latest twist in the engine story is the V-8 introduced as an option
for the XC90. This is actually a Yamaha produced motor and is an
outgrowth of the Ford/Yamaha deal which once produced the engines for
the Taurus SHO. I think Ford is also now considering selective use of
this engine in other vehicles. Ford's V-8 product line consists of a
home-grown series (Modular V-8), a Jaguar designed variation also used
in the Lincoln LS and this Yamaha/Ford/Volvo beast. Sort of convoluted,
and a situation which will probably be simplified as part of Ford's new
"strategic realignment", aka Way Forward 2.0.
John
