In the first 2 years that the 780 was available worldwide (1986 and 1987) it received the B280F V6 engine and a solid (live) rear axle. In the Italian market, originally only the Volkswagen built D24TIC was to be offered, with 129 PS (95 kW),[21] but soon the V6 also became available and a 155 PS (114 kW) 2.0-litre turbo (B200ET) Italian tax special was also added later in 1986. In August 1987, the 780 came equipped with Volvo's independent rear suspension, which used self-leveling Nivomat shocks, to keep ride height correct. An improved climate control unit (ECC) was also fitted.[16]
The B280F at this point had roughly 150 PS (110 kW), but the car itself weighed nearly 3,400 lb (1,500 kg). To address concerns about performance, Volvo introduced the B230FT+; a B230FT with Volvo's Turbo+ boost controller, increasing the engine output to 175 PS (129 kW). The following model year saw it increase to 188 PS (138 kW). In Italy, later 780s were available with the B204GT. This was a 16 valve turbo motor producing 200 PS (147 kW). A mere 165 examples of the 780 were built with this engine. In the car's final year, 1991, it was rebadged simply as "Coup?". At this point, the car came only in turbo guise.