2003

The Norwegian magazine Skipsrevyen recently named the research vessel M/S G.O. Sars the “Ship of the Year.” The new ship, which was named after a famous Norwegian zoologist, is highly advanced, including such features as extreme silent operation, fully comparable in class to military submarines. The auxiliary engine and emergency genset onboard are from Volvo Penta.

With four completely new diesel engines, two new Aquamatic Duoprops, one new Saildrive, new propellers and a completely newly developed electronic platform, 2003 is the most intensive launch year to date in Volvo Penta’s history. The profit earned in recent years has been ploughed back into intensive product investments, which are now being taken to market. And each of these product innovations will, in its own way, set new standards within the marine leisure craft industry.

Volvo Penta is now launching an entirely new alternative for sport boats of up to about eight meters. The new D3 is a technically advanced five-cylinder diesel, completely constructed in aluminum. The basic design is the same as for Volvo Cars’ recently launched diesel engine, which was a success with the automotive press and customers. The D3 has 130 or 160 horsepower and is equipped with an Aquamatic drive or as an inboard with gearbox.

Volvo Penta pioneered the high-performance diesel engine with its introduction of the 40 Series in 1977. This segment is now one of the core businesses at Volvo Penta, which has consistently developed its concept and is now launching an entirely new generation of high-performance diesel engines.

EVC – Electronic Vessel Control – is Volvo Penta’s new electronic platform. EVC is an integral system that enables a boat’s engine, control systems and instruments, as well as other functions on board, to communicate and exchange information. The system is highly flexible and expandable, and can be upgraded with new software. EVC is based on the latest CAN-bus technology, which is widely used in the automotive industry today.

Within the next few years, the EU and the US plan to introduce regulations regarding exhaust emissions, and many other countries are expected to follow their lead. For a number of years, Volvo Penta has actively participated, through various organizations, in the formulation of the new regulations, and is now launching a series of products that will meet the requirements planned for introduction in Europe and the US in 2006. As part of the Volvo Group, Volvo Penta is also working purposefully to limit the environmental impact of all parts of its operations.

Volvo Penta controls the entire engine and driveline package. Developing drivelines and propellers specifically for each engine series ensures high efficiency, which in turn provides high performance and reliability. The two new drives now being launched have been tailored specially for the new D4 and D6 marine diesels.

Volvo Penta is now introducing a totally and newly developed generation of diesel engines, D4 and D6, to the leisure boat industry. The latest technology, including electronically controlled, common rail, direct fuel injection, combines performance with environmental properties that were previously impossible. The results are powerful torque and high power output combined with low exhaust and noise emissions. The D4 and D6 will meet comprehensive environmental requirements planned for introduction in Europe and the US in 2006.

The new D3 diesel engine is a financially attractive alternative compared with outboard engines, according to Volvo Penta’s internal tests. The major difference between the engine types is noticeable in the fuel account and the ears. In tests, the D3 has been operated, in principle, for half the cost compared with an outboard engine and at a significantly lower noise level. Volvo Penta has tested two Ryds boats with identical hulls. One was equipped with the new Volvo Penta 130-hp D3 engine, and the other with a modern 135-hp two-stroke, fuel-injected outboard engine. The conditions during the tests were the same and all data were measured using Volvo Penta’s advanced measuring equipment.

With the launch two years ago of D2-55, Volvo Penta further strengthened its position as a supplier of drive systems for sailboats. Volvo Penta is now following its recent success with the launch of the new D2-75 – a compact, four-cylinder marine diesel engine developed primarily for sailboats, but also for smaller motorboats. The new 75-hp engine operates at low rpms and offers exceptionally powerful torque and low emissions – qualities that make it perfect for the engine’s application areas. The engine also comes with a new version of Volvo Penta’s well-known Saildrive.