UK
Volvo Penta D4/D6 Marine Propulsion

The ultimate experience, redefined

Propulsion System - D4 engine and D6 engine

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After more than 100,000 units have been sold since 2003, Volvo Penta introduces a new generation of our D4/D6 propulsion packages that deliver more power, torque and reliability– from helm to propeller. After having spent years refining and developing the proven platform even further, the D4/D6 complete system delivers new and exciting features from 150–480 hp. All to offer you the ultimate boating experience.

Marine Leisure Marine Commercial

From helm to prop

A complete upgrade

These new generation propulsion packages are available for Volvo Penta IPS, Inboard Shaft and Aquamatic sterndrive. Each package is designed to work as a complete and perfectly matched system.

The enhancements made include re-engineered D4/D6 engines, delivering more power and torque, ensuring the highest levels of reliability. An upgraded IPS and the new DPI Aquamatic sterndrive also bring increased comfort and maneuverability, along with more straightforward service, and maintenance.

You are also provided with enhanced service capabilities and increased integration throughout the boat, thanks to the upgraded Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system.

Unique Marine Torque

The unique torque of our D4/D6 engines give your boat the ability to accelerate quicker and maintain speed in any sea condition. Maximum power is transferred to the propellers and into the water across the whole rpm range.

History, still in the making

Backed by over 100 years of marine experience, the first generation of the D4/D6 engines came off the production line in the Swedish town of Vara in 2003. It was yet another example of groundbreaking engineering, sprung from our unique marine heritage. Since then, over 100,000 D4/D6 engines have used and proven around the world, developed solely for marine purposes and with our trademark torque.

Volvo Penta IPS

The Volvo Penta IPS propulsion package delivers increased levels of precision, manoeuvrability, onboard comfort and efficiency compared to a traditional inboard shaft installation. After 14 years of production and 25,000 units sold, the perfectly matched IPS drive has gone through a major upgrade including:

  • New high-strength steel for shaft bearings and gears.
  • New long-life seals.
  • Simplified oil changes from inside the boat.
  • Improved oil filtration system to prolong oil change intervals.

All this to increase reliability, decrease maintenance and reduce the cost of ownership to keep you on the water longer.

Volvo Penta IPS Engine Range
Diesel Aquamatic Sterndrive

The DPI drive features silent shift, which provides seamless and soundless shifting. It also has low speed mode as standard, reducing the boat speed at idling by 50%. Steer-by-wire is now standard for all DPI installations. These upgrades offer improved joystick features, but also enables DPS - formerly only offered exclusively for Volvo Penta IPS.

Aquamatic Sterndrive Diesel Engine Range
New D4/D6 Propulsion Package
How it's Done
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Proven. Precise. Perfected.

We’ve made significant investments, both in resources and equipment, including more than 300,000 engineering hours, 40,000 hours of hard testing in rigs and boats, including upgrades in machining and production line technology. It’s all in the details. Ensuring precision and endurance in every gear, shaft, bearing, screw, and nut is a necessity.

The final assembly of the D4/D6 package is a vital part of the life of the product; here is where precision is critical. The drive assembly is made at our top line facility in Köping, where we carry out the finalisation in a clean-room environment, with high precision, and Swedish produced steel.

The engines are produced in a highly advanced facility in Vara, Sweden that ensures a 100% CO2 neutral production process. Our facility in Vara was the first example of a CO2 neutral production facility within the Volvo Group.

Leisure Benefits

Prop to helm upgrades

Power and performance

You will feel the difference

One of the things that impresses the most about the new generation is its unique combination of power and performance. Up to 10% more power has been added to the engine range, giving you that extra punch. The new common rail fuel injection system features higher pressure and more precise injection to offer more fuel efficiency, improving the cruising range of your boat.

Comfort and maneuvering

Easy boating at its very best

The new D4/D6 propulsion package offers a more enjoyable boating experience, including reduced noise and vibrations. For instance, the new DPI drive for Aquamatic is equipped with silent shift, which significantly enhances onboard comfort when maneuvering at low speeds. The DPI drive also enables the Dynamic Positioning System; that with the push of a button makes your boat automatically remain stationary. Stay in control, all the time.

More reliable

Trust in your boat

Every improvement of the new generation is a result of input from boat owners worldwide. With precision in every detail and thousands of hours of testing, the new generation offers impressive performance and reliability so that you can focus on enjoying your precious moments at sea.

Easier ownership

Enjoy more time at sea

Not only has the complete redesign led to substantial performance gains. The increased efficiency and reduced maintenance needs have also contributed to smarter boat ownership – saving on fuel and service costs.

Featured Benefits - Owners

Maneuvering and performance

The new generation offers up to a 10% increase in power across the range. Also, the new DPI drive improves maneuvering and enables Dynamic Positioning System – a function that lets you keep your boat's position without drifting, despite winds and currents.

Improved reliability and durability

Increased durability, longer service life, and more time on the water. The majority of the components are stronger by design, and the material selection has been enhanced, for example, the use of a new steel quality in gears and shafts. Significant investments in production technology deliver the highest levels of precision and quality.

Easier ownership

With the upgraded Electronic Vessel Control (EVC), you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities. Through an onboard service assistant, you are for example provided with information about when it´s time for your next service, in the standard display.

Fuel efficiency

The new common rail fuel injection system features higher pressure and more precise injection. This adds to increased fuel efficiency across all propulsion packages.

Improved maintenance

The new generation offers reduced maintenance thanks to extended service intervals, fewer service items, and smoother maintenance operations.

Comfort

The new common rail fuel injection system adds to lower levels of noise and vibrations. Thanks to silent shift and Low-Speed Mode, the new DPI drive contributes to even greater comfort.

Featured Benefits - Boatbuilders

Ease of installation

Each propulsion system comes as one complete package. The installation dimensions are mainly the same as the previous generation. For the DPI drive, electronic steering is standard allowing for a quick and easy installation without any hard routing of hydraulic pipes. All specifications are available in 12 or 24V.

Simplified and flexible software

The upgraded Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) simplifies the procedure to add on optional features, offering more flexibility in the building process. Also, the software is now uploaded from one connection point, regardless of the number of drivelines.

Wide range of applications

The boat builder can select from a wide range of power and propulsion options, to fit a variety of applications and customer needs. The new generation delivers exciting features – from helm to propeller. All to offer the ultimate boating experience.

Commercial Benefits

Power and Performance

You will feel the difference

One of the things that impresses the most about the new generation is its unique combination of power and performance. Up to 10% more power has been added to the engine range, giving you faster acceleration and top speed. The new common rail fuel injection system features higher pressure and more precise injection to offer more fuel efficiency, improving the vessels cruising range.

Comfort and Maneuvering

Creating the optimal working environment

The new D4/D6 propulsion package offers an unparalleled working environment, including reduced noise and vibrations. For instance, the new DPI drive for Aquamatic is equipped with silent shift, which significantly enhances both maneuvering and onboard comfort. The DPI drive also enables the Dynamic Positioning System; that with the push of a button makes your boat automatically remain stationary. Stay in control, all the time.

More reliable

Trust in your vessel

Every improvement of the new generation is a result of input from operators worldwide. With precision in every detail and thousands of hours of testing, the new generation offers impressive performance and reliability so that you can have a propulsion that you can rely on in any condition.

Lower cost of ownership

Keeping uptime high

Not only has the complete redesign led to substantial performance gains. The increased efficiency and reduced maintenance needs have also contributed to a lower cost of ownership – saving on fuel and service costs.

Featured Benefits for Operators

Improved reliability and durability

Increased durability, longer service life, and more uptime. The majority of the components are stronger by design, and the material selection has been enhanced, for example, the use of a new steel quality in gears and shafts. Significant investments in production technology deliver the highest levels of precision and quality.

Enhanced service capabilities

With the upgraded type-approved Electronic Vessel Control (EVC), you will benefit from improved service capabilities. Through an onboard service assistant, you are for example provided with information about when it´s time for your next service, in the standard display.

Fuel efficiency

The new common rail fuel injection system features higher pressure and more precise injection. This adds to increased fuel efficiency across all propulsion packages.

Improved maintenance

The new generation offers reduced maintenance thanks to extended service intervals, fewer service items, and smoother maintenance operations.

Comfort

The new common rail fuel injection system adds to lower levels of noise and vibrations. Thanks to silent shift and Low-Speed Mode, the new DPI drive contributes to an even better working environment.

Maneuvering and performance

The new generation offers up to 10% increase in power across the range. Also, the new DPI drive improves maneuvering and enables Dynamic Positioning System – a function that lets you keep your vessels position without drifting, despite winds and currents.

Featured Benefits for Designers and Yards

Ease of installation

Each propulsion system comes as one complete package. The installation dimensions are mainly the same as the previous generation. For the DPI drive, electronic steering is standard, allowing for a quick and easy installation without any hard routing of hydraulic pipes. All specifications are available in 12 or 24V.

Simplified and flexible software

The upgraded Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) simplifies the procedure to add on optional features, offering more flexibility in the building process. Also, the software is now uploaded from one connection point, regardless of the number of drivelines.

Wide range of applications

Choose from a wide range of power and propulsion options from 150–480 hp, to fit a variety of applications and customer needs. The new generation is packed with new features – from helm to propeller.

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