The pace of new products in the 90s matched the same pace set in the 80s. New products are introduced to the market continuously throughout the entire decade, marking Volvo Penta as one of the most important companies in terms of driving innovative thinking and new technologies.
In 1991 Volvo Penta first launched the KAD concept. Combining a mechanical compressor and turbocharger produced both high maximum power and massive torque directly from low revs for impressive acceleration. The first two engines were the KAD42 with Duoprop and the inboard KAMD42. Both were a tremendous success, and the KAD42 quickly became the world’s best selling diesel Aquamatic.
Electronic fuel injection is extended throughout the gasoline program as reflected in the compact 6-liter 63 engine introduced together with the 770 hp, 16-liter TAMD163, Volvo Penta’s most powerful engine.
This year sees the introduction of the patented three-blade folding propeller that combines excellent performance under power with very low resistance when the boat is sailing.
In 1997 the KAD concept is extended to a full series of high performance marine diesels rated from 170 hp (125 kW) to 260 hp (191 kW): the KAD32, KAD43 and the top-of-the-line KAD44 EDC. Combined with the unique Duoprop, the KAD series delivers performance that in many ways excels beyond gasoline engines while representing a brand-new alternative for performance boating
