New Volvo Penta D8 engine: World Launch

Based on a proven truck engine that's been hauling loads
around Europe since 2013, the new Volvo Penta D8 for marine applications comes with
either IPS pod drives or shaft drive.

The compact engine is an in-line six-cylinder configuration with 7.7lt
displacement or swept volume that produces an impressive 550hp at 2900rpm and 600hp at 3000rpm
respectively.

POD OR SHAFT
With the IPS 15 pod drive, the D8 creates the new IPS700 (550hp) and IPS800 (600hp) we just reviewed in Sweden at the Volvo Penta Press Launch 2016. The compact engine is also designed for traditional shaft drive and vee drive.

The D8 is supercharged and turbocharged with a wastegate in
IPS pod-drive pairing. This way, the D8 said to be well suited to twin and triple installations
in 45-55 footers. There are nine prop sets available.

But with a shaft drive line, Volvo Penta drops the supercharger because, it says, there’s no advantage due to shaft
angles and cavitation.

LOAD CARRYING
Slotting between the existing 330-435hp D6 and 625-725hp D11
in the diesel inboard range,  the new 550-600hp D8 is a very handy sized engine with a high
power-to-eight ratio of about 0.7, which is among the best in Volvo Penta's inboard family.

This is also a high torque performer with a curve that shows a wide high-end load carrying capacity. At high RPM, the full-throttle
torque ensures efficient cruising speed in all conditions, Volvo Penta says. In other words, your boat shouldn't fall off its peak in rough conditions and at high load.

Volvo Penta says its common-rail D8 with IPS is 30 per
cent more fuel efficient than shaft, has 20 per cent greater top speed due to
the supercharger and ability to swing bigger props from whoa to go, with 15 per
cent greater acceleration from the power to weight, and increased low-speed manoeuvrability due to the wide 34 degree articulating
IPS pod.

In shaft drive, Volvo Penta scales the advantages back considerably to 2-5 per cent better fuel consumption than similar capacity engines on the market.

LOW NOISE
But to our ear, well, the low-noise and smooth operation of the common-rail engine
is just amazing, with Volvo Penta putting a figure of 50 per cent on the noise and
vibration reduction.

The noise and vibration reduction comes about through the common-rail, the rigid engine construction, rubber mounts, and a sound-dampening structure compared with old tech.

Putting this achievement another way, Anna Pettersson from New Product Packages at Volvo Penta said the -3dba sound
reduction is akin to switching off one of your boat’s twin engines while cruising

The very smooth background purr
during on-water testing was such a
highlight that I observed our gaggle of journalists talking freely without yelling in the cockpit of an open-backed Absolute 55 with D8 and IPS without even raising their voice. And the conversation was even captured clearly on the iPhone. No, they weren't talking about me.

But boat builders would be right to promote this big feature of the new D8 Volvo engine. With their sound proving, this is going to be a class-leading low dBa engine installation just perfect for sport yachts with lower helm stations.

GREEN CREDENTIALS
The new D8 exceeds
EPA Tier 3 (US) and RCD Stage II emissions regulations.

Tested on a Cranchi Atlantique 48, the D8 attained a top speed of 32.9 knots at 3000rpm, cruised at 22.7 knots at 2300rpm for 5.4lt/nm, and accelerated from 0-20kts in 9.4 seconds, according to supplied data.

Engine life is said to be the lifetime of the boat. The engine block is made in
India and the D8 is assembled in Lyon, France.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS
The D8 with IPS or Inboard shaft is available with a number
of options including Volvo Penta’s Interceptor (trim tab) System, which can handle all
trim adjustments at the push of a button; and Volvo Penta’s Glass Cockpit
System, which is the must-have fully integrated control and monitoring system.

"Our driving philosophy, and aspiration in everything we do,
is ‘easy boating’," says Stefan Carlsson, head of Volvo Penta’s Marine Diesel
segment.

"The new D8 power systems are no exception and extend the benefits of
‘easy boating’ to an even broader range of boats."

Engine Specifications: Volvo Penta D8
Engine: Volvo Penta D8
Horsepower: 550-600hp
Configuration: In-line six-cylinder common-rail with turbocharging and, with IPS, supercharging
Displacement: 7.7lt
Configuration: turbo- and supercharged inline six cylinder
Crankshaft Power: 600hp @3000rpm
Propshaft Power: 570hp @ 2900rpm
Aspiration: Twin-entry turbo and compressor
IPS drive: IPS 15 in twin or triple engine installations
Emission Compliance: EPA Tier 3 and RCD Stage II
Dry Weight: 1410kg
Voltage: 24V
Operating Speed Range: 20-40 knots in 45-55 footers
More from Volvo Penta Australia.