New Volvo Penta IPS700 and IPS800: World Launch!

Extending its impressive commitment to the marine industry worldwide, Swedish engine giant Volvo Penta has just released two new Inboard Propulsion System (IPS) models to complement its existing line-up. The new IPS800 produces 600hp at 3000rpm, while the IPS700 delivers 550hp at 2900rpm.

Both IPS models are based on a new-for-marine 7.7lt D8 engine that has undergone extensive on-road use in Volvo trucks and buses since 2013. The in-line six-cylinder engine with supercharging and turbocharging is assembled in Lyon, France.

The two D8 models add to the range of IPS using the D4, D6, D11 and D13 engines with outputs from 300-900hp. After introducing its first pod drive in 2005, there are now more than 1100 boat models with IPS, 550 global boat builders have used the drive system, and in excess of 20,000 units have been delivered worldwide.

Of course, there has been a lot of trial and error since that first IPS-600 was launched to the public in 2005. That IPS600 has now evolved from an A to an F version. With extensive data in hand and more than a decade of on-water use, Volvo Penta’s IPS has now proven itself. As if to prove that point, we're told IPS is being adopted by more and more commercial marine operations.

In Gothenberg for the Volvo Penta Press Launch 2016, we were the first folk to test drive the new IPS800 (600hp) using the new D8 engine with the IPS15 drive. We also experienced a host of other new products that are now on their way to global leisure boating markets. Look for these reports on our sites.

But the really big news was to be back in Australia where the new
IPS800 and D8 engine was making its world debut on Riviera's new 4800 Sport Yacht, which was to be premiering at the 2016 Sydney International Boat Show.

There was a lot of excitement about this first installation on a production boat and right so. Meantime, the impressive noise reduction achieved by these new IPS deserves your ear.

"The difference in noise level is one of the first things you notice," says Fredrik Celander, Product Management for Marine Leisure, Volvo Penta. "Along with the smoothness of the engine, it makes for a far more pleasant boating experience."

At Volvo Penta’s waterfront diesel-engine test centre at Krossholmen just outside Gothenburg, Johan Wästeräng, VP Product Management for Marine Leisure for Volvo Penta, explained that the engine-maker has achieved a noise reduction of 3dba through the rigid structure of the common-rail D8 engine, its rubber mounts and other sound dampening measures.

According to our subsequent on-water test drives and learned ear, the new D8 engine and IPS are just beautifully smooth and quiet. Volvo Penta says a sound reduction of 3dBa is akin to switching off one engine when you are cruising. It does sound that way.

On the open-backed Atlantis Sport Yacht, we carved a path through the Swedish archipelago at 20-30 knots while easily carry on a conversation with a boatload of marine hacks.

The agreeably low noise is such a feature, especially on a sport yacht with internal lower-helm and social seating, that it ought to shape boat-purchasing decisions. We are very excited to bring you this news about less noise.

ON WATER DRIVES
Designed for boats in the 45-55 foot class, the IPS700 and IPS800 are supercharged and turbocharged. They are described as strong engines with snappy acceleration thanks to their impressive power-to-weight and torque as we saw in the relevant curves.

Naturally, the host D8 engine exceeds Tier 3 (US) and RCD Stage II European emissions standards. Coupled with the IPS drives, the D8 is designed for double and triple engine installations in 45-55 footers operating in the 20-40 knot range.

Idle to 20 knots on the Absolute 56 took 9.5 seconds, with consumption around 6.8-7.0lt/nm at 24-26 knots cruise, and a top speed of 35 knots.

The Atlantis 55 had a 34.2-knot top speed, used 6.1lt/nm at 25 knots cruise, and zoomed from 0-20 knots in just 7.4 seconds.

Volvo Penta rolled out its IPS marketing line about: a 30 per cent reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions, 20 per cent higher top speed, 30 per cent longer cruising range and 15 per cent faster acceleration compared to traditional shaft-driven engine installations on the same boat.

Irrespective of the numbers, as we drove it, you could feel the responsiveness, the smooth and quiet operation, and enjoy the added integration and driving pleasure from all the supporting Volvo Penta systems.

NEW POD FAMILY
Volvo Penta has renumbered its IPS line-up to accommodate the all-new, more compact pod drive attached to the D8 engine. The new pod falls mid-water between the smallest IPS 1 and larger 2 drive and will henceforth be known as the IPS 15 (a play on 1.5).

The IPS pod range will now start with the IPS 10 on the D6 (formerly IPS 1), this IPS 15 on the new 550-600hp D8, the IPS 20 (nee 2) on the D11, and the IPS 30 (3) on the D13. This is just a coding thing, but it also opens the door for more pods of different and intermediate sizes in future.

Additionally, with the new IPS 15 pod for the D8 you get azimuth angles up to 34 degrees, the furthest of any pod drive in the range. The full articulating 34 degree range is only available up to 1000rpm, whereupon the low-speed steering is impressive from the wheel or joystick. The presentation claimed you could back this boat into its berth quite easily off the wheel alone.

The IPS700 and IPS800 also feature enhanced integration using the Glass Screen system with features like Dynamic Position System (GPS station holding), Joystick docking and driving at speed, a new e-Key start system, Interceptor tabs (from the recent acquisition of Humphree) for Auto Trim function, and an all-new battery management system. More on this new kit at our sites.

Meantime, the IPS700-800 holds the mantle of the latest, most refined and market-applicable IPS in the range, especially as 45-55ft boats are go. But there's something else you might hear or, rather, not. This is the quietest IPS in the range by an audible margin.

5 Key Points of the new IPS700-800
1. Based on new supercharged and turbocharged, super quiet and impressively powerful common-rail D8 engine
2. New compact high efficiency IPS drive
3. Designed for twin and triple installations on 45-55 footers doing from 20-40 knots
4. IPS has been on the market for more than a decade
5. IPS accounts for 1100 boat models, 550 boat builders, more than 20,000 units delivered

Specifications: Volvo Penta IPS700-800
Engine: D8 7.7lt
Configuration: turbo- and supercharged inline six cylinder
Crankshaft Power: 600hp @3000rpm
Propshaft Power: 570hp @ 3000rpm
Aspiration: Twin entry turbo and compressor
Emission Compliance: EPA Tier 3 and RCD Stage II
Dry Weight: 1410kg
Voltage: 24V
IPS drive: IPS 15 in twin or triple engine installations
Operating Speed Range: 20-40 knots in 45-55 footers
More from Volvo Penta Australia.