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NEWS
Supercharged 650hp CAT C8.7
New Caterpillar C8.7 with supercharged torque. Video addedCaterpillar Marine is debuting its exciting new straight-six C8.7 supercharged diesel engine and “taking orders” at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show for distribution through its global dealer network.
The electronically-controlled C8.7 is capable of delivering an impressive 650mhp @ 2300rpm while meeting EPA Tier 3, IMO 2, EU Stage IIIA and RCD emissions requirements. (The Volvo Penta uses a 10.8L D11 block for 670hp).
In addition to internal validation activities, the C8.7 recently completed field testing on three sportfish yachts ranging from 48 to 55 feet, accumulating over 7500 hours, Cat says, after a protracted release for this long-awaited engine spanning almost three years.
“We’ve been incredibly pleased with the C8.7’s performance in the water during its comprehensive field testing,” Bruce Strupp, Caterpillar Marine Propulsion Solutions Manager noted.
“Our customers have been asking for a high-performing compact-engine platform and the C8.7 exceeds expectations, notably in regards to its low-end and maximum torque capabilities,” added Strupp.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
?The new C8.7 employs “a sophisticated fuel-delivery system” that allows the use of a radial, belt-driven supercharger in addition to a conventional turbocharger. Cat says this feature eliminates smoke and reduces lugging, while delivering phenomenal low-end torque and impressive fuel economy. Shotgun starts should be exciting!
Once the supercharger is no longer needed, as the turbo takes over the boost function, an electromagnetic clutch disengages the supercharger to avoid becoming a parasitic load and allows the turbo to provide the maximum permissible boost pressure. This renders the new engine impervious to turbocharger lag and allows rapid transient response throughout the engine’s operating range, Cat says.
Maintenance and operation of the C8.7 is said to be simple thanks to left- and right-hand service options and an electric fuel-priming pump to minimise both downtime and effort. We have it on good authority the engine is actually a FIAT with Caterpillar engineering mods.
SHAFT OR THREE60 POD?
Along with traditional shaftline installations, the C8.7 is also designed to be integrated with the Cat Three60 Pod 650, designed to assist docking and slow-speed manoeuvring for diesel-powered yachts.
Available in Spring 2015, the Three60 Pod 650 is specifically designed to be remarkably easy for customers to learn, with easy ‘push, twist and go’ manoeuvring, Cat says. The C8.7 can also be used with Caterpillar’s Three60 Precision Control manoeuvring system.
AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH?
A Cat C8.7 marine propulsion engine with the new Cat Three60 Pod 650 will be on display at the 2014 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Australian boaters can expect one of the first of the new engines in the world to arrive here next year, says importers Energy Power Systems.
We hear Riviera is a likely early customer for the new supercharged Cat 8.7 engine with the Three60 pod. We also hear that a 12.9L big brother producing 1000hp will be released next year. Meantime, here's a little boat-show video of the new C8.7 from the year...
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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