Two new Volvo Penta IPS pod drives

Upgraded D11 engines for new IPS800 and IPS950... "the driving joy is total"

Volvo Penta's IPS pod-drive system has been expanded with the new generation of proven D11 engine. The two new resulting pod-drives give power levels up to the equivalent of 950hp, higher torque, better drivability and significantly lower noise levels and emissions that their predecessors, claims the Swedish engine maker.

The new IPS800 and IPS950 are highly fuel-efficient power package. With steerable drive units and forward-facing Duoprops, the IPS system provides about 30 per cent lower fuel consumption and 20 per cent higher top speed compared with traditional shaft installations, claims Volvo Penta.

The IPS program with the D11 engine sees increases from the existing 600 and 700hp variants to 625 and 725hp outputs with unique high-torque characteristics.

"The mechanical compressor increases the charging pressure directly from low revs and now creates an even-more-powerful low-speed torque. Together with the double forward-facing and counter-rotating propellers you get an extremely good grip in the water," explains Thomas Lantz, Chief Product Manager at Volvo Penta.

"The drive packages are more responsive to commands and, together with the joystick control, the result is significantly improved manoeuvrability in port environments.

"We also improve our twin-entry turbo where each exhaust pulse is now maximised to provide charging pressure at high revs. This results in increased top speed and better acceleration,” Lantz adds.

The IPS800 and IPS950 are said to be perfectly matched drive packages that will become the natural choice for 40- to 60-feet flybridge yachts and sports cruisers.

"Based on the D11, the new IPS models deliver tremendous power and strength throughout the rev range, and you will be amazed at how manoeuvrable these boats are.

"The drivability is great at both high and low speeds and the driving joy is total," Lantz says.

IMPROVED COMFORT

With the new IPS models, the onboard comfort has improved significantly, according to Volvo Penta.

"Thanks to a new and more efficient silencer, a new turbocharger and an air filter with improved insulation, the sound levels have been reduced by 2dB, which is a clearly noticeable difference.

"At the same time, the robust engine design contributes to minimising the on-board vibrations," says Lantz.

LOWER EMISSIONS

The emission levels for Volvo Penta IPS is already about 30 per cent lower compared with traditional shaft installations (using traditional diesel engines), but with the IPS800 and IPS950 further improvements are apparently achieved.

"With advanced technology we manage to create an optimised air-and-fuel pressure ratio, which gives very efficient combustion. And with increased intercooling, we acquire more engine power altogether," says Lantz.

Thanks to the efficient combustion, the new IPS models comply with the stringent U.S. EPA Tier 3, which comes into force in 2014. The particulate emissions will then be 40 per cent lower compared with today’s levels.

UPGRADED CONSTRUCTION

The IPS800 and IPS950 will be characterised by Volvo Penta’s focus on safety, reliability and service life.

"We have, among other things, developed a strong and robust engine block and a new cylinder head with improved cooling, which gives the engine a more even service temperature. The result is a very reliable engine with a long life," Lantz continues.

The engines use the latest generation of Volvo Penta’s electronic platform, the EVC (Electronic Vessel Control). The latest generation of EVC enables an additional number of features for increased security and control, and improved functionality.

EASE OF INSTALLATION

Volvo Penta IPS is a unique and flexible system and is available for double, triple and quadruple installations. The wide IPS program with several different drive packages enables the boat owner and boat builder to find the optimal drive system for different types of boats from 35 to 100 feet.

The new D11 series that the new IPS models are based on has the same installation dimensions as before, which is also beneficial to the boat builder. All fuel and oil filters, oil dipstick and oil filler are gathered in back of the engine where they are easily accessible for servicing.

The IPS installation is delivered in a complete package from Volvo Penta. Compared with a setup with shafts, the installation time has been reduced by more than 50 per cent, claims Volvo Penta.

Technical data

IPS950*

Crankshaft output: 725hp (533 kW) at 2500rpm

Max torque: 2440 Nm at 1300–1900rpm

Configuration: In-line, six-cylinder diesel with electronically controlled unit injectors, twin-entry-turbo, mechanical compressor and intercooler

Cylinder volume: 10.84 litre

Emissions: EU RCD and US EPA Tier 3

IPS800*

Crankshaft output: 625hp (460 kW) at 2400rpm

Max torque: 2200 Nm at 1100–1900rpm

Configuration: In-line, 6-cylinder diesel with electronically controlled unit injectors, twin-entry-turbo, mechanical compressor and intercooler

Cylinder volume: 10.84 litre

Emissions: EU RCD and US EPA Tier 3

*The IPS designation corresponds to the crankshaft power (hp) required from a corresponding setup with shaft.

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Two new Volvo Penta IPS pod drives

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