Volvo Penta reveals more powerful D4, D6 sterndrive engines that slash running costs

Comprising a 3.7-litre D4 offering between 150hp and 320hp, and the and the 5.5-litre D6 with up to 480hp on tap, Volvo Penta said “almost every aspect of the fully integrated system has been upgraded, from helm-to-prop”.

“The enhancements include re-engineering of the engines, delivering more power and torque and ensuring the highest levels of reliability,” it said.

“They are perfectly matched with an upgraded IPS pod and the new DPI Aquamatic sterndrive, which bring increased comfort and maneuverability, as well as more straightforward servicing and maintenance.”

Power increases by 10 per cent across the range, while the engines are up to 7.0 per cent more fuel-efficient on the European test cycle. Operating costs are slashed by up to a third.

Few other performance details were released.

The new engines will become Volvo Penta’s “most technically advanced packages”. Volvo Penta Australia has flagged the engines will feature at the upcoming Sydney International Boat Show, which runs from August 1-5.

“The list of upgrades is long, including a new engine management system, new fuel injection system, new turbocharger and a new supercharger,” Volvo Penta said.

“The cylinder head, pistons and valves are new, to cope with the increased performance, and the crankshaft is also now stronger to handle the bigger loads.”

The marine engine maker said the engines would rip into maintenance costs, with longer service intervals and fewer service items.

The biggest changes, though, come for the dual-prop drive system, which gains a new hydraulic clutch to help with “silent and smooth” shifting. It also slips at low speed, which helps with low-speed manouverability – think joystick controls while docking.

However, the DPI driveline will now come with what Volvo Penta calls its Dynamic Positioning System, which will automatically maintain a boat’s heading and position in strong currents or windy conditions. The inboard version of DPS is also available for Volvo Penta's shaftdrive and water-jet transmissions.

The new D2 and D6 engines also introduce a new generation of Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control System, known as EVC2.

“The first major upgrade since the system was launched in 2003, the EVC2 connects and manages the internal communications between the engine and levers and display screens,” It said.

“With an all-new operating system, the EVC2 is now more independent of the engine than before and will act as the primary enabler for the future of boat building, including remote diagnostics and connectivity.”

According to Volvo Penta, the increased ability to integrate EVC2 with the boat will give boat-builders more flexibility in terms of boat design.

Part of the EVC2 makeover is providing a single point of connection with the boat’s electronics to download software and on-board diagnostics, along with an onboard assistant that can relay maintenance information in real time.

The system’s control levers and joystick also gain a satin grey makeover replacing the matte black.

“While the EVC2.0 gives substantial benefits immediately, the future possibilities it offers are just as exciting,” Volvo Penta said.

“It will form the foundation for connecting all future features in a boat and allow new services to be uploaded anywhere in the world – when automated connected and electric features become available.”

More than 100,000 Volvo Penta D4 and D6 marine propulsion packages have been built since their launch in the mid-2000s.