Volvo unveils Forward Drive
Surf's up! An all-new forward-facing sterndrive debuts at the Miami International Boat ShowBilled as a "revolutionary new concept in marine propulsion", the first Volvo Penta Forward Drive (FWD), debuted at the Miami International Boat Show.
Designed for recreational water sports, the Volvo Penta FWD begins with forward-facing dual counter-rotating props with an adjustable-trim drive. This design pulls the boat through the water rather than pushing, with an undisturbed water flow to the propellers. Volvo says the system delivers superior responsiveness, acceleration, fuel economy and versatility, allowing for an array of activities behind the boat, including wakesurfing and wakeboarding.
Drivers will also be able to customise the wake for different ability levels and feel the difference in tighter high-speed turns, as well as more responsive slow-speed manoeuvring and docking. Additionally, the forward-facing DuoProp, with counter-rotating propellers, offers a symmetrical wakeboarding wake and equally-shaped wakesurfing wave on your side of choice.
FWD also reduces noise and vibration, and virtually eliminates annoying fumes on deck since engine exhaust is expelled underwater beneath the boat. The adjustable tilt makes it easy to trim the boat for optimum fuel efficiency and comfort when cruising. When at rest with the drive trimmed down, the forward-facing propellers are inboard of the boat making activities like fishing and swimming more practical astern of the boat.
Volvo says this breakthrough is a result of many years of innovation. "Volvo Penta has a long and proud tradition of innovation in the boating industry," said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas. "Our talented engineers pioneered the first sterndrive, the first DuoProp and the first forward-facing propulsion system, Volvo Penta IPS. Now our team has taken all three of those technologies and combined them into another breakthrough innovation with the launch of our new FWD product line."
The new Volvo Penta FWD and petrol engines are covered by Volvo Penta's industry-leading warranty with five years of factory protection. The Volvo Penta FWD has been tested and developed with several key boatbuilder partners. New boat models featuring FWD will be available this year.
More information will be available at
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