As increasing numbers of people realize the benefits of Volvo Penta IPS, the demand for its installation in additional models is increasing. Volvo Penta is now taking the next step up with higher engine power outputs and new, and larger, drive units. Other IPS-related news includes the first gasoline powered model, an electronic anchor, stand-alone joystick, special function for sport fishing and low-speed mode.
Demand for the Volvo Penta IPS is increasing all the time. The engines in the IPS system have thus far been Volvo Penta’s 4- and 6-litre diesel units with a maximum power output of 435 hp. Now two entirely new power classes are being launched, with larger drive units and larger engines, the IPS750 and IPS850.
“We started receiving requests for more powerful engines from boat builders as soon as we launched the IPS. They immediately realised the benefits of the system and wanted it in their larger models too,” says Lennart Arvidsson, project manager at Volvo Penta.
9- and 11-litre engines
The engine in the IPS750 is the Volvo Penta 9-litre D9 marine diesel, which has been available for inboard shaft installation for three years now has an output of 575 hp. The IPS850 is powered by the all-new 11-litre D11 engine at 670 hp. Both engines share much of their technology, not least the unique twin-entry turbo which permits so-called pulse charging. This is a technology that produces immense torque from low revs. In combination with the larger IPS drive units and the twin forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers, this result in very fast acceleration and immediate response to the driver’s commands.
Entirely new drive units
Larger engines with higher power output and more than twice as much torque impose great demands on the drive units. For the IPS750 and IPS850 Volvo Penta has therefore developed an entirely new and significantly more powerful IPS drive unit, along with a new series of propellers.
The new drive units have all the benefits that made the original IPS system so successful. These benefits are now available for higher power outputs for installation in larger boats and motor yachts.
Underwater unit and propellers have been further refined with the help of highly advanced computer models together with comprehensive testing in a cavitation tunnel. The result is an integrated drive system with very high efficiency. The boat owner gets better performance at the same time as significantly lowered fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Just as with previous drive units, the propeller series is systematic, which means that the boat builder chooses the propeller model according to the IPS model and the boat’s top speed. Easy to choose and equally easy to stock.
High performance, low emissions
In a comprehensive series of tests, the IPS850 has been installed in boats that are normally driven by inboard shafts. In other words, there are directly comparable test statistics that show the gains available with IPS:
Acceleration from standstill is about 20% faster.
Fuel consumption/emissions are about 30% lower at cruising speed.
Top speed is 38,5 knots, an improvement of 18 percent.
The higher efficiency of IPS thus also gives the new IPS850 better performance in combination with lower fuel consumption and – not least – lower total emissions. Moreover, comfort in terms of noise levels and vibration is far better in boats with IPS compared with boats featuring inboard shafts.
V8 gasoline
There is considerable demand for gasoline engines with inboard shafts, primarily in the USA. Volvo Penta is therefore launching a new and superior alternative with gasoline power, the IPS500G. This is an IPS model that is powered by an 8.1-litre V8, producing 375 hp.
“It offers all the advantages of IPS but with gasoline power. Performance is superb, entirely comparable with the diesel-driven IPS500. It’s comfort level is probably the highest we’ve ever tested, noise, smell and vibration levels are minimal. And of course there’s the joystick for easy docking,” says Lennart Arvidsson.
Docking Station, GPS Anchor, Low-Speed Mode and Sport Fish Mode
The range of unique functions linked to Volvo Penta IPS is growing steadily. With the docking station the boat is equipped with an additional control station that has no steering wheel or controls, just a Volvo Penta IPS Joystick. The Docking Station can be installed in a place that gives the driver the best possible view for docking and manoeuvring. A large boat, for instance, may have a joystick on the afterdeck where the driver has a perfect view and can manoeuvre the boat freely. Up to four control stations can be installed on a boat, three of which can be docking stations.
The GPS anchor can be simply described as a handbrake at sea. When the driver activates the function, the EVC system takes over operation of the throttle and gears and control of the drive units. With the help of information from a GPS receiver and an electronic compass, the EVC system can keep the boat steady without it moving or rotating.
Low-speed mode has previously been available for inboard shaft installations. Using the conventional controls, the boat can also be driven at particularly slow speeds, very useful when fishing or when moving slowly in congested spots. Low-speed mode also makes the joystick function even more pleasant to use.
Finally, the sport fish mode has been developed in close cooperation with deep sea fishing professionals in North Carolina in the USA. When the sport fish mode is activated, the propellers are directed outwards to the very maximum. When the driver operates one engine ahead and the other in reverse the rotational force is many times higher than if the propellers were directed to the rear (which they always are with a shaft). This makes it easier for the driver to keep the stern facing a speeding fish, thus increasing the chances of landing it. It’s an entirely unique function that has attracted considerable attention in sport fishing circles.
Volvo Penta Yacht Group
With its new IPS range, Volvo Penta is making a serious entry into the market for motor yachts up to about 80 feet. A market where each and every boat is built entirely to individual customer specifications and where the demands are particularly high. In order to meet these demands, Volvo Penta is setting up a department that will take care of contacts dealing with motor yachts, everything from expertise at the design stage to the content of servicing and maintenance.
TECHNICAL DATA
Designation: IPS750 IPS850
Displacement l (in3): 9.4 (571) 10,8 (660)
Configuration: In-line six marine diesel
Crankshaft output, kW (hp): 423 (575) 493 (670)
Turbo charging: Twin-entry turbo and aftercooler
Speed range: 28 to 40 knots top speed
Pictures:
High resolution
Low resolution
For further information, please contact Ann-Charlotte Emegård, AB Volvo Penta,
phone: +46 (0)31 66 84 18, E-mail:
ann-charlotte.emegard@volvo.com
www.volvopenta.com
