(CHESAPEAKE, VA) January 22, 2010— In 2005, Volvo Penta revolutionized the marine market with its introduction of IPS and created a completely new marine segment, so-called pod installations. With forward-facing and efficient propellers, the IPS system is the undisputed market leader in pod installations, largely replacing traditional shaft installations. Now, five years after its launch, almost 5,000 boats on the market are powered by more than 10,000 IPS propulsion units.
The IPS program is now being expanded further. With new and larger drive units coupled to its 13 liter engine, Volvo Penta is launching two new power classes, IPS 1050 and IPS 1200, at the Miami International Boat Show. These big new power plants join Volvo Penta’s original 4 and 6-liter IPS 400, IPS 500 and IPS 600 models and last year’s introduction of IPS 800 and 900 with an 11-liter engine.
The IPS 1050 and IPS1200 work with the Volvo Group’s clean and efficient 13-liter engines to power even bigger yachts. The two new IPS propulsion packages generate the equivalent of 1,050 and 1,200 horsepower, respectively, compared with conventional inboard installations. This means that Volvo Penta can now offer the IPS system for boats up to 110+ feet.
More powerful drive units
Larger engines with higher power output and higher torque impose large demands on the propulsion units. With this in mind, Volvo Penta has developed a larger and even more powerful IPS propulsion unit as well as a completely new series of propellers perfectly matched for the IPS1050 and IPS1200.
The larger propulsion unit has all the advantages and features that made the original IPS system so successful.
Cleaner and quieter
Higher efficiency gives the IPS1050 and IPS1200 better performance with lower fuel consumption and lower total emissions. In addition, car like maneuvering with minimal sound and vibrations make IPS powered boats significantly more comfortable when compared with boats fitted with a straight shaft.
Volvo Penta covers a speed range, from 28 to 42 knots with IPS propeller packages specifically matched for IPS 1, 2, and 3. This translates into significant advantages for both boat builders and end customers.
13-liter engine
The engine for the new power classes is Volvo Penta’s D13, a powerful 13-liter engine equipped with dual-stage turbo technology. The first stage is a twin-entry turbo that enables pulse charging – the power in each exhaust pulse is used to provide pulse pressure – which results in very high torque from low rpm. At higher rpm, a second turbo kicks in so that the engine retains its power even at high rpm.
EMS 2, the new engine control system developed by Volvo Penta, regulates fuel injection up to 100 times per second. The system controls the unit injectors, one per cylinder, which operate at a pressure of as much as 2000 bar and atomizes the fuel for optimum combustion.
Total emissions satisfy by a wide margin the EU RCD and US EPA Tier 2 regulations and are also in line with the very stringent EPA Tier 3 regulations that will come into force in 2012.
Yachts from 31 to 100 feet and more
The IPS system is offered as a double, triple or quad engine installation. This means that the IPS system powers boats from 31 feet to more than 100 feet.
There is no difference for the driver whether the boat is powered by two, three or four IPS systems. Acceleration and shifting occur in the same way with twin single lever controls. No additional controls are needed.
The IPS units are compact, which means that completely new and bold interior design solutions for the boats are possible with previously unavailable onboard space. Additionally, installation time for boat builders is substantially reduced.
The new IPS1050 and IPS1200 will be available for North American OEMs beginning in summer 2010.
For additional information, please call Susan Calloway at Volvo Penta of the Americas. Phone: 757-436-5173; E-mail: susan.lee@volvo.com