“The D6-400 has been developed to power larger vessels,” says Björn Säljö at Volvo Penta product planning. “We have a demand from boat builders for diesel sterndrive to power sport cruisers in the 45-foot segment. The new D6-400 DPH will do this perfectly.”
Proud history
Back in 1977, the high performance diesel sterndrive was launched in the form of Volvo Penta’s D40 with single prop drive. A mere 125 hp powered boats such as the Sunseeker 23 DC. The launch of Duoprop and the compressor concept quickly made Volvo Penta the first choice for diesel sport performance.
New and well-proven
The D6-400 engine is based on the proven design of the IPS600 engine. Compared to the current D6-370, the 400-version has supercharging with a larger turbo and a tuned mechanical compressor. The charge air cooler has increased capacity to handle the increased flow, and the cooling system has a new heat exchanger and improved oil cooling. The combustion chamber features modified design, a new valve position and increased capacity injectors. The efficient combustion leads to low overall emissions.
Volvo Penta torque
Getting a 12-ton yacht onto the plane requires torque. This is where the Volvo Penta compressor concept excels by producing charge air – and thereby a massive torque – directly from low rpms. The D6-370 is today unmatched and the new D6-400 is 10 % better. Already at 2000 rpm it reaches its maximum torque of 970 Nm – enough to produce safe and fast acceleration onto the plane for great driving enjoyment.
Matched drive
Another Volvo Penta specialty is to develop engine, drive and propellers as a package, rather than separate components. This is essential to transform the torque and power to acceleration, top speed and driving pleasure. The DPH Duoprop drive was introduced in 2003 as the strongest and most efficient sterndrive ever. To handle the D6-400 while still maintaining a slim and efficient underwater body, Volvo Penta developed new technology.
Super-strong steel
The upper unit comes with a new bearing box with a new roller bearing, a reinforced suspension fork and redesigned gear geometry. The lower unit features gear with geometry developed by Volvo Penta and made from unique super-high tensile steel with efficient lubrication. Lubrication has also been redesigned to ensure that the drive can handle the tremendous forces with high reliability.
Joystick and more
D6-400 DPH is available with a number of smart features to make boating easier:
- Twin installations can have the highly popular joystick docking. The driver can easily maneuver the boat in any direction, using just the joystick. No bow thrusters are needed.
- The Powertrim assistant automatically adjusts drive trim to give the best possible efficiency.
- Cruise control lets the driver fine-tune speed at the touch of a button.
- Single-lever mode operates both engines with just one lever.
- Tow mode for water sport limits engine speed to a preset maximum.
Top-of-the-line
The D6-400 DPH is in every respect top-of-the-line for diesel sterndrive. Here Volvo Penta has utilized its massive resources and experience to develop a dependable, efficient and comfortable package that was unthinkable only ten years ago.
Technical data:
Configuration: In-line six-cylinder diesel with electronically controlled common rail injection, turbo, mechanical compressor and charge air cooler.
Displacement: 5.5 liters.
Crankshaft power: 400 hp/294 kW
Drive: DPH Duoprop
Pictures high resolution
For further information, please contact Ann Charlotte Emegård, phone: +46 (0) 31 323 4219, E-mail: ann-charlotte.emegard@volvo.com
