Volvo Penta is known for its innovative boating products. Back in 1959, the company invented the sterndrive and in the following 56 years also introduced innovations such as the pod-like Inboard Performance System (IPS) and, more recently, its Forward Drive sterndrive.
In August the company upped the innovation ante by introducing a new line of gasoline V8 power plants packed with advanced features that change the very nature of what folks expect from an inboard engine. Just like Volvo Penta’s existing V6 inboard models, the new 300- and 350-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engines are based on the General Motors Gen V platform. Among the advances are direct fuel injection (a first in gasoline inboard engines), variable valve timing and all-aluminum blocks (the only gasoline inboards with them on the market). These new engines are 10 percent more fuel efficient, as much as 31 percent quicker from zero to 30 mph, and far quieter than the models they replace.
The new engines are already in production. They can be paired with Volvo Penta’s conventional sterndrive system, or its new Forward Drive, which features forward-facing Duoprops tucked under the stern. There’s more on the way, too. Look for higher horsepower versions of these V8 gasoline inboards at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2016.
For more information, visit volvopenta.com. — Gary Reich
Photo by Gary Reich
