Volvo Penta has unveiled its new family of next-generation 5.3L V8 gasoline engines for the marine sterndrive market in a press preview at the company’s Test Center in Suffolk, Va.
“Volvo Penta has a rich history of innovation in marine propulsion, and with these next-generation V8s, we are establishing a new industry benchmark for acceleration, speed, weight-to-power ratio, fuel economy, emissions reduction and proven reliability,” said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas.
Volvo Penta’s new marine engines are based on General Motors’ highly acclaimed Gen V platform. These next-generation engines introduce the most powerful combination of technical features never before offered in a marine V8 gas engine:
- Industry-first direct fuel injection which contributes to better low-end torque and unmatched fuel efficiency
- Lightweight all-aluminum block for unparalleled power-to-weight ratio
- Standard closed cooling for more consistent internal temperature, longer life with no internal parts exposed to raw or salt water
- Industry-first wideband oxygen sensors optimizing the engine for varying fuel quality and also reducing carbon monoxide emissions by 95 percent
- Variable Valve Timing which optimizes torque throughout the full acceleration range
- Standardization across full product line of marine gas engines with common parts and service points to reduce the number of parts dealers need to carry and simplify service and maintenance
“In addition to these innovations, we have incorporated our tried-and-true RPM-based speed control, which automatically maintains speed when the boat is in a tight turn,” added Huibers. “Volvo Penta was the first to pioneer RPM-based speed control back in 2008, and standardized it across our sterndrives in 2010.”
“Volvo Penta was the first to introduce automotive-based gas and diesel sterndrive engines into the marine industry to give improved technology, performance, reliability and competitive cost. That strategy going back over 100 years has an undisputed proven track record. Simply, it enables us to offer the boating industry technology that would otherwise be cost prohibitive. As new-technology automotive engines continue to increase the power density, customers can get increased performance for less cost. With over 1.3 million Gen V engines in operation, customers are getting proven quality, reliability and long life. This gives unprecedented economy of scale and enables us to introduce new technologies that have never before been available in the marine industry at an affordable price.”
The new 5.3L V8s were developed with input from and further tested by select boatbuilders. Duane Kuck, president and CEO of Regal Marine, reported: “You have really hit the mark with this! From our view, what you’ve invested in this advanced technology has more than paid off in performance. You’ve gone back to the drawing board and given us what we asked for – a leading edge power package that will enhance our product as a manufacturer and raise the consumer experience to a new level of exhilaration and fun out on the water.”
The new V8 engines will make their formal industry debut at IBEX 2015, joining Volvo Penta’s lineup of 4.3L Gen V engines offered in the 200, 240 and 280 horsepower range. They are all backed by Volvo Penta’s industry-leading warranty and customer support. For more information visit http://www.volvopenta.com