An exciting milestone has been reached by Volvo Penta as it launches a new 1000hp 13-liter engine. Owners of large yachts will be able to benefit from its exceptional qualities, for better performance and a world-class experience on the water.
The new D13-1000 sees Volvo Penta move into the 1000hp marine leisure engine market for the first time, and provides higher performance, greater durability and more comfort than ever before. The inboard engine and its equivalent from Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS) range – the D13-IPS1350 – have been designed for the benefit of customers operating yachts of up to 120ft.
“This is hugely exciting for us to create our most powerful engine yet,” says Johan Wästeräng, vice president for product management in the marine leisure segment at Volvo Penta. “It’s truly a landmark product for our marine range, and really gives us a bigger step into the large yacht market. We’ve spent a long time talking to customers about what they want, and refining our engine and IPS designs, so that we can offer unique experiences with exceptional products that are ideal for world-class vessels.”
Taking performance to the next level
As a mark of its commitment to the marine leisure industry, Volvo Penta has carried out a major redesign of the 13-liter engine model and drivetrain in order to offer an outstanding new product. High-end yacht customers will be able to reap the benefits, as features such as new pistons, highly efficient injectors and improved cooling systems, combine to produce 11 per cent more power than on previous engines. The optimized power-to-weight ratio and excellent low-end torque of the D13-1000 provide incredible power on demand. With this new engine, Volvo Penta is giving premium boat owners the possibility to go further and faster than ever before.
“The engineering excellence and attention to detail of our design teams mean that we’ve created an engine with superior performance, comfort and reliability – taking it to the next level,” says Wästeräng. “Our aim is to help yacht owners realize their dreams and enjoy great adventures, whether that means having fun at high speeds or simply relaxing on board for longer before refueling. It’s all part of our easy boating philosophy.”
Ultimate choice for large yachts
Volvo Penta’s D13-IPS1350 is an integrated package that matches the new D13 engine with an upgraded IPS pod drive. It is named D13-IPS1350 as the 1000hp engine provides the equivalent power of a 1350hp engine when matched to the IPS drive. As a complete package, the new IPS has all the traditional benefits of the system in providing a seamless link from helm to propellers, with superior grip in the water. When compared to a traditional inboard shaft engine installation, Volvo Penta IPS provides a longer cruising range, higher top speed, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, reduced vibration, and lower onboard noise levels. The configuration also allows for more space on board.
Upgrades to the IPS pod drive have been made to match the new engine. The D13-IPS1350 package is available in twin, triple or quadruple installation; the latter of these provides power to the equivalent of 5400hp. Improved features on the new IPS drive can also be fitted on existing IPS units.
“The IPS drive has been upgraded so that it can handle the extra performance from the new D13 engine,” says Björn Rönnvall, product manager for the marine leisure segment at Volvo Penta. “We have found that there is a demand for greater durability with bigger yachts as the captain has to cruise to wherever the owner wants it to be, so the usage is higher. Increased low-end torque gives the vessel greater maneuverability at low speeds, and with the compact configuration this means there is more room on board for the luxuries that high end yacht owners want. IPS gives versatility and more freedom of design and performance – it really is the ultimate choice for large yachts.”
Longer cruising range for more leisure time
The D13-IPS1350 has been field tested in a 68ft yacht and its data compared to a 1360hp traditional inboard engine from a Volvo Penta competitor. Volvo Penta’s unit was lighter with better displacement, used 36 per cent less fuel, had faster acceleration and a higher top speed, and lower noise and vibration.
“With 36 per cent better fuel economy this means that our IPS package has a much greater cruising range than a typical inboard engine,” says Rönnvall. “To put that into context, customers would be able to cruise from Cannes to the Balearic Islands without having to refuel in Spain, or from Miami to the Bahamas and back again on one tank of fuel. We’re working with more boatbuilders and are gaining a greater foothold in the large yacht market, so we see an opportunity for even more possibilities for customers in future.”
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