Volvo Penta Unveils Multiple New Products

Engine manufacturer Volvo Penta unveiled a range of new products last week including a new D8 diesel engine for both shaft and IPS drives, joystick docking for inboard shaft engines, and a new keyless entry system that allows automotive-like remote unlocking and starting of a vessel at the push of a button on a key fob.

D8 Diesel

Volvo Penta’s new D8 engine, available for both IPS and inboard shaft applications, meets growing demand for an engine in the 500 to 600 horsepower range.

As expected the new V8 utilizes a number of new technologies, including a new common rail technology for quiet, vibration-free operation. “The difference in noise level is one of the first things you notice,” says Fredrik Celander, Volvo Penta’s product management for marine leisure. “Along with the smoothness of the engine, it makes for a far more pleasant boating experience.”

New joystick control for boats with shaft drives will allow easier operation in tight areas.

Expanded Joystick Docking Options

While it has been available with its IPS product line for years, joystick docking control is now also available for Volvo Penta inboards with shaft drives, starting with the new D8.

Introduced in 2006, Volvo Penta’s joystick technology heralded a new era in easy boating, making difficult and complicated maneuvers such as docking simple and straightforward. Now, with Joystick Inboard, the benefits of Volvo Penta’s joystick technology are extended to boats which inboard power linked to traditional shaft drives.

With its ability to provide power to lights and gangways as well as power on the vessel, e-Key offers enhanced safety and convenience.

e-Key Remote

Volvo Penta’s new Battery Management Solution provides boaters with improved power management options. But the real gem in this package is a keyless entry feature called e-Key, which remotely unlocks and starts a boat with a dedicated key fob. With a 100 meter range, the e-Key can also be used to power lights or a retractable gangway.

The e-Key Remote also provides effective theft protection since every e-Key is connected to the vessel with a unique identifier. Only a valid key can be used to operate the system, and a vessel can be paired with up to four e-Keys.