Volvo Penta says due to the great success of models introduced in recent years, it has been able to invest more than ever in its product development and is now following up its record large launches of last year with several new products.

D9-500 and D9-575 Volvo says its new 9-litre marine diesel engine offers very high performance characteristics combined with low exhaust and noise emissions as well as very low vibrations resulting in a high degree of onboard comfort.

The in-line 6-cylinder diesel with a cylinder volume of 9.4 litres has a great deal in common with the larger D12, which is market leading in its segment. Available in two power alternatives, 500 and 575hp, the Volvo Penta D9 offers an alternative for flybridge boats, sportcruisers and sportfishers of about 40' to as much as 50'. They say due to its compact format, the D9 does not occupy much more space than the Volvo Penta TAMD75, but it offers almost 100hp more and 30% greater cylinder volume.

New in the D6 family The D6-310 was launched last year for inboard installations with a Duoprop drive and a series of new power versions is now being launched.

Volvo says the differences between the engines lie in the performance components. The engine control system has been reprogrammed, the turbo has been optimised and the high power engines with Duoprop drives also have a mechanical compressor. All versions are in-line 6-cylinder units with 5.5 litre cylinder volume and the very latest technology, such as common rail fuel injection and fourvalve technology - all electronically controlled and monitored by the EVC system.

The D6-370 has 370hp and is designed for inboard installations only, while the D6-350 DP, with its 350hp, is what Volvo claims to be the world's most powerful diesel engine with sterndrive to date.

The turbo charge is supplemented by a mechanical compressor that gives high charge pressure directly from low rpm for maximal torque.

According to Volvo Penta, when combined with the DP drive launched last year it results in very high acceleration potential.

The D6-350 DPR is the same engine as the D6-350, but with the DPR drive that was developed especially for speeds of 47 - 60 knots. The D6-350 DPR combines performance and excellent high speed characteristics with low fuel consumption, reliability and safe driving.

The D6-280, with its 280hp, is a highly modern alternative for customers who want a 6-cylinder marine diesel but not the high power output generated by the other D6 models. It is available both for inboard installation and with Duoprop.

D4-260 VP is launching a new version of the four-cylinder D4 marine diesel engine introduced last autumn. Its 260hp makes the new D4-260 the highest-power 4-cylinder diesel engine on the market, says the company. Its compact dimensions also offer the possibility of installing high power in confined engine spaces. The engine is available for inboard installation or with Duoprop drive.

D3-160 with Duoprop The Volvo Penta D3 was launched last year as the "sport diesel." An ultra-modern, highperformance marine diesel with Aquamatic drive and exceptionally low weight, it's a combination that has made it a success for sport boats.

Volvo Penta is now launching the D3-160 engine with Duoprop drive, which gives further improved performance and makes it suitable for double installation in sports cruisers up to approximately 30 feet.

QL Boat Trim System The QL Boat Trim System is an entirely new solution, for which a patent application has been submitted, for adjusting the boat's trim angle in the water. Briefly, the new system consists of a vertical blade - an interceptor - mounted on the transom, that can be moved vertically down into the water stream.

When the interceptor blade is thrust down into the water stream, it creates a force that lifts the stern of the boat and thus impacts the trim angle of the boat.

Its performance characteristics are at least as good as with conventional trim tabs and it has the added advantages of faster response, less drag, simpler installation and a minimised service requirement.

QL Compact Bow Thruster The CT600 is a whole new type of bow thruster with two essential advantages. Direct driven belt drive operation instead of the traditional cog gears results in quiet operation and simplified installation, while the horizontal position of the electrical motor makes the installation very compact. The CT600 is dimensioned for boats of 27' to 39'.