Volvo Penta’s New 380 hp V-8 Inboard
Chesapeake, Virginia-based Volvo Penta of the Americas has added two new V-8 gasoline engines to its inboard-sterndrive lineup. These are designated the V8-380 and V8-225.
The V8-380 features variable valve timing, optimized for maximum low-end torque and high-end horsepower, and more than 270 pounds of weight savings over comparable V-8s from the company in the past, according to Volvo Penta. With a Volvo Penta DPS Duoprop drive, the V8-380 weighs 1,076 pounds.
“Our dealers had the opportunity to test-drive this engine earlier this year, and feedback has been phenomenal,” said Marcia Kull, vice president of marine sales for Volvo Penta of the Americas. The 380 hp engine uses the same 6.0-liter block as in GM’s current truck line up, and Volvo is calling it the most durable it has ever launched. Advancements such as an aluminum exhaust system as part of the complete freshwater cooling system provide additional durability and protection from corrosion in saltwater fishing boat applications, according to Volvo Penta.
Volvo Penta’s new V8-225 offers the fuel economy of a V-6, but with the torque of V-8, the company claims. “The fuel efficiency of the V8-225 puts this engine in a class by itself,” said Kull. With a 5.7-liter block, the 225 hp engine is the cleanest ever offered by Volvo Penta, comfortably meeting the most stringent five-star voluntary engine emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Volvo Penta was able to achieve such low emissions by equipping this engine family with dual three-way catalytic converters and heated oxygen sensors, and by optimizing the engine calibration. The V8-225 is designed to run with a Volvo Penta single-prop SX drive or the DPS drive. Its fuel economy should make a great candidate in single- or twin-engine installations, helping extend the range of saltwater fishing boats in the 20- to 24-foot range.
Both engines are engineered to operate on 87-octane gasoline with no more than 10 percent ethanol.
Specifications
Volvo Penta V8-380
- Type: V-8 gasoline inboard
- Displacement: 364 cid
- Max RPM: 6,000
- HP/LB Ratio: 0.353
- Gear Ratios: 2.14:1, 1.95:1 (w/ DPS drive)
- Weight: 1,078 lb. (w/ DPS drive)
- Alternator Output: 75 amps
Volvo Penta V8-225
- Type: V-8 gasoline inboard
- Displacement: 350 cid
- Max RPM: 4,800
- HP/LB Ratio: 0.497
- Gear Ratios: 1.95:1, 2.14:1, 2.32:1 (w/ DPS drive); 1.60:1, 1.66:1, 1.79:1, 1.89:1, 1.97:1 (w/ SX drive)
- Weight: 1,010 lb. (w/ SX or DPS drive)
- Alternator Output: 75 amps
