Exactly 100 years ago, the first two ships in the world were equipped with a diesel engine. The "Vanda" and the "Petit Pierre" were each fitted with a 620 hp diesel engine, which brought the 800-tonne displacement motor ships up to 8.3 knots.
In 1893, the ingenious German inventor Rudolf Diesel invented and developed the ground-breaking compression-ignition engine for Maschinen-Fabrik Augsburg (later MAN), which was finally able to replace steam engines. His first laboratory engine can still be seen intact in the Deutsches Museum in Munich.
What Rudolf Diesel could not have realised at the time: His invention remains unrivalled to this day - and shipping would be much poorer without it.
Exactly 100 years later: market leader Volvo Penta presents its new range - from the 2010 with 10 hp to the D12-715 with 715 hp. This almost complete diesel series comprises exactly 31 different types.
The new D2-55 and D2-75, which deliver their maximum torque at 2000 rpm, are particularly interesting for sailing yachts. This enables cruising in the "quiet range". Sailing yachts between 11 and 14 metres in length can be equipped with these compact engines.
Also brand new and available from autumn 2003: the new folding four-wing, a further development of the successful three-wing. The quad covers the power range from 60 to 120 hp. Application range of the three-wing: 10 to 60 hp.
Detailed reports coming soon in YACHT.
Further information:
www.volvopenta.com
Phone 0431/39 94 100
