Volvo Penta's new generation D4 and D6 marine engines power big improvements

D4-320 Inboard Hotside © Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta's proven D4 and D6 marine engines get a full update that delivers more power, increased reliability and lower cost of ownership. Available from 150-480 hp.

With over 100,000 units already powering boats worldwide, the new generation D4 and D6 engines are set to extend Volvo Penta's technical advantages even further. The 3.7 liter D4 and the 5.5 liter D6 engines are designed and built solely for marine purposes. A large portion of the engines have been reengineered to deliver on the increasing demand for greater reliability and more powerful engines. Available from 150-480 hp, these engines are part of fully integrated systems - from helm to prop - perfectly matched to transmissions covering IPS, Aquamatic sterndrive, shaft and water-jet installations.

Comprehensive overhaul

"The list of performance upgrades are lengthy and includes a new engine management system, new fuel injection system, new turbocharger and a new supercharger," says Petter Andolf, Chief Project Manager for the D4/D6. "The cylinder head, pistons, and valves are reengineered to withstand higher torque, as well as meeting higher reliability and durability requirements."

The changes are more than a facelift, with the majority of components having been reengineered. The D4 and D6 deliver power outputs of between 150 to 480 hp. In top specification the D4 now has a maximum output of 320 hp, while the D6 boasts 480 hp. Offering up to 10% more power across the range, these engines are also more fuel efficient - between 0.5% to 7% (in E5 cycle).

D6-480 Inboard Hotside - photo © Volvo Penta

Better by design

"The majority of the components are reengineered to manage the increased power as well as reaching the extended reliability targets," says Ingela Nordström, Product Manager for the D4/D6 engines. "For instance, the cylinder head, piston and crankshaft are all stronger by design, and new materials have been introduced, such as a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the piston pin to reduce friction and increase durability. The common rail fuel injection system now features higher pressure - 2,000 bar. Controlled by a new Engine Management System, this enables more precise calibration of parameters controlling the injection, so the engines run even smoother and more efficiently."

Improved maintenance

The new generation D4/D6 offers reduced maintenance costs thanks to extended service intervals, fewer service items, and simpler maintenance operations. The upgraded Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system meanwhile, delivers improved service capabilities through an onboard maintenance assistant that provides information about time left to next service.

Ease of installation

Each propulsion system comes as one complete package. The installation dimensions are largely the same as the previous generation.

All specifications are available in either 12 or 24V.

New D4/D6 technical specifications: IPS
D4D6 HP RPM Rating

D6-IPS400 300 3,300 4
D6-IPS450 340 3,400 4
D6-IPS500 380 3,500 4
D6-IPS600 440 3,700 5
D6-IPS650 480 3,700 5

New D4/D6 technical specifications: Sterndrive
D4D6 HP RPM Rating

D4-150A 150 3,400 4
D4-230A 230 3,500 4
D4-270A 270 3,500 4
D4-300A 300 3,500 5
D4-320A 320 3,600 5
D6-300A 300 3,300 4
D6-340A 340 3,400 4
D6-380A 380 3,500 4
D6-400A 400 3,500 5
D6-440A 440 3,700 5

New D4/D6 technical specifications: Inboard
D4D6 HP RPM Rating

D4-175 I 175 2,800 4
D4-230 I 230 3,400 4
D4-270 I 270 3,500 4
D4-300 I 300 3,500 5
D4-320 I 320 3,600 5
D6-300 I 300 3,300 4
D6-340 I 340 3,400 4
D6-380 I 380 3,500 4
D6-440 I 440 3,700 5
D6-480 I 480 3,700 5