Found this setup on Volvo Penta's web site. It's a new totally-integrated package with built-in direct hydraulic steering, full electronic controls/data system and even electric shift (via servo). The current (first) package pretty much blows away the 300 Yanmar/Bravo3 package right off the shelf since it's all from a single manufacturer, but if you read into things a bit more, it gets even MORE interesting:

1) Even though the current 310 hp diesel is rated at 3500 rpm/478 ft-lbs, it actually generates 557 ft-lbs at 2500 rpm. That's a bunch.

2) As I understand it, the package will soon be upgraded to 350 hp. If the torque curve remains the same, that means it will be making 630 ft-lbs of torque.

3) Further rumors suggest that the engine may go to 400 hp or higher. Again, assuming the same torque curve, that means almost 720 ft-lbs of torque. (NOW we're talking!)

4) The package is commercially-rated. This means they have built in a considerable safety factor, and will stand behind it in heavy-use applications.

Unfortunately, there is no information about the drive being available with gasoline engines. Yet. Information on the drive is here.

720 ft-lbs without a transmission? Hello, Mercury?

that thing looks like it could be a #6 dual prop drive



i have always been impresed with the DPX drives on the batboats. they build some strong drives thats for sure. i actually heard that when Merc was designing the brovo it was paterned almost directly after the old volvo280

Mercury has become very complacent in the marketplace... I guess when you're the only game in town, it's easy to become lazy.

That Volvo system looks interesting.

These things are NOT puny:
By the way, this picture is of the "H' version (on the left above), which has a shorter lower unit and (get this) nibral props. The "R" version (on the right above) features a longer, sleeker gearcase and stainless props.

Among independent boatbuilders (ie not owned by Brunswick) Volvo Penta sold MORE sterndrives than Mercury last year. That means that those who had a choice chose "not Mercury". Hmm...

Agreed, I was referring to performance drives... sorry, I should have stated that.

Volvo have always been known for their durable drives.

ever seen a Volvo E drive. it was the first speedmaster style drive. Early 70's i believe and a 10 mph bolt on over the standard volvo drive of the time.

i had heard they were discontinuing the DPX, hope this is just a rumor

The DPX is indeed gone, discontinued late last year. This is the replacement. Now: If they offered the DPX with up to 600 hp / 620 ft-lbs, what do you suppose they could do with 720 ft-lbs?......

WHAT KINDA $$$ WE TALKIN' ABOUT

Don't know yet. So far, the only way to get 'em is with the 310 diesels. Volvo tends to be very, very conservative, so it's hard to say when they'll be available with anything else. Stop by the Volvo Penta booth at Miami (or your local boat show) and start beating them up about it....