Volvo Penta IPS

It is too bad that Volvo Penta is a sub division of Volvo, which is a subdivision of Ford - because a breakthrough product like the Volvo IPS might actually affect their stock price and overall value. Essentially the IPS drive is a prop-forward, turbo-charged 6 cylinder common rail diesel engine that awards her owners with great speed, performance and efficiency. Would you run your boat full speed with the props faced forward - does it make a difference? Certainly the company and those who have operated the IPS system have good to great things to say about it, but only time will tell if folks start buying them. I think the Marine industry has no choice when it comes to innovation on the efficiency front - last time I checked OPEC and Al Queda's sympathy for boat owners was running at an all time low. Word has it that the new Toyota Hybrids are turbo-charged and all about speed - that is exactly how this is going to work, speed - the strange thrill we get in hurtling across earth's surface in something heavy must not be ignored. If it was about saving fuel, we would be sailing.