Powerboats : Volkswagen Marine Sets Standards For A New Generation Of Motor Boats

At the 2009 edition of Duesseldorf’s boat show “boot”, two leading names in the boating industry will present their decision in favour of Volkswagen Marine

Salzgitter/Duesseldorf, 14 January 2009 - At the biggest marine exhibition worldwide, two new boat types with Volkswagen Marine Engines will have their first public appearance. This concerns firstly the “Frauscher 909 Benaco” which will, as the first boat type ever, be on display with the new TDI 350-8 engines.

These power plants are based on the highly advanced 4,2 litre V-8 diesel made by Audi, which is otherwise offered as a particularly powerful engine option aboard Audi Q7 and Audi A8.

The marine version of this engine produces 258 kW (350 hp) along with an exceptionally high torque of 700 Newton metres already at 1.900 rpm.
The Frauscher 909 Benaco is nominated by an international press jury as "boat of the year 2009" in its segment, and the twin motorisation with TDI 350-8 represents the new premium engine choice for this boat type. Frauscher has chosen these engines because they offer the same top speed as the largest typically used petrol marine engines available, however at virtually half the fuel consumption. Moreover, acceleration onto the plane becomes better than with even with the largest petrol engines because of their torque characteristics. In addition, the TDI 350-8 offer lower weight than such engines and much lower exhaust- and noise emissions.

With a Frauscher 909 Benaco passing in full planing speed, these engines are hardly audible, which eliminates any annoyance to others who enjoy the same waters.

A further, particularly innovative contribution to the discussion about "motor boats of tomorrow" will be the "Greenline 33" launched by the Slovenian "Seaway Group" which, as a suitable cruiser for all inshore- and coastal waters, will offer a number of new features. The boat will be standard equipped with hybrid propulsion and a powerful solar roof system which allows electric cruising on waters of particular environmental sensitivity or, for example, during harbour manoeuvring. This technology also allows independency from typical yacht harbours because ample electrical power is ensured even when the engine is not in use at all. Large tanks and a very comfortable interior for a couple further contribute to a perfect cruising experience.

Of particular importance, however, is the all new hull design which enables, with a compact and extremely fuel economical Volkswagen Marine TDI 75-4 engine at 55 kW (75 hp), sustained speeds upwards of 10 knots (18,5 km/h). That ensures that even rapidly flowing rivers like Rhine or Danube can be cruised safely.

The Greenline 33 will appeal to customers who wish to explore new waters at minimized fuel consumption and in greatest possible self sufficiency. At a retail price below € 100.000. - for this fully equipped hybrid cruiser, this boat also addresses customers who would not have considered purchasing a conventional touring boat of this size. The Volkswagen Marine TDI 75-4 is currently the only marine engine in its class with electronic injection management and was chosen for the Greenline 33 for its exceptional silence, refinement, fuel economy and low maintenance needs.

The new TDI 350-8 as well as the TDI 75-4 not only meet European emission standards, but also the strict U.S. EPA Tier II norm, which opens the North American market both for the Frauscher Benaco 909 "V8-TDI" and for the Greenline 33.