12V 183 - Power Boost for mtu's Highest Selling Yacht Engine

• Power output increased by 15% to 970 kW (1320 hp)
• Technology upgrade provides more torque and power reserves
• New Yacht Electronics for Easier Handling

Düsseldorf - At the 2001 Boat Show in Düsseldorf, MTU Friedrichshafen is presenting a new version of the 12V 183 engine. mtu's highest-selling engine, which to date has achieved sales of over 10,000 units, now produces 970 kW (1320 hp) of power in its yacht version as against its previous figures of 846 kW (1150 hp). This makes it substantially more attractive for yachts of up to around 25 metres.

But the engine has not simply been given more power. New components make it altogether more modern and significantly improve its overall running characteristics. It now offers more torque, faster acceleration and extra reserves of power at high engine speeds.

Technology upgrade provides more torque and power reserves

A new sequential turbocharger system has increased the torque to 4030 Nm at 2300 rpm and gives the engine powerful acceleration. Not only are the twin turbochargers in this system more powerful, they are electronically controlled so that one of them can be switched in an out as required while the engine is running. In this way, the sequential turbocharger system provides quicker acceleration and better power output over the entire operating range. mtu has been using this technology successfully for many years on its larger engine models, where it has provided over 10 million hours of service.

The engine also uses an optimised cooling system with plate-core heat exchangers which not only ensures efficient cooling at high engine speeds, but also heats up the intake-air, the engine coolant and the lube oil at low temperatures. Known as a split-circuit cooling system, this mtu development sets technological standards. It ensures that the turbocharged intake air is always at the optimum temperature for the current engine output level and therefore that complete fuel combustion takes place. The emission of "white smoke" at lower and medium engines speeds is thus prevented.

These technological improvements are assisted by a new piston design which increases the compression ratio, and new fuel injectors which further improve the engine's combustion characteristics. They also help to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The new 12V 183 now also offers a wider power band. Previous versions developed full power only at maximum revs of 2400 rpm. Now it can hold its maximum output of 970 kW (1320 hp) over a range of 2300 to 2400 rpm. That means that the 12V 183 engines will not lose power if the maximum speed cannot be reached due to greater resistance to movement - as a result of more weight, for example.

And the 12V 183 has been given greater power reserves at the lower, as well as the upper, end of the speed range. The engine already offered a low minimum speed of 650 rpm, but the new version now makes slow manoeuvring in a harbour even easier with its minimum speed of 580 rpm.

New Yacht Electronics for Easier Handling

Although the technological upgrade has made the 12V 183 significantly more sophisticated, it remains extremely straightforward to install in a vessel and to control. This is made possible by the mtu "Blue Line" electronics. The new feature of this system is that all propulsion system components are supplied ready to install and are very easy to connect up because they are ready-wired with cables and connectors. Driving the yacht will also be easier because the "Blue Line" system precisely balances the different propulsion system components, thus ensuring responsiveness when manoeuvring and accelerating and smooth control of power.