FEV and Neander Motors AG develop world’s first turbo-diesel outboard marine engine

Fuel efficient, powerful, compact engine will be displayed at SAE World Congress

Auburn Hills, Mich., April 7, 2014 – FEV North America, Inc. a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle system technologies, will be showing a diesel outboard marine engine developed in cooperation with Neander Motors AG at the upcoming SAE World Congress (Booth 603), April 8 – 10, 2014 at Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich.  

As a new participant in the marine engine market, Neander Motors leveraged FEV’s capabilities and collaborated in the development of a small outboard engine for the highly-competitive 40 to 70 horsepower commercial market, which is dominated by transport, hauling and commercial fishing. A global development and manufacturing team was organized that focused its efforts over a two year period on creating this engine. FEV provided CAE and testing support for this innovative program.

“Outboard marine engines today are almost exclusively gasoline and have many advantages, including small size, low weight and cost, and ease of installation and servicing. Neander’s approach is an evolutionary development, creating a new outboard diesel in the relatively high volume 40 to 70 hp market, offers a high torque-to-weight ratio, low specific fuel consumption and the potential tax advantages with diesel fuel. We are pleased to have been part of the project.” said Prof. Stefan Pischinger, CEO of FEV GmbH, FEV’s parent company.

Displacing just 800 cc, the Neander diesel features a chain-driven camshaft, hydraulic chain tensioner, common-rail direct fuel injection and “square” 80 mm bore and stroke. What makes it truly unique, however, is its double crankshaft. Each piston pin is designed as a “space ball” connected to a pair of side-by-side connecting rods that drive a pair of offset counter-rotating crankshafts. This distinctive layout results in an efficient, light, compact and powerful engine with exemplary smoothness and refinement.

The inline two-cylinder turbo-diesel has a maximum rated speed of 4,500 rpm and produces 55 hp/45 kW. Maximum torque is 120 Nm, generated at 2,000 rpm. In its most basic form, the Neander Motors outboard weighs 155 kg, stands 1241 mm tall, and is available in both 20-in and 25-in shaft versions.