As part of the largest single new-product development program in the company’s history, Mercury is introducing nine next-generation outboard engines around the globe.
Mercury, the world leader in marine propulsion and technology, is now offering multiple new V-8 4.6L outboard engine models –
• 250 and 300hp Verado
• 250 and 300hp FourStroke, and
• 200, 225, 250 and 300hp Pro XS.
Mercury has also released one new V-6 3.4L model –
• 175hp Pro XS
Creating these next-generation outboards has prompted Mercury to make a major investment in expanding its manufacturing footprint to satisfy expected demand.
“In Miami, we said the V-6 was step one of our 2018 introductions and we are thrilled to officially announce step two,” said John Pfeifer, Mercury Marine president. “These new V-8 engines, like the V-6, will set a new benchmark in the marine industry in the eyes of the consumer.”
Mercury’s new V-8 and V-6 outboard engines are highly configurable to meet the needs of a wide variety of boat lovers – from the Verado’s refined performance, and the FourStroke’s fuel efficiency and rigging versatility, to the competitive edge that Pro XS models provide.
Along with the V-6 3.4L family announced in Feb, the new V-8 engines fill out Mercury’s industry-leading portfolio in the 175-300hp range.
“These engines are naturally aspirated, durable, powerful and provide options for the consumer that they’ve never had before,” Mr Pfeifer said. “This new lineup aligns with what consumers are asking for and we are delighted to deliver it to them.”
New 250 & 300hp Verado
The new 250 and 300hp V-8 Verado outboard engines raise the bar for the marine industry – again. Continuing Verado’s legacy as the most refined outboard engine on the water, the new V-8 platform provides exhilarating performance across the rpm range.
Sea trials have shown the 300hp Verado is up to 20% quicker and two mph faster than the closest competitor, while still providing up to 8% better fuel economy.
The V-8 Verados are compatible with Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards for maximum maneuverability and control, also feature Mercury-engineered digital controls and electro-hydraulic power steering for smooth operation. Equipped with Adaptive Speed Control, they deliver increased throttle response and a “sportier” feel.
The Verado driving experience is further enhanced by a class-leading reduction in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) to provide an ultra-quiet ride. That’s thanks to the next-generation Advanced Mid-Section (AMS) which incorporates perimeter mounts that deliver the lowest vibration in the industry, while sound barriers make it the quietest outboard in its segment. Exclusive Advanced Sound Control technology allows users to toggle between ultra-quiet operation and a “throatier”-sounding sports mode.
New 250 & 300hp FourStroke
The new 250 and 300hp V-8 FourStroke outboard engines are high-tech without being high-stress, delivering powerful performance while remaining quiet, efficient, reliable and strong. The high-displacement, quad-cam design of the new V-8 powerhead generates plenty of torque, especially at mid-range. The 300hp FourStroke delivers up to 9% more torque than the nearest competitor at 3500-4500 rpm. It boasts class-leading 4.6L displacement yet is the lightest in the 300hp class by more than 4.5 kilograms. By combining ample power with lightest-in-class weight, Mercury delivers exhilarating FourStroke performance from a highly reliable engine.
These new FourStrokes are also exceptionally versatile, Digital Throttle Shift (DTS) controls and the choice between hydraulic or power steering. This versatility makes them the ideal outboard engine choice for repowering a wide range of different craft. The new V-8 FourStroke engines are also available in multiple colours and can be further customised with the addition of an accent panel.
Colour Options
The option of Cold Fusion white or the popular Phantom Black, combined with five factory accent colour panels and “paint-ready” panels, let owners mix and match or paint their own panels to further personalise their engine. These colours are available for both the V-8 FourStroke and the V-8 Verado outboard engines.
New 175-300hp Pro XS
The new 175hp V-6 along with the 200, 225, 250 and (for the first time ever) 300hp V-8 Pro XS outboard engines are quite simply the next generation of performance.
Featuring Mercury’s new compact cowl, these engines deliver everything serious boaters and fishers need on the water, including ample torque from their high-displacement powerheads and superior acceleration due to their quad-cam design and Transient Spark technology.
For example, the 250hp V-8 Pro XS bettered the leading competitor in both acceleration and top end speed in sea trials – and delivered up to 16% better fuel economy at cruise.
All V-8 and V-6 Pro XS engines feature Adaptive Speed Control, which maintains the driver’s desired rpm regardless of load or condition, while the 200-300hp Pro XS models are available with either mechanical or digital controls.
The Pro XS performance-tuned exhaust tone is engineered to deliver a brawny sound quality that is guaranteed to turn heads, yet is quieter than the competition at cruise and top speed. New Pro XS models can be dialed in with a wide selection of Mercury propellers to maximise performance for any use.
These exciting new engines will be on show at all major boat show this year.