Mercury Debuts Next Gen Outboards
Mercury Marine introduced multiple new 4.6L V-8 outboard engine models – the 250 and 300hp Verado, 250 and 300hp FourStroke, and 200, 225, 250 and 300hp Pro XS – plus the Pro XS 175hp 3.4L V-6.
This marks the largest single new-product development program Mercury has ever undertaken in its nearly 80-year-history, which has prompted a major investment in expanding its manufacturing footprint.
“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-6 and V-8 outboard engines are configurable to meet the needs of a wide variety of boating segments. Along with the 3.4L V-6 family released in Miami, the new V-8 engines fill out Mercury’s 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,” said Pfeifer.
New 250 & 300hp Verado
The V-8 Verados are compatible with Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards for maximum maneuverability and control, and 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 NVH reduction for an ultra-quiet ride. The new V-8 models’ next-generation Advanced Mid-Section (AMS) 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 sport mode.
New 250 & 300hp FourStroke
On the new 250 and 300hp V-8 FourStroke outboard engines the high-displacement, quad-cam design of the new V-8 powerhead generates plenty of torque, especially at mid-range. The 300hp FourStroke boasts 4.6L displacement yet Mercury Marine reports that it is the lightest in the 300hp class by more than 10 pounds.
These new FourStrokes offer choices between mechanical or digital (DTS) controls and hydraulic or power steering. The new V8 FourStroke engines are also available in multiple colors and can be further customized with the addition of an accent panel, as detailed below.
Color Options
Mercury’s Warm Fusion, Cold Fusion and Pearl Fusion white cowl color options plus the popular Phantom Black, combined with five factory accent color panels and “paint-ready” panels, let owners mix and match or paint their own panels to further personalize their engine. These colors are available for both the V-8 FourStroke and the V-8 Verado outboard engines.
New 175-300hp Pro XS
The new 175 V-6 and 200, 225, 250 and for the first time ever, 300hp V-8 Pro XS outboard engines are quite simply the next generation of tournament-winning performance. Featuring Mercury’s new compact cowl, these engines deliver everything the serious fisherman needs to stay competitive on the water, including ample torque from their high-displacement powerheads and superior acceleration due to their quad-cam design and Transient Spark technology. The 250hp V-8 Pro XS bested the leading competitor in both acceleration and top end in sea trials – and delivered up to 16 percent better fuel economy at cruise.
All V-6 and V-8 Pro XS engines feature Adaptive Speed Control, which maintains the driver’s desired rpm regardless of load or condition, and 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. Dial in the new Pro XS models with a wide selection of Mercury propellers, and the fish had better watch out.