Boating Industry

October 2015

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8 | Boating Industry | October 2015 www.BoatingIndustry.com LAUNCH Analysis, data, solutions, news and perspectives to move your business forward. BY JONATHAN SWEET Mercury Marine introduced the latest itera- tions of its purpose-built sterndrive engines in July, adding two V8s to the lineup. Mercury showed the new 6.2-liter V8 300hp and 350hp engines at a media event in Charlotte, N.C., followed by test- ing on Lake Wylie, adding to the product line launched last year with the 4.5-liter V6 purpose-built engine. The engines were also demonstrated at OEM dealer meetings throughout the summer. Like the V6, the new engines are built from the ground up for marine use, not built off the GM block like earlier Mercury engines. "With the introduction of our new 6.2- liter V8 sterndrive engines, Mercury contin- ues to build on its success of designing and manufacturing propulsion systems that de- liver the most intuitive, powerful, worry-free, smooth and quiet boating experience," said John Pfeifer, president of Mercury Marine. "Like the purpose-built 4.5-liter V6 stern- drives we introduced a year ago, we're ex- tremely proud of the remarkable reliability and ease of maintenance delivered by the 6.2. This is a terrifi c engine platform that will im- prove boating everywhere." By not using the "unnecessary technolo- gies" required for automotive engines, the new Mercury engines can avoid extra cost and complexity, said chief technology offi cer David Foulkes. The new V8s offer increased power, torque and fuel effi ciency from the previous models, he added. "They are a really nice combination of increased performance and increased fuel economy," Foulkes said. An air-intake resonator on the 6.2L sup- presses harsh sound frequencies throughout the engine operation range, while an all-new, aft-facing throttle body directs noise away from the cockpit for easier conversation. Larger and optimized engine mounts isolate undesirable engine vibration and reduce reso- nant vibration sounds. The 6.2L is available with optional fresh- water cooling and the SeaCore drive corro- sion protection treatment, which provides extra corrosion protection only when needed, such as saltwater environments. Freshwater cooling uses a heat exchanger and coolant fl uid to maintain engine temperature, rather than raw water from a lake or ocean. The coolant travels through the engine and the exhaust manifolds, and prevents internal corrosion of the cooling passages. The Sea- Core drive is a hard-anodizing process that alters the surface layer of the aluminum drive casting to prevent saltwater penetration that leads to corrosion. It is also designed with ease-of-mainte- nance in mind, featuring a maintenance cen- ter near the top-front section of the engine. A QR code on the engine's service label allows smartphone users to access "how to" videos online, while the 6.2L V8 has a "season extending" drain system to keep boaters on water during the transition times between seasons. "We want our engines to be easy to use, easy to maintain and easy to understand," Foulkes said. The new V8s are available on 2016 models from many of Mercury's boat builder partners. (Visit BoatingIndustry.com for videos and more coverage of the launch.) ACTIVE TRIM Also introduced in July was Mercury Ma- rine's new Active Trim system designed to deliver instant, effortless trimming. Mercury rolls out new sterndrives, engine features

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