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Mercury Marine Launches Revolutionary New Engines; Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction Again
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – At the world's largest boat show, Mercury Marine demonstrated why it is the largest marine propulsion company. The company launched a host of new engines designed to make boating more enjoyable for its customers.
In addition, Mercury was recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for delivering the highest customer satisfaction in both direct-injected (DI) outboard and sterndrive engines for the second consecutive year. Mercury is the only marine propulsion company to receive multiple customer satisfaction awards from J.D. Power in the same year.
Mercury MerCruiser engines, built at Mercury's Stillwater, Okla. facility, were recognized by J.D. Power as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Sterndrive Engines.” Mercury OptiMax – the marine industry's leading DI two-stroke outboard – was recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Two-Stroke Outboard Engines in a Tie.” OptiMax engines are made in Fond du Lac, Wis., home of Mercury Marine.
“Being recognized two years in a row for both our outboard and sterndrive businesses demonstrates that Mercury Marine is truly number one on the water,” said Mercury President Patrick C. Mackey. “This achievement clearly shows the hard work of Mercury's people over the last few years has truly paid off. The quality and reliability we have built in to every engine delivers the best customer experience in the marine industry.”
Revolutionary Zeus drive enhances boating experience
Mercury's Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) unit is now shipping preproduction Zeus pod drive systems. Several boat builders have Zeus-powered models currently in the water, and many additional models are scheduled for first installation in the coming months. CMD will be accepting production orders in the first quarter of 2007 and the highly-anticipated Zeus system will be available to the public in 2008 model year boats.
Zeus is a highly advanced propulsion system that delivers a proven level of safety; up to 15 percent faster top speed, up to 30 percent better fuel economy, unsurpassed handling at high and low speeds, vessel systems integration unparalleled in the marine industry and increased power density up to 550 horsepower.
Some of the most notable benefits from Project Zeus for boaters will be experienced at the helm. Around the dock, our intuitive joystick control eliminates anxiety. Underway, the automated trim control feature simplifies operation. In addition, Skyhook Electronic AnchorTM, a component of our highly advanced Precision PilotTM system keeps a Zeus equipped vessel on a fixed heading within a tight area, even in strong currents and windy conditions. All of this technology was developed with a goal of simplifying the boating experience while maintaining safety.
Culminating 15 years of development, building upon technology advancing designs, Zeus incorporates a familiar looking, yet totally new pod with counter-rotating stainless steel, rear facing propellers and a through hub exhaust. Independent vectoring for each pod delivers dramatically improved high-speed handling. Docking is easier than ever. These steerable pods, along with an advanced joystick control system deliver precise turning and tight maneuvering that is far superior to bow thrusters.
Vazer sterndrive enables design freedom for boatbuilders
Mercury MerCruiser will begin production of Vazer™ – a first-of-its kind sterndrive system designed for some boats traditionally powered by outboards – in March.
Vazer is a 100 horsepower sterndrive engine built with a compact design. It uses an innovative and patented approach to reduce engine height by tilting the engine to 50 degrees, allowing it to fit under seats, platforms and decks of a variety of boats, including pontoons, fishing boats and runabouts. The unique design of Vazer allows boatbuilders to utilize more space for passengers and gear, and provides improved access to the water compared to traditional sterndrive or outboard engines.
“Vazer will revolutionize the boating industry,” said Kevin Grodzki, president of Mercury MerCruiser. “This sterndrive system will enable boatbuilders to design boats in configurations previously unimaginable.”
SeaCore sterndrive system provides protection to the core
Mercury Marine has begun production of SeaCore™ – a revolutionary new line of MerCruiser sterndrive packages that deliver comprehensive corrosion protection for the engine, transom and drive.
The MerCruiser SeaCore system is relevant to owners of cruisers, performance boats and large runabouts operated or moored in salt water.
SeaCore models benefit from integrated system engineering to enhance the product's saltwater durability at all levels. SeaCore models have a stainless steel package to improve durability and appearance while reducing maintenance.
SeaCore propulsion-system components exposed to saltwater on the sterndrive and transom assembly are constructed of hard-anodized low-copper aluminum or stainless steel for outstanding corrosion prevention. Hard anodizing creates a highly durable protective shield against the negative effects of salt water to all surfaces including internal water jackets and exhaust passages. This hard anodized surface is then specially prepared, primed and painted with very high quality black baked enamel paint that adds even more integral protection.
“In developing the revolutionary SeaCore system, we've moved the entire industry forward in a way that makes other saltwater engines and drives seem instantly inferior,” said Grodzki. “Rather than just enclosing the drive components in a plastic shell, we protect them all the way to the core with industrial hardcoat anodizing, a closed-cooling system and widespread use of stainless steel components -- all of which makes for the ultimate in corrosion protection.”
New supercharged Verado outboard engines
The company also introduced two additions to its flagship Verado outboard line – the industry's lightest 200 hp outboard engine and a powerful 300 hp in-line six-cylinder engine – both of which offer the same legendary reliability and improved fuel consumption found in every Verado.
Verado is the world's only production supercharged outboard. The new in-line four-cylinder Verado is the lightest 200 hp four-stroke outboard on the market. The right combination of weight and power makes this outboard perfect for its targeted applications, which include freshwater aluminum, saltwater coastal bay and flats boats, as well as dual engine offshore boats.
Recognizing that more muscle is required as outboard-powered boats become larger, Mercury designed the 300 hp in-line six-cylinder Verado. The introduction reinforces Mercury's leadership position in the offshore saltwater market.
The most powerful consumer sterndrive ever built by Mercury Racing
Mercury Racing unveiled the all-new HP1200 SCi sterndrive engine package. The engine, featuring the legendary dry-sump Six drive, is the most powerful consumer sterndrive ever built by Mercury Racing.
The HP1200 SCi shares all of the mild-mannered running qualities as its HP850 SCi and HP1075 SCi counterparts. It is docile around docks and ferocious once unleashed. The HP1200 SCi gets its energy from the required high-octane race fuel. Think of it as a street legal race engine available to the masses.
Like the HP1075 SCi and HP850 SCi, the HP1200 SCi features the Mercury-exclusive propulsion control module (PCM) 07 microprocessor, which is the brain behind the brawn. Based on a high-performance 557-cubic inch V-8 cylinder block, the HP1200 SCi provides sport boaters with turn-key starting, great overall running quality and incredibly smooth idle quality for a high horsepower big block. The engine's 800 RPM idle speed makes shifting into and out of gear smooth as silk and makes docking much easier with less chance of stalling and other low-RPM drawbacks normally associated with big horsepower.
Mercury Marine is the world's leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $2.3 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury and its 6,300 employees worldwide provide engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury's industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury and Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. Mercury Marine's OptiMax engine was ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Two-Stroke Outboard Engines Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2007" by J.D. Power and Associates, and Mercury MerCruiser engines were ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Sterndrive Engines, Two Years in a Row." More information is available at www.mercurymarine.com.
Contact:
Erik Pope
Mercury Marine
920-929-5916 (office)
erik.pope@mercmarine.com
Steven Goldsmith
Mercury Marine
920-924-1360 (office)
steven.goldsmith@mercmarine.com
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