MERCURY RACING RELEASES MONSTER ENGINES

Mercury Racing has released its fastest, most powerful engines to date in the form of 1300hp and 1350hp 9lt, twin-turbo, quad-cam V8s that redline at 6500rpm.

“The engines are breath-taking,” said Guy Williamson, Mercury’s director of service and quality. “And they have been designed in-house — from block to prop — as the result of Mercury Racing’s 70 years of experience. These are not warmed over truck motors.”

With the 1300 and 1350, Mercury Racing’s engineers also managed to incorporate a-pulse tuned exhaust system. This is said to be the first time this has ever been achieved in a four-stroke engine, meaning racers will get instant power across the rev range.

The power difference between the two engines comes down to how they breathe, said Mercury. The 1300 breathes ambient air from the engine room like most sterndrives, while the 1350 breathes cooler, outside air through a direct air induction system that gives it an extra 50hp boost.

The engines have newly designed Zero Effort Digital Control that is said to provide effortless throttling, while a Propulsion Control Module microprocessor provides seamless integration. Mercury Racing’s “smart” technology includes SmartCraft® Digital Throttle & Shift and the Engine Guardian® System, which Mercury said ensures drivers are in complete command.

The designs also feature NiCom®-coated cylinder-bores to improve heat transfer, and an active anode to enhance corrosion resistance to help increase engine lifespan.

GREENER TOO

Unbelievably, said Mercury, the engines provide 20 to 30 per cent greater fuel economy thanks to their common rail-port injection and four-valve delivery. Of course, reduced fuel burn converts to lower running costs as well.

“The engines have been designed to go faster, be stronger, go further and last longer than any comparable engine,” added Guy Williamson. “They tick every box, they are brilliant.”

Like all Mercury Racing engines, the new 1300 and 1350 come with a one year racing warranty.