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Mercury Racing 1300/1350
Integrated Marine Propulsion – From Helm to Stern
Two New Sterndrives – From Block to Prop
FOND DU LAC, Wis., Feb. 11, 2010 – Mercury Racing is poised to revolutionize the sport boat industry once again with the release of two new sterndrive engine packages – the 1300 and 1350. Engine air induction determines the difference between the 1300 h.p. model and the 1350. The 1300 breathes ambient air from the engine room (as most sterndrive engines do). The 1350 breathes cooler, outside air (like our Verado 350 outboard) through a direct air induction system. Direct air induction requires computer aided design integration with the boat – resulting in an added 50 horsepower per engine.
70 Year Dedication to Marine Propulsion
Designed and developed in-house, the turbocharged, multiport fuel injected engines are the culmination of over 70 years of engineering high performance marine propulsion.
The new engines feature four valve technology, similar to Verado, with quad cams and dry-sump efficiency. The 9.0 liter quad cam four valve (QC4v) cylinder block and head design, combined with SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), provides big power with luxury-car-like drivability. QC4v is close-cooled for more uniform temperature distribution, optimal running quality and longer life. The DTS system also features one-touch Smart Start, automatic throttle synchronization and shadow mode for quad engine applications (where two throttle levers operate all engines). An all-new ergonomic, and high style, Zero Effort Digital control provides an intuitive control experience – precisely signaling driver intent to the potent powerhouses.
From its expansive two-stroke outboard experience, Mercury Racing employed pulse-separated exhaust tuning. Combined with computer managed turbocharger control, Mercury Racing’s proprietary pulse-separated exhaust keeps the turbos “spooled up” and virtually eliminates throttle lag and low-end torque deficit – shortcomings of less elegant turbocharged marine engines.
Both models deliver a strong bottom end, “kick-you-in-the-pants” torque throughout the entire rev range and quick throttle response to carry the bow in challenging seas.
The exhaust system is mated to the engine from design inception, so it’s cool, compact and robust. For the boat builder, exhaust system fitment in a boat is dramatically simpler, too.
From “Quadzilla” – the formerly secret, experimental offshore engine (using four turbochargers to power speed record runs) – Mercury Racing learned to control boost and regulate torque at a very high output. They also discovered a need for an even tougher driveline.
From its long running supremacy in marine propulsion, in the nastiest of boating environments, Mercury Racing has delivered power, efficiency, durability, and unprecedented corrosion resistance.
Six to a Higher Power
The all-new M8 surface piercing sterndrive and hydraulic transmission are designed specifically for the new 1300/1350 engine packages. The new hydraulic transmission is designed to handle high torque and power levels – as well as endure treacherous offshore duty cycles. At the same time, the transmission, designed specifically for SmartCraft DTS, delivers smooth and consistent shifts.
The M8 drive combines the best features of the NXT1 and Six, but with even more robust internal drive components and an all-new lower gearcase.
The surface-piercing gearcase, inspired by the legendary dry-sump Six drive, is two inches shorter to compliment the lower engine profile. Lowering engine mounting in a boat results in a lower center of gravity for improved boat handling and overall performance; it also provides more flexibility in boat hatch styling. The M8 drive features the race-inspired twin pinion gear shaft design. First patented by Mercury for outboard racing back in the 1950s, the innovative design splits the torque load for a higher power capacity while maintaining a slim, surface piercing gearcase shape for maximum efficiency. The forged lower gears, designed to handle the higher torque of the 1300/1350 engines, are larger and even more robust than those used in the world champion Six drive. Like the NXT1 and Six, the M8 is dry-sumped for maximum efficiency and power output.
With all that, M8 delivers 35% more capacity than the Six drive. The M8 drive comes standard with Active Anode for enhanced corrosion resistance.
Power to the Water
The massive torque and power output of the new engines is transferred to the water via a new line of Mercury Racing Pro Finish 5 & 6-blade CNC sterndrive propellers. The new props are designed with stamina for the 1300/1350’s massive torque and surface piercing impact. The props are backed with a 1-year factory warranty when used on Mercury Racing engine packages.
Advanced Electronics
Mercury’s latest Propulsion Control Module (PCM), featuring Mercury Racing developed software, is the brain behind the brawn. Turbocharger boost is variable. A boost control valve, electronically activated by the PCM microprocessor, continuously adjusts the amount of boost needed to provide consistent horsepower – even when operating in sub-optimal running conditions and limited higher altitude environments.
The engines ability to provide a consistent horsepower in any condition or locale eliminates the hassle of re-propping the boat to match conditions. The PCM also enables individual cylinder control. This ability to optimize fuel, spark timing and knock control independently for each cylinder enhances engine running quality, performance, fuel economy and durability. The use of eight independent ignition coils, one per cylinder, helps eliminate spark plug fouling.
The PCM also drives Mercury Racing’s exclusive Engine Guardian System. Engine Guardian monitors engine functions to forewarn of possible problems that could lead to engine damage. This “smart” technology not only detects and alerts the boater of a problem; it processes the data and reduces power to a maximum, safe level that allows the boater to continue operation with lower risk to engine damage. Engine Guardian also has the ability to proactively help prevent engine overheat damage by sensing not only engine temperature but also cooling water pressure. By sensing water pressure and temperature, the system can provide advanced warning to the PCM, which then reduces engine power before temperature related engine damage takes place.
The new engines come equipped with a 105 amp charging system (50% more output than competitors’ models) – providing an ample supply of power for an array of marine electronics.
Green Machine
The engine’s combustion system provides fuel efficiency rewards of 20 to 30% over similarly rated engines. Both 1300 and 1350 models are compliant with EPA and CARB emissions requirements. Maintenance is less frequent – up to twice as long between oil changes and three times as long between valve adjustments and rebuilds – with easy access to maintenance points. For northern climates, winterization is simple and access is convenient; for salty ones, fresh water flushing is also simple. At end-of-life, 95% of engine material content is recyclable.
Better value
Total package performance, durability, lower maintenance, greater fuel efficiency, competitive initial price and higher residual value will mean lower total cost of ownership for the discerning performance boater.
Factory Warranty/TEAM Accredited
The 1300 and 1350 are supported by the world’s largest marine service network of dealers and Mercury Racing’s Total Engine Application Management (TEAM) initiative. The standardized TEAM process ensures proper installation of the engine with factory specified components, providing maximum performance along with unmatched quality and durability. Both engines will be available to OEM boat builders and dealers who agree to the terms of the TEAM accreditation process. Both engines come with an unprecedented 1-year limited warranty for recreational boating.
Dressed to Thrill
The introduction of an all-new sterndrive engine platform brings two additional color options, Bling-Bling Black and SuperSilver, as well as component polish options, to create truly custom look. OEM boat builders may choose to have their logo fitted on the engine front cover at the Mercury Racing factory.
The Race Never Stops!
For 70 years, Mercury Racing has innovated more, and its customers have won more, than all others combined. You can see with the 1300/1350 engines and M8 drive that, The Race Never Stops!
About Mercury Racing
