Mercury Introduces Low Emissions Racing 360 APX Outboard Engine
In addition to blazing performance this modern power plant has another unexpected secret.
Both competitive powerboat racing fans and professional drivers who seek intensely challenging, adrenaline-driving speeds are likely watering at the mouth after Mercury Racing announced the debut of their all new Mercury Racing 360 APX engine this month. However, in addition to its high performance and lightning speed, this modern power plant has another notable characteristic for its class: extraordinarily low emissions.
“The engine, designed with input from the UIM and H2O Racing, significantly reduces exhaust emissions while at the same time providing the speed and excitement that powerboat racing fans expect from our flagship series in circuit racing,” said Stuart Halley, Mercury Racing general manager. “The UIM supports full implementation of this engine, which demonstrates our commitment to lowering carbon levels in our sport.” (The company claims the 360 APX offers 90% lower emissions than current two-stroke racing engines.)
Mercury has long vied for supremacy in the sport of powerboat racing and this clean yet potent, competition-ready, four-stroke V8 has been designed specifically to power Formula One tunnel boats on the UIM F1H2O World Championship (the world’s foremost international series of single-seater inshore circuit powerboat racing). Just imagine imagine a handful of powerful, ultra-lightweight, tunnel-hull catamarans coming around hairpin turns at nearly 100 mph with these babies screaming behind them, leaving barely any emissions behind.
The engine marks the first model in a new Mercury Racing Apex Series of outboards designed for closed-course competition. In addition to lower emissions and unparalleled performance, the engine also offers less upkeep and maintenance than its predecessors. “It combines a durable, low-emissions, four-stroke powerhead with amazing performance, and will require much less maintenance than the two-stroke outboard currently in use in the F1H2O World Championship.”
The 360 APX is based on a modified version of the Mercury Racing 300R 4.6-liter V8 powerhead and is normally aspirated while retaining its double overhead cam/four-valve architecture. The compression ratio is increased from 10:1 to 11:1 and peak rpm is boosted from 6400 RPM to 7000 RPM. It uses a 24-volt starter for faster dock-side starting in competition and a digital control offers smooth and precise throttle application.
The Mercury Racing 360 APX outboard will be available in late 2020 to qualified racing teams only.
For more information visit Mercury Racing.
