Merc Project X

[Zachdog]

Anyone know anything about when this is supposed to be released and if the hype is justified?

 

[skier]

Re: Merc Project X

I haven't heard anything about it. What's gooing on??<br /><br />Craig

 

[Zachdog]

Re: Merc Project X

I spoke to Merc to find out and they are very tight lipped about it, but it sounds like they are planning to release it within the next few months unless suppliers hold them up. Look for an announcement at the Miami boat show in February. Looks like it will be a 4 stroke with new technology that supposedly gives it 2 stroke performance.

 

[durk187]

Re: Merc Project X

Heres the reading.<br /><br />The word at Mercury is no new announcements until later this month. For the time being, OptiMax is the favored technology. The company is offering a 225-hp four-stroke provided by an outside manufacturing agreement. Other than that, all energy is going into what the company officially calls “Project X.” This technology promises big things, but is still a big secret. Mercury does acknowledge that this is where two-stroke performance meets four-stroke technology. A dummy motor case at the Miami Boat Show last year had the narrow design consistent with the requirements of an in-line, six-cylinder configuration. Rumors of the new technology abound, such as a 400-hp motor currently being tested. This can’t be substantiated, but it’s not too unrealistic to suspect that the lack of four-stroke power at higher speeds and the apparent ceiling of 250-300 hp are being addressed with a turbine or supercharger under the cowling. Mercury officials do say the first product released will be a big motor “consistent with our heritage.” Beyond that, it’s all guesses until announcements are made to dealers later this month. The rest of the world will be treated to Project X technology in February at the Miami Boat Show.

 

[durk187]

Re: Merc Project X

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Merc Project X

Woah.. Them are some Evil lookin' motors... <br /><br />The "Darth Vader" outboard...<br /><br />Supercharger sounds interesting.....

 

[vinney]

Re: Merc Project X

Mercury defines this engine as B.A.D. or bad Balls/attitude/direction. awesome

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Merc Project X

Inline six....superior engine management....pressurized induction.....enough horsepower to raise your eyebrows....an lets not forget made in USA.....all wonderful things....I cant wait...

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Merc Project X

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Mercury Marine dealers will get their first look at the company’s long-awaited Project X engines at the annual dealer meeting that begins here tomorrow.<br /><br />Five 250-hp 4-stroke prototypes were unveiled to media representatives this morning on Lake Percy Priest here. The company hopes eventually to build the engines in a range of 135 to 250 hp.<br /><br />Mercury still, however, has not set a release date for the engines, nor will it disclose weight figures.<br /><br />“[That’s] because we’re still learning stuff,” said company spokesman Tom Mielke. “This product is going to be absolutely refined before it hits the market. We don’t want to rush the engineers with some arbitrary release date.”<br /><br />Mielke says Mercury already has spent more than $100 million on machining centers alone.<br /><br />“The engineering tools are all new to us,” he said. “We’ve done a ton of capital investment at the plant.”<br /><br />Project X is based on what project manager Steve Miller describes as “game-changing” technology.<br /><br />“We set out to design the ultimate 4-stroke outboard — one that would have performance characteristics better than any 2-stroke out there,” Miller said. “You won’t find better acceleration. It’s the best in sound levels, sound quality and vibration.”<br /><br />Mercury says Project X is “a 100-percent Mercury deal” using the company’s own blocks, heads and other major components.