Mercury releases 400hp outboard

After months of rumours and speculation, the all-new Mercury Racing Verado 400R outboard is a reality. The mighty outboard, Mercury's biggest ever, was unveiled at the recent Miami boat show.

At a staggering 153 horsepower per litre, the 400R is the most powerful consumer outboard ever produced by Mercury and provides the highest power-to-weight of all other four stroke outboards in its class.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS
The 400R features a custom cold air induction system for improved air flow and power development while significantly reducing intake noise for improved sound quality, Merc says.

The all-new supercharger is water cooled for enhanced performance, while structural upgrades incorporated into the 2.6L cylinder block and head are designed to ensure classic Verado durability, even at this higher power output.

An all-new water-cooled supercharger is designed to reduce intake temperatures and significantly increase air density. This enables the engine to generate unprecedented torque and unmatched acceleration all the way from the lower end of the power band up to the 7000 rpm maximum engine speed.

Electronic knock control enables the engine to safely run on 89 octane (95 Ron) fuel when the recommended premium 91-octane (98 RON)  fuel is not available to maximise performance.

LEGS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
The 400R is the first Verado outboard to feature the race-proven Sport Master gearcase.

The Sport Master features low water pickups and a surface piercing housing for enhanced efficiency and added performance.

The efficient and durable Sport Master greatly expands the application of the potent four-stroke, claims Mercury.

From single-engine flats boats, traditional catamaran sport boats to multi-engine offshore centre consoles, the Sport Master – in the correct application – will enhance boat handling, speed and efficiency, claims Merc.

To unlock the full potential of Sport Master, the 400R features stainless steel guide plates with composite wear pads on the Advanced Midsection for enhanced engine stability and improved handling at speed.

The engine is also available with the standard Verado 5.44” HD gearcase for more traditional applications.

JOYSTICK PILOTING
The 400R gives you maximum performance at high and low speeds with Joystick Piloting for Outboards.

In fact, the Verado 400R is the first Mercury Racing outboard to feature Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) technology.

Joystick Piloting has been designed to take the stress out of docking, manoeuvring in tight spaces and operating in tight quarters by providing boaters 360-degree movement at their fingertips. JPO 400R models available exclusively with cambered Sport Master gearcases.

DIGITAL CONTROLS
Mercury Racing’s ergonomic, high-style Zero Effort Digital controls go hand-in-hand with Joystick Piloting for an intuitive control experience – precisely signalling driver intent to the Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) equipped Verado 400Rs.

The DTS system also features one-touch Smart Start, automatic throttle synchronisation and shadow mode for triple and quad engine applications (where two throttle levers operate all engines).

COLOUR OPTIONS
The 400R is available in both Cold Fusion white and the legendary Mercury Phantom Black. Cold Fusion white models come standard with Mercury Racing Blue accent colours.

In addition, a total of seven custom coloured accent decal kits are available on Cold Fusion White models to match a variety of boat graphics.  

PROPS
The recommended props make use of all 400 horses for unmatched performance on multi- and single-engine boats.

The four-bladers include the Bravo I FS recommended for 400R bass, flats, cats, bay and multi-engine centre-console boats, and the Pro Max designed specifically for maximising single-engine outboard-boat performance.

We will add local release information, pricing and more when that becomes available.

Specifications Mercury 400R
HP/KW: 400/298
Full throttle: 6400-7000rpm
Engine type: Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement: 2.6L
Air-induction system: Supercharged with Cold Air Intake and charge air cooling and electronic boost pressure control
Fuel system: Sequential Multi-Post Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel type: Recommended Unleaded 91 Octane, Minimum Unleaded 89 Octane
Starting: Electric (Turn-key) with SmartStart
Exhaust: Through Prop
Recommended oil: Mercury Racing 25W-50 NMMA Certified FCW 25W-50 Synthetic Blend
Oil capacity: 8.0L
Engine management: SmartCraft Engine Guardian
Min, centreline mounting distances: 26 inches
Steering: Electro-hydraulic power steering, plus Joystick Piloting for Outboards
Gearcase: 44" Offshore HD Sport Master in straight, left and right camber, with counter-rotation available both ways
Gear ratio: 1.75:1
Carb Star Rating: CARB 2-Star
Alternator: 70A/882W (Belt-Drive)
Dry weight: 303kg
Shaft length: 20in, 35in, 30in
Colours: Phantom Black, Cold Fusion White
Warranty: Two-Year Limited for recreational boating, with Three-Year Limited Corrosion warranty.