New MerCruiser 6.2L V8 sterndrive

Mercury MerCruiser’s new 6.2-litre V8 300hp and 350hp sterndrive engines, which are purpose-built specifically for marine use, deliver increased power and torque while providing a remarkably quiet and smooth ride, the big American marine-engine maker says after the recent launch in the US.

"With the introduction of our new 6.2-litre V-8 sterndrive engines, Mercury continues to build on its success of designing and manufacturing propulsion systems that deliver the most intuitive, powerful, worry-free, smooth and quiet boating experience," said John Pfeifer, president of Mercury Marine.

"Like the purpose-built 4.5-litre V-6 sterndrives we introduced a year ago, we’re extremely proud of the remarkable reliability and ease of maintenance delivered by the 6.2. This is a terrific engine platform that will improve boating everywhere."

Engineered with new innovative features and, says the engine maker, state-of-the-art technology, the MerCruiser 6.2L sterndrive platform – like the recently introduced MerCruiser 4.5L V6 platform for 200hp and 250hp engines – was designed and is manufactured at Mercury Marine’s world headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Mercury designed and builds the 6.2L engine specifically for marine use rather than adapting and marinising an automotive engine. The 6.2L is not burdened with automotive restrictions and unnecessary technologies that result in additional cost and complexity without adding value. The result is a perfect balance of power, easy maintenance, superior corrosion-resistance and a quiet, pleasurable ride.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE
The MerCruiser 6.2L engine is said to offer class-leading acceleration while delivering smooth operation, using a long runner scrolled-intake manifold to optimise air flow for higher torque. This translates into greater acceleration and improved boat performance.

High displacement, which produces an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, provides a more enjoyable and safer boating experience by letting you plane your boat quickly, handle rough seas better and stay on plane at lower speeds.

The 6.2L V-8 also offers Adaptive Speed Control (ASC), which automatically maintains a set rpm point regardless of load or condition changes, such as tight turns, tow-sport activities and lower speeds on plane.

The result is increased throttle response and a “sportier” feel for the driver, who no longer has to make continual throttle-control adjustments.

An option for the 6.2L V8 with DTS is Axius Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives, providing the ultimate in docking experience and manoeuverability.

"The new 6.2-litre V8 engine is another outstanding example of a Mercury product designed from the ground up with technologies, design features and materials that deliver unmatched value to our marine customers," said David Foulkes, chief technology officer for Brunswick Corporation and vice president of Mercury product development, engineering and Racing.

"It joins our extensive and proven portfolio of products that provide exceptional performance, fuel economy, durability, smoothness and quietness, combined with intuitive operation, service and maintenance."

SMOOTH AND QUIET
Multiple advancements on the 6.2L combine to create the most enjoyable boating environment on the water. An air-intake resonator suppresses harsh sound frequencies throughout the engine operation range for a dramatically quieter and more pleasurable experience, while an all-new, aft-facing throttle body directs noise away from the cockpit for easier conversation, Mercury says.

Larger and optimised engine mounts isolate undesirable engine vibration and reduce resonant vibration sounds, making the ride event quieter and smoother.

DURABILITY AND CORROSION
Mercury Marine built the ultimate anti-corrosion protection system into the 6.2L V-8, using durable cast-iron components wherever the engine encounters raw water and composites and marine alloys for lightweight efficiency throughout the engine.

A convenient and easy freshwater-flush system contributes to the engine’s long-term durability, corrosion-resistance and ease of maintenance.

SIMPLE SERVICING, SMARTPHONE VIDS
The 6.2L features a maintenance center near the top-front section of the engine, ensuring that consumer touchpoints – including oil filter and fill – are easily identifiable and accessible.

Additionally, the valve train is maintenance-free for the life of the engine, and a QR code on the engine’s service label allows smartphone users to access “how to” videos online. The 6.2L V-8 also boasts a “season extending” drain system that can keep you boating during the transition times between seasons.

Ease of maintenance on the MerCruiser 6.2L includes the elimination of the traditional 20-hour service.

The 6.2L is available with optional freshwater cooling and the SeaCore drive corrosion protection treatment, which provides extra corrosion protection only when needed, such as saltwater environments.

Freshwater cooling uses a heat exchanger and coolant fluid to maintain engine temperature, rather than raw water from a lake or ocean. The coolant travels through the entire engine and the exhaust manifolds, and prevents internal corrosion of the cooling passages. The SeaCore drive is a hard-anodising process that alters the surface layer of the aluminum drive casting to prevent saltwater penetration that leads to corrosion.

WARRANTY
The 6.2L V8 300hp and 350hp engines enjoy two years of Mercury Limited Warranty and three years of Mercury Extended Service. The 6.2L also comes with three years of anti-corrosion warranty. We look forward to a test drive.