Scorpion gets more venom

MerCruiser Australia said the big end of its Tow Sport range has just gotten bigger with the release of the new 6.2-litre Scorpion 377 HO. The new engine is rated at 380hp, which Mercury said is 40hp more than the previous 377 model.

"It's truly impressive. This new Scorpion 377 produces incredible top-end power and great torque while being ultra-green as well," said David Meehan, director – MerCruiser Australia, New Zealand, Pacific.

"This is an engine which has been purpose-built for big tow-sport boats. They're hungry for more power and excellent performance, so that's exactly what we have delivered.

"Any way you look at it, this is the ‘Rolls-Royce' of the category," Meehan said.

MerCruiser Australia said the new Scorpion 377 comes with a fully integrated digital throttle and shift (DTS) as standard, incorporating a ZF 63C electronic shift transmission which is Walter adaptable for V-drive.

Its Engine Guardian system is said to automatically monitor oil pressure, coolant temperature, transmission temperature, engine over-rev, cooling water pressure, low voltage and engine spark knock, and reacts instantly to any problem to avoid any damage.

Because the new Scorpion 377 is built with tow sports in mind, MerCruiser Australia said the engine is fully compatible with Mercury's Smart Tow technology which combines two high-tech features in one easy-to-use system. 

"Its optional Launch Control feature lets drivers select the ideal Tow Profile for the person being pulled out of the water. The acceleration and RPM overshoot are smooth, consistent and automatic," said MerCruiser Australia.

Then, when the acceleration's over, the manufacturer said the Cruise Control delivers consistent speed on the water with no ‘hunting', while Smart Tow Pro can also be programmed for a particular speed thanks to the inclusion of advanced GPS technology.

The new Scorpion 377 is also claimed to deliver all this power and performance while maintaining its green credentials, as its catalytic converter controls three gases - hydrocarbons, nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide.

MerCruiser Australia said the engine's massive output of 380hp is possible thanks to some significant construction changes, including an all-cast iron exhaust system, premium unleaded rating, a high-performance camshaft, needle bearing roller rocker arm, large port bowtie cylinder heads, and a modified tunnel ram intake manifold.

The new Scorpion 377 comes with a three-year MerCruiser warranty which can be upgraded to six years. For more information, visit MercuryMarine.com.au.