The new Evinrude outboards – six 3.4-liter V6 E-TEC G2 models ranging from 200 to 300 horsepower – broke cover in Milwaukee on June 14 and mostly live up to the white-hot hype that has preceded this product launch.
This first all-new outboard product from BRP since it acquired the Evinrude brand in 2001 features dramatic styling and a host of really clever technical details. Instead of the typical “bucket” cowl these new motors surround the powerhead with a Transformer-style composite exoskeleton and three removable plastic panels sold through the dealer in a five colors (blue, silver, black, red and white) with 14 available accent stripe colors, so you can color-match your motor to your boat and truck. I expect the RealTree edition is right around the corner, and these panels will make it easy for tournament anglers to add sponsor wraps.
Technical highlights include a new 74-degree V6 powerhead BRP is claiming produces 20 percent more torque, 15 percent better fuel economy and 75 percent lower emissions than the best outboards in this category, thanks to a redesigned combustion chamber and refinement of the E-TEC DFI system. The top model, the E-TEC G2 300 R.A.V.E., utilizes a two-position exhaust port that broadens the powerband. A new hydraulic helix (imagine a screw turned under hydraulic pressure) is integrated into the bracket and replaces the traditional hydraulic steering ram. An electric boost motor tucked within the bracket adds power steering to all Evinrude E-TEC G2 motors in 25- and 30-inch shaft lengths. The trim system also utilizes a hydraulic helix control, and the motor pivots on a tilt tube that’s about 2.5 times larger in diameter than any previous design, and in conjunction with a new transom bracket is very rigid. And that’s just a start of the story. Watch for a full report with performance numbers in the September issue of Boating Magazine.
BRP expects these new Evinrude motors to be in production in late summer, reaching dealers and boat builders in time for the early boats shows.
For more information: http://www.evinrude.com/en-US
