By: Scott Way
Mercury Marine has won a major award outside the marine industry. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) tradeshow in Las Vegas showcases innovations across the technology spectrum and features advancements in consumer electronics, VR technology, AI, wireless devices, electric vehicles, and more. Mercury Marine has been awarded the CES Innovation Award honoree in the Vehicle & Transportation category, marking the first time an advancement in marine propulsion has topped the list. In 2021, Mercury received the Best of Innovation designation in the In-Vehicle Entertainment & Safety category, and the CES Innovation Award honor in the Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation category.
The award was in recognition of Mercury's successful launch of the industry-changing V12 600hp Verado outboard. The new V12 has several firsts, most notably it being the first ever V12 marine engine. It also boasts the largest output ever in an outboard engine (the previous record was held by Mercury for their 450R racing outboard), and the first-ever two speed transmission. Another major feature is the industry’s first-ever rotating lower unit, in which the engine remains stationary while the duo prop lower unit rotates on its own axis.
BoatBlurb was fortunate to be one of the first in Canada to test the new V12 Verado, and the results speak for themselves.
“We are thrilled to be recognized with a CES Innovation Award for the second consecutive year,” said Dave Foulkes, Brunswick Corporation CEO. “The Mercury 600hp V12 Verado is the most innovative and highest performing outboard engine in the world and reduces environmental impact by offering outstanding fuel efficiency and quietness, and this award is a testament to the world-class Mercury team. Our disciplined, design-thinking approach to developing new products and the execution of our ACES strategy continues to elevate the future of boating.”
“It is an incredible honor for Mercury Marine to win another CES Innovation Award, one of the premier innovation awards in the world,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president. “We are looking forward to showcasing two of these award-winning engines in the Brunswick exhibit at CES 2022, giving attendees from around the world the opportunity to witness what many are calling the most innovative engine in the marine industry and the most powerful outboard we have ever built.”
In sea trials before the product launch on a 43’ day boat, twin V12 Verados offered 20% better fuel economy at cruise than triple 425hp outboards in both acceleration and top speed. The V12 Verado’s advanced fuel-management system also delivered the figures while running on 87-octane fuel, as opposed to higher octane premium fuels.
In terms of green technology, the V12 Verado outboard also delivers exceptional fuel economy and range. As a result, this reduces carbon dioxide emissions through the combination of industry-leading technologies including the industry’s first automatic transmission integrated in an outboard; dual, advanced, contra-rotating propellers, Mercury’s Advanced Range Optimization (ARO) lean burn strategy; and closed-loop fuel control. The engine also delivers extraordinary levels of quietness and smoothness, which we experienced firsthand in our testing.
The CES Innovation Awards program is an annual event that honours outstanding design and engineering in consumer electronics. The winners are generated from a panel of industry experts including members of the media, designers, and engineers, and submissions are based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetics, and design quality.
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