The new Mercury Racing 360 APX competition outboard is a potent four-stroke V8 designed specifically to power Formula One tunnel boats on the UIM F1H2O World Championship.
It will be available in late 2020 only to qualified racing teams.
“The 360 APX combines a durable, low-emissions, four-stroke powerhead with amazing performance. It will require much less maintenance than the two-stroke outboard currently in use in the F1H2O World Championship,” said Stuart Halley, Mercury Racing general manager.
The UIM F1H2O World Championship is the flagship international series of single-seater inshore circuit powerboat racing. The series attracts up to 20 of the world’s leading drivers competing in tunnel-hull catamarans that take hairpin turns at more than 145kph and top 225.5kph on the straights.
The 360 APX is based on a modified version of the Mercury Racing 300R 4.6-liter V8 powerhead. The engine is normally aspirated and retains its double overhead cam/four-valve architecture. This engine offers 90% lower emissions than current two-stroke racing engines.
The all-new 12-inch midsection is designed specifically for Formula 1 tunnel boat applications. An evolved version of the Mercury Racing Super Speed Master (IV SSM) outboard gearcase is direct-drive with no neutral or reverse shifting. Above-water exhaust offers unrestricted flow.
Mercury Racing 360 APX outboard shipments are scheduled to commence in early November 2020.
