Ilmor Marine introduces MV8 7.4L OPS recreational sterndrive engine

Ilmor Marine previewed its new MV8 7.4L OPS recreational sterndrive engine at the 2017 Miami International Boat Show. Paired with the company’s One Drive sterndrive system, Ilmor has created a 480-plus HP powertrain solution for the recreational bowrider and cruiser markets, available in single and twin drive configurations later this spring.

Ilmor has been an active and respected marine powertrain manufacturer since 2003 and has been the exclusive engine supplier to MasterCraft Boat Company in 2011. The MV8 7.4L engine is Ilmor’s most powerful recreational sterndrive offering, and can be seen with the One Drive and One Touc’ systems at the Miami International Boat Show in a 2017 Formula 350SS FX available for demonstration rides during the show (dock 133).

The Ilmor MV8 7.4L OPS engine

The One Drive-ready MV8 7.4L is based off Ilmor’s 7.4L powerplant, which has been offered in the company’s inboard portfolio since 2011. Hundreds of the inboard version have been sold worldwide, calibrated specifically for the heavy ballast running conditions of tow sports.  The 454-cubic-inch engine was also tuned up for the performance market in 2013, producing 570 HP at 6000 rpm for offshore and high-speed applications.

Ilmor believed the natural next step was to create a nicely balanced recreational sterndrive engine that fills the power void currently experienced in the gasoline sterndrive segment between recreational duty 430 HP and high performance 520-plus HP. At 483 HP, the MV8 7.4L is built to meet a need for manufacturers as well as boating enthusiasts, which Ilmor says provides substantial power and torque for sportier cruisers and bowriders without sacrificing durability.

The MV8 7.4L engine is hand-built in Ilmor’s Plymouth, Mich., racing headquarters, with Ilmor-designed internal components, including forged crank, rods and pistons.  The engine comes standard with closed cooling and electric throttle, and features a performance-tuned cast aluminum intake and accessible service points. Additionally, by keeping the engine below 500 HP, Ilmor catalyzed the exhaust system, which the company says reaffirms its commitment to cleaner boating for the environment and boaters alike (as recently evidenced by its 5-star emissions certified GDI series). The engine is supported by Ilmor’s customer experience team and its 5-year/500-hour factory-backed limited warranty.

The MV8 7.4L is scheduled to begin production in Spring 2017 and can be previewed in a Formula Boats 350SS FX in a twin One Drive/One Touch configuration at the 2017 Miami International Boat Show (dock 133).  The engine will round out Ilmor’s existing sterndrive engine portfolio – the MV8 6.0L (380HP), shown in a 350CBR in Formula Boat’s on-water display, and the MV8 6.2L (430HP), in a Formula 270BR, available for test drives at dock 135.

The Ilmor One Drive and One Touch

Ilmor unveiled the One Drive package at Miami International Boat Show in 2016.  The company says the central differentiator of the One Drive propulsion system is the electro-magnetically actuated hydraulic clutch transmission, the source of Ilmor’s unique smooth shift experience. Especially noticeable in the twin-engine configuration, the hydraulic clutch system quietly engages and disengages gears at an incredibly responsive two-shifts-per-second. The twin propeller drive unit is built with precision forged gears for increased durability and offers extensive active and passive corrosion protection systems. All drive systems are complete with power assisted steering and hydraulic trim.  Ilmor says the One Drive transom also has a larger exhaust output than comparable systems, minimizing backpressure for improved engine performance. The Ilmor One Drive can be customized for an added aesthetic effect by the customer.

On twin-engine boats, Ilmor offers the optional One Touch joystick system for vessel maneuverability at low speeds, especially for docking.  The system includes Ilmor’s MERLIN engine monitoring display, and is compatible with autopilot functions. The One Touch is available to experience on the Formula 350SS FX on display at Miami Marine Stadium (dock 133).

The Ilmor ‘One Drive’ and One Touch systems are covered by a 5-year/500-hour factory backed limited warranty.  Both are available for order through select boat manufacturing partners.  For more information, visit Ilmor’s show display (F408) or www.ilmor.com/en.

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