Innovations drive recognition in the Outboard Engines category

On February 15, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) honored the Mercury Racing V8 500R outboard with a 2024 Miami Innovation Award in the Outboard Engines category at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. The Miami Innovation Awards recognize manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market.

Responding to the award announcement, Jeff Broman, Mercury Racing category director, remarked, “We elevated outboard engine power when we launched the 500R. This 4.6L V8 powerhouse was designed with technological advancements in the powerhead, cooling system, midsection and drive. Our goal was to take the high-performance luxury sport boating experience to the next level, and to have the 500R honored by the NMMA and BWI demonstrates that the industry is recognizing and celebrating that work.

"Capable of delivering over 500 horsepower in various conditions and weighing as little as 720 pounds, the 500R sets a new benchmark for outboard power density,” added Broman. “Its incredible mid-range punch and unrelenting authority at wide-open throttle make it the most exciting production outboard to emerge from the Mercury Racing shop."

The new and exclusive Advanced Racing Core (ARC) midsection of the 500R enhances durability and performance. The outboard also features a new attenuator and throttle body design for improved airflow. Humidity compensation technology enables the engine to optimize performance across varying atmospheric conditions. The engine is available in four lengths and can be installed on new boats or used for repower applications.

And the innovations don’t stop there. In an effort to accommodate different boating applications, the R-Drive gearcase of the 500R is available in two versions, R Drive and R Drive Sport, that support Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), Adaptive Speed Control and SmartCraft® features.

Commenting on this year’s winner in the Outboard Engines category, veteran marine journalist and 2024 Innovation Awards judge Alan Jones offered, “Mercury Racing didn’t just add 50 horsepower to create the 500R, they also made it stronger, increased fuel and airflow, gave it the ability to compensate for humidity and yet it still runs on 89 octane.”

Explore the Mercury Racing V8 500R outboard today and experience the freedom of Wide Open performance boating.