Development of the application of the automotive engine technology to the V6 Four Stroke Outboard Motor

In order to achieve a highly balanced performance improvement with large maximum torque and low fuel consumption, the application of the automobile engine technologies to outboard motor was developed. Such as the variable valve timing and lift electronic control system, a variable intake system, and O₂ feedback system are adopted to 225 and 200-horsepower outboard motors powered by 3.5-liter V-type 6-cylinder (V6) engine. The resulting engine performance also makes them to achieve emissions levels that satisfy the final model year 2008 values for marine engine exhaust gas emissions set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The adoption of non-chrome coating methods for exterior parts on these motors has achieved both environmental compliance and coating quality. At the same time, design of the exhaust manifold which is located outside of the V-bank with the same construction as V6 automotive engines and the use of a plastic inlet manifold makes these models lightweight and compact enough to replace conventional 2-stroke outboard motors without requiring any modification to the boat.