Other features are that the engine is naturally balanced and has excellent NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) qualities. With a unique cowl design, noise reducing air intake and other design elements, this engine is extremely quiet. As for pricing, the MSRP is about $12,500 for the 175 HP version without rigging, and approximately an additional $1,250 each bump in HP, to about $14,500 for the 225. Rigging is flexible as these digital engines can adapt to mechanical rigging with a unique digital actuator.

How did they pull it off? I was lucky enough to talk to several people at Mercury and the new 3.4 is a direct result of the massive investment Mercury made in their BuhlerPrince die casting machine. It allows Mercury to cast the block and components to be lighter than competitors that don’t have the same capability, due to the incredible casting pressure and sophistication of the equipment. The machinery was part of a massive investment Mercury Marine made in their Fond Du Lac location, since 2009.

What can we expect in the future with this large displacement theme? Anticipate some ProXS versions of these 3.4 engines, which will follow the trend of all the ProXS engines, tuned for slightly higher RPM operation, stiffer performance mounts, and a different gear case option.