It’s not just a new entry in the line-up: Evinrude G2 E-Tec feature a new 2.7 liter block, much advance in technology, and powersteps of 150 and 200 HP.
Talking of two-stroke engines, both in marine and motorbike industry, the topic is polarizing: either you hate it or you love it. Sure, if you look only at performance there’s no doubt they win. But then there’s further issues, mainly about the resale value and the environmental impact that make the market steer towards the four-stroke units. Let’s see why in this case it’s a misjudgment.
The new Evinrude G2 E-Tec range
First, the new Evinrude outboards win the look contest: few people wouldn’t agree. If anything, as I said, the concerns can come from what’s underneath the customizable cowling. Yet the new V6 engine, the first fully designed and made under BRP, is a concentrate of innovations, many borrowed from other areas where the American giant is leader, from jet skis to snowmobiles. Evinrude E-Tec G2 is available in four versions: 150, 150 HO, 175 and 200 all developed on a 66° V6 block, displacing 2.7 liters, differently from the most powerful models (250 to 300 HP) which still feature a V6 but with an angle of 74° and a displacement of 3.4 liters. Low consumption and 30% more torque are the main facts about Evinrude G2 E-Tec, which boast evolution even in the SLX gearbox with a peculiar hydrodynamic design sporting low intakes and curved fin, as well as dedicated propellers and final reduction. In addition, the HO 150 and 200 are offered with the support of the G2 transom with DPS integrated hydraulic steering, i-Dock (optional) and i-Trim, while the 150 and 150 HO may have the Trac transom mount with external hydraulic steering cylinder, and i-Trim. The G2 hydraulic steering, even for the 150 HO, is integrated rather then aftermarket, and it has no moving components in view; and also the Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) is integrated for a better handling. The Evinrude G2 E-Tec 150 HO is the only engine in its power segment with standard power steering, but also i-Trim, electronic gearbox and throttle, optimized rigging. Just to recall, i-Trim is an automatic system which optimizes the trim angle according to the vessel conditions and it’s standard on all new Evinrude.
As for reliability, the technology developed on the 300 HP justifies the 5-year warranty covering engine and corrosion. Virtually everything is new on the Evinrude G2 E-Tec: ignition system, center of rigging, final ratio of 2.17: 1, electronic transmission, starter motor, flywheel and stator, EMM G2, gearbox sump. In particular, heads have opposing and jacketed outtakes for improved cooling; new combustion chambers where – let’s not forget- just gasoline is injected, while oil has a dedicated injector that modifies the percentage depending on the operating conditions, ranging from 1.7 % to 2.0%. In the end, emissions have been reduced by 75% compared to the previous generation of G1 engines. Easy maintenance means no deep-service for 5 years or 500 hours, and in particular: no break-in, no oil change, 50 operating hours (on average) with an oil tank, and automatic wintering. Other features impacting on reliability are: larger water pump, no mechanical connection for transmission and throttle, and accelerator, vapor separator sensors, and exposed oil tank for a constant, direct verification.
Worth a mention is also the new Icon II digital commands that, at the same price of a mechanical throttle lever, are compatible with all G2 models from 150 to 300 HP and also feature an integrated digital/analog signal converter for the traditional instruments. As for the control systems, with Evinrude E-Link you can check the engine information on smartphone and tablet with an App for Android and iOS systems and a UI identical to Icon Touch 7.0 CTS.
