Forty-six marine journalists from 14 countries attended a press event that was held Thursday through Saturday in Milwaukee for the unveiling of the second generation of BRP’s Evinrude E-TEC line of 2-stroke outboards. The line was introduced in 2003, but this E-TEC is an entirely different animal.
The E-TEC G2, as it is branded, is the first outboard the manufacturer has built “from the prop shaft to the fly wheel” — the company’s first totally new product in 38 years — and BRP boldly promises as much as 75 percent fewer emissions, 15 percent better fuel efficiency and 20 percent more torque than leading four-stroke engines.
Kept under wraps during its two years in development, the G2 is also the first outboard designed for the direct injection system.
When the G2 hits the market this fall, accompanied by a comprehensive advertising and promotional campaign, consumers will have the option of 200-, 225-, 250- and 300-hp models. BRP did not disclose the anticipated MSRP, but Chris Berg, director of marketing and strategic planning, said, “We will be competitively priced with comparable fully rigged four-stroke competitors.”
The line will be backed by a 5-5-5 warranty of 5-year engine and corrosion warranty and 500 hours with no dealer-scheduled maintenance.
“Without a doubt, these are going to set the benchmark in the industry for reliability,” George Broughton, director of engineering for Evinrude, told an audience of 2,000 dealers, BRP employees and media at a gala “Global Reveal” on Friday.
