Matt Trulio

MSM has it exactly right. I wrote the stories on the engine for Smokin' and Powerboat magazines, as well as the initial story for speedonthewater.com. I spoke at length with Fred Kiekhaefer and the lead project engineeer, Erik Christiansen—and I mean at length. They repeatedly told me the entire engine was, "designed and developed by and at Mercury Racing."

In the 15 years I've known him, Fred, he has never been anything but honest, at times bluntly honest, with me. I have no reason to suspect he'd do that now because although the 1300/1350 is a big release for Mercury Racing, it is by no means the company's first big release.

Believe who you want. My money is on Fred.

Raylar

At this point I would have to agree with Matt! No reason for Fred, Mercury or its people to deceive and misrepresent. They have always been for the most part truthful, honest and forthcoming.
I suspect also that this engine got a good thrashing by Mercury at their test site and time will show if the magic is in the engine!

The real qustion now is can enough big buck users step up to the cost of this beauty and as such, can Mercury keep it in production at small usage numbers?

As I have always said "Nothing is Impossible, It Just Costs More!!"

Best Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

SVL-WARLOCK

This motor runs on pump gas and is warrantied for one year. Merc would not offer that if it was not completely confident in its work. Imagine with some boost and race gas the kind of power this will make. Rumor has it that this motor has made reliable horespower above 1700 with no breakage.

Catmando

Just got the May Powerboat. Excellent article with the men who made these motors happen.

HotPursuit

They never mentioned Chevrolet!! We shall see when the first one goes to a outside shop. Just like Dart and Merlin was developed in house. My AMG connections say some different. Mercury is a great company but when you have there money nothing is out of reach.
Also why was the new Cigarette unveiled with a new Mercedes AMG