Good question, I remember the press release saying the midsection was new. So maybe not.

I know 2 guys that run twin 450 R's, ,they are very unhappy with the fuel consumption,,they both said they are much worse on fuel than they were told before the sales guy sold them on it.

Im shocked a sales person would stoop so low.......

Two guys you know bought new boats and motors and didnt do research to find out what was important to them? Fuel economy... Isnt that there own fault?

Having experience in many many types of boats and I/O motors, having experience in OB motors as well. I know many here are die hard I/O guys, but the reality is, the 450's sip fuel compared to I/O's in that power range. they run on very low maintenance compared to I/O's. Are they perfect, nope, but show me a mechanical item that is. I know many of you hate to hear this but They are a step forward in technology.
Show me a High 37-39 cat with a I/O that runs around at 75 mph doing 2mpg, show me a I/O that can run for hours and hours at a time going 100+ mph at 1.8 mpg. Show me a I/O that can get away with over 110 hrs and need nothing but the 100 hr oil changes and belt change service.

I love my I/O power. The qc4v power and reliability is awesome. The O/B wont have that same punch ever but dang they OB are pretty darn reliable and fuel efficient for me.

So when does someone drop a OB power head in the bilge and make a modern I/O?

LOL.

It would be way too expensive. QC4V expensive.

The I/O model requires cheap gas and cheap, antiquated [GM] engines.

BRP/Rotax sort of attempted just that. They snapped the neck of an OB and came up with this oddball.

When I get the new one next April.

I kind of like this if they step up to 300hp, but you’re putting more faith in that rubber (gasket) than banging a skid row crack wh0re

…….or clamp an I/O on the transom and get an outboard that sounds like a big block…..