Does anyone have knowledge of Mercury's possible plans to release an upgraded version of the current 400R for next year's model line? I've heard from more than one person that there are rumors of a 450R with a 1.62 gearcase that will be released at the Miami show in February. I would actually be surprised if this were to happen, seeing as the 400R just came out, and is selling like crazy. However, I do think that 450hp and a 1.62 gearcase would be very easy for Mercury to release.

I've heard of the 1.62 gears but not the 450

I've heard something else, but can't say yet.......

I've also heard that they are coming out with a larger displacement/higher HP motor in a few years. This rumored new motor is almost guaranteed to happen, it's just a matter of how many years until it is released. It is not planned as a replacement for the 400R, but rather an addition to their high HP line of outboard motors. My question in this thread is for performance advancements to the current 2.6L 400R platform for the next model year - 2018.

I'd love to see the NA turbo motor version that would make around 850-900
Now that would be the ticket. High rev engine
Mercury is already making the LS7 DOHC motor. They are even unveiling something else this year at sema this week. I'll be there Thursday in Vegas. Can't wait

Yeah, the 700-1100 hp gap makes no sense. The fact that they have 520, 540, 565, and 600 also makes no sense.

I heard a 4 cylinder, verado super light at around 250hp

It makes no sense to you because people that buy those motors not writting a check too you. To mercury it makes sense and lots of money. Example if motor makes 520hp stock, with tuning same stock motor makes 540hp 565hp with a cost $10 to flash ecm map correct and can sell custumer 20hp for $3000 money all day for simple ecm swap.

500R coming soon

The differences are in the intakes and exhaust if you cared to read the specs. The price jumps mostly make sense based on what you're getting.