For Immediate Release

Emissions

Contact: Ted Varner
Manager, Communications
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel
Phone:  (843) 745-1586
E-mail:  ted.varner@cummins.com

CMD ANNOUNCES ZEUS PROPULSION SYSTEM HAS SHIPPED TO LAUNCH PARTNERS

(Charleston, South Carolina) - Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) has announced the start of shipment of preproduction Zeus pod systems. Several boat builders have Zeus powered models currently in the water, and many additional models are scheduled for first installation in the coming months. CMD will be accepting production orders in Q1 of 2007 and the Zeus system will be available to the public in 2008 model year boats.

Zeus is a highly advanced propulsion system that delivers a proven level of safety; up to 30% better fuel economy, unsurpassed handling at high and low speeds, vessel systems integration unparalleled in the marine industry and increased power density up to 550 horsepower.

Culminating 15 years of development, building upon technology advancing designs, Zeus incorporates a familiar looking, yet totally new pod with counter-rotating stainless steel, rear facing propellers and a through hub exhaust. Independent vectoring for each pod delivers dramatically improved high-speed handling. Docking is easier than ever. These steerable pods, along with an advanced joystick control system deliver precise turning and tight maneuvering that is far superior to bow thrusters. In addition, Skyhook Electronic Anchor™ a component of our highly advanced Precision Pilot™ system (option available Summer 2008) keeps a Zeus equipped vessel on a fixed heading within a tight area, even in strong currents and windy conditions.

The pods are designed to produce horizontal thrust so the full power of the engines are utilized to drive the boat forward, unlike standard inboard shafts that push a boat upwards. Counter-rotating propellers feature increased blade area, larger gear ratios, no side forces and minimized cavitation. The results of the advances are impressive, up to 15% faster top speed and up to 30% increased fuel economy at a higher cruise speed.

“With up to 550 horsepower, the Zeus 3500 and Zeus 3800 offer more power density than comparable pod systems,” says Scott Patrohay, President, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel. “An Integrated trim control system, an accessories water system, and SmartCraft™ networking also provide more integrated components than other pod systems.”

Built on the foundation of the already quiet and clean running Quantum engines, Zeus makes boating even more pleasurable. Because the pod drives employ counter rotating propellers and are mounted on a large rubber grommet, gear noise and vibration are significantly reduced for an even quieter and comfortable ride. Already low engine exhaust noise is nearly eliminated by venting the emission through the propeller hubs where the water flow takes them far back into the wake.

Design engineers stress the rear facing orientation offers a much greater level of safety versus forward facing propellers. In the event that the pod strikes debris or bottom, the gear case and skeg protect the propellers. Most floating objects will be deflected downwards by the keel and skeg away from the propellers. Should the unit come into contact with a substantial object, the skeg is designed to shear below the torpedo, minimizing damage to the drive and costly repair bills. In the event of a catastrophic collision above the depth of the keel, the gear case is designed to shear away and remain water tight, so that there is no compromise in hull integrity.

Some of the most notable benefits from Project Zeus for boaters will be experienced at the helm. Around the dock, our intuitive joystick control eliminates anxiety. Underway, the automated trim control feature simplifies operation. Skyhook Electronic Anchor™ (option available Summer 2008) allows hands free control of the boat when maintaining position away from the dock. All of this technology was developed with a goal of simplifying the boating experience while maintaining safety.

Based in Charleston, South Carolina (USA), Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is responsible for designing, manufacturing and providing reliable after-sales support worldwide for marine products. It offers a broad range of power, with available ratings from 115-715 HP for recreational applications and 76-715 HP for commercial use. Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is a joint venture between Cummins, Inc. and Mercury Marine and can be found on the internet at www.cmdmarine.com.

For further information, contact Ted Varner (CMD Communications Manager) at 843-745-1586 or ted.varner@cummins.com.

High resolution photography can be downloaded from our FTP site:

http://www.cmdmarine.com/ftp.