For Immediate Release

NEW PROPULSION SYSTEM...PROJECT ZEUS

Contact: Ted Varner
Manager, Communications
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel
Phone:  (843) 745-1586
E-mail: ted.varner@cummins.com
Sarah Goodstein
Internet Communications Technician
Phone: (843) 329-5705
E-mail: sarah.goodstein@cummins.com

(Charleston, South Carolina) – Marine propulsion innovators, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) has unveiled Project Zeus, a highly advanced propulsion system that delivers a proven level of safety, 30% better fuel economy, unsurpassed handling at high and low speeds, and systems integration unparalleled in the industry.

Culminating 15 years of development, building upon technology advancing designs, Project Zeus incorporates a familiar looking, yet totally new pod drive with counter-rotating stainless steel, rear facing propellers and a through hub exhaust. Independent vectoring for each drive delivers dramatically improved high-speed handling. Docking is easier than ever. These steerable pod drives, along with an advanced joystick control system deliver precise turning and tight maneuvering that is far superior to bow thrusters. In addition, a highly advanced autopilot (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 innovations showcased in Project Zeus are the result of cooperative development between our Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, Mercury, Navman and MotoTron divisions,” states Dustin (Dusty) McCoy, CEO, Brunswick Corporation. “The tremendous range of technical expertise at Brunswick allows a seamless approach to propulsion technology, marine electronics, and on board information management.”

The drives 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, and no side forces and minimized cavitations. The results of the advances are impressive, 7% faster top speed and a 30% increase in fuel economy at a higher cruise speed.

“Coupled with our QSB 425 HP or QSC 500 HP engines, our propulsion systems offer more power density than comparable pod systems,” says Scott Patrohay, President, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel. “Integral trim tabs, an accessories water system, and SmartCraft networking provide more integrated components than other pod systems.”

Built on the foundation of the already quiet and clean running Quantum engine, Project 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 drive strikes debris or bottom, the tunnel mounting pod drive housing and skeg protects 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.

Pat Mackey, President, Mercury Marine, feels that 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 auto trim feature (option available Summer 2008) simplifies operation. Station keeping 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.”

Boat builders will begin offering this leading propulsion technology in a few select models during the coming year, with widespread integration beginning with the 2008 model year releases.

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 120-715HP for recreational applications and 77-588HP for commercial use. Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is a joint venture between Cummins Marine 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/ftp10.