While fans of the Mercury Marine Verado series of outboard engines definitely won’t see a more-powerful entry this year, this is something new on the Verado front. Released moments ago at the Miami International Boat Show, the new Verado 400R Carbon Edition boasts “contemporary layered surfacing form language sculpted out of lightweight carbon-fiber composite with an aggressive stance,” according to a press release from the Fond du Lac, Wis., high-performance marine engines and accessories company.

Mercury Racing‘s Carbon Edition Verado 400R was unveiled today at the Miami International Boat Show (click image for full frame).

The engine’s lower cowling and upper rear cap are made of carbon fiber—the material is most obvious on the “mohawk” or raised center section of the cowl. The rest of the end cap and lower cowl are painted Phantom Black.

Like the Phantom Black and Cold Fusion White Verado 400R 2.6-liter outboards, the Carbon Edition pumps out 153 hp per liter, which according to the release is the highest power-to-weight of all four-stroke outboards in its class. It also includes the same cold-air induction system for improved airflow and power development—the system also reportedly reduces intake noise for improved sound quality—found on its 400-hp counterparts.

Maximum engine speed is 7,000 rpm. Electronic knock control enables the engine to safely run on 89 octane (95 Ron) fuel when the recommended premium 91-octane (98 RON) fuel is not available to maximize performance, according to the release.

Standard features of the Verado 400R include a Mercury Racing custom-designed rear tie-bar kit with rear engine mounts and a heavy-duty stainless-steel wing plate, an Advanced Midsection, a Sport Master gearcase, Mercury Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) and Joystick Piloting/Skyhook capability.

A two-year factory warranty is standard. Thanks to Mercury’s current “Verado 400R MPP For Three Program!” an additional year of Platinum Mercury Production Protection is included at no charge for a total of three years of factory coverage that is transferable to subsequent owners. (The program ends July 1.)

In addition to being on display in the Mercury Marine/Mercury Racing booth, Verado 400R Carbon Edition outboards are on the transoms of two MTI 340X catamarans as well as Cigarette Racing Team and Nor-Tech center consoles at the Miami Boat Show docks.

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