ZF Marine presents its new 2-speed transmission, as part of the new V12 Verado outboard motor developed by Mercury Marine.
ZF brings the first 2-speed application to an outboard application
As a result of a 4-year collaboration with Mercury Marine, ZF now introduces the industry’s first 2-speed transmission for outboards.
The result of the partnership is the powerful Verado 7.6 V12 600 hp engine. It includes several innovative solutions, including the first 2-speed automatic hydraulic transmission. The maximum torque design is 724 Nm, a maximum of 7,000 RPM and its weight is only 55 kg.
The 2-speed technology allows the characteristics of the engine to be perfectly adapted to the different operating modes. The 2-speed transmission delivers maximum torque and acceleration in first gear, then quietly shifts into second gear for thrilling cruising efficiency and top speed. The change is almost imperceptible.
Every marine application, regardless of operating mode, could benefit from a 2-speed transmission, as it enables improved propulsion performance by properly matching engine power and boat (or propeller) power demand. The two-speed transmission allows easy power transfer to the gearbox. This means that both the first and second gears could be designed correctly to enhance any boat design objective.
More acceleration and efficiency, less noise and more thrust could be achieved for towing activities by selecting the proper reduction ratio for each gear. “The first gear is 20% lower than the second, which generates high propeller torque and the ability to accelerate the boat and put it on the plane quickly. The engine continues to provide power and accelerations through its change of power up to rated speed, “said Tim Reid, vice president of product development and engineering for Mercury Marine.
