WITH the global debut of its all-new DF350A four-stroke V6 last week in Boca Raton, Florida, Suzuki Marine has unleashed what the company describes as “the ultimate four-stroke outboard.”
The 4.4L V6 DF350A is the largest, most powerful outboard Suzuki has built to date. In development for more than three years, it represents a milestone in both engineering and design with its high-efficiency 12.0:1 compression ratio and twin contra-rotating, three-blade propellers. While contra-rotating props have been used in inboard engines with pod drives for years, the DF350A marks their first appearance on a production outboard motor. With more surface area, the twin props improve stability and grip for improved acceleration, while delivering zero steering torque and vastly improved thrust and control in reverse gear.
“We have put a lot of work into this new outboard and we cannot wait to see how the market responds,” said Yasuharu Osawa, Suzuki’s executive general manager, global marine and power products operation. “We have watched with great interest as we’ve seen … an increasing preference for outboards on all kinds of boats that used to be exclusively stern drive or inboard. The time is ripe for this new outboard, and we think you’re going to love it.”
The new DF350A boasts an extensive rage of new technology, including a revised air intake system that allows the engine to draw in ample fresh air while separating out water, spray and moisture; the use of two smaller fuel injectors for precise injection of fuel to the center of the combustion chamber to avoid off-centre combustion and knocking; advanced piston technology; and dual propellers that provide greater grip while retaining a streamlined gear case for no loss of speed or stability.
Key features include digital shift and throttle, a special trolling mode, a high-output 54-amp alternator, Suzuki’s Lean Burn control technology, and compatibility with SeaStar joystick controls. Like Suzuki’s other V6 outboards, the DF350A features an offset driveshaft, which allows for a more compact overall size and two-stage gear reduction.
“This engine has been designed and engineered to power bigger and heavier boats of all kinds, and without sacrificing reliability of efficiency,” said Suzuki product planning manager, David Greenwood. “In zero to 30 acceleration, the DF350 is faster than the Yamaha 350 and the Mercury 350, and also achieved a higher top-end speed than the supercharged Mercury. It’s also more fuel efficient than either the Yamaha or Mercury 350. In other words, new DF350 is a superior motor in every area that’s important to today’s boater.”
Manufactured in Suzuki’s Toyokawa plant in Japan, the DF350A is expected to begin shipping to Australian dealerships and boat builders in late August or early September.
