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Want a little good news? Optimax technology, introduced in 1997 and currently enjoying a well-deserved reputation for husky reliability, low emissions, and fuel economy, just got a tad better. In fact, via various refinements, the new 135 Optimax now satisfies EPA 2006 emissions standards as well as the Ultra Clean 3-Star exhaust emissions standards promulgated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A new multipurpose electronic controller from Motorola, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 555, is at the bottom of it all. Dubbed “the brain box to end all brain boxes” by Mercury, it is said to be the most powerful engine microprocessor available today, capable of wringing even more fuel economy and power out of the Optimax’s patented and proven direct-fuel-injected Orbital technology. Mercury reps say all Optimax engines will incorporate the new Motorola controller by the end of this year.

On the four-stroke front, Mercury just recently put a couple of lean new beauties on the market, a 115 EFI (at a dry weight of 386 pounds, 110 pounds lighter than the four-stroke Honda BF115) and a new 60 (at a dry weight of 236 pounds, just a tad heavier than Honda’s BF50). Both are CARB 3-Star certified and satisfy EPA 2008 guidelines.

Mercury Marine (920) 929-5000. Fax: (920) 929-5060. www.mercurymarine.com.

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