Experience elevated power and technology created exclusively for owners of the fastest luxury sport boats. Producing 500 supercharged horsepower, the Mercury Racing V8 500R introduces a host of new components in the powerhead, cooling system, midsection, gearcase and steering system, each engineered to harness the raw power produced by this engine and to meet the challenging demands of Wide Open performance boating.
“This motor offers incredible mid-range punch and unrelenting authority.”
Stuart Halley
General Manager
Built from the inside out for rugged performance. Our new 4.6L V8 powerhead features upgraded components support to a scaled-up power output and deliver reliability you can count on.
Our power prescription calls for a 26% increase in supercharger boost pressure. Air flow is optimized with a larger intake attenuator and a new 92mm throttle body.
More power in every environment. For the first time in any marine engine, a new sensor measures the humidity level of the intake airflow to maintain the most aggressive calibration and optimize performance under virtually all conditions.
A new low-inertia flywheel allows the engine RPM to climb faster for improved acceleration.
Connecting rods, rod bearings and pistons are strengthened to handle increased combustion pressure and a higher 6600 RPM redline.
A stout new crankshaft specific to the 500R model rides in 230-degree groove main bearings for improved oiling and features robust 1-inch driveshaft splines.
Mercury Racing's ECM calculates the ideal spark timing based on prevailing air temperature, pressure and humidity.
Experience up to 30 additional horsepower in challenging, very humid conditions.
The dual muffler system of Advanced Sound Control offers the option of a deep sport tone with a stirring growl on start-up.
Turn on sound for maximum feel
Tap + Hold
The new Advanced Racing Core (ARC) midsection is engineered to upgrade durability and performance.
Mercury Racing has engineered the Advanced Racing Core (ARC) midsection to compliment the extreme thrust and high-speed capability of the 500R outboard. This is the strongest, stiffest and most-durable midsection ever created by Mercury Racing, and it is exclusive to the 500R outboard.
Precise drive trim control is critical to realizing the high-speed potential of any performance boat. Mercury Racing leverages decades of experience in the heat of competition to engineer an upgraded trim and steering system for the 500R outboard that delivers unmatched precision.
The transom plate is redesigned to be stronger. Precision-fitted heavy-duty guide plates and stiffened engine mounts are tuned to stabilize the engine for enhanced high-speed handling.
Seven transom plate mounting holes accommodate three inches of vertical adjustment, twice the adjustment range of the previous design.
The trim system features two main hydraulic rams plus two booster rams for added trim authority under full load.
Slower trim adjustment speed permits very fine resolution for more precise trim adjustment at high speeds.
Upgraded steering components and 20 percent greater steering cylinder force are designed to better manage engine torque. Optional integral tie-bar bracket offers rock-solid precision steering.
The new level of outboard power demands all-new gear case options. Introducing the exclusive Mercury Racing R-Drive, available in R-Drive and R-Drive Sport versions, this high-performance gear case is designed specifically for the speed and power of the 500R outboard in submerged, semi-surfacing and full surfacing applications.
A crescent leading edge and long aspect 5.9-inch torpedo are hydrodynamically tuned for high speeds in any application. Equipped with 1.60:1 gear ratio and designed to turn propellers up to 17 inches in diameter.
A new intermediate spray plate reduces drag in submerged and transition applications.
Low water pickups plus a new adjustable nose cap inlet system optimize water flow for submerged, transition and high-speed surfacing applications.
To support a generous flow of cooling water to the powerhead water pump capacity is increased by 57 percent.
A rugged new 1-inch diameter driveshaft and 1.5-inch diameter propshaft are designed to handle the torque and thrust of 500 horsepower.
The R-Drive gearcase features a standard skeg length with a very efficient parabolic cross-section shape with left- or right-hand camber to balance steering force with standard and counter rotation props. Designed to perform in submerged and transition applications on boats capable of speeds between 85 and 100mph.
The R-Drive Sport is optimized for surfacing applications at speeds beyond 100 mph. Its longer skeg maintains steering control while operating fully surfaced at the high mounting positions desirable for many of the fastest hulls.
The skeg features a wedge shape from leading edge to trailing edge and is available with no camber or with a right-hand camber for single-engine boats.
The propshaft is formed of an ultra-high-strength aerospace stainless steel alloy selected specifically to better endure the vibratory stress caused with the loading and unloading of a surfacing propeller.
Full Throttle RPM
6000
6600
Rated HP
500
Cylinders
V8
Displacement
4.6L
Downloads
Product Details
Horsepower (HP/KW) | 500 / 372 |
WOT RPM | 6000-6600 |
Engine Type | V8 (64 Degree) with 32-Valve Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
Displacement (Liter/CID) | 4.6 / 281 |
Induction System | Supercharged with Charge Air Cooling and Electronic Boost Control |
Fuel Requirements | Unleaded Regular 89 Octane Minimum (R+M/2) or 95 RON |
Charging (AMP/WATT) | 115 / 1449 |
Throttle & Shift | Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) |
Midsection | Advanced Racing Core (ARC) |
Integrated Rear Tie Bar Bracket | Available |
Shaft Lengths (Inch) | 20, 25, 30, & 35 |
Gearcase | R-Drive, R-Drive Sport |
Gearcase Ratio | 1.60:1 |
Dry Weight (LB/KG) | 726lbs |
Warranty | 3-Year Limited |
The precision of Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) with available Mercury Racing Digital Zero Effort controls eliminates cable maintenance and delivers smooth shifting with instant throttle response.
Adaptive Speed Control maintains engine RPM as load changes due to sea conditions or turning maneuvers to maintain boat authority with less control input.
The 500R model supports the full suite of Mercury SmartCraft technologies, including the Engine Guardian monitor system. Stream engine and performance data to a Mercury VesselView multi-function display or to many other multi-function displays.
Pop open the industry-exclusive Top Cowl Service Door for easy access to the oil dipstick and fill without removing the cowl.
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