Ilmor Marine Wins 2017 NMMA Innovation Award for GDI Engine Series

Miami, FL – Each year, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) recognizes innovation on the part of key suppliers to the Marine Industry. Ilmor is honored and proud to announce it has received the prestigious NMMA Innovation Award for its marine V8 GDI Engine Series.

 

The NMMA Innovation Award program recognizes products that reflect innovative distinction from other products manufactured in the marketplace, and that provide a benefit to the marine industry and to the consumer, including form, function, and affordability.  Ilmor’s MV8 GDI Series achieved all of the above, capturing the award in the inboard marine engine category.

 

In July 2016, Ilmor introduced the GDI Engine Series – 5500GDI and 6000GDI.  Based on General Motors V8 direct fuel injected Generation-5 engines, Ilmor marinized the powerplants for the marine market with the innovative advancements:   

 

Direct injection technology coupled with advanced temperature controlled exhaust manifolds and optimized precious metal catalysts allowed Ilmor to calibrate and achieve CARB 5-Star emission certification.  No other production gasoline marine engine manufacturer has achieved this certification, securing Ilmor’s position as an industry leader in engineering superiority and conscientious design.  The 5-Star achievement also highlights Ilmor’s on-going commitment to carbon neutrality, including planting three trees for every engine sold to offset an engine’s gaseous emissions over a traditional lifecycle (totaling over 36,000 trees to date).

 

Ilmor integrated the engine’s core cooling system functions into a front mounted multifunctional cast aluminum housing.  By effectively packaging the heat exchanger, thermostat, expansion tank, heater loop, and front end accessory dress mounting into a single unit, Ilmor’s GDI engines operate a cooling system that is substantially more efficient and reliable.  The TCC reduces the number of hoses, clamps, and other ancillary components in the cooling system that could cause service issues for boat owners. Additionally, the design offers ideal customer service touch points, making maintenance easier and faster.   

 

The ePDM was designed and developed specifically by Ilmor to eliminate the need for a traditional fuse box.  By utilizing microprocessor controlled solid-state relays, boaters can monitor and reset all critical engine circuits right at the helm.  This provides real time diagnostic capabilities that have not been previously available in the marine market.  Furthermore, owners no longer have to physically check and replace fuses in the engine compartment, minimizing inconvenience and providing a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.

 

Ilmor has designed, developed, and now manufactures an industry-first raw water pump with a ninety-degree gear box to position the impeller optimally for quick serviceability.  Additionally, this design has integrated the sea strainer, water flow sensor, and flush kit for ideal engine water management.  The new water pump design minimizes the amount of time to perform basic maintenance procedures while protecting the powerplant from ambient conditions that could negatively affect engine performance.  

 

Winning the 2017 Innovation Award for Inboard Marine Engines represents a major breakthrough in Ilmor’s ongoing efforts to become one of the industry’s most respected and preferred gasoline marine engine suppliers.  NMMA recognition of Ilmor’s GDI Engine Series validates and strengthens Ilmor’s unique position in the current marketplace as an aspirational and conscientious propulsion manufacturer with a commitment to service, reliability, and innovation.