This is a reprint from: OMC's web site Long before it was bought out by Bombardier.
Outboard Marine Corporation has rewritten the rules for low emission technology
Waukegan, Ill. Outboard Marine Corporation has rewritten the rules for low emission
technology with the introduction of its all-new line of Evinrude® two-stroke, direct
injection outboards featuring FICHT® Ram Injection. OMC has dramatically refined its
award-winning FICHT technology and, in the process, has achieved durability and
run-ability
advantages across the entire line.
This revolutionary new outboard line is being unveiled this month at OMC's Ralph Evinrude
Test Center in Stuart, Florida, to its customers, as well as its professional anglers and
the consumer and trade boating media.
"Evinrude FICHT Ram Injection outboards are the result of an exhaustive research and
development initiative conducted by both OMC engineers and the world's best combustion
engineering firms," said David Jones, OMC President and Chief Executive Officer.
"What they have learned has raised direct injection to a new level. Their
accomplishments will alter the way automotive and marine engineers around the world look
at this revolutionary technology."
Backing OMC's dedicated engineering team on this project were world-renowned, independent
experts in the field of combustion engineering. They extensively redesigned a number of
components, incorporating superb performance characteristics, such as ultra-smooth idle
and acceleration, outstanding response at all operating levels and improved durability.
Available in both salt and freshwater applications, Evinrude FICHT Ram Injection outboards
come in 90, 115, 150, 175, 200 and 225-hp models.
As with previous versions of low-emission FICHT, all improve fuel economy by up to an
incredible 35 percent, cut oil consumption by 50 percent and reduce hydrocarbon emissions
by 80 percent over traditionally carbureted and electronically fuel injected outboards.
These all-new Evinrude FICHT Ram Injection outboards not only meet EPA 2006 and CARB 2004
requirements, but also are approved by the Tahoe Regional Planning Authority for use on
pristine and highly regulated Lake Tahoe.
"Evinrude FICHT Ram Injection outboards still feature elegantly simple DFI principles
but with an impressive new level of performance, efficiency and durability," said Bob
Gowens, President of OMC's North American Engine Operations. "We put these new
engines through more than 50 engine years of grueling, targeted testing, and we are proud
of the result!"
Current owners of FICHT-equipped outboards also will benefit from these enhancements.
Beginning this summer, an extensive Performance Enhancement Team of OMC service
professionals will launch a 180-day program to install Performance Enhancement Packages on
1998 and 1999 OMC FICHT-equipped outboards in dealer inventory and in consumer hands. All
current owners who accept the Performance Enhancement Packages will receive them without
cost.
Rand McNally, Senior Vice President, North American marketing, sales and service, noted
"With Evinrude FICHT Ram Injection, we have met the challenge that competitive
outboards haven't. We've perfected this leading edge, low-emission system and provided our
customers and dealers with top-performance in an outboard that is durable, reliable and
efficient."
Outboard Marine Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of
internationally-known boat brands, including Chris-Craft®, Four Winns®, Seaswirl®,
Javelin®, Stratos®, Lowe®, Hydra-Sports®, and Princecraft®; marine accessories and
marine engines, under the brand names of Johnson® and Evinrude®; and FICHT® fuel
injection - the industry's premier low-emission two-stroke engine technology.