Suzuki has made itself into a worldwide brand by refusing to ever rest during its 102-year history. They are constantly producing new technology, new ways of doing things and new reasons to take a second, third or fourth look at them. Branching into several different fields, PDB readers will recognize this manufacturer as building powerful and fast outboards for pontoon and deck boats. Most recently, Suzuki's marine engine division has introduced updates to two already popular and efficient models, the DF40A and DF50A.
Shiny And New
The new DF40A and DF50A feature inline three-cylinder powerheads with 15 percent more displacement than the models they replace, and, at only 229 pounds, are five percent lighter than their predecessors. According to Suzuki, they are also the only outboards in this class to incorporate dual overhead cams (DOHC), direct ignition, a maintenance-free timing chain, and electronic fuel injection (EFI) with Suzuki's Lean Burn Control System.
Suzuki's Lean Burn Control System is an intelligent system that monitors engine performance and operating conditions to predict and deliver the best fuel efficiency possible.
Suzuki reports this innovative induction system achieves a six percent increase in top speed, 23 percent improvement in fuel consumption and a 25 percent quicker acceleration time over previous models.
This combination of advanced features typically found only on larger horsepower outboards earned the new DF40 and DF50 the prestigious NMMA Innovation Award earlier this year. Suzuki has received this award for an unprecedented six times over the past several years.
"This award means so much to our entire company, from the management team, our dealers and boat builder partners," Larry Vandiver, Suzuki Marine marketing director, said.
"The factory engineers know they are on the right track and their efforts are being recognized. We are very proud of Suzuki Engineering and our ability and willingness to bring the best operating designs and functions from our flagship model all the way down to the 40 and 50hp category. Let's face it: not every boater can use a 300hp outboard motor, but we want as many people as possible to have a positive boating experience with the latest and greatest designs," Vandiver concluded.
Four-Stroke Innovation
The DF40A and DF50A New Generation four-stroke outboard motors also exemplify Suzuki's innovative spirit. Suzuki's Easy Start system was designed to, well, give easy starts. Turn the key one time and the engine automatically turns over, coming to life at your command. Once underway, Suzuki's advanced Lean Burn Control technology takes full advantage of sensors monitoring engine performance and ambient environmental conditions.
Using this input, the system accurately predicts engine needs to provide the fuel injection system with just the right mixture of air and fuel, delivering optimal fuel efficiency.
Suzuki engineers paid close attention to durability and compact size. Both of these new outboards are based on Suzuki's top-of-the-line inline three-cylinder dual overhead cam (DOHC) 12-valve engine with 941cc (57.4 cu.in.) of displacement. They feature Suzuki's maintenance-free oil bathed timing chain and improved mechanical efficiency. A new oil pump design is more efficient, this keeps the moving parts better lubricated while using less energy. Designed with a high efficient air intake system and multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection; these engines respond crisply to every move of the throttle, particularly when accelerating from cruising speeds.
All of this technology combines to provide quiet and efficient operation as well as exhilarating performance.
Boating Fisherman
Suzuki also recently introduced its new Trolling Control System on mid-range outboards from 40 to 90 horsepower. Fishermen know that precise control of trolling speed makes a tremendous difference in the presentation of bait and lures-and the resulting catch. New DF40, DF50, DF60, DF70 and DF90 outboards will come equipped with this feature which allows the operator to increase or decrease the engine speed in 50 RPM increments with the touch of a rocker switch located on the helm or dashboard.
More Power
Suzuki is working at advancing the state of the art in its flagship 300 horsepower outboard with the addition of its Lean Burn Control System and Oxygen (O2) Sensor. An onboard computer monitors engine performance and operating conditions to predict and deliver maximum fuel efficiency. This innovative induction system achieves marked improvements in fuel consumption, top speed and acceleration time when compared with earlier models.
The award-winning DF300 broke ground in many ways. For starters, it was the very first 300 horsepower four-stroke outboard. At just 604 pounds and with a stylish, compact profile, it shattered pre-conceived notions about four-stroke weight and size. It delivered outstanding performance with excellent fuel economy and was the first outboard from Suzuki to offer Suzuki Precision Control electronic throttle and shift system.
Suzuki is taking this outstanding outboard motor to the next level. The addition of Suzuki's Lean Burn Control technology as well as a new Oxygen Sensor will provide boaters with an improvement in fuel economy and reduced carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, further enhancing the overall performance and value of the DF300, Suzuki's flagship outboard motor.
"The DF300 really redefined what a four-stroke outboard was all about," Vandiver said. "Now, we're doing it again, with new innovations that deliver better economy without a sacrifice in power or performance. The addition of an Oxygen Sensor allows the DF300 to better control emissions and operate cleaner than before."
Suzuki's Lean Burn Control technology, found on the New Generation 40- to 90-horsepower outboards as previously mentioned, uses an on-board 32-bit computer to analyze the input from engine sensors to accurately predict and optimize the fuel/air mixture. The DF300 is able to take even better advantage of this system owing to the integration of electronic data from the Suzuki Precision Control system.
Oxygen Sensors
The addition of the O2 Sensor further improves the performance of the Lean Burn Control system, providing the computer with additional data to more efficiently control fuel/air ratios and exhaust emissions under changing conditions, varying speeds and power demands. Suzuki's testing indicates that the new DF300 with Lean Burn Control technology and the O2 Sensor is up to 14 percent more economical to operate than previous models.
To help improve durability, all Suzuki V6 (DF200 - DF300) outboards will be fitted with a new water-detecting fuel filter. Water in the fuel system has long been a problem for boaters and Suzuki's innovative new filter features a float that is lighter than water, but heavier than fuel. Should water accumulate at the bottom of the filter housing, the float will rise, activating an alert signal at the helm.
In the end, Suzuki is devoted to providing premium features and benefits in the small horsepower category while satisfying customers with performance, while being more friendly to the environment and wallet.
All Suzuki outboard motors (for non-commercial use) are backed by Suzuki's 3-Year Limited Warranty. For more information on the Award Winning New Generation Suzuki four-stroke outboards-or any of the engines discussed here, visit Suzuki Marine at www.suzukimarine.com or on Facebook; search Suzuki Outboards.
