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British firm’s 10-year creative partnership with engineering specialist, Ricardo, is key to Cox’s transition from start-up to international brand
FORT LAUDERDALE, USA – October 31st, 2018 – Innovation takes time to perfect, and Cox Powertrain’s ground-breaking new CXO300 marine diesel outboard has been ten years in the making – resulting in one of the most highly-anticipated marine industry launches of 2018. Boasting remarkable performance, fuel efficiency and durability, the lightweight CXO300 is the highest power density diesel engine ever developed and looks set to spark unprecedented interest in the professional and recreational marine markets.
The original concept for a high-powered diesel engine had its roots in F1 and was developed by the firm’s founder motor sports engineer, David Cox. But it was when this idea was taken to the marine sector that it really took off and development commenced for the world’s most powerful diesel outboard. The project has attracted a substantial amount of investment and the firm has now established assembly facilities in Shoreham, England, with plans to announce its new US facility based in Florida soon.
Early in the development of the CXO300, Cox entered into a highly-successful collaboration with Ricardo, one of the foremost engineering and design consultancies in the world, with specialist knowledge of environmental legislation. Experts at Ricardo recognized the game-changing potential of the Cox opposed piston engine and formed a working partnership that has been fundamental to the firm’s development.
“Ricardo is pleased to have been able to support Cox throughout the development of the impressive CXO300 engine,” commented Ian Penny, Director, Ricardo UK. “The lightweight construction of this engine provides a compelling solution for performance outboard applications such as fast RIBs, requiring high fuel efficiency and durability. On behalf of Ricardo I would like to congratulate Cox on the launch of the CXO300, an engine which I believe will be a segment-defining product.”
Cox Powertrain’s Technical Director, Stephen Moore, explained: “Ricardo provided invaluable assistance both in helping to develop the CXO300 from a concept to a commercial reality and also in assisting the business’ transition from a start-up to an international player.”
The transition from gasoline to diesel outboards is particularly prescient considering the global drive to move away from gasoline due to the dangers of storing the highly combustible fuel, as well as its poor eco credentials.
Stephen More explains what is it that makes the 4-stroke V8 architecture of the CXO300 so special:
“The unique nature of the high-powered diesel outboard has been possible through the combination of innovative design from air intake through to propeller shaft and the application of state-of-the-art diesel engine design to achieve a product meeting stringent EPA emissions legislation. In addition to the usual development challenges associated with a clean sheet design, we have also had to develop a supply chain, define build and test procedures and develop critical engine systems to suit the vertical installation. We predict users could save around US $190,500 over the lifespan of the engine through reduced fuel costs and believe the engine itself should last approximately three times as long as its gasoline counterparts.”
For more information and to view the pre-production CXO300s, visit Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 31st to November 4th, 2018, booth #1077-1078, Yellow Zone Land, Bahia Mar/Hall of Fame/Las Olas Marina Show.
