Mercury
introduces its next generation Digital Throttle & Shift
system
Upgraded controls
combine enhanced ergonomics with responsive performance and a
refined user experience
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (Feb. 12, 2021)
Mercury
Marine®, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:
BC), today introduced the next generation of its Digital Throttle
& Shift (DTS) system with integrated, intuitive and
intelligent technology that enhances the boating experience.
The Next
Gen DTS system comes with all the best attributes
of the successful DTS system that Mercury launched in 2004,
including smooth and ultra responsive throttle performance with
zero hesitation and full integration with SmartCraft®
digital technologies. Representing a major step in the product’s
evolution, the Next Gen DTS system brings together an enhanced
operating system, improved ergonomic designs for the electronic
remote controls (ERC) and additional user friendly features.
The new system is replacing the former control system for use
with all DTS compatible Mercury sterndrive, inboard, diesel and
outboard engines. The Verado® engine family, including
the all new V12 600hp Verado outboard,
comes standard with Next Gen DTS controls.
“When we were creating the Next Gen Digital Throttle & Shift
system, we aimed to improve the boating experience with an
intuitive design and simpler access to the features boaters use
most often,” said Tyler Mehrl, category manager for steering and
controls at Mercury.
Included among the enhancements, Active Trim activation and
adjustment buttons are now integrated on the Next Gen DTS control
base, eliminating the need for an additional control panel on the
dash. Active Trim automatically and continuously adjusts engine
trim based on changes in GPS speed to improve performance, fuel
economy and ease of operation.
Next Gen DTS leverages a robust operating system that not only
supports basic functions but also has been upgraded to
intelligently and automatically enhance throttle control for
connected SmartCraft systems such as Joystick Piloting and
Skyhook®.
The new ERC lineup offers solutions for boat engine
configurations ranging from one to six Mercury engines. For
single-engine configurations, there are panel- and console mount
controls. For multi engine configurations, boaters can choose the
standard dual handle console mount controls or the Premier dual
handle model, which includes an innovative digital display
integrated into the control base. The display provides a broad
variety of context sensitive information to help the boater stay
fully connected with the propulsion system through all phases of
boat operation.
Each control has the same sleek, chrome-on-black aesthetics and
dynamic styling that are consistent with the current “Mercury
DNA” overseen by Todd Dannenberg, Mercury director of industrial
design.
“The ergonomics provide a very natural connection that invites
the boater to push the throttle and feel the engine’s power.
Plus, there are intuitive new features that improve the user experience,
which we derived through intensive usability testing,” Dannenberg
said.
Additional features include a green neutral indicator light on
the throttle handle(s) that quickly confirms gear position, a
convenient throttle-only feature for starting and warming the
engine(s), a large start/stop button and an oversized trim
switch. Multi-engine controls have a start/stop-all button for
all engines and buttons for starting and stopping individual
engines, as well as the ability to trim all or individual engines.
Single-engine controls are available with a Quick Steer button on
boats that have the Mercury Single Outboard Electric Steering
system installed. Quick Steer — an industry first technology —
enhances steering control for low speed, close quarters maneuvering.
This setting provides full turning capacity for the boat with
only a quarter-turn of the steering wheel to the left or right.
The enhanced steering authority eases the process of docking and
maneuvering in tight spaces.
“We incorporated an incredible range of features designed to
improve the experience of operating single- and multi engine
boats,” said Mehrl. “The intuitive design means there’s very
little learning curve to be able to enjoy a huge performance
advantage.”
The next generation of Digital Throttle & Shift will be
available in EMEA markets from Q3 2021.
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