FOND DU LAC, Wis. Nov. 15, 2004 – Mercury Racing is pleased to introduce the all-new Bravo III XR drive. All of the Bravo One XR drive performance enhancements, once limited to racers and performance boaters,are now available for recreational sport cruisers. The heavy-duty XR components have been time tested in the world’s harshest environment – therace course. The counter rotating, duel propeller drive features a new cone clutch and shift engagement strategy. SmartCraft electronic engine management makes shifting into and out of gear smooth as silk, making docking much easier with less chance of stalling. A sleek new shape and hot new graphics highlight the new Bravo III XR drive. The Mercury Racing Integrated Transom System (ITS), available as an option, enhances drive height flexibility while making the transom more aesthetically pleasing and simplifying installation. The ITS features integral power steering cylinders. Trim and steering cylinders, multi-mounted to the heavy-duty gimbal ring, transfer stress loads back to transom, increasing strength and durability. A built-in, seven-inch setback improves boat running attitude in selected applications. Performance upgrades to the Bravo III XR drive includes a new rear drive cap with built-in, tie-bar attachment. The tie-bar attachment fixture, built into the new rear drive cap, eases installation of a tie-bar for multi-engine boats by eliminating the need to change drive caps. Multi-attaching points of the upper and rear drive caps enhance the strength and durability of the tie-bar attachment fixture as well. The Mercury Racing Bravo III XR drive is available as an option with selected HP525 EFI engine packages and as an accessory. Released: 11/15/2004-RM