MERCURY RACING NAMES SPEEDKORE PERFORMANCE GROUP EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR – SB4 7.0 AUTOMOTIVE CRATE ENGINES
Nov 5, 2016
Mercury Racing is pleased to announce it has named SpeedKore Performance Group of Grafton, Wisconsin, as the exclusive distributor of its all-new SB4 7.0 (small block, four-valve) automotive aftermarket crate engine.
The 32-Valve DOHC SB4 7.0 engine adapts Mercury Racing’s proven high performance valve train to a customized LS based engine that produces a staggering 775 naturally aspirated horsepower. Mercury Racing’s advanced four-valve cylinder head combustion system and dual overhead camshaft valve train provide significantly improved performance and durability versus a standard two-valve design.
The announcement comes on the heels of the engine reveal Tuesday at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. SEMA consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, builders, distributors, retailers, and publishing companies.
SpeedKore specializes in the customizing and building of classic high-performance cars featuring an array of advanced composites – including carbon fiber. Developed and produced in-house, custom bodies, hoods, doors, fenders and grilles create a build that is truly unique and a thing of beauty. Their extensive knowledge of the custom car industry and the unique challenges that come with the fitment of engines and powertrain in one-of-a-kind custom builds earned them the exclusive SB4 distribution.
SpeedKore is a distributor for Mercury Racing QC4 crate engines as well. Designed, developed and manufactured in-house, the QC4 is unique in the aftermarket high-performance powertrain business. The all-aluminum, 9-liter 90-degree DOHC V8, twin-turbo engine optimizes power and torque throughout the rpm range while delivering an incredible 1,650 horsepower.
Mercury Racing and SpeedKore executives first met at the 2013 SEMA, where Mercury Racing revealed the high-powered QC4 engine. Discussions over the following months evolved with SpeedKore fitting the 1,650 horsepower Mercury Racing QC4 crate engine into its next project.
Deemed Tantrum, the 1970 Dodge Charger earned a Gran Turismo award for best domestic build at SEMA last year. SpeedKore’s impeccable carbon fiber work, featured throughout the car, was one of many unique highlights that caught the attention of the judges and media alike. From there – the car was sent to Los Angeles for multiple photo sessions and video shoots – culminating with a feature on Jay Leno’s Garage. Timing is everything. Shortly after the Leno show – the Mercury Racing-powered Charger was requested for filming of the next movie in the Fast & Furious franchise. Tantrum will be seen in the upcoming Fast and Furious film – Fast8 – in U.S. theaters April 14, 2017.
Mercury Racing General Manager Erik Christiansen said, “We are proud to have SpeedKore represent our brand. SpeedKore has unique capabilities that position them well in the automotive aftermarket business. They share many of the same qualities as Mercury Racing when it comes to hand craftsmanship and attention to detail in the production of high performance products.”
“We are honored that Mercury Racing has selected SpeedKore to be the sole U.S. distributor of the SB4 7.0. Since the day we introduced the Mercury QC4 in the award-winning SpeedKore Tantrum, we knew Mercury and SpeedKore fit well together – making it an easy decision for us to form a partnership,” said Jim Kacmarcik, President – SpeedKore Performance Group.
About Mercury Racing
Based in Fond du Lac, Wis., Mercury Racing, a division of Mercury Marine, is a leading provider of high-performance marine propulsion systems for discriminating boaters worldwide, offering an exciting and fulfilling power boating experience on the water. Using leading-edge technology, Mercury Racing produces high-performance outboards, sterndrives, propellers, parts and accessories. Mercury Racing also produces crate engines for the automotive aftermarket industry. Mercury Marine is a division of Brunswick Corp. (NYSE: BC), the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational products, including pleasure boats, marine engines, fitness equipment, and billiards.
