Honda unveils its first V8 – and it’s for a boat

Japanese automotive giant Honda has unveiled its first V8 engine – but it’s not going into a sports-car anytime soon.

It is a marine outboard engine designed for boats.

Named the BF350, the single-cam 5.0-litre petrol V8 is rated to a maximum power figure of 266kW on US 86-octane unleaded petrol.

The BF350 also comes with Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control) system which has been available in its road cars since 1989.

This system makes use of a mild cam profile at low-rpm, and changes to a more aggressive cam profile at high rpm in order to reportedly maximize power and torque output.

It’s also noted the BF350 makes use of a BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) system which reportedly also works to increase power and torque at wide-open throttle.

Though the end goal is similar to VTEC, Honda Marine claims the BLAST system advances ignition timing and forces the engine management system to deliver a “more potent” air to fuel mixture.

This BLAST system reportedly allows the vessel to get up to planning speed (when it’s gliding on top of the water) quicker.

Trim support, an automatic tilt system, and cruise control are the three operating assist systems which are also included with the BF350.

Honda says the BF350 is intended to be used on vessels 25 feet and over.

The BF350 is also available with an immobilizer system which requires a remote transponder key to get the engine started.

Honda Marine says pricing and availability for the BF350 will be announced in early 2024