As revealed in BBC's Top Gear show (Series 14 Episode 5) this basic engine is also used in the Noble M600, albeit longitudinally mounted, developing some 650 PS (478 kW; 641 hp) with the addition of Garrett AiResearch twin-turbochargers.

The engine block and heads are cast from aluminium reducing its weight to a comparatively light 418 lb (190 kg).

Originally debuted in the Volvo XC90, which previously used 5- or 6-cylinder transverse inline engines, the B8444S had a number of significant packaging challenges to overcome.

To save space and enable transverse orientation, the alternator is mounted directly to the engine block without brackets, The exhaust camshafts are linked to the intake camshafts with smaller secondary chains, and the left-hand cylinder bank is offset from its counterpart by half a cylinder's width.

This allows a single exhaust exit path from the center of the engine which aids packaging the unit into an outboard form factor.

Whilst not ideal from an efficiency standpoint, it does reduce heat and stress on the engine which increases durability; an essential attribute for marine duty.

It also utilizes a gasoline direct injection system, a first for a 4-stroke outboard engine, and it requires 89 Octane rated fuel.