Article overview: Just months after introducing the all-new mtu 12V2000 M96Z, another major milestone has been reached. The first-ever pair of mtu's newest 2,222 MHP engines has now been successf...
Just months after introducing the all-new mtu 12V2000 M96Z, another major milestone has been reached.
The first-ever pair of mtu's newest 2,222 MHP engines has now been successfully installed in the Johnson & Towers Viking 64 Demo, and on June 2 completed its first sea trial.
For HMY Yacht Sales, Viking enthusiasts, and performance-minded anglers, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as one of the most anticipated propulsion packages in the sportfishing industry begins its real-world testing.
The Next Generation of mtu Performance
The mtu 12V2000 M96Z represents the next evolution of mtu's legendary Series 2000 platform. Building upon the proven M96X, the new engine delivers an impressive 2,222 MHP thanks to a combination of engineering enhancements, including:
11% increase in horsepower
4.5% increase in displacement through a larger bore
Newly designed pistons
Redesigned cylinder heads
New turbochargers
Minimal weight increase with virtually no change in engine footprint
Combined with mtu's industry-leading warranty of 12 years or 6,000 hours (including the standard two-year coverage), the M96Z is engineered to deliver both exceptional performance and long-term confidence.
Testing Is Underway
With the first sea trial complete, Johnson & Towers and mtu are now focused on the important process of dialing in the Viking 64. Over the coming weeks, the team will continue extensive testing, data collection, and performance validation to ensure the boat performs exactly as expected before making its public debut.
As testing progresses, everyone is eagerly awaiting the official performance numbers. Speed, fuel efficiency, acceleration, and overall handling will all be closely monitored as the first Viking 64 powered by the new M96Z package begins to show its capabilities.
An Exciting Tournament Demo Season Ahead
Once testing is complete, this Viking 64 will begin an exciting tournament and demo schedule that places it in front of some of the most passionate offshore anglers in the country.
The debut tour is expected to begin with three of the East Coast's premier billfish tournaments:
These events will provide an outstanding opportunity for owners, captains, and prospective buyers to see the new power package operating in the demanding conditions it was designed for.
Following its Northeast tournament run, the Johnson & Towers Viking 64 will head south to make its South Florida debut at the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where visitors will have the opportunity to see these new engines in person.
More to Come
While the tournament circuit and boat show season will introduce the industry to the new mtu 12V2000 M96Z, the story won't end there.
Following the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, expect to see this Viking 64 doing exactly what it was built to do—competing on the tournament trail and putting its new power package to the test against some of the best offshore fishing conditions in the world.
We'll continue following the progress of this exciting build and will share official performance data, sea trial results, and tournament updates as they become available.
Stay tuned to HMY Yacht Sales for the latest on the Johnson & Towers Viking 64, the all-new mtu 12V2000 M96Z, and everything happening throughout this exciting debut season.