# 2027 Kawasaki Jet Skis Deliver Supercharged Performance Kawasaki revives its market presence by installing high-horsepower engines into agile watercraft hulls. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://brifing.si/source/cc3d313a-759c-4802-b881-fc8585f35ef9) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b7154ac3-04cb-4a55-847e-d6416ff6b4af ## Strategic Engine Integration Kawasaki is revitalizing its personal watercraft lineup for 2027 by transplanting its 310-horsepower supercharged 1.5-liter engine into the agile STX hull. This engineering approach mirrors the classic muscle car strategy of placing large-block engines into lighter, smaller chassis. The resulting STX 310 model achieves speeds reaching 65 mph on water. ## Evolution of Propulsion The new drivetrain utilizes a 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system with dual water mufflers to reduce backpressure and boost efficiency. Power is delivered through a 160-mm jet pump featuring a three-blade impeller, specifically optimized for peak acceleration. This setup leverages Eaton’s Twin Vortices System supercharger design, which first appeared in the 2009 Corvette. ## Advanced Rider Controls The STX 310RX model includes four electronically controlled power modes: Smart Learning, Lower Power, Middle Power, and Full Power. These settings allow riders to adjust throttle response and peak output, ranging from 60 percent to full capacity. Additionally, a Launch Control system automatically manages jet pump trim during high-speed acceleration runs. ## Practical On-Water Features Kawasaki has integrated a 7-inch digital display providing real-time telemetry, including boost levels and trim settings. A rear-view camera assists in monitoring towed riders, while a one-touch 5-mph cruise control simplifies navigation in no-wake zones. The craft also features a thrust reverser, enabling steering capability even when the unit is in neutral. ## Market Positioning and Pricing The top-tier STX 310RX is priced at $20,199, while the STX 310R variant retails for $18,799. These models represent a shift toward high-performance marketing intended to regain the company's former industry leadership. By focusing on raw power and agility, Kawasaki aims to differentiate its 2027 offerings from previous, more conservative watercraft designs. ## Reviving Stand-Up Models Beyond sit-down models, Kawasaki is reintroducing stand-up watercraft with the SX-R 160 and SX-X 160, both priced at $11,999. These units feature 160-horsepower naturally aspirated engines. The SX-X offers a fixed motocross-style handlebar, while the SX-R retains traditional moveable bars, providing riders with distinct handling experiences reminiscent of the brand's early history. ## Historical Context of Design Kawasaki pioneered the personal watercraft industry in 1973 with the 27-horsepower JS400. Early models were notoriously difficult to master, leading to a market shift toward more stable sit-down designs. The 2027 lineup attempts to bridge this gap by offering both high-stability sit-down machines and agile, old-school stand-up models for enthusiasts. ## Operational Safety Considerations The stand-up models require a wrist lanyard connected to an ignition interlock to ensure the engine stops if the rider falls. Reconnecting this switch while floating can be physically demanding, particularly with the high-mounted fixed bars on the SX-X. These machines prioritize agility and performance, requiring significant rider skill to operate effectively. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/technology/2027-kawasaki-jet-skis/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._