Mercedes-AMG supersports on water does 140mph

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have marked 11 years of collaboration with the debut of what's been touted as the most impressive and innovative performance boat ever constructed by the iconic Miami-based boat manufacturer.

"As the hottest and coolest supercar we've ever created, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE was our source of inspiration for the impressive new Cigarette Racing 515 Project ONE," said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Daimler AG. "Both embody Performance Luxury at its absolute best, and are destined to become design icons."

Representing the ninth special edition boat created from this partnership, the Cigarette Racing 515 Project ONE measures 51' 5" in length and features an increased beam of 9' 6", which allows six passengers the ability to be seated comfortably.

The new boat offers an increase of over 30 per cent greater surface area when compared to the existing 50' Marauder, while still providing similar performance and an impressive 140mph top speed through the use of a highly optimised composite structure consisting of carbon-fibre, Kevlar and E-glass.

Cigarette's signature aggressive shoulders, which rise in the rear of the boat, also allow the integration of a large sun cushion on the flat exposed-weave carbon fibre hatch - despite the tall engines beneath - have been designed for maximum comfort and versatility when stationary.

The Cigarette Racing Team 515 Project ONE is powered by a pair of Mercury Racing 1350/1550 QC4v (Quad Cam 4 Valve) engines and M8 sterndrives, delivering up to 3100 hp.

These sophisticated powerplants are dual calibration engines, which enable the operator to switch engine power levels through an electronic key fob.

The Race Key fob unlocks up to 1550hp, requiring race fuel. The Pleasure key fob is used for operating at 1350hp with 91 octane fuel.

A staggered engine configuration lowers the centre of gravity by allowing the motors to be placed closer to one another, deeper in the vee of the boat, which improves dynamics and stability.

CARBON LIGHTENS THE LOAD
The boat's deck is constructed completely of carbon fibre to reduce the total weight and lower the centre mass of the boat. Carbon Fibre is also used for the inner structural laminate of the hull, forward bulkheads, cabin liner, engine hatch, consoles and storage hatches to significantly reduce the overall weight.

For example, the air intakes, which are over 7ft long and 14inches wide, weigh only 2kg

Overall, the weight optimised Cigarette Racing 515 Project ONE is over ten feet longer than the Cigarette Racing 41' SD GT3, but it weighs over 2400kg less. Kevlar has also been used for tabbing bulkheads and around the edges of framing for its extreme toughness properties.

"For 11 years, Cigarette Racing has been our trusted partner that has allowed us to extend our likeminded core performance principles from the land to the water," said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"By directly translating Formula 1 technology from the track to the street, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is our most ambitious and awe-inspiring vehicle yet. It is incredible to see our vision reimagined for the water in such an impressive and highly compelling form."

The Cigarette Racing Team worked in close cooperation with Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer for Daimler AG, to design the hallmark characteristics of the boat.

The distinctive matte black and silver paint and special badging instantly evoke the unmistakable Mercedes-AMG Project ONE.

This attention to every detail extends inside the cabin with extensive use of Dinamica and seatbacks constructed of exposed-weave carbon fibre.

The Cigarette Racing 515 Project ONE draws inspiration from the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, a two-seater supersports showcar that will bring the very latest and highly efficient Formula 1 hybrid technology from the race track to the road.

This mid-engined (ahead of the rear axle) high-performance hybrid showcar will have over 1000hp, offer a top speed beyond 217mph (350 km/h) and reach 11,000 rpm, which is currently unique for any roadgoing vehicle.

The 1.6-litre V6 hybrid gasoline engine with direct injection and electrically assisted single turbocharging will transfer directly from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. The high-performance plug-in hybrid drive system will come directly from Formula 1, and will be realised in close cooperation with the motorsport experts of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, England.

Meantime, the Cigarette Racing 515 Project ONE is a custom-made, handcrafted quality raceboat for enthusiasts and are tested under the most extreme conditions. The price of this one-of-a-kind boat from the Cigarette Racing Team is available upon request. More at Cigarette Racing.