The world's most powerful powerboat with electric drive – Inspired by Mercedes-AMG

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Technology transfer from Mercedes-AMG to Cigarette Racing

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing are launching the latest development of their cooperation at the Miami International Boat Show (14-18 February 2013). Numerous components from the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive have been integrated in the design of the "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept" engineering design. The high‑performance drive fitted in the electric super sports car makes the off‑shore powerboat the world's most powerful and fastest electrically driven motor boat. With an output of 1656 Kilowatts and a maximum torque of 3000 Newton metres, the "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept" is a fascinating new development.

Inspiration for the drive was very close to home for the American company, with the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive being the world's most powerful and fastest electrically driven series production vehicle in America. The technology, performance and design of the Cigarette powerboat is closely based on the electric super sports vehicle made in Affalterbach, Germany. This joint project underlines the technology leadership earned by Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing.

The 38 foot (11.6 metre) long "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept" powerboat is finished in "AMG Electricbeam magno" – the matt chrome paintwork exclusively reserved for the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive. Proudly wearing AMG logos on the side, the powerboat is a clear sign of the alliance between the Miami-based boat manufacturer and Mercedes-AMG GmbH from Affalterbach. The design features also exemplify the transfer of technology from the gullwing to the powerboat. Mercedes-AMG uses two drive units, each featuring six independent electric motors. At the rear of the boat, each drive unit has its own transmission, one on the left and one on the right. A glance at the engine data proves that the boat is fitted with the twelve compact, liquid-cooled permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors which are the signature piece of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive: each electric motor delivers 138 kW and 250 Newton metres. The maximum output of 1656 Kilowatts and maximum torque of 3000 Newton metres combine to reach a staggering top speed of over 160 km/h making this locally emission-free "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept" the world's fastest electrically driven powerboat. In keeping with the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, the motors and the battery are ideally placed in the "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept". The low centre of gravity and optimum weight distribution ensure sublime handling characteristics during more dynamic changes of direction.

The vital statistics at a glance:

High-tech from Formula 1: the lithium-ion high-voltage battery

Battery efficiency, performance and weight: in all three areas Mercedes-AMG is setting new standards. The high-voltage battery in the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive boasts an energy content of 60 Kilowatt hours, an electric load potential of 600 Kilowatts and a weight of 548 kg – all of which are absolute best values in the automotive sector. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery features a modular design with a maximum voltage of 400 V. It consists of 12 modules each comprising 72 lithium-ion cells. Cigarette integrates four high-tech batteries with a total of 48 modules and 3456 cells which generate a total capacity of 240 Kilowatt hours and an electric output of 2400 Kilowatts – benchmark figures that earn respect even in the boat building industry.

Advanced technology and know-how from the world of Formula 1 have been called on during battery development: the battery is the result of the cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd. With their headquarters in Brixworth, England, the company has been working closely with Mercedes-AMG for a number of years.

The "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept" is fitted with two 22-Kilowatt on-board chargers from the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive as standard. Adapted to fit the infrastructure standard of many American marinas, the boat has a charging capacity of 44 Kilowatts. The battery is fully charged in approximately seven hours. To reduce the charging time to less than three hours, the powerboat can be fitted with four on-board chargers as an option.

Design, fittings and cockpit with signature AMG elements

Design and fittings reflect the dynamic characteristics of the "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept". The signature Cigarette Racing sports seats are matched with various carbon elements in the cockpit. The display concept of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive can also be found behind the steering wheel: fitted with dials in the exclusive "AMG Electricbeam magno" paint finish and sporting AMG logos, the displays provide information about the current motor output, the speed, battery voltage and of course the battery's state of charge.

Alliance between Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing since 2007

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have been collaborating since 2007, primarily for organising joint customer and marketing activities. Results of this cooperation were witnessed with the launch of two exclusive powerboats in 2010 and 2012. The "46' Rider Inspired by AMG" was the premiere: the technology, design and equipment were heavily based on the SLS AMG gullwing launched in 2009. The "Inspired by AMG Black Series 50' Marauder" followed in 2012 – a powerboat significantly inspired by the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series.

Whether on land or water: performance is what unites Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing. Similar to its Mercedes-AMG super sports counterpart, the 38 to 55 feet (11.6 to 16.8 metres) long powerboat from the American specialists is amongst the world's fastest and most exclusive machines. Their boats boast custom-made, hand-crafted quality for enthusiasts and are tested under extreme conditions. Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing also have similar DNA makeups: both companies owe their roots to racing and are still dedicated to this passion.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH ~

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