Mercedes AMG and Cigarette Racing debut 2,220-HP electric motor boat
Thu, 14 Feb 2013
Launched (but not literally) at the Miami International Boat Show today, the Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept is the result of a partnership between Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing. The boat is 38 feet long (much longer than the 15-foot SLS) and is plastered with AMG branding on the sides and top of the bow above the matte chrome yellow paint (officially called AMG Electricbeam mango). Two 220-kW chargers can refill the batteries, dockside, in about seven hours.
The idea of a powerful electric boat is nothing new (Henrik Fisker talked about a plug-in hybrid watercraft late last year), but this is the first time we've seen Mercedes put its EV technology on the water. Anyone who's afraid of driving an EV in the rain should take note. Check out the complete press release below.
The World's Most Powerful Electric Drive Powerboat Electrified by Mercedes-AMG
Technology from Mercedes-AMG to Cigarette Racing Creates Cutting-Edge Concept Boat
February 14, 2013 - MONTVALE, NJ
Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing are launching the latest development of their cooperation at the Miami International Boat Show (February, 14-18 2013) with "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept" engineering design, which integrates numerous components from the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, the world's most powerful and fastest electrically driven series production vehicle that is making an appearance in Miami alongside the boat it has inspired.
This joint project underscores the technological leadership that is core to both Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing. The high-performance drive technology from the SLS AMG electric super sports car fitted within a Cigarette Racing off-shore powerboat has created the world's most powerful and fastest electrically driven motor boat. With an output of 1656 Kilo watts (2,200 hp) and a maximum torque of 3000 Newton meters,(2,213 ft-lb,) the "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept" is a fascinating new development.
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. It proudly wears AMG logos on the side of the powerboat clearly communicating the alliance between the Miami-based boat manufacturer and Mercedes-AMG GmbH from Affalterbach Germany.
The engine design exemplifies the transfer of technology from the gullwing to the powerboat. The boat is fitted with the twelve compact, liquid-cooled permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors: Mercedes-AMG created two drive units in the boat, 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. Each electric motor delivers 138 kW and 250 Newton meters.
The maximum output will allow an approximate top speed of over 160 km/h making this 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 center of gravity and optimum weight distribution ensure sublime handling characteristics during more dynamic changes of direction.
The vital statistics at a glance:
| SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive | Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept ** | |
| Maximum output | 552 kW | 1656 kW |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 3000 Nm |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h* | over 160 km/h |
| Battery energy content | 60 kWh | 240 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 400 Volt | 400 Volt |
| CO2 emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| *electronic restriction; **preliminary data | ||
The lithium-ion high-voltage battery via Formula 1 Technology:
Mercedes-AMG is setting new standards with battery efficiency, performance and weight. 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 cutting-edge output values within 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 throughout the boat building industry.
Advanced technology and know-how from the world of Formula 1 have been leveraged during battery development. The battery is now 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 several years.
The Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept is fitted with two 22-Kilowatt on-board chargers from the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive. 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.
Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing Alliance 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. These 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.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.
MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com
Accredited journalists can visit our media site at www.media.mbusa.com
By Sebastian Blanco
See also: Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG shows up to fight the hottest hatches [w/videos], Europe getting special Mercedes-Benz CLA Edition 1, Mercedes-Benz S-Class spied once again.