Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG-Inspired Cigarette 46' Rider Racing Boat

By Ari Cox on Tue, 02/16/2010 - 08:48

Auto News Cigarette Racing Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz Powerboats

For whatever reason, manufacturers of high-performance cars and makers of go-fast boats have been cozying up more and more lately. The latest match concerns Mercedes-Benz and Cigarette Racing who announced their love affair at the 2010 Miami International Boat Show last week. The result of that union is a 46 foot custom race boat inspired by the SLS AMG Gullwing Supercar.

The Cigarette 46' Rider sports a pair of twin-turbocharged 552 cubic-inch Mercury Racing engines cranking out 1,350 horsepower each. Top speed is believed to be north of 130 mph, which is pretty insane for a seafaring vessel. This boat features AMG ALUBEAM silver paint, which was hand applied to cover the body like a "metallic skin." And the AMG logo was added using contrasting AMG Designo Mystic White metallic paint.

The love-fest continues inside, with marine-grade upholstery mimicking the two-tone porcelain and white Nappa leather found in the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. But beyond all of the displays of synergy, the Cigarette 46' Rider is serving as a technology showcase with more than 100 innovations on display.

Press Release

SLS AMG Inspires New Cigarette Racing Boat

New Cigarette 46' Unveiled at Miami Boat Show

February 15, 2010 - MIAMI BEACH -- Two legendary performance brands ñ Mercedes AMG and Cigarette Racing ñ unveiled a custom Cigarette Racing boat and the SLS AMG, which inspired its design, at a special preview at the Miami International Boat Show on Thursday, February 11. Both the Cigarette Boat and SLS AMG are on display at the boat show until Monday, February 15, 2010.

While each brand's playground is as different as asphalt and water, both AMG and Cigarette use their racing expertise to develop high performance machines for passionate enthusiasts.

Available this May, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was developed exclusively by Mercedes-AMG, the high performance and motorsports division of Mercedes-Benz. Featuring a lightweight aluminum spaceframe chassis, hand built 563-hp AMG V8 engine and signature "Gullwing" doors, the SLS AMG is sure to quicken the pulse of high-performance enthusiasts.

Founded upon mutual respect and product admiration, Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have developed a long-standing professional relationship, allowing Mercedes-AMG to provide manufacturing expertise and materials to enhance one of Cigarette Racing's top models, the 46' Rider.

The new Cigarette 46' Rider features hand-applied AMG ALUBEAM silver paintwork also available on the SLS AMG. This process, used exclusively by AMG, covers body surfaces like a metallic skin, targeting light reflections to further emphasize exterior character lines and design details. Showcasing the state of the art nanotechnology, this unique finish imbeds tiny pigments of color measuring just 30 to 50 nanometres. The ALUBEAM silver is contrasted with AMG Designo Mystic White metallic in a bold design echoing the Mercedes-AMG logo. Inside, the boat features marine-grade upholstery that resembles the two-tone AMG Designo porcelain and white Nappa leather offered on the SLS AMG.

While many of the influences of the SLS AMG can be seen in the exterior paint work and interior, the true benefits of the inspiration can be found below the surface. With more than 100 innovations on display, the all new 46' Rider serves as a technology showcase for Cigarette.

From the propulsion system to the rigging, a clean sheet approach was utilized to build the all new 46' Cigarette.

Powered by a pair of revolutionary twin-turbocharged 552 ci, 1350 HP Mercury Racing engines, the 46' Cigarette is estimated to have a top speed in excess of 130 MPH.

More details on the Cigarette Racing "Inspired by AMG" 46' Rider can be found online at www.cigaretteracing.com/legendary

About Cigarette Racing

Since 1969, Cigarette Racing Team has left an everlasting mark on the worldwide luxury powerboating industry. Its logo and iconic shapes are recognized throughout the world as the definition of custom high performance powerboating. The brand is renowned for its custom approach to building high performance luxury powerboats in which every customer's personal touch can be seen. Cigarette's long history and dedication to quality are on display all around the world being driven by presidents and enthusiasts alike. From 38' to 50' Cigarette Racing defines the industry of High Performance powerboating. More information can be found on Cigarette Racing at www.cigaretteracing.com.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than 40 years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.