The ARROW460-Granturismo debuts hallmark Mercedes-Benz “Sensual Purity” design in Monaco
Three years ago it was at the Monaco Yacht Show as a scale model. Today, after one of the most rigorous development programmes ever for a yacht in the 14m class, ARROW460-Granturismo takes its bow as the innovative debut model from Silver Arrows Marine. ARROW460-Granturismo is the mould-breaking luxury motor yacht that captures the sensual purity and dynamism of a Mercedes-Benz automobile.
Starting as a completely clean-sheet design and taking an entirely bespoke manufacturing approach, the 14m yacht is the result of close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Style and many of the world’s most eminent names in yacht design and construction.
Unveiled earlier in 2016 on the Côte d’Azur during the launch of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, the first pre-production yacht is named Mercedes. The 706 kW (960 hp) yacht stands for everything that is best about Granturismo motoring – elegance, comfort, luxury and innovative technology – while delivering an onboard experience that only a complete re-imagining of the 14m class of motor yacht could deliver.
Imbued with the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity, the automotive DNA in ARROW460-Granturismo is plain to see. With its long foredeck, a flowing, arched roofline and a slightly descending rear, the yacht has classic automobile proportions. A highly sculptural hull conveys both dynamism and serenity while even details, such as the integrated handrails, are resolved with bespoke elegance.
ARROW460-Granturismo is unique in its open-plan layout, ingenious functionality and innovative use of light and space. A ‘crossover’ approach delivers the benefits of both traditional closed and open boats in a single versatile design, blending indoor and outdoor spaces in ways never before achieved in this size of yacht.
Innovative features include a class-first retractable ‘terrace by the sea’ in the stern, built-in sun deck and double-console cockpit.
Electronically-dimming ‘smart’ glass is used for the windows and roof of the cabin. Just as in a luxury car, the side windows open at the press of a button, as does the large ‘sunroof’: the glass rises up to create a ‘pergola’ effect that opens the dining and lounge area to sea breezes while retaining UV protection.
Rated for up to 10 passengers, it is a very open and sociable yacht, the design allowing free-flowing access from stem to stern while the cabin is able to transform into luxury overnight accommodation for two if required.
Innovative modern-luxury materials, such as nubuck leather, mesh upholstery and composites that include a seamless decking finish, are used to create an entirely new aesthetic for this size of yacht.
Just as with a car, a system of prototyping was adopted during development to ensure ergonomic excellence and exceptional detail quality. The state-of-the-art hull design has been shaped as much for comfort and ease of handling as speed by hydrodynamicists from the renowned naval architects Van Oossanen.
Powered by two refined and efficient Yanmar diesel engines of 353 kW (480 hp) each, ARROW460-Granturismo is designed to achieve a top speed of 38 knots in light load conditions, with a cruising speed of 26 knots (figures to be confirmed). The yacht is equipped with an array of the latest technology, including, as standard, the Twin Disc Express Joystick System for unparalleled ease of handling. The system can be likened to the ‘ABS braking of the seas’ for its car-like ability to perform emergency manoeuvres. Even in inexperienced hands, ARROW460-Granturismo is designed and equipped to be exceptionally intuitive and safe to handle.
A smooth ride, maximum stability, low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), ergonomically-sited controls and a clear view from the twin console cockpit are other familiar automotive attributes prioritised by the design teams.
Silver Arrows Marine Chairman Ron Gibbs said: “Almost everything about ARROW460-Granturismo is unique, from its concept to the smallest bespoke detail. It is a motor yacht with a personality that truly embraces life, combining the best marine engineering with the inspired innovations and elegance that the world associates with Mercedes-Benz.
“By merging marine and automotive worlds, with their respective design language, technologies and ideas, we have created a new standard of motor yacht.”
Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG, said: “In developing the new motor yacht, we have transferred our expertise to the marine industry, creating something never seen before in the process. The ‘Silver Arrow of the Seas’ stands for modern luxury, avant-garde style and comfortable elegance. The yacht embodies Mercedes-Benz’s progressive, dynamic design idiom of sensual purity on the water. Or, to put it another way, it is hot and cool in one and stands for emotion and intelligence.
“Together with Silver Arrows Marine, we have managed to develop a totally new boat concept. By virtue of maximum variability, the yacht combines the advantages of an open boat with the generous interior and privacy of a cabin cruiser. It weds charismatic design with perfect functionality, much in the same way as is familiar from our road vehicles. As such, ARROW460–Granturismo is sure to cause a stir on the seas and at marinas throughout the world in the coming years.”
ARROW460’s debut in Monaco comes 105 years after a Lürssen-Daimler motorboat won the Champion of the Sea race here, before going on to set a new world speed record and taking the trophy for the 1911 Grand Prix des Nations.
ARROW460-Granturismo – Where and how
ARROW460-Granturismo is launching with an Edition 1 run of 10 fully specified models, each destined for a different country to guarantee exclusivity. The Edition 1 version of the first Granturismo of the seas can only be ordered direct from Silver Arrows Marine. The price is €2.5 million, plus taxes.
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