Peugeot has unveiled the innovative Sea Drive Concept, created in partnership with global leisure craft expert, BENETEAU, at the Nautic Paris Boat Show 2017.
Designed and built by Peugeot Design Lab, this unique concept combines the ergonomics of the Peugeot i-Cockpit® featured in its popular SUV range, with the connected Ship Control® technology developed by Beneteau.
The collaborative project illustrates a new way of designing a boat’s steering station, heralding the future of power-boating.
The functional demonstrator showcases how the ergonomic design and innovative technology features of the Peugeot i-Cockpit® can be utilised not only for automotive interiors, but for a wider range of applications. Peugeot Design Lab was keen to explore new territories, resulting in the partnership between the two iconic French brands with a shared passion for innovation and bold thinking.
The i-Cockpit® design enhances the driveability of a car by increasing driver comfort and concentration. All of the characteristic components of the innovative interior layout used in Peugeot’s latest models are clearly visible in the Sea Drive Concept.
The Sea Drive Concept’s interior comprises a compact steering wheel for easier, more agile handling, a large 17-inch touchscreen displaying the Ship Control® interface for easy access to the boat’s electronic functions, a folding panel displaying the main navigational information in the pilot’s line of vision in a similar way to Peugeot’s vehicle heads-up display and toggle switches on either side of the wheel for direct access to the main functions at all times.
Elements of Peugeot design can also be seen in the concept’s build quality and choice of materials, which are based on its GT trim level, including Nappa leather, copper top-stitching and accents of chrome and satin.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, Peugeot Brand CEO, said: “The Peugeot i-Cockpit® showcases the central values of the Peugeot brand – innovation, design and premium quality. It has revolutionised the interior of our vehicles with easily accessible controls and increased comfort for drivers.
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to apply the carefully crafted ergonomics and design of i-Cockpit® to a different industry sector and demonstrate its adaptability as a design, particularly as it allowed us to form a partnership with a brand as prestigious as Beneteau.”
French sailing and motorboat brand, Beneteau, has paved an innovative path in the boating world, setting up a research programme called Advanced Monitoring System (AMS) to centralise all useful information for onboard piloting, safety and comfort. This work led to the development of its Ship Control® technology.
A true onboard computer, the Ship Control® interface provides support and assistance for both navigation and onboard comfort. Several tablets can be connected locally to the interface, so each member of the crew can access all the functions available.
Ship Control® allows central control of onboard lighting, air conditioning control, navigation, battery and fuel level checks, electrical and bilge pump management, HiFi and engine speed and revs.
Luca Brancaleon, Beneteau Brand CEO, said: “It is a great honour to be able to combine our Ship Control® technology with the Peugeot i-Cockpit® experience. Innovation is a BENETEAU hallmark, so when Peugeot invited us to work on a joint project in the field of connectivity, we agreed immediately! It’s a real pleasure to see these two brands, both pioneers in their own fields, devoting their talents to boating.”