Speed, Style and Ultimate Luxury: Famous Car Manufacturers’ Opulent Super Yachts [In the News]

The makers of some of the world’s most desirable supercars have also created some of the speediest, most luxurious and most eco-friendly superyachts.

This article was featured in The Market Harald in May 2022 and was written by Michael Cameron.

Porsche and Lamborghini are not usually names that pop to mind when we think of super yachts. They are however household names in the world of motoring excellence and are now taking the world by storm with their water creations, having designed and manufactured their very own super yachts – which are, well, the stuff dreams are made of.

If you have always wanted to go on a luxurious cruise in the Caribbean, spend your days relaxing in a spa with a team of chefs, masseuses and hairdressers or if you feel the need for maritime speed, these opulent pleasure crafts are definitely for you.

Hybrid technology, multiple hulls, gargantuan, unbelievably powerful engines; here are some of the most impressive yachts by car manufacturers.

Porsche ROYAL FALCON ONE

A sleek 41-meter super yacht with design by car manufacturer Porsche’s Austria based independent design studio, this spaceship inspired catamaran was intended to be operated as a time share arrangement with multiple owners but these plans were scrapped after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Originally, members of a super exclusive invitation only “Royal Falcon Club” were going to be able to stay at luxury properties in Tuscany, North Carolina and Parma in between voyages onboard the Royal Falcon Fleet, now, the only completed vessel, Royal Falcon One is for sale by Denison Yachting for A$34,540,000.

The all aluminium Royal Falcon One is fast and futuristic, with star trek style interiors and a pair of huge 4,615-horsepower MTU engines giving it a maximum speed of 37 knots and a brisk cruising speed of 30 knots. It can fit 10 guests and 10 crew comfortably in 5 opulent ensuite cabins, enormous salon and vast amounts of onboard space mean yacht parties are a frequent occurrence.

“It all feels surprisingly undramatic; when you push forward the throttles she just surges ahead like a jet on take off. Her 37-knot top speed is fast, but it feels really fast when you are overtaking other boats.”

Martin Ven Den Berg, Captain of Royal Falcon One

Inspired by a trip to Australia where he boarded a high-speed cat designed by Sydney-based naval architects and fast-cat specialists Incat Crowther, CEO of Royal Falcon Fleet, M. A. Zaman said he liked the stability you get from two hulls, and the tremendous interior space. Porsche was tasked with developing a radical design for a super yacht and they delivered.

Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63

First seen in 2021, the “Lamborghini on water” was inspired by the Sian, a hybrid speedster and pinnacle of the car manufacturer’s efforts to create a more eco-friendly supercar that still displayed blistering speed, it is fast, very powerful and features Lamborghini’s unique styling.

A collaboration between Lamborghini and The Italian Sea Group, the 20-meter long vessel is powered by two MAN 24-liter twin-turbo diesel engines producing a total of 3,945 horsepower helping the vessel to a maximum speed of 60 knots. The flip side of all this speed is that the range is limited to a relatively short 210 nautical miles. But this swift speedboat was never intended to be crossing the Atlantic and is more at home doing laps of the Monaco marina.

Lamborghini cars are aerodynamic, this Lamborghini boat is hydrodynamic, steps and skids on the underside of the hull create lift and sit the vessel above the water at high speeds. The extended roof also offers less aerodynamic resistance, everything about this boat is a reflection of Lamborghini’s reputation for producing fast machines.

Interiors are practical, yet luxurious and pay homage to the beautiful interiors of Lamborghini supercars, the colour scheme of the exteriors is fully customisable and the first example was delivered in the colours of the Italian flag with liberal use of gold. The ultra-lightweight hull is made of a special “carbon skin” helping the yacht achieve its impressive speed. UFC legend Conor McGregor recently purchased a Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 for A$5.17 million.

Porsche/Dynamiq GTT 115

Not satisfied with its future-focused efforts at creating a quick catamaran, Studio F. A. Porsche set to work reducing its carbon footprint and designing a hybrid super yacht that could comfortably cross the Atlantic and offer passengers a unique experience.

Studio F.A. Porsche teamed up with Monaco-based yacht firm Dynamiq to deliver speed and superior capabilities with the GTT 115, they wanted to make a boat that displayed Porsche’s high-end design cues but still had the feel of a luxury super yacht. Obviously, the vessel took inspiration from Porsche’s huge range of sports cars and performance was always a high priority for the project.

“By combining power, speed, range and sporty design, we and our partner Dynamiq have created a Grand Turismo for the seas that is unrivalled worldwide.”

Roland Heiler, Managing Director of Studio F. A. Porsche

With architecture by reputable Dutch firm Van Oossanen, the 35-meter super yacht has a range of 3000 nautical miles at 10 knots thanks to its efficient MAN V12-1800 engines, which produce 1324 kW and can power the vessel to a maximum speed of 23 knots. The unique displacement hull features a round-bilge shape for less resistance and low fuel consumption, bow spray is reduced by an integrated spray rail.

There is space for 8 guests and 6 crew in the 4 state rooms and the Porsche racing themed interiors of this yacht are where it really shines. The main deck is surprisingly large and features a pop-up barbecue, jacuzzi, sun pads and a wet bar, all beautifully understated in their design, with high-quality leather, marble, carbon fibre and an integrated Bowers and Wilkins sound system.

The GTT 115 sells for A$22.96 million and a new one can be built in 24 months, there is a range of GT yachts available to purchase ranging from the 27-meter GTM 90 Transformer to the 50 meter G 500 Hybrid.

Henrik Fisker/Benetti Fisker 50

Premiere automotive designer Henrik Fischer of BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage fame penned the plans for this concept yacht way back in 2016 with the help of leading yacht builders Benetti. The 50-meter concept is yet to be built but offers future owners a range of onboard features and luxuriant additions.

The Fisker 50 is packed with all the unique design cues one would expect from one of the world’s best and most experienced automotive architects, including unique stainless steel bars and a characteristic white dynamic line running underneath the captain’s window.

Amenities include a beach club, spa, several bars, an ocean facing Jacuzzi, sunbathing areas on multiple decks and water toys like jet skis and a 6.5-meter tender stored in a vast garage. The concept will be able to accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins and will have ample space to berth up to 11 crew.

The port facing bar and seating for 12 on the main deck means you will be able to admire the spectacular scenery in complete comfort and the enormous master suite features a retractable “fold down” ocean-view terrace, it is equipped with a fireplace, a royal bed, minibar, a huge curved TV and starlight ceiling.

On the upper deck, there is a private cinema that can fit 12 and can be easily converted into a gym and a beautiful sun deck featuring seating for 12 with a fire pit or ice bucket in the centre. Benetti says the yacht will be able to use hybrid power, the exteriors are made with reclaimed wood and the interiors make use of sustainable materials.

It is not clear yet when the Fisker 50 will be delivered, but Benetti has estimated that it will cost about A$52 million and they will make as many as they can sell.