Mercedes-AMG GT3 inspires most powerful "Open Performance" boat ever produced by the Cigarette Racing Team

MIAMI, Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Two legendary brands will unite once again at the Miami International Boat Show on February 11, 2016.  Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing join forces for the sixth consecutive year to present the Cigarette Racing Team 41' SD GT3 boat inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racecar. As the most powerful "open performance" boat ever produced by the Cigarette Racing Team, the 41' SD GT3 marries the characteristic styling and thoroughbred motorsport technology of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 that will be on display alongside it.

Cutting-edge racing technology, awe inspiring performance and stunning design are all hallmarks of the Mercedes-AMG brand. Developed to comply with the FIA's GT3 race rules, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 competes in the world's most hotly contested customer race series. The GT3 racecar is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT S, which launched in the U.S. in April 2015 and established a new benchmark in the segment. The Mercedes-AMG GT S provided the ideal prerequisites for the GT3 racing model with its low centre of gravity, perfect distribution of weight and wide track width. This layout guarantees precise cornering properties, high lateral acceleration, first-class agility, a high level of traction and low inertia when having to change direction fast. On the different race circuits, all of these attributes give the driver the advantages necessary to achieve top placements.

Powerful acceleration in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is ensured by the seasoned and now further enhanced AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine taken from the SLS AMG GT3. User-friendly technology, excellent reliability, long maintenance intervals and low running costs made this high-revving, naturally aspirated engine the ideal choice for the new AMG customer sports model. Like the 7-Speed AMG SpeedShift Dual Clutch transmission in the GT S, the six-speed sequential racing gearbox in the GT3 is mounted in a transaxle configuration on the rear axle, thereby facilitating optimum weight distribution. The two high-performance models also have double-wishbone suspension that is made almost entirely from aluminium in common. These solutions once again demonstrate how closely linked regular production technology and racing technology are at AMG.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Mercedes-Benz performance brand again this year to design our fastest open performance center console powerboat yet," said Skip Braver, President and CEO of Cigarette Racing Team. "The 41' SD GT3 embodies our brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship and once again shows the strength of our collaboration with Mercedes-AMG."

Powered by 2 Mercury Racing 1100hp Engines

The Cigarette Racing Team 41' SD GT3 is powered by a pair of Mercury Racing 1100 HP engines with NXT6 Drives. The 41' long and 11' beam boat is able to achieve an estimated prop limited top speed of more than 100 mph with a focus on big water performance and weight of just over 20,000 lbs.

Design, Fittings and Cockpit with Signature AMG Elements

The design and fittings reflect the dynamic characteristics of the Mercedes-AMG GT3.  The handcrafted interior and exterior, featuring matte components, a complete teak wood floor and a full extreme marine grade leather interior - a first for Cigarette – was designed by Gorden Wagener and his team.

"Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing are known for iconic products," said Gorden Wagener, Head of Design Daimler AG. "Designing the 41' SD GT3 we used some unexpected design elements from our Mercedes-AMG GT3 to create another racing icon, the most powerful "open performance" boat ever produced by the Cigarette Racing Team."

User interface technology is also maximized with Bluetooth, computerized controls, three high-definition 17" displays, and the next generation integration of Garmin and Cigarette navigation and audio.

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing began their collaboration partnership in 2007, primarily for organizing joint customer and marketing activities. Whether on land or water, Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing are united by their focus on delivering the ultimate in performance. Similar to its Mercedes-AMG super sports counterpart, the 38' to 50' long powerboats from the American specialists are among the world's fastest and most exclusive machines. These boats feature custom-made, handcrafted quality for enthusiasts and are tested under the most extreme conditions. Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing share similar DNA makeups: both companies have triumphant racing roots and are still dedicated to this passion. 

The price of this one-of-a-kind boat from the Cigarette Racing Team is available upon request. For additional information on Cigarette Racing, please visit www.cigaretteracing.com 

The Miami International Boat Show is open to the public from February 11-15, 2016 at the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin.  For more information, please visit miamiboatshow.com.

About Mercedes-Benz USA 
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT S.

MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart products in the U.S. 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.

About Cigarette Racing
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 50 feet long powerboat from the American specialist is amongst the world's fastest and most exclusive machines. Their boats boast custom-made, handcrafted quality for enthusiasts that are tested under extreme conditions.

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing also have a similar DNA makeup in that both companies owe their roots to racing and are still dedicated to this passion.

Visit www.cigaretteracing.com for more company information.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160211/332287

SOURCE MBUSA

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