Sunseeker to use Fiat Power train for P1

by Edward Rowe on 28 Apr 2007 Sunseeker has taken steps to bring powerboat racing to new levels of professionalism by forming a strategic partnership with Fiat Power train Technologies (FPT).

The move represents a first in the international powerboat racing arena. This collaboration between a prestigious British marine brand and the Italian engine manufacturer marks a significant leap in the sport, emulating the type of alliances usually only seen in the Formula One sporting arena.

The partnership with FPT will provide a significant advantage to the Sunseeker Sales Group powerboat team, Team Sunseeker, in its attempt to secure the SuperSport Class title in the 2007 UIM Powerboat P1 World Championship.

The boat, a Sunseeker Challenger which is a race version of the Sunseeker XS2000, will be equipped with twin 5.9 litre FPT NEF 400 turbo diesel engines, capable of a constant power of 480hp at 3000rpm.

Equipped with quality marine components to guarantee high performance, the engine features FPT’s latest light-weight engine construction technology in a compact package. It exhibits remarkable fuel efficiency and a power-to-weight ratio that realises the possibility of higher speeds. The smooth power delivery, together with outstanding torque characteristics and low emissions, makes the engine an outstanding choice for professional powerboat racing.

The Sunseeker Challenger, with its new engines, will make its debut in Malta at the first race of the series, from 4–6 May in the SuperSport Class.

Throughout the Powerboat P1 Championships, which take place from May until October in a number of top European destinations, FPT will provide technical support and back-up to ensure that Team Sunseeker has the best opportunity possible to claim the P1 title.

FPT Chief Executive Officer, Alfredo Altavilla, comments: 'In line with Fiat Group strategy of selecting first-class partners for strengthening our alliance network world-wide, we are proud to have the chance of working with Sunseeker, one of the most important shipyards in the world. Fiat Powertrain Technologies wants to reinforce its presence in any application segment, including engines for the marine sector.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies, relying upon a long tradition in powertrains for marine application, is the right solution for the extreme requirements of performance and reliability in an excellent racing boat.'

Vice President of Sales & Marketing at FPT, Natale Rigano, adds: 'We are providing Sunseeker with our best-in-class engine for marine applications, returning to the world of marine racing, where FPT has an important tradition.'

Barry McGovern, commercial director of P1, says: 'This announcement between one of the most respected and prestigious names in boat building and a global automotive engine manufacturer recognised for its innovation and powertrain technology, is the best possible endorsement of Powerboat P1.

It also adds another dimension to our championship with the first Formula One-style engine tie-up, something that we are sure will capture the interest of the marine and motorsports industries.'

The Powerboat P1 World Championships is one of the fastest growing motorsports in Europe, with sleek powerful boats competing for challenge and glory.

Televised to over 100 million homes worldwide, the P1 2007 race calendar features Grand Prix events in Malta, Italy, Germany, England and Portugal.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies was created in March 2005 and located in Turin (Italy), Fiat Powertrain Technologies is the Fiat Group sector which includes all the powertrain activities previously carried on at Fiat Auto, Iveco, Fiat Research Centre and Elasis.

With a yearly production of some 2.8 million engines and 2.1 million transmissions, 19,000 employees, 16 plants and 10 Research & Development centres located in eight countries, FPT is one of the most significant ‘players’ in the powertrain sector on a worldwide basis.