Cigarette and Mercedes-Benz AMG - a show stopping double

by Bob Wonders on 3 Sep 2010 When I attended the Miami International Boat Show last February, there was one particular display that was high on my agenda to visit.

It was the Cigarette Racing Team display where, in addition to the fabulous and legendary array of Cigarette boats there was what could only be termed ‘something special.'

None other than an all-new Cigarette inspired by the equally legendary auto maker Mercedes-Benz and its subsidiary AMG.

To see this awesome Cigarette alongside the stunning gull wing roadster was, needless to say, a Miami show highlight.

Well, we'll get to the boat and that superb motor vehicle shortly; for now, I want to mention the power that can drive this Cigarette's slashing deep vee hull to speeds in the region of 130mph-plus (210km/hr).

This magical boat sports a pair of the latest creations from Mercury Marine in the form of Mercury Racing's 1350hp stern drives, described by the company as ‘the most technologically advanced, high-performance marine engine ever built'.

The new engines are V8, of course, of 562 cu in (9.0-litre) capacity, twin turbo, quad cam and four valves per cylinder.

They redline at 6500rpm.

As Guy Williamson (director of services and quality, Mercury Marine, Australia) points out, the new engines were designed in-house ‘from block to prop.'

'This is no warmed over truck motor,' he declared, 'It's the result of Mercury Racing's 70-years of high-performance experience.

‘In fact, the engines proved to be so powerful that the company had to create a new stern drive unit, hydraulic transmission and propellers simply to ensure that all the power gets to the water,' he added.

Durability will not be a problem with this superb package of power; it is stronger all round and can cope with even more power, up to 35 percent more, in fact, than Mercury's renowned No.6 drive.

Additionally, Mercury Racing engineers have also incorporated a pulse-tuned exhaust system – never before achieved with a four-stroke engine – meaning racers can demand instant power right across the rpm range.

The durability is further enhanced with NiCom-coated cylinder bores to improve heat transfer and an active anode to give superior corrosion resistance, each helping to extend the engine's overall life span by up to 100 percent.

Needless to say, with 2700 hp (in the dual installation) at one's fingertips, total control is very necessary and with the newly-designed Zero Effort digital Control system throttling is effortless.

Add the Propulsion Control Module microprocessor (called 'the brain behind the brawn' by Mercury Racing) and seamless integration is the result.

Mercury Racing's 'smart' technology, which includes SmartCraft Digital Throttle and Shift and the Engine Guardian System all go towards ensuring the driver remains in total control at all times.

In what may surprise some, these stunning engines, despite their absolute ‘brute power', are also fairly green; they offer 20 to 30 percent greater fuel economy, thanks largely to the common rail port injection and four valve delivery.

Naturally, lower fuel usage also equals lower running costs; mind you, I doubt anyone who buys a pair of these engines will be too concerned about saving a dollar or three; their price (in Australia)? Try somewhere in the region of $203,000, and that's EACH!

I guess I could also point out that in addition to their performance capability these also qualify as very good looking engines indeed.

For the first time, Mercury Racing has concealed all the vital wires and tubes beneath customised carbon fibre covers.

Not only that, but the covers are available in 10 eye-catching colours!

'This engine has been designed to go faster, be stronger, go further and last longer than any comparable engine, 'Guy Williamson said.

'It ticks every box, it's positively brilliant.'

So, there you have it.

Now, back to that Cigarette, first production boat to experience Mercury Racing's innovative, thundering power plants.

I guess most people know of the Cigarette Racing Team, established by the late ‘Godfather' of high–performance powerboats, Don Aronow.

Cigarette today, housed in new premises not far from its original Miami home, is under the command of Skip Braver and his leadership has taken the company from strength to strength.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]A committed owner/driver of the Mercedes-Benz marque, Skip was delighted to formulate a plan to build a Cigarette 'inspired' by Mercedes-Benz high-performance subsidiary, AMG.

Built on the proven 46' (14.02-metre) deep vee hull, the Cigarette 46 Rider (as it has been christened) is an absolute stand out at first sighting, thanks largely to its hand-applied, AMG Alubeam silver paint as utilised on the SLS AMG Gullwing ‘supercar.'

This incredible and exclusive to AMG painting process covers the surface like a metallic skin, targeting reflections of light that emphasise the boat's lines and design characteristics.

The luxurious interior also takes a cue from the auto, with its marine grade upholstery closely resembling the porcelain and while Nappa leather used in the AMG ‘supercar.'

Although I did not have the chance to check out every aspect, it's easy to believe that the Cigarette 46 Rider will actually serve as a ‘technology showcase' for Cigarette.

The boat carries more than 100 innovations developed or in developmental stages, by Cigarette Racing Team.

As for that Mercedes-Benz AMG gullwing, what a car!

Like 0-60mph (0-96km/hr) in just 3.7 seconds!

It sure gets along, thanks to a hand-built, AMG V8 engine pumping out 563hp.

Add in those highly desirable gullwing doors and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG becomes something that will quicken the pulse of high-performance enthusiasts ashore and afloat.