The Mercedes-inspired speedboat features 2,200 horsepower of open water fury

By Andrew Hard February 11, 2016

Cigarette Racing Team 41’ SD GT3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Mercedes and Cigarette Racing Team have the loveliest of partnerships. The companies look quite different on the surface — one specializes in luxury cars while the other makes high-performance racing boats — but both manufacturers share a lust for power. That’s why when the brands collaborate, the results are a can’t-miss.

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have teamed up to present the 41’ SD GT3 at the 2016 Miami Boat Show. The most powerful “open performance” watercraft built by Cigarette Racing, the vessel takes inspiration from the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racecar, its road-going equivalent.

There are obvious styling cues shared between both vehicles. Both feature prominent AMG logos as well as gray and yellow color schemes, but the real similarities lie in their penchant for all out speed. The AMG GT3 features a roaring 6.3-liter V8 that can shred tires on demand, and the SD GT3 equips two massive Mercury racing engines measuring in at 1,100 horsepower. Each. Flat out, the 20,000-pound beam boat will reach speeds of 100 mph over water.

“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.”

Inside, the SD GT3 features a handcrafted cabin fitted with a teak wood floor and extreme marine grade leather upholstery. There are three high-def 17-inch displays onboard as well, which feature audio and navigation controls from Cigarette Racing and Garmin.

At this point, you may be wondering how much the SD GT3 costs, but pricing information is on a strict need-to-know basis. Want to see the beast for yourself? The Miami Boat show is open to the public February 11-15.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.