Lexus launch V8-powered sport yacht concept

Luxury carmaker Lexus is building a twin V8-powered sport yacht for 6-8 people in the wake of superboat launches by Aston Martin with its £1.6m AM37 and Mercedes-Benz

Luxury carmaker Lexus is building a twin V8-powered sport yacht for 6-8 people in the wake of superboat launches by Aston Martin with its £1.6m AM37 and the Mercedes-Benz Arrow 64GT.

But it is only a concept and there are no plans as yet to put it into production.

The helmsman monitors and controls on-board systems from a touchscreen panel

It is being built by the Marquis-Carver yacht group in Wisconsin, USA, using carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) which Lexus believes saves almost a tonne in weight compared to using fibreglass reinforced plastic. CFRP is used in race cars like the Lexus LFA as well as performance aircraft, skis, bicycles and racing yachts.

With an estimated top speed of 43 knots, the concept is powered by twin 5-litre V8 petrol engines as used in the Lexus RC F coupe.

The Lexus concept is being made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)

Each engine produces more than 440bhp/328kW, driving the boat through a pair of sterndrives. A bow-thruster with joystick control helps with docking.

With a top speed of 43 knots, the concept is powered by twin 5-litre V8 petrol engines

The helmsman monitors and controls on-board systems from a touchscreen panel with GPS navigation, digital charts, surface radar, underwater sonar, lighting and entertainment systems. The helm seat is power-adjustable with armrests that fold out to become jump seats.

The standing-height forward passenger cabin is finished in Lexus leather. There’s sofa seating for six with a table.

A bow-thruster with joystick control helps with docking

The galley has a two-burner stove, sink and under-counter fridge. In the head there’s a shower. Videoworks of Italy are installing a networked, integrated audio and video entertainment system with 4G, WiFi and WAN.