While the Mercedes AMG and Cigarette Racing Team alliance began based on the dedication to performance and perfection of these two luxury brands share, that synergy has now extended to another stellar performance brand, Ducati. “The Ménage of Motorsports,” a dynamic display of performance boats and two and four-wheeled vehicles, will be seen at the 2011 Miami International Boat Show, in Cigarette’s Booth B-23. The Ménage of Motorsports-the three luxury brands of Cigarette, Mercedes AMG and Ducati, are also partners on the AMG for members only “Private Lounge” website.
In the motorcycle industry, the name Ducati means performance and is one of the most sought-after name brands. As Germany is respected for its fine automobiles, Italy has earned admiration for creating the ultimate motorcycle for leisure and racing. Several Ducati bikes will be on display, including a Diavel, the 1198 SP, Multistrada and the Monster 1100 EVO. The Ducati brand completes the motorsports trifecta, adding two-wheeled power to the winning performance mix.
The new Cigarette 42X Ducati Edition, customized with Ducati’s signature white with a bold red stripe, is on display at the Cigarette booth and will feature another new addition to the Penchant for Performance. Mercury Racing has again added an engine to its line to accommodate every performance boater’s need-and selected Cigarette to make the debut. “Mercury Racing knows that Cigarette will put our time, effort and expertise behind its newest ventures,” says Skip Braver, president and CEO, who has taken Cigarette to new heights under his 9-years of ownership. “As we have with each new engine, our teams have worked together to validate the performance, ensuring that not only Cigarette customers, but all of Mercury Racing’s customers, benefit from the joint effort,” he adds. The new engine boasts 1,100 HP and #6 drives, representing a bridge between the SCi engines and the 1350 HP QVC4V engines that made their debut at the 2010 Miami Boat Show in the Inspired by AMG 46′ Cigarette.
The Ducati boat will also feature a new venture in sound as Cigarette teams with JL Audio. This purpose-built, updated sound system was designed specifically for Cigarette and includes digital amplifiers, time-aligned tweeters and a specially designed “bass array” subwoofer system. The new sound stage will enhance the listening experience, providing immersion rather than blaring onboard music. JL has tested and engineered the new efficient and attractive set up for Cigarette and its American-made design complements the American-made boat.
“As the three brands of Cigarette, Mercedes AMG and Ducati have joined forces, we find a synergy uniting us,” Braver states “It’s not just about going fast, it’s about how we design, build and create value and loyalty in our brands,” he adds.
In addition to the Cigarette array of powerboats and Ducati bikes, a special feature, a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT-3 Race Car was flown in from Germany to supplement Cigarette’s salute to motorsports. This racing version of the SLS AMG gull-wing was created specifically for motorsports–for customers who compete in sprint or long-distance races. Its aerodynamic design lines and a 6-speed racing transmission with shift paddles provide the performance and success on the track that verifies AMG’s commitment to motorsports since its introduction in 1967.
“The Evolution of Cigarette” adds to the show display as Miami dealer, Phil Lipschutz of Lip-ship Performance, a National and World Title holder in the American Power Boat Association (APBA) displays two boats depicting his particular Penchant for Performance–a matching nostalgic 20′ and a new 50′ Marauder model. The Marauder is the largest Cigarette in the model line and though the 20′ is no longer built, it represents the smallest of the line to date. “It just shows that when it’s a Cigarette, size doesn’t matter!” says Skip Braver, President and CEO.
The 50′ Marauder is Lipschutz’ “Poker Run Edition” and was built with a new deck to enhance the aesthetic style of the boat. Though a minor change, the modification of the deck demonstrates Cigarette’s on-going effort to tweak and perfect each of its models. The Marauder is also the first 50′ Cigarette with 1350 HP SVC4V engines. The set up and balance of the new engines was highly optimized in this debut edition.
The 39 Top Fish center console adds another dimension to Cigarette’s powerboat lineup. This high-performance Cigarette was designed as a lifestyle offering, combining top-power with the convenience and ease of a center console. The 2011 model will sport a new fiberglass T-top that provides more sun coverage, aerodynamics and integrated LED lights. Triple Mercury Verado 300 engines power the boat which with 418 gallon fuel tanks, offers range, ensuring you get to your destination quickly-whether it’s your favorite fishing spot or a day of fun with friends and family. Added features of this performance recreational boat are a large stand-up head and shower, an additional transom shower, 40 gallons of fresh water, finished hatches-inside and out, and fully customized Cigarette options like painted hull, billet trim, storage, live wells, coolers, upholstery and embroidery. The Top Fish, available in both cuddy cabin and open-bow configurations, enjoys popularity not only domestically, but in the Middle Eastern and European markets.
Other Cigarette models on display will include a 46′ Rider with Mercury Racing 1350 engines and the M8 drive and the ever-popular 39 Top Gun Unlimited with Mercury Racing 700 SCi engines and #6 drives.
Cigarette’s dedication to personalization will also be demonstrated in the Cigarette Exclusive Design Studio set up in the booth for customers planning to build their new Cigarette. The “If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen one” slogan applies since each Cigarette is built to order with no two boats exactly alike. “All of our customers have their own preferences for color, style, logos and personalization,” says Braver, “We cater to that desire to customize by providing a wide range of options from paint, upholstery and embroidery to custom accessories and instrumentation. Your Cigarette is truly your creation and now we have a vibrant new palette of custom colors from Spies Hecker from which to choose as well,” he adds.
Cigarette will continue its focus on technology and product updates. “We listen to what our customers want and deliver a model range that fits every boating lifestyle,” says Braver, “If you are a boater, you will enjoy boating even more in a Cigarette. If you’re not a boater, Cigarette will make you want to be!”
