Electric Splash: Porsche's Future Macan EV Takes on the High Seas in Style
Well, boat lovers, get ready to set sail because today, we're talking about something super special. Forget those noisy, fuel-guzzling old boats. Nope. Today, we're talking about an electric boat - yes, you heard that right. An electric boat! It's fast, it's smooth, and it's all powered by the electric magic of a Porsche Macan EV. Now, try not to fall off your seat with that news!
This is a madcap result of an unhinged collaboration between Porsche and Frauscher Shipyard, which sounds like a cocktail you might order after having three too many. They've concocted a 28.4 foot (8.67 meters) long contraption they're rather grandiosely dubbing the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air. Yes, Fantom Air - it's like they're trying to sell a designer fragrance and not a floating, electric rocketship. The hull of this beast is practically lifted off the classic Frauscher 858 Fantom Air.
The real headline here, folks, is that this aquatic chariot is infused with the very same powertrain technology that’s about to come forth in the Macan EV. The details, much like the haze after a stag night, are rather vague but Porsche assures that its drive technology has been "optimized and further developed for use on the water." Of course, it has. What’s next? Optimizing it for flight?
Powered by an electrifying 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a "permanently excited synchronous electric motor of the latest generation," this thing practically hums with power. It's all juiced up by an 800-volt tech from Porsche, giving it the charging speed of a sprinter on steroids at DC fast-charging stations. You fancy dockside folks with AC power, you're all set. But mind you, the charging won't be quite as brisk.
Jörg Kerner, who's somehow found himself as the Vice President of the Macan product line, says that the e-Phantom "offers the E-Performance typical of Porsche with excellent driving properties." He adds that the "powerful electric motors of the latest generation and the state-of-the-art battery and charge management also work so well on the water is testament to the excellence of our modular Premium Platform Electric." Yes, Jörg, we get it. Your boat is bloody brilliant.
But the madness doesn’t stop at the powertrain. The design wizards at Studio F.A. Porsche have given this aquatic brute the company's signature touch, with details like a custom steering wheel, console, displays, and upholstery that scream "Look at me, I'm a Porsche!"
This nautical prodigy has room for nine, a sun lounge in the back, and two L-shaped seating areas, which for some reason are not shaped like Porsches. The icing on this sea cake includes two bimini tops, a premium sound system, a fridge, and a James Bond-esque electric winch for the stainless steel anchor.
Hold on to your sailor hats because there's an "exclusive first edition," limited to a mere 25 units set to be delivered next year. More details are promised in October, but Stefan Frauscher said, "Our boat is perfect as a day cruiser for a relaxed swimming trip, for example, or as a tender for a super yacht to make an excursion to a coastal town." Because, you know, a normal dinghy is just too passé.
And if you think this was a one-off fluke, think again. Porsche might just be contemplating further powertrain applications in other boat sizes. What a world we live in, eh? I say we just put wheels on this electric speedboat and call it the new amphibious Porsche. Now that’s a story for your Friday night bingo!
