If you loved the wet-weather handling of Bugatti’s 257mph Veyron supercar, the capability of its newest creation in the wet will simply astound you.
How come? It’s a boat.
Volkswagen-owned Bugatti has just teamed-up with high-performance luxury yacht maker Palmer Johnson to build a series of wet ’n wild rocket ships.
The new range, called Niniette – it was the nickname of Ettore Bugatti’s daughter – will be offered in three sizes – 42, 63 and 88 feet. Prices kick off at around $2.2 mill and go up. Fast.
The designs are said to be inspired by iconic Bugattis from the past, like the Type 57 C Atalante and Type 41 Royale, though I have to admit I’m not seeing it. However the carbon fiber hulls are tinted blue like so many Bugattis past, including the Veyron.
What’s cool about the hull design is that it’s based on Palmer Johnson’s latest SuperSport series that features a knife-edge mono-hull with two sponsons towards the back – sorry, stern – for added stability at speed.
Engine choice is up to the buyer, though don’t expect to see Bugatti’s 1,183-horsepower 8.0-liter quad-turbo on the list – I’m sure it doesn’t like salt water too much. That said, Volkswagen’s MAN diesel engine group would no doubt be happy to provide a couple of 1000-hp V12s for the new PJs.
Below decks, Bugatti designers and artisans will tailor the interior to meet any customer’s requirements, which no doubt means masses of quilted leather and hand-finished woodwork.
These CGI photos are of the mid-range PJ63 Niniette 63-footer which will offer accommodation for four guests and crew and likely sticker at around $3.8 million. As you see, it’s a gorgeous sports boat that’s guaranteed to spin heads everywhere from Palm Beach to Nikki Beach.
Like all Palmer Johnson yachts, this new Niniette range will be built at the company’s Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin plant, though sold through the company’s Fort Lauderdale and Monaco showrooms. From signing on the dotted line, production time will be around 12 months.
Bugatti sales chief Dr. Stefan Brungs said the Naniette project brings together two brands with more than 100 years of experience in high-end hand crafting.
“Inspired by Bugatti’s design DNA, Palmer Johnson has created not only an incredibly elegant and beautiful yacht, but also a masterpiece of craftsmanship featuring carbon fiber, titanium and precious wood. This collector’s item will thrill maritime aficionados.”
Perhaps Dr. Brungs might be persuaded to offer an incentive to future PJ Niniette owners; buy a boat and jump to the head of the line for Bugatti’s upcoming successor to the Veyron – the 1500-horsepower, 288mph Chiron hypercar, set to debut next spring.
In your dreams.
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