The prestigious international awards, which celebrate excellence in 10 categories ranging from Sustainability to Infrastructure, saw British boat manufacturer XSMG Marine’s flagship luxury product, the XSR48, win in a category which included other recent design achievements, such as the new Fiat 500 and Philippe Starck’s concept motorcycle for Voxan.
Commenting on the accolade, Ian Sanderson, XSMG Marine’s Chief Executive and founder said: ‘It takes a huge amount of creativity to create a truly ‘unique’ concept and huge amounts of courage and commitment for a small business to take a concept and turn it into a reality. To win this award against some of the world’s most extraordinary and highest profile design projects and some of the world’s largest brands is overwhelming.’
‘XSMG Marine, a small, British niche design project that created the XSR48 as a super-luxury icon, has been recognised for our passion and hard work in turning our vision into reality – to receive this recognition against such esteemed opponents is absolutely fantastic.’
Dubbed ‘the most beautiful thing ever created by man’ by BBC Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, the XSR48 combines the ‘DNA of a supercar’ with superyacht styling, prompting industry experts to label it the ‘Bugatti Veyron of the sea’.
Capable of speeds of over 70 knots in standard form, rising to 85 knots with more power and a lighter specification, the XSR48 is powered by two 11.3L, six cylinder bi-turbo diesel engines. Each Isotta Fraschini engine – which comes with a standard two year warranty – packs a heavyweight 800 brake horse power punch in standard form.
‘The XSR48 is the ultimate. It delivers the exhilaration of a supercar on water, and gives the lucky owner and their companions the opportunity to experience complete oceanic freedom with no boundaries,’ said Sanderson.
XSMG Marine has earmarked six XSR48’s for the Middle East market out of a total production run of 100, although Sanderson revealed Middle East interest in the $2.6m vessel was forcing the company to review its regional market allocation strategy.
‘The Middle East is the world’s primary emerging market and the interest we’ve had in the XSR48 since our March launch has been staggering. With high-levels of disposable income and a penchant for speed, luxury and iconic vehicles, regional customers are saying the XSR48 ticks all of their boxes.
‘The XSR48 delivers the exhilaration of a supercar of the sea and gives a bold statement of performance and style which will be evident when visitors see it on the water.’
