A new chapter in the world of water sports vehicles was recently written on picturesque Lake Garda in Italy. The sports car manufacturer from Zuffenhausen and the Frauscher boatyard jointly unveiled the first production model of the 850 Fantom Air electric sports boat. This impressive watercraft was developed in close cooperation and presents a remarkable combination of Porsche’s future electric drive technology and Frauscher’s expertise in boat building.

The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air benefits from Porsche’s proven drive technology, originally designed for road vehicles and now optimised for the maritime world. It uses components from the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which also serves as the basis for the new upcoming Porsche Macan. These include a latest-generation permanently excited synchronous electric machine (PSM) with a peak output of 400 kW, which drives the Z-drive via a shaft. This positioning is intended to ensure comfortable handling, even at higher speeds and in waves.

The eFantom offers a choice of cruising modes, including Docking, Range, Sport and Sport Plus, which adjust throttle response and speed limits. At an optimal cruising speed of 41 km/h, the boat can cruise for about an hour or up to 45 kilometres on a single battery charge. In displacement mode, ranges of over 100 kilometres are even possible. In the Porsche-typical Sport Plus mode, even speeds of up to 85 km/h are possible.

Porsche’s 800-volt technology enables fast charging at DC fast-charging stations with over 250 kW of direct current, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 30 minutes. Alternatively, the boat can be charged at conventional AC charging stations available in most harbours.

“The steering wheel makes the view of the interior almost a little surreal with all the water around it.”

The design of the eFantom reflects Porsche’s signature in many ways, especially in the steering position, which consists of a frameless windscreen made of tinted acrylic glass and a high-gloss black instrument panel. The steering wheel makes the view into the interior seem almost a little surreal with all the water around it. The Porsche GT sports steering wheel, however, is specifically designed for nautical use and adds an elegant touch. The seats in the eFantom are inspired by the sports seats in Porsche road cars and offer great lateral support.

The boat is based on the day cruiser Frauscher 858 Fantom Air and offers space for up to nine passengers. It has a large sunbathing area with two comfortable cushions on the stern bathing platform, cushioned benches in the bow area and two folding biminis for shade on sunny days. The luxurious equipment also includes a high-end audio system, an echo sounder, a chart plotter, a bow thruster, an electric stainless steel anchor and much more. Customers can customise their boat, including colour choices for upholstery, hull and deck.

The official world premiere of the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is planned for January 2024 at the “boot” trade fair in Düsseldorf. Porsche and Frauscher are initially planning an exclusive First Edition of 25 boats, which can be ordered through Frauscher from a price of 561,700 euros net and are to be delivered to the first customers as early as next year.

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