We were able to ride on it.
Miami International Boat Show will be taking a break for 2021. It will return next year. Mercedes-Benz has created another unique Cigarette racing boat. The stunning Cigarette 41-foot Nighthawk AMG Black Series is this year’s entry. It has 2,250 horsepower (1.678 kilowatts), and features design elements inspired from the brand’s GT Black Series record-breaking sports car.
Five 4.6-liter V8 Mercury Racing450R outboard motors produce all that power. Each one produces a record-breaking 450 peak propshaft horsepower (336 kW) which allows the boat to reach speeds of 90 mph in open water. Advanced shadowing throttle technology allows the captain control of all five engines individually or as a whole.
Before today’s official debut, we had the opportunity to visit the Nighthawk in Florida Keys. It’s just as fast as it claims. The speedometers, one on the bow and one on the rearmost column, showed that the Nighthawk was cruising at 85 miles an hour in open sea with 10 passengers. The Black Series glided smoothly above the water, even at this speed, without feeling too rough or bumpy.
The unique twin-step hull design features a carbon fiber deck and carbon fiber hardtop. This gives it a composed appearance. Mercedes AMG Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener and the Cigarette Racing Team crafted the exterior look with the help of the Cigarette Racing Team. They wear a Magmabeam orange-black paint job inspired by the AMG GT Black Series sportscar. AMG logos are hand-painted near the bow to create a unique repeating pattern.
The interior is a combination of black and grey with orange accent stitching that is tied to the hull. It is made from a Cigarette Cool fabric, which dissipates heat and allows dark colors to remain comfortable in the sun. It works great, even in the Florida heat of 90 degrees. There are two rows of seats at the helm, each with three, including an L-shaped lounge at rear and U-shaped seating at bow. A lounging bench is located just in front of center console, where we spent most our time.
The central panel, which was CNC-cut out of an aluminum block from a solid block, features three multifunctional Garmin 8617 displays that sit flush on top. It resists fingerprints and heat, and features LED accent lighting that creates an ethereal effect at night. The Audio Marine audio system allows passengers to listen to their music.
Mercedes does not list an asking price for this speedboat. However, the 41-foot Nighthawk series by Cigarette starts around $800,000. Each of five engines is nearly $50,000 each. Add to that some Mercedes-AMG-specific touches, and well, one can only guess how much the final product costs.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which is a sports car inspired by it, was $325,000 in the US. It features a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 that produces 720 horsepower (537 kW) and a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8. We say “asked” because the GT Black Series is sold out, much like the Cigarette Boat with which it shares its name.