Luxury car brand launches first sport yacht

Luxury car designer Lexus has launched a 12.7m sport yacht, styled by its in-house designers and built by Marquis Yachts of Pulaski, Wisconsin.

The Lexus sport yacht project was authorised by president and chief branding officer, Akio Toyoda two years ago in an attempt to promote Lexus as a lifestyle and recreation brand, not just a car brand.

Her design features elements that were inspired by the brand’s LFA supercar, including flowing lines, an open stern, and an aggressive forefoot that resembles the head of a shark. There are also no walkways from the stern to the bow, as to not ruin the boat’s flowing profile. Yoshire Yoshihiro Sawa explained, “The lines of the boat are never interrupted. They just flow from one end to the other.”

Her hull is also made of lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, which Lexus used to build the LFA supercar. 

At top speed this one-off concept can reach 49mph and produce a total of 880hp, powered by twin V-8 gasoline engines. A “boost” setting on the throttle controls adds 1,600rpm over the rev limiter.  

Created for recreational day touring, the open-top sport yacht can accommodate up to eight guests. 

The interior’s cabinetry, panelling, and upholstery was made in Italy and shipped to Wisconsin for her construction. Her interior also features hand-painted glass panels on the walls that resemble dark grey marble, a glass floor etched with curvy stripes, and a long, off-white leather couch to seat her guests. 

Speaking in Miami Beach earlier this year, Josh Delforge, Marquis’ vice president of design said, “No boat this size has ever had anything resembling the complexity of this yacht. It’s touchscreen everything, so all systems can also be controlled by an iPad. You’d find this same type of system on a custom superyacht.” 

For more information, visit Lexus or Marquis Yachts.