Collaborations between companies on the road and in the water are a popular vehicle for attracting attention and reaching a wider customer base. Brabus and Axopar have been cultivating their brand liaison since 2017, and Porsche and Frauscher recently joined forces to develop the eFantom. ABT Sportsline and Marian Boote are now presenting the M 800-R. ABT refines vehicles from the VW cosmos and boosts the performance of Audi combustion engines (RS6 and RS7) to up to 1000 hp, for example, but also offers an electrified version of the VW T6 and competes in Formula E with the ABT Cupra team. This foray into the maritime sector is not a first; the Allgäu-based company already collaborated with the Italians from Sacs in 2019 for a chip-tuned RIB. "Marian and ABT Sportsline are two like-minded traditional companies that stand for consummate craftsmanship, innovative spirit and technological progress," says Hans-Jürgen Abt, Managing Partner of ABT Sportsline.
The M 800-R is based on a 7.90 metre long bowrider from Marian Boats, the M 800 Spyder. The advantage: no existing model had to be electrified, the Austrians from Lake Wolfgangsee only have Stromer in their portfolio - and the shipyard from St. Wolfgang am Wolfgangsee consistently optimises them for the electric shaft drive with spade rudder. The efficient semi-planing hull of the M 800-R is made of GRP and has a triple chine. "As a specialist for electric yachts, the promotion of e-drives in the maritime sector is particularly important to us," emphasises Ion Marian, CEO of Marian.
Temporarily increased cooling allows a jump in performance
The drive technology of the M 800-R is concealed aft under the sunbathing area. The electric motor from the Austrian-Slovenian supplier Piktronik provides a continuous 250 kilowatts; in "ABT mode", the peak power is as high as 450 kilowatts and the Vmax is 45 knots. This sudden increase in power is made possible by optimised cooling thanks to the activation of all water pumps. In "Port Mode", the power of the 1.3-tonner is reduced to 15 kilowatts for safe manoeuvrability in harbours, for example, and "Cruise Mode" enables particularly quiet and consumption-conscious cruising with up to 250 kilowatts. The range is then 43 nautical miles, provided the lithium-ion battery pack is full.
The cells have a capacity of 121.5 kilowatt hours and have an integrated discharging system. The CCS charger allows fast charging with up to 150 kilowatts, enabling full charging in less than an hour. Both conventional charging points for electric cars and maritime charging points can be used. The e-unit is ready for operation when an NFC chip card is held against the "gas" lever. Over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics are also possible.
ABT refines with leather, Alcantara, carbon fibre and sports steering wheel
The Allgäu-based refiners designed and constructed elements made of carbon fibre, such as the back shells of the Alcantara seats or the air intake in the trunk flanks, which is based on the wheel arch vents of the ABT Sportsline special models. The refiners also contributed the illuminated multifunction steering wheel. The red leather interior with type embossing pays homage to ABT's corporate colours.
The M 800-R is over-equipped, as befits a performance showcase of two strong brands: with retractable cleats in black, 12-inch multifunctional display, ambient and underwater lighting, synthetic deck from Esthec, Bang & Olufsen sound system and bow and stern spotlights. ABT and Marian have agreed to build 20 examples of the M 800-R, in anthracite or white. The price: 450,000 euros.
