A new brand with links to Mangusta: The Icona 70 – hypercar styling, plenty of space and an IPS drivetrain

A brand closely associated with Mangusta

To make it clear from the outset: the Icona 70 is not a new model within the existing Mangusta ranges. The project is the brainchild of Effebi New Project, a company founded by the Balducci family (Overmarine Group) and Mangusta’s US representative, Stefano Arlunno. The newly created brand operates under the name Icona inspired by Mangusta and is positioned in the under-24-metre yacht segment.

The aim is clearly stated: Icona does not simply want to launch yet another fast yacht onto the market, but to establish its own concept. At the heart of this is the idea that future owners are not necessarily looking for more space or more features, but for a more personalised and emotionally appealing boat. In terms of technology and design, the Icona 70 is set to draw on the experience of Mangusta’s parent company, the Overmarine Group benefit. For the new brand, this means a combination of independent design and established manufacturing expertise.

Design somewhere between a hypercar and a roadster

Igor Lobanov is responsible for the design; he has previously worked on the design language of Mangustas’ REV series was involved. For around 18 months, he developed the exterior, interior, ergonomics and driver’s cockpit as a cohesive project. The result is particularly striking for its smooth, largely uninterrupted surfaces, giving it a monocoque look.

The dark, glazed body structure sits beneath a sharply tapered hardtop. The windscreen has no vertical pillars and is designed to resemble the cockpit of a jet. One striking detail is the 3D-printed air intake with a honeycomb structure, which is reminiscent of technical solutions used in the automotive industry.

Functional areas, too, remain largely concealed. The anchor locker and the side tender garage are integrated into the hull in such a way that the lines of the hull are not interrupted. The tender garage is designed to accommodate a jet tender up to 3.45 metres in length.

Icona 70: Plenty of space in 70 feet

The Icona 70 is said to offer a level of interior space not typically expected in this size class. According to the manufacturer, the yacht has an interior height of up to 2.85 metres in the central area. The maximum width is 6.2 metres. Three cabins, large hull windows and a continuous living area are designed to create a bright and open feel.

A central living area connects the stern platform, the cockpit and the interior spaces. Large skylights provide additional natural light in the lower saloon. The owner’s cabin extends across the entire width of the hull and features an open-plan bathroom layout.

The stern becomes a swimming platform

The most striking technical feature is at the stern. Two wings that fold out to the sides increase the width to more than nine metres when extended. This creates a platform measuring around 40 square metres above the water. An integrated transforming staircase leads directly into the water.

The fittings include L-shaped sun loungers with adjustable tables. The two units above them look like guitar amplifiers. One houses the outdoor kitchen, complete with a fridge, ice maker and barbecue. The second unit contains a DJ set-up and additional storage space.

The Icona driver’s seat as a cockpit

Icona also sets itself apart from traditional yacht designs when it comes to the helm. The helm station is designed as a minimalist cockpit. Four integrated 19-inch screens, four individual seats and a sculpturally shaped dashboard form the central control area.

Physical switches and push-buttons have been largely reduced. Instead, digital displays and integrated control functions are designed to create a clean, uncluttered look. The concept is complemented by a joystick manoeuvring system, dynamic positioning, predictive sonar and mooring assistance functions.

Three Volvo Penta engines and up to 36 knots

Three Volvo Penta engines are planned to power the vessel. The most powerful version will be fitted with Volvo Penta’s D13 IPS1350. Each engine delivers 1,000 PS or 735 kW. Preliminary performance figures indicate a top speed of around 36 knots. The cruising speed is stated as around 30 knots. The range is expected to be approximately 270 nautical miles.

Personalisation as part of the concept

Icona does not wish to limit customisation to a choice between several upholstery or paint finishes. Under the name ‘Commission’, the plan is for direct collaboration between the owner and the design team. Automotive-inspired exterior and interior colours are intended to tailor each yacht more closely to the owner’s personal taste. According to the manufacturer, the aim is to create a one-off vessel that is not simply put together from an existing catalogue.

Technical Specifications: Icona 70

• ​Overall length: 70 feet / 21.3 m
• Width: 6.20 m
• Engine: 3 x Volvo D13 IPS 1350
• Maximum speed: 36 kn
• Cruising speed: 30 knots
• Range: 270 sm
• Design: Igor Lobanov
• Design: Overmarine Group, Studio Arnaboldi

Further articles

• New motorboats and yachts at the Cannes Yachting Festival
• Mangusta and the performance yacht class
• Joystick controls on motorboats: the benefits in everyday use