BMW Branches Out: Yachts Are Just The Start
Yachts, cameras, aeroplanes. South America seems to be a chance for BMW to flex its design muscles
It's not a car, however - a three-bedroom car would just be silly - but a 57-foot motor yacht. It's called the Intermarine 55 and has actually been designed by BMW's US design subsidiary, BMW Group DesignworksUSA, for Brazilian super-yacht shipbuilder Intermarine.
BMW's other Brazilian design adventures have included the interior of planes for aircraft manufacturer Embraer and working with brass and aluminium provider Pado (though on what exactly, we're not sure).
BMW is also working with other South American companies, including Venezuela-based Siragon, which makes various technology products such as digital cameras and plasma-screen TVs.
Diversify or die, they say - it's a maxim that BMW seems to be taking to heart.
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Ps - You can read more detail about the Intermarine 55 in the press release below:
The Intermarine 55 Luxury Yacht Sets Sail in Summer 2011 as BMW Group DesignworksUSA Continues its Creative Collaborations with Leading Brazilian Firms
BMW Group DesignworksUSA has collaborated with Intermarine, Brazil's leading shipyard for luxury yachts, to create the elegant, powerful and refined Intermarine 55. Setting sail in July 2011, the Intermarine 55 is the first in a new era yachts for Intermarine, and the latest among DesignworksUSA's growing portfolio of clients to hail from Brazil, an emerging capital of design and industry.
Today Brazil is the world's 8th largest industrial nation, and many of its leading companies are selecting DesignworksUSA to create products that resonate both with consumers in the region, and with increasing importance, consumers in export markets across the word. In addition to Intermarine, DesignworksUSA's Brazilian-based clients also include Embraer, which is based in Sao Jose do Campos and is the third largest aviation producer in the world; Schioppa, the leader in medical casters, which is based in Sao Paulo; and Pado, the brass and aluminum provider, which is also based in Sao Paulo.
More broadly, DesignworksUSA is finding opportunities for great design throughout South America, and is presently collaborating with Venezuela-based Siragon, the manufacturer and assembler of computer hardware and other technology products including digital cameras, peripherals and plasma television screens.
This proven track record of successfully driving innovation for premium brands in South America was among the many factors that drew Intermarine to select the consultancy. DesignworksUSA's thorough experience with a broad range of clients at each tier of the yacht market was another. While Intermarine resides at the upper segment of the luxury yacht market, DesignworksUSA also creates for Germany's Bavaria Yachts, a manufacturer of entry-level yachts. Further, together with its client HF Interiors, DesignworksUSA creates bespoke, one-of-a-kind environments for ultra exclusive mega-yachts.
"BMW Group DesignworksUSA deeply understood our clients' needs and created a really innovative and distinctive design for the new Intermarine 55. The yacht is not only modern and beautiful but its solutions will definitely raise the bar in the category," said Allysson Yamamoto, Intermarine marketing manager.
"Intermarine is a famous connoisseur brand with a rich history, and to evolve its design forward with the Intermarine 55 is an honor," says Laurenz Schaffer, President of BMW Group DesignworksUSA. "We're eager to share the Intermarine 55 with the world when examples begin setting sail later this year, and likewise to continuing the evolution of this design story with the unveling of upcoming yachts for Intermarine," continued Schaffer.
Design Details: The Intermarine 55
Measuring 57 feet in total length, the Intermarine 55 is a very luxurious boat, not only because of the exclusivity of the design, but also because of the balance of spaces. It was conceptualized to provide harmony for day and night use, and has an excellent internal arrangement including a salon, galley, three cabins and two bathrooms. It comfortably seats six people and one sailor.
The team at DesignworksUSA created an innovative design for the exterior of the boat, translated in powerful, elegant and refined lines. The large windows have a unique and dynamic shape while offering an open view to the sea. Another remarkable innovation is the shape of all the hull side windows. There is no circular or oval porthole as traditionally used in boats. The portholes of the Intermarine 55 are integrated into the large trapezoid shaped windows, which enable more luminosity and visibility in the interiors, besides bringing outstanding beauty and character to the new model. The feature lines in the hull that define the unique personality of the boat are forms known in the automotive industry that now reach the nautical world. Similarly inspired by automotive are details like the the impressive air intakes in stainless steel. The bow characterized by a well defined angle, brings a strong presence to the boat, uniquly identifying Intermarine.
The internal areas of the Intermarine 55 were conceived from the theme "open horizons", providing maximum openness and space. Inspired by modern architecture, the spaces are full of natural light and light reflexions, creating a warm and comfortable environment. The big windows in the salon, cabins and even in the bathrooms allow an open view to the sea. The salon door offers perfect integration with the stern area thanks to its wide opening via three door panels. Since Brazil's climate allows for optimal time on deck, the design included open transitions for increased functionality.
What's it powered by?
"a set of 670 horsepower engines for the endurance model and a set of 800 horsepower engines for the power model."
Oh, and prices start from $2.2 million...
"a set of 670 horsepower engines for the endurance model and a set of 800 horsepower engines for the power model."
Oh, and prices start from $2.2 million...
k me.What's it powered by?
"a set of 670 horsepower engines for the endurance model and a set of 800 horsepower engines for the power model."
Oh, and prices start from $2.2 million...
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