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BMW teams up with tech start-up to present 13.5m electric boat

Car giant BMW has teamed up with German tech start-up TYDE to present a new 13.5-metre foiling watercraft named The Icon. Built as a showcase boat, the first unit has been manufactured in Europe and is making its debut this week at the Cannes Film Festival.

The battery-powered model has an impressive range of over 50 nautical miles at 24 knots, with a maximum speed of 30 knots. Hydrofoils aim to improve efficiency by up to 80 per cent compared to a conventional hull and contribute to improved speeds and enhanced comfort while underway. 

The boat's design is characterised by a flat trimaran-style hull with "prism-like" layout and a central support for the superstructure. The sea-inspired two-tone exterior is enhanced by strips of LED lights, which carve out the boat's profile by night.

On the interior, the yacht has good head heights thanks to an "origami" style design which allows passengers to remain standing upright across the cabin. The cabin is separated into twin lounge areas and a BMW-designed helm station, which features rotating helm seats that allow the space to function either as part of the social area or independently. At the centre of the helm station is a 32-inch touch digital control unit with 6k resolution that has been designed to look and feel like the BMW iDrive operating system. Voice control is also integrated into the same system.

The cabin is flanked by glass panels which promote a continuous connection to the water. This ethos is extended to the swim platform on the aft, which spans 4.5-metres and creates an "exceptionally spacious" entrance to the cabin.

In a press release, TYDE explained that each individual furniture piece is made of grainy metal which reflects sunlight around the cabin like waves on the water. 

The Icon is also fitted with Dolby Atmos system which harnesses input from two-time Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer. 

The craft has been designed "as a series product with pioneering technology for private or even commercial use" intended "to inspire CO2 -free mobility at sea". It will be on display at Vieux Port for the duration of the Cannes Film Festival. 

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Electric boats

• Electric Hydrofoil

This electric boat with a hydrofoil hull utilizes BMW EV batteries and has its own sound design

This year’s Cannes Film Festival saw a unique debut quite a ways away from the silver screen and out on the docks of Southern France. During the event, BMW Group Designworks and boat builder Tyde unveiled a new all-electric boat concept called The Icon. This electric hydrofoil is powered by BMW battery packs and represents a collaboration for the future of sustainability in the marine segment. Did we mention two-time Oscar winner Han Zimmer is involved too?

Designworks is a global creative design studio based in Southern California that has operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group since the mid-1990s. With additional offices now in Munich and Singapore, the studio has contributed its talents to several notable BMW models and has been deeply involved in the development of the automaker’s all-electric i brand .

In addition to traditional material and model design, Designworks specializes in consulting and dreaming up future forms of mobility . Combined with its deep roots in a growing EV brand, it’s no wonder the team at BMW decided to collaborate with electric boat builder Tyde.

Tyde is a German yacht builder with a specific focus on delivering marine mobility that is not only zero emissions but also provides ultimate luxury and eye-catching design. This is ethos preached by BMW Group, so it’s of little surprise the two companies teamed up to develop the Icon electric boat. Check it out.

BMW uses its tech to help power unique electric boat

According to BMW, The Icon is an electric boat that emerged from an “in-depth sharing of knowledge” between BMW, Tyde, and Designworks. Measuring 43.14 feet in length with a top speed of 30 knots (34.5 mph), the hydrofoil hull design of the electric boat reduces the energy needed to cruise by up to 80%, compared with a conventional hull that drags a larger wake.

The foils also create a smoother ride for passengers as the vessel appears to float above the water. It may seem like magic, but there’s plenty going on below the surface to propel BMW’s new electric boat. The Icon is powered by two 100 kW electric motors that feed from 240 kWh of energy onboard, dispersed between six BMW i battery packs.

At its operating speed of 24 knots (27.6 mph), The Icon makes virtually no noise, thanks to its electric motors and the boat’s foils. Even with the optimization of cruising efficiency and all-electric power, BMW’s electric concept can currently only travel about 50 nautical miles (62 mi) at sea.

While it may not be the right vessel for long voyages, BMW, Designworks, and Tyde have created a unique electric boat that provides 360-degree views and an immersive audio experience. If you’re going to name your electric hydrofoil, The Icon, it better be iconic. To do so, BMW tapped longtime collaborator and no stranger to Cannes – composer Hans Zimmer.

The Hollywood legend’s drive system sound note and intentional function tones can be experienced through a Dolby Atmos sound system installed in the cabin of The Icon, combining pleasant, intuitive, and functional sounds with “a modern driving soundtrack.” BMW described some other features on the electric boat:

The angled glass doors of the watercraft open to a lounge area with artistically designed furniture on a luxurious carpet that creates a kaleidoscope effect. Constructed from sections of metal, the hull of the watercraft reflects sunlight onto the floor like waves on the sea. The user-focused experience centers around the 360° rotating seats. The essential features, including an easy-to-reach tablet-based infotainment system, are arranged within reach. With a simple twist, the seats can be re-positioned to encourage social interaction, making The Icon a perfect meeting hub that feels at home in any port or harbor.

The electric boat is currently on display at Cannes, and BMW explained that it is not merely a design concept but a production-ready vessel adaptable for both private and commercial use. BMW Group points out that the boat’s platform offers modular adaptability to individual design wishes and needs.

As if it wasn’t unique looking enough. There’s no shortage of affluence in the South of France, especially around Cannes each year, so perhaps BMW and Tyde can find a couple of buyers, and we will see more Icons at sea.

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Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

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The £2,100,000 flying glass yacht that has its own Hans Zimmer soundtrack

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A luxury boat that flies above water instead of on it has gone up for sale – for more than £2.1million.

Debuted during the Cannes Film Festival nearly a year ago, THE ICON showcased its ability to fly about one meter over water, ‘feeling no wave impact at all’, according to BMW , which developed it along with boat manufacturer TYDE.

THE ICON is the world’s first battery-powered vessel of its kind that is emission-free and high-end, said BMW when it was unveiled last May.

‘Up to now, marine electric mobility has been restricted to smaller, slower craft with comparatively little range, and the segment for faster boats with longer range is dominated by models with combustion engines,’ stated the manufacturer.

‘THE ICON redefines this relationship between the dimensions, top speed, and range of an electrically powered watercraft.’

It features large glass surfaces accentuated with LED light strips through which passengers can view the water directly. Its angled glass doors lead to a lounge with ‘a luxurious carpet that creates a kaleidoscope effect’, according to BMW.

THE ICON has a connection to composer Hans Zimmer , whose latest project is titled The Icon. The producer behind tracks for The Lion King and Batman and James Bond films has created a soundtrack personally tailored for the boat. The music matches THE ICON’s appearance and feel and changes with the drive note and functionality, WhatsTheJam reported.

YachtWorld has listed the ‘2023 Custom Tyde THE ICON’ as a new arrival, priced at £2,149,770. It’s location is disclosed as Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

The boat is 13.15 meters long, has 295hp and 250 engine hours and can carry up to seven people.

‘Covering distances in elevated style. This is a new level of smooth elegance – a luxurious ride experience with panoramic sea views,’ states the listing.

‘Riding The Icon is the most exquisite way to reach your destination.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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THE ICON – innovative tides

17 May 2023

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An ocean of ideas: This is particularly true of automotive engineering when it comes to developing a new model, a new platform or the new direction of the brand, as with the Neue Klasse from BMW. The goal? To think outside the box, but with a firm trajectory in mind. For example, the BMW i7 (➜ Read more: The BMW i7 – a new perspective ) recently reinterpreted the notion of luxury: sustainably innovative.

But what if you could transfer this luxurious, yet emission-free form of transport from the road to a new element – let’s say, to the water as we mentioned at the beginning? BMW, together with world-leading experts and boat builder TYDE, has dared to do just that with THE ICON. And besides batteries, it has contributed its technical expertise for the construction of a completely new watercraft.

Just as the tides are created by the interaction of the earth and the moon, the interplay of two factors was crucial in this shared vision: a focus on innovation and the joy of sustainable mobility.

Because, as Peter Dengler, head of THE ICON project, points out, this can be made possible in all segments. “Mobility on water is nearly ten times more energy-intensive than mobility on land. In the meantime, however, professional sailing has come up with solutions for substantially saving energy, paving the way for climate-friendly solutions. The decarbonization of mobility is already taking place in some areas. In other areas, however, there has not yet been innovation, so decarbonization has not even begun. There is currently no equivalent of luxury electric vehicles like the BMW i7 M70 offered on the water.”

He saw an extraordinary fascination in that visionary triad of sustainability, luxury and conscious pleasure: “Our team was particularly driven by the idea of creating the magical combination of innovation, digitalization and the relationship between people and technology, but most importantly, an incomparable zero-emission experience for the water.” What does the new mobility on the water look like? “The same characteristics found in BMW luxury vehicles like the BMW i7 M70 will be key in this element too: maximum sustainability combined with design, innovation and a unique driving experience.”

from sailing

The team broke free from the shackles of established development and design conventions right from the start. They deliberately set out not to design a boat, but rather create their own experience on the water. BMW has had trailblazing experience and long-standing involvement in sailing sports such as the premier class America’s Cup, the Formula 1 equivalent of boat racing.

A team of engineers built the first bridge between nautical technology and the most advanced electric mobility. Leading experts from all over the world were brought on board for this – including Guillaume Verdier, the world’s leading designer of the fastest and most efficient sailboats and responsible for the hull and hydrofoil of the last winning boat in the America’s Cup.

and the technical milestones

TYDE , a new, progressive lifestyle tech company and provider of experiences for luxury mobility at sea, was also at the rudder of this intelligent transfer of technology and expertise in the development of THE ICON. Dr. Christoph Ballin, the longstanding CEO of electric mobility pioneer Torqeedo, was instrumental in making electric mobility on the water fit for everyday use. Tobias Hoffritz is already a long-standing partner of BMW for technology and innovation projects with his company Second Sphere.

Developing the first maritime luxury electric vehicle has been an exciting journey for both: “THE ICON has a wealth of groundbreaking innovations on board that are suitable for anchoring climate-friendly mobility in the high-end segment as well. The yacht is available as a series product, and the technology platform developed means the model range can easily be expanded.”

delivers up to 80-percent energy saving

Foiling, a technology that delivers up to 80-percent energy saving, is a pioneering technical development that supports the sustainability goals of the new watercraft. This means BMW i batteries (➜ Read more: the material cycle of a battery cell ) can be used as a power source. How does that work? Foils consist of a stabilizing fin and two wings. They act like underwater wings that allow the watercraft to literally hover over the water – enabling THE ICON to be electrified by the power of BMW batteries alone.

The upper-side curvature creates a negative pressure, generating buoyancy. Water resistance on the hull is no longer a factor. The craft is lifted out of the water, reducing the resistance to a minimum – the watercraft literally hovers over the water. Two propellers on the rear foil provide propulsion for THE ICON. It takes between 10 and 12 seconds from startup to hovering. Flying about one meter above the water, feeling no wave impact at all feels exactly the same as comfortably gliding in the rear of the BMW i7 (➜ Read more: Theater screen in the BMW i7 ) on the road.

between people and technology

Dengler and Hoffritz found the interface was much more advanced in cars than on yachts. As a result, all maritime controls and navigation displays were bundled into a single control interface. “The intuitive, integrated user interface, based on the BMW ID8 operating system and a touch-sensitive display, delivers an automotive standard in boating,” explains Dengler. This ensures that operation is intuitive and integrative and can also be controlled interactively via voice commands.

SUSTAINABILITY

For all the senses.

Because the interpretation of modern luxury embraces all the senses, the technical innovations in the development and design of this new mobility concept, both below and above water, go hand in hand with a design that impressively combines esthetics and function. Designworks (➜ Read more: 50 years of Designworks ), the BMW innovation studio, has already served as a creative partner on land in the design of the BMW i3 and BMW i8 and in the air with the electric wingsuit (➜ Read more: The making of the wingsuit with e-motor ).

Water was yet another element to provide an exciting challenge for the Designworks team led by Tom Allemeier and Tommy Forsgren. The BMW Group subsidiary has earned a reputation over 50 years for designing mobility concepts for tomorrow – from road to rail and water to air.

When designing THE ICON, the design team was not looking to design a boat, but a new experience on the water. “We have developed a new design approach for a watercraft that is not exposed to waves but flies over the water with the help of foils,” said Tom Allemeier, Director of Design at Designworks. “So instead of the conventional side of the ship, a ceiling-high panorama window forms the outer facade. The result for passengers inside is a whole new experience with an unobstructed view – a luxurious ‘Infinite Space View’. This makes the view across the deck seem endless, merging with the water and the horizon,” says Allemeier.  The architecture is supported by what is known as a center spline, an iconic strut that extends centrally from the stern over the roof to the bow. With so much technological innovation, the design process was also unorthodox.

There was a lot of digital technology involved. We were able to use VR glasses to experience the space and see how the perspectives worked before the built model was ready.

Lead Designer on the Munich-based Designworks team

The expressive design language on the exterior is also reflected in the interior. The materials used evoke the feel of an elegant salon, the design language of a modern luxury lounge. Each passenger takes a seat in their own swiveling chair, including their own infotainment interface. A high-end DOLBY ATMOS audio system is on board. The interior space is promoted into a living space.

for the future

Where else can this technology transfer lead? Dengler and Ballin are upbeat about the development of future maritime mobility: “Solutions developed as part of THE ICON project will be used for various vehicles and applications to follow in the wake of THE ICON: from advanced private luxury to premium commercial and public mobility. THE ICON and its successors will inspire zero-emission luxury mobility at sea and open a new segment for sustainable luxury yachts.”

Author: Markus Löblein; Art: Verena Aichinger, Lucas Lemuth, Ha My Le Thi; Photos & Video: BMW

ELECTROMOBILITY

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Official data on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric consumption and electric range were determined in accordance with the mandatory measurement procedure and comply with Regulation (EU) 715/2007 valid at the time of type approval. In case of a range, figures in the WLTP take into account any optional equipment. For vehicles type-approved after 01.01.2021 only WLTP values officially exist. For more information on the WLTP measurement procedures, see  https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/discover/efficientdynamics/bmw-emissions.html .

For more information on the official fuel consumption and official specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars, see the 'Guide to Fuel Consumption, CO2 Emissions, and Electricity Consumption of New Passenger Cars', which is available free of charge at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, and at  https://www.dat.de/co2/ .

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BMW THE ICON Debuts As Posh Electric Yacht With i3 Batteries

Home » BMW THE ICON Debuts As Posh Electric Yacht With i3 Batteries

Adrian Padeanu

May 17, 2023 / 2 minutes read

While we’re patiently waiting for BMW to introduce the Touring Coupe Concept on Friday and the new 5 Series / i5 next week, an entirely different type of product is making its debut at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. THE ICON is a joint effort between the Munich-based luxury automaker and boat manufacturer TYDE. The unexpected project traces its roots to an idea and concept conceived by BMW, with the styling penned by subsidiary Designworks.

At 13.15 meters (43.14 feet) long, THE ICON is imposing large, and yet it has zero emissions since it gets its necessary juice from no fewer than six batteries sourced from a BMW i3 . The large 240-kWh pack feeds a pair of electric motors, each producing 134 horsepower (100 kW). This dual-motor setup enables the posh boat to hit a top speed of 30 knots and provide an operating speed of 24 knots. With the battery fully charged, it can cover more than 50 nautical miles or 100 kilometers.

Further bridging a connection with BMW’s road-going EVs is the interior with a tablet mimicking the experience provided by the eighth-generation iDrive found in current models. THE ICON boasts a 32-inch touchscreen with a 6K resolution, making it just about as large as the 31.3-inch, 8K Theatre Screen inside the new 7 Series / i7. As with the electric road cars, Hans Zimmer was asked to develop a bespoke soundtrack to replace the thrill provided by a conventional engine.

Using an electric powertrain for such a large yacht is not as common as you might think as this type of drivetrain is mainly used for smaller boats. BMW goes as far as to say THE ICON is more than just a concept or a design study, mentioning it’s a “fully production-ready example.” It gets everything from 360-degree rotating seats to a lounge area, thus making it ideal for deep-pocketed customers looking for a high-end watercraft.

We can’t even fathom how much it would cost to buy but we’re certain it will spark an interest among one-percenters.

Source: BMW

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BMW Just Unveiled a New 49-Foot Electric Foiling Yacht That Glides Over the Water

BMW and Tyde may have just proved bigger equals better.

The German marque and boatmaker have teamed up to create a larger, more lavish successor to the electric foiling yacht they debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May. The new 49-foot Open has a good six feet on the previous 43-foot Icon . In fact, BMW claims the newcomer is the largest luxury foiling yacht for private owners.

"With the Icon , we have shown how elegant and luxurious sustainable mobility on the water can be," Christoph Ballin, cofounder and managing director of Tyde, said in a statement. "The continuation of the cooperation with BMW is now fueling the launch into another segment."

Once again penned by the folks at BMW's Designworks studio, Open is equipped with hydrofoils adapted from racing yachts that significantly reduce energy consumption. Indeed, the setup saves almost 80 percent of energy, according to the design team. Essentially, the foils allow the vessel to glide over the water with minimal drag, wake, and emissions.

As you might expect, the yacht features radical innovations developed by BMW for the automotive sector. The marque is again contributing components and expertise from the field of electromobility. The designers didn't give any figures regarding Open's speed or range, but Icon has a top speed of 30 knots, a cruising speed of 24 knots, and a range of more than 50 nautical miles on a single charge.

 "Our aim is to use pioneering design and intelligent technology transfer from the automotive sector to provide additional impetus for the BMW-typical joy of sustainable mobility," adds Stefan Ponikva, vice president of brand communication and brand experience for BMW. 

As its moniker implies, Open features a breezy open cockpit that connects guests with the sea. It offers "all the amenities of a luxury day yacht," according to the team. The futuristic exterior is balanced by a classic interior. Light streams in from both the top and sides, ensuring the salon is bright and airy. If you're wondering what it's like to ride on a high-speed foiling yacht, you can read about it  here .

Open is now available to order, with production set to start later this month. The first examples will be delivered in the fall of 2024.

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BMW Invents The Icon, The World’s First Luxury Electric Watercraft

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Based in Los Angeles, Vicki Arkoff is Editor at Large…

Transferring technology and expertise from the road to the water, BMW is the driving force behind The Icon, the world’s first maritime luxury electric vehicle. It’s a visionary new concept — a new kind of pleasure craft that progressively blends the ideals of luxury and sustainable mobility. Electrified entirely by BMW batteries, it takes 10-12 seconds from startup to hovering about one meter above the water. Two propellers on the rear foil provide propulsion.

Walls of glass create sweeping vistas from the V-shaped interior space. Decked out with sofa seating, it gives the boat the appearance of a penthouse living room. “The Icon has a wealth of groundbreaking innovations on board that are suitable for anchoring climate-friendly mobility in the high-end segment,” says Dr. Christoph Ballin, the longstanding CEO of electric mobility pioneer Torqeedo. He, world-leading boat builder TYDE, and BMW partner Tobias Hoffritz of Second Sphere were instrumental in making BMW’s electric mobility on the water fit for everyday use. “The yacht is available as a series product, and the technology platform developed means the model range can easily be expanded.”

Thinking outside the box is nothing new for BMW (we’re looking at you, Neue Klasse and BMW i7 M70, leading the electric car charge with increased mileage range). “We have developed a new design approach for a watercraft that is not exposed to waves, but flies over the water with the help of foils,” said Tom Allemeier, Director of Design and Designworks. A stabilizing fin and two wings act like underwater wings, allowing the watercraft to hover over the water.  

The architecture is supported by what is know as a center spline, a strut that extends centrally from the stern over the roof to the bow. “A ceiling-high panorama window forms the outer facade,” Allemeier adds. “This makes the view across the deck seem endless, merging with the water and the horizon.”  

As Peter Dengler, head of The Icon project, points out, technical innovation was required in all segments: “Mobility on water is nearly ten times more energy-intensive than mobility on land.” To date, The Icon the closest comparable water vessel yet to luxury electric cars like the BMW i7 M70.  

Based in Los Angeles, Vicki Arkoff is Editor at Large for Pursuitist and a founding editor for Holiday Goddess, the online destination for chic women travelers from the editors of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Grazia, Conde Nast Traveler, and BBC. Her travel and lifestyle reports can also be been seen in Atlas Obscura, The Awesomer, DaySpa, The Chicago Tribune, CNN Travel, JustLuxe, Lonely Planet, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Toronto Star, WellSpa 360, WestJet Magazine, Where Traveler, Where Guestbook, Yahoo News, and dozens more. She's co-author of the bestselling Holiday Goddess books (HarperCollins and iTunes) including 'The Holiday Goddess Guide to Paris, London, New York, Rome,' a travel Top 10 staple. As editor, Vicki's other books include 'Sinatra' (DK), 'Inside Mad' (Time-Life) and 'Virgin Los Angeles' (Virgin Books). She is one of the Usual Gang of Idiots for MAD Magazine, an entertainment reporter (Daily Variety, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, CREEM), and authorized biographer for pop culture icons from the Beach Boys to Beastie Boys, Paul McCartney to MC Hammer.

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Incredible plan for ‘world’s largest’ flying yacht ‘The Open’ designed by BMW that can lift out of the water

• Aiya Zhussupova
• Published : 13:01, 18 Dec 2023
• Updated : 13:01, 18 Dec 2023

THE world's largest foiling motor yacht designed by BMW can lift out of the water and offers a smooth and silent ride.

German luxury yacht manufacturer Tyde in collaboration with BMW unveils plans to launch the boat in Autumn of 2024.

" The Open " measures 48 feet and has a potential top speed of 30 knots.

The futuristic design promises to guarantee guests comfort and a luxurious experience.

The boat will allow passengers to glide gracefully over waves without the noise and emissions associated with traditional engine-powered yachts .

The Open reduces energy consumption by 80 per cent thanks to hydrofoils adapted from racing yachts.

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Essentially the hydrofoils run beneath the surface and allow the vessel to fly above any waves.

And with an electric engine, the boat glides over the water smoothly without any engine noises or fumes.

“Our aim is to use pioneering design and intelligent technology transfer from the automotive sector to provide additional impetus for the BMW-typical joy of sustainable mobility,” said Stefan Ponikva, representative of BMW.

The open cruises comfortably at 25 knots, offering a range of 50 nautical miles at this pace.

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A breezy open cockpit connects guests with the sea with plenty of space for relaxation.

The back half of the cockpit is fully in the shade and provides booth-dining with flanking sofas and table, a stern sun-pad-sofa and bathing platform.

The ship offers “all the amenities of a luxury day yacht,” according to the team.

It also incorporates a full-surface solar roof, contributing to sustainable idle time.

In the cabin, there is a spacious sleeping area, a large TV screen and a fully equipped bathroom.

The Open is set to kick off production later this month, and first models will be delivered in the fall of 2024.

A Swedish company also introduce d a luxury boat that flies silently above water.

The luxury 28-footer was in development by company Candela in 2022.

Another ambitious plan for a jaw-dropping flying foil superyacht that had garage for toys, cars and a helicopter hangar was unveiled by an Italian designer Lazzarini.

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