While the Porsche Macan is able to traverse varying terrains with ease, it’s thus far been unable to drive on water. For those who prefer sea over land, the new Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air boasts the heart of a Macan, with the eFantom utilising the same technology as the forthcoming Macan EV.
Created in collaboration with Austrian boat builder Frauscher, the new 850 Fantom Air was unveiled at Italy’s Lake Garda, and shares several similarities with its SUV sibling. Porsche has adapted its road vehicle drive technology for use on the water, with the 850 Fantom Air employing components of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) on which the new Macan is based. This includes a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery housed under the floor in the lounge area at the rear, and the permanently excited synchronous electric motor (PSM). In this instance, power has been fixed at 536 bhp, with a top speed of 85km/h reached in Sport Plus mode.
Optimum cruising speed is said to be 41km/h, with the battery able to solely power this for just over an hour (or 45 kilometres). At hull speed, all-electric ranges of over 100 kilometres are possible. “This boat is a real milestone in the industry,” says Stefan Frauscher, managing director of Frauscher Shipyard. “The electric version of the Fantom Air is better than the version with an internal combustion engine in all driving characteristics, such as top speed, acceleration and handling — and at the same time emission-free while being driven.”
Porsche claims that typical customer trips that combine slow- and high-speed travel will be able to allow for journey times of two to three hours. When it’s time for a charge, the German marque’s 800-volt technology allows for fast charging (taking in over 250 kW of DC current); going from 10 percent to 80 percent charged in under 30 minutes. AC charging at conventional household and high-voltage sockets is also possible and will, according to Frauscher and Porsche experts, be the most common use case as the infrastructure is available in most ports. There is also an 11-kW AC charger on board as standard.
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air doesn’t just have the heart of a Macan, it looks like one on the inside too. The collaborative vessel is based on the Frauscher 858 Fantom Air day cruiser, with its 8.67-metre-long and 2.49-metre-wide hull remaining almost unchanged. The swimming platform at the rear extends into a generous lounge area with two sunbathing pads, while a central aisle connects the back end of the boat with the free-standing helm and the cockpit. At the front, two benches are upholstered in durable artificial leather, with options for customisation through colour selection of the external boat elements and upholstery.
Inside, Porsche touches include the high-gloss black instrument panel which sits behind a frameless tinted acrylic glass screen. In a nod to the Porsche 911, the side ends are designed as winglets, which act as practical grab handles. Analogue gauges on the upper level of the instrument panel further add to the sports car aesthetic, while a Porsche steering wheel — clad in salt water resistant artificial leather — joins sports car style seats to complete the effect.
In true covetable sports car fashion, the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air will be released in an initial limited run of 25 units, with interested customers required to pony up approx. $925,000AUD to secure one. Deliveries are slated to take place from 2024. Interested parties can register at the dedicated collaborative website here.
Words by Henry Blake
