Intermarine 55 by BMW DesignworksUSA – Click above for high-res image gallery
Head down to the local yacht club and you're likely to see as many BMWs in the parking lot as anything else. It's not that Bimmers are any more nautical than any other car, but they seem to attract the same sort of clientele that are drawn to the open water – and they have the means to get there. But over the past few years, the company's design house has been bridging that gap by dabbling its proverbial toes in the waters of naval architecture (read: boat design).
Following their partnership with the Bavaria shipyard (which has yielded both sail and power boats styled by BMW's pens), BMW DesignworksUSA has teamed up with Brazilian company Intermarine to launch a new 57-foot cockpit motoryacht.
BMW Designworks USA focused their design of the Intermarine 55 on creating an open environment, emphasizing big windows to let the sunshine in and the occupants see out, as well as an open-plan interior and plenty of deck space for enjoying the good life on the water. Similar to other vessels of this size, the Intermarine 55 features three cabins, two bathrooms and a large salon.
The Intermarine 55 also highlights the expanding business which the German automaker's American design studio has pursued in Brazil and across South America, most notably in designing Embraer's business jet cabins, but also branching into a wide variety of disciplines, from medical equipment and metal hardware to computers and cameras. Follow the jump to read all about it, and check it the high-resolution images in the gallery below.
[Source: BMW]
The Intermarine 55 Luxury Yacht Sets Sail in Summer 2011 as BMW Group DesignworksUSA Continues its Creative Collaborations with Leading Brazilian Firms
February 7, 2010 – Los Angeles, CA. – 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.
About BMW Group DesignworksUSA
BMW Group DesignworksUSA is a global design consultancy and subsidiary of the BMW Group. The company, which was acquired by the BMW Group in 1995, today operates globally from its locations in Europe, America and Asia transferring knowledge from their work for the automotive area to clients from the most diverse industries and vice versa. Many of the world's great brands turn to DesignworksUSA for its service in the field of product design, research, development, design strategy, sustainability consulting, brand communications, 3D modeling, and color, materials, and finish. Since 2009, Laurenz Schaffer has overseen the strategy and operations for all three offices. DesignworksUSA works for big brand names such as Nokia, Microsoft and HP, Saeco, Coca Cola, HEAD or Embraer. In 2010, Fast Company magazine ranked DesignworksUSA as the world's "#1 Most Innovative Company in Design" and among the "Most Innovative Companies for 2010." www.designworksusa.com
About Intermarine
Intermarine is the most prestigious shipyard in Brazil, and leads the domestic market in luxury yachts. It has built and sold thousands of units, since 1973, when it was established. In an area of over 500.000 square feet, the world-class yachts are built with passion and craftsmanship. At every launching, Intermarine sets new standards in aesthetics, engineering and technology. And its unprecedented innovations in the nautical market are now about to conquer the seas all around the globe. The unmistakable design, exceptional performance, sophistication, top-notch construction, effective after-sales service and the best re-sale value make Intermarine incomparable.
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