Fiat Powertrain Technologies is responsible for the heart of the new contender, which is powered by two FPT N67 560 turbodiesel engines featuring electronic common-rail direct injection.

More details of Lancia's dramatic new powerboat have been announced as this project, which includes collaboration from Fiat Powertrain, which suppliers the powerful twin engines, boat designer Christian Grande & Partners, and San Giacomo boat builder SACS Marine, counts down to an unveiling on the Venice Lido on September 4.

As well as these key partners in the project one of the most famous collaborations in the history of motor sports sponsorship, that between Lancia and Martini, a collaboration that re-embedded the proud car making name firmly onto the world stage, is set to be revived after 17 long years, although to the disappointment of automobile enthusiasts' the boat won't be returning the brand to the cutting edge of the sports arena - as had been rumoured by the positioning of the famed "Martini Racing" logos on its covers - but rather it will be a large and powerful-but-luxurious craft that recalls past eras of boating elegance in the meccas of style such as Portofino, San Tropez or Capri.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies, heir of the glorious motorboating enterprises of Aifo – Iveco engines, is responsible for the beating heart of this new powerboat which will be thrust across the waves by two FPT N67 560 turbodiesel engines featuring electronic common-rail direct injection. Each unit, a leader in its category for specific power, weight and compactness, boasts an in-line six-cylinder (104 x 132) 24 valve configuration displacing 6.7 litres, and generates 560 CV, giving the boat a total output of 1120 CV. Each engine weighs 650 kg, the fuel tank has a 1,000-litre capacity and the water tank will hold up to 120 litres, while the total weight of the boat will be 8.5 tonnes. Top speed will be an impressive 48 knots while it will be able to cruise at 30 knots.

The Lancia powerboat, which is 13.1 m long, 3.83 m wide and has a draught of 0.8 m, has been designed by Christian Grande & Partners, and it seeks to include the detailed novelties and new thinking that Lancia was historically famous for. These novelties will include a raked windshield that electrically-raises to allow passengers to take in the sun on the prow deck or disembark at mooring, a rear screen that mimics the shape used by the automobile industry, while the use of currently-fashionable LED light clusters will create both vivid modernity and unmistakable style. Inside the luxurious cockpit the widespread use of the latest finishing materials will set this craft apart from the rest, while at the touch of a button the functional table (for dining or recreational use) will quickly be turned into a divan. The Lancia boat will be able to carry a maximum compliment of 11 people.

The boat is currently being built in the yards of San Giacomo-based SACS Marine, a firm, that was founded in 1990 which builds a wide array of powerful craft. It will be unveiled in the majestic setting of the Grand Hotel Excelsior on the Venice Lido on September 4, during the 66th Venice International Film Festival that is set to run on the Lido from September 2-12.