Thirsk-based Twisted Automotive unveils its first high performance RIB at next week’s Dartmouth Royal Regatta.
The Twisted #R001 is the first in a number of marine craft being developed by the Defender modification specialist. At 8.7m long, it boasts 450 BHP and retails from £170,000.
Already attracting interest from around the globe, the #R001 will debut at the Regatta from August 26-28 before it appears on the Twisted stand at Salon Privé from September 1-5, followed by the Southampton International Boat Show from September 10-19.
To support the launch, Twisted brand ambassador Jasmine Harrison – the youngest woman to row the Atlantic single-handedly – will be rowing her record-breaking boat, Argo, from Salcombe, the home of Twisted’s sister company Salcombe Marine Services, to Dartmouth, which could be an eight hour plus journey.
Styled as the Defender of the sea, the new British-made and designed Twisted #R001 is based on the Cobra Nautique 8.7. Powered by twin Mercury 225HP V6 outboard motors, it is built to perform in all weathers. The twin 3.4L outboards can take the RIB to almost 60 knots and make it equally capable in both calm and strong seas.
The #R001 travels in style aboard a bespoke Twisted trailer, powder-coated in matching grey and boasting full-size classic Twisted alloy wheels and BFG all-terrain tyres for greater performance on sand and soft terrain.
Twisted is the latest in a distinguished list of automotive experts branching out into the marine world. Mercedes, Lamborghini and Brabus have all recently collaborated with leading boat manufacturers to create uber-stylish, high-performance craft. Like the famous 4×4 on which Twisted’s reputation has been built, the Twisted RIB is expected to live up to its Defender of the sea billing and demonstrate first class usability as well as being huge fun to helm.
Twisted founder Charles Fawcett said: “It’s a natural progression to take what we know about craftsmanship, design, engineering and attention to detail and apply it to another exceptional, custom-built vehicle that’s created for adventure.
“Like the Twisted Defender, the #R001 is distinctively stylish yet robust and is designed to perform in all weathers and conditions. The two are perfect partners – our Defender was created with the ability to tow a boat effortlessly.
“The RIB is known for being a rugged vehicle of the sea and it complements perfectly the rugged nature of the best 4×4, the Twisted Defender. The two together are brilliant for the outdoor adventure lifestyle. ‘The Best. Made Better’ is our philosophy; this is just the start of an exciting collaboration that will see us create some truly special watercraft.”
The RIB is the first of several craft currently being developed at Twisted’s Marine base in Salcombe, Devon. In July the automotive arm of the business opened a boutique showroom in Kensington in addition to a new Yorkshire HQ at The Old Cinema, Thirsk, and a parts and accessories outlet at Silverstone.
