SUPERCARS AND SUPERBOATS AT MONACO TOP MARQUES

by Marina Orhei

MONACO. TOP Marques opens next week with an unprecedented number of world premiere supercars, limited edition models and technical innovations on display inside Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum. No less than six world premieres will be unveiled by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco at the opening ceremony in the Espace Diaghilev on May 30th. Amongst the vehicles making their debut on the world stage right here in Monaco is the Zacaria, the first ever street legal Formula 1 supercar all the way from Australia, as well as Perth’s Ferox Azaris, an off-roader designed for life on Mars. In avant premieres there will also be the McLaren Grand Tourer and a limited edition of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. Visitors can also see the supersonic Bagheera 50 GTS, a concept superboat with a revolutionary design that will enable passengers to get to Corsica in less than one hour, as well as a brand new motorbike ‘Carbon Zero’ by L’Atelier du Gentleman.

“I am really pleased by the exceptional quality of exhibitors at this year’s Top Marques,” said Salim Zeghdar, CEO of Top Marques Monaco. “We have managed to amass an incredible line up of world premieres and extremely rare supercars that you wouldn’t see, side by side, anywhere else in the world. “I want to treat visitors to a real ‘spectacle’ inside the Grimaldi Forum which they won’t see outside. The show, this year, is inside and not outside,” he added. Mr Zeghdar’s comments follow reports earlier this year that the future of Top Marques was endangered by the irresponsible behaviour of a few motorists on the streets of Monaco during the 2018 edition. “The events of last year were dangerous and could have not only resulted in injuries but also been the end of the show,” said Mr Zeghdar. “This would have been unfair since most of the troublemakers did not even visit the show! We have been working with the authorities to ensure that events like those of 2018 will not happen again, and that Top Marques last for another fifteen years! Or more.” To ensure the continuity of Top Marques a number of new regulations have been made which allow police officers to reinforce traffic laws and counter irresponsible behaviour. Drivers who do not comply with speed limits, drive unreasonably (acceleration over short distances or use the engine at excessive speeds) or endanger the safety of others, for example, are at risk of their vehicle being immobilised for 120 hours, being fined up to 1.000 euros, and could even see a suspension of their driving license or the right to use it in Monaco for up to three months. Other highlights being organised to animate this year’s show, sponsored by Barclays Bank, include a ‘live’ tour of the Supercar Hall by two of the automobile industry’s most influential bloggers, Shmee150 and POG.

Top Marques Monaco is extremely proud of its ‘green’ credentials, with more ecological exhibitors than ever on display when the show opens later this month – including a 100 % electric superboat! Experience the Power of silence: the extraordinary Eelex, a luxury electric craft by the Swedish company X Shore, will be present on the Esplanade outside Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum for the duration of the 16th Edition of Top Marques, from May 30 to June 3. First and foremost a supercar show, Top Marques has traditionally showcased a handpicked selection of the most exclusive superboats and tenders each year. The Eelex is one of a large number of eco-friendly exhibitors participating at this year’s event, sponsored by Barclays Bank. Capable of speeds of up to 40 knots and a range of 100 nautical miles, the Eelex is the brainchild of X Shore founder Konrad Bergstrom, also one of the founder members of Zound Industries, pioneers of the Urbanears and Marshall headphones. And this year, the first under the management Monaco Check-In, visitors will be able to see, and buy, one of the world’s very first fully-electric boats, as well as the Innovative supercar Quantino 58Volt, powered by salt water.

The pioneering boat – which promises no more noise, fumes and offers a sailing experience without the wind – is an electric revolution combining design technology and sustainability. After a successful unveiling at the Dusseldorf Boat Show earlier this year, X Shore will open its first official subsidiary and test center in Monaco. There will be yet more firsts this year at Top Marques with the world premiere of the BAGHEERA 50 GTS 3500 HP, a concept superboat designed by Saint-Tropez boatbuilders King-Boat. The company’s promise is that the Bagheera 50 GTS 3500 HP will cross the Mediterranean from Monaco to Calvi in less than one hour! Its unique design ensures perfect stability on the water, thanks to its center of gravity which has been moved forward and its dual in-board engine placed in the heart of the structure. This design cancels the effect of the take-off. The cost of this sensational superboat is expected to be around 3 000 000€!

For the slightly less eye-watering figure of 300,000€, visitors to Top Marques will be able to snap up the Fjord 38 Xpress, a superboat which originated in the Scandinavian peninsula but is perfect for Mediterranean cruising. Presented by BC Yachting Monaco, the luxury tender or day-cruiser has an avant-garde design, breathtaking performance up to 43 knots with 700 hp, as well as an equipped galley, double berth and bathroom, making it the ideal weekend away boat for two.

Amongst supercar exhibitors confirmed for this edition are iconic brands Aston Martin, McLaren, Ferrari, Bugatti, Bentley, Porsche and Lamborghini. Also participating this year is BRABUS, a German tuning manufacturer who will be present inside AND outside the Grimaldi Forum with its BRABUS G Class Mercedes and waterborne companion, the BRABUS Shadow 800 by Axopar. The powerful crafts are fitted with bespoke BRABUS finishings such as an opening sunroof, high-end Garmin electronics and a pair of Mercury Racing 400R Verado outboards with a joystick. Yours for the price of 440, 000€.

For the man who has everything – Luxury Water Toys will be present with its selection of super gadgets for the sea such as the ESURF – the fastest and lightest electric surfboard in the world which can go at speeds of up to 60 km/h for 45 minutes. Fly through the waves on this feather weight surfboard and reach 0 to 64 km/h in just 3 seconds!

Tickets for Top Marques Monaco, priced between 40 and 70 euro, are available via www.topmarquesmonaco or at the ticket office of the Grimaldi Forum. A VIP ticket offering access to a VIP Lounge and Private Terrace is also available throughout the four-day event for 120 euro per day. For the first time ever, Top Marques will be held over 5 days with the fifth day being an invitation-only occasion.