We met the new Pershing at her launch party and loved everything about her – from the Gran Turismo features to the smart design, as part of the new ‘marine SUV’ division of famous Italian shipyard
When car designers imagined a Porsche in SUV version, their idea didn’t necessarily draw a lot of support – and same can be said of Pershing GTX series. Pershing debuted their GTX line in Cannes 2023 with a 116-foot model, then added another model, Pershing GTX80, last year, and then this year announced latest debut, of the new Pershing GTX70 in the same ‘extreme grand turismo’ edition.
The story behind Pershing GTX70
We had the opportunity to try it out at its world pre-premiere at the Portorož boat show at the end of May, and again in Venice a week later, and have a lot to say about this yacht that still smells new in every sense. It is worth adding that the Pershing GTX70 was also the star of the brand’s 40th anniversary party in Mondolfo, Italy, where avant-garde Pershing yachts have been growing for decades.
Revisiting the GTX80 in a smaller format
So what does the smallest of the new generation Pershings look like? Style-wise, the new model retains the design guidelines of its predecessors, primarily the GTX80, which is only three meters longer. On the bow, the same grille inspired by automotive design; from the side, the same elegant silhouette with a shapely cabin; from the stern, a deck that unfolds in front of our eyes, with a huge aft platform very close to the surface.
However, some features have been changed, so due the size of the yacht, the new platform doesn’t allow stairs on both sides, just starboard, the gorgeous upper deck has a sliding carbon soft top (with no fixed roof as option), and access to the bow via the side passages is really only safe for skilled sea walkers. However, all the main features are still here: a nice sofa with a sunpad on the bow, an exquisite command console, a table and a sunpad on the upper deck, and the aft is just as functional as before.
Living aboard the GTX70
Immediately upon stepping aboard, we noticed the centrally placed sundeck seating three with also serves as a large storage area, and the nicely integrated telescopic gangway starboard. Below them, a hydraulic platform can hold a tender or a jet ski, and side terraces lower to add space enhancing the aesthetic value. To keep things in line with brand style, during boat show on one of the wings there was an interesting teak chair with carbon details.
The aft cockpit is protected from the sun by an electric top hidden in the cockpit roof when not in use. Up from the platform and into the cockpit, to the left there are a large U-shaped seat and a table, and straight, stairs to the upper deck with a door into the salon in the middle.
Salon and helm station inspired by car design
As introduced on Pershing 72 long time ago, the aft wall can disappear, as it can on this model, too – it retracts into the aft bulkhead, allowing the cockpit and salon to merge into one large semi-open space. Next to the door and on the left, the galley is well appointed, with an oven, an induction hob and a dishwasher, while to the right stands a refrigerator and shelving for plates, glassware and other serving dishes. Behind the kitchen and to the left we found a seat and a folding table, and a nicely upholstered bench for three people on starboard.
The open space salon reminds a bit on a car interior, with open storage compartments upholstered in gray leather. The design is utilitarian, but by no means dull – it adds a fine layer of aesthetic to the interior.
In the bow, the central command console is served by two Poltrona Frau chairs and equipped by two multifunctional SIMRAD screens. To the right, a dedicated door leads on the foredeck, and to the left there are the stairs leading below deck, where three cabins are situated.
Below deck: cabins and amenities
As usual, the master is located aft, the VIP in the bow, and starboard there is one double guest cabin with a bathroom that also serves the salon. The interior is appointed in light wood and dark leather and fabrics, with impeccable finish typical of Pershing, with an extra touch of elegance created by the LED strip lighting on the ceiling.
We found it interesting to hear the designer of this model and the entire GTX Line, Michelangelo Vallicelli of famous Vallicelli Design, was present on our test. He pointed out that the smallest GTX was a particularly demanding design due to the optimization of space, and told us what the design team did to use every single inch as wisely as possible, with an emphasis on the integration of functional units into a smaller space while rounded furniture edges that make movement through the interior safer and easier. This, said Vallicelli, was partly knowledge transfer from sailing boats to motor yachts.
Sea trial insights and performance
But the best part of the test was still ahead. Accustomed to Pershings handling waves with ease at 50 knots, we were a little surprised by the 30% lower performance we achieved in the calm waters of Portorož.
But once we reached Venice, conditions changed, with waves from several directions – and Pershing GTX70 stayed cool, without any vibration, slicing the waves like a knife. It remained just as calm at the impressive 30-knot cruising speed (with the Seakeeper 18 on).
A refined shift in Pershing’s philosophy
This test opened our eyes to the truth: the entire Pershing GTX line was designed for a slightly less wild, but very enjoyable cruising, using the advantages of advanced yacht technology and the power of three Volvo IPS engines (D13 IPS1200).
The result of this effort is more than interesting: top speed 35 knots, while cruising from 21 to 25 knots with a consumption of 14 liters per mile, and from 25 to 35 the consumption rose only slightly to 15 liters, meaning 450 liters per hour at 30 knots.
We were definitely impressed with the new Pershing GTX70, as it finally showed its true gran turismo soul excelling on the water.
Text Darko Šupuk
Photos Pershing
