Never judge a book by its cover, and all that. Since 2010, Lazzarini Design has been striving to prove that the size of a boat really doesn't matter, at least not in regards to performance, passenger capacity, and luxury amenities.
The latest iteration to the famous – and, as of the time of press, the only existing Lazzarini product – Jet Capsule further drives home the message that you can have luxury and high performance in a very compact package. That package is called the 2024 Jet Capsule Super Sport, which, as its name implies, is more sporty compared to its predecessor, thanks to the use of carbon fiber and a new building technique.
Lazzarini Design, the brainchild of Italian designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini, is a name that hardly needs any introduction with passionate superyacht watchers. The name is associated with some of the most creative and absolutely bonkers super- and megayachts concepts – and the Jet Capsule, which is the only one to exist physically after its digital introduction in 2010.
So far, Lazzarini has done it all, if only in digital form. Superyachts and megayachts, autonomous vehicles, and insane aircraft with equally insane amenities. If there's one thing Lazzarini does best is imagine a future in which technology and luxury coexist in the most striking designs.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
But Lazzarini does more than dream, and the Jet Capsule is proof of that.
Lazzarini conceived it as a new type of water mobility, one that proved that a high degree of functionality and comfort could be had even within a more compact footprint. Since day one, the Jet Capsule has drawn comparisons to an alien water pod, partly because it is a pod-like structure and partly because of the position of the headlights, which give it a very "angry alien" look.
Throughout its many iterations along the years – and there have been many – the Jet Capsule has retained the distinctive look and main features, specifically versatility and solid performance. The 2024 Super Sport checks these boxes as well, adding a carbon fiber superstructure for an even lighter weight and enhanced speed, and a new building technique in vacuum-infusion molding.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
The Jet Capsule Super Sport now tips the scales at 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs), an improvement over its predecessor, which weighed 3,800 kg (8,377 lbs) and is capable of maxing out at 38 knots (43.7 mph/70.3 kph). It can also reach 32 knots (36.8 mph/58.2 kph) in 12 seconds.
The Super Sport iteration is equipped with a Hamilton Jet Drive and a powerful 640 hp gas engine as standard, as well as full electric docking system, in a bid for more efficiency and a lower carbon footprint. The powertrain is adaptable, so customers can opt for anything between 570 hp and 850 hp, which makes the Jet Capsule suitable to a variety of operational needs and budgets.
Measuring 8 meters (26.2 feet) in length, the Jet Capsule Super Sport comes with a customizable interior that can accommodate up to 12 guests, a rooftop sundeck, and the option to add a sliding door to the rear opening, thus creating a more home-like space enclosed for protection and privacy. The interior can be specced with a dinette and bathroom, if so desired, beds, or an open-plan configuration with just seating.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
Even if you do add beds and dining options, the Jet Capsule is, at best, a dayboat. There's a reason why Lazzarini advertises it as a luxury party venue on water because that's what it's best for. Or, if you already own a superyacht, you can get one of these as a very futuristic tender and be the talk of town – and hopefully the envy of your friends.
Lazzarini Design notes that the Jet Capsule Super Sport can also be customized in full according to the owner's spec, with the construction taking place in Italy. The delivery timeline is between six and eighteen months, but aside from the long wait, you also have to be prepared to dig deep into your pocket if you really want one such fancy-schmancy toy.
That's the only aspect about the Super Sport that hasn't been made public yet: pricing. Let's be real, though, you don't need to be some kind of genius to appreciate that this is one expensive vessel. This is a premium product that's one step over a powerboat and aims to appear more appealing with the mini-yacht description. It's a luxury product and a limited-series one at it.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
For comparison, the Jet Capsule of yesteryear, the original 2020 variant, could go as high as $250,000 with every bell and whistle. That one was also smaller and comparatively underpowered, so common sense would have it that the more recently introduced version costs more.
But what's half a million when you could be partying inside the most eye-catching alien-like pod on water with 11 of your closest friends, right?
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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