Nordkapp’s Coupe range is revered throughout Scandinavia for delivering superlative performance in some of the harshest seas in the world. But the 60-year-old Norwegian brand’s present flagship, the Coupe 905 V12, takes that reputation to a whole new level.
Nordkapp’s Coupe 905 V12 is special. The standard 905 is rated for twin outboards and up to 500hp and is 45-knot fast. However, the 905 V12 is in another league. The model designation references its power, a single mighty 7.6-litre 600hp Mercury Verado V12. It’s a super-punchy powertrain for a 30-footer and places this model among the very fastest SUVs in the world.
Depending on load and sea states, the V12’s top speed is in the 55-58-knot zone and the acceleration is blistering thanks to the huge amount of torque delivered super-smoothly by that V12’s seamless two-speed transmission and contra-rotating props. There are no hull steps to complicate that performance and handling either. As with Nordkapp’s other Coupes – the 780 and 830 – the 905 makes use of a proven deep-vee platform, although the V12’s hull has been substantially reinforced to handle the power upgrade.
While the high top-end speed is great for flat-sea dashes, it’s this model’s efficiency at an all-day, everyday 25-30-knot fast cruise that’s going to be most important to most owners. At 25 knots its burning around two litres per nautical mile, which translates to an ultimate range of around 150nm.
Ostensibly the same as the Coupe 905, the V12 aesthetic builds on what is already a bold, aggressive profile. The ice-white hull and sweeping sheer is the same. But the V12’a superstructure is a stealthy black that blends with masses of dark-tinted glazing and sporty black detailing throughout.
There is an explorer-style forward-rake windshield, a generous wheelhouse-roof overhang aft and symmetrical walkaround decks ringed by reassuring guardrails, also in black.
There’s a sunbed in the bow, a cockpit comprising a two-seat aft-facing bench by the cockpit door and a four-seat transom bench with a flappable backrest for looking forward or aft. Note the swim platform aboard the V12 is bigger than the standard model’s and is more practical. That 600hp motor’s drive leg steers, which means the cowling doesn’t move, so there’s more usable space around it.
The aft deck benches can be easily removed too, should more cockpit space be needed for, say, fishing. Plus, there’s the option of canvas shades for both bow and cockpit and for more adventurous owner a roof rack for toys such as paddleboards and mountain bikes.
You step down into that lockable wheelhouse rather than simply walk in, so there’s a lot more headroom in there than perhaps you would expect. The aft end is all booth seating and forward there two bolster-cushioned seats, the starboard one for the driver. The 360-degree visibility there is fabulous. The dark tinted glass you see from the outside is barely noticeable inside and the rake of that single-pane windshield means there’s virtually no glare to impair what the driver sees. What’s more that cabin is surprisingly quite given all those wild horses stampeding on the transom.
The wheelhouse is great when the weather’s poor and, no surprise for a Scandinavian brand, there’s a heater option for the cooler climes. However, when the sun does shine and the breeze is warm and gentle, that wheelhouse can be properly opened to fresh air. There is a sliding cockpit door and a side-deck door to starboard for the driver, as well as sliding windows on either side, and a huge sunroof above.
The Nordhapp Coupe 905 V12 is not merely a dayboat either. There is a cuddy forward of a centreline companionway and comes complete with double v-berth forward and a heads compartment to starboard. The V12 also includes upgraded upholstery in the wheelhouse and below, including Alcantara headlining.
Prices start at €236,000 ex-works and excluding taxes.
For more, check out: nordkapp.com
