LEXUS LFA TO SHINE AT MOTOREX

• Australian customer becomes the first to chrome their $700,000 LFA supercar
• Vehicle to debut at Meguiar's MotorEx enthusiast car show in Sydney

An Australian owner of a $700,000 Lexus LFA supercar has taken their vehicle to the extreme - wrapping it in a unique chrome exterior.

LFA number 304 - one of only 10 Lexus LFAs in Australia and 500 in the world - is the first example to receive the chrome treatment.

Debuting at this weekend's MotorEx show at Sydney's Homebush Bay, the vehicle will certainly become the 'shining star' of the show, joining hundreds of modified, tuned and collectible vehicles.

Lexus LFA is a powerful, balanced and lightweight vehicle, featuring an advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction for its chassis and bodywork to deliver a light, incredibly strong and highly rigid structure.

Sixty-five per cent of LFA's body structure is carbon fibre, while the remaining 35 per cent is aluminium.

At its heart is a bespoke 4.8-litre V10 engine producing 412kW of power and 480Nm of torque.

It propels the supercar to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and is capable of revving from idle to a redline of 9,000rpm in just 0.6 seconds.

Top speed of the LFA is 325km/h.

Meguiar's MotorEx runs from July 21 to 22 at The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush.

Ticketing and further information is available from www.motorex.com.au.

Amphibious airplane takes its first passengers

Spring was action-packed for LISA Airplanes. The founders, the first clients and LISA’s team boarded the AKOYA for a flight from Lake Bourget. All the passengers and pilots agree: flying in this amphibious airplane is an incomparable pleasure.

Since early May, the AKOYA has never ended flying. With an average of four days of flights per week, LISA Airplanes’ team could once more enjoy, and for the first time share, the AKOYA’s remarkable performance.

LISA Airplanes’ founders, Erick HERZBERGER and Luc BERNOLE were the first two passengers of the AKOYA. “To me, this first flight is both a professional and personal achievement. Our airplane’s performance goes beyond our expectations. I’ve flown many light aircraft in my life, so I can tell the AKOYA is incomparable. She behaves exceptionally well on water in terms of speed and easiness to take-off just as much as in terms of comfort brought by the airplane’s stability. All the work done on the Seafoils turns to be a real success. After my first flight, I proudly announced to the team that the AKOYA is perfect.” tells Erick HERZBERGER, LISA Airplanes’ CEO and AKOYA’s first passenger.

During this series of test runs with passengers, and after years of research, studies, design and tests, LISA Airplanes’ team had the great pleasure to enjoy the advantages of its innovations. One after the other, team members got in the cockpit to live this priceless moment: a flight in the AKOYA. In various weather conditions, smooth lake or rough lake with 16 inches waves (40 cm) and 18 knots of wind, take-offs and landings were all made softly and on short distances. The sensations of flying in the AKOYA will remain unforgettable for all.

With this symbolic event, LISA Airplanes has gone through a major step towards AKOYA’s deliveries: the clients’ discovery of this seaplane.

Some of AKOYA’s future clients have been invited to go on board for a demonstration flight departing from Lake Bourget, at the side of the test pilot Gerald DUCOIN. AKOYA’s new pilots unanimously sung the comfort of the high-end finished cockpit and the in-flight qualities of the airplane. Benoit SENELLART, LISA Airplanes’ VP of Development, attests this enthusiasm: “I‘ve been involved in every step of AKOYA’s development and the first delivery will be the most memorable. Therefore, it’s with great pleasure that I watched our clients’ first flight. Their feedbacks are all positive on the easiness to pilot as well as on the sensations in flight. They really appreciated the visibility, the comfort and the safe atmosphere of the cockpit. This flight definitely won them and I am delighted with that.”

The next demonstrations in-flight will occur from September on since the AKOYA is on its way for the United States where it will be exhibited for the first time at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin from July, 23-29 2012.

Where in the world are all the men?

oops - Where in the world are all the men? The Australian travel writing scene's newest blogger The Global Goddess asks this question and more in her latest post - www.theglobalgoddess.com - which delves into destinations and dating.

Francis Birtles

Francis Birtles

The stirring story of Australia's most unusual adventurer
Brown, Warren

This is the colourful story of FRANCIS BIRTLES, a fascinating individual who led a life of incredible adventure and exploration in Australia and throughout the world.

A narrative account of the life and times of one of Australia's most extraordinary adventurers - a man who crossed Australia more than 70 times in the early part of the 20th century - by bicycle and car.

In 1927 he achieved the greatest motoring feat of the times, driving a car from London to Melbourne. This story follows his exploits across scorching Arabic deserts, through steamy Indian jungles and mountain snowstorms.

In between these journeys he made a collection of documentaries and films of his encounters with the outback. He documented his exploration of Australia in his book, BATTLEFRONTS OF OUTBACK. He eventually travelled to the Northern Territory in search of gold and retired a wealthy man.

About the Author

Warren Brown is well known as a cartoonist for the Daily Telegraph, and has had regular programs on ABC radio and TV. He writes on Australian war history, and is the regular MC at the ANZAC Day ceremonies at Gallipoli. He is also passionately interested in, and involved with, the restoration of and all things to do with vintage motor vehicles.

• Hachette Australia
• 9780733628672
• $35.00
• Paperback - C Format
• October 2012
• 400 pages
• Biography: historical, political & military

A Royal Tour for the Princess of London Beauty Georgia May Jagger visits Rimmel’s Ashford Factory

As a London founded brand and currently the most popular colour cosmetics brand in Britain , it only makes sense that the great Rimmel products are produced less than an hour away from the eclectic capital. Only makeup made in UK could get you the real London look. Rimmel London girl Georgia May Jagger visited the Rimmel Ashford factory to discover the secrets behind the manufacturing of Rimmel products.

Georgia started her day by taking a tour of the production lines where she discovered how some of her favourite Rimmel products, like Scandaleyes Mascara, Match Perfection Foundation and Moisture Renew Lipstick, just to name a few, are made. Georgia even got to try her hand at making and assembling products as she helped staff mix pigments for lipsticks and top off mascaras with caps. Georgia helped the production staff to maintain their impressive production of one Scandaleyes mascara every 0.8 seconds.

Always one for a challenge, Georgia was then led to the R&D labs in the factory where she sat down with R&D Vice President Alan Farer to make her very own Match Perfection shade. Like a true pro, Georgia mixed ingredients, and worked away in the lab to create her shade and discover the fascinating and complex process and technology behind the Match Perfection foundation. She even got a special sneak peak at the new formula being released later this year.

In the afternoon Georgia then greeted journalists for an afternoon press event at the Rimmel Ashford factory. Journalists were given an exclusive opportunity to gain a sneak peek into the production lines of Rimmel products, have an exclusive lab session with Alan Farer and finally join Georgia and makeup artist Kirstin Piggott for a Makeup Masterclass and informal chat on beauty, tips, trends and why Rimmel is unique when it comes to getting the real beauty London Look!

“Who knew chemistry could be this fun!” said Georgia, as a true fan of makeup, “and it was such an incredible opportunity for me to be able to see how it is all made and even have the chance to make my own. I couldn’t wait to tell press all about my experience when I met with them in the afternoon to talk about Rimmel and eye trends for the upcoming season.”

I-Gucci Sport watch

Designed by Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini, the I-Gucci is Gucci Timepieces’ first digital watch and has become one of its best-selling models. The I-Gucci Sport collection is recognizable by a striking perforated rubber strap in three appealing color schemes of black, orange and cobalt blue. The I-Gucci Sport has been created in a larger size of 49mm and features a brushed steel and rubber case with four push-buttons. The watch boasts a range of technical components including a chronograph and dual chronograph, countdown timer, tachymeter, pedometer and a sailing function specifically designed for timing regattas.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin confirms production of a strictly limited number of the new V12 Zagato following its successful unveilings. After winning the award for Design in the Concepts and Prototypes class at the prestigious Villa D’ Este Concours and then going on to prove its durability with the successful completion of the gruelling 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour race, Aston Martin confirms that there is overwhelmingly encouraging interest from customers to confirm production of the V12 Zagato.

Fairline to Showcase Award-winning Targa 58 GRAN TOURISMO at Sydney International Boat Show

Strong interest expected with Australian dollar exchange rate powering top sales market in Asia-Pacific

Hot on the heels of the recent success of Fairline Boats' Targa 58 GRAN TURISMO, the British luxury yacht-maker will exhibit its award-winning boat at the Sydney International Boat Show from August 2 – 6, 2012.

Since being voted 2011 Motor Boat of the Year in its category, the sporty Targa 58 GT has been a big hit in Australia – with four sold to date, including two at the recent Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show held in May in Queensland.

The iconic English boatbuilder now anticipates keen interest in the model in Sydney's Darling Harbour, which is a thriving hub for the luxury boat market.

"Market feedback is extremely positive, partly due to an exceptional buying environment and the power of the Australian dollar exchange rate," said Bryan Jones, President of Fairline Boats Asia.

The express cruiser combines the coveted hallmark of the Fairline Targa with forward-thinking design and functionality, and a spacious 3-cabin layout with optional fourth-crew cabin / en-suite.

It provides expansive full-width accommodation with the master cabin / en-suite forward in the hull. A striking sense of open space is enhanced with plenty of natural daylight and a fully flat floor, not widely available in mid-cabin arrangements.  

"This model is especially popular for its innovative design, functionality and Targa style with sleek design and high performance," added Mr Glen Moltoni who will be representing the brand as authorised dealer for New South Wales, in addition to his current representation of Fairline Western Australia.

Complementing the Targa 58 GT's popularity are the continuing sales of sister Squadron 42 and 65 flybridge motor yachts.

"Sales continue to grow not only in Australia but across the Asia-Pacific, with annual growth of nearly 600 per cent since 2008," adds Jones.

Fairline Boats has targeted the Australia market with dealerships extending from Western Australia to Queensland and Victoria, representing one of the biggest and most respected global brands.

View Fairline's Targa 58 GRAN TURISMO at Cockle Bay Marina Darling Harbour during the Sydney International Boat Show from August 2-6, 2012

 www.fairline.com