Turbo Magazine - March 2022

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March

Razor Sharp

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Robert GATTEREDER CEO, PM Group

855 Nepean Highway Brighton VIC 3186 P: 03 9536 1911 W: www.porschebrighton.com.au

At Porsche Centre Brighton, we’re about far more than cars – most importantly, we’re also about people.

With both our team and customers forming part of a passionate, dedicated family - we strive to offer the complete Porsche experience. This may mean taking the time to discover each customer’s unique perspective on their car, and the distinctive role it plays in their lives.

Porsche has always been a carmaker with that inimitable personal touch, a genuine global company which is run to this day as a boutique family business. At Porsche Centre Brighton, we continue to honour this philosophy with the aim to extend to each valued customer, the personalised attention they deserve.

Our unrivalled level of customer care extends far beyond the showroom, as we create and run a range of events to honour each customer’s unique bond with their Porsche.

I recently had the pleasure of participating in our ‘Women who Race’ track day, at Sandown Racetrack, offering a truly unique driving experience for our female customer group. The involvement and our support of Courtney Prince, who races a Porsche in the Michelin Sprint, introduced a strong racing focus on the day, reflecting our passion for Porsche performance on the track.

Robert GATTEREDER

Porsche Centre Brighton

The Porsche Centre Brighton community also recently enjoyed our highly successful Golf Classic Day, which brought a range of Porsche aficionados together again to celebrate their love of the sport on Metropolitan Golf Club’s renowned greens.

The automotive landscape is also changing rapidly. While remaining a sportscar company, Porsche is also emerging as the premium electric mobility choice, with our Taycan having an outstanding first year in the market. At Porsche Centre Brighton, we aim to give you the opportunity to fall in love with this car and embrace our electric-powered future.

We are delighted to have you all back in this dynamic automotive landscape, with demand for Porsche new and Porsche Approved used vehicles reaching an all-time high. At Porsche Centre Brighton, we aim to bring the complete Porsche experience to all our owners, in our showroom and beyond. •

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CONTENTS

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Razor sharp 718 Cayman GT4 RS – as sharp on the road as it is on the track

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Fresh and sweet Taycan adds two new models to sweet-talk you

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Geared for adventure – Ian Anderson Sailor, boat-builder, engineer, racer, and Porsche owner, Ian Anderson is a man for all seasons

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Siberia's only around the corner At the Phillip Island racetrack, Siberia is only around one of many corners

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Healing with horse power Lisa Coffey, owner of Racing Hearts and ambassador for Racing Victoria’s Off the Track program, is driven by her passion to help others

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Porsche rocks 70 years in Australia Port Melbourne rocked to the sounds of 450 special guests who were celebrating Porsche’s 70th year in Australia

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Phillip Island – naturally playful Located only 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island provides the ultimate destination for an unforgettable holiday

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Australia Day Honours Flinders car show The prestigious Australia Day Community Event of the Year award has been presented to the Flinders Motoring Heritage show

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Jake Parsons This Porsche Sales Executive has a passion for machinery

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Title fights Catching up on the title fights that Porsche will contest in 2022 and beyond

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Australians have racing hearts Australian drivers worked hard behind real and virtual wheels of Porsche race cars, with prizes to prove it

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Australian Whisky Auctions This liquid gold has rocketed internationally – and Australia's no exception

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Razor sharp

718 Cayman GT4 RS is as sharp on the road as it is on the track 6

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orsche’s 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship model of the 718 family – sharp in design with razor-edged power. Driven on narrow winding mountain roads or a racetrack, this car is the undoubtable King of the compact mid-engined Porsches – as nimble as a go-kart but impressively stable and well-balanced.

With 368 kW of power from its naturally aspirated flat-six engine strapped to a light 1415kg body, it's a thrill ride not to be discounted. In fact, on the Nürburgring Nordschleife it outperforms its sibling the 718 Cayman GT4 by more than 23 seconds.

Compared with the 718 Cayman GT4, this 718 Cayman GT4 RS has an extra 59 kW, revving out to a mighty 9000rpm pushing out 450Nm of torque. Match that power to the intuitive PDK dual clutch transmission offering seven gears at lightning speed, and it simply takes your breath away. The sports low-ratio PDK underpins the incredible acceleration, enabling it to achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 315 km/h.

Steering wheel paddle shifts allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel even when manually changing gears.

Lightweight construction is achieved thanks to the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for components such as the bonnet and front wings, and the rear window is also made of lightweight glass. But Porsche didn't stop there. Inside, lightweight carpet and reduced insulation material assist with the impressively low 1415kg weight, which is calculated with a full fuel tank.

From the outside, the distinctive fixed rear wing with its swan-neck attachment and aluminium supports has a subtle GT4 RS moniker stamped into the sides. This highly efficient wing principle is derived from the Porsche 911 RSR GT racing car.

To help glue this 718 Cayman GT4 RS to the road, a combination of changes were implemented including a 30mm lower ride height compared with the 718 Cayman. Then came aerodynamically optimised underbody panelling incorporating a connected rear diffuser, a multi-adjustable front diffuser, and a new front spoiler lip with a flow-around side, so that in Performance mode – reserved for racetracks – the RS generates 25 percent more downforce than the 718 Cayman GT4.

Modifications to the chassis contribute to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS's greater performance, with ball joints binding the chassis tightly to the body for precise and direct handling. The adjustable circuit-ready chassis has an RS-specific shock absorber setup as well as modified spring and anti-roll bar rates.

‘During development, we gave the 718 Cayman GT4 RS everything that characterises a genuine RS – lightweight construction, more downforce, more power, and of course, an even higher level of responsiveness and feedback to driver inputs. The fantastic lap time around the Nordschleife is impressive proof of how clearly noticeable these improvements in driving dynamics are,’ says Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Line.

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‘Our customers can look forward to a pure driver's car that makes a thrilling driving experience an absolute priority.’

Step it up a notch by choosing the optional Weissach package utilising a carbon-weave finish to the process air intakes, cooling air intakes, airbox cover, exterior mirror upper trims, rear wing, and front luggage compartment.

20-inch forged magnesium wheels are available to order with the Weissach package instead of the standard 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. Titanium tailpipes finish off the rear look, while the interior roll cage rear is also titanium.

Race-Tex material covers the upper section of the dashboard, and a large Porsche logo is integrated into the rear window while the car’s two seats feature the Weissach RS logo with an outline of the Wiessach Development Track as a nod to the car’s obvious sharp abilities.

Typically reserved for the most track-focused cars.

To date, you could only order the Weissach package for the 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT2 RS, plus the 918 Spyder.

In place of the usual small side windows, new air intakes in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS improve intake airflow while creating a thrilling noise right next to the driver’s ears.

The characteristic air intakes at the front of the rear wheels have been retained for engine cooling.

‘The GT4 RS is one of the sharpest cars Porsche has ever developed. And you really have to experience the breathtaking noise it makes for yourself,’ says Jörg Bergmeister, a world-class driver who has devoted more than 500 hours to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS during test and tuning drives as part of the car’s development.

All of these enhancements make the 718 Cayman GT4 RS the sharpest, most uncompromising member of the 718 family. This was proved on the Nürburgring Nordschleife during the final phase of setup adjustments, when Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister lapped the 20.83km track in 7:09.300 minutes.

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS conquered the shorter 20.6km version, which previously served as the benchmark, in 7:04.511 minutes – 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4. For these high-speed laps, the car was equipped with a racing seat. The tyres fitted to the car were Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, which will be optionally available.

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS stole the show at its premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is available to order now. The optional Weissach package is available to further enhance performance.

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In Australia, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS will also be equipped with automatically dimming mirrors including rain sensor, cruise control, ParkAssist (rear) incl. reversing camera, Light Design Package, and digital radio.

To complete the look, a unique Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS was created by Porsche Design exclusively for buyers of the vehicle. The watch also benefits from a lightweight design concept with high-performance features based on the robust, high-tech characteristics of titanium. Its winding rotor is modelled on the sports car’s rims and can be specified in different colours, just like the car.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS starts at $300,800.

Australian deliveries are expected to commence from Q3 2022. •

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Fresh and sweet Taycan adds two new models to sweet-talk you 12

Since its introduction in 2019, the Taycan range has added options offering something for everyone.

Now there are two more variants – the Taycan entry model and the Taycan GTS – to do even more sweet talking.

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hile all other Taycan variants, of which there are now four, have their own monikers such as the new Taycan GTS, the entry-model Taycan has not, because it's the foundation upon which all other Taycans are built. As the foundation vehicle, it reveals the electrifying character of the Taycan range.

The new entry-level model features rear-wheel-drive and is available with two battery sizes delivering up to 300kW with the Performance Battery or up to 350kW with the Performance Battery Plus.

With the Performance Battery Plus, the Taycan is the first series production car with a system voltage of 800 volts instead of the usual 400. The two-deck Performance Battery Plus (standard in the Taycan GTS, Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S) contains 33 cell modules consisting of 12 individual cells each (396 in total). Their total capacity is 93.4kWh. This Taycan comes with rear-wheel drive. Its drive architecture comprises a permanently excited synchronous motor on the rear axle and, like the other models, a two-speed transmission. Both the range and the continuous power of the drive benefit from the high efficiency of the permanently excited synchronous motors.

The electric motor, transmission, and pulse-controlled inverter are each combined into a compact drive module.

For this new Taycan, air suspension is available as an option in lieu of the standard steel-spring suspension.

The air suspension automatically includes a Smartlift function. This allows the Taycan to be programmed so that the ride height is automatically raised at certain recurring locations, such as road humps or garage driveways.

Inside, classic design features reflect the digital age.

The wing-shaped upper and lower sections of the dashboard stretch across the entire width of the car.

The free-standing curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard, placing a clear focus on the driver.

A central 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look. Two interior seat options are on offer – one leather, the other fully leather-free.

Taycan prices start at $156,300.

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Taycan a breath of fresh air

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Taycan GTS is the real sweet talker

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TS stands for Gran Turismo Sport, and these three letters are the embodiment of the ‘sweet spot’ in motoring – not just because GTS signifies sporty performance, but also because the GTS sits between the Taycan 4S and Turbo derivatives – right in the sweet spot.

The louvred rear diffuser design has the same geometry as the Taycan Turbo models. The inserts in the side skirts and rear diffuser are finished in high-gloss black on the Taycan GTS. The standard 20-inch Taycan Turbo S Aero Design wheels are painted in satin black.

Sweet-talking for Taycan GTS means offering sporty drivers everyday practicality with a particularly efficient drive strategy fused with all-wheel drive as standard. Two electric motors drive either the front or rear axle, enabling the power to be effectively set to ground.

Black Race-Tex and brushed aluminium details highlight the interior, where the Sport Chrono Package is fitted as standard. The mode switch for selecting the driving modes (Range, Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual) is located on the GT multifunction sports steering wheel. The Sport mode has been designed to be even more dynamic than other Taycan models.

With an impressive 440kW of overboost power available when using Launch Control, the Taycan GTS can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds, pushed to the ground through its adaptive air suspension system which includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adapted specifically to the Taycan GTS. Optional rear-axle steering provides an added touch of performance.

The standard Performance Battery Plus with a total capacity of 93.4kWh enables a range of up to a very healthy 485km, based on NEDC figures.

Exterior and interior refinements are distinctive, with black or dark details on the front apron, exterior mirrors, and side window trims – all traditional GTS touches. In addition, the new GTS includes the Sport Design Package with distinctive trim for the front, rear, and side skirts. The daytime running light elements are finished in matt black with 3D track graphics.

The standard front adaptive Sports Seats Plus combine sporty lateral support with long-distance comfort offering 18-way electric adjustment as well as a memory function.

A panoramic roof with Variable Light Control is available as a new optional extra. This features an electrically switchable liquid-crystal film that can change the roof from clear to matt, protecting occupants from glare without making the interior darker. The roof is divided into nine segments that can be switched individually – a world first in the automotive sector.

The Taycan GTS starts from $237,000 and is expected to arrive in Australia from the second quarter of 2022. •

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Geared for adventure – Ian Anderson

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rained as a food technologist, Ian’s talent for engineering has defined his life’s interests. ‘Initially working in product development for various major food companies, I moved through process development roles into packaging research and development,’ he says. ‘In the early ’70s, I joined a major packaging company and was right there when wine casks were invented.

‘For the next 30-odd years, I was involved in the flexible packaging business as Technical R&D Manager. We invented and developed a unique system for aseptic packaging of liquid food and biomedical products under sterile conditions, which blossomed into a multinational business with equipment installed everywhere from Zimbabwe to Northern China.’

Crucially, this role gave him access to high-level equipment development and manufacture, which would prove important later. ‘I learned a lot about stainless steel fabrication, electronic process control systems, and advanced composites manufacture, and completed a course in carbon fibre lamination at RMIT Aerospace,' he explains.

Ian’s materials-based skills proved crucial in his passion for sailing, a devotion he has enjoyed through several decades of his eventful life. ‘My sailing career didn’t start until around 1975,’ he says. ‘A friend told me his mate had just bought a big yacht, and suggested I spend a long weekend at sea with them. I knew bugger-all about sailing but went anyway, and found myself steering 26 tonnes of famous old classic yacht around Port Phillip. I was hooked!

‘The boat was the Winston Churchill, later sadly lost in the 1998 Sydney to Hobart disaster.'

Since then, Ian has used his engineering expertise to develop his sailing interests. ‘Over the next few years, I built my own “Trailer Sailer” from a kit, which I used for about 15 years to compete in various club and class events – including 13 Marlay Point Races and lots of family cruising fun.

‘I competed in ocean racing on bigger boats, including the wild Great Circle Race around Tasmania, the equivalent of two back-to-back Sydney to Hobarts. The trick is to get on the crew of someone’s else’s big boat, while also sailing your own small one. The thrills are the same, but much less expensive!'

This was just the beginning of Ian’s burgeoning interest.

‘I was attracted by the speed and dynamics of unballasted multihull boats,’ he says. ‘I joined the Multihull Yacht Club of Victoria sailing catamarans and trimarans, found myself Commodore of the club and Regatta Manager, and was recently awarded Life Membership.

Sailor, boat-builder, engineer, racer, and Porsche owner, Ian Anderson has developed a storied career across multiple fields.

So, what makes him tick?

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‘Over the years, I became interested in naval architecture and yacht design. I believe it is one of the last bastions of art and science, and one of the few areas where one can still let imagination fly (budget permitting). I started to draw up some concepts for a reasonable-sized catamaran that was actually legally trailable but hopefully a good performer.’

Instead of just daydreaming, Ian designed and started building a rather radical boat along these lines. ‘It’s been in various workshops and sheds over the years and is now about three-quarters finished, including an unstayed carbon fibre wing mast,’ he notes. ‘There’s still a fair bit to be done, but I’m hesitant to hand that over to someone g else to do; it’s a very personal project.’

Someone with Ian’s technical prowess was always going to be attracted to cars.

‘I became interested in Riley cars and bought my first when I was at university.

I moved to Melbourne in 1963 and started attending motorsport events with the Riley Club. One day I was going down Wellington Road Chadstone, when I saw in a garage, a chassis with a 2½ litre Riley motor,’ he remembers. ‘It was a 1948 Healey Silverstone (only 100 made) – I had to have it! The car was in my life for 25 years.

‘After becoming involved with the Light Car Club, I started racing in hillclimbs and open race meetings at Sandown, Calder, Winton and Albury, later competing in historical classes and regularity events. I rebuilt it twice before selling it in 1989.’

Ian hadn’t seen the last of that Healey. ‘Astonishingly, it popped up recently in Holland,’ he says. ‘The American who bought it in 2021 contacted me to find out if I had any more information on the car, because he was planning on entering the Mille Miglia in Italy. I did have some information, documents and old bits, he did run in the event, and I now have a standing offer of a drive should I get to Holland.’

Motorsport formed the backbone of Ian’s youthful adventures. ‘In 1969, I took off with a mate for the ultimate backpacking trip,’ Ian reminisces. ‘Posing as a photographer and with a letter of introduction from CAMS Australia, I gained entry to the Monaco and British Grand Prix, and several other major events. I bought a BMW 700CS Sport coupe in Switzerland, which we pounded around Europe and North Africa.

'Over the next two years I had many adventures, following some very exciting motorsport moments such as LeMans, BrandsHatch and rally events, as well as some very sobering photojournal essays into Russia, East Germany, and Northern Ireland troublespots.’

After selling the Healey in 1989, Ian tried to recapture the rush. 'When I sold the Silverstone, I immediately bought a ‘73 Jensen Healey, but it wasn’t quite as satisfying – so I ended up buying a 250 Yamaha bike, then taking the Honda training course so I could actually get a bike licence,' he says. 'Motorcycling filled that need for open road thrills beautifully. I bought a BMW R1100RS a year later, one of the first in the country and the best motorcycle available at the time.

‘I became involved with the BMW Safari touring event every 12 to 18 months. I’ve ridden in every single one over the last 25 years, travelling to all states except NT in that time.’

Meeting the Legend.

Donald Healey on his Australian visit, 1976

After gaining so much joy from this collection of boats and bikes, Ian was won over by the Porsche magic. ‘A friend with a 911 turbo took me for a ride in the mid-'80s, which popped my brain a little,’ he recalls. ‘Until then, my only involvement with Porsche had been racing against (or rather, after) Alan Hamilton back in the late ’60s, who just blitzed everybody, and watching Porsche’s first Le Mans win in 1970.’

Retirement in 2009 had started well with a wonderful cruise on a friend's yacht around Italy and Croatia and several motorcycling tours, but Ian’s life then took an unexpected and stressful turn. ‘In January 2014 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Follicular Lymphoma, a blood cancer. While this form of the disease wasn’t considered curable, it was at least treatable, so I went immediately onto a long course of chemo, steroids, and immunological treatment.

The Silverstone in current Mille Miglia livery.

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‘I had tumours all through my body but remarkably, the chemo, despite all its horrible side effects, made them disappear. When remission landmarks like this happen, you must celebrate them … so, as you do, I bought a Porsche! A 1999 996 Cabriolet, which certainly scratched the itch.

‘To complete my celebrations, I now have a 200m2 workshop/factory/man cave, which has been a longtime dream. I gave my son the 996 for his 40th on the condition he restores it with me, so we spend time fiddling around together with the hood, windows, electrics, and all the usual woes of a 20-year-old 996.’

‘All the ongoing treatment (including 17 radiotherapy sessions in 2016 for a tumour on my spine) seemed to work okay until 2019, when another tumour beside my left kidney was found.

In tandem with all this activity, Ian’s family remains a focus. ‘I have a son, a daughter, and two granddaughters (13 and 10), all doing very well,' he says. That’s another reason for getting the Cab back together – it fits two in front and two little ’uns in the back!’

‘I was then offered participation in a clinical trial of a radical antibody treatment, which I took. Administered over two months via a portable pump and IV line directly to my heart, the side-effects were neurotoxic with weird hallucinogenic periods – some trip! It worked, though, and since then, I’ve been back in pretty clear remission.

'This success called for another celebration.

My partner and I did a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest followed by visiting the Villa d’Este Concours on Lake Como, one of the world’s top classic car events. Another tick on the bucket list.

‘Then in early 2020 I bought myself a Macan S, all optioned up. Thanks, Brighton Porsche!

For me, it’s the ultimate daily driver; it’s also big enough to tow the boat, if I ever finish it.

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Finally, Ian’s passion for blues music provides a soundtrack to this restless activity. ‘As a would-be musician, it's been nice to take the 911 off to various country blues festivals,’ he reflects.

At almost 80, Ian has a healthy attitude. 'I’m conscious that the clock is ticking, so I’m glad to be still physically capable of doing some of the things I love. This year, Covid permitting, I even hope to be able to run in another BMW Safari … this time on a smaller motorbike (an 800) and get in some serious touring in the Macan.’

What further proof could there be of Ian’s determination to enjoy everything life has to offer? •

Siberia's only around At the Phillip Island racetrack, Siberia’s literally only round the corner. It’s one of 12 corners on the circuit, with some boasting famous names like Gardner Straight or Doohan and Stoner corners.

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hillip Island is one of Australia’s oldest and coldest circuits, hence the name Siberia, inspired by the winds whistling off Bass Strait and onto the circuit.

Australia’s first Grand Prix was held at Phillip Island for eight consecutive years from 1928 … but back then, it was nothing like the circuit of today. As a driver or rider, you were faced with a rectangular public dirt road.

When it came to motorcycle racing, the track was first used in 1927 for a 200-mile road race that weaved its way through Cowes and Rhyll. The next year, a shorter rectangular course –10km long on public roads – was used for the Grand Prix, which was run over 100 miles. All this temporarily came to a halt in 1935.

By 1956, the track had become a permanent racing circuit, the first full-length dedicated paved track of its type built. In contrast to today’s customs, it was developed by volunteers and amateur racers rather than professional organisations.

Around 1951, the present site was purchased from the owner of Brighton Beach Motors, motorsport enthusiast Mr P Whitlock, who generously sold the land for £6,525.

Phillip Island Auto Racing Club (PIARC) purchased the site, and there’s a good story behind the name. The circuit was intended to be used for car and motorcycle events, but at the time regulations dictated that motorcycle riders were only allowed to join one motorcycle club. To ensure they were able to use the circuit, the name included the word ‘auto’ rather than ‘motor’, ensuring it covered auto cycles.

Based on the Zandvoort circuit in Holland and designed by Consulting Engineer Alan Brown, the track featured long sweeping turns and a mile-long front straight. Mr Brown’s design was premised on building a track that would allow for as high a lap speed as possible. He was adamant that the track should be well away from the treacherous 100-foot cliffs that skirt one side of the circuit.

Back in 1952, Victoria’s road design rules stipulated that any major public road curve where speeds exceeded 25 miles per hour should be designed so that the deeper into the corner a driver went, the tighter it became – apparently to prevent drivers from accelerating out of corners too early.

Mr Brown innocently incorporated this into the circuit’s design, much to the horror of the overseeing committee who could foresee the repercussions of this at racing speeds. A simple fix ensued – the circuit direction was changed from clockwise to anticlockwise, and has remained that way throughout its history.

Due to a series of events including torrential rain during 1954 and 1955, track building was delayed. While PIARC optimistically announced opening dates, these were postponed time and again.

Finally, on 15 December 1956, the track opened on a damp day. The circuit, designed to take 15,000 spectators, fielded a poor crowd – not only because of the weather, but also due to Saturday cricket. (It was illegal to hold a motor racing event on a Sunday in Victoria.) Racing did eventuate with a 10-race program, which saw the likes of Lex Davison and Jack Brabham compete.

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the corner

Not long after, competitors started complaining that the circuit was hard on rubber with excessive tyre wear. As it turned out, there had been a mistake with the compound – instead of using 3/16” sized gravel, 5/8” gravel was used instead. This gave the surface good grip, but was hard on tyres.

The predecessor to our now-famous Bathurst event was the Armstrong 500. This was held at ‘the Island’ in 1960 for what were then referred to as stock saloon cars, with only those made or assembled in Australia eligible.

Forty-five cars entered to run over eight hours, completing 167 laps of the three-mile-long circuit. John Roxburgh and Frank Coad were the winners in their Vauxhall Cresta.

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Very few permanent race circuits were in operation during those early days in Victoria. Fishermans Bend still held some events, Sandown and Calder were completed during the early 1960s, and in late 1962 Winton opened in regional Benalla.

Unfortunately, the Armstrong 500 only ran at Phillip Island until 1962 before the track was so badly damaged that the race was moved to Bathurst. With that move, the track fell into disrepair and closed.

Through a wonderful act of fate in 1964, PIARC ex-committee member Len Lukey bumped into enthusiast George Coad at Essendon Airport where he heard that the track was to be sold. He immediately called PIARC president John Lanyon and offered £13,000 for the circuit. His offer was g accepted, and to this day Lukey Heights is a feature of the track.

A quick tour of the track

Phillip Island’s pit lane is on Gardner Straight, the front straight also featuring the start/finish line. This is one of Australia’s fastest straights, and from there you head towards the sea, often with a blustery wind pushing against you, into Doohan Corner – more a curve in the track than a corner.

You then head at breakneck speed into a left at Southern Loop (which is definitely a corner), down a short straight into Stoner Corner, a left-hand curve, and from there into Honda Corner, which bends and heads you up to Siberia and then it’s left onto the long back straight. The back straight is technically not straight, but feels that way as you head into Hayshed Corner and then to Lukey Heights. Seagulls have been known to dive bomb drivers on this part of the track.

At Lukey Heights, it’s apparent that you have to turn blindly left and down into MG corner as you are atop a short but very steep hill. From MG there are two more left-hand corners, the last a wide sweeping one back onto Gardner Straight.

The current lap record outright is held by Australian Simon Wills in a Reynard 94D Holden with a time of 1:24.2215 (Formula Holden) on 13 February 2000, with Marc Marquez holding the lap record for motorcycles on a Honda RC213V with a 1.28.108 achieved on 20 October 2013.

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The circuit was transformed into something more than a racetrack after money was poured into repairs, boasting a half-sized Olympic pool, roller-skating rink, children’s playground, and waterskiing lake. Early in 1965, a three-storey control tower was constructed; this tower still stands today, 100 metres north of its original position. (The move was done when the circuit was rebuilt in the 1980s to accommodate the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.)

Another ‘500’ event was scheduled for 1971, a round of the Manufacturers’ Championship.

Extensive work was required to get the circuit up to standard and fit for the drivers of the day – the likes of John Roxburgh, Peter Brock, Colin Bond, Leo Geoghegan, John French, and Allan Moffat.

Another blow for the circuit came on 27 October 1978 when Len Lukey passed away and the circuit was up for sale again – the asking price $1.2 million.

Some six years later in 1984 it was sold for $800,000 to an investment group who revived the complex, and finally in 1988 the final round of the Swann Insurance International Series for motorcycles was held. The track was awarded the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (AMGP) the following year, putting it back on the map as a major circuit.

In 1990, the Superbike World Championship moved from Oran Park Raceway near Sydney to Phillip Island, but the next year the AMGP moved to Eastern Creek Raceway in Sydney following the Victorian State Government’s banning of tobacco and alcohol advertising. Wayne Gardner gave it a fabulous send-off, winning the most thrilling race of that year holding off a determined Mick Doohan to make it an Aussie 1–2 finish.

Moto GP returned in 1997 to ‘the Island’ and has remained there ever since. In 1994, the main straight was named Gardner Straight. Earlier in 1990, car racing had returned to Phillip Island with the Australian Touring Car Championship, while the track currently hosts the final round of the V8 Supercars.

Other highlights of the 1990s included the Superbikes race of 1996, with Australian Troy Corser taking first place on a Ducati. In 1998, Mick Doohan won his fifth world title there, and so in 1999 Turn One was renamed Doohan Corner.

Again in 2004, the ‘For Sale’ sign was hung outside the track. This time another well-known businessman, Lindsay Fox, bought it for an undisclosed amount. A $2 million safety upgrade was carried out under the new ownership, primarily to improve safety for motorcycle racing, and in 2012 the entire track was resurfaced in a $3 million upgrade.

Advanced Driver Training is returning to Phillip Island on 30-31 March with limited spots remaining. It would be a pity to not be able to experience the thrill of driving this iconic international circuit for yourself. Fortunately, Porsche Centre Brighton offers Porsche owners drive days at the track with expert Porsche instructors. This is the perfect way to understand and appreciate your Porsche, its inherent racing heritage, and this famous track’s chequered history. •

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Healing with horse power Racing Hearts is an Equine Assisted Therapies organisation comprising of a dedicated group of mental health practitioners, volunteers, and former racehorses helping children and adults overcome various life challenges.

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isa Coffey, owner of Racing Hearts and current ambassador for Racing Victoria’s Off the Track Program, discusses how her passion helps others.

‘We're a registered charity with a fabulous group of qualified mental health professionals, who integrate retired racehorses into their therapeutic and evidence-based interventions to provide mental health support to people in the community,’ Lisa explains. ‘This field is known as Equine Assisted Therapy, which emerged around a decade ago. It has a large variety of applications, with more and more research about its efficacy being published. We see approximately 250 clients a week and try to retrain around 50 retired racehorses per year from our Mornington Peninsula base. We're about to expand to another property in Pakenham, where we hope to at least double those numbers.

‘Each session is planned around the client’s specific challenges and needs. Even though most clients have no experience with horses, they often tend to bond very quickly,’ Lisa continues. 'Research has shown that when we are in contact with animals, our bodies release feel-good and relaxation hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, which will often help the client relax and open up about their challenges. It’s a very cool body hack for a therapist to work with. Horses can also evoke many emotions within the client – and when these present themselves, the therapist can then work on them with the client as per a traditional room-based therapy session.

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and healthy and safe boundaries. Modelling healthy horse behaviour is also highly effective for neurodivergent clients, who often struggle to engage in a neurotypical world.'

Above all, Equine Assisted Therapy helps people engage with their community and form meaningful relationships. ‘Often, a person who has experienced trauma will be repeatedly drawn to unsafe situations or relationships,’ Lisa explains. ‘People develop patterns of behaviour in childhood based on their need for safety or survival, but these patterns are often maladaptive in adulthood.

‘To rectify this, we work closely with those old patterns to better understand how they originally served the client. We then help them understand that the pattern no longer fits, which involves acknowledging the need to form healthier patterns suitable for adult relationships.

Through repetition of the new behaviour, the client forms new synapses in their brain and the behaviour becomes a habit and not a forced intention.

‘We take care to pair each client with the right horse; sometimes, clients choose and approach a horse; at other times, a horse will approach and stand next to a client. Many people give feedback of love and genuine acceptance because another living being indicates they want to be with them for no gain other than to be in their presence. This kind of non-judgemental relationship is very often something many people are missing in their lives with people.

‘The horses’ behaviour with clients is incredible and often unexpected – some horses lie down in front of clients, while others stand still for an entire hour with them. We know our horses intimately, because they have to be safe with people who don’t always know when they are putting themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.

‘Horses also offer an escape from the pressures of judgement,’ adds Lisa.

‘While it’s natural for humans to judge others, horses only care whether they feel safe with you or not. Retired racehorses are particularly suitable for this kind of therapy assistant role, because they are very alert and aware of people and highly present with each client. Based on some of the ways I have witnessed the horses behave with clients, I firmly believe horses can read things about us that we are never going to be able to discover or measure. Whether it's intricate body language that we might not even recognise ourselves or something else, they are highly attuned animals.

‘Anxiety is a common challenge that many of our clients present with, which is often derived from untrue thoughts that generate negative physical sensations and emotions. By contrast, the horses live entirely in the present. Lacking the ability to plan or worry about the future, they’re far more aware of their bodily sensations, which helps us teach people to decipher what messages their body is trying to give them. We call it "feelings as information", and promote the horses' natural way of being present as a model of healthy behaviour, including clear communication

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‘People come to us with a broad range of challenges, and we help them learn to survive independently as quickly as possible. We run many individual and group programs including a VCAL program for disengaged secondary school teens, many of whom are couch-surfing or homeless, to help them with their mental health and general life challenges and give them the skills to gain meaningful employment. We also see 14 school groups per week from the local Peninsula area and travel further afield with the horses to schools who cannot come to us. Our Awesome Autism program runs every Saturday; it sees approximately 40 children on the Autism Spectrum engage with the horses and learn important life skills.

'Just as we are passionate about helping people, we are just as dedicated to retraining retired racehorses and finding them new homes post-racing.

Equine welfare is at the forefront of our business strategy, and we work closely with many stables to assist them and their owners when making the transition into retirement and a new life path. We are very proud to lead the way in this space, with key novel welfare initiatives run through our business.'

Lisa’s interests are a perfect fit for her chosen path. ‘I’ve worked with racehorses since my teens. After qualifying as a counsellor in Ireland, I studied psychology at Monash University when I arrived in Australia.

I then attended the Equine Psychotherapy Institute at Daylesford, qualifying as an Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. My life goal is to help as many people and retired racehorses as possible, so to be able to merge the two is incredibly special to me.'

As a lover of racehorses, it might not be surprising that Lisa also adores Porsches. ‘I’ve always been drawn to racehorses for their speed, their stamina, their sleek beauty, and their power. A lot of parallels there to what attracts me to a Porsche!

‘On the other hand, if I could drive a fast car every day, I would,’ she quips.

‘I’m always drawn to powerful cars, which is most likely where my love of Porsches began. When I lived in Ireland, I had a 911 which I deeply loved driving; it was a sad day when I had to sell it before coming to Australia!’

We hope Lisa has the chance to step back into an automotive thoroughbred very soon. • To find out more about the vital work done by Racing Hearts, visit www.racinghearts.com.au

Porsche rocks 70 years in Australia Port Melbourne, not far from where Norman Hamilton first introduced two Porsche 356s to Australia 70 years ago, rocked to the sounds of 450 special guests celebrating Porsche’s 70th year in Australia.

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C Tommy Little introduced video messages from Detlev von Platen, member of the Porsche AG Executive Board responsible for Sales and Marketing; and Mark Webber, nine-time Formula One Grand Prix winner, World Endurance Champion, and Porsche Brand Ambassador.

Many other special guests embraced the event, with current and former Porsche racing drivers including Jim Richards.

This car is also a history-maker as it represents the first time Porsche has produced an Australia-specific edition.

Guests mingled among a curated range of classic Porsche cars from the 1950s to the present day, a highlight being the special commemorative Porsche 911 GT3 70 Years Porsche Australia Edition.

A commemorative book was produced to mark the company’s seven decades charting the history of Porsche 'Down Under' with a special collection of images and stories. •

Entertainment was a highlight of the dinner and celebrations with three major entertainment pieces, two harking back to key eras from Porsche’s seven decades in Australia – the '50s to the '60s and the '70s to the '90s, then one focused on today and the future.

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Phillip Island – naturally playful Located only 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island provides the ultimate destination for an unforgettable holiday. Over the bridge and a world away, Phillip Island offers the freedom to have fun and be curious, to plan an adventure and be swept up by nature's beauty. It's a place of welcoming locals, exciting attractions, captivating wildlife encounters, great food, and award-winning wine and locally brewed beer.

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ith 360° of coastline, the Island offers endless opportunities to admire some of Victoria's most stunning scenery and wildlife. From coastal walks to scenic bike trails and kayak tours, immerse yourself in what makes Phillip Island Victoria's island sanctuary. With its compact abundance of one-of-akind attractions and experiences, you can spend days without ever having to leave the island.

A trip to Phillip Island is never complete without experiencing the Little Penguins waddling home at sunset. Home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world, there is nothing like ending the day witnessing this magical natural experience.

For outdoor action, go on a jet boat ride with Ocean Adventures, see seals up close on a Wildlife Coast Cruise, or take a kayak tour with Pioneer Kayaking.

For a change of pace, wander the treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve, or discover the beautiful gardens and shaggy highland cattle at Churchill Island.

If you're seeking an interactive wildlife experience, check out the wildlife show and a range of Australian wildlife at Maru Koala and Animal Park, learn about the Southern Ocean at Antarctic Journey, and view a selection of interpretive displays and artifacts at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum.

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Phillip Island is home to awe-inspiring coastal walks and scenic bushwalks and trails, a must-do for any visitor. Marvel at the beauty of the pinnacles on the famous Cape Woolamai Walk. Enjoy sweeping coastal views and the chance to spot whales on the Pyramid Rock Walk, or discover the world's most southern mangroves on the Rhyll Inlet and Conservation Hill Walk. In the winter months, spot whales from land and sea on the Whale Discovery Trail and Winter Whale Cruises.

Get the heart pumping and pedal yourself or explore Phillip Island with Super Cruzer E-Bike Hire. The shared footpath from Cowes to San Remo allows you to ride through the centre of Phillip Island, with the option to stop at many attractions along the way. If you're up for a challenge and an adrenaline buzz, then race for the ultimate speed-focused experience at the Phillip Island Go-Karts or take to the sky on a Phillip Island Helicopter scenic flight.

Phillip Island's land and sea provides a bounty for passionate producers. Stop by a local winery for a taste, sample a paddleboard at the local brewery, or indulge in handmade chocolates, artisanal cheeses, fresh strawberries, delicious honey, and locally caught seafood. If you prefer to immerse yourself in Phillip Island's food scene, you won't be disappointed with the wonderful range of food and drink venues that will tantalise your tastebuds.

With beachside cafes, restaurants with panoramic ocean views, modern cocktail and tapas bars, wineries and breweries, and traditional pubs offering classic Aussie fare, you're truly spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in San Remo and Phillip Island. • Discover more at www.visitphillipisland.com.au

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Celebrating the women who race W

ith Porsche's commitment to becoming an allencompassing family-oriented brand, the marque is now establishing and cultivating a racing community for women (and the men who encourage them).

Porsche Centre Brighton recently hosted the inaugural Women Who Race Day at Sandown International Motorsport Park on Monday 7 February – and by all accounts, the event was a roaring success.

All participants demonstrated an intense energy on the day, exploring and further developing their driving skills within a secure and controlled environment – all under the watchful eye of Courtney Prince, driver in the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia.

Porsche Centre Brighton will continue to develop events to inspire more women to form connections and valuable networks, but most importantly to celebrate their many achievements.

Heartfelt thanks to all who attended and participated in the inaugural ‘Women Who Race Day’.

Australia Day honours Flinders car show O

ne of the most prestigious awards, the Australia Day Community Event of the Year, has been presented to the Flinders Motoring Heritage show. The event is run annually by the Flinders District Lions Club, with Porsche Centre Brighton one of the event's main sponsors.

Not only does this event entice motoring enthusiasts from all parts of Melbourne to explore the Mornington Peninsula, it more importantly raises funds for Peninsula Health. So far, the event has raised more than $100,000 over five years and helped to purchase vital medical equipment such as a foetal heart monitor for the Special Care Nursery at Rosebud Hospital.

More than 200 veteran, vintage, historic, and modern motor vehicles are displayed throughout Flinders Village, with visitor numbers now reaching more than 2000 each year.

In 2021, the winner of the Best Modified Car was a 1972 Porsche ST owned by Clyde Boyer. Come and see what an exciting array of vehicles will join the 2022 lineup when the event is held on Easter Sunday 17 April.

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Gary Chong Wins Porsche Golf Cup Australia Challenge 2022

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killed golfer Gary Chong has outplayed more than a hundred competitors to win the Porsche Golf Cup Australia Challenge.

The annual Porsche Golf Cup Australia Challenge is an invitationonly amateur competition for current Porsche owners across the country, who are invited by their official Porsche Centre to represent them in the hotly contested national tournament.

Gary Chong is the winner of the Men’s A Grade, representing Porsche Centre Brighton. His next stop – the World Final in Mallorca.

This year saw 120 players vying for success during the oneday Australian competition, held on Monday 7 February at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

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J

ake Parsons is recognised as one of Porsche Centre Brighton’s most outstanding sales executives, and with good reason. He shares some of the insights and interests which are taking him to the top of his game.

When Jake made his start with Porsche Centre Brighton just over a decade ago, everything just … clicked. ‘While working with another European auto group in 2009, I saw an ad for a position available at the dealership,’ he remembers. ‘I made the decision to apply, got the job, and here I am!’

On joining, Jake initially ran the dealership spare parts department for a year, and with management suitably impressed with his skills and initiative, they then asked him to run the service department. ‘I worked in service for eight years and really enjoyed it, as it involved tackling a completely different challenge each day,’ Jake recalls.

‘I oversaw getting cars back on the road, providing loan cars for customers as needed, with our key focus to offer exceptional customer care. It was a fulfilling, fast-moving role requiring rapid, instantly workable solutions.’

Jake Parsons

A passion for machinery

After filling in from time to time in a sales role as needed, Jake eventually took the plunge and moved into the position full-time. It’s a decision that’s always sat well with him. ‘My enjoyment of Porsches really comes across when talking to potential buyers, so I guess I never seemed like a salesman to them,’ he speculates. ‘Over the years, though, I’ve developed a reputation as someone who knows what I’m talking about.’

Jake’s career highlight to date has been the ultimate driving experience in the most spectacular setting. ‘In 2020, I had the opportunity to visit Finland and drive a range of Porsches on ice around a number of obstacle courses,’ he notes. ‘It was held in an experience centre with six or seven different tracks, including figure 8s – definitely an experience I won’t forget in a hurry.’

Even in the midst of this snowy wonderland, Jake didn’t take his eye off the ball. ‘I was there with a small group of Porsche employees and paying customers,’ he says. ‘I sold cars to several people on the trip, and still talk to some of them to this day.’

Jake was recently honoured to become a Globally Certified Porsche Ambassador, an achievement he's genuinely proud of.

Porsche Sales Executive Porsche Centre Brighton

Of course, Jake’s many achievements at Porsche wouldn’t have been possible without his deep passion for speed and engineering.

‘I’m a parts person at heart,’ he says. ‘I’ve always been into racing of various kinds, including go karts and vintage motocross.

‘After racing a 1977 Suzuki RM125 bike some years ago, I moved on to racing Porsches,’ he continues. ‘I first owned a 944 S2, then a 987 Boxster, which was the most fun to race. I've had about six different Porsches now, with many work colleagues and clients equally sharing my passion for racing. I’ve even convinced several customers to take their cars on the track and get involved in the Porsche Car Club!’

As a dedicated family man, Jake still makes time to savour the Porsche experience. ‘We now have two Cayennes, perfect for fitting the two kids on our journeys while offering memorable yet practical driving experiences for the whole family,’ he notes.

‘I balance my interest in cars and motorsport with spending time with family,’ adds Jake. ‘The biggest challenge of the sales role has been the time demands, so it’s important to keep everything in perspective.’

As a ‘people person’, Jake enjoys his daily involvement with clients from all walks of life and interests. ‘I deal with a huge range of customers from a multitude of backgrounds,’ he observes. ‘With such diversity, you can never really pick who may buy which car ahead of time, a sense of variety which I enjoy.’

The unexpected arrival of Coronavirus proved to be an unexpected boom time for Jake. ‘I sold 40-odd cars in lockdown, which is a testament to the Porsche brand’s enduring strength,’ he reflects. ‘During lockdown, interest actually increased – Porsche is an extremely nice car to travel around in if you can’t go overseas!’

From chauffeuring the kids to pummelling a 911 around an icy Finnish racetrack, Jake has proved himself as a singularly hands-on Dad and super salesman. •

‘On achieving set criteria, the dealership put me forward for the title,' Jake explains. 'I will then visit Germany towards the end of this year for the Ambassador role to become officially sanctioned. I’m very proud of this achievement, but getting there was challenging – especially conducting the interview via Zoom!’

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Title fights Porsche will compete in both Formula E and the World Endurance Championship this year with an extensive motorsport program.

Two works entries will be the main focus for Porsche in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, and two in the FIA world Endurance Championship. Along with those is an expansion of customer sport activities and intensive preparation for the new LMDh program.

From the 2023 season, the new LMDh prototype from Porsche will fight for overall victory in the world’s greatest endurance races including Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring.

In selecting the combustion engine to complement the standard hybrid elements, as stipulated by the regulations, Porsche opted for a large-capacity twinturbo V8 unit. The powerful engine is designed to run on renewable fuels, which means a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. In the race, the system output of the hybrid drive reaches around 500 kW (680 PS).

‘We place sustainability and electrification very high on our list of priorities,’ says Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development.

‘This is something that will also be reflected in motorsports of the future. As you can see from the development of eFuels in partnership with ExxonMobil, in addition to our Mission R concept car, the first major steps in this direction have now become visible.’

FIA World Endurance Championship Two 515 PS 911 RSRs will be competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), to be run over six races.

Alexander Stehlig, Overall Project Manager and Head of Operations, Porsche Motorsport will field a new factory driver pairings including Italian Gianmaria Bruni and Austrian Richard Lietz will share driving duties in the No. 91 car while the No. 92 sister car will feature Kevin Estre from France and Dane Michael Christensen. This duo has worked together successfully in the past, winning a class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as picking up the 2018/2019 title.

TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team Now in its eighth season, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship held its first race in late January with two races in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, then Mexico in February, Italy in April for two races, Monaco in April, Germany for two races in May, then Indonesia, Canada, the US, UK, and finally South Korea – a total of 16 races which will decide the championship.

‘There is absolutely no doubt that we have what it takes to win races. The highlights of the past season have made this very clear,’ says Thomas Laudenbach, the man who took over the management of Porsche Motorsport from Fritz Enzinger on 1 October 2021.

‘Over the past few months, our development team in Weissach has made all the modifications permitted by the regulations, and we are firmly convinced that the Porsche 99X Electric will be capable of leading the pack in the coming season.’

Works drivers André Lotterer (#36) and Pascal Wehrlein (#94) will be on the grid again for the team from Weissach in 2022. Should one of the two drop out, Simona de Silvestro or Neel Jani will be ready to jump in.

LMDh on the horizon Beginning in 2023, the LMDh prototype will be entered by Porsche Penske Motorsport in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

For the first time in some 30 years, it will be possible to compete for overall victories in the endurance classics at Le Mans, Sebring, and Daytona with cars of identical construction.

‘We are working all-out with our partner Penske on the development of the new LMDh prototype and collaborate closely with the chassis manufacturer Multimatic at all times,’ explains Thomas. ‘We will begin intensive testing to ensure that we are optimally prepared for our 2023 competition debut.’

Dane Cameron and Felipe Nasr will be included in the Porsche Motorsport's works driver lineup. Cameron, a 33-year-old American, won the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship DPi title in 2016 and 2019, while Nasr, a 29-year-old ex-Formula 1 driver from Brazil, secured the championship in the North American endurance racing series in 2018 and 2021.

The two new works drivers are to be involved intensively in the development of Porsche's LMDh prototypes. The 500 kW (680 PS) hybrid racing car is scheduled to complete numerous test runs in 2022.

The first race of the new season will take place on 18 March in the US, then the team will field the two Porsches in the 90th running of the Le Mans endurance classic where they will be supported by works drivers Frédéric Makowiecki from France and Belgian Laurens Vanthoor.

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Australians have racing hearts Australian Josh Rogers claims second Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup title Joshua Rogers has celebrated his second title in the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup. At the digital Porsche Night of Champions on 18 December, the Australian was honoured for a second time as champion of the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup.

The 22-year-old from the Coanda Simsport team secured the title in the racing series, held on the iRacing platform, for a second time this year after receiving the title in 2019. The 2022 Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup will start in February on the virtual version of the GP circuit in Hockenheim.

Paynter Dixon extends partnership with Porsche Cars Australia until 2024 Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is excited to announce that Title Partner, Paynter Dixon, will again partner with the Carrera Cup Australia Championship for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. This brings the total to five consecutive seasons that the Australian property conglomerate, utilising both the PAYCE and the Paynter Dixon brands, has been the naming rights partner for the premier one-make series (in addition to their support of a range of drivers within the national championship).

Since the redevelopment of Carrera Cup Australia in 2018 and the introduction of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.2), the series has grown to new heights, reaffirming its position as the premier support category for the Repco Supercars Championship and regularly witnessing fields of up to 26 cars this season, with a grid of over 32 already locked in for the 2022 season.

The success of the championship in recent years has seen it grow all areas of the program through the increased support of its traditional sponsorship base to include a strong portfolio of local partners. This additional support allowed the development of a range of key programs and increased incentives for the Carrera Cup drivers and teams.

The results have produced high-profile, star-studded grids in both classes, as well as a world class junior development programme with the championship continuing to provide a great environment and value for all its competitors and partners.

Porsche conduct successful handover of the new Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) hosted a technical handover and two-day test session for all Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia teams and drivers at Sydney Motorsport Park on the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.

Porsche teams and drivers received a technical briefing on all aspects of the new car from Porsche Motorsport AG technicians, together with a presentation from Michelin Australia on the new wider specification front tyre as well as track and part support from the Porsche Cars Australia Motorsport Team.

The 992 generation racer debuted in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup last year together with several other Carrera Cup Championships around the globe, including North America for the first time. The spectacularly styled Cup car is the first racing version based on the current 992 generation and the first one make-cup racer of the German sports car manufacturer to feature a wide turbo-spec body.

Producing around 375 kW (510 hp), the new 911 GT3 Cup exceeds the output of its immediate predecessor by 25 horsepower. The overall increase in performance of the 992 generation – over the Type 991 II generation – was immediately apparent in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup rounds in 2021, where lap times were slashed by up to three seconds at most European circuits. This was in part due to not only the increase in power, but increased traction and downforce, with component run times also extended over the previous generation – offering lower running costs and reliability for all teams.

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At the handover event, Australian Porsche teams and drivers also received information and advice from Jaxon Evans on the driving characteristics of the new Type 992 over the outgoing 991 Gen II. Evans piloted the Type 992 to second in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship in 2021 and is a two-time Porsche Carrera Cup Champion (Australia – 2018 and France – 2020).

After the first laps, all reactions to the new 992 were extremely positive with some drivers amassing over 50 laps on the Monday track session.

Following open track sessions on the Tuesday, teams have busy times ahead with testing before all 32 drivers line-up for the first round of the Championship at the Formula One Grand Prix on the 07-10 April.

LAW VIEWED THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS

Providing a different view on law, with clearsighted commercial advice and strategy, is winning accolades for Kalus Kenny Intelex Lawyers (KKI).

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or over 25 years, this award-winning legal firm has been providing expert legal and proactive strategic advice to some of Melbourne's most successful entrepreneurs, businesspeople, property developers, and high-net-worth individuals and families.

Partner Sven Burchartz explains how KKI's work with clients sets it apart from other firms. KKI's approach has earned a string of nominations and awards, including being recognised as one of Australia’s fastest-growing law firms in 2021.

'We view the law differently through our collective experiences.

We have expertise in wide-ranging sectors that enable us to offer outstanding commercial, property, and dispute resolution advice as well as acting for families with family law, estate planning, and generational wealth protection.'

That combination of legal and industry experience means KKI can provide clear, commercial advice and strategies, Burchartz says.

'Our experience and expertise provide the capacity to understand client objectives and risk so that we can explain options and costs.'

KKI lawyers offer considerable commercial and legal experience in many industry sectors, including building and construction, real estate, motorsport, business and private advisory, and professional services.

In commercial law, KKI provides advice on asset protection and risk management; business structuring, succession and transactions; commercial agreements and contracts; corporate governance; business mergers, sale and purchases; trusts; and navigating commercial, consumer and privacy law.

Burchartz says KKI's property team shares a passion and enthusiasm for all things 'property'.

Decades of experience in Melbourne's high-end property projects and enterprises have given KKI rare risk management insights. This experience is put to use for lenders, borrowers and investors in various complex debt and equity deals, whether property- or business-based.

KKI also works on behalf of high-net-worth individuals and families to protect personal wealth and family assets and manage generational wealth. The firm takes a unique multidisciplinary and holistic approach ensuring the various risks, opportunities, and obligations are taken into account from all perspectives, creating solid and secure outcomes.

Intergenerational issues regarding succession planning, wealth retention, security for children and grandchildren, providing financial assistance to children to assist with home purchases, risk management arising from failed relationships, or failed business ventures are all intertwined.

Burchartz explains. 'Whether it’s children or parents entering into new relationships, relationship breakdowns, the transition of wealth to the next generation, or simply giving family some assistance, whether there is vast wealth or substantially less, providing as much security and direction as possible is on everyone’s mind. Every family is different and changing life and financial circumstances is a certainty.

'We find that a collaborative offering is useful for clients as many of the issues arising in family law concern succession law, and vice versa.'

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okes aside, interest in this liquid gold has rocketed internationally in recent years and Australia is no exception.

Nearly 300 craft distilleries have emerged around Australia since 1990 and the country entered the top 10 Scotch whisky import markets last year.

TURBO Magazine is published by Jill Johnson Media Pty Ltd

In 2014 Sullivans Cove won “Best Single Malt in the World” at the prestigious World Whisky Awards. In the years that followed, Australian whisky has seen a meteoric rise in global interest and continues to win hundreds of awards all around the world. Almost overnight the world’s biggest whisky enthusiasts became aware that Australians are making some of the world's best spirits, seeing international demand shoot through the roof shortly after.

Mandy PARRY-JONES

Enter online whisky auction platform Australian Whisky Auctions - australianwhiskyauctions.com.au - Australia's largest and premier whisky auction site. The online auction house holds monthly auctions and runs until the last Sunday of each month.

With the majority of Australian releases being made only available by ballot (such as Sullivans Cove), it is a chance to get your hands on the most sought-after whisky in Australia and from around the world.

Each auction normally contains hundreds of Australian bottles from brands like Sullivans Cove, Lark & Starward. Both new and old Australian releases are featured, with some Aussie whisky dating back as far as the 1950s. Legendary Japanese brands such as Yamazaki, Hibiki, Nikka and Karuizawa are a common feature, with a unique set of three Karuizawa bottles selling for $20,000 in January’s auction.

Highly sought-after Scottish brands such as Macallan, Bowmore, Laphroaig and Ardbeg are typical highlights with plenty of opportunities to complete collections. Other unique spirits include world renowned bottles of bourbon such as the Pappy Van Winkle series and Buffalo Trace Antique collection.

Cognac and rum lovers will also find something to bid on, with vintage rums from Panama, rare XO Cognacs from France and even some old school Bundaberg limited editions commonly being entered into each month’s auction.

With a buyer’s premium of only 10 percent and exceptionally low seller fees, Australian Whisky Auctions is a much more affordable way to buy and sell spirits than traditional auction houses. All photography and whisky related content is produced in house with an expert team of whisky lovers behind the company. • www.australianwhiskyauctions.com.au

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Contributors Tim ROBERTS Jill JOHNSON Pike PETERS

Design Brigid FRASER

Photography Lisa SAAD Ben HARTNETT Courtesy of Porsche AG Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visit Phillip Island Racing Hearts

Advertising Enquiries Jill JOHNSON P: 0409 217 624 E: jj@jilljohnsonmedia.com.au

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