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/2021
September
Cayenne Turbo GT emphatically stamps ‘sports’ into SUV
Robert GATTEREDER CEO, PM Group
Porsche Centre Brighton
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ompetition improves the breed; no truer words have been written about Porsche.
Porsche vehicles have been raced from the very beginning, and racing has led to innovations in our Porsche road cars that we all enjoy every day. I have a passion for motorsport. What appears to be a singular pursuit – the glory of the driver and machine – is of course backed by a much larger team of technical, mechanical and family support for every drive. Whether this is for a club gathering or Le Mans, Porsche drivers also have the advantage of incredible engineering from the best minds over generations helping them to perform on the track. I also love sport that brings friends and family together, like skiing. The memories made while pursuing a passion and relying on our skills on the mountain are different from those made alone on the track.
Robert GATTEREDER
855 Nepean Highway Brighton VIC 3186 P: 03 9536 1911 W: www.porschebrighton.com.au
Porsche has now produced the first Cayenne in our range to wear the hallowed GT badge – the Cayenne Turbo GT. The expertise derived from producing sports cars and SUVs has resulted in a car that defies performance expectations. The record-breaking drive by my friend Lars Kern around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the Cayenne Turbo GT means that, as when skiing, the ultimate Porsche thrill is now a more accessible experience. The love of sport shapes our lives and daily routines. Enjoy the stories around sport, passion and performance in this edition of Turbo magazine.•
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CONTENTS
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Cayenne Turbo GT emphatically stamps ‘sports’ into SUV
Never before has Porsche bestowed its sportiest badge on an SUV
14 New Macans bring heightened performance with panache
Porsche’s compact SUV now packs a bigger punch – both inside and out
20 Man on a Mission – Cameron Dare
Cameron Dare’s mission is to make sports accessible for all children by leading TeamSports4All
22 Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo
Meeting the challenges of ice and snow, sand and heat at a frantic pace
28 Quenching the need for speed
As well as being understandably focused on performance, Porsche employees have many hidden talents
30 Classic class with today’s technology
Classic cars – especially classic Porsches – are to be cherished, enjoyed, admired ... and more importantly, driven
32 Fine cars & fine wine
Simply Wines and Porsche cars share a philosophy
34 Bespoke luxury in the skies
Abercrombie & Kent’s Air Safaris
36 24-Hours at Le Mans
Podium for Porsche GT Team 911 RSR
38 Heart-starter - 911 GT3 R
Porsche’s new 911 GT3 R racers sprint from Weissach to Melbourne
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Cayenne Turbo GT emphatically stamps ‘sports’ into SUV
Never before has Porsche bestowed its sportiest badge on an SUV 6
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orsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the very first Porsche SUV to wear the distinctive GT moniker, instantly revealing one crucial fact – this is no ordinary SUV. Without doubt, there is nothing ordinary about the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT at all. This is a true GT with a reworked version of the Turbo’s 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8, featuring strengthened internals and improvements to the crankshaft, turbos, injectors and intercooler that will push 417kW to the ground through its grippy Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres mounted on stylish Neodyme 22-inch alloy wheels. The Cayenne Turbo GT’s optimised front axle significantly improves handling. With front wheels an inch wider than the Turbo Coupé, negative camber has been increased by 0.45° to give the new Pirelli performance tyres – specially developed for the Turbo GT – a larger contact patch. Braking duties are performed by the standard-fit Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system.
The V8 of the Turbo GT differs from that of the Turbo Coupé in fundamental elements such as its crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, timing chain drive and torsional vibration dampers. Given the increase in power and torque to 471kW and 850Nm, these components have been designed for higher peak loads and improved driving dynamics. Compared with the Cayenne Turbo Coupé, the Turbo GT rides up to 17mm lower while producing 67kW more power and 80Nm more torque. It boasts a 3.3-second 0–100km/h sprint time towards a top speed of 300km/h – 0.6 seconds quicker and 14km/h faster than the Turbo. More power, sharper handling and extra downforce are all part of the package, with Porsche engineers fitting GT-specific carbon-fibre end plates for the roof-mounted spoiler and installing a 25mm larger rear lip on the active rear spoiler, which is estimated to increase downforce by up to 40kg.
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The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system operates with performance-oriented control software, resulting in even better roll stability and roadholding, as well as more precise turn-in behaviour at higher cornering speeds. Drive is through all four wheels facilitated by the Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts more rapidly than the Turbo’s unit. The central exhaust tailpipes are unique to the GT, exiting the car from the middle of the rear bumper and constructed of lightweight heat-resistant titanium. From the front, the model is differentiated by a unique bumper with larger air intakes and a new lower lip spoiler. Front passengers can rest easy in the eight-way adjustable sport seats, while the two rear occupants have individual ‘sport’ seats. All seats are trimmed in a mix of leather and Alcantara, featuring Neodyme or Arctic Grey accents with distinctive ‘Turbo GT’ headrest lettering.
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The Turbo GT launches the next-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system onto the market with improved performance, a new user interface, and streamlined operating logic. As before, PCM 6.0 is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay, now also allowing in-depth integration of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. The infotainment system now includes Android Auto, integrating all popular compatible smartphones. In Australia, the Cayenne Turbo GT will be equipped with Comfort Access, Privacy glass, Lane Change Assist, ParkAssist (front and rear) including rear view camera and Surround View, Head-Up Display, Adaptive cruise control with Emergency Assist, side airbags in rear compartment, 4-zone climate control, Ambient lighting, Digital radio and 20-inch collapsible spare wheel as standard. The Cayenne Turbo GT is available to order now, priced from $336,100. It is expected to arrive in Australia in Q4 2021.
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Proving the GT badge Ahead of the public launch was the time to prove that the Cayenne Turbo GT was worthy of its GT badge. What better way to do this than with a stopwatch – and what better place than Germany’s famous Nürburgring at the circuit known as the Nordschleife.
Nordschleife, or the ‘North Loop’ track, was built in the 1920s around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains. The North Loop is 20.832 kilometres long, with more than 300 metres of elevation change from its lowest to highest points. Porsche test driver Lars Kern needed just 7:38.925 minutes in the Cayenne Turbo GT to not only prove the GT badge was merited, but also claim a new record for the fastest SUV. ‘Over the first few metres of the Nordschleife in this Cayenne, you’re tempted to turn around to make sure that you’re really sitting in a spacious SUV. Its high steering precision and stoically stable rear axle gave me a lot of confidence in the Hatzenbach section,’ said Lars. ‘It changed direction at lightning speed in the fast curves such as between Hohe Acht and Eiskurve, with no wobble and no tendency to understeer.
Even in this technical stretch, the Cayenne is a real driver’s car that is easy to control.’ Lars Kern recorded his fastest lap of the Nordschleife at 11:31am on 14 June 2021 with an outside temperature of 23°C and a track temperature of 46°C, crossing the finish line 7:38.925 minutes later. The only changes to the car were made to protect the driver, so Lars’ record-breaking Cayenne was equipped with a racing seat and roll cage. A notary confirmed the series production status of the Cayenne Turbo GT, still lightly camouflaged as it had not been released to the public. The performance tyres used for the record lap were the same 22-inch Pirelli P Zero Corsa’s that were specially developed for the new Cayenne model and are included as standard equipment.
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Dynamic debut at the Festival of Speed Goodwood’s Festival of Speed, held in the grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex in the UK, is a yearly explosion of high horsepower and bracing speeds revered by motoring enthusiasts worldwide. It therefore comes as no surprise that Porsche debuted the Cayenne Turbo GT at this famous event. The Festival of Speed is where the world’s fastest cars come to attempt a 1.86km hillclimb. Porsche celebrated the success of its SUV model range and the launch of the Turbo GT with a small Cayenne parade on Thursday at Goodwood. Joining the demonstration drives up the hill were the 2007 Cayenne S Transsyberia, the 2008 Cayenne Turbo S, and the 2014 Cayenne GTS, each from the Porsche Museum collection.
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New Macans bring heightened performance with panache 14
Porsche’s compact SUV now packs a bigger punch – both inside and out. g 15
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acan is Porsche’s very popular mid-sized SUV, with more than 600,000 sold worldwide. A host of upgrades both inside and out and a new model lineup will surely tempt even more buyers. As the range’s sporty flagship, the Macan GTS is the most powerful model with a 2.9 litre V6 bi-turbo now delivering a hefty 324kW – an increase of 44kW over the previous GTS model, propelling the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The Macan S, now also fitted with the 2.9 litre V6 bi-turbo, dashes from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds – just .3 of a second behind its higher-specified sibling. The entry point Macan is fitted with a newly developed 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 195kW. All new Macan models benefit from a chassis tune-up, optimised to provide even more sensitivity and response. Elements such as damper characteristics have been re-adapted to suit, with the GTS now equipped with sport air suspension, lowering the body by 10mm while providing 10 percent more rigidity on the front axle and 15 percent on the rear. An optional GTS Sport package increases dynamic potential by incorporating 21-inch GT design wheels matched to performance tyres and Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which increases stability in slick and slippery conditions, as well as on roads with varying levels of traction.
All models drive all four wheels through a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission with Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive. Fourteen colours are offered, including three new eye catching shades – Papaya Metallic, Gentian Blue Metallic, and the GTSexclusive Python Green, available only with the GTS Sport package. Macan’s striking colour choices will attract attention, especially as they accentuate the car’s redesigned nose and emphasise its width to provide a strong and imposing look. Styling updates include a revised front fascia with restyled air intakes and standard adaptive LED headlights. On the GTS, the centre of the nose as well as other elements are finished in black. Larger wheels for each model also lend a purposeful stance, the Macan GTS has 21-inch wheels, the Macan S sporting 20-inch wheels and 19-inch for the Macan. Seven new wheel designs have been added to the range. Inside, the changes to the Macan range become even more apparent, with a completely new operating concept utilising touch surfaces instead of tactile buttons. A new, shorter selector lever sits in the centre of the clearly organised control module. The analogue clock at the top of the dashboard is now standard. A number of leather upholstery and contrasting seam packages in Gentian Blue, Papaya or Crayon are optionally available to add colour highlights to the interior.
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The Macan continues to offer many online functions and services as standard. These can be controlled via the 10.9-inch full HD touch display of the Porsche Communication Management or by voice commands. The Macan adopts the new multifunction and GT Sport steering wheels from the 911.
Besides the dynamic benefits and black highlights on the exterior, the GTS Sport package (available for the GTS only) also contains exclusive equipment for the interior. Some examples include 18-way sport seats, the Carbon interior package, Race-Tex upholstery with extended leather elements, various contrast-stitched items, and GTS lettering in Python Green.
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In Australia, Macan models will be equipped with the following additional features: Macan GTS: Sport Chrono Package including redesigned mode switch, 19-inch collapsible spare wheel, Metallic paint, BOSE Surround Sound system, Automatic dimming mirrors, Porsche Entry & Drive, Lane Change Assist, ParkAssist (front and rear) with reversing camera and Surround View, Side airbags in rear compartment, Privacy glass, Driver memory package, and Apple CarPlay®. Macan S: Metallic paint, Front apron/SportDesign side skirts/side blades/rear apron all painted in exterior colour, BOSE Surround Sound system, 18-inch collapsible wheel, Automatic dimming mirrors, 75-litre fuel tank, Porsche Entry & Drive, Lane Change Assist, ParkAssist (front and rear) with reversing camera and Surround View, Side airbags in rear compartment, Privacy glass, 14-way Comfort seats with memory package, and Apple CarPlay®. Macan: New 19-inch Macan Design wheels, interior package in piano finish Black, 18-inch collapsible wheel, Automatic dimming mirrors, 75-litre fuel tank, Porsche Entry & Drive, Lane Change Assist, ParkAssist (front and rear) with reversing camera and Surround View, Side airbags in rear compartment, Privacy glass, 14-way comfort seats with memory package, and Apple CarPlay®. The new Macan models are available to order now. They are expected to arrive in Australia from Q4 2021.
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Man on a Mission –
Cameron Dare
Cameron Dare is a semi-retired family man with two adult daughters. Fitness is a priority, as is socialising, time with friends, and playing sport. Yet he is also a man on a mission in his role as Director of TeamSports4All, an organisation helping disadvantaged children access organised sport. ‘All families supported by TeamSports4All are financially disadvantaged,’ Cameron begins. ‘They’re often from single-parent families on welfare, typically living in government housing. Many are refugees; some of the mums and kids are fleeing domestic violence.’ For many families, the sheer cost of organised sport presents an insurmountable barrier. ‘Sport costs $300–900 per child annually, which is well out of reach if you’re struggling to put food on the table.’ It’s this level of consideration that makes TeamSports4All about far more than sport. ‘Children without access to sport lack access to many other things as well,’ Cameron points out. ‘Those from disadvantaged backgrounds are much more socially isolated, which significantly disadvantages their education levels, health, and development.’ In contrast, becoming engaged with sport brings multiple benefits. ‘A sporting team is obviously an active and healthy pursuit, but it’s also a community,’ Cameron says. ‘Kids who have the chance to join a team can form connections with others, reducing social isolation. They meet friends, coaches, parents, and team managers, gaining enormously beneficial access to role models and informal mentors. For that reason, we see a sporting club as a “good gang” for potentially vulnerable kids.’
of dropping out of sport. So we allocate each child a volunteer to check they’re getting to training and playing, with the benefits really accruing as they play each following season.’ While Cameron didn’t establish TeamSports4All, he’s worked hard to expand it since joining. ‘TeamSports4All was started in 2011 by a couple of dads I knew,’ he says. ‘While watching training, they noticed a few kids looking on from the sidelines. They asked them why they weren’t playing, and the kids told them they didn’t have the fees. That event initiated TeamSports4All.’ Fortunately, Cameron was in an ideal situation to make a difference. ‘As I’m semi-retired, I was at a stage of life where I had more time to devote to important causes like this one,’ he says. ‘As TeamSports4All was small, local, and sport-related, I felt I was able to make a direct difference instead of simply writing a cheque.’ The charity continues to grow. ‘We currently support over 100 kids, predominately in the Bayside area, and we’ve just launched in
To get kids into sport, TeamSports4All first has to connect with families in need. ‘We find out whether a family needs support, then determine what they’d like to play,’ explains Cameron. ‘We’ve formed relationships with community clubs, so we can connect the kids with a team, coach, and manager. After paying their subscription fees, we source their uniform and kit – whatever they need to get them going.’ To build confidence, TeamSports4All strives to be unobtrusive. ‘We try to disappear at a club level once kids are established in a club, because we don’t want teammates to know they’re receiving our help,’ Cameron confirms. ‘Socioeconomically disadvantaged kids often face challenges that put them at higher risk
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Maroondah,’ Cameron says. ‘To achieve our goal of getting 2000 kids into team sport by 2024, we need to increase our volunteers from around 20 presently to over 200 – as well as increasing fundraising from the current level of $100–150K to $2M.’ Cameron is under no illusions about the size of the task TeamSports4All has set for itself. ‘It’s definitely an ambitious goal, which is why we’re working so hard to build up to it right now,’ he says. ‘As we don’t receive government funding, we raise money by holding fundraising events while seeking sponsorships and donations.’ Cameron’s public work is only one facet of the man, who’s also known as an enthusiastic Porsche fan. He recently purchased an allelectric Taycan – the perfect partner to his other Porsche, a 2019 Cayenne E-Hybrid. ‘After two weeks, I’m totally in love with the new Taycan,’ he says. ‘Unfortunately, I broke my ankle on the day before delivery, so I’ve barely driven it yet!’
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Cameron developed his love of Porsche comparatively late in life, but makes up for this with his passion for the Porsche driving experience. ‘I bought my first Porsche in 2019,’ he says. ‘I’ve always admired Porsches, but had owned other cars up until relatively recently, including a BMW and a Mercedes.’ It took the inimitable experience of driving a Porsche ‘in the flesh’ to finally divert Cameron’s attention towards the marque, setting him on the path to becoming a dedicated Porsche owner. ‘My head was turned after buying my friend a Porsche driving experience in Mt Cotton, where I had the chance to drive the new Cayenne. That was enough for me, and I soon ended up buying one!’ With a rapidly expanding charity, an ankle on the mend, and a new all-electric Porsche Taycan waiting patiently for him in the garage, Cameron’s future certainly looks promising on multiple fronts.
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Read all about how to support TeamSports4All at www.teamsports4all.com.au
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Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo 60 degrees of separation One hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Johnny Schaer – aka Johnny FPV (First Person View) – stands with both feet firmly planted on frozen ground. One of the world’s best drone pilots, he wears black video glasses and holds his controller in gloved hands to keep warm in the icy air as the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo races around a purpose-built ice track. Johnny is filming Drive2Extremes, set in the Lapland town of Levi and on the Liwa Oasis at the northern edge of the Rub’ al Khali desert in the United Arab Emirates. Footage from both will be woven into one magical short film that seamlessly transitions from a hot dusty landscape to a white frosty winter land. First, a hot-air balloon glides over Nordic pine forests. The Taycan is drifting in the snow, then Johnny’s drone slices through the air, sweeping down to strikingly capture the car’s breakneck speed.
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In less than a split second, the course transforms from white to ochre as the red and blue Taycan
in the hands of racing driver Jukka Honkavuori expertly sets into a long, controlled slide on the sandy surface of the Rub’ al Khali desert. We are now 5,000 kilometres away from icy Lapland in the world’s largest continuous sand desert, with recorded temperatures of up to 56°C. Another blink of an eye and the car is on the same-shaped course, but again in the frozen north where temperatures can plunge to -50°C. Today, the temperatures are close to -30°C in the snow and 30°C in the desert, hence the car’s split-down-the-middle colour scheme as well as the numbers – -30° on the blue, +30° on the red. Johnny FPV is working with director Nicholas Schrunk who won an Emmy for his documentary Blood Road. A master of transferring emotion into film, Schrunk uses the Taycan to extend his artistry to perfection. In one memorable scene, the Taycan is racing alongside a sled pulled by a team of 10 Huskies, a vision which transforms into two wild dogs in the desert, running in the tracks of the Taycan.
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Johnny be good Johnny Schaer bought his first drone at the age of 15, followed days later by a second, and shortly thereafter by a third. He practised relentlessly. He got good. Then he became a pro. Now at the age of 25, the Chicagoborn pilot is known for his exceptionally dexterous manoeuvres. Few can match his skill in making the viewer part of the action. He opens up new horizons, offering surprising dimensions in technical perfection. ‘It’s important to fly in a unique way, to establish a trademark style. My videos bear my signature. They’re not jerky; they’re precise, and they’re very fluid. ‘Hand-eye coordination is crucial to being a good pilot. Otherwise, it’s just a mix of hard work, good ideas, and talent,’ Johnny explains. ‘It’s indescribable to see and feel how strongly the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo performs on different surfaces. I knew that electric cars accelerate very quickly, but the fact that the power can be called up like that on ice and sand is something I find incredible.’ For Johnny, electric cars are the future. ‘I’m quite sure I’ll own one too,’ he confirms. One impressive moment follows another in his film, punctuated by breathtakingly beautiful slow-motion sequences amid spectacular scenery. The Cross Turismo and its guiding filmmaker – masters in two worlds. The three-minute video can be viewed at: https://newstv.porsche.com/en/ (search Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo)
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Put your own spin on a Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo
Late in 2021 (Q3) the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo will hit Australian roads ... and perhaps off-road as well, as this versatile crossover all-terrain Taycan is equally at home in both worlds. Visually, the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo will stand out in any crowd with its long roofline and sloped rear setting it apart, along with its 20-inch alloy wheels (with optional 21-inch available) and black trim which has been added to the sills, wheel arches and bumpers with silver highlights. Inside is equally stylish with pin-sharp digital screens and the use of the highest-grade materials. A GT multifunction sports steering wheel and the deep sporty seats allow you to find your optimum driving position, while the 16.8-inch curved display and an additional 8.4-inch centre console display provides access to navigation, media, telephone, settings, and Apple CarPlay via a menu bar. The Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo exhibits a stunning 460kW of power with electricity consumption at a combined 286.9Wh/km . When using overboost with launch control, 500kW of power translates to an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, with a range of 395 – 425km.
This highly practical driving range makes the car ideally suited for Australian drivers, and when a charge-up is needed, this model includes the most up-to-date public charging hardware consisting of a 150kW on-board DC-Charger for use at 400volt charging points, a 22kW on-board AC-charger and a Mode 3 public charging cable compatible with the majority of AC charging networks already established in Australia. All Taycan owners receive a complimentary three-year subscription to the Chargefox Ultra-Rapid DC charging network (up to 350 kW), and complimentary charging at selected Chargefox-managed Fast DC charging sites. Chargefox stations can be found across Australia enabling long-distance travel from Melbourne to Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and even Tasmania, making the process just as easy when compared with a petrol or diesel vehicle. Western Australian sites are currently being activated. Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo is now available to order and starts at $279,000.
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Quenching the need for As well as being understandably focused on speed, Porsche employees have another hidden talent – many of them are athletes, former athletes, or adrenaline junkies of one stripe or another. Understandably, a marque with Porsche’s tradition of ferocious competition attracts staff with a competitive streak. As we head into the 2021 sporting season, let’s look at three dedicated Porsche Centre Brighton staff members whose lives have been shaped by sport and fitness.
Rhys Mainstone
Nic Sparrow
Rhys Mainstone, Service Advisor & Warranty Administrator at Porsche Brighton, is a swimmer with a taste for open-air adventure. Perhaps his most notable feat is winning two races at the recent Portsea Swim Classic – the first time one of our staff has won this venerable competition, first held in 1987. Even this year with a looming COVID-19 presence, places for the event filled fast. One of those entrants was Rhys, building on his series of outstanding aquatic achievements. ‘I made the Australian national swim team in 2009 and raced all around the world doing marathon swimming,’ he says. ‘I competed in events from 5km to 25km, specialising in the 10km distance.’ Rhys has been amply awarded for his dedication to the sport. ‘I won a World Championship Silver in the 5km teams event in Shanghai in 2011, four National 10km titles, and five World Cup 10km events. In 2015 I came third in the World Championship Series for World Cup swimming.’
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speed Another staff member with a serious high-wire act is Porsche Sales Executive Nic Sparrow, whose former life was literally a high-wire act. While many people joke about running away to join the circus, Nic actually did it. ‘I was on the flying trapeze before I came back to Australia and sold cars, having always been acrobatic as a kid,’ he reveals. It all started from an early age. ‘My parents gave me a trampoline when I was little, and I did backflips onto the ground from that. When your mates find out you can do backflips, they want you to perform at every opportunity … which led to me nearly getting expelled from school for doing a backflip off the library roof.’ Nic’s family has a major family history with highstakes sports. ‘My dad’s always been in the car industry, so I grew up around racetracks, fast cars and adrenalin,’ he says. ‘I loved the thrill of trapeze, and the experience of doing something most people couldn’t do.’ When Nic got older, he decided to take the plunge. ‘I joined Club Med in the Whitsundays as a trapeze artist. I would teach people how to do trapeze during the day, then perform each night.’
Shelby Soltoggio
Returning to Melbourne after two years of sunsoaked adventure, Nic realised that trapeze wasn’t a full-time venture – so he swapped the high wire for high-performance automobiles.
Another notably sporty staff member at Porsche Brighton is Service Advisor Shelby Soltoggio, whose former interests include BMX and Motocross. While she’s presently taking a break from tearing up those dirt tracks, she’s still retained the taste for competition sharpened in her youth. ‘I used to be really into Motocross, but I ride road bikes now,’ she says. ‘When I was young, growing up in WA, I competed at various racetracks starting when I was around three and a half!’ For Shelby, it’s the sheer buzz which makes all the difference. ‘The adrenalin rush, especially the excitement of the gate drop, was the attraction for me,’ she says. ‘I also got to make heaps of friends throughout all those competitions, and I’ve kept in touch with many of them to this day.’
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Although Shelby stopped riding competitively, she hasn’t lost the love. ‘Now, I ride the road for fun,’ she says. ‘My cycling group and I do “twisties” (winding paths) in places like the Dandenong Ranges, King Lake, and the Black Spur.’ This ongoing need for speed is reflected by Shelby’s position at Porsche Centre Brighton. ‘As a Service Advisor, I do get to sample some of the cars, which is a source of adrenalin as well!’ Given their shared commitment to thrills of various types, it’s no wonder Rhys, Shelby and Nic are such a natural fit with the Porsche Centre Brighton family.
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Classic class with today’s technology Classic cars, especially classic Porsches, are to be cherished, enjoyed, and admired ... but most importantly, to be driven. And while their inimitable style is not be to tampered with, sometimes a little dash of today’s technology enriches that unforgettable driving experience.
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hat’s why Porsche Classic has designed today’s technology that can be retrofitted into yesterday’s car, as seamlessly and stylishly as you would expect. It’s modern connectivity for timeless classic cars: the new Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) opens up the digital world to the brand’s vintage and young classic cars. Porsche Classic is responsible for spare parts supply and factory restorations of all the brand’s road-approved classic cars, which means they have the knowledge and know-how to integrate this technology into a Porsche. This makes the newest technology look right at home, even in a dashboard which was not initially designed to house it. Two versions of the Porsche Classic Communication Management system, the PCCM and PCCM Plus, are available. One has a 3.5-inch display for classic cars with smaller radio slots; the other has a 7-inch display for all 996 and 986 models. Both feature DAB+ and Apple CarPlay. The PCCM Plus also offers Google Android Auto. With intuitive operation a priority, the device can be controlled via a touchscreen display or button-style controls. The high-resolution touchscreen is optimised with navigation technology including Porschespecific points of interest, and with route guidance in 2D and 3D. The
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systems also feature the Traffic Message Channel, which uses messages to provide information about traffic disruptions. Both systems feature an external mediabox providing an interface for iPhone, USB and AUX; the telephone function includes access to your contacts and is also available via Bluetooth. As expected, sound systems can be integrated, with external music sources and smartphones controllable via the touchscreen display. Additionally, both systems include one internal and one external microphone. PCCM and PCCM Plus are compatible with all classic Porsche cars with a DIN-1 or DIN-2 slot. The PCCM is suitable for all 911 vehicles from the F model up to the type-993 model and for transaxle vehicles, while the PCCM Plus can be fitted in type-996 911 models and type-986 Boxster models. These products are therefore suitable for all standard vehicles supported by Porsche Classic, excluding the Porsche 356 and Carrera GT. Porsche Centre Brighton has these systems available for fitment, with the Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) from $2,695, and PCCM and navigation software from $2,845. The Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus) from $2,995 and with navigation software from $3,145. Navigation software is $350.
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Fine cars and fine wine These terms go hand in hand – so it’s unsurprising that a long-time Porsche owner and his son established a company treating its customers to some of the best wines available.
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imply Wines was founded by Stuart Macdonald, who purchased his first of many Porsches in the ’80s. Established by Stuart and his best friend, the business is now owned by Stuart and his son Lachlan. ‘When my father started the business in 2009, I was enlisted to build a website,’ Lachlan says. ‘My passion for wine emerged around 2015, when I bought the business partner out.’ Simply Wines shares a philosophy with Porsche Centre Brighton, both companies being depended on for premium products and advice. Lachlan handles high-end wines from some of the planet’s most famous wine regions, including many made here in Australia. ‘Several distributors helped me source rare and unique wines,’ Lachlan explains. ‘After hearing recommendations from customers, I contact wineries directly. I’m constantly talking to wine lovers and enthusiasts, assessing whether there are any interesting new wines I should try. I sample wines from all over the world, from vintages in Bordeaux to sparingly produced champagnes.’ Lachlan also relies on his distributors. Many of these import directly from wineries, requiring strict temperature control to keep wines in optimum condition. Lachlan Macdonald
‘You should look after your wine like you look after your car, including storing it at the optimal temperature and humidity,’ Lachlan explains. Lachlan carefully pairs wines with customers, catering to their palates by building up a record of what they enjoy. His wines are aimed at discerning drinkers, with prices ranging from $60 to the thousand-dollar mark. ‘Some of my customers have been drinking insane wine from around the world for up to 40 years, so I help them out by suggesting new producers. For customers who are starting out, I’ll point them in the right direction.’ So, what are some of those ‘insane’ wines? ‘When I think of really high-end wines, I think of Burgundy – first-growth Bordeaux and champagne,’ he says. ‘You don’t really need to spend a great deal of money, though,’ he adds reassuringly. ‘If you’re spending $50 or more on a bottle of Australian wine, you’ll get something high-quality.’
What are Lachlan’s favourites? ‘My favourites include Mount Mary, Savaterre, Domenica, Bacchus Family wine from Margaret River, Izway, Standish, Sami-Odi, Luke Lambert, Sentio, Bass Phillip, Mayer … I could go on. There are many great producers, so call me if you’re after something special.’ Simply Wines customers are based all over the world, receiving personal attention with conversations revolving around their current favourites and tastes. ‘We normally hold wine tastings at a private residence every two to three months, inviting people to come and taste an interesting range. ‘Most of the time, I’ll have the winemaker there to discuss their wines, along with their life’s journey.’ For more information about Simply Wines or to make contact with Lachlan, visit www.simplywines.com.au, Instagram @simply.wines.
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Chris Catlow
SENTIŌ Wines After first meeting Chris back in 2018, we were lucky enough to try some of his back vintages – including his sensational 2014 Shiraz. Chris is currently engaged in crafting some of Australia’s most acclaimed, and accessibly priced, wines. SENTIŌ: Feel. Perceive. Sentio creates handcrafted wines, highlighting regional expression through unique single vineyards and consistent vinification techniques. The company is the brainchild of Chris Catlow, a local Beechworth lad who’s already making a name for himself as a winemaker to keep an eye out for. His wines are already being recognised as stellar, and his reputation will only grow in prominence in the years to come.
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As a teenager, Chris worked with Barry Morey, coowner of the acclaimed Sorrenberg Vineyard in the Beechworth hills. When Barry suggested Chris complete his tertiary education, Chris listened, completing a double degree in viticultural and wine science.
After graduating, Chris didn’t waste any time getting dirt under his fingernails again. He completed seven vintages on the Mornington Peninsula, the bulk of these with Sandro Mosele at Kooyong Estate on the Mornington Peninsula. He has also completed five vintages with Benjamin Leroux, the star of Meursault. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir presently on offer from the Turbo Wine Club is from Smiths Vineyard, also based in Beechworth. Far from being a one-trick pony, Chris has a deft hand with reds, too. The Pinot Noir comes from the vineyard of Mark Walpole, one of Australia’s viticultural legends. Soft and plush, the 2019 Pinot Noir is a spectacular and luxurious creation. ‘My philosophy for SENTIŌ is a work in progress,’ Chris confides. ‘Making wines that represent where they’re from is the fundamental point. I always loved seeing wines that give a story of the vineyard and the region.’ The wines Chris has released so far are already drawing acclaim. ‘One of our favourite Chardonnays at the moment is the 2019 from Beechworth,’ says Lachlan Macdonald (AKA Mr Simply, Australian designer of wine collectibles). ‘Chris Catlow is a remarkable winemaker producing stunning wine.’
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TURBO WINE CLUB OFFER PACKAGE 1 (Total value - $1320)
PACKAGE 2 (Total value - $1380)
12 bottles of Sentio 2019 Beechworth Pinot Noir
12 bottles of Sentio 2019 Beechworth Chardonnay
12 Grassl Glasses Vigneron Series (Cru or 1855)
12 Grassl Glasses Vigneron Series (Cru or 1855)
Simply order at www.simplywines.com.au
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FIRST 10 CUSTOMERS TO ORDER WILL RECEIVE FREE (Total value - $175) 1 Grassl Glass Carafe 1 bottle Sentio Wines (back vintage Pinot Noir or Chardonnay)
Bespoke luxury in the skies Abercrombie & Kent’s Air Safaris
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ravelling on board a privately chartered aircraft with the luxury of time, space and access is the latest, most desirable mode of travel in the new post-COVID normal. Expert luxury travel provider Abercrombie & Kent, with its years of experience handcrafting private jet journeys, has adapted the method to a new portfolio of bespoke air safaris throughout Australia and New Zealand. Taking to the skies on eight different itineraries, A&K’s private air safaris enable small groups of discerning travellers to visit, with ease, out-of-the-way destinations which are only feasible to link by private charter flight because of the distances involved and the lack of commercial air routes. These hard-toreach areas like Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Quilpie and Winton in Central Queensland or South Australia’s William Creek and Flinders Ranges, are easily accessed by private aircraft, bypassing airport queues and travelling according to a tailored timetable.
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Each A&K air safari is specially curated to include exclusive excursions and activities like an intimate homestead experience in outback Queensland with the property owners, a culinary masterclass with wine pairings in the seafood capital of Australia, Port Lincoln, or a unique wine and artisan experience on New Zealand’s Waiheke Island. Local characters along the way add colour and authenticity, like Dan Walker, fifthgeneration Longreach pastoralist; William Creek’s Trevor Wright, a quintessential outback character dubbed ‘Minister of Most Things Worth Knowing’; Coffin Bay oyster farmer Chris Hank; and King Island local Heidi Weitjens, whose handcrafted gin and vodka is world-class. Handpicked accommodations are a feature on every journey, each establishment chosen for its location, home comforts, hospitality and character. Take South Australia’s new Sequoia Lodge, a haven of design perfection with original artworks by local painters and sculptors cleverly
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dotted around the hotel. Or New Zealand’s Farm at Cape Kidnappers where the unique lodge, with its impeccably presented suites, sits on 6,000 rolling acres of stunning pastures in Hawke’s Bay with breathtaking views. Or Hobart’s MACq 01 inspired by tall Tasmanian tales with a storytelling vibe and rich local character. Every hotel featured is an authentic reflection of that destination’s style and spirit. And meals are more than just a chance to refuel – they are a complete feast for the senses, often in stunning locations. Swap tales over drinks by a roaring gidgee fire in Queensland’s Channel Country and dine on local produce in a homestead dining room; indulge in a sevencourse ‘Valley to Verandah’ degustation menu paired with multi-award-winning wines, sake and creative cocktails in the Adelaide Hills; or sit down to a splendid gourmet lunch of locally sourced fare in the gardens of Dunedin’s Larnach Castle. These are just some of the epicurean extravagances included.
A&K’s Air Safaris utilise a range of aircraft, including the eight-seat Citation X (the world’s fastest private charter jet), and the larger VIP Fokker 70. Flying by private charter elevates your journey to an entirely new level of convenience and flexibility. Journeys are scheduled with specific departures in 2021 and 2022 and if dates don’t suit guest requirements, A&K’s Journey Designers are on hand to tailor bespoke adventures to meet the exact needs of the traveller. This is air travel as it was always meant to be. Explore the full range of Abercrombie & Kent air safaris at www.abercrombiekent.com.au Abercrombie & Kent Australia Level 3 | 290 Coventry Street, South Melbourne P: 03 9536 1800 E: contact@abercrombiekent.com.au
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24-Hours at Le Mans Podium for Porsche GT Team 911 RSR
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e Mans is one of the best known and widely recognised car races in the world and has been since its inception in 1923. It is a brutal endurance event that has the fastest cars in the world racing for 24 hours straight at speeds of more than 320 km/h on the 13.626-kilometre Circuit de La Sarthe road course. This year was the 89th running of the event, which normally takes place in mid-June. As these aren’t normal times, the race was held on 21–22 August with four classes of cars competing side by side. Over the years, Porsche has won the race 19 times outright and has celebrated 108 class wins with a magnificent seven straight wins from 1981 to 1987. In 2015, 2016 and 2017 it won with the hybrid Porsche 919. Porsche holds the record for the most wins in this race. Once again, Porsche secured a podium place in the 2021 event after an eventful and long night at the track with the Porsche GT Team. Difficulties began even before the start of the endurance race, when heavy rainfall caused extremely slippery conditions. Yet the surface then dried so quickly that those cars shod with wet weather tyres found themselves in trouble and forced to pit. ‘The night is over, and it was relatively quiet for our works cars,’ Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC explains. ‘However, the big issue for us was our bad luck with the safety cars. We ended up in the second group and thus lost a lot of ground on the two leading cars.’ Despite the bad luck, Porsche secured its third place in the fiercely contested GTE-Pro class with works drivers Kevin Estre, Neel Jani, and Michael Christensen sharing the No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR. The team’s second car No. 91, a sister car to 92, finished right behind
in fourth spot. It was driven by Gianmaria Bruni, Richard Lietz, and Frederic Makowiecki. The in-house fight between the two works cars for the final podium spot was decided about an hour before the flag dropped to finish the race. After sliding in the last chicane, the rear of No. 91 had to undergo repairs and a replacement of the brakes. The two 911 racers from Weissach set a decent pace over long stretches of the French long-distance classic. However, due to bad luck during two safety car phases, a gap of around three minutes from the leader emerged in the first third of the race. It proved impossible to reduce this margin by performance alone over the remainder of the 24-hour endurance race. Unlike other racing events, when an incident occurs at Le Mans, three safety cars are sent out onto the track at the same time. This is due to the sheer length of the circuit, at 13.626 kilometres. As the result, the field is divided into three groups. If drivers are behind the same safety car as the leader, they can regain lost ground. Those who follow the second safety vehicle are immediately disadvantaged through no fault of their own, losing at least 90 seconds. This happened to the works team’s two Porsche 911 RSR cars twice. While the two factory-run 911 RSR cars thrilled spectators with their duels for positions three and four, two customer cars in the GTE-Pro class had already pulled into the pits early. The No. 79 entry from WeatherTech Racing was unable to rejoin the race after an accident involving the American Cooper MacNeil early on Sunday morning.
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RACE RESULTS GTE-Pro class 1. Calado/Pier Guidi/Ledogar (GB/I/F), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #51, 345 laps 2. Garcia/Taylor/Catsburg (E/USA/NL), Corvette Racing, Corvette C8.R #63, 345 laps 3. Estre/Jani/Christensen (F/CH/DK), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #92, 344 laps 4. Lietz/Bruni/Makowiecki (A/I/F), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #91, 343 laps 5. Serra/Molina/Bird (BR/E/GB), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #52, 331 laps 6. Milner/Tandy/Sims (USA/GB/GB), Corvette Racing, Corvette C8.R #64, 313 laps 7. Martin/Parente/D. Vanthoor (B/P/B), HubAuto Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #72, 227 laps 8. MacNeil/Bamber/L. Vanthoor (USA/NZ/B), WeatherTech Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #79, 139 laps GTE-Am class 1. Perrodo/Nielsen/Rovera (F/DK/I), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #83, 340 laps 2. Keating/Pereira/Fraga (USA/L/BR), TF Sport, Aston Martin Vantage #33, 339 laps 3. Cressoni/Mastronardi/Illot (I/I/GB), Iron Lynx, Ferrari 488 GTE #80, 338 laps 5. Ried/Campbell/Evans (D/AUS/NZ), DempseyProton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #77, 335 laps 7. Haryanto/Picariello/Seefried (RI/B/D), Absolute Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #18, 332 laps Runden 10. Renauer/Ineichen/Bohn (D/CH/D), Herberth Motorsport, Porsche 911 RSR #69, 330 laps 13. Andlauer/Bastien/Arnold (F/USA/D), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #88, 327 laps 14. Wainwright/Barker/Gamble (GB/GB/GB), GR Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #86, 322 laps 16. Olsen/Buchardt/Foley (N/N/USA), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #46, 138 laps 21. Perfetti/Cairoli/Pera (N/I/I), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #56, 84 laps 22. Inthraphuvasak/Latorre/Tincknell (T/F/GB), Proton Competition, Porsche 911 RSR #99, 66 laps ‘We worked really well as a team. The car was good, the balance was right, and we were fast’, explains Laurens Vanthoor (Porsche 911 RSR #79). ‘Unfortunately, Cooper had an accident during the night in the chicane before the start-finish straight. The chassis was irreparably damaged, and we had to retire early. ‘I enjoyed every single lap and felt really good in the Porsche 911 RSR. These positive experiences are the main things for me.’ The No. 77 car fielded by Dempsey-Proton Racing with Porsche factory driver Matt Campbell, team owner Christian Ried from Germany, and New Zealander Jaxon Evans finished in fifth place as the best 911 RSR in the GTE-Am category.
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‘I’m super happy – we managed to bring three of our five 911 RSR over the finish line. That was particularly difficult early on in the race with changeable weather conditions,’ Christian Ried (Porsche 911 RSR #77) says. ‘Otherwise, everyone did a sterling job. I finished fifth with my car and I’m actually happy with that. My teammates Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans drove flawless laps despite the difficult conditions and put in a strong performance.’ Campbell, the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion, completed two triple-stints through the night without incident, despite several safety car phases. It was the first time the Australian had shared the same car at the famed endurance classic with friend Evans, who himself is a former Carrera Cup Australia Champion (2018).
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Heart-starter lands in Porsche’s extraordinary 911 GT3 R has set foot on Australian soil ready to fly into the hands of an elite band of race car drivers who hunger for a genuine track car.
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obert Gattereder, General Manager of Porsche Centre Brighton, revealed the exciting new iteration of the celebrated Porsche 911, the 911.2 GT3 R – Gen 2. In the past, the 911 lineage has played host to legendary performances at internationally renowned events such as Nürburgring Nordschleife, IMSA, SPA, and our own Bathurst. No doubt this will continue with this new version. ‘Today I have the honour to introduce a very special product to you,’ Mr Gattereder says. ‘It has been engineered and manufactured in Germany, and not more than 90 units left the factory gate in Weissach. Of those, only two brand new cars have made their way to Australia. ‘With this new GT3 R Porsche’s Weissach engineers have pumped up the unrestricted horsepower rating from the previous 373kW (500 hp) to a new rating of 410kW (550 hp) from a naturally aspirated 4-litre flat six engine,’ says a very excited Mr Gattereder. Porsche’s Weissach hub in Germany is where engineering and enthusiasm have always gone hand in hand.
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Australia 855 Nepean Highway Brighton VIC 3186 P: 03 9536 1911 W: www.porschebrighton.com.au
TURBO Magazine is published by Jill Johnson Pty Ltd
Contributors Mandy PARRY-JONES Tim ROBERTS Jill JOHNSON Pike PETERS
Design Brigid FRASER
Photography Lisa SAAD Courtesy of Porsche AG
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Advertising Enquiries Jill JOHNSON P: 0409 217 624 E: jj@jilljohnsonmedia.com.au
The Development Centre Weissach combines all the components of the early design phase – design studio, prototype development, wind tunnel, and test rigs. Directly adjacent is a dedicated test track, where every Porsche is put through its paces. This applies to sports cars and race cars alike, because the latter are developed just a few hundred metres away on the other side of the test track - in the Porsche Motorsport Centre. There could hardly be closer links between series production and motorsport. The Porsche Gen2 GT3 R has the most recent factory updates and represents the middle tier of Porsche race cars, sandwiched between the GT3 Cup Car and the 911 RSR.
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‘It has a combination of aluminium, steel and carbon fibre,’ Mr Gattereder explains. ‘Like everything with Porsche, refinements are not highly visible from the outside, but they are substantial on the inside. ‘Personally, I think this car is very refined with significant improvements in aerodynamics and suspension geometry. ‘From a customer racing perspective, this is the most advanced and most successful GT car available on the global market.’
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You can view Mr Gattereder’s video presentation of the car at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1NoKt6AWZM
All material appearing in Turbo Magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without prior written consent. All statements made, although based on information believed to be reliable and accurate, cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.
