IN THIS ISSUE: THE FIAT 124 SPIDER IS BACK AND THE ORIGINAL’S CLASSIC LOOKS ARE REBORN | TOWING SENSIBLY | THE MULTISTRADA 1200 ENDURO GOES EVEN MORE GLOBETROTTER WITH THE PRO VERSION | RENAULT DESIGNS FOR THE FUTURE – PARTNERSHIP WITH CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS RETURNS | SUMMER EXPERIENCE: MASERATI AND MARRIOTT JOIN FORCES ON THE COSTA SMERALDA | FROM P54 TO P1: PORSCHE 919 HYBRID WINS AT LE MANS | ICON: THE DEFINITIVE BOOK OF THE SERIES LAND ROVER AND DEFENDER
The Malta Independent on Sunday. June 2017
THE FIAT 124 SPIDER IS BACK AND THE ORIGINAL’S
CLASSIC LOOKS ARE REBORN
also inside
Discover Campania’s dramatic coastline
CAMPANIA VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT TERRADORA
DISCOVER
CAMPANIA’S dramatic coastline CAMPANIA, IN SOUTHWESTERN ITALY, IS KNOWN FOR ITS DRAMATIC COASTLINE, ANCIENT RUINS AND DELICIOUS FOOD. NAPLES, THE REGIONAL CAPITAL, IS A BUSTLING CITY SET BETWEEN THE TOWERING MT. VESUVIUS AND THE DEEP BLUE WATERS OF THE BAY OF NAPLES. TO THE SOUTH, THE AMALFI COAST IS HOME TO PASTEL-HUED TOWNS SUCH AS SORRENTO, POSITANO, AND AMALFI, NESTLED BETWEEN CLIFFS AND THE SEA. TAKE A SPECTACULAR ROAD TRIP AND EXPLORE THE SORRENTO PENINSULA, DISCOVERING THE COAST OF ITALY AT YOUR OWN PACE, CRUISING ALONG SUNNY OCEAN-SIDE HIGHWAYS.
NAPLES Naples sits on the Bay of Naples, under Mount Vesuvius, the active volcano that destroyed nearby Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture including the city's cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle which houses the main city museum and offers some of the best views of Naples from its easily accessible roof. The Neapolitan National Gallery exhibits an internationally important collection of Baroque and Renaissance era paintings in
Lyon
a serene setting surrounded by a beautiful park. Hundreds of monumental churches and palazzos line the city streets. This is the place to try true Neapolitan pizza and mouthwatering Neapolitan baba.
SORRENTO AND POMPEII Sorrento is perched on cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, and is known for sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a cafe-lined square. The historic centre is a maze of narrow alleys and winding roads that's home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century
Naples
Amalfi
church with a tranquil cloister. Sorrento is a wonderful baseto explore Pompeii and the stunning surrounding countryside. Take a Pompeii daytrip and stop in at the Puntacampanella Natural Reserve before you tour the Pompeii ruins. You'll find yourself immersed in archeological sites like the Temple of Apollo, Via dei Sepolcri, Forum Granary, and the notorious House of the Tragic Poet.
AMALFI The Amalfi Coast is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento, winding past grand villas, vineyards and cliffside lemon groves, dotted with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. the town of Amalfi is set below steep cliffs on Italy’s southwest coast. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. Amafli's Arab-Norman Sant'Andrea cathedral at
the heart of town, with its striped Byzantine facade, survives from this era while the Museo Arsenale Amalfi is a medieval shipyard-turned-exhibition space.
SALERNO The conclusion of a trip along the Amalfi Coast road will bring you to the historic city of Salerno. Salerno's vibrant centro storico is packed with medieval churches sharing space with neighbourhood trattorias, neon-lit wine bars and tattoo parlours. Visit the medieval Duomo of Salerno and enjoy the ancient streets and alleyways of the historical old town. Recent urbanregeneration programs centred on the historic neighbourhood feature a dramatic new ferry terminal designed by the late Zaha Hadid and a tree-lined seafront promenade which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Salerno June 2017 | motoring 03
CAMPANIA VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT
Terradora
TERREDORA IS SITUATED NEAR THE VILLAGE OF MONTEFUSCO, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF CAMPANIA’S BEST WINE GROWING REGION WITH THE DENOMINATED AREAS OF TAURASI, AVELLINO (FIANO DI AVELLINO) AND TUFO (GRECO DI TUFO) ALL CLOSE BY. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL, MOUNTAINOUS AREA AND TERREDORA’S SUBSTANTIAL WINERY SITS ON A HILLSIDE LOOKING OUT OVER THE MOST FERTILE PART OF CAMPANIA.
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erradora has climbed quickly to the pinnacle of Campania’s wine production since 1992. In fact, it has an intriguing short history, being the product of a split in the Mastroberardino family who have dominated the Campania wine scene for several generations. Walter Mastroberardino, with his children Paolo, Lucio and Daniela, went off and set up Terredora taking all the vineyards but leaving the cellars and the brand name behind. The result is that Terredora is the largest vineyard owner in Campania, with 180 hectares of vines. These are all within 15km of Montefusco, except one rented vineyard on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Terredora Di Paolo is a continuation of the ancient story of Campania, its people and their passion for their land and their winemaking. For us the land is central to our family. It represents our soul and the driving force behind the winery, which is why, year after year, we consider the harvest our greatest treasure. TERREDORA DI PAOLO has been on the forefront of the
Terradora vineyards in winter 04 motoring | June 2017
Terreadora Greco di Tufo loggia della serra
Mastroberardino family
wine renaissance in Campania since 1978. This is a region that was famous for producing the best wines of the Roman Empire and Terredora Di Paolo is committed to re-establishing it to its former glory. They have been instrumental in reintroducing ancient grape varieties, promoting
modern innovation and training the men and women who will be responsible for carrying their vision into the future. Today, with more than 120 hectares of vineyard land, Terredora Di Paolo is Campania’s largest wine producer and vineyard owner, with a worldwide reputation for
Walter Mastroberardino
the quality of its wines. Their commitment to excellence was proven in 1994 when they decided to vinify their own grapes. This decision was prompted by their belief that great wine comes from the balance of natural resources: terrain, varieties used, climate and man’s ability to work with nature. The winery is nestled in the enchanting landscape of Serra in Montefusco, in Avellino province, which is the most hilly and mountainous among the 5 districts of Campania. Set on the ridge which divides the Sabato river valley from Calore,The winery is in Montefusco not by chance but due to the presence of its own estates in Santa Paolina, Montefusco, Montemiletto, Montefalcione, Lapio; neighbouring places which mark a sort of “wine route” among the 3 Irpinia’s Docg areas: Greco di Tufo, Taurasi e Fiano di Avellino.
Terradora vineyards
Eustilltaurasi, 1998
GRECO DI TUFO DOCG, LOGGIA DELLA SERRA, TERREDORA DIPAULO. A superb wine from Campania with almond and smoky aromas then succulent, sugary grapefruit in the mouth, but entirely dry. Greco is the grape, Tufo is the village situated in a mountainous area of volcanic soils. Plan a visit. Visit Terradora Winery: Via Serra s.n.c., Montefusco, Italy. Email: info@terredora.com Locally Terradora Wines are imported by Attard and Co and available from Sistina Wine & Co.,The Strand Gzira. Opening hours: 10am till late. WEB: www.sistinawineco.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/sistinawin eco TEL: 2131 4161
MINI AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2017 • MINI COUNTRYMAN PHEV, THE BRAND’S FIRST EVER PLUG-IN HYBRID MODEL SHOWCASED ON THE HILL CLIMB • NEW FOR 2017, THE MINI COUNTRYMAN BASE CAMP WITH PICNIC BENCHES AND AUTOHOME ROOF TENT ON DISPLAY • MINI’S YOUNGEST EVER MODEL RANGE TO BE ON DISPLAY • EXCLUSIVE NEW MEMBERS LOUNGE FOR MINI OWNERS • MINI AMBASSADOR, CHARLIE BUTLER-HENDERSON ON STAND FOR INTERVIEWS AND AUTOGRAPHS
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INI will be showcasing its youngest model line-up at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, including the brand’s first ever plug in hybrid model, the new MINI Countryman PHEV. Launching on 24th June, MINI Cooper S E ALL4 Countryman PHEV will be seen driving on the festival’s infamous Hill Climb throughout the weekend by MINI Challenge racing driver, Charlie ButlerHenderson. Offering pure electric mobility with the combination of a 3cylinder petrol engine and electric motor, the MINI Cooper S E ALL4 Countryman
PHEV produces CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km has an average fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg, while also enabling a 0-62mph time of just 6.8 seconds. For those looking for some respite during a jam packed weekend of racing, there’s an opportunity to relax and have a picnic away from the crowds at the MINI Countryman Base Camp. Brand new for 2017 the MINI Countryman Base Camp is situated close to Crossing 6 on the South side of the track, where guests can also experience the new AUTOHOME roof tent, specially designed for the MINI Countryman.
At the MINI stand, MINI’s youngest model range to date will be on display, including the recently launched MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. With full John Cooper Works specification including upgraded suspension, braking, cooling, exterior styling and interior features. Also on display at the festival will be the MINI Challenge race car. The race car arrives straight from competing in the MINI Challenge race series, one of Europe’s fastest-growing single-make racing championships following its promotion to the British GT race package for 2017. 2015’s championship
winner and MINI UK ambassador, Charlie Butler-Henderson will be available for interviews and autographs. On the top floor of the MINI stand is an exclusive MINI Owners’ Lounge, which will be available for all MINI customers. A first for MINI at Goodwood Festival of Speed, guests will only need to present their keys at the door in order to gain entry and enjoy breakfast, lunch and snacks as well as music from up and coming DJ, Jack C who is a resident DJ at Krankbrother. The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place on 29th June – 2nd July.
June 2017 | motoring 05
THE FIAT 124 SPIDER
IS BACK AND THE ORIGINA CLASSIC LOOKS ARE REBO
I
REVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN PEEL
t’s been many years since Fiat made a twoseat convertible, notably when the Barchetta rolled off the production line for the last time in 2005, but actually 32 years since the gorgeous last Pininfarina designed Spider ceased production in 1985. The only real rear-wheel-drive two-seat drop-top of recent years has been the brilliant Mazda MX-5 and this new reincarnation is what this 124 Spider is based on. The result is a car that is mechanically similar but with a different engine and suspension and a strikingly different look. I was lucky enough to be offered the first local test drive of this stunning rear wheel drive beauty and if first impressions are the final verdict I loved the whole
little package the moment I set eyes on it. The 124 Spider is not a large car and sits very low. Like the MX-5, this diminutive sports car is about as small as it looks on the inside but one look at its long graceful bonnet replicating the original Spider’s contours makes you think otherwise. The seats are adjustable, and being on the smaller end of the scale I immediately found myself comfortable sitting low in very supportive plush leather seats but maybe taller drivers might need some more ‘adjusting’. Putting the roof up makes the cabin feel even smaller but headroom was not an issue and visibility was still exceptional for such a low stance. I soon noticed limited storage compartments around the car but this isn’t designed as an everyday utility vehicle. It’s a twoseat roadster, and the 124 Spider
meets expectations with enough room for two compact individuals and a weekend’s worth of
FIAT HAS PUT A TURBOCHARGED 1.4-LITRE MULTIAIR ENGINE IN THE 124 SPIDER, WHICH IS DIFFERENT FROM THE MX-5’S NONTURBO ENGINES, COUPLED WITH A 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX. WITH 138BHP AND A RELATIVELY LIGHT OVERALL PACKAGE ACCELERATION IS IMPRESSIVE AND IS QUOTED AT 7.6SECS/62MPH 06 motoring | June 2017
luggage. Although the interior lacks storage compartments and a traditional glovebox there is a stowage compartment behind and between the two seats that
easily swallowed my DSLR camera and personal items. The driver and passenger of this two-seater sit very close to the dashboard and low down, reminiscent of earlier sports cars and its Spider pedigree yet it is pretty easy to climb in and out of. The dashboard is a classic work of art wrapped in soft tan leather and the infotainment system (on Lusso spec and above), which has been directly inherited from Mazda dominates centrally. Everything in the 124 Spider is easy to understand and use, such as the three rotary heater controls and the steering wheel-mounted controls for the stereo. Fiat has put a turbocharged 1.4litre Multiair engine in the 124 Spider, which is different from the MX-5's non-turbo engines, coupled with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. With 138bhp and a relatively light overall package acceleration is impressive and is quoted at 7.6secs/62mph. Flooring it whilst travelling at around 30mph the car can even lose some rear grip due to the power generated but recovery is excellent, providing some pretty exhilarating moments. Once out of Birkirkara’s morning traffic and onto the coast road the 124 Spider started to reveal its true colours.
TOWING SENSIBLY
AL’S ORN
WHEN TOWING, THESE QUICK TIPS WILL ENSURE SAFETY FOR EVERYONE CONCERNED WRITES PAUL VELLA, RMF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR. Under-inflated or badly maintained tyres on towed vehicles are the most common reasons for breakdowns. Make sure you have a spare and ensure that the nuts on the spare wheel are not rusty so that they can be undone easily. Keep in mind that it is dangerous to have anything extending from behind the trailing lights and if the trailer is wider than the pulling vehicle, extra care must be taken while driving. You must have extended mirrors that enable a clear view of the rear of the trailer and caravan. When trailing boats, it is more relevant to carry out an inspection to check the condition of the
WHEN TRAILING BOATS, IT IS MORE RELEVANT TO CARRY OUT AN INSPECTION TO CHECK THE CONDITION OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE TRAILER BECAUSE IT MAY HAVE RUST AND WEAK SPOTS DUE TO IMMERSION IN SALT WATER OVER THE YEARS.
The 124 likes to be driven hard and soaring swiftly to 50mph using 1.4 litres of Fiat’s turbocharged engine on a twisty, smooth surface is what driving a small sports car is all about. Yes turbo lag – a split second delay between flooring the throttle and the engine responding - is definitely present, but doesn’t detract from the driving experience. Anti-rollover protection is a standard feature and should bring some peace of mind given the open-top format of the 124 Spider. The range starts with the Classic, but the model on test was a metallic black coloured, higher end Lusso with a seven-
structure of the trailer because it may have rust and weak spots due to immersion in salt water over the years.
GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES The tow hook attachment or tow bar must be 1attached ‘type approved’ by the manufacturer, properly to the vehicle and capable of taking the weight and pull of what you’re towing. The pulling vehicle should be heavier than whatever is being towed for reasons of stability, especially when braking. An application at the ADT to supply a third 2permit number plate will automatically include a of the towing attachment. tow bar should not impair the visibility of 3The the vehicle’s registration number plate. an additional chain between the vehicle 4Use and trailer to act as a secondary safety feature. correct operation of caravan or trailer 5Check brakes if fitted. The trailer or caravan must be equipped with 6sidelights. trailing lights, turn indication and stop lights and Side reflectors will aid when trailing in the dark. or bikes on trailers should be strapped 7Boats down properly.
inch infotainment and satnav screen, DAB radio, leather seats, climate control, and a reversing camera among long list of comfort and safety features. The Lusso also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. The 124 Spider and Mazda MX-5 share so much mechanical DNA that they’re practically the same species. Fiat’s changes, though, do make the Spider the more lively of the two from a driving perspective, and it’s arguably, well I definitely think so, the better-looking of the two. It’s a beautiful car from any angle and pure open-top fun with plenty of power for a thrilling driving experience. June 2017 | motoring 07
THE MULTISTRADA 1200 ENDURO
GOES EVEN MORE GLOBETROTTER WITH THE PRO VERSION • NEW COLOUR SCHEME, TYRES DEVELOPED FOR ROAD AND OFFROAD USE, ACCESSORIES DESIGNED FOR THE LESS-BEATEN TRACK • CUTTING-EDGE PERFORMANCE AND ACTIVE SAFETY THANKS TO THE TWIN-CYLINDER TESTASTRETTA DVT ENGINE AND RIDING MODES WITH ABS CORNERING, DTC, DWC, DSS AND VHC
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he Multistrada 1200 Enduro goes even more globetrotter with the new Pro version. The trailblazing spirit of the most venturesome Multistrada now reaches new heights thanks to this latest version, designed for riders eager to get off-road and get exploring. The Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro features an eye-catching
08 motoring | June 2017
Sand-coloured, with rough surface finish, front end and tank cover, the latter sporting “Enduro” logo stickers on both sides. Other Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro exclusive features include the two-tone seat and the black sub-frame and clutch/alternator covers. The off-road spirit of the Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro is enhanced by Pirelli SCORPION™ Rally tyres, fitted as standard: 120/70 R19 at the front, 170/60 R17 at the rear. Perfect for off-road use, these tyres also ensure outstanding performance on asphalt. Other Pro features include Ducati Performance bull bars by Touratech with LED lights, the low screen - great for on-thepegs off-road riding - and the type-approved Ducati Performance exhaust by Termignoni (compliant with EU standards). Tested and developed under the most extreme conditions, the Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro features the excellent, ultra-tough Multistrada 1200 Enduro frame. The bike is powered by the tried and tested 152* hp Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine with EURO 4 type approval. Thanks to Riding Mode technology (Enduro, Touring, Sport and Urban), the
Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro offers that same four-bikes-in-one spirit that has made this Ducati multibike such a success. On the Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro, ABS Cornering, Cornering Lights (DCL), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution system with 200 mm of wheel
THANKS TO RIDING MODE TECHNOLOGY (ENDURO, TOURING, SPORT AND URBAN), THE MULTISTRADA 1200 ENDURO PRO OFFERS THAT SAME FOUR-BIKES-INONE SPIRIT THAT HAS MADE THIS DUCATI MULTIBIKE SUCH A SUCCESS
travel all come as standard, as does Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) for smooth uphill starts. As-standard features on the Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro also include electronic speed control and the Bluetooth module; the latter, via the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), lets riders connect the bike to a smartphone, manage key multimedia functions (incoming calls, text messaging, music) via the switchgears and display information on the TFT dashboard.
MULTISTRADA 1200 ENDURO PRO SPECIAL FEATURES • • • • • •
• •
Sand colour Dedicated two-tone seat Black rear sub-frame Black alternator and clutch cover Low screen Ducati Performance tubular steel tank bars by Touratech with supplementary LED lighting Ducati Performance titanium silencer by Termignoni, typeapproved Scorpion Rally tyres
MULTISTRADA 1200 ENDURO STANDARD EQUIPMENT • Ducati Testastretta DVT engine • Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) • Bosch-Brembo ABS 9.1ME Cornering braking system • Electronic cruise control • Riding Modes • Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) • Ride-by-Wire Power Modes (PM) • Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) • Ducati Traction Control (DTC) • Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) • Sachs semi-active electronic suspension (front and rear): Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution system • Full LED headlight with Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) • Dashboard with full-TFT 5” colour screen • Centre stand * The power/torque values indicated are measured using an engine dynamometer according to homologation regulation and they correspond to the homologated data, as quoted in the Bike Registration Document.
RENAULT
DESIGNS FOR THE FUTURE – PARTNERSHIP WITH CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS RETURNS ome of the most talented design students in the UK from Central Saint Martins, UAL (CSM) are being offered the opportunity of a lifetime in a contest to design a car for the future and win an exclusive internship with Renault’s top designers, based in Paris. For the second year, Renault is teaming up with Central Saint Martins (CSM), a worldleading centre for art and design, to challenge its MA Industrial Design students. This year, students have been asked to consider ways in which cars may be used and shared in future, when owning a car outright may become less prevalent.The competition requires students to suggest how Renault might use modularity to design a car which can be adapted for many different requirements and for a range of potential drivers. The winner will spend two weeks at the Renault Technocentre in Paris, working with senior designers and experiencing cuttingedge technology such as a full-size virtual reality suite, which puts the designer right inside the vehicle.Their winning design will go on display at this year’s designjunction exhibition, for which Renault is a partner, to be held 21st-24th September in King’s Cross, London. Renault’s award-winning concept, the TreZor, will also appear at designjunction, housed inside a bespoke interactive structure. With its welcoming style and services geared towards driving pleasure, this electric GT embodies future mobility and automotive passion.The surrounding
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stand will aim to take visitors behind the scenes of the concept, highlighting the extraordinary skill and care that went into its creation. This year’s design competition will be judged by a panel of experts well known in both the design and motor industries, lead by head judge Anthony Lo,Vice-President of Exterior Design at Groupe Renault. Anthony Lo said: “Last year it was really fascinating to see some of the brightest upcoming design talent take on the challenge of how autonomous technology might influence the world of transportation in the future. I’ve been very impressed by the Central Saint Martins students’
creativity, team work and professionalism, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they produce this year.” Nick Rhodes, Programme Director, Product Ceramic & Industrial Design, Central Saint Martins said: “Conceptualising futures is a key preoccupation for industrial designers, and having the opportunity to partner in this enterprise once more with Renault as a manufacturer of resolute commitment to design-led innovation is a great challenge and a terrific opportunity for our students.” Last year’s competition was won by the all-female team behind the Renault Oura, a one-person wearable vehicle suit with a
gesture-controlled, virtual reality in-visor display. Following the placement with Renault, team member Lily Saporta Tagiuri, said: “The design centre in Paris was amazing because we got to see a range of design approaches, participate in some of the construction and gain a sense of what it would be like to work there. We also got to talk to the entire design team and present our ideas and get their feedback. I came away feeling really curious and really excited to have seen the concept models. I think I’ve definitely changed my perception of what the automotive world is capable of and where they are moving in the future. ”
June 2017 | motoring 09
SUMMER EXPERIENCE: MASERATI AND MARRIOTT JOIN FORCES ON THE COSTA SMERALDA
A
partnership of excellence between the Marriott Costa Smeralda hotels - Cala di Volpe, Romazzino, Pitrizza and Cervo – and Maserati. The four hotels, timeless icons of one of the world's most exclusive destinations, will be hosting Maserati models throughout the summer season. The Ghibli executive sports sedan, the Quattroporte flagship and the Levante, the first SUV in the Brand's more than a century of history, will be available for a truly unique driving experience. Simple, discreet luxury, elegance and quality: these are the shared characteristics underlying a successful partnership, in which the prestigious automotive Brand is a guest in one of Sardinia's most picturesque areas, a timeless paradise that has conserved its appeal. Overlooking the bay of the same name, one of the most beautiful hideaways on the Costa Smeralda, the Cala di Volpe was built in the style of a traditional fishing village, with arcades, stone floors, archways and steps: designed in 1962 by architect Jacques CouÍlle and extended in 1971, the hotel is a perfect blend of landscape and architecture. A wooden bridge is immersed in the crystal-clear waters of the sea, while the beach is surrounded by myrtle and broom bushes: Sardinia's distinctive rocks frame the bay, helping to create the unique atmosphere of one of the Mediterranean's most magical landscapes.
Levante at Cala di Volpe Hotel 10 motoring | June 2017
Quattroporte at Hotel Romazzino
THE QUATTROPORTE AND THE GHIBLI ARE CHARACTERISED BY 3 LITRE V6 TWINTURBO ENGINES AND REAR-WHEEL DRIVE, WITH POWER OUTPUTS RANGING FROM 350 TO 410 HP.
Hotel Romazzino, built in 1965 by architect Michele Busiri Vici, is the Costa Smeralda's most iconic seaside holiday resort. A hotel unlike anything else in the world, where the sea can be experienced in all its aspects: by relaxing on the enchanting beach of pure white sand, by savouring delicacies at the Barbecue Restaurant a short stroll from the crystal-clear waters, or by joining in the fun of the many outdoor activities on offer. The hotel dominates the splendid turquoise-blue bay with its whitewashed exterior, curved lines and arched windows, while the wonderful flower gardens lead to the nearby beach. Hotel Pitrizza is one of the world's most exclusive hotels. It is a romantic location for those in search of peace and the utmost privacy, in close contact
with the pristine nature and timeless beauty of the Costa Smeralda. Designed in 1963 by the architect Luigi Vietti, the hotel is the quintessence of luxury. A group of villas, perfectly set in their natural surroundings, scattered amidst rocks and flowers, a splendid private beach where space is raised to the status of relaxation, a sea-water pool carved into the windsculpted rocks and a striking view of the bay: an exclusive refuge of natural beauty. Cervo Hotel, designed in 1962 by famous architect Luigi Vietti, is the ideal place for those wishing to stay in the heart of Porto Cervo. Open all year, the hotel overlooks the village's central square, a stone's throw from the most famous boutiques and the Marina with its luxury yachts. A refuge of refined simplicity, which fits attractively into the Costa Smeralda's natural surroundings and typical style. The hotel offers a wide choice of bars and restaurants, a private beach accessible by shuttle service, fitness centre and a congress centre able to host any type of meeting, reception or event. Maserati stars on the Costa Smeralda in its Summer Experience, an exclusive programme which offers guests
Corner at Cala di Volpe Hotel
the opportunity to get to know and road-test the Ghibli executive sports sedan, the Quattroporte flagship and the Levante SUV. This unique experience enables the hotels' clients to make first-hand contact with the Maserati marque. The Quattroporte and the Ghibli are characterised by 3 litre V6 Twin-Turbo engines and rear-wheel drive, with power outputs ranging from 350 to 410 hp. There is also a Q4 all-wheel drive version as well as the 3 litre V6 Turbo Diesel delivering up to 275 hp, while the Quattroporte is also available with the massive 530 hp V8 Twin-Turbo. The Levante is fitted with a 3 litre V6 Twin-Turbo petrol engine with power outputs of 350 and 430 hp, and a 275 hp 3 litre V6 Turbo diesel. All power units are combined with the "Q4" intelligent all-wheel drive system and skyhook suspensions with air-springs with several height settings. The Maserati Summer Experience 2017 can be followed on the Maserati Italia Instagram (@Maserati_Italia) and Facebook (facebook.com/MaseratiItalia) profiles.
FROM P54 TO P1: PORSCHE 919 HYBRID WINS AT LE MANS ith great team spirit and an almost superhuman effort, Porsche won the 2017 Le Mans 24-hour race. Earl Bamber (NZ), Timo Bernhard (DE) and Brendon Hartley (NZ) caught up brilliantly and secured the 19th overall win for Porsche on June 18. A comparable effort dates back exactly 40 years ago, when Jacky Ickx (BE), Jürgen Barth (DE) and Hurley Haywood (USA) came back in their Porsche 936 from position 42 to win the race. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, Dr. Ing. h.c. Porsche AG: “What a dramatic race! A fight back from P54 to P1 – who could have ever believed that this was possible? The Le Mans myth is alive, exactly because of such unbelievable stories like we experienced last weekend.” The 85th running of the world’s biggest and toughest car race started with a onetwo lead for Toyota and an unfortunate setback for the car number 2 Porsche 919 Hybrid, the car that ultimately won the race. At 6:30pm, the 919 of Bamber, Bernhard and Hartley was forced to make an unscheduled pit stop. It took one hour and five minutes to change the electric engine that drives the front axle. The car re-joined the race at 7:35pm placed 54th, 19 laps down on the race leader. During the night, the strong competition from Japan had to accept losses. The number 8 Toyota pitted for lengthy repairs while the number 7 stopped on
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track because of a clutch failure and number 9 did the same after an accident in traffic. At 00:45am, the car number 1 Porsche 919 Hybrid took the lead. Porsche again paid the price of a race staged in high ambient temperatures at 11:09am: engine failure on the leading car. After a strong performance in P1, lasting for more than ten hours, the dreams of Neel Jani (CH), André Lotterer (DE) and Nick Tandy (GB) came to a sudden end. Now the time for the hunters had arrived. The number 2 Porsche 919 Hybrid was the best placed LMP1 in the race and sliced through the LMP2 field. At 12:50pm on lap 330, Bernhard was back on the same lap as the race leader. By lap
347, he had closed him down to take the chequered flag 20 laps later as the overall winner.
IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR – JACKY ICKX’ CATCH-UP OF 1977
Also 40 years ago, Porsche managed what seemed impossible at Le Mans. This is how the six times overall winner Jacky Ickx (BE, 72) remembers it: “After three hours, we thought we’d lost the race. My 936 was out, and I joined up with Jürgen Barth and Hurley Haywood. But they were having trouble as well. We were in 42nd place. I still can’t get my head
around what happened next. It was this euphoric state. I drove the whole night at top speed, always on the limit. In rain and fog. I just got faster and faster. 42nd, 35th, 28th, 20th, ninth, sixth, fifth. Everyone felt that we could achieve the unimaginable. Jürgen and Hurley drove faster than ever, and the mechanics did an incredible job. I didn’t feel tired at all. Then we took the lead. On Sunday morning I was totally spent. In the end, Jürgen hauled the 936 across the line with only five cylinders. I wouldn’t have been able to. There are a lot of great stories about a lot of races. But 1977 stands out. That was a once-ina-lifetime thing. Races like that have made Porsche a legend.”
June 2017 | motoring 11
ICON: THE DEFINITIVE BOOK OF THE SERIES LAND ROVER AND DEFENDER • LAND ROVER PRODUCES THE ONLY APPROVED DEFENDER BOOK • PAINSTAKINGLY RESEARCHED ICON BOOK CELEBRATES SERIES AND DEFENDER LAND ROVERS • HIGH-QUALITY HARDBACK VOLUME FEATURES PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN IMAGES, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS AND FRESHLY COMMISSIONED ARTWORK TO CHART THE DEFINITIVE OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE ICONIC 4X4 • THE DEFINITIVE STORY OF SERIES AND DEFENDER MODELS IS AVAILABLE IN HARDBACK
69 years ago a legend was born as the first Land Rover was revealed to the world at the Amsterdam Motor Show. Over the next seven decades the rugged 4x4 visited all corners of the world as it wrote its name into automotive folklore. As Land Rover begins the countdown towards its 70th anniversary celebrations on 30 April 2018, the perfect gift for Defender lovers across the globe has been announced. Icon is the definitive official book celebrating Series and Defender models. It hits the shelves in July. The carefully curated and beautifully produced hardback charts the legendary expeditions, humanitarian projects and adventures undertaken by these incredible machines and the people who brought them to life. The collector’s item will be available online and at selected showrooms and Experience Centres.
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Richard Hammond, while adventurer and broadcaster Bear Grylls, fashion legend Ralph Lauren and Rugby World Cup winner and former South Africa captain John Smit are just a few of the other famous names to grace the pages. Icon stretches over 10 chapters and more than 200 pages and captures
Defender ICON book foreword by Richard Hammond
It features carefully chosen archive images, vivid first-hand accounts and exclusive interviews with the people behind the most recognisable 4x4 on the planet, including production line employees, significant customers and company executives.The team responsible for the next generation Defender, Chief Design Officer Gerry McGovern and Executive Director – Product Engineering, Nick Rogers, Defender ICON book macro photography – Dials also share their thoughts on what makes Defender so special. Series and Defender models have been a popular choice the essence of the Series and Defender models through for politicians, celebrities and even Royalty over the last 69 the vehicles themselves and the people who have loved, years, so well-known contributors also share their driven and relied upon them over the last 69 years. experiences.The foreword is provided by world famous Copies will be available online at the official Land Rover Land Rover customer and The Grand Tour presenter shop where customers can register to take delivery of Icon.