Beating the Tamburo!
The opportunity to take more than one friend or member of the family in a Lamborghini has not been possible since the demise of the fabled LM in 1993. Until now that is, with the launch of the new Lamborghini Urus. Whilst the LM was more of a truck (the ‘Rambo-Lambo’ conspicuous by lack of even a mention at the launch at Barangaroo in Sydney), the new Urus is a luxury super suv. At its Oceania premiere I was able to sample the new Lamborghini experience, which combines the DNA and qualities of the current Lamborghini offering. Take the very best bits of the Huracán and the Aventador super sports cars, such as four-wheel steering and carbon ceramic brakes, throw in air suspension and lots of other high-tech stuff including torque vectoring, and Lamborghini has created an SUV capable of 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 305 km/h. Despite its increased centre of gravity and the fact that it is much higher and heavier than the other models from Sant’Agata Bolognese, the Urus is capable of stopping from 100 km/h to a stand-still in just 33.7 metres
This is a sports car on steroids that is capable of running on sand, snow, gravel, race-track or tarmac, with breathtaking performance and amazing all round capability. This is in no small part due to its exciting new V8 4.0 litre twin-turbo engine, the first occasion that Lamborghini has utilised turbo power. All controlled from the Tamburo, or Drum at the centre of the ultra-modern interior which comfortably seats four. And the name, well, as has been the tradition at Lamborghini, the name Urus is derived from the world of bulls. The Urus, also known as Aurochs, is a wild ancestor of domestic cattle. The Spanish fighting bull, as bred for the past half-millennia, is still close to the Urus in its appearance.
“Do I see Bluebirds singing a song…” Irving Berlin
“Sad news in the passing this week, June 14, of Tonia Bern-Campbell aged 93 in Palm Springs, California. The wife of speed ace Donald Campbell she accompanied him to Australia for his land speed attempts at Lake Eyre in 1963/64 as well as his water speed attempts. The Belgium-born night club and cabaret artist was trained by the great Maurice Chevalier, a friend of her fathers. Charming, I had much to do with her when I brought Campbell’s Bluebird back to Australia for a 12 month tour in 1985, She was also a girlfriend of our own...
read morePicfair
If you like some of the imagery that I create do check out the gallery section on the website https://marinamarini.com.au/image-gallery/ And if you would like to purchase any of the images, a selection of these are now very reasonably priced for sale. Available for a variety of editorial or commercial usages or as prints to go on the wall, check out some of the latest at https://jamesnicholls.picfair.com
read moreMotoring god’s country
Australia, really does have it all – fantastic beaches, snowy mountains, wide open spaces, the lot! And one can drive all over it…as is evidenced by Rattletrap on Crowdy Beach in Northern New South Wales which I attended last month, and the Super Alpine 500, from Sydney to Thredbo in the snow which I will be covering next month. As it is so difficult to travel at the moment, herewith a few images for those less fortunate.
read moreBeyond Curated
It has been tough for many many businesses over the past year, none more so than for those working in travel and events. It is with much pleasure then that I am so pleased to see Beyond Curated continues to survive and thrive. As things at last are being brought under control in some places, including it would seem Great Britain, then the demand for inspired experiences and distinctive journeys that open the gates to Historic Royal Palaces, worlds of rare jewels, and private fine dining, in breathtaking spaces and insightful master classes...
read moreOn Top of the World
The International St. Moritz Automobile Week of 1929 and 1930 will be relaunched in 2021 St. Moritz The new edition of the historic Bernina mountain race, the Bernina Gran Turismo, has been in existence since 2015 and has long since gained a top place in the worldwide Historic Racing calendar. For many, this race on the Bernina Pass is considered the absolute highlight of the scene. Even in the Corona year 2020, when most events had to be cancelled, the Bernina Gran Turismo could be successfully held thanks to a good protection...
read moreA Decade of Riding Dapper
Coming up next month on 23rd May is an event you can join, wherever you may live – as long as you have a motorbike! The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa. It was inspired by a photograph of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a...
read moreHot Ticket
The third edition of the AXA Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance was, as one leading PR man said, “On a busy weekend socially in Sydney, it seemed to be THE hottest ticket in town, that’s for sure! Entirely inspiring”, whilst one of the entrants enthused, “Thank you again for a splendid and world class event once again. Thursday, Friday and Saturday all had something special each day.” Swifts and the AXA Sydney Harbour Concours from the air. From the Southern Hemisphere launch of the stunning McLaren Elva show-car in Gulf Livery in front of...
read moreLet’s do the Concours again!
Yes, it is that time of year again – as one kind soul said, “We are so excited and looking forward to your Concours. It’s really the highlight of the year here in Australia!”. It is time for the third edition of the AXA Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance to be held at Swifts, the glorious 1873 gothic-revival castellated mansion with its incredible gardens. All things being equal, this year should be amazing; from a 1922 Delage with an 18.5 litre Hispano Suiza engine to a 16-cylinder, 4 turbocharger 2006...
read moreAn elegant drive day for distinguished people!
The AXA Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance is very pleased to announce its first classic drive outing to be run in conjunction with the Concours on Saturday 6th March 2021. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive https://www.gentlemansdrive.com/ is a themed, charity classic car run dedicated to raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of Movember, and brought to you by the experts behind The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride https://www.gentlemansride.com/ . As part of the 2021 AXA Sydney Harbour...
read moreIt’s in the bag!
As an ambassador to the fab motoring clothing brand Suixtil, I am pleased to be taking pre-orders for this excellent and very useful new touring bag. Updated from its original design and now available in the exciting new colour of Forest Green as well as Navy Blue, these cotton canvas and leather touring bags are a must for any classic motorist. The cost is US$100 including postage and packing. To place your order please email me at james@marinamarini.com.au
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