Connoisseur Ep 105

Welcome to Connoisseur.We love all sorts of expensive toys here at Connoisseur so I thought I would bring you a 'tasting-platter' of motorbikes, rally cars, F1 cars and a podcast talking road rallies, followed by a 'main' of Private Jets and a 'desert' that is a new for 2023, motor Yacht.

There is also a 'digestif' of the weekend's F1 news. I have saved the spoilers right to the very end so you can read 90% without worry. It was a great weekend of F1 is all I will say.

Porsche 911 Dakar

To celebrate its triumphs in rally-raid events during the 1980s, Porsche has given the 911 an off-road aesthetic and impressive dune-busting capabilities. The 911 Dakar, which costs £173,000, is closely related to the 911 GTS and is equipped with four-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a twin-turbo 3.0-litre flat six engine that produces 473bhp and 420lb ft of torque.

The most significant modifications have been made to the chassis and bodywork, which now include height-adjustable suspension, reinforced sidewalls, and rubber protection. According to Porsche, the vehicle remains equally exceptional on regular roads.

Stats are good, but watch this brilliant video from Porsche and tell me you are not ordering one now.

Honda Jet Power

The HondaJet is a state-of-the-art business jet produced by Honda Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Honda Motor Company. It boasts a distinctive design featuring an over-the-wing engine mount, which improves fuel efficiency, reduces noise, and increases cabin space. The aircraft can comfortably seat up to six passengers and has a range of approximately 1,400 nautical miles, making it ideal for short to medium-range travel.

The HondaJet is equipped with advanced avionics, including a touchscreen-based Garmin G3000 flight deck, and has a maximum cruise speed of 422 knots. The HondaJet is an innovative addition to Honda's range of products, reflecting the company's commitment to cutting-edge technology and superior performance.

HondaJet 2600 Concept

The HondaJet 2600 can fly nonstop transcontinental flights across the United States, with a maximum cruise speed of 450 knots and maximum ceiling of 47,000 feet. The cabin provides relaxing accommodations with ample luggage space for long journeys, all while achieving peerless fuel efficiency.

Honda Jet Elite II

Introducing the HondaJet Elite II, a continuation of the Elite program's vision to redefine the very light jet category with superior performance and efficiency born from aerodynamic breakthroughs. We continue to set new standards in range, fuel efficiency, performance, comfort and technology, to realize the future of the light jet category, because even the best can get better.

Honda Jet

The original HondaJet introduced a number of innovations to aviation inherited by our current models. Discover what makes the HondaJet the most technologically advanced aircraft in its class.

Every jet we deliver is meticulously crafted by a hands-on team of technicians. That same level of care goes into our owner relationships. With a global fleet of over 200 aircraft we take pride in achieving a dispatch reliability of 99.7 percent, ensuring the aircraft is always ready when you need it. No matter where you take off or touch down, you’ve got the entire Honda Aircraft team behind you.

Honda Power

Of course, Honda is a leading global manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. It produces a wide range of products, from the Honda Civic to the Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. Honda also makes power equipment such as generators, lawnmowers, and snow blowers, as well as marine engines.

Some of the best Honda products, in my eyes, are the CBR 900 RR Fireblade, The NSX Type R and the trusty EU2200i portable generator, something every racer has trackside.

But one of my favourite engines is from F1, the Honda 1.5 Litre V6 turbo engine, which was one of the most powerful at the time producing 800 bhp at 12,000rpm and well over 1,200 bhp at 12,000 rpm in qualifying. This engine powered the Williams FW11 and FW11B from 1986-87, with Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet at the wheel, winning the constructor's championship two years in a row.

In somewhat of a Coup d'état McLaren signed with Honda for the 1988 season and the McLaren MP4/4 became, statistically, the best F1 car of all time. In the hands of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, the MP4/4 won 15 of the 16 races.

Azimut S7

The new S7, thanks to its eco-friendly characteristics, is part of Azimut’s Low Emission Yachts. Azimut has invested in innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of its vessels for many years. Low Emission Yachts consume 20 to 30% less fuel and produce less CO2 emissions than similar vessels.

Azimut achieved this by adopting efficient propulsion, such as the 3 Volvo IPS engines used in the S7, designing better performing hydrodynamic hulls with Ausonio Naval Architecture, and using lightweight carbon fibre. The S7 is a result of careful technological research, achieving a 30% reduction in consumption and CO2 emissions at medium and high speeds, in line with Azimut’s Low Emission Yachts’ mission.

The Azimuth S7 Motor Yachts offer a range of benefits, with its powerful fuel efficient engines and advanced technology, the S7 offers exceptional performance and speed. Its sleek and modern design also provides a luxurious and comfortable internal environment for passengers, with ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The S7 is equipped with top-of-the-line features, including a state-of-the-art navigation system, a fully equipped galley, and a spacious sun deck.

It still has a great VIP cabin (below) with ensuite and the owners cabin is quite large for this class size of boat (pictured above).

Overall, the Azimuth S7 Motor Yacht is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the freedom of cruising on the water in style and comfort. Check out this walk-through from Yacht Buyer at Boot Düsseldorf 2023.

Beyond the Streets

Last Monday I was lucky enough to take some time out to go visit the "Beyond the Street" exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery London it is a fascinating and thought-provoking showcase of contemporary street art. Featuring works by some of the world's most talented and innovative street artists, the exhibition explores the diverse range of styles and techniques that make street art such a vibrant and dynamic form of artistic expression.

From bold and colourful murals to intricate stencil work and mixed media installations, the pieces on display at "Beyond the Street" demonstrate the incredible creativity and ingenuity of these artists. The exhibition offers a unique insight into the social, political and cultural issues that inspire many street artists, making it a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and urban culture.

Curated by graffiti historian Roger Gastman, BEYOND THE STREETS LONDON examines the fundamental human need for public self-expression, highlighting artists with roots in graffiti and street art whose work has evolved into highly disciplined studio practices, alongside important cultural figures inspired by this art scene.

Each of the exhibition’s chapters explore exceptional moments in the history of this artistic movement; including the emergence of punk; the birth of hip-hop - marking its 50th anniversary in 2023; and street culture’s strong influence in fashion and film.

Well worth a visit, so check out before the 9th of May when it finishes.

Podcast with Sixty8 Adventure

One of our sponsors was featured in a Podcast this week so I thought I would post it, if you have never done a road rally they are great experiences that create lifelong bonds between you, your co-pilot and the fellow adventurers. Head to the bottom of the page to see another video of theirs.

Formula One

Wow. Well, what can I say? The Bahrain Grand Prix was a very thrilling race. If you didn't watch it do not scroll any further as I am about to lay out the spoilers.

So what do we know after testing?

We said no surprises, but Red Bull is at the top of the time sheets.

And that is also where they were in qually, but the weekend didn't start too great as they struggled to get the car set up, some chatter as they may not be where they thought at the end of testing. And even Red Bull was playing it down, however, if you are a Red Bull fan, you need not have worried because by the time we got to Q3 they dominated. Almost like they planned it, like they had been working with the Drive to Survive plot team.

We then saw the Ferraris take the next row on the grid, Leclerc almost happy to be 3rd rather than first.

Alonso in the Aston Martin was 5th and Mercedes of Russel and Hamilton next, followed by Stroll who got back in the car after missing testing due to his accident. He did a pretty decent job to be fair to him.

On to the race. Max Verstappen had an ideal start to his title defence, securing a clear win at Sahkir and leading a Red Bull 1-2 finish, Verstappen led from the front and we barely saw him on screen, with team-mate Sergio Perez coming in second.

Despite a challenging beginning, including a little collision between Stroll and Alonso, Alonso a two-time World Champion persevered and chased down Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, ultimately earning a place on the podium in third position. This opportunity arose following Charles Leclerc's unfortunate DNF.

Now I do not want to say I told you so because it is never a great look, but last week in my Aston Martin themed newsletter I did say "So unless Ferrari gets their development heads on, they may well be losing podiums to Aston Martin." which is exactly what happened.

Of course, Alonso probably would not have caught Leclerc, but motor racing is more than a driver just stringing corners together, it is a team effort to ensure the cars get home.

Mercedes look to have taken a step backwards, but in the race, the pace was reasonable, Hamilton, unfortunately, took some life out of his tyres trying to do the over-cut and that meant he could not defend from a rapid Alonso, or could he catch Sainz in 4th. It was not a great day for the team, but they can at least be happier than some others in the pit lane, poor Ocon, who despite starting 9th, was not only forced to retire early from the race but was also given three separate penalties. Norris had to pit 6 times for a pneumatic issue, and his teammate did not finish, a weekend to forget for McLaren.

Red Bull winning is not the start I had hoped for, but what we got was a great race behind the top two. The top four teams have built cars within 1 second of each other, and that is exciting for the prospects of the season. I only hope one of the teams, if not three, can take on Red Bull, they might be Ferrari, Aston Martin or Mercedes. 🤩

Next Race

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - 17 - 19 Mar

Practice 1 - 17 Mar - 16:30

Practice 2 - 17 Mar - 20:00

Practice 3 - 18 Mar - 16:30

Qualifying - 18 Mar - 20:00

Race - 19 Mar - 20:00

Any-Other-Business

Other dates for your diary

Silverstone Grand Prix - Fri 7– Sun 9 July 

Goodwood Festival of Speed - Thu 13 – Sun 16 July

Goodwood Revival - Fri 8 – Sun 10 Sept

The Atlantic Road Trip

Join the Sixty8 team once again for a slice of Scandinavian supercar action for the Atlantic Road Trip of a lifetime.

We are looking for other high quality advertisers.

  If someone sent you this, you can subscribe here.

Please Share Connoisseurs