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Built for speed and comfort
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By: Joshua Dowling, Issue 48 – Spring 11
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JOSHUA DOWLING PRESENTS THE LATEST TRANSPORT TOYS – FOR LAND, AIR AND SEA – DESIGNED TO DELIVER EXCITEMENT.
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Going further and faster
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The Gulfstream G650 has been the darling of the (private) jet set for a few years now, but it is about to be overtaken. Its impressive cruising range of almost 13,000 kilometres is eclipsed by the new Bombardier Global 8000 business jet with a cruising range of 14,600km – enough to hop from Sydney to Los Angeles in one go. Not only does it travel far, it’ll get you there more quickly; top speed is 957km/h, the fastest in its class. The Global 8000 is due in service in 2016, and the company is already holding more than 50 orders, including six from Australia. RRP: US$65 million (about A$63.8 million).
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Cruise control
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Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, the world-famous Riviera, released a 53-foot cruiser this year “new from the keel up”. Such a complete overhaul is rare in the boat world; the company says the new Riviera R53 is its best effort yet after building almost 5,000 boats over the past 30 years. Touch-screen controls and a sunroof on the enclosed flybridge help make the R53 the most advanced and comfortable Riviera to date. RRP: A$1.85 million.
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Super (bike) hero
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The Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC is not just any motorcycle, it’s an awkwardly-named, thinly disguised, road-going version of the Aprilia ridden by reigning World Superbike champion Max Biaggi. Ingeniously, however, it can make mere mortals feel like super (bike) heroes thanks to advanced traction control and throttle management systems which can prevent wheelies, or skidding in the rain. The only unusual omission is anti-lock brakes, but they are rumoured for the 2013 model. The RSV4 is not the most powerful and nor does it have the highest top speed among its peers, but it has breathtaking mid-range power. RRP: A$29,990
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Water-jet
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The Kawasaki Ultra 300LX is the fastest and most powerful jet-ski ever made and is so quick it comes with two keys: one that limits power and responsiveness for novice riders and another that releases the full potential in experienced hands. The 300LX is powered by a supercharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which has a one-touch, low-speed wake mode and cruise control. The padded handlebar can house a waterproof GPS navigation unit, and five-way adjustment for optimum comfort. Seating’s for three, if you can hang on tight enough. RRP: A$21,999.
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Mountain high
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The Cannondale Jekyll Carbon 1 is the current pinnacle of mountain bikes. As the name implies, the frame is made from carbon-fibre, the same lightweight, high-strengthmaterial that Formula One cars are made of. It tips the scales at just 11 kilograms, ready to ride. “Jekyll” presumably refers to its twin personalities: it has height-adjustable suspension at the flick of a lever – just like the latest luxury 4WDs – designed for comfort or ground clearance. RRP: A$6,999.
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