TOYOTA ZONE

Future

“The FT-1 concept And yet, there is a striking difference between
is a symbol that these two duelling brothers – the variation
captures elements was noticeable, sticking to your mind like taffy,
of the emotion exhuming the Hot Wheels from your childhood
and energy we with its dashing Red.
can expect to see
in future Toyota The roll off from each and every panel gives the
vehicles designs” FT-1 a noticeable distinction over its successor.
Obviously vibrant, yet appropriately dressed, as
a lady would don a like garment for the evening
– the attention drawn is justified, as is the desire.
The FT-1 is speculated to be a concept geared
toward something, with a price-tag in the ball-
park of $60,000…

We could close out with the same pipe of
hopes and dreams, but, that would simply mean
we weren’t listening.

51

BOUND 2

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is pleased to announce the renewal of the Toyota
Free State Cheetahs sponsorship for another three years. This contract will include the
title sponsorship for the SuperRugby team as well as the Currie Cup and junior teams.

TSAM over the past three years has The next three years for Toyota and the
cemented its support and commitment Cheetahs will focus on engaging with fans and
to both the Cheetahs and the Free State. supporters around South Africa and the world.
The sponsorship has created incredible This kicked off with a partnership with Toyota
opportunities for Toyota to interact with not only Verblitz in Japan. This partnership, established
Cheetahs fans but rugby supporters across South in 2015, will see the two clubs share personnel
Africa. The sponsorship has included coaching and players to foster talent and growth for both
clinics for children in Bloemfontein, a Fan of the clubs. This partnership has already seen former
Match award at every home game, Toyota Owners Springbok, Os du Randt travel to Japan as forward
Parking and a new edition Toyota Day. and scrum coach of Verblitz. It has also seen a

52

Sport & Adventure

player exchange between the two clubs, of which, The next three years
lock Francois Uys was the first player to transfer to for Toyota and the
the Japanese Club. Cheetahs will focus
on engaging with
Hilux Tough Ambassadors fans and supporters
A new addition to the contract is the title around South Africa
sponsorship of the Free State Stadium which will and the world
become the Toyota Stadium.
surrounding areas. Toyota has been involved
“The Free State is home to a lot of rugby talent in sport for a long time and we believe it is an
on and off the field. We are proud to be associated important part of youth development. It is also
with the Free State Rugby Union and stadium. We important as the Stadium sponsorship will allow us
believe that a holistic sponsorship of the union to talk to a new audience.”
creates a unique opportunity for the Toyota brand
to not only be associated with rugby but with other “Toyota wishes the Cheetahs the best of luck
sporting codes as well,” says Calvyn Hamman, for the season ahead. We are confident that they
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at will play their hearts out and make us and all their
Toyota South Africa Motors. supporters proud,” concludes Hamman.

The Toyota Stadium will be clad in the Toyota
Red with exterior signage and projections on
the building that will light up the Bloemfontein
sky at night. All of this will complement the
existing interior signage including the new
Toyota red player seats.

“All of this activity will supplement the annual
activations like Toyota Day. This sponsorship is
important to Toyota for the opportunities it creates
for young talented players in the Free State and

53

THE ODYSSEY

A tough race. A tougher bakkie.
Hilux Claims Podium Finish at the
Dakar rally 2016

L ast year’s second-placed driver, Giniel de
Villiers (#301) of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
South Africa, was more focused on avoiding
risks, but Bernhard ten Brinke (#311
OVERDRIVE TOYOTA), who finished overall 7th last
year, was pleasantly surprised to come in first and
lead out the rally proper – a 404km liaison section
from Rosario to Villa Carlos Paz and a 258km high-
speed, rollercoaster-like SS (Special Section) on
dangerously undulating mountain paths.
Competitors from the Moto category left the
bivouac – where rally participants camp – for the
Special Stage at 04:00, with the Auto category
departing at 07:13. Disappointingly, for revved-
up drivers and co-drivers alike, thunderous
clouds were spotted at the liaison – the section
between the bivouac and the Special Stage –
instantly transforming the farms each side of the
road into soaking paddy fields. The organiser
therefore decided to cancel the Special Stage in
the interests of safety.
54

Motorsport
55

“Twenty-two of the 66 cars that completed
all the stages were Toyotas and of those that
completed the entire race, more were bearing
the Toyota emblem than any other brand proof
that the only place you want to be sat in the
Dakar Rally is a Toyota!”

More misty rain the next drivability. Up next: the 663km in the Pacific – continued to
morning meant Stage 2 was Stage 3 that would present more mess with the drivers in Stage 3.
also shortened slightly from of the same – lots of narrow, Heavy rain quickly turned roads
461km to 386 km, but all the winding paths where it’s difficult into rivers, requiring delicate
drivers did commence without to overtake – with dust affecting breaking, cautious steering and
any setbacks. Time-sapping visibility and rain affecting grip. impeccable concentration.
bogs were the main obstacle
of the day, but Toyota Hilux A second wind Giniel de Villiers sustained a
succeeded in securing half of El Niño – severe weather puncture a paltry 14km from
the top 10 places, once again patterns caused by the cycle of the finish, but his TOYOTA
demonstrating its rough road warm and cold temperatures GAZOO Racing Hilux continued
to revel in the conditions, so he

56

Motorsport

Explores “Anticipation”

The new installation from Canadian artist and writer Douglas Coupland

57

Motorsport

persevered without changing to keep up with the diesel turbo Things you may not
tyres to take 4th place. vehicles at this altitude”, but
made 5th. And another solid Dakarhave known about the
Despite mud-covered early performance from Nicolas Gibon 2016
morning bivouacs and altitudes in the TOYOTA AUTO BODY
averaging 3,500m, the rain did not Team Land Cruiser enabled 354 vehicles
play as much of a part in Stage 4, him to retain top spot in the
though the lack of oxygen would Production category. were entered for the marathon race
be a test of the participants’ (110 race cars, 189 motorcycles
heart and lungs and put an extra And so onto Stage 6 with and 55 trucks)
burden on the normally-aspirated clear blue skies (at last!), a
V8 Hilux engine. gruelling 542km burn around Number of TOYOTAs that started the
the Salar de Uyuni salt flats and
A gallant effort from Giniel de a display of solidarity to make race 37.8% (42/111); Cars
Villiers resulted in an 11th place any team proud. THAT FinishED 42.4% (28/66)
finish; Leeroy Poulter (#319
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Yazeer Alrajhi reached the 18 / 74
Africa) fell way off the pace into finish in 3rd and Leeroy was
24th but recovered admirably running a competitive 8th The youngest / oldest competitors
into 7th; and Yazeed Alrajhi (#305 before his vehicle overturned
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South near the 450km mark. It was Rosario {Finish},
Africa) battled in the dust trails a bitter blow for the South The birthplace of former Ernesto
of the vehicle in front to clock an African, but his countryman
equally praiseworthy 6th. Giniel de Villiers was positioned ’Che’ Gueveraand
just behind him at the time Lionel Messi
In the first part of the of the incident and selflessly
Marathon Stage, Dakar drivers stopped to help Poulter recover To manage the event organisers used;
had trekked around Jujuy at high and complete the stage.
altitudes, then left the bivouac 7 planes,
for Uyuni without receiving any In his Land Cruiser, Production 12 helicopters,
maintenance by the mechanics. category-leader Nicolas Gibon 10 buses, 50 trucks and
The 38th crippling Dakar was overcame a broken radiator
now in full swing and the Toyota in this stage and, working 60 cars
teams were going well. alongside his team-mate Akira
Miura, was still able to see it OVER 2800 people
Take the high road through to the finish line.
Unfortunately, considering his per day from one bivouac to the next
steady progress in the rally, Nearing the halfway point
de Villiers’ TOYOTA GAZOO of the rally and while smooth, a total of 70 TV networks
Racing Hilux lost three minutes high-speed runs were once broadcast over 1200 hours of
due to a puncture on Stage 5, again craved by the drivers, coverage to 190 countries
condemning him to 7th place. they were still to be disrupted
Leeroy complained of “struggling by thunderous downpours.
As a well-deserved day of rest

Toyota Completion rate at the past five events

Start 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Finish 161 153 147 137 111
Completion Rate 76 91 62 67 66
47.2% 59.4%* 42.1% 48.9% 42.4%

58

“By far the toughest bivouac
on the race has to be the one at
Uyuni in Bolivia, on the edge of the

biggest salt lake in the world”

loomed, the Toyota drivers Yazeed Alrajhi (#305 TOYOTA
acknowledged the first half as GAZOO Racing South Africa)
a battle of endurance in harsh and Vladimir Vasilyev (#307
altitude and set their minds G-ENERGY TEAM) coming in 8th
to upping the ante in the high and 9th place respectively.
temperatures and dune-ridden
roads leading back to Rosario. A line in the sand
What a sand- and rock-covered
Looking back at the results relief Stage 8 was for most
of the first half: in 6th place, competitors with relatively easy-
33 minutes and 41 seconds to-drive, hard-surfaced, off-road
behind the overall leader, is sections benefitting Leeroy
Giniel de Villiers (#301 TOYOTA Poulter, who ascend to third
GAZOO Racing South Africa); overall, but thwarting de Villiers,
Leeroy Poulter (#319 TOYOTA who got caught in the Camelthorn
GAZOO Racing South Africa) and lost a huge 17 minutes.
was positioned 7th; with

59

Future

LEXUS KINETIC
SEAT CONCEPT

The Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept lets the Japanese brand imagine a more comfortable
way for people to sit in a vehicle
60

Future
61

Future

L exus will show its revolutionary Kinetic Seat The seat frame upholstery consists of a spider’s
Concept as a stand-alone feature for the web-pattern net with threads that radiate from
first time on its stand at the Paris motor the centre of the back rest. The net is flexible
show, revealing a revolutionary design that enough to closely fit the shape of the occupant’s
re-valuates the principles of car seat occupancy. body, dispersing the load to make it possible to sit
In the human body, the spine acts to keep the comfortably for prolonged periods.
head stable; it allows the pelvis and chest to rotate
in opposite directions while keeping the head in The centre of the back rest is at shoulder blade
place, even when walking or jogging. height, which induces rotational movement of the
Lexus has sought to recreate this movement with chest around the seat’s pivotal axis. This helps keep
its Kinetic Seat Concept, in which the seat cushion the head stable and ensure a high level of support.
and back rest are designed to move in relation to The seat has a slimmer design, which helps reduce
occupant weight and external force. Thus, simply the vehicle’s overall weight.
sitting in the seat helps stabilise head movement
caused by the motion of the vehicle, keeping the The threads that form the back rest’s
occupant’s field of vision steady and making driving spider’s web-pattern construction are made
easier and more comfortable. from environmentally friendly synthetic spider
silk materials*, instead of petroleum-derived
Features: substances. The main component of this material
• Revolutionary fibre net construction is protein, created using microbial fermentation,
then spun and processed into a new material with
re-evaluates the principles of car superior shock absorption (toughness) properties.
seat occupancy
“The threads
• Rotational movement of the cushion and that form the
back rest simulates the way in which back rest’s spider’s
human mobility uses spinal movement to web-pattern
help keep the head stable construction are
made from
• Spider’s web-pattern flexible net closely environmentally
fits the occupant’s body shape, dispersing friendly synthetic
load to provide prolonged seat comfort spider silk
and body support materials”

• The back rest threads are made from
environmentally friendly synthetic spider
silk materials

62

Future

Spider’s Web-pattern

The main component of this material is protein, created using microbial fermentation, then spun and processed into
a new material with superior shock absorption (toughness) properties

63

Product
64

Product

The New Breed

Experience the 2017 Lexus RX, with its
captivating style, dynamic performance
and stunning interior

I n this freelancing game I wear a few different
hats, and the latest one comes with the
label: “Stand-in Guy”. This is brilliant because
it allows me to go on launches for well-
known magazines and websites when their usual
representatives can’t make it for whatever reason.
Selfishly, I’m not too bothered about their reasons
because launches are always good fun and I get
to travel and see things I normally wouldn’t, not
to mention the cars of course. For this stand-in
session I was to attend the launch of the new Lexus
RX model in SA, the 4th generation of this Japanese
premium brand’s luxury SUV.
The launch took place in Nelspruit which
meant there was a short flight to the biggest
thatch structure I’ve ever seen. Yup, the airport in
Nelspruit is a thatch building, the surprises never
end. Nelspruit is up near Kruger Park so we soon
figured out that we’d have an awesome route to
drive, and with the Lexus RX being an SUV, the

65

route would be made up of great tar roads and and touch the power button and you’re good to go,
some even better sand roads. eliminating unsightly wires strung across the cabin,

The older Lexus is a big thing and it looks good, So what powers the new Lexus RX models?
but seeing the new ones lined up at the airport Nice and revvy (that is a word, ok!) V6 lumps,
revealed a much better, meaner looking SUV, angles but they differ vastly between the two versions.
everywhere as well as a ‘floating roof’ design created In the RX350 we find a powerful and responsive
with a blacked out C-pillar. The new Lexus RX falls in normally aspirated V6 that pushes out 221kW and
line with the rest of the Lexus range thanks to the 370Nm. Coupled to a great 8-speed sequential shift
inclusion of the spindle design front and rear. This transmission, the RX350 is a pleasure to drive in any
new RX is 120mm longer and 10mm wider with a of the three drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport).
20mm lower height that makes the body look a fair
bit larger. Coupled to an increased wheelbase and There’s new software in the gearbox called Linear
track, the Lexus interior now features more usable Drive-force Management that monitors throttle
space too. Adding to the fresh new looks, the RX350 input and driving style. The system is now capable
rolls on 20-inch wheels (featuring a Sonic Titanium of initiating fast, seamless downshifts to keep
colour inserts - a world first). momentum coming out of corners and bends. The
RX350 isn’t slow by any means, it’s spot on for what an
The interior of the RX350 was finished in Ivory
(or cappuccino if you try name it yourself), a
combination of cream and brown leather that
it looks good but may not be very kiddie proof.
Japanese styling cues are different to what you find
in the German competitors, and with lots of input
from Yamaha, it’s something quite special. The RX
has an abundance of features, too many to rattle
off here without sounding like a press release,
but if I’m lucky enough to get one of these SUVs
to review, I’ll delve a little deeper into all the tech.
One bit worth a mention is the wireless charging
for the Samsung S6, which I happen to use. You
slide your phone to the front of the centre console

66

Product

Japanese styling
cues are different to
what you find in the
German competitors

SUV should be able to do, but these days premium 123kW on tap as well as another 50kW motor
SUVs also have supercar performance, and for that found in the E-Four AWD system.
the RX would need more power with maybe some
form of forced induction. RX350 performed flawlessly The drive is just as smooth as in the RX350,
on the twisty tar roads and it smoothed out the possibly even more so thanks to the CVT
bumpy and corrugated sand roads. transmission. I’m not a fan of this setup, the
8-speed auto would have made the 450h that
The hybrid RX450h was day two’s transportation, much better. The EV mode seems to not work
although from the outside if you’re not paying above 20km/h though, but more driving and
attention only the badge is an indication of the testing is needed to properly report on how it
different model. A closer look shows that the 450h works and the benefits it offers.
rolls on a different style wheel and features tri-LED
headlights and sequential LED indicators that work The interior is mostly the same as the 350 apart
together with the DRLs. The interior was black, from some screens and settings relating to the
which I much prefer to the Ivory of the 350. There’s hybrid system. There is the addition of an awesome
also a V6 in play that produces 193kW and 335Nm, Mark Levinson sound system that’s crystal clear
but it’s combined with a front electric motor with and loud enough so you have to shout at your
passengers when you want to chat.

67

Product

The RX has an are many out there who want the premium model
abundance of features, of the premium brand and the hybrid 450h will tick
too many to rattle off all the boxes for them. The Lexus RX350 is set to
here without sounding retail at R799 000-00 and RX450h comes in a R999
like a press release 000-00 - all options included.

The new Lexus RX is a definite step up on the On pricing the RX models are definitely set to
previous model in every respect (which is a little compete with the other premium brands, but they
obvious actually otherwise what’s the point of a do have a tough fight on their hands in SA where
new model?), but especially the looks department. people are quite set in their ways. I think the fact
If I were to choose, my money would go to the that Lexus doesn’t shift numbers like it does in the
RX350 based on a combination of not having a CVT States plays into the brand’s favour, it makes them
gearbox and keeping R200k in the bank, but there a little more exclusive, and in this segment that
means a lot to many people.

On the launch I drove with my usual partner in
crime, Justin Jacobs from Autodealer (catch him on
Instagram) and he set up his GoPro to record our
drive and our immediate views on the cars. If you
have some free time to spare, check it out. It’s a bit
long and we do ramble on a bit here and there, but
it’s pretty cool. It’s pretty much how we chat about
the cars when there’s no camera recording us. I
think more videos like this are in order.

68

Product

Nice and Revvy

The buyer can count on better driving experience, because this car is very comfortable

69

Art & Decor

African Luxury

A winner in the 2016 Architizer
A+Awards competing in the Private
House (XL >5000 sq ft) category, this
modern family home designed by South
Africa’s SAOTA architects will have you
drooling with envyv

N estled below Lions Head, this family
home capitalizes on spectacular
views, sits a monolithic 2,200
square foot home. Designed to take
advantage of the surrounding beauty, it has 360
views; Robben Island to the North and Camps
Bay and the Twelve Apostles to the South. The
architecture draws strength from the concrete
finish used to create monumental forms which
contrast with the copper roof.
Brief
A flexible contemporary family residence on a
spectacular but challenging site
“The owners brief was to design a flexible
contemporary family residence. The site was
spectacular requiring a design that could respond
to a challenging slopped corner site and its
aspects” says Thaabe Ramabina of SAOTA.
70

Art & Decor
71

Art & Decor

The stunning house sold for R290 Million,
the highest price ever for a house in
South Africa and Africa (2016)

Style coupled with
elegance.High-end
living with the
signature Lexus
RC Coupe. Contact
Lexus Midrand
for a quote,
011 576 9990.

Approach bedroom wings and into the central areas on the
A key strategy to create a generous level for South side of the house.
principal living rooms was to elevate the main
level on a plinth comprising of guest bedrooms Site
and secondary spaces such as the Gym, Study, The site is positioned on the ridge below Lions Head
Garage and all plant This Ground Floor is partially with 270° views of the Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay and
set into the steep site thereby maximising the the Twelve Apostles beyond. It is an extreme corner
living level and raising it above the noisy provincial site – a compact wedge of steep, predominately south-
road. A glass bridge forms the link between the facing hillside with exposure to prevailing winds and its
fragmented structures at the upper levels and longest boundary on a busy road. Careful analysis of all
permits North sunlight to shine between the site conditions largely informed the design.

72

Art & Decor

“Due to the steepness
of the site, the
structural frame of
the house virtually
follows the natural
ground level – this
inherent drama
was expressed as
part of the overall
aesthetic of the
house”

73

Architecture

01

74

The Vessel,
othfeNcewenYtorrekpi’esce
Hudson Yards

Thomas Heatherwick, the British architect,
has unveiled a plan for what has been
dubbed “New York’s Eiffel Tower”
(a €134 million giant staircase), soaring
16 storeys high in the centre of Manhattan

B ritish designer Thomas Heatherwick has
revealed a honeycomb-like structure
comprising a series of interconnected
staircases to sit at the centre of the
vast Hudson Yards development on Manhattan’s
West Side. Named Vessel, the giant sculpture
was unveiled today by Heatherwick and New
York mayor Bill de Blasio as “the centrepiece to a
grand new public space” in the under-construction
neighbourhood. It will sit in a public plaza and
gardens designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape
Architects, and among 16 skyscrapers underway as
part of the city’s largest urban development since
the 1930s Rockefeller Center.
The structure comprises a series of metal-clad
staircases and landings that connect to form
a honeycomb pattern in the shape of a tall vase
or urn. Heatherwick unveils staircase sculpture as
“centrepiece” for New York’s Hudson Yards. “In a city
full of eye-catching structures, our first thought was

75

02

76

77

Architecture 03

“In a city full
of eye-catching
structures, our
first thought was
that it shouldn’t
just be something
to look at, Instead
we wanted to make
something that
everybody could use,
touch, relate to.”

that it shouldn’t just be something to look at,” said space. Planting has been inspired by New York’s
Heatherwick. “Instead we wanted to make something distant past as a verdant woodland, with an integral
that everybody could use, touch, relate to.” 200 ft water feature and 28,000 plant species in
total. Thomas Woltz, Nelson Byrd Woltz’s principal,
Vessel is an extraordinary proposal. ‘Our describes the scheme as ‘both technologically
work couldn’t be about height in a city where complex and beautifully natural’, a public space
everything is about height, so we became ‘inspired in part by the grand piazzas of Europe,
interested in the human dimension – the most including Rome’s Piazza del Campidoglio’.
successful public spaces have the chemistry
of interaction,’ says Heatherwick. Formed from One of the iconic images of New York is Lunch
a mesh of 154 individual flights of stairs, 80 atop a Skyscraper, a vertiginous portrait of steel,
landings and endless ribbons of balustrading modernity and human adventurousness, taken
and balconies, Vessel represents one mile of during the building of the Rockefeller Center. In
stairs and walkways winding up and up in a some respects, the Vessel brings the pioneering
16-storey steel puzzle, an MC Escher-esque spirit of the early skyscraper city to life, its 2,500
construction that’s willfully ambiguous but steps offering ample challenge to those willing
intended to be totally engaging. to seek out a high-rise view, the mix of raw and
treated metal evoking the hidden cores that hold
Vessel sits among five acres of urban park up the modern city.
designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape
Architects, with input from Heatherwick’s When Vessel is finally assembled and opened
team. The new outdoor space is intended as a sometime in 2018, it’ll be up to New Yorkers to
seamless continuation of the planting and ethos decide how it’s used (and named, as Heatherwick
of the nearby High Line, as well as connecting acknowledges). ‘As far as we’re concerned we want
with the new Hudson Park & Boulevard green a great public space that people appreciate and

78

Architecture

04

adore,’ Cross says, but he admits it’s hard to predict Formed from a mesh
how many visitors will come and what they’ll do. of 154 individual
‘We’re not sure how far people will walk up,’ he says, flights of stairs,
adding that only when they saw the piece under 80 landings and
construction in Italy did they realise how theatrical endless ribbons of
the space would be. ‘It’s like a theatre in the round balustrading and
– there are a lot of ways to participate and there will balconies, Vessel
be organised and unorganised activities.’ represents one
mile of stairs and
1. Thomas Heatherwick’s eponymous studio has been employed walkways winding up
to put New York’s Hudson Yards on the map, with a building and up in a 16-storey
sculpture dubbed Vessel steel puzzle
2. The structure comprises of a mesh of 154 individual flights of
stairs, 80 landings and endless ribbons of balustrading and balconies.
3. Every element of Vessel has been designed to serve the public
space it sits in, from the narrow 50 ft base that flares out to
150 ft on the upper level, to the reflective stainless steel panels
(coated in a special copper finish) that are angled downwards to
create dynamic views from the ground
4. Vessel features one mile of stairs and walkways winding up and
up in a 16-storey steel puzzle – an MC Escher-esque construction
that’s willfully ambiguous but intended to be totally engaging.

79

Style & Fashion

Look 1//
Hugo Boss: Red Plaid Italian Virgin Wool

Dolce & Gabanna: Black Dress Shirt
John Varvatos: Burgundy ‘Austin’ Slim Fit Pants

Aspero: Bordeaux Lace up Boots
Giuseppi Zanotti Design: Leather Belt

80

sports luxe

“Street style meets sports luxe” is how I
would describe this issue’s photoshoot,
in which test drive and shoot in the new
luxury Lexus LX

W e steered the siren aesthetic away
from its ethereal stereotype to
a somewhat edgier style. That
isn’t to say, however, that these
spring/summer ensembles are in any way lacking
in beauty or femininity. Ocean-themed patterns
of shells, seahorses and seaweeds are woven
into coral pink vest tops and sea blue two-pieces,
alongside floaty dresses that reflect lapping waves.

81

Look 2//
Dolce & Gabanna: Black Dress Shirt
Dolce & Gabanna: Double Breasted Coat
Tateossian London: Black Swarovski Cufflinks
Salvatore Ferragamo: Black Cherry Velvet Blazer
John Varvatos: Double Wrap Leather Belt
Dents: Leather Driving Gloves

82

Style & Fashion

LOOK 3//
Rag & Bone: White Shirt

Palm Angels: Black Tie
Givenchy: Black Star Shoes
DSquared2: Maroon ‘Tokyo’ Suit Pants

LOOK 4//
Burberry: Blue Suit
Dents: White Smart Shirt
Giuseppi Zanotti Design: Black Leather Belt
John Varavatos: ‘Richards’ Leather Wide Zip Boots

83



Art & Decor

GUARDIANS OF
ISARRAT

The Maasai, captured like never before

K enyan photographer Osborne vMacharia This was the second series from Isarrat and
captures one of the remaining highly focuses on the mothers and home caretakers of
cultured people in the Kenya, the Maasai in the Morans when they are out in the wild. They
a style that has not been captured before. wear highly ornamented fabric and jewellery as
Isarrat is the place he found one homestead situated part of their on going tradition even in the midst
near Amboseli National Park. Within a Manyatta which and influence of the modern world. They are highly
houses Moran (warriors), he was lucky to be allowed cultured and as before we had to negotiate close to
to photograph a few of the young men after carrying three hours (while serving us tea) to get permission
gifts and extensive negotiations that went on for close to photograph. Good thing we had a guide which
to three hours. Let not their looks deceive you, they made it much easier!
are indeed warriors capable of surviving days in the
wild hunting and killing lions.

85



Design

CREATIVE
INSPIRATION

First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition
that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. Imagination,

Craftsmanship and Design has always been a fundamental part of Lexus brand

L exus has issued a call for entries for the four will be invited to produce prototypes of their
Lexus Design Award 2017, inspired by the designs, mentored by internationally acclaimed
creative theme of Yet. This reflects the ‘Yet’ designers and creatives. Their work will also be
philosophy Lexus applies to bring together displayed in the Lexus space at Milan Design
seemingly contrasting qualities in its vehicles, as Week. A panel of expert judges will assess the
Yoshihiro Sawa, Lexus International Vice President, prototypes and choose an overall grand prix winner.
explained. “At Lexus, our ‘Yet’ philosophy gives
us the courage to combine elements that at first Previous winners have progressed to further
seem incompatible – superior ride comfort, yet present their talent on the world stage. Emanuela
exhilarating driving dynamics, for example. With Corti and Ivan Parati’s Sense-Wear, the grand prix
Yet we don’t compromise; we harmonise to create winner in 2015, has appeared at design shows
synergy that reveals unexpected yet amazing new in Tokyo and Moscow. Last year’s victor, Agar
possibilities,” he said. Plasticity by AMAM, has attracted wide interest
The Lexus Design Award, now in its fifth year, and invitations to participate in other international
is an international competition that supports the exhibitions. This demonstrates how Lexus Design
ideas and work of up-and-coming designers and Award winners benefit from global publicity and
creators around the world. the potential to become involved in collaborative
Applicants are invited to submit innovative designs projects in the public and private sectors.
and original interpretations that demonstrate
insight into the competition’s theme. Twelve Entries are being accepted from today, 10
finalists will be selected to introduce their work August, through to 16 October. For more
at next year’s Milan Design Week. Among these, information about the application process, visit
LexusDesignAward.com. The 12 finalists will be
announced in early 2017.

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Travel
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Travel

Luxury Safaris

In recent years, the African safari
experience has been dialled up to levels
of high extravagance. We’re not talking
about the “Big Five” beasts — lion,
leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo
— that people pay top dollar to see.
We’re talking about the accommodation.

F or those with budgets as grand as the
sweeping plains of southern and eastern
Africa, exploring the wilderness needn’t
come at the expense of luxury.
Here’s a selection of the very best luxury has to
offer when visiting Africa. For those of you who can,
indulge away!
Kenya
Mahali Mzuri
From $800 pp/night
Despite the naming of this lodge being very wrong
grammar in Swahili (It should be called ‘Pahali Pazuri’),
the 12 suites at Richard Branson’s safari camp are
tents in name only. The units all have enormous
canopied verandas replete with roll-top bathtub and
03 infinity pool. Mahali Mzuri, Motorogi Conservancy,

Maasi Mara, Kenya; +44 208 600 0430.

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01

Botswana 02

Khwai River Lodge
From $875 pp/night

Khwai River Lodge offers enormous private viewing
platforms, complimentary Zeiss binoculars, and an
intercom system to summon room service. The
private suite features an infinity pool in which guests
can wallow while watching hippos on the riverbank
overlooking the pool doing the same. Moremi
Wildlife Reserve, Botswana; +27 21 483 1600.

South Africa 01. Up close with our neighbours at Mahali Mzuri
02. Our perfect roadtrip companion, the new Toyota Camry
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge 03. Opulence personified, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
From $1,197 pp/night 04. Bubbles, champagne and the geat outdoors at Chinzombo
05. Treehouse luxury, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
The international award winning Lion Sands Ivory 06. The ever elegant, Khwai River Lodge
Lodge is located in the heart of the game-rich Sabi
Sand Reserve, adjacent to the world- renowned Kruger
National Park. Guests can expect nothing short of a
classic safari experience at this exclusive lodge, offering
the very highest standards of service and situated in an
area known for its spectacular predator viewing. Kruger
National Park, South Africa; +27 15 793 0150.

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03

‘Piece de Résistance’

Utterly private, very intimate and astonishingly beautiful, the Lodge offers a discreet and personally tailored
experience to guests who are connoisseurs of Life’s finer things.

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04

05

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the African safari
experience has
been dialled up
to levels of high
06 extravagance

Zambia Tanzania

Chinzombo Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
From $254 pp/night From $555 pp/night

Chinzombo boasts 6 villas which all have private The words “tree house” might be misleading —
dining areas, lounges, libraries and tree-shaded there’s not a splintered plank in sight. Instead, there
pools with viewing decks. The camp is surrounded are freestanding bath tubs (complete with a nightly
by 60 acres of private land, and its position on sprinkling of rose petals) and enormous bathrooms
the banks of the Luangwa River means there’s no with twin sinks and split-level living areas. The Lodge
shortage of wildlife. South Luangwa National Park, is renowned for its romantic stilted tree house suites.
Zambia, +44 1980 849160. Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania; +27 11 809 4300.

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Interview

INTERVIEW WITH
JAMES ROSSITER

Lexus driver James Rossiter explains the importance of
teamwork in his race for victory

“Racing is the only thing I “The key to success
ever wanted to do,” says in motorsport is
professional racing driver the relationship
James Rossiter. “It’s imprinted between drivers and
in my DNA.” The 31-year-old Englishman, who engineers”
joined Lexus’ Super GT Team in 2012, began
visiting circuits as a child – before his feet could
even touch the pedals. His father was a driver,
and the Rossiter family followed him to races
around the world. “My father actually didn’t want
me to get into the business,” Rossiter says. “He
understood the challenges associated with the
profession, but I’ve had this spurring passion for
as long as I can remember. And this is the key to
becoming a racing driver.”

“It all happened very quickly,” Rossiter recalls
when asked about the moment he joined the
Lexus team. “One of my friends was moving on,
and he believed I would be good to replace him.”
Rossiter was brought in to do a test, and the next
thing he knew he had a contract. “Becoming a
driver for Lexus depends on your performance but
also on your spirit,” he says. “You have to be the
right fit for Lexus and the team.”

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Interview

Rossiter’s first line of duty as a Lexus driver is his “The key to success in motorsport is the
performance on the track. But his job incorporates relationship between drivers and engineers: we
a variety of other roles, not least as the linchpin of let our engineers know exactly what we need as
a close collaborative team whose members are all drivers to achieve ultimate performance,” explains
striving for pole position. In testing he works closely Rossiter, who worked closely with the Lexus team
with Lexus engineers on the tuning and amelioration to develop his car’s aerodynamics. “Aerodynamics
of his car, the new Lexus RC F GT500, providing are very important to the speed of the car and
feedback and direction for future improvements. its balance through corners. The changes we
make can seem small, but when you’re taking
Team mechanics refine the car during a brief turns at 160 kilometers per hour, they make a
stop. Rossiter debriefs with one of his engineers. huge difference.” Rossiter’s role doesn’t stop at
the finish line. The work behind the scenes is
what makes a strong team, he says, and allows
the driver and the car to reach the extreme
level of performance required to challenge in a
competition like the Super GT.

“I remember a moment last month,” Rossiter
says. “My teammate got into a small accident with
the car, and the engineers worked all night, until 5
a.m., to repair it. Because of their changes, the next
day we were even faster during testing. It’s really
about the whole team; the driver is one small part
of it. I depend on the team. And I need them to
believe in me when I’m out on the circuit.”

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Interview

A TYPICAL Rossiter Testing Day

07:45 08:45 09:40 11:40 12:15

Rossiter gets the blood The team meets on the First session’s testing. Debriefing with Rossiter and his
flowing with push-ups racetrack for a quick For two hours the the engineers. teammates sit down
and squats, then grabs briefing to set the race drivers and the Rossiter must give for a quick lunch while
breakfast, with plenty day’s goals. engineers will run precise feedback to the mechanics make
of coffee. through a packed be compared with adjustments to the car
program, checking information gathered based on the results of
engine updates. by the car’s numerous the morning’s session.
data loggers.
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Interview

“Racing is the only
thing I ever wanted
to do, It’s imprinted in
my DNA.”

Rossiter visits the Lexus workshops a few times a
year. It provides him with the opportunity to keep
abreast of the improvements and updates made
to the car, follow up on ideas and conversations,
and spend time with the close-knit team. Those
visits are “occasions to all go out for dinner and
have a fun time,” Rossiter says. “We move through
everything together, every high and every low. I
may be the one in the car, but I would be nothing
without my mechanics.”

Rossiter’s passion for driving – and for Lexus’
cars – doesn’t stop at racing. He believes that his
expertise with race cars can be translated and applied
to road cars. Rossiter wants to continue working
with engineers to help improve the conception,
development, and testing of future Lexus road
cars. For Rossiter, solid collaboration between the
driver and the engineers is the key to market-leading
innovation and performance in the industry.

A typical Lexus testing day is long and hard, filled as much with high-speed driving as with in-depth analysis. While Rossiter runs
laps – two sessions: one in the morning, one in the afternoon – a team of engineers monitors his progress, periodically tweaking the
car and adapting race strategies. For Rossiter, the experience is exhausting but rewarding. “Life as a Lexus driver is intense,” he says.

13:20 13:50 14:00 16:00 18:00

Rossiter gets back Coffee break. Rossiter is back Debriefing. The team Exhaustion hits.
to the pit for a quick on track. He will regroups, discuss and Rossiter heads back
power nap in the team concentrate on race summarize the day’s to his hotel. Time to
truck – a last shot of simulations to evaluate results in detail, and unwind and regroup.
energy and a chance and record the car’s discuss different
to reset. performance over a possible strategies for
longer spin. the race.

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