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Movers & Shakers

HondaJet

More than 10 years in the making, the HondaJet, an advanced light jet with revolutionary technology has finally reached production stage and like Honda's cars, it has Japanese written all over it.

The concept for the craft was to offer both high-speed performance and high-fuel efficiency with superior comfort. Designed for two pilots and four passengers, each passenger seat has their own iPod dock with individual mini-overhead monitors that spring to life at the flick of a switch. The floor utilises effective space management giving passengers enough room to comfortably move their adjustable leather seats without invading personal space. The fully private aft lavatory features a black marble vanity and a small skylight.

The all-composite fuselage and reduced drag design provides the HondaJet with the fuel efficiency of a very light jet whilst the unique over-the-wing-engine-mount allows for a natural sound baffle that reduces noise from traditional engine configurations. Maximum cruise speed at flight level 30,000 is at a spectacular 420 KTAS attracting F-1 race driver Jensen Button to place an order for two HondaJets to be delivered in late 2012.

Aerion Supersonic Business Jet

When it comes to private jets, emphasis has been put on interiors and service - the more exclusive and plusher, the better. Few aerospace manufacturers have focused solely on speed, but Aerion Corp - an advanced aeronautical organisation headquartered in Nevada - has recently developed a private jet capable of flying from Paris to New York in just over four hours (it takes about 7.5 hours on a commercial flight).

The Aerion Supersonic Business Jet is not only visually stunning with its streamlined nose and sleek straight-wing, natural laminar flow design enabling sustained supersonic cruising on less power lowering overall weight. At its maximum speed, this SSBJ is able to sprint up to 1.6 Mach and cruise at a cool 1.5 Mach where allowed. This will allow owners to cross the Atlantic in just two hours.

Flying at supersonic speeds does not mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Aerion has created a sophisticated luxury environment with LCD lights that bathe the cabin in soothing colours. The seats have their own personalised comfort zones and recliners can be heated or cooled to individual preference. The cabin length of 30 feet allows for up to three separate seating areas with room for a galley and a sizable lavatory.

Undeterred by the US$80 million price tag, an order for the first unit has just been purchased by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.

Fearless Yacht 68

Super cars may have long been the rage in the world of motors but yachts are fast catching up. In collaboration with the internationally renowned Porsche Design Studio, boat manufacturer Fearless Yachts has developed a number of innovative high-speed performance boats that combine sleek design with custom luxury. Its latest offering, the 68, scheduled for release in September, pushes the boundaries of marine and automotive excellence.

The 68-foot craft's distinct deep V hull is created using a groundbreaking weight-saving construction process, whilst the MTU 10V 1,500HP engines coupled with a Rolls-Royce water jet drives ensures a smooth yet powerful ride of a maximum 46 knots.

But Porsche Design Studio's ability to develop original, performance-focused designs does not mean the interior has been neglected. The Fearless mission to provide the most attentive ownership experience is reflected in the bespoke living environment custom designed by 68 owners in collaboration with the Porsche Design Studio. The result is a perfect fusion of luxury, aesthetics and function.

YachtPlus Signature Series

For those whom practicality is as essential as sleek sophistication, YachtPlus has commissioned a fleet of 10 identical luxury super-yachts designed by architect Norman Foster. Founded in 2005, YachtPlus operates on the concept of fractional ownership - similar to a timeshare, but at the end of the contract term, the yachts will be sold and the owners will receive full pro-rated proceeds from the sale.

The design concept is the result of the work of a team of architects at Foster and Partners in both London and Italy, headed by Sir Norman. The 40 'Signature Series' is thus markedly drawn from his architectural work on hotels and residences. The four-deck yachts have an overall length of 41 metres and will have five suites for up to 10 guests at any one time that will be looked after by a permanent crew of seven experienced staff.

Special focus was given to the quality of light and views, with all large indoor and outdoor areas benefiting from the maximised use of light, including the 53 square metre master suite which has two private balconies. Built with versatility and function in mind, the craft includes a garage consisting of two compartments, a cappuccino bar and massage area.

This wouldn't be complete with a 24/7 lifestyle management team available to handle all requests. YachtPlus is offering an eighth share in each of the 10 yachts with a buy-in fee of US$2.8 million ensuring the owner 34 nights a year of unparalleled luxury, privacy and comfort.

Aston Martin Rapide

Power and practicality have been the buzz in super cars of late, and the Rapide is no exception. Formally unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, the latest Aston Martin to roll out is designed to compete against the flurry of four-door coupes that rivals BMW, Audi and Porsche will unleash over the next year.

Though the Rapide references the 1960's Lagonda in name, the car itself is based on the tight stance of the DB9 with its high-strength, low-mass V/H (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture that is standard in the latest generation of Aston Martins.

Designed with extra passengers in mind, the 'swan wing' doors cut deep increasing the width of the opening for better access. The dashboard is driver-focused but its satellite navigation is accessible to all passengers, including those in the back. The Vantage-inspired hatchback creates a roomy rear-luggage compartment allowing for greater storage space. And for road trips, a chiller cabinet is in the boot.

The extra weight and space have done nothing to diminish its speed which remains superlative. Its V12 engine and 480-brake horsepower mated to a ZF Touchtronic gearbox allows it to move from 0-60mph in under five seconds.

Ferrari California

Much has been said about the revival of the California name, but whatever the cause of concern, there is no doubt the latest member of the Prancing Horse's family is stunning. Defined by power and performance, the California flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new California boasts an aluminium chassis and bodywork and will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted in the mid-front position.

Available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top, the 4,300 cc V8 engine and traditional transaxle layout, allowing the California to sprint from 0 to 60mph in less than four seconds.

For the first time, there will be no manual gearbox. Power is 30bhp down on the F340 and the torque is slightly increased to create a more accessible car that is actually drivable. Though less aggressive than its predecessors, the California is a more mature car aimed at practical car aficionados looking for sporty design and versatile innovation.

The Ferrari California will be officially launched in October at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris.

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