MAXIM Australia April 2023

As far as we know Bugatti aren’t associated with SpaceX, but that hasn’t stopped them from making an open top missile – disguised as the Bugatti W16 Mistral. It lays claim to being the first Bugatti Chiron-based roadster, and the fastest roadster to come out of Molsheim, but also sadly, the last of the W16’s. This roadster bids adieu to the French hypercar’s 8.0 litre quad-turbo W16 engine, the one that borrows its name from its cylinders and ‘W’ configuration. The Mistral has a unique body, but is a Chiron nonetheless. Instead of a proper roof, it gets a cover to keep the seats dry when parked, but can’t be used on the move - a tarp in other words. To improve airflow, the rear side intakes are for the oil cooler,…

For the most part, French automaker Renault is known for keeping a low profile. But lately, they’ve been kicking things up a notch with some riskier concepts. A few years ago, they won the Best Concept Car of the Year award with their Trezor concept project at the Festival Automobile International. Now comes their latest futuristic design offering: the Renault EZ-Tournee. Designed by automotive designer Artyom Trofimenko, the Tournee is a supercar concept unlike anything you've seen before. It’s targeted at 30-45 year old males, mainly due to the lack of space as well as being strictly a two-seater like Renault's own 2018 EZ-Ultimo concept. Created with Renault's signature styling, it looks more like a car from an old-fashioned Sci-Fi movie than something you'd see on the road today, with a minimalist…

Similar to Porsche’s 911, Harley Davidson’s Sportster brand is so iconic, that the release of each edition carries an enormous weight – so no pressure for the 2023 model. Since 1957, bikes flexing the Sportster name, from the XL to the XR-750, have been some of Harley’s most exciting and unique offerings. But while this new bike may wear the nameplate, it’s a different beast. Out front, the fenderless oversized tyre set up gives a sly wink to the bobber, while down below, cast-aluminium five-spoke wheels give a modern take on a retro look. With pushrods and open exhausts well in the rear view, the new engine had to be potent and stable enough – while meeting modern emissions standards. Harley’s solution? They took a 1252cc Revolution Max engine from the Pan America,…

Looks like the engineers/designers at Kawasaki have been on a Transformers binge – judging by their new electric three-wheeled effort. The first ever J Concept was actually unveiled in 2013 during the Tokyo Motor Show, so this idea has been a sleeper. But now that Honda are offering self-balancing motorcycles and Yamaha are developing three-wheeled creations – Kawasaki thought we needed reminding. Kawasaki's new J motorcycle appears to combine a rowing machine, a Tron Lightcycle and Yamaha’s Tesseract concept. It’s not only electric, but transforms from a narrow-track three-wheeler into a wide-tracker with the front twin-wheel suspension fitting onto the existing frame. With a massive set of rear wheels, and levers in place of handlebars, the J is able to morph from a low riding position (Sport Mode) that allows cornering at…

Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m Australian born but everyone thinks I’m European. I’m hardworking, ambitious, creative and extremely resilient. I love doing anything that allows to me express my creativity – whether it’s music, designing, social media, creative directing or modelling, being creative is when I’m the happiest. What would people be most surprised to know about you? I did dancing my whole childhood and competed religiously – you wouldn’t be able to tell with how I dance now, though. What is your best asset? Probably my determination – if I want something I will become extremely determined and resourceful to make it happen – nothing is impossible to me. When do you feel sexy? I believe sexiness comes from within – if you feel good you look good, right? I feel the sexiest when…

WOMAN OF THE YEAR MARGOT ROBBIE Not only did she take out her third No.1 spot in the MAXIM AUSTRALIA HOT 100 title last November, Margot also remains one of the leading “it” girls of Tinseltown and the actress of choice for Hollywood’s auteurs. This year is shaping up to be a busy one for her, as she takes on the role of the original blonde bombshell in Greta Gerwig’s much-hyped Barbie as well as a supporting role in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. All hail our Queen Margot! RUNNER-UP JACINDA ARDERN In January, Jacinda Ardern resigned as Prime Minister of New Zealand after five years in the top job. Internationally lauded as a symbol of strong leftist leadership, Ardern’s legacy will undoubtedly include her empathy and effective action following the Christchurch Mosque shooting, as…