Sleepy Floyd is wide awake :)
17
Feb
Champagne and Gallardos – The Backstory
Have you ever envisioned in your mind’s eye just what a perfect moment, inside a perfect afternoon, unfolding into a perfect evening would look like? A dream you’d hope you wouldn’t awaken from, shared with Another.
Try to imagine how this scene would play out inside your heart and soul.
Such is the challenge we have as producers when we try to create a concept we can build around and bring to life, telling a story and creating the magic you were just imagining. When that gleaming, white Lamborghini Gallardo first arrived, so striking with its elegant lines and pristine appearance, I was mesmerized.
Leif and Cate Wombwell, frequented an upscale wine bar and restaurant, the Corkbuzz, in the SouthPark area in Charlotte. This amazing establishment celebrates good living through the pairing of innovative food items and an extensive wine selection with master sommelier, Laura Maniec, and the talented staff at the helm. We will introduce these fine individuals in a special write-up very soon.
The Corkbuzz has an elegant courtyard and seating area that will serve as the backdrop for the story unfolding as our actors appeared on-location. To carefully control the lighting, we decided to shoot this video at first light. We cast actors, Amanda Lynae Dial, and Ryan Rudisuhli, to create some onscreen magic as a young but affluent couple that choose to take some time to enjoy the world they have created for themselves.
Thanks to Starbucks, and the excitement of shooting such an amazing auto with our talented cast, we shook off the yawns and commenced the sound checks. Cinematographer, Andre Solodankin, and his wife Mercy, the filmmaking duo , were on hand, with other film crew members supervised by their young daughter. When the Gallardo roared to life during the sound checks, the immense power of its engines ricocheted throughout the whole area to the dismay of sleeping residents inside their fine townhomes! No more than a few minutes later, residents appeared on scene in bathrobes, and it’s my job to keep the peace!
Sound checks aside, we began taping the interactions between our actors in the sumptuous interior, as well as the action scenes with the car in motion. Andre, and his crew member, Michael Davis, literally hung out of the lead vehicle in midair with his camera slung below him. The results are simply amazing as his slick camera work perfectly unveils the beauty of this machine in the motion sequences in the video. Our actor, Ryan Rudisuhli, expertly guided the Gallardo through the maze of narrow streets that make up the complex. Again and again he returned to the spot where he would soon begin a transformative experience.
Actors Amanda Lynae Dial, and Ryan Rudisuhli, needed little coaching from either Andre, or myself. Their on-location chemistry was palpable, and we knew this was going to be a great shoot! The couple were dressed in evening wear, about to embark on an evening of fine dining and spirits out on the town. Ryan, decked out in a sleek black tuxedo, looked every bit the part of a successful, young entrepreneur, right down to his Luxerman timepiece, and John Hardy sapphire cufflinks. Amanda was stunning in a very simple black dress that clung to her marvelously.
Andre’s masterful control of his camera, and his unique shooting style, made the Lamborghini leap to life. Once the taping on the exterior with the car was completed, our cast and crew began shooting inside the Corkbuzz restaurant. The elegant interior of the Corkbuzz was the perfect backdrop for our actors as they sipped Champagne at the bar. Ryan and Amanda lit up the room as they reveled in the company of one another.
That perfect moment we had hoped to create, sparked into existence in the gazes of our young actors!
That perfect moment we had hoped to create, sparked into existence in the gazes of our young actors!
Just outside the restaurant, the Gallardo gleamed in the midmorning light. Soon the restaurant would open for lunch, but not before this machine announced it’s departure from the scene. Leif, and the white Gallardo, sped from the scene. Mission accomplished the crew left the scene, anxious to see what would happen in the editing room in the weeks to come.
Beauty and the Aston – Behind the Scenes
The “Cars and Caviar” team jumped at the opportunity to shoot an Aston Martin! This sleek, white machine, has a slightly understated elegance with it’s simple and clean lines. What lies underneath the gleaming exterior is a different matter altogether.
We had only a short time to work with this fine car, and so we decided to shoot editorial photos in lieu of a video. We contacted filmmaker, Logan O’Neil, and asked if he would appear in the photos on short notice. It took no wrangling, and he was eagerly onboard. We thought we would spice up the concept by having Logan appear opposite the sultry, Tatianna Bird, a “Cars and Caviar” team member, who does hair and makeup design for this site.
We fitted Logan with a retro looking smoking jacket by Hugo Boss, along with a sleek Versace shirt and Alexander McQueen shoes. Costa sunglasses completed the look. Tatianna wore a stunning iridescent dress, that would capture and then reflect the late afternoon sun. Our original shoot location was to be on a garage rooftop with the skyline at sunset, but this proved to be problematic as cranes and new high-rises under construction marred the view from locations we had scouted recently. At the last minute, we chose the Fountain shopping plaza, with it’s namesake water feature.
When the team arrived on-location, Leif Wombwell was waiting just outside the Aston Martin, taking in it’s form and obviously invigorated by driving the machine to the plaza. Our daylight was quickly fading, and we had to continually move the car to keep up with the retreating light. Tatianna, and her sequined dress, electrified the scene despite the fading light. She simply appeared resplendent and sharply contrasted with Logan’s black on black attire.
Logan and Tatianna got along famously. Placing Tatianna behind the wheel was a great idea, and changed the mechanics of the shoot a great deal. The owners of “Ryze-Up Magazine, Brian and Kae Ingram, kept us company on set and provided us with some nice behind the scenes photos. As the afternoon slipped into evening, the light was waning despite Tatianna’s dress! It was time to wrap.
Logan could not resist the urge to engage the Aston in a spirited drive around the parking area, to squeals of delight from Tatianna as this understated beauty of a machine revealed the power packed under it’s exterior!
The Insane Huracan!
When writing an article on a car it’s perhaps best to keep the reader guessing until the end of the article to reveal the punchline but let’s just get this out of the way. This is my favorite car I have ever driven.
This is my favorite car I have ever driven.
There’s part of my brain, perhaps hard wired from birth, that just starts to tingle when I drive something truly special, and this Huracan lit it up like a thermonuclear detonation.
The exterior lines are a strikingly gorgeous design, but unlike the Gallardo which was also gorgeous, the interior doesn’t look like a 1990’s Kia, it is a thoroughly modern and beautiful place to spend time.
The interior is a revelation after the Gallardo – quality everywhere – comfortable seats, logical and well out together switch gear, although the minuscule sat nav is waste of space and when everyone has it free on their phones probably not worth the sizeable premium.
My major compliant with the Gallardo was the transmission but on the Huracan the old single clutch has now been replaced with a thoroughly modern duel clutch transmission that is just as comfortable posing your way to the front of the valet at the club as it is tearing around a track at warp speed.
The huge metal paddle shifters look and feel great, but unlike the Gallardo they are not necessary in order to make rapid (or indeed smooth) progress. Some might say it’s lost some of it’s super car magic, a Lamborghini that’s easy to drive? But that’s crap – sometimes you need to be able to take one hand off the wheel and just drive smoothly without the risk of being thrown off the road.
The mood the car can be instantly changed by using the “anima” or “soul” switch on the steering wheel. There is “Strada”, soft, supple, and perfect for cruising slowly through your adoring audience. There is also “Corsa” which gives brutal gear changes, and even allows you to fully disengage the stability control, this is best saved for the track.
Best of the bunch is “Sport” which became my default choice. Instead of a stiff and jerky shift, the transmission is more in the chill mode of “Strada” but you get the full bore sports exhaust wail of the race mode.
The sound and shape are literally jaw dropping. It is literally impossible to drive this car without people stopping, asking questions, camera phones out, or wanting to race. In particular early 2000s Mustangs seem to feel the need to rev their engines hard and try their hardest to pass as loudly as possible, but like the guy with nothing to prove, you can be happy to just cruise along knowing that with a flick of a toe they would be dust.
In particular early 2000s Mustangs seem to feel the need to rev their engines hard and try their hardest to pass as loudly as possible, but like the guy with nothing to prove, you can be happy to just cruise along knowing that with a flick of a toe they would be dust.
The 610 horsepower v10 is the last of the naturally aspirated junior super cars, and the engine is a marvel. It is simply glorious. There is not the low-end kick of a turbo charged engine, the thrust builds steadily until you hit around 6500 rpm and then it literally explodes hurtling you and your passenger toward the horizon is a blur with a deafening and glorious roar. It is a thoroughly addictive experience.
It is simply glorious.
In fact keeping any semblance of a speed limit is a challenge in this thing – warp drive is so addictive and sounds amazing – but just how fast can you get to 45 miles per hour? Not that you can drive this thing fast on a normal road anyway as cars literally box you in to get a better look camera phones at the ready. In fact if I was a single guy I can imagine that getting phones numbers in this thing would easier than taking candy from a baby.
Even middle age ladies at the grocery store stop in their tracks – the kind that couldn’t tell a Porsche from a Ford Probe. That is the effect of a Lamborghini.
Even middle age ladies at the grocery store stop in their tracks – the kind that couldn’t tell a Porsche from a Ford Probe. That is the effect of a Lamborghini.
It’s beautiful. Lambos are always dramatic, but the lines on this are gorgeous. Understated if that is something possible to say about a Lamborghini. It exists not only as eye candy, but is a genuinely world class car that will bring delight not only being driven, to those who are lucky enough to see if roar past, but also to the owner that can smile and know that in their garage is one of the most awesome cars ever made.
Do you yourself a favor and check out the Huracans that our friends over at Lamborghini Carolinas have in stock by clicking the link below. Trust me you will not be sorry.
The awesome AMG GTS!
So you have just over a hundred grand burning a whole in your pocket for the sports car of your dreams, the default choice has to be a Porsche 911. Maybe also the Corvette ZO6, which is a rocket ship. No doubt the AMG GTS enters into an extremely tough sector of the market in terms of competition, but it more than holds its own against its rivals, but let there be no doubt AMG has produced a very special car which is more than capable of challenging for the title of best in class.
AMG has produced a special car which is more than capable of challenging for the title of best in class.
From the outside, it’s difficult to argue that it isn’t a simply gorgeous looking car. The lines are stunning, with a classic smooth cigar shape, unadorned with spoilers and do-dads that will no doubt be a classic 50 years from now.
Despite the move to turbo charging there is still a lovely deep rumble from the V8 that AMG engines are known for. With the sports exhaust button pressed the car erupts and throbs like an offshore power boat – what a sound!
It takes a little bit of getting used to driving with such a long snout sticking out in front of you, so placing in traffic (and in tight places) takes some getting used to. However all is forgotten with a sharp press on the accelerator that results in a split second of lag as the turbo gathers it’s breath and then slams you down the road with unbelievable thrust, the traction control flashing away to keep you from wrapping this beauty around the nearest telephone pole.
However all is forgotten with a sharp press on the accelerator that results in a split second of lag as the turbo gathers it’s breath and then slams you down the road with unbelievable thrust, the traction control flashing away to keep you from wrapping this beauty around the nearest telephone pole.
This thing is FAST AS HELL!!!
The AMG GTS is equally beautiful on the inside. The cabin is impeccably trimmed and despite the six figure price tag, has the feel and touch of a more expensive car.
Perhaps partly to do with the SLS predecessor, which was a MUCH more expensive car, people out and about assume that is a full blooded super car, more in league with a Lamborghini or Ferrari, than the Porsche 911 that it competes with in price. Indeed the AMG GTS passes the mobile phone test – every traffic light sees camera phones appearing and flashes popping like fire flies in spring from phone carrying children with their faces smearing the windows of every laden mini van that pulls up.
Indeed the AMG GTS passes the mobile phone test – every traffic light sees camera phones appearing and flashes popping like fire flies in spring from phone carrying children with their faces smearing the windows of every laden mini van that pulls up.
I have to admit that Cars&Caviar was not a terrible idea – in the last few weeks I have been forced to review a plethora of sports and exotic cars – and this AMG is definitely up there among my very favorites. There is one word that springs to mind when describing the AMG – it’s just plain sexy.
There is one word that springs to mind when describing the AMG – it’s just plain sexy.
In addition unlike most of the other cars that I have had the pleasure of testing – my wife really wants this one! It doesn’t have the feeling of a manhood “extension” mobile – but rather implies you already have it where it counts. And if that isn’t the ultimate endorsement of a means of transportation I don’t know what is.
The rarest of 911 Turbos is a knockout
For decades, the 911 Turbo has been the stuff of legends, and it remains so today. With a monstrous 540 hp on tap and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic doing the shifting, Porsche’s all-wheel-drive supercar can hit 60 mph in less than three seconds. The exterior styling is timelessly gorgeous, and its luxurious interior makes this precious road rocket a genuine pleasure to drive on any road, at any time.
The version we have here today is perhaps the rarest of Porsche 911 Turbos. By far the majority of Turbo buyers opt for the “S” with an additional 40 horsepower, in fact the vast majority of 911 Turbo owners opt the coupe. So this is “regular” Turbo convertible is right up there as one of the rarest cars out there.
So this is “regular” Turbo convertible is right up there as one of the rarest cars out there.
So that does that mean it gets a lot of attention? Strangely this drop dead gorgeous car was largely ignored by the public at large. In fact taking this beauty into a crowded school parking lot to pick up my daughter garnered less attention than if I had been driving an ancient Honda Civic with a tin can exhaust and go faster stripes.
In fact taking this beauty into a crowded school parking lot to pick up my daughter garnered less attention than if I had been driving an ancient Honda Civic with a tin can exhaust and go faster stripes.
However the publics loss was my gain. This is undoubtedly one of the finest means of transportation yet invented. Rather than the sledge hammer boost that used to make the old 911 Turbo such a handful, the new 911 Turbo has evolved into an executive express designed to cross continents in comfort and style.
The interior is relatively simple and beautifully made, the seats are firm and the cockpit feels snug but every square inch is masterfully crafted. Every where you touch is beautiful with the feeling that it has been crafted from one piece.
That’s not to say that the 911 Turbo has grown slow with old age. Fat maybe, definitely feels a lot heavy than 911s of old, but this thing is literally warp factor fast. Illegal speeds can be achieved in a the time it takes to sneeze. It’s unbelievable.
Not only is the 911 Turbo Star Trek fast, it is so connected to the road that it feels like man kind originally emerged from the primordial ooze, then jumped out of the trees to create this car and drive it on a winding road.
I’m not going to lie – I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!
I’m not going to lie – I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!
There is only draw back, despite the fact that this car can easily reach $200k with Porsche’s notoriously extensive (expensive?) options list, it will go unnoticed. The shape is so familiar that despite the fact that it will blow just about any other car out of the water, it remains the conservative choice.
The shape is so familiar that despite the fact that it will blow just about any other car out of the water, it remains the conservative choice.
Extroverts buy exotics, but people that want to get someone quickly and comfortably without becoming a picture on a million Instagram and Snapchat accounts buy Porsches. As a self proclaimed show off, who secretly loves the attention, that was my only disappointment with what is otherwise one of the finest cars I have ever had the pleasure of driving.
The Lamborghini Aventador Roadster
There is no such thing as a Lamborghini for the faint of heart, but this has to the most outrageously theatrical car of them all. Taking this car around the block is a seismic theatrical performance that stops traffic, causes cell phone cameras to go into overload, and makes you wish you had worn something just a little bit cooler as you know you are now on hundreds of Facebook walls.
At the risk of waxing lyrical the Lamborghini Aventador is complete immersive experience, takes everything I ever thought I knew about the exotic car experience and turns it up to 11, and that’s before you’ve even started the engine.
Even starting the car is theatrical, as you flip up the “missile armed” red cover and press the start button, immediately everyone within a mile knows you are armed and dangerous! After a rousing chorus the engine then settles into a fairly quiet idle, that is until you switch the car from STRADA to SPORT and the eruptions happen all over again. Sport Mode makes the back up “blips” and rather decent stereo useless, but it is a thoroughly intoxicating sound with a glorious V12 wail that the Huracan just can’t match.
Once I started driving the Aventador you become aware that this is a HUGE car. Despite the epic noise and pace this is actually a really comfortable car with a nicely designed and beautifully made interior. Audi switchgear is immediately obvious, but his is no bad thing as Audi interiors are a thing of beauty.
The only grip I would have is it’s hard to believe you have to manually dim the mirror on a half million-dollar car. It has been so long since I have done that by hand it took me a while to figure out why I was blinded at every nighttime intersection, especially as you are so low that people’s light are your mirror height.
When I first picked the car up I drove passed my daughters college, it was a beautiful North Carolina autumn day, and we decided to take the roof down. The roof is also rather fiddly, in fact I could never get it to stow properly. Cate (who is much more technically minded that me) managed to get it no problem, but not without risk to her freshly manicured and painted nails. However Cate wasn’t with me that first day, so with the inevitable crowd that the car generates, we fiddled away looking more and more like Lambo Rookies.
Despite the process, once you do get the roof down and stowed, you are rewarded with a much airier cabin, even more engine noise, and unlike most cars, it actually improves the look. The Aventador is actually a targa, not a full convertible, and the profile shape especially is even more epic with the roof down.
The other thing about this car is that is almost as much fun sitting in the garage as it is driving it. There are so many exterior details that delight the eye and senses. The F22 Raptor design cues are obvious, and I love the look of the glass dragon sales over the engine.
Those dragon scales cover the heart and soul of the car. A 6.5 liter V12 with almost 700 horsepower. There are no turbos or superchargers, just a high revving naturally aspirated masterpiece with an engine wail so intoxicating that it’s worth going deep into license risking territory to hear.
Despite it’s large size the steering is extremely communicative, and feels alive even at legal speeds. The only part of the driving experience that is not perfection is the transmission. Auto mode is like getting kicked in the head with each shift, although with some practice manual mode, with a slight lift of the throttle between shifts, does allow for smooth progress.
And finally we get to the Aventador’s party trick – The scissor doors. As if there wasn’t already enough drama with this car, getting in and out is the ultimate expression of the ultimate Lamborghini. They are actually surprisingly practical, and allow opening the wide doors without the risk of knocking doors with a mere mortal.
And finally we get to the Aventador’s party trick – The scissor doors. As if there wasn’t already enough drama with this car, getting in and out is the ultimate expression of the ultimate Lamborghini. They are actually surprisingly practical, and allow opening the wide doors without the risk of knocking doors with a mere mortal.
The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700 Spyder is a masterpiece of modern design, achingly gorgeous to look at, at times it can even lull you into thinking that it is a reasonable purchase at five hundred grand, after all how can you put a price on a car that smashes your sense in everyway. What an experience.
Leif Wombwell
Leif Wombwell, is a wildly successful internet marketing professional. Originally from Essex, Colchester in England, Leif spent many summer growing up in Sweden and moved to the United States for college. Leif is the visionary and creator behind the recent launch of the “Cars and Caviar” luxury lifestyle magazine. He and his wife, Caitlyn, and their two children Nikki and Lexi, live in Charlotte, NC.
Leif wanted to expand his horizons in the marketing arena, to create a vehicle that explored his love of all the finer things a successful life might entail. A self- described fine car enthusiast, sports fan, and dedicated family man, Leif set out to change his course and embrace a truly creative endeavor.
We are excited to witness Leif’s vision come to life in the months ahead, as we strive as a team to create a brand that our fans will enjoy.
Logan Curtis
Logan Curtis
Logan Curtis is a multi-published model, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Logan has taken on the role as Producer for @carsandcaviar. He shares a mutual passion for fine cars, the arts, and the associated lifestyle with our site’s creator, Leif Wombwell. A lifestyle online magazine is a perfect fit for Logan, who enjoys the challenges of a rigorous production schedule while bringing together the cast, crew, location, fashions, and story behind the scenes.
Logan also serves as CEO for Spectrum Creative Group. He and his partner, Erica Arcilesi, produce events for fashion designers globally, including Style Week Charlotte, and New York Fashion Week. Logan and Erica have produced for esteemed designers such as Michael Kaluva of Tipsy and Turvy, Irina Shabayeva from Project Runway, Stevie Boi, Ritu Bhat of Ritu Selects, and Vesela Zarankova.
Logan also became involved the film industry when he accepted the role of Executive Producer for the indie film, “Karma’s Shadow,” alongside Director, Rob Allen Underhill. He has produced for and modeled with notable photographers including Shawn Nguyen, Sheila Scott Carroll, Michael Newcomer, Jim Pierson, and many more.
Logan will also publish articles and create written content for the site as well.
Hunter Duran
Hunter Duran
Hunter Duran recently appeared in “Cars and Caviar’s” recent glossy production of “Night at the Imperial”, along with actress, Hope Jordan, at the posh Imperial Club in Uptown, Charlotte.
Hunter’s first foray into fashion, was walking for esteemed designer, Bill Evans, at Charlotte Fashion Week.
Hope Jordan
Hope Jordan
Hope Jordan is award winning actress and fashion model, residing near Charlotte, NC. This beauty just recently starred opposite, Hunter Duran, in our most recent video release of “Night at the Imperial”. Hope’s true love is live theater, she has appeared in numerous plays and musicals in her career,
Hope’s freshman year in high school was instrumental in introducing her to the world of acting and theater. Hope would spend much of her time behind the scenes of theater productions, where she had a hand on everything from tech, lighting, sound, makeup, and costume design. She would soon come out from behind the curtains to center stage. She landed roles in productions, such as the “The Crucible”, and “It’s Not You, It’s Me”, but it would be Hope’s last performance of her high school career , interpreting the character of Babette, in “Beauty and the Beast”, that would propel her to persue a career in acting. Hope received “Best Supporting Actress in a Musical”, and also was presented with “The Hope Award”, which her high school named in her honor!
Hope’s involvement in acting didn’t end with the sound of the school bell. She enrolled in Barbizon, a modeling and acting school. She was selected to be part of the “Showcase Niagara” event, her first place ranking led to the awarding of a partial scholarship to the acclaimed “New York Film Academy”, in New York City! When Hope is not at a photoshoot, casting call, creating a casting reel, or modeling, this former student now teaches at her local Barbizon. She inspires young people to pursue their dreams, just as she continues to persue her own.
Hope has been cast in a studio feature scheduled to go into production in Los Angeles, alongside Producer and Actor, Patrick Durham. She has also been cast in “Youthful Ambition”, a brand and series created by director, Terence Gordon. Hope’s manager, Anita Sayago of Edana Entertainment, is serving as producer and creative director on this exciting project.
This young lady also graces the lenses of notable fashion photographers, such as Shawn Nguyen, April Allison, Nick Thompson, and Ollie Yung. This past June, Hope walked the runway at Style Week 2016, for fashion houses such as Cherry Bomb Swimwear, Ritu Selects, and Vesela Zarankova of New York.