Auto, Tech and Style

AUTO

 

Less for more – the Porsche way
Porsche sprung a surprise at the Los Angeles Auto Show with the Cayman R — the stripped-out road-and-track version of the Cayman coupe that it previously said it would not build, for fear of cannibalising 911 sales. A return to the philosophy of the Club Sport 968, the Cayman R has 330PS from its 3.4-litre flat-six engine — 10PS more than the standard Cayman S. It weighs 55 kg less, thanks to lightweight components — aluminium door skins, special wheels — and dropping equipment such as air conditioning. In the Porsche way, you pay more for less: The UK price is Rs. 36.4 lakh.



TECH

 

The home machine
The DreamScreen is a family PC with a difference. An all-in-one with an 18.5-inch touchscreen, this device is targeted at first timers — mainly the elderly or kids. Running a custom version of Linux, the DreamScreen provides four USB ports. The 1.3 megapixel Webcam comes in handy for video calls. There’s a 250 GB hard drive, but only 140 GB is usable. Functionality is limited to what’s provided, since you cannot install any new applications. You can view and edit office documents, browse the Web, get news and astrology from NDTV, book train and air tickets through Yatra, pay bills via Bill Desk, and even pay your respects to God via Live Darshan.
—    by Deepak Dhingra



EVENT

 

Jamshed Bhabha Memorial Concerts
Six concerts, 13 days, 238 children, and a perfect 10. The Symphony Orchestra of India, the country’s only fully professional orchestra, will celebrate completing 10 seasons with its Tenth Celebrity Concert Season. Dedicated to Dr. Jamshed Bhabha, the founder of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), the event will have an array of soloists and will be conducted by British conductor Adrian Leaper and the orchestra’s resident conductor Zane Dalal.

The programme includes masterpieces that have never been performed in Mumbai. The highlights are Mahler’s 4th symphony, Brahms’ 2nd symphony, Prokofiev’s 2nd violin concerto and Liszt’s 1st piano concerto.

At NCPA, Mumbai; February 14 to 26

Home3D breakfast collection

 

Italian appliance maker De’Longhi has turned to the arts for inspiration for its latest Brilliante range of kitchen devices. Italian artist Varisco is renowned for his treatment of crystal surfaces and this approach works like a treat on the sides of a toaster or kettle. The Brilliante devices have faceted hard lines, creating a 3D effect designed to reflect light. Black and white finishes are complemented by chrome details. Equipped with reheat and defrost modes, the four-slice toaster has extra deep crumb trays. The 1.7-litre kettle has a 360-degree swivelling base and a washable filter. Both Rs. 4,500,

delonghi.co.uk



Pleasure play

 

If your bed is the place where you do everything — eat, sleep, read and generally spend most of your time on — then you’re sure to warm up to the Hästens Experior. Handmade by Hästens, a Swedish company known for making beds par excellence, the Experior is not your average run-of-the-mill four-poster. It also plays the part of a lounge chair, massager, and a relaxer, all rolled into one. It’s adjustable and you can easily find your favourite position using the wireless remote control. Thanks to its unique layering system, the bed affords a greater degree of comfort with the added feeling of superlative luxury. A built-in massage system provides relaxation for stressful times. You can afford to be ‘rough’ on this bed too: The Experior comes with a 25-year warranty.

hastens.com



StyleThe size-zero watch

 

The new Piaget Emperador Coussin Tourbillon Automatic Ultra Ultra-Thin sets a new record for the world’s thinnest self-winding tourbillon watch measuring a mere 10.4 mm.

This timepiece in the Piaget Emperador collection is making its mark in the Black Tie collection, with an avant-garde character. Overturning the established codes of fine watchmaking, this model offers a dial-side view — through the laser-engraved sapphire crystal — of the mechanical components.

This blend of technologies and innovations is housed within a cushion-shaped Emperador case in 18-carat pink or white gold. It is fitted with a brown alligator leather strap secured by an 18-carat gold folding clasp.

piaget.com


Less for More — The Porsch Way courtesy Overdrive; The 3D Breakfast Collection, The Home Machine, Pleasure Play courtesy T3 (This material is reproduced from T3 magazine and is the copyright of or licensed to Future Publishing Limited, a Future plc group company, UK2010. Used under licence. All rights reserved.)