Latest in Auto, Tech and Home

A Pick of the best, the latest, the greenest, the quirkiest, the most luxurious... that money can buy

By Forbes India

Published: Feb 2, 2012 06:35:18 AM IST

Updated: Feb 2, 2012 11:03:55 AM IST

AUTO

Vroom with a View
The Jaguar C-X16 lets you live out your Formula 1 fantasies with a KERS-like “push to pass” technology. This is a red steering wheel button temptingly positioned under the right thumb that boosts performance for a few seconds by a massive 95bhp, resulting in swifter and safer overtaking. The engine is a 3.0-litre, 375bhp petrol V6, with the boost coming from an electric motor whose lithium-ion batteries sit behind the front seats.
www.jaguar.com

HOME

That’s All Light
Sculpturally representing ancient tribal symbols inspired by the sun, the Sol chandelier from WAC Lighting incorporates organic LED panels based on the latest OLED technology. With a slim profile, Sol features flexible light distribution, especially since its seven, incredibly thin 2.1-mm light panels can both rotate and tilt. This chandelier is fashioned out of aluminium and finished in black nickel.
www.waclighting.com

Bath-Rest
While relaxing in a bathtub with hot water seems like the perfect end to a day, most of these sanitaryware saviours only allow you to lie awkwardly—your head propped up precariously against the back. Dutch designer Thomas Linnsen of Studio Thol steps up with an ingenious solution. His version of a bathtub has the ergonomics of a comfortable armchair. With a body of composite polyester and marble, the product lies within a wooden chair-like frame of American white oak.
www.studiothol.nl

TECH

Mayhem on the Streets
The Jabra STREET2 is styled in the American dog tag fashion made popular by Hollywood movies; this Bluetooth headset is essentially a pendant you can wear around your neck.

The music quality is good, and there are no problems with incoming or outgoing audio for calls. However, this headset prioritises form over function—you do get oodles of style, but you’re still tethered by the wires.
Rs. 3,799
jabra.com/in-en

Call and Shine
There are cellphones and there are cellphones that sport a multi-touch sapphire crystal for the screen and an 8-megapixel camera with a ruby on the shutter key. Clearly, the Vertu Constellation Touch has more in common with a piece of jewellery than a regular smartie.

DESIGN
By Design
Starting January 12, 2012, all types of mass-produced products can apply for the India Design Mark, a design standard, a symbol, which recognises good design. India Design Council grants India Design Mark after evaluating good design through a systemised process.
indiadesignmark.in

That’s All Light, Bath-Rest courtesy Better Interiors; Vroom with a View, Call and Shine, Mayhem on the Streets 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.)