Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024 gets you in the Sci-Fi Christmas spirit

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LEGO Group has a rich history of making Star Wars-themed sets for 25 years, and for the holiday season, there’s something new that builders will want to add to their collection. The official 2024 Advent Calendar is a Star Wars-themed set that is selling like hotcakes as more than 60,000 units are already gone.

The interactive buildable set for both kids and adults comes with new Star Wars minifigures and vehicles that can be assembled each day leading up to Christmas time. The 368-piece LEGO set has miniature versions of the Holiday Princess Lia, Mandalorian Gauntlet, Jabba’s Sail Barge, Emperor’s Shuttle, Praetorian Guard, Super Battle Droid and many more.

Designer: LEGO Group

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Accompanying these cute minifigures are the 18 mini-vehicle models representing the respective franchise. These include Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder, Millennium Falcon, X-Wing, TIE Fighter, AT-AT, Y-wing, Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, Emperor’s Shuttle, U-wing, and T-6 Jedi Shuttle. This set is about imaginative story building to keep everyone engaged for 24 days and revere in the spirit of the Star Wars universe. Every morning there is a new surprise hidden for Star Wars fans to engage with and rejoice in the final build on Christmas day.

To create your personalized element of adventure and X-Mas spirit, the set can be combined with other Star Wars sets by LEGO. So, the permutations and combinations for having a fresh build are limitless. This gives LEGO builders the freedom to tinker around with any set element.

Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024 glorifies the 25th anniversary of LEGO and the Star Wars franchise just as the fans would desire. It is priced at $45 but can be bought for a discount at $36. This set along with the Harry Potter Advent Calendar gives LEGO lovers plenty of ways to set up their advent calendars for family fun. Otherwise, it can be displayed as a part of your Star Wars or LEGO collection on the workspace shelves in your geeky den.

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Maserati Biturbo-Shamal restomod reincarnates the 90s Italian coupe into a desirable hunk

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Maserati Biturbo-Shamal was one of Maserati’s finest creations when it was released in the 90s. Co-designed by Marcello Gandini, the performance grand tourer fitted with a V8 engine only sold a limited edition of 369 units. Now, Automobili Modena has brought back the sharp Italian classic as a restomod version.

Dubbed MA-01 Biturbo-Shamal Restomod, the car retains the bodywork’s angular, sharp flowing lines, right from the front grille to the LED light clusters on the rear. Eye-pleasing muscle is added in the form of wheel arches, high tail, fixed wing, smoothness of the flanks, and beefy exhausts (two on each side) bulging from the valence.

Designer: Modena Automobili

Lucky ones who own the original Shamal, and ones who are motorheads will instantly recognize the semblance of grille design, center pillar, and Trident on the rear pillars and door handles. The facelift comes in the shape of a more aggressive frontal stance, bigger air intakes, side skirtings and sharper wheel arches. Of them all, the LED light pack and the large spoiler give it a sportier look. The lightweight body features steel and carbon fiber make. Integrated into the frame is an exposed carbon central pillar that doubles as a rollbar for protection.

Although not many details of the interior have been shared, it will likely have an oval digital instrument cluster just like the original. Other details about the innards are left out for now to everyone’s imagination. Under the hood is where most of the work has been invested in. Gone is the original Maserati Biturbo Shamal’s 326-hp 3.2-liter V8 replaced by the modern Maserati Ghibli S’ twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The engine is custom-tuned to generate more power in coordination with a Ghibli S’ eight-speed ZF gearbox that’s capable of gear shifting in a mere 150 milliseconds. More internal components push the twin-turbo V6’s capability to generate 500hp. In the end, the Shamal hits a top speed of 177 mph and goes from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds.

The ambitious Modena Automobili Project is only going to take shape as 33 limited edition units. Priced at approximately 638,000 the Maserati Biturbo-Shamal restomod will go up for sale in Spring of 2025, so better mark your calendars.

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RIMOWA original suitcase gets alternate brushed finish to create the ‘optical’ illusion of movement

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How about a fancy cabin bag that appears to be moving when you are standing for your boarding pass or awaiting your boarding call in the lounge? All sorts of suitcases make an appearance these days. Some are modular, some reminiscent of the icons, and some throw in an optical illusion to put fun to your airport look and those timeless halts. And for the latter, we are sold!

Designed and developed by Germany-based RIMOWA using high-end anodized aluminum, the suitcase is a fancy variant of the company’s original carry-on. Aptly dubbed Original Cabin Optical, this suitcase in RIMOWA’s words “redefines boundaries.” This is done by “creating” an “illusion of the iconic groves disappearing.”

Designer: RIMOWA

In simpler words, the famous RIMOWA suitcase is made with a shimmering effect achieved by a brushing technique that gives the suitcase the illusion of movement. The Cabin Optical’s anodized aluminum exterior has an alternating brushed finish to create this illusion: so, when you are at the airport or in the hotel lobby, people could mistake your suitcase to be moving even when it’s standing beside you.

Such illusion happens because of these specially brushed groves that with the change in light and perspective create the illusion of movement. This interesting optical motif is not only limited to the exterior, interestingly RIMOWA carries it to the inside of its limited-edition Cabin Optical. Here the jacquard lining is directly woven with geometric patterns for a similar effect.

The Cabin Optical is available in 35 litter carry-on sized dimensions making it – according to the company – apt for three to four days of travel. The suitcase itself is pretty lightweight, weighing only 9.5lbs, and comes with a stage-free telescoping handle, RIMOWA’s Multiwheel system with cushioned axles, and Flex Divider.

It is strictly limited-edition of just 2,002 examples. The number is only chosen for its palindromic nature and has no relevance to the year, which I earlier thought to be the case.  Currently available for pre-order, with sales beginning November 7, the special silver Cabin Optical will set you back $2,050. If you are not ready to shell that kind of money, you can pick the suitcase in your choice of silver, emerald green, black and titanium for $1,430.

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DAB Motors’ DeLorean themed e-bike transports you Back To The Future

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DAB Motors has rapidly evolved into a niche electric motorbike company that values its French roots. Having numerous takers for their DAB 1α, the outfit has created bold iterations of the acclaimed bike first as a Paris Olympics-themed ride, and more recently as an eye-popping transparent e-bike inspired by the retro gaming consoles.

Just when we thought the French motorhead studio would take a breather, there’s another surprise that’ll garner many more fanatics for the DAB 1α. Draped in a stainless steel body frame, this DeLorean DMC-12-inspired motorbike carries the industrial design influence of a café racer, and of course the retro charm of the timeless DeLorean!

Designer: DAB Motors Custom Studio

November 5 is chosen as the release of this two-wheeler, since this is the day depicted in the flick when time travel was first tested. The custom motorbike is flush with every possible element of the Back to the Future movie and DMC-12’s visual aesthetics. The CNC-machined rims and the vents are classic DeLorean with an ‘OUTTATIME’ license plate taking you back in time. The speedometer on this one-off DAB 1α is capped at 88 mph, exactly the speed for future time travel shown in the movie. A dummy flux capacitor built into the chassis gives it a pure industrial look, elevating its retro charm. To extend the realism, this DAB 1α is paired with a classic skateboard and P-cap, both in peppy colors.

As Simon Dabadie, founder of DAB Motors rightly puts it, “Growing up in the ’90s, cinema introduced me to icons that shaped my imagination. The DeLorean DMC-12, for example, stood out as more than a car — it was a vision of bold design and innovation.” We second that completely as DeLorean has been more than just another classic car that’s admired for a design way ahead of its time. He further adds, “This new bike is an ideal canvas to showcase DAB Motors’ commitment to creativity and craftsmanship, blending technical skill with bold, boundary-pushing design. Just as the DMC-12 redefined automotive aesthetics, this model captures DAB’s innovative spirit, honoring the future shaped by past icons.”

If you are already having daydreams of buying this Back to the Future-inspired bike and parking it alongside your prized DeLorean, hold your horses as it is limited to just one piece. The next best option is to go for the regular DAB 1α and get a trusted auto tuner shop to get the DeLorean-inspired look.

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Man rides homebuilt amphibious canoe on water and land across the width of Scotland

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British adventurer Ben Kilner ‘on a mission to inspire’ a generation ‘to make, restore & explore,’ is known for hitting the waters in his self-made, inspiring pedal boats. He navigated the length of the River Thames on his homebuilt canoe in 2022, and for this year, he has gone one up. He pedaled his upgraded version of his amphibious vehicle – part boat part trike – across the width of Scotland and rode it back on land to the point where he started.

The canoe Kilner made for the first water expedition comprised a pedal-propulsion system in the rear that mimicked a duck’s feet to effectively allow the boat to maneuver the waters. The new amphibious creation, called the Wee Han, retains this duck-foot pedal approach but brings it further up to the middle – one on either side – from the rear and attaches bike aesthetics to the canoe to make it one successful way to explore the land and water.

Designer: Ben Kilner

Wee Han which made the incredible journey possible is made of a wooden frame with a nylon skin canoe holding it firm. It features a 24-speed drivetrain and transitions seamlessly from paddling on the water to cycling with bike wheels for land travel. For the latter, it features a tricycle platform made from parts of a go-cart and BMX.

Kilner duck-paddled the Wee Han from Fort William on the west coast of Scotland to the east coast through the 97 km long Great Glen Canoe Trail. On the way back, he peddled his amphibious canoe 126 km back to Fort William on land, completing 222 km of travel on water and land in one crafted vehicle. The entire trip – one way on water and the other side on land – took Kilner about 10 days. He camped the entire time and had himself and his supplies on board include food he prepared on the way.

Besides being an eventful journey filled with hiccups, breakdowns and treacherous times both on water and land, this was a fundraising effort from Kilner. The cross-Scotland trip was meant to raise aid for A Leg to Stand up: a not-for-profit organization working toward providing prosthetic limbs to children with mobility issues in developing countries. The impact of Kilner was such throughout that he was able to raise upward of $4,800 in charity through his sponsors.

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Brabus Big Boy 1200 is possibly the most outstanding, feature-packed motorhome out there

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The German high-performance automotive aftermarket tuning company Barbus has many laurels to its name. The marque has been customizing Mercedes and Porsches for the better part of its existence, now it is foraying into the RV market with what’s possibly the most outstanding motorhome on the block. Dubbed Big Boy 1200, the matte-black house on wheels is – as the name suggests – no small machine, it’s a luxe motorhome in the true sense.

Providing residents with 30 square meters (323 square feet) of constant interior space, the Big Boy increases floor space with four slide-outs on either side that expand the area by 15 feet. The interior is nicely laid out with a spacious lounge, a functional kitchen, an interesting bathroom and sleeping space for up to four people.

Designer: Brabus

On the outside, the Brabus Big Boy 1200 motorhome measures 12 meters long, which possibly suggests the numeric behind the name. Stationed on a tri-axle chassis, the 26,000kg mobile home, courtesy of its 12.8-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel engine, can run at a top speed of 90kmph with complete stability handled by its hydraulically extendable support. The entire frame is made from galvanized steel, while the interior has been dotted with evident hints of carbon fiber.

Of course, the Big Boy 1200 is massive and powerful, but these are not its only highlights. The motorhome’s ever-expanding structure, resting on self-adjustable legs, and black interiors are customized choicely for everyday luxury living. Brabus has positioned the motorhome to be low and features steps on the entry that electronically lower from the entry door. The dining table on the entry, behind the driver’s cabin, is where the carbon fiber accents begin to show up, especially in the used black wood for the dining table. The living room is fashioned with customized Brabus leather sofas with branded throw pillows and an entertainment system.

The adjacent kitchen is equipped with a fridge with carbon fiber accents, an induction cooktop, oven, and dishwasher. The bedroom at the rear of the motorhome features a king bed, large closet, wardrobe, expandable work desk with Paola Lenti chair, and a large-screen smart TV. The fascinating second sleeping space is hidden over the driver’s cab. It comprises an electrically lowerable bed cordoned off from the other living quarters by a black-out curtain.

The bathroom of the Big Boy 1200 is located centrally and is a convenient and usable space divided into three sections – open lavatory, rainforest shower floor-to-ceiling natural stone wall, and toilet. Other interesting aspects included are roof-top solar panels, battery, fresh and gray water tanks onboard, Starlink internet, 360-degree camera system, automatic AC, and a host of other smart home features. All this comes in an expensive package: The Big Boy 1200 is priced at $1.5 million by Brabus.

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Hyundai’s experimental EV Drifter is inspired by exoskeleton cars that leave nothing unexposed

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Hyundai introduced the sub-brand with the N line back in 2018, dedicated to building the future of powerful electric vehicles. Under this badge, the high-performance Hyundai N badged IONIQ 5 N electric hatchback impressed us with its performance and everyday practicality.

Now, the South Korean automotive giant has introduced the RN24 to showcase where the brand is heading with its vision of mass-adopted vehicles. The primary motive is to develop electric cars with a thrilling ride experience, and this lightweight experimental concept does it all right.

Designer: Hyundai

The short wheelbase RN24 based on the IONIQ 5 N powertrain was revealed as a part of the N Day 2024 online event. The vehicle combines an open-air roll-cage design with a WRC-themed chassis, making it a visually appealing prospect. It is the next installation in the “rolling lab” series which came with past makes like the RM19 and RN22e. The powertrain is 15 inches shorter than the IONIQ 5 N, purposefully to have a distinct appeal. The all-electric experimental vehicle comes with Hyundai’s WRC Powertrain Drive Control Logic system that allows drivers to precisely adjust the PE Power, Acceleration Sensitivity, Regenerative Brake Sensitivity, and PE Power Balance right from the steering wheel.

Since the EV doesn’t make any growling sound when the RPM hits the red mark, Hyundai has taken the IONIQ 5 N’s sound system and routed the two speakers through the rear fenders, acting as a loud soundbox. This all-wheel drive has a rally mode with an electronic variant of the i20 WRC’s torque control. The electrical hand brake makes sure this naked EV can perform stunning drifts. On the looks front, the RN24 adapts the motorsports frame since these machines have to face extreme conditions that require strength and structural integrity. Thus, the vehicle is reinforced with and exposed exoskeleton-styled roll-cage, 19-inch matte black forged wheels, and a large spoiler with 3D-printed gussets.

According to Manfred Harrer, Executive Vice President and Head of the Genesis and Performance Development Tech Unit, “Hyundai N is not just a brand but a representation of our commitment to innovation and high performance. RN24 is a testament to our bold ambitions for the future.” Truly we cannot agree more with this statement.

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Expandable Touchdown transports as any trailer, docks flat on ground for convenient accessibility

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The advent of tiny houses on wheels has redefined the concept of mobile living in more ways than motorhomes or van homes did. Travel trailers have their advantages when it comes to the convenience of movement, the possibilities of customization, and the freedom of living a low-or no-debt life. That said, the ground-level accessibility of these mobile living units has been a big impediment in their adoption by the mobility impaired.

Such mobile homes are based on trailer chassis and cannot fully lower to the ground when docked. This creates a low step-in for the wheelchair-bound, who require a ramp that generally push back the interior space in the layout. How can a mobile unit fully lower to the ground has been a looming question, which the Expandable Touchdown intends to address with its Reddot awarding-winning mobile spaces.

Designer: Expandable Trailers

Dutch company Expandable’s Touchdown is a flexible mobile unit easy to transport as any trailer. With its retractable axle bogie that moves from below the unit to rest on the front (possible via an integrated control panel), it can have a low step-in height – flat down to only 35 centimeters off the ground – without compromising the interior space. The first tiny unit on wheels to do so, the Touchdown is accessible for people with mobility impairments without additional ramps and modifications.

Providing an interesting alternative to traditional travel trailers, the Touchdown will redefine boundaries of mobility and flexibility for many. Especially those seeking mobile units to set-up temporary roadshows, on-the-move offices, mobile classrooms, and makeshift hospitals in events of emergency. The applications and customization possibilities of such a unit are high: You can tow it by a normal or low-deck truck, set it up in 15 minutes, lower the entrance, and use the interior however you wish to.

Expandable’s provides a few cosmetic customizations to the Touchdown which has almost edge-to-edge glass panels on either side, and a spiral staircase from the back to the roof terrace, spanning across the length and breadth of the trailer. The customizations available include the choice of electric entrance door, air conditioning, and heating.

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Foldable e-scooter for last-mile travel within city limits is a futureproof nano mobility solution

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Nano mobility is all about getting from one place to the other (especially in cities) with the minimum footprint to avoid traffic congestion or maneuver your way around tight spots. The idea of personal mobility has kicked off in the last couple of years with rising strain on global city traffic.

Such personal commuters are majorly electric to be in line with the idea of lowering carbon emissions. They can be anything from an e-bike or an electric scooter to something much bigger for more than a couple of people to travel. Slotted somewhere in this domain are the highly practical foldable e-scooters that can fit easily in your car’s boot for ease of portability.

Designer: Eugenio Costa, Edoardo Graci, Nicolò Tallone and Bonshe Design

The portability of a personal commuter is the primary feature that aligns it with the user’s needs. ANT Formica is one practical last-mile travel solution tailored for city life and versatile enough for indoor spaces when not in use. In the folded configuration the e-scooter looks like a high-end CPU mod or powerful new gaming console on the horizon. The wheels, pedals, and steering column retract back into the exterior frame of the scooter, making it an ultra-compact personal vehicle for quick intercity travel.

If one looks closely at the folding mechanism, it is a mechanical treat to watch in action. The whole process takes no more than a minute – both in the opened configuration and the closed one. The ease of use is the king here which most commuters will love. The electric motor resides in the rear section of the e-scooter which can be topped with a quick dart of charge for short trips to the supermarket. The handlebar positioning is fully adjustable and the absence of a saddle means you’ll have complete freedom to scoot around in the city.

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A turntable for picky audiophiles who crave high-end vinyl playback experience

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Pro-Ject is the first name that pops up when we speak of high-quality turntables. The Austria-based company launched the entry-level T1 EVO range for audiophiles on a budget last month. Now they’ve revealed the flagship Signature 12.2 turntable for music lovers who want the ultimate sonic experience from their favorite vinyl.

This turntable represents the highest-level technology at the most accessible price, even though $15,000 is way beyond any normal audiophile’s budget. The audio accessory is a successor to the acclaimed Signature 12 turntable that made it to the top rankings of the most reliable audio equipment reviewers.

Designer: Pro-Ject

Known for their tenacity to bring high-quality record players to the audiophiles who can spend an exorbitant amount to follow their hobby, Pro-Ject has gone all out on this one. The turntable weighs around 80lb with the high-mass record platter weighing more than 25 lb and anti-resonant MDF made from stainless steel weighting 50 pounds. The platter is dampened underneath, spinning on an inverted ceramic ball bearing having a magnetic support. The use of more than 100 precision CNC-machined components provides stability and dampens any external interferences resulting in sonic sound reproduction that’s very close to how the artist intended.

According to Pro-Ject, listeners are in for a treat as the Signature 12.2 delivers “a deep, full and immersive sound quality that’ll deliver new sonic experiences — even from songs users have heard a thousand times.” The flywheel belt-drive turntable is loaded with a 12-inch S-shaped aluminum tonearm having a 3-point pivot bearing and a removable headshell for easy swapping of phono cartridges. If you are into choosing your preferred cartridge, the Signature 12.2 doesn’t come with one of its own. That said, the player is compatible with 33⅓rpm and 45rpm playback speeds. If you want to be precise between this range, there’s the electronic speed change option too.

The records are hooked onto the platter with a Signature Record Puk that comes included in the package. To enhance the premium appeal sturdiness of the unit, Pro-Ject hand-painted the record player’s MDF plinth in 10 coats, and it’s loaded with steel pellets to further reduce vibrations. With all the advanced tech fitted inside this beautiful vinyl player, you would expect it to do complete justice to your collection of records.

Rather than having a display for all the controls, Pro-Ject has opted to go with a hand-polished aluminum panel to avoid any unwanted electromagnetic radiation. The elegant analog look complements the whole look and feel. The high-end playback record player in piano-black finish will begin shipping in November 2024 for a retail price tag of $14,999.

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