Ferrari 458 Spider

Posted on August 26, 2011 by CD Spitz

New from Ferrari comes the highly-anticipated official release of the 458 Italia’s convertible iteration. The stallion-emblazoned hardtop is exactly what one has come to expect from the brand – masculine, aggressive and supremely stylish. As the world’s first mid-rear engined berlinetta equipped with a retractable hardtop, the 458 Spider’s debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show was nothing short of a big deal. The car’s retracting back-panel mechanism is similar to the one on the Superamerica, but more streamlined in design considering that the 458 Spider hides its roof under the deck lid rather than merely retracting it backwards, adding increased protection from dust, rain and debris. Offered here is an all too brief yet still enticing video of the new supercar not quite in action.

.

Sony Alpha A77 Digital Camera

Posted on August 25, 2011 by CD Spitz

For amateur enthusiasts and pros looking for a backup body, the anticipation is growing for the release of the Sony Alpha A77. This lightweight camera is encased in a black weather-sealed magnesium alloy body and has a battery life of over 500 shots. The spec sheet reads as follows: 24.3 MP Exmor CMOS sensor, ISO 100-16000, 12fps with continuous AF, in-body stabilization, OLED viewfinder, GPS support, face recognition, 2D/3D panorama functions and HD video recording. Look for the Alpha A77 to release later this year.

Source: Photo Rumors

Mercedes-Benz 2012 SLK55 AMG

Posted on August 24, 2011 by CD Spitz

The newest addition to the Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster range is the 2012 SLK55 AMG. At the heart of the car is the signature drop-top and a new aluminum, naturally aspirated V8 5.5 liter power plant (415 hp and 398 lbs-ft of torque) that employs gasoline direct injection with a stop-start feature for greater fuel efficiency. To add icing to the cake, a seven-speed Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic cog box ensures lightning fast switches. The SLK55 AMG will be available early next year.

Benjamin Grosser: Interactive Robot Painting Machine

Posted on August 24, 2011 by CD Spitz

American artist Benjamin Grosser’s “Robot Painting Machine” is pretty self-explanatorily a mechanical system programmed to respond to certain input (in this case, the sound of its own process) in order to paint a canvas accordingly. During a “performance,” aural cues are captured by a microphone and subjected to fourier analysis to be broken down into useful data for the machine, which then integrates the information into a genetic algorithm that makes decisions about the painting process. Attune to even the most minute gestural details of the painting process, Mr. Grosser’s machine is comprised of a network of three computers managing a highly complicated central software. A fascinating video for fans of technology or art, especially when the “first-person” view of the painting action starts to kick in.

.

Interactive Robotic Painting Machine (2011) from benjamin grosser on Vimeo.

Sony dev-5 Digital Binoculars

Posted on August 24, 2011 by CD Spitz

New from Sony comes a product that is sure to excite birdwatchers and peeping Toms the world over. Dubbed as the first-ever digital binoculars, the dev-5 offers requisitely high levels of magnification as well as the opportunity to record full HD video (including stereo sound), an option to use a 3D record mode which captures scenes in stereoscope for playback on 3D-ready devices, and even the ability to take 7.1-megapixel still photographs. An ideal gift for that friend whose giant telescope pointing towards the neighbor’s place is getting a little too Patrick Bateman for your liking.

Source: designboom

Lotus Exige Matte Black Final Edition

Posted on August 23, 2011 by CD Spitz

British automobile manufacture Lotus has been featured in several news reports recently. Fresh off the announcement of a partnership with Swizz Beatz, Lotus debuts the Exige Matte Black Final Edition. Launched for the U.S. market, the Exige features a new exterior but has kept all the same internal features as previous foreign releases. Collectors should act fast, as only 25 models of this vehicle have been put into production.

Source: Autoblog

2012 Porsche 911

Posted on August 23, 2011 by CD Spitz

Although an official release wasn’t expected until next month, leaked images of what seems to be the 2012 Porsche 911 have hit the net. Leftlane provides some insight into the new design changes: “Up front, LED running lights are no longer arranged in line with the trapezoidal air ducts they hover over but instead migrate further towards the corners of the car, while the iconic circular headlamps seem to be virtually unaltered. The car looks slightly elongated in profile, the result of a 2.2-inch increase in overall length, while the front and rear overhangs seem relatively unchanged despite being 1.3 and 0.5 inches shorter, respectively. Meanwhile, the taillights have shrunk a bit while the space taken up by the retractable spoiler has grown. Engine choices are a bit more murky, but expect about 350 horsepower from a 3.4-liter flat-six for the Carrera and in the neighborhood of 400 horses from a 3.8 liter unit in the Carrera S.” Stay tuned for official images and information as it arrives.

S.T. Dupont Minijet Lighter

Posted on August 22, 2011 by CD Spitz

Your regular Bic will look rather inadequate alongside the Minijet from accessories brand S.T. Dupont. The line of lighters are featured in electrifying colors with a sleek overall design. Each piece can also be personalized through engraving. The lighter dispenses a straight blue flame through the compact package. Available at S.T. Dupont boutiques globally.

Source: www.fashion-press-.net

Nike Air Hangar

Posted on August 22, 2011 by CD Spitz

Shown above is an inside look into the Nike Air Hangar – a 40000-square-foot facility located at the suburban Hillsboro Airport, on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon. “Privately owned by Nike, Inc., it houses three Gulfstream G5 jets for executive business travel. In addition to the requisite support space for flight planning and airplane maintenance, the Hangar provides amenities for travelers and pilots such as a lounge, exercise facilities, executive suites, meeting space, and a gourmet kitchen.” Photography comes courtesy of Rich Strode and Stephen Cridland.

Source: ArchDaily

Battlefield 3 – Caspian Border Trailer

Posted on August 19, 2011 by CD Spitz

EA Games presents the adrenaline-pumping “Caspian Border” trailer for Battlefield 3, releasing this fall. This multiplayer game, which features actual gameplay footage using alpha software, is a visual masterpiece of explosive combat action. Players find themselves in an interactive combat, airborne or on the battlefield, in the newest installment of this game franchise which is set to release October 25, 2011.

.