BMW finally unveils Roadster version of i8 hybrid sports car in LA

Awaited since 2012, when BMW had first showcased the i8 Spyder Concept, the drop-top version of the marque’s i8 hybrid sports car has finally been unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Motor Show, alongside the updated coupe variant. The i8 Roadster becomes the third member of BMW’s futuristic i-family, and comes with more power, an increased electric driving range and new interior trims as part of the facelift. The CFRP construction ensures lighter weight, making the drop-top i8 just 60 kilograms heavier than its hard-top sibling. The all-electric roof opens and closes at the touch of a button in 15 seconds and while travelling at up to 50kmph. The soft-top can be stowed back in a cavity behind the seats in a perpendicular position.  The rear window doubles as a wind deflector can also be closed or opened independently without the roof. However, the 2+2 seating configuration is now changed to a strict two-seater. The roadster comes fitted with a new lithium-ion battery pack with an increased 11.6-kilowatt-hour capacity. The electric motors now produce 105kW/143bhp and can drive the car to 105kmph on pure battery power which can be increased to 120kmph at a push of the eDrive button. There is no change to the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three that makes 228hp and 236 lb-ft, but the electric range is now claimed to be 53 kilometres. The combined power output of 369bhp and 570Nm is channelled through a six-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels. The 2019 i8 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.2 seconds, and the heavier i8 Roadster catches up in 4.4 seconds. Top speeds of both are electronically limited to 250 kmph for both cars and both get updated cabins as well. The Roadster gets special seats too, says the marque, along with bespoke tuning for springs, damping and Dynamic Stability Control—plus stylish 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. The 8.8-inch free-standing iDrive system now gets an option of touchscreen control as well. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster and coupe both go on sale early next year, but the price tags aren’t out yet—and we bet you’re gripping the edge of your seats already!

14.93 Carat ‘Pink Promise’ Diamond auctioned for $32 million at Christie’s

Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Hong Kong auction on Nov 28 saw the sale of the 14.93 carat Pink Promise diamond for an incredible $31,861,000 – approximately $2.13 million per carat. Described by Christie’s as the “Picasso of the Pink Diamond world,” this is a huge, dazzling pink oval stone with mixed cuts, flaunting a Fancy Vivid Pink color—a designation given by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), representing the most prized color grading in pink diamond history. The oval stone was set in a platinum ring and surrounded by diamonds, and the estimates for its auction ranged from $28 million to $42 million.

Montblanc’s special appearance in Hugh Jackman movie !

Yes, that’s right—Hugh Jackman’s holiday special The Greatest Showman is going to have a special appearance by another star, from the world of fine writing instruments: Montblanc—and it’s no surprise considering that Jackman himself is an ambassador for the maison.  The movie features some of the finest offerings from the brand including a heritage Minerva pocket watch from the Maison’s Minerva Museum in Villeret, Switzerland, and a specially commissioned Meisterstück writing instrument with a ringmaster engraved on its nib. Montblanc has also created a special Happy Holiday circus notebook—complete with red bookmark and golden cut edges—in yellow Saffiano calfskin leather cover that displays a printed circus design, to honour the movie’s global release. The Greatest Showman releases on December 2017, and the Happy Holiday circus Fine Stationary is available now. Also in the offing is a dedicated Montblanc Happy Holiday movie with Hugh Jackman in his role as P.T. Barnum, special window displays, Social Media content, as well as an online advertisement—all part of Montblanc’s holiday campaign.

Year-end festivities at Alila Diwa Goa

Alila Diwa is celebrating the year end with a host of festive activities for guests:  a Christmas Family Fair, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sunday Lazy lunch and Christmas eve dinner under the stars. The first-of-its-kind Christmas fair for the entire family includes unlimited BBQ and beers, fun carnival food, games for all ages, drinking duels, eating contests, live music by Siddharth Cotta and Nadia Rebello, a unique petting zoo, illusionists and, of course, Santa and his elves. Alila Diwa Goa claim to keep an eco-friendly watch on the decorations and surprise guests with their Christmas Tree lighting, while offering traditional yuletide specialities at the Sunday brunch. The finishing touch is provided by the Christmas Eve Dinner under the starry open sky, an artisanal seven-course set menu curated by chefs and paired with premium wines, to the accompaniment of live acoustic music.

Indulge in Helicopter Ski Safaris at Four Seasons Hotel Megève

Four Seasons Hotel Megève is offering guests a special winter indulgence —Helicopter Ski Safaris that allow them access not only to the gorgeous slopes that frame the new resort, but also to nearby ones at the Chamonix, Courchevel and Val d’Isère resorts among others. Starting December 15, 2017, this all-inclusive aerial tour of the breathtaking Alps will be tailored  every day according to the weather and snow condition by the staff at the Megève’s Ski Concierge. Rates for the Ski Safari begin at EUR 1,310 per night, ($1,500), for two guests staying in a Megève Deluxe Room. A weeklong trip gives you access to three helicopter excursions, five nights include two trips, and three-night visitors get treated to one. So gear up for the ultimate winter retreat.

The Misfit Command Hybrid Smartwatch combines elegance with functionality

The Misfit Command Hybrid Smartwatch is not just your regular smartwatch—it brings together the elegant minimalism of the classic analog watch with the functionality of the modern smartwatch. Command lets you track steps, distance, calories, and restful sleep, gives you discrete alerts for incoming calls, texts, and app alerts via a dedicated subdial and also lets you play music, take a picture, and find your phone—all at the push of a button. The smartwatch comes in a matte-finished 44 mm stainless steel body with a polished top ring, available in four colors. It’s powered by a replaceable battery that lasts up to one year, and is water resistant to 50 meters.

World’s most expensive doorbell, covered with sapphires and diamonds

Just when you thought you had seen it all comes the world’s most expensive doorbell—with diamonds and sapphires slathered all over it. Crafted by the brand Ring, well-known manufacturer of video doorbells which integrate the internet and smartphone technology, this doorbell is limited to just ten units and priced at a whopping figure of $100,000. And with good reason—for it comes coated with 98g of yellow gold and 2,000 sapphires amounting to over 30 carats, with an added 40 diamonds inscribing the brand name upon it. The design was created by jewelers at Bijan. As for the technology part, the doorbell features instant motion-activated alerts, HD video with a microphone and speakers allowing for two way communication, and it comes with Infrared night vision as well. This dazzling diamond covered doorbell is on sale at Selfridge’s London (Oxford Street) and the proceeds from its sales will benefit charities who aim to reduce crime by supporting former criminals as they re-enter society.

Mini’s John Cooper Works Buggy all set for 2018 Dakar rally

Mini has unveiled the new force it plans to unleash in the 2018 Dakar Rally, one of the toughest motorsport events in the world, taking place from January 6, 2018 to January 20, 2018. And this force is none other than the John Cooper Works Buggy. Developed in partnership with X-Raid, this all-new rally vehicle is a rear-wheel-drive, as opposed to the all-wheel-drive system of the Mini John Cooper Works Rally car, though it draws power from the same 3-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine producing 335bhp and a massive 800Nm of torque. The gearbox, drivetrain and turbocharger have been developed from scratch. The Buggy has already been rigorously tested by Mini and X-Raid in varying off-road terrains of Hungary and Morocco. Apart from the Buggy, Mini will also be competing with the tested and proven JCW Rally car—which Mini believes is equally capable of winning the Rally as the JCW Buggy. The JCW Buggy will compete in the 2018 Dakar Rally with seven cars and a team of experienced drivers and co-drivers. The JCW Buggies will be driven by Mikko Hirvonen (Finland), Bryce Menzies (USA) and Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Saudi Arabia).

Hybrid smartwatches from Fossil combine classic with modern

Fossil’s hybrid smartwatches exude the classic, elegant look of analog watches, but bring in the modernity of smartwatches with features such as activity tracking, syncing with phones to allow notifications and so on. Fossil’s Q Neely and Q Jacqueline are not just gorgeously designed, they are also the smallest of their kind. The delicate and elegant face can be personalised with any strap you wish—metallic, or soft pale leather. AS for the smartwatch functions, it lets you track your sleep, calories and activity levels, notifies you when you have a new message and also allows you to control your phone to take a photo handsfree! Unlike a regular smartwatch, these unique hybrids don’t require charging for they are powered by a coin lithium battery. You can also customise shortcut buttons (similar to hotkeys) that can allow you to instantly take a photo, start a stopwatch or skip the song track you’re listening to. For men, there are the Q Commuter and Q Grant versions with understated face and interchangeable straps and a masculine touch. The perfect gift combo for a classy, tech-loving couple!

Val Thorens resort in France crowned Best Ski Resort 2017

If you’re looking for the best luxe destination this winter, seek no further. France’s new ski resort Val Thorens, sitting pretty at an altitude of 2,300m, was recently adjudged World’s Best Ski Resort 2017. The 2017 World Ski Awards ceremony was held at the Austrian Ski resort Kitzbuehel and the Val Theorens was described by judges as having a “breathtaking natural environment” with “remarkable amount of sunshine and exceptional snow conditions.” And next month, Val Thorens is all set to unveil a new five-star Montana-inspired luxury chalet, a 1.2 million Euros off-piste chalet above Lac du Lou that can sleep 31 people and offers ice-driving in vintage cars. Visitors to Val Thorens would also find exquisite rooftop igloo pods and Finnish hot tubs as well. The resort will also open the Ski Cross and Snowboard Cross World Cup ahead of the PyeongChang Olympic Games in February.