December 2015 - Page 15 of 20

Greenpeace exposes sceptics hired to cast doubt on climate science

December 25, 2019December 9, 2015 by Editorial Team

Sting operation uncovers two prominent climate sceptics available for hire by the hour to write reports on the benefits of rising CO2 levels and coal

SkyDeck for aircraft to offer 360-degree views while in flight

December 9, 2015December 8, 2015 by Editorial Team

Current in-flight entertainment offerings have not changed much over the decades. Windspeed Technologies wants to come up with a product that would provide a higher level of entertainment to reduce the boredom of long flights. Meet “The SkyDeck” – the revolutionary new in-flight entertainment system designed to provide an exhilarating view while in flight. The glass-enclosed teardrop-shaped SkyDeck will offer 360-degree views of the alpine sea.

“The aim was to create the next exciting experiential in-flight entertainment for VIP aircraft owners and the airline industry. For the airlines, it could be an additional source of revenue, as passengers could be charged on a pay-per-view basis,” explained the engineers from Windspeed Technologies, a reputable aerospace engineering firm based in Everett, Wash. Established in 2006, the brand is a premier aerospace engineering services company offering full spectrum engineering services.

There are several combinations of design features that can be incorporated into the SkyDeck. For example, either an elevator or a staircase can be incorporated, and either a single- or two-seat platform can be specified.

The SkyDeck will be designed to withstand all load conditions, including flight loads and birdstrike impact loads. The canopy will be made of similar high-strength materials as those used to build the canopies of supersonic fighter jets.

The problem of condensation on the canopy surface, that could cause fogging, will be resolved with the application of an anti-condensation film on the surface of the canopy, according to the canopy manufacturer. In addition, the canopies will also come with a UV-protection coating.

“Conceptual designs of the different versions have been completed and the SkyDeck is currently patent and trademark pending. It has taken us over a year to design the details, including conducting feasibility studies in all aspects of the system which have included structural modifications, loading, system integration, interior modifications, aerodynamics and certification requirements,” explained WindSpeedTech.

The first 100% electrically powered Porsche is on its way

December 8, 2015 by Editorial Team

Green light for Mission E. Porsche is beginning a new chapter in the history of the sports car with Mission E, first 100% electrically powered Porsche. We will have to wait for the green super sports car till the end of the decade. The MissionE Concept car celebrated its premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor … Read more

Ulysse Nardin Executive Lady is for the woman who knows she has it all

December 16, 2015December 8, 2015 by Editorial Team

Swiss Watch Manufacturer Ulysse Nardin announced its newest monobrand boutique opening in Miami, Florida. Located in the heart of the Miami Design District at 140 NE 39th Street, the 1,000 square foot store features the entire scope of Ulysse Nardin’s collection, from its signature Marine Chronometers, to the coveted FreakLab, Haute Horlogerie, and the latest … Read more

The most exhilarating open top model to ever wear a McLaren badge promises a new level of open-air exhilaration

December 8, 2015 by Editorial Team

Priced at £285,450, 675LT Spider is the most focused, fastest and exhilarating open-top McLaren model ever built and will be strictly limited to 500 units globally. The new supercar will be focused on light weight, enhanced aerodynamics, increased power and track-focused dynamics. This latest model joins the McLaren P1 GTR, 570S Coupé and 540C Coupé, and the fixed-head 675LT Coupé as new to the line-up, and “further strengthens the Super Series range.”

The latest chapter in the history of the iconic ‘Longtail’ name is only the second model to wear the LT badge. This latest model comes less than a year since the first model in nearly 20 years resurrected the name, and is in response to significant customer demand, says the sportscars manufacturer.

Under the skin of the 675LT Spider sits the heavily revised 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain from the coupé sibling, ensuring performance figures are worthy of the LT – or ‘Longtail’ – badge. The power output and torque figures remain unchanged, with 675PS (666bhp) delivered at 7,100rpm and 700Nm (516lb ft) available between 5,000-6,500rpm.

Acceleration from 0-100kmh (0-62mph) takes just 2.9 seconds, and 200kmh (124mph) is achieved in 8.1 seconds – giving away only 0.2 seconds to the more aerodynamically optimised and lighter coupé. A three-piece retractable folding hardtop can be opened at speeds up to 30km/h (19mph) to allow for a new level of open-air exhilaration.

Staying true to the ‘Longtail’ ethos, established by the McLaren F1 in the late 1990s, the 675LT Spider has been developed with a focus on light weight and optimised aerodynamic performance. The special nature of the model is supported by the extensive use of carbon fibre for the bodywork. Lightweight components are also found throughout the powertrain and chassis, all contributing to a dry weight of just 1,270kg.

As standard, the 675LT Spider is fitted with 10-spoke Ultra-Lightweight forged alloy wheels – 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear – and P Zero™ Trofeo R tyres, developed for the 675LT models in collaboration with technical partner Pirelli. These are the lightest wheel and tyre set ever offered by McLaren.

The lightweight theme continues throughout the interior with Alcantara and bare carbon fibre used extensively. A pair of lightweight carbon fibre-shelled racing seats, modelled on those fitted to the McLaren P1, save a combined 15kg, and feature ‘675LT’ embossed leather to provide enhanced levels of support and grip.

The ‘By McLaren’ interior themes were first introduced on the 675LT Coupé, and are again available for the Spider model. The range is extended for the 675LT Spider, with the addition of exclusive Xenon Yellow contrast stitch. Simialrly, the full exterior paint palette offered on the 675LT Coupé is available for the Spider model, which includes the new Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and Chicane Grey paint finishes. In addition, the newly developed deep golden colour, Solis – which derives its name from the Latin for sun – is a bespoke colour only available on the open-top 675LT Spider.

Another key characteristic of any Longtail is exclusivity, and the 675LT Spider is no exception. As with the Coupé, production of the 675LT Spider will be strictly limited to only 500 examples, with first deliveries in summer 2016.

So distinctive that it is impossible to replicate: the Figurado Creation Privee writing jewel

December 9, 2015December 8, 2015 by Editorial Team

When prepared in the right way, organic materials such as thin and fragile tobacco leaves can be transformed into a writing instrument so distinctive that it is impossible to replicate. Montblanc’s latest Creation Prive luxury writing piece is inspired by its owner’s passion for cigars. The one-of-a-kind writing instrument crafted from tobacco leaves pushes the … Read more