Subaru is introducing the 2024 BRZ tS, a car that’s had more work done than a Hollywood starlet. It’s been upgraded with performance enhancements to the suspension and brakes, along with new wheels. Key mechanical changes include Brembo brakes, 18-inch wheels, and an ‘STI-tuned’ suspension. The BRZ tS also sports a badge on the grille and the trunklid, along with gold-painted brake calipers and dark gray 18-inch wheels that scream ‘I’m not here to blend in.’ Under the hood, it sticks with the standard BRZ’s 228-hp 2.4-liter flat-four engine, but only comes with a six-speed manual transmission. The BRZ tS is set to go on sale later this year, starting in the mid-$30,000 range.
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Lotus Eletre Tackling the SUV Market
Lotus, the brand that’s been making lightweight sports cars, has decided to step into the world of electric SUVs. They’ve launched the Eletre, which in some Eastern European dialects means “coming to life,” but in my dialect means “I can’t afford this.”
The Eletre comes in three grades: the base Eletre, the Eletre S, and the Eletre R. The base and S grades have a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with a peak of 603 hp. The Eletre R steps it up with 905 hp, ensuring you’ll never be late to pick up the kids, or anything else for that matter.
The Eletre is based on a modular EV platform and is a lot bigger than fans might expect. It’s longer than a Range Rover (which seems to be a popular design inspiration) and close in length to some full-size luxury sedans. A little junk in the trunk if you will.
The Eletre also comes with a suite of sensors for active safety systems, including four lidar units. Lotus says this will enable self-driving capability when the technology and market regulations are ready. Nothing says “I trust technology” like letting your car drive itself while you sit back and contemplate why you spent so much on a car. Here’s a random thought. Should car insurance go down if you have lidar units?
Lotus is planning to roll out more electric models in the future. Right now, it’ll first hit China then Europe. Pricing in Europe starts at 95,990 euros, about $105,000 US, or about $104,000 more than you’ve saved in your seat cushions. So, if the Eletre is a bit out of your price range, just keep rummaging between couch cushions for enough lint-covered nickels to maybe buy a used Lotus Eletre in 50 years.
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Four Seasons Private Jet Expands to Asia and Africa
Like the title said, the Four Seasons Private Jet added routes to Asia and Africa in 2025. That means two more places you’ll never visit by private jet.
First off, I never even knew Four Seasons had private jets. Of course, businesses need new product lines. Makes sense.
The African Wonders itinerary, running from December 29, 2024, to January 10, 2025, covers seven remarkable locations. Starting in Greece, jet-setters will journey down through Egypt, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritius, Zambia, and South Africa. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to soar above the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, visit the iconic pyramids at Giza, and observe elusive mountain gorillas in Rwanda. This is perfect for the 1 percent that want less dirt and more champagne with their safaris.
The Asia Unveiled adventure, taking place from March 13 to 18, includes stops in seven colorful cities and islands. Starting in Tokyo, travelers will fly to Bali, the Maldives, Hội An, Bhutan, Angkor Wat, and Bangkok. You’ll learn the secrets of samurai sword fighting in Tokyo, explore the waters of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, and visit a breathtaking Buddhist monastery in Bhutan. It’s like a spiritual journey, but with more sushi and less meditation.
Four Seasons President and CEO Alejandro Reynal said in a statement, “Each Four Seasons Private Jet Experience has been crafted with a singular focus on our guests, building itineraries that celebrate the journey as well as the destination.” We’re guessing that singular focus is on their bank accounts. But if you’re rich and want to explore the world without standing around with the riff-raff, well has the Four Seasons got something for you.
Of course, Four Seasons won’t skimp on that Four Seasons name. Travelers can expect five-star service, too. You’ll fly aboard the fully customized Four Seasons Airbus A321neo that debuted late last year. This widebody aircraft has 48 seats, spacious bathrooms, and a luxe “Lounge in the Sky.” Four Seasons says this communal area enables guests to socialize and partake in special events, such as sommelier-led wine tastings or wellness workshops. So a rich person networking event.
In terms of pricing, African Wonders will set you back $148,000 per person, while Asia Unveiled costs $142,000 per person. That covers all flights, luggage coordination, ground transfers, accommodation, excursions, activities, and meals. It also includes 24/7 inflight service, a concierge, a journey physician, local experts, and a dedicated guest services manager.
If I had $150k lying around, yea, I’d do this. I’m tired of Spirit losing my luggage.
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Asics GEL-KAYANO 30 Can Double Your Running Distance
ASICS drops their latest iteration of the long-running GEL-KAYANO with the Asics GEL-KAYANO 30 ($160 from Amazon). Asics is focused on stability and they’ve made some advancements.
They’ve built a 4D Guidance System that adapts to the pronation changes in your foot. Almost like a bio-adapter or biofeedback to your foot.
I’ve had Kayanos, they are so comfortable. Now with the GEL-KAYANO 30, ASICS has crammed so much PureGEL technology into this shoe that I imagine you’re walking on a cloud. A cloud that’s been trained in the art of shock absorption.
They’ve also thrown in some lightweight FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning that Asics say improves comfort and speed. The stack height increases by 4mm.
It’s out now and the feedback is overhwelmingly positive. Some people have seen their runs go from 2 miles to 4-6 miles without any shin splints. Others confirm that it’s not just marketing speak, that the shoe’s stability and comfort is the real deal.
ASICS GEL-KAYANO has never gone wrong. Although while they might be comfortable, they’re still not pajamas.
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Leica SL2 Finally Gets Silver
Leica’s finally decided to give the people what they want. After years of sticking to the all-black finish, they’ve decided to shake things up with a silver finish for their SL2 ($7000). It’s got all the same bells and whistles as the black model – a full-frame 47MP CMOS sensor, an ISO range of up to 50,000, and even IP54-rated dust and water resistance. They’ve taken the old school cool of a classic camera and packed it with all the tech we can’t live without.
You can get the silver SL2 in a body-only option, a Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 kit, or a Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 kit with the M Adapter L. All black has been around since 2015, so not sure why it took eight years to add some silver on it.
Everyone loves it. Some folks are even saying it reminds them of the Leicaflex SL. But Leica’s got a rumored SL3 in the works coming May 2024. So do you drop $7k now or wait another year for an ever better camera…with possibly no silver colorway.
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Matte vs Glossy: Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 Sparks a Debate
Samsung’s new 27-inch ViewFinity S9 monitor focuses on creative professionals with its 5K resolution and 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. Adjustability is a priority too – the display rotates to portrait orientation, while a matte coating aims to cut glare. And that matte coating is sparking some opinions.
Connectivity options like Thunderbolt 5, USB-C, and Mini DisplayPort cater to workflow flexibility. Need to juice your laptop? The S9 provides 90W of power delivery through a direct connection. It even packs a built-in 4K SlimFit camera for your Zoom close-up.
With smart calibrating features and stylish minimalist looks, the S9 caters to aesthetics-focused creators. Assuming you have room to fit this modern monolith among the sketchpads cluttering your workspace, that is. But for those seeking a streamlined do-it-all creative space, the ViewFinity makes your desk feel a little less…finite.
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Mercedes Releases New AMG GLCs that Let You Channel Your Inner Lewis Hamilton, Minus the X-Rated Rants
Mercedes-AMG just dropped their visions of their latest powerhouses, the 2025 AMG GLC 43 and the first-ever AMG performance hybrid SUV, the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance. Both of these beasts are juiced up by a 2.0L inline-four, but the GLC 63 S E Performance has a secret weapon—an electric motor at the rear axle. Now, I’m not one to get all misty-eyed over horsepower, but the GLC 43 cranks out a respectable 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, hitting 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and topping out at an electronically limited speed of 155 mph. If that’s too slow, then the GLC 63 S E Performance is your ticket to the big leagues. This monster churns out a staggering 671 hp and a mind-blowing 752 lb-ft of torque, clocking a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 171 mph. Tear up the roads faster than a dodgy kebab.
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Hyundai’s Santa Fe Looks Suspiciously Like a Land Rover
Hyundai introduced their all-new Santa Fe today which promises a “nature-meets-city appeal”. Great for outdoor lifestyles. Now, you just have to learn to like being outside in 120 degree weather.
They’ve redesigned the outside in the shape of an H (for Hyundai? ). It supposedly will “harmonize” the front and rear.
Per SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center, “[t]he all-new Santa Fe is an SUV that finds a perfect balance between city life and the great outdoors, handling everything from busy family itineraries to car camping adventures.” Indoors, outdoors, we have you covered. It’s the perfect cross between your kids’ soccer practice and your mid-life crisis camping trip all in one go.
The front has a high hood, H-shaped headlamps and a bold fender. The tailgate is extended with, we assume, spacious cabin space.
Just like every car these days, the inside will be similar to a cockpit panel, with lights and gadgets, sounds and graphics, to take your Switch playing days into a live vehicle going 60 mph.
The Santa Fe hasn’t been redesigned since 2018. I’m impressed. Hyundai is doing things right. They have the IONIQ 5 N which could be a Tesla killer. One thing I’m always impressed by is how Hyundai went from a cheap, butt of all jokes, car, to beating out other car brands for loyalty and design.