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 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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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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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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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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The Zoey smart home assistant concept represents a harmonious blend of aesthetics and elegant design. This smart speaker can be detached from the dock so that you can use it wirelessly. Moreover, you can stick it to any metal surface as it comes with high-grade magnets on the back. At its core, Zoey is designed to be user-friendly, featuring intuitive voice recognition capabilities that make interaction effortless.

The sleek form factor, with its smooth curves and premium materials, invites users to engage with it regularly. Unlike traditional speakers, which can often be bulky or unattractive, Zoey’s design philosophy emphasizes minimalism and sophistication, ensuring it complements rather than disrupts a desk’s visual harmony.

Designer: Siddharth Jindal

The smart home assistant connects effortlessly with various devices, allowing users to control lighting, temperature, and security systems with simple voice commands. The portable device also boasts high-fidelity audio performance, providing a rich listening experience whether users are streaming music, podcasts, or audiobooks. If you’ve got another speaker biting the dust you can pair it with Zoey to create a stereo surround environment.

Zoey’s versatility extends beyond mere home automation; it serves as a central hub for other smart gadgets as well. With built-in features such as reminders, calendar management, and news updates, it transforms mundane tasks into seamless interactions. The touch interface of the device also lets you seamlessly navigate through the menus and various compatible apps. The design incorporates subtle LED indicators that provide visual feedback, enhancing usability while maintaining the speaker’s sleek appearance. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to creating a product that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The potential for personalization is another hallmark, as users can choose from a range of color options and finishes, allowing them to select a model that best fits their style. In a world where technology often feels impersonal, Zoey stands out by merging practicality with artistic design. Zoey is not just a portable home assistant speaker; it is a thoughtfully crafted home companion that embodies the future of smart living.

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Ring watches are all over the place these days. Traditional wristwatches are finding a new perspective of timekeeping in the rings that are allowing people to wear time in a unique manner – far from the pocket, not so distant from the wrist – yet, in an entirely new perception! While eminent names in Swiss haute horology are still distancing themselves from this new timekeeping fad, American watchmaker Timex is taking the leap of faith with a ring watch edition of its retro T80 model.

Timex is not doing this alone. The watch brand is teaming up with Maison Margiela, a French luxury fashion house. The outcome of Timex and Maison Margiela tie-up is the MM6 collection that features the reimagined T80 steel timepiece in form of a ring watch and retro-style T80 wristwatch with INDIGLO backlighting.

Designer: Timex x Maison Margiela

Timex x MM6 Maison Margiela collection, comprising Timex x MM6 20mm Stainless Steel Ring Watch ($180) and Timex x MM6 36mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch ($200), is available – starting October 24 – through Timex and MM6 Maison Margiela websites. The ring watch here is an endlessly adaptable accessory; even though it has a brushed stainless-steel case and strap, it hides beneath the strap an expanding band, which can stretch to accommodate different finger sizes.

The expansion band allows the wearer to shift the watch between fingers – or even switch between family members – with ease, fitting snuggly in most fingers. Sitting on the finger, the ring watch would scream dual branding and a district look (from the base model). Just below the main digital display is the mineral lens featuring a mask with a sequence of digits from zero to 23. In the sequence spread over three rows, the number six is encircled as a nod to the MM6 numerical signature.

While the T80 ring watch is versatile in functionality, the wristwatch in the collaborative collection is a traditional timepiece, so its stainless-steel bracelet will mostly fit the wrist it is tailored for. That said, the Timex x MM6 36mm watch carries all the functionalities of the T80 – time, month and date display, a chronograph, a daily alarm, and betters that with the contemporary INDIGO backlight technology and the mineral lens exhibiting the MM6 branding, like on the ring. The wristwatch is offered as a gift set along with a standalone brushed and polished stainless-steel strap.

For the interested, the Timex x Maison Margiela ring watch runs on an SR521SW battery. The movement is digital and features an internal electrical circuit controlling the rate at which the watch ticks. Since you’re going to have the ring on for the most part of the day, involuntarily drenching it while washing hands cannot be overlooked. The ring watch is water resistant up to 30 meters and can be taken swimming, for a bath, or occasionally rinsing under the faucet without giving a second thought.

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Having seen countless Batmobile designs all these years – whether concept or real ones – the buck stops at how intimidating the build is. The ride should have an Alpha presence when parked alongside other cars, no matter whether they are supercars, SUVs, or monster trucks.

If it’s a Batmobile it should be draped in dark hues of black, although matte is preferred to continue the dark theme. This car is designed for racing given its low riding position, almost glued to the tarmac just like a Formula racer.

Designer: Fabien Guilloux

RobotRacer BBA is a racing vehicle that has Brutal, Black and Autonomous in its DNA. Being a modern take on Batmobile this concept has raw mechanical appeal with the exposed components. Those big front and rear axles, suspension and air intakes take me back to the early 2000s when F1 racing cars had a similar exterior. The dark theme overpowers the sleek lines and curves of the car, however, it does give off a very cool racing vibe. Having a second look at the hover cam view, it looks like a love child of a stealth aircraft and an F1 racer.

The all-wheel drive vehicle has an electric powertrain ready to deliver all the torque to the front and rear wheels. Being completely autonomous gives the designer complete freedom to make it ultra-aerodynamic with the least possible drag coefficient. The side air intake pods are quite large but for electric transmission, they serve no purpose, just for aesthetics they are good. Those wheel rims are draped in matte black color to carry the theme. The only things that cannot have the dark hue are the movable metal components.

This concept design hit me as a futuristic Batmobile right from the time I first laid my eyes on it. However, being autonomous means Batman will never ride it given there’s no seating space on the inside. Crime fighting will be this car’s sole objective though on a lighter note.

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Light and scents have an undeniable influence on our emotions and affect productivity. When you are in the office, you have numerous variables working in your favor. The general environment is created to increase productivity, peers work as positive reinforcement, lunch breaks foster bonding, and meetings help with real-time solutions to problems. All of this is generally lost when the office is shifted into your home with no one else but the virtual world to rely upon.

With the little play of lights and olfactory, you can create an environment in your home office that instills a feeling of happiness and warmth, while impacting the mood to enhance focus and productivity. This is where MoodMist, scented desk lamp, steps in. The appearance is pretty ordinary, but the functioning of this lamp is where the difference lies.

Designer: Semin Park

Bright light promotes alertness, cool colors encourage peace, warm hues evoke happiness, good smell can help process emotions and memories, while unpleasant smell can leave you feeling stressed and unproductive. The MoodMist combines light, scents, and a central camera and sensors to help those in the vicinity to focus better and perform productively while studying or working.

The lamp with the synergy of all its parts creates an environment in the room that’s tailored to an individual’s emotional state of mind. It emits soft, warm light and scent that matches the mood. The scents reside in the base of the lamps, which has two red balls (comprising camera and sensors) running up and down the metal body that connects the base with the lampshade on the top.

The adjustable sensors and camera modules detect the user’s emotional state and adjust the light and emit the requisite scent to match the state of mind in real-time. If the user is found distracted or tired, it releases focus-enhancing scents or if the adjustable camera and sensors detect the user it emotionally charged, the lamp releases calming scents. This helps the user to involuntarily return to a focused and productive state of mind.

The lamps come with multiple scents and lighting options customizable to a range of moods and emotions. The combination of the right smell and lighting helps a user to focus for longer periods. In addition to automated settings, the MoodMist also permits customization. It gives one the option to toggle between scents and lighting to create a personalized experience, if and when required.

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Down jackets are fantastic insulators. They trap the warmth and retain heat, keeping us warm even in extreme weather conditions. But downs have adverse effects on wildlife and are not manufactured in the most environmentally friendly manner. In fact, most of the textile industry is ridden with a high environmental footprint. It is waiting for material innovation to decrease the footprints and herald a viable new beginning.

It would be far-stretched to say, but Japanese manufacturer Sumitomo Metal Mining could have a transparent way forward in this possible future. The company has manufactured Solament – a material innovation that produces heat using infrared light conversion. The Down-Less Down Jacket by designer Kosuke Tsumura is the first project that brings the material’s translucent nature and functionality to the fore.

Designer: Kosuke Tsumura

Aptly named Solament, a combination word comprising “solar” and “element,” this is made of near-infrared ray absorbing nanoparticles. The material absorbs the rays present in sunlight and utilizes them to generate heat. Tsumura has used the material properties to create the down jacket silhouette that absorbs infrared light from sunlight and then generates heat through light conversion technology to keep the wearer warm.

Down-Less Down Jacket, as it is called, is like a puffer down jacket made from the translucent innovative material. According to the designer, the jacket provides warmth, comparable (if not better) to a traditional down jacket without using feathers. No animals hurt, no production footprints; such as apparel as this transparent down jacket can be the future of clean, conscious clothing.

Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2024, the Down-Less Down Jacket depicts well the material’s potential. Given its transparent nature, it can have many applications and industries it can influence. Sticking with the jacket at hand, the interesting wearable may for now appear directly out of a fashion show, but its benefits can certainly have a transforming effect on the apparel industry.

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