Latest
Say hello to the most powerful hybrid yet. The 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid ($TBA) features a gas-electric system comprised of twin electric motors and a twin-turbo, 4.4L V8, all paired to a seven-speed dual mode transmission, good for a 0-60 time of just 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The stylish crossover also features BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, sensotronic brake actuation, dynamic traction control, 20-inch light-alloy Aero wheels, BMW Assist with GPS and Bluetooth, and much more.
Save
We've never wanted a car so badly. The just-unveiled Tesla Model S ($50,000 after tax breaks) is literally the reinvention of the automobile. This electric sedan will offer a 300-mile range and 45-minute QuickCharge capability, all while sporting some of the most beautiful styling you'll find. With seating for five adults and two children, the Model S has it all. Its powertrain includes a liquid-cooled 9-inch motor combined with a single-speed gearbox (just gun it — no shifting required) that's good for a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph. It offers a 5-minute battery swap and charges from any outlet, with charges costing as little as $4 to "fill up." Features include (taking deep breath) a 17-inch infotainment touchscreen with all-time 3G connectivity, 21-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, panoramic roof with sliding moon roof, retracting door handles, a hatch for large items and a 2nd trunk under the hood, a fully digital instrument cluster, LED and neon headlight and taillights, and a pretty crazy RFID keyless entry and ignition system. Sadly, this beauty won't go into production until 2011. It's going to be a long two years.
Save
Quieter, roomier, and greener — there's a lot to like in the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius ($TBA). The mid-size hybrid sedan promises fuel efficiency of 50 mpg, with a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combining with the electric motor for 134hp. Options range from eco-friendly to just plain cool, and include LED lamps, a sliding glass moonroof with solar panels that hooks to a battery-powered air-conditioning system that uses sunlight to keep the car cool — complete with remote temperature adjustment — a dynamic radar cruise control system, and intelligent parking assist. The world's most popular hybrid just got better.
Save
It's not like MINI's automobiles were gas guzzlers to begin with, but if you're looking for the greenest MINI you can get, check out the new MINI E ($TBA). Limited to just 500 vehicles to be leased in SoCal, New York, and New Jersey early next year, the E employ a single-speed, 204hp electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery, offering a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a driving range of 150 miles. Think of it as a civilized electric go-cart.
Save
The future is almost here. Chevrolet today unveiled the production version of the Chevy Volt ($TBA; 2010). Powered by a 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, the Detroit savior lets you go up to 40 miles without using a drop of gas. And when your battery's dead, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly picks up to keep you going. Back at home, the Volt can be plugged into a standard outlet for charging. The battery's more than 220 lithium-ion cells produce the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. Inside, you'll find a 7-inch touch screen display with quick access to all major controls.
Save
End your dependency on gasoline with the Honda FCX Clarity ($600/month; Summer 2008). This next-generation fuel cell vehicle runs on hydrogen, which allows it to emit only water instead of nasty fumes. It has a driving range of up to 280 miles, and offers the equivalent of 74 mpg thanks to the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform on which its based. Unfortunately, hydrogen stations aren't exactly commonplace, which is why sales of the vehicle are limited to SoCal for now. Still, if you're looking to do your part for the environment, it's about as green as you can get.
Save
It appears independent car makers are stepping up amid crazy gas prices to bring some stylish green into our lives. The just-announced Scorpion ($TBA) from Ronn Motor Company is a sexy speedster that will run on a 30-40 ratio blend of gas and hydrogen, promising around 40 mpg efficiency while still being able to hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The fuel for the hydrogen-on-demand system is "derived from fracturing water molecules drawn from a small on board water tank, and will not require a high pressure, on board hydrogen storage tank or hydrogen fueling station," according to the company. The carbon fiber beauty is now in pre-production, with availability scheduled for this fall.
Save
Even if electric hippie-heaven futuro cars aren't your style, you should still consider picking up a hybrid during your next new-car shopping trip. The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (starting at $50,490) is the world's first two-mode hybrid SUV. (A GMC Yukon Hybrid is also available.) Offering up to 50% better city fuel economy over the non-hybrid Tahoe, the eco-friendly version has an estimated MPG of 21 city/22 highway for the 2WD model, and 20 city/20 highway for the 4WD model. Both pack in a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine with Active Fuel Management technology, which automatically shifts from 8 to 4 cylinders when less power is needed.
Save
Wouldn't it be nice if you could buy a luxury sedan with muscle car horsepower that's still good to Mother Nature? That's precisely what you get with the 2008 Lexus LS 600h L (starting at $104,000). Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine and a high-output, electric-drive motor, this five-passenger hybrid sedan is capable of producing 438 total system horsepower. The all-wheel drive Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) goes 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds, while getting 20 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.
Save
We've heard about eco-friendly hybrids, sub-compact gas savers, and many other forms of world-saving transportation — but nothing like this. The 120 MPH Electric Car ($108,000) is barely wider than a motorcycle, can fit perpendicular to the sidewalk on most streets where parking is allowed, goes 40-80 miles on one charge, and goes from 0-60 in a Porsche-esque 4.0 seconds. While it may not be the best-looking car on the road, it's certainly one of the most satisfying to drive.
Save
Most Saved
We've never wanted a car so badly. The just-unveiled Tesla Model S ($50,000 after tax breaks) is literally the reinvention of the automobile. This electric sedan will offer a 300-mile range and 45-minute QuickCharge capability, all while sporting some of the most beautiful styling you'll find. With seating for five adults and two children, the Model S has it all. Its powertrain includes a liquid-cooled 9-inch motor combined with a single-speed gearbox (just gun it — no shifting required) that's good for a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph. It offers a 5-minute battery swap and charges from any outlet, with charges costing as little as $4 to "fill up." Features include (taking deep breath) a 17-inch infotainment touchscreen with all-time 3G connectivity, 21-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, panoramic roof with sliding moon roof, retracting door handles, a hatch for large items and a 2nd trunk under the hood, a fully digital instrument cluster, LED and neon headlight and taillights, and a pretty crazy RFID keyless entry and ignition system. Sadly, this beauty won't go into production until 2011. It's going to be a long two years.
Save
It appears independent car makers are stepping up amid crazy gas prices to bring some stylish green into our lives. The just-announced Scorpion ($TBA) from Ronn Motor Company is a sexy speedster that will run on a 30-40 ratio blend of gas and hydrogen, promising around 40 mpg efficiency while still being able to hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The fuel for the hydrogen-on-demand system is "derived from fracturing water molecules drawn from a small on board water tank, and will not require a high pressure, on board hydrogen storage tank or hydrogen fueling station," according to the company. The carbon fiber beauty is now in pre-production, with availability scheduled for this fall.
Save
It's not like MINI's automobiles were gas guzzlers to begin with, but if you're looking for the greenest MINI you can get, check out the new MINI E ($TBA). Limited to just 500 vehicles to be leased in SoCal, New York, and New Jersey early next year, the E employ a single-speed, 204hp electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery, offering a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a driving range of 150 miles. Think of it as a civilized electric go-cart.
Save
The future is almost here. Chevrolet today unveiled the production version of the Chevy Volt ($TBA; 2010). Powered by a 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, the Detroit savior lets you go up to 40 miles without using a drop of gas. And when your battery's dead, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly picks up to keep you going. Back at home, the Volt can be plugged into a standard outlet for charging. The battery's more than 220 lithium-ion cells produce the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. Inside, you'll find a 7-inch touch screen display with quick access to all major controls.
Save
Say hello to the most powerful hybrid yet. The 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid ($TBA) features a gas-electric system comprised of twin electric motors and a twin-turbo, 4.4L V8, all paired to a seven-speed dual mode transmission, good for a 0-60 time of just 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The stylish crossover also features BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, sensotronic brake actuation, dynamic traction control, 20-inch light-alloy Aero wheels, BMW Assist with GPS and Bluetooth, and much more.
Save
We've heard about eco-friendly hybrids, sub-compact gas savers, and many other forms of world-saving transportation — but nothing like this. The 120 MPH Electric Car ($108,000) is barely wider than a motorcycle, can fit perpendicular to the sidewalk on most streets where parking is allowed, goes 40-80 miles on one charge, and goes from 0-60 in a Porsche-esque 4.0 seconds. While it may not be the best-looking car on the road, it's certainly one of the most satisfying to drive.
Save
Quieter, roomier, and greener — there's a lot to like in the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius ($TBA). The mid-size hybrid sedan promises fuel efficiency of 50 mpg, with a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combining with the electric motor for 134hp. Options range from eco-friendly to just plain cool, and include LED lamps, a sliding glass moonroof with solar panels that hooks to a battery-powered air-conditioning system that uses sunlight to keep the car cool — complete with remote temperature adjustment — a dynamic radar cruise control system, and intelligent parking assist. The world's most popular hybrid just got better.
Save
End your dependency on gasoline with the Honda FCX Clarity ($600/month; Summer 2008). This next-generation fuel cell vehicle runs on hydrogen, which allows it to emit only water instead of nasty fumes. It has a driving range of up to 280 miles, and offers the equivalent of 74 mpg thanks to the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform on which its based. Unfortunately, hydrogen stations aren't exactly commonplace, which is why sales of the vehicle are limited to SoCal for now. Still, if you're looking to do your part for the environment, it's about as green as you can get.
Save
Even if electric hippie-heaven futuro cars aren't your style, you should still consider picking up a hybrid during your next new-car shopping trip. The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (starting at $50,490) is the world's first two-mode hybrid SUV. (A GMC Yukon Hybrid is also available.) Offering up to 50% better city fuel economy over the non-hybrid Tahoe, the eco-friendly version has an estimated MPG of 21 city/22 highway for the 2WD model, and 20 city/20 highway for the 4WD model. Both pack in a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine with Active Fuel Management technology, which automatically shifts from 8 to 4 cylinders when less power is needed.
Save
Wouldn't it be nice if you could buy a luxury sedan with muscle car horsepower that's still good to Mother Nature? That's precisely what you get with the 2008 Lexus LS 600h L (starting at $104,000). Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine and a high-output, electric-drive motor, this five-passenger hybrid sedan is capable of producing 438 total system horsepower. The all-wheel drive Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) goes 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds, while getting 20 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.
Save
Most Emailed
Bring the sports bar experience home with The Man Wall ($14,900). This all-in-one chunk of awesomeness features room for four TVs — one 52" and two 26" units are included — a 1200-watt Panasonic home theater with integrated speakers and wireless surround units, two 25-cigar humidors with gauges, a 32-bottle wine rack, a microwave, a live 7-foot sports ticker at the top with built-in computer, a full-size kegerator with tap, an iPod docking station, DVD player, and the ability to control it all via a single remote control. Feel free to grunt in approval.
Save
From the makers of Baconnaise and Bacon Salt comes a bacon-flavored product that you don't even have to eat. J&D's Bacon Lip Balm ($13/4-pack) will protect your lips with beeswax, aloe vera oil, Vitamin E acetate, and other ingredients, all while offering a subtle bacon flavor both you and your partner can enjoy.
Save
Most of us don't have the engineering, design, or architectural chops to recreate any of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterworks, but we can anyway, thanks to these new Frank Lloyd Wright Lego Architecture Building Sets ($TBA). Licensed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection, these terrific sets — of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Fallingwater — were developed in collaboration with leading architects to be as accurate as possible, and come with booklets that not only tell you how to build you own model masterpiece, but exclusive archival historical material and photographs of each building, as well. [Thanks, Kris]
Save
Ever wish you could combine your dual-monitor setup into one behemoth display? Get ready, because your wish has come true in the NEC CRV43 Curved Widescreen Display ($8,000). Boasting a unique curved design that's sure to immerse you more than a standard two display setup, this beauty also features a 2880x900 double WXGA resolution, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, single link DVI-D and HDMI inputs, USB 2.0 ports, an on screen display, and the assurance that you have the most unique monitor in the neighborhood. [via]
Save
Ever wish you could take a Jägermeister shot machine with you camping, tailgating, and partying? Now you can, with the Jägermeister 6-Bottle Shot Cooler ($120). Available as a six-bottle value pack, the cooler has plenty of room for all six bottles, ice, and the requisite cans of Red Bull, and uses the same tech as the Jägermeister Tap Machine to deliver ice-cold shots straight from the external tap.
Save
Show your fang affiliation by stocking your fridge with Tru Blood ($16). Based on the synthetic blood drink favored by the more civilized vampires of HBO's True Blood, this carbonated real-world version packs a slightly sweet, slightly tart blood orange flavor and a rich red color that will have guests wondering if you're drinking the real thing.
Save
Flapjack lovers, rejoice. Now you can make fresh, 97% fat-free pancakes in as little as 30 seconds using the ChefStack Automatic Pancake Machine ($3,500). This microwave-sized wonder uses no-mess batter pouches to crank out stack after stack of four- inch diameter pancakes, and doesn't even require supervision, letting you cook up breakfast for you and your crew while you get your other morning activities out of the way — like taking a shower, brushing your teeth, or downing a half-dozen mimosas.
Save
We love bacon, and we've seen everything from Canned Bacon to Baconnaise, Bacon Salt, Bacon Floss — hell, even Bacon Lip Balm — so it was only a matter of time before we discovered Bacon Soap ($6). Made to both look and smell like frying bacon, this soap will get you clean while giving your appetite a jump-start on the day.
Save
One of the worst things about adding ice to a whisky is its ability to water-down the flavor. So chill your next drink down with Whisky Stones ($20). Milled in Vermont by some of the oldest soapstone workshops in the US, these stones chill quickly in the freezer, and won't impart any flavor to your favorite blend.
Save
Tempted by the MINI's go-cart handling, but not a fan of its boxy exterior? The MINI Coupé Concept ($TBA) is for you. Ready to accept any of MINI's powerhouse engines, including the 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged unit from the MINI John Cooper Works, this stylish two-seater pairs a decidedly MINI-like bottom with an aggressively designed upper half, including a swept back windshield, short contrast roof, hidden B-pillars, and more sexy than every other modern MINI combined.
Save
Most Popular
While we might not know exactly what seven functions the sleek Gerber Shard ($8) will provide, we know enough to know we'll be on the pre-order list as soon as it's available. The lightweight, airline-safe keychain tool offers at the minimum a bottle opener, screwdriver, and nail puller, with a titanium nitride coating for corrosion resistance.
Save
Terrorism. Murder. Blood. Bullets. Darkness. This is the G.I. Joe cartoon you've been waiting 25 years for. G.I. Joe: Resolute ($14) is a new animated mini-series featuring classic Joes and Cobra operatives that's sure to make the live action movie look even more like a turd. Aimed at older viewers, and garnering standing ovations at JoeCon Comic-Con, Resolute consists of 11 episodes (ten 5-minute episodes and one 10-minute finale) totaling 60 minutes. We won't tell you the plot, but let's just say Cobra Commander goes totally apocalyptic on Moscow. In the first four minutes. Can someone please start a petition to turn this into a regular weekly series? Oh, and don't forget the toys.
Save
Leave it to the air maestros at Dyson to create a fan with no blades. The Dyson Air Multiplier ($300-$330) uses a fairly ingenious design to suck air into the base, accelerating it through an small aperture in the device's ring and then over a ramp to channel its direction. As it happens, this also causes the air behind and around the machine to be drawn into the airflow, creating a smooth stream of air amplified 15 times, without the unpleasant buffeting caused by the blades of a traditional fan chopping the air. The only downside? It's a $300 fan.
Save
What good is a portable hard drive if you're afraid to take it anywhere? With the Hitachi SimpleTough Hard Drive ($100-$135), you simply grab your data and go. Featuring a rugged body with grippy rubber sides and a smooth rubber body, the SimpleTough can withstand drops of up to 7 feet and also offers underside lighting and an integrated USB cable, giving you one less thing to remember when packing for your next spy mission.
Save
Tackle the great outdoors -- or just yard work -- in the coldest of weather in the Timberland Utility Jacket ($150). With straightforward looks, it's not exactly a flashy piece of outerwear, but it does the job, with a rugged cotton twill outer, nylon polin and polyester fleece lining, a front zipper with button flap cover for added wind protection, dual snap-close side pockets and two cargo-style chest pockets, slightly distressed details for a worn-in look, and stitched down shoulder epaulettes.
Save
Known primarily for its sporty pro outerwear, the new line of Arc'teryx Veilance ($175-$1,000) tops, coats, and pants combines tough, outdoor-ready fabrics like Gore-Tex and Paclite with more traditional cuts and syling, letting you dress your best no matter what the weather's like outside. And no, we don't know how you're supposed to say "Arc'teryx."
Save
Think you've seen or read all the great books and films there are to digest? Think again. City Secrets Books & Movies ($14 each) are your guide to gems of cinema and literature that are mostly overlooked, compiled from recommendations given by some of the world's most well-respected minds on either subject, including Alec Wilkinson, Kenneth Turan, Marty Scorsese, and Sidney Lumet. Good luck finding copies of — and time to watch and read — all of them.
Save
Who needs buttons? Apple's Magic Mouse ($69) eschews mechanical buttons and scroll wheels, letting you navigate using the same Multi-Touch technology used on the iPhone and MacBook trackpads. The sexy, seamless, touch-sensitive device works as a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support, allowing you to scroll, pan, or swipe with ninja-finger skill. Works for you freakish lefties too.
Save
Looking for a way to monitor your energy usage and cut down on power bills during the economic crunch? Check out the Black & Decker Power Monitor ($100). This easy-to-use device provides real-time electricity use, cost, and outdoor temperature readings, thanks to a wireless sensor that attaches to your electricity meter. Offering an Appliance Mode that isolates the cost of individual appliances or gadgets, it could save you up to 20% each month on your power bill — meaning it should pay for itself in no time.
Save
What would you pay to be Don Draper or Roger Sterling? How about to look like them? The Brooks Brothers Mad Men Edition Suit ($1,000; October 19) pays homage to AMC's hit show with a medium gray sharkskin suit designed by Janie Bryant, the Emmy-nominated costume designer for the show, and is modeled after Draper's and Sterling's wardrobes. Features include a noticeably slim cut, diagonal pockets, narrower notch lapels, and side vents. Limited to just 250, the suit is made in a Brooks-owned factory in Massachusetts, and while it might be more classically stylish than your current attire, don't expect it to magically turn you into Jon Hamm.
Save
Say hello to the most powerful hybrid yet. The 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid ($TBA) features a gas-electric system comprised of twin electric motors and a twin-turbo, 4.4L V8, all paired to a seven-speed dual mode transmission, good for a 0-60... [More]
We've never wanted a car so badly. The just-unveiled Tesla Model S ($50,000 after tax breaks) is literally the reinvention of the automobile. This electric sedan will offer a 300-mile range and 45-minute QuickCharge capability, all while sporting some of... [More]
Quieter, roomier, and greener — there's a lot to like in the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius ($TBA). The mid-size hybrid sedan promises fuel efficiency of 50 mpg, with a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combining with the electric motor for 134hp.... [More]
It's not like MINI's automobiles were gas guzzlers to begin with, but if you're looking for the greenest MINI you can get, check out the new MINI E ($TBA). Limited to just 500 vehicles to be leased in SoCal, New... [More]
The future is almost here. Chevrolet today unveiled the production version of the Chevy Volt ($TBA; 2010). Powered by a 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, the Detroit savior lets you go up to 40 miles without using a drop of gas. And... [More]
Sponsored Product
PS3®120GB System
Powerful graphics? Check. Blu-ray™? Check. Wi-Fi™? Check. Downloadable games and movies? Check. 120GB hard drive? Check. Multiplayer online gaming? Check. The new PlayStation®3 120GB system does it all using 34 percent less power and taking up 32 percent less space.
End your dependency on gasoline with the Honda FCX Clarity ($600/month; Summer 2008). This next-generation fuel cell vehicle runs on hydrogen, which allows it to emit only water instead of nasty fumes. It has a driving range of up to... [More]
It appears independent car makers are stepping up amid crazy gas prices to bring some stylish green into our lives. The just-announced Scorpion ($TBA) from Ronn Motor Company is a sexy speedster that will run on a 30-40 ratio blend... [More]
Even if electric hippie-heaven futuro cars aren't your style, you should still consider picking up a hybrid during your next new-car shopping trip. The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (starting at $50,490) is the world's first two-mode hybrid SUV. (A GMC... [More]
Wouldn't it be nice if you could buy a luxury sedan with muscle car horsepower that's still good to Mother Nature? That's precisely what you get with the 2008 Lexus LS 600h L (starting at $104,000). Powered by a 5.0-liter... [More]
We've heard about eco-friendly hybrids, sub-compact gas savers, and many other forms of world-saving transportation — but nothing like this. The 120 MPH Electric Car ($108,000) is barely wider than a motorcycle, can fit perpendicular to the sidewalk on most... [More]
Just because you can afford a luxury SUV, doesn't mean you should use up all the gas in the world fueling the thing. The 2006 RX 400h (starting at $49,000) is powered by a 3.3 liter V6 engine and a... [More]
Another premium gift found in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is this limited edition Lexus GS 450h ($65,000). The hybrid luxury car is available in an exclusive exterior color, “Crystalline Ice,” and merges a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine with high-output... [More]
