Auto, Tech and Style

AUTO

Less for more – the Porsche way
Porsche sprung a surprise at the Los Angeles Auto Show with the Cayman R — the stripped-out road-and-track version of the Cayman coupe that it previously said it would not build, for fear of cannibalising 911 sales. A return to the philosophy of the Club Sport 968, the Cayman R has 330PS from its 3.4-litre flat-six engine — 10PS more than the standard Cayman S. It weighs 55 kg less, thanks to lightweight components — aluminium door skins, special wheels — and dropping equipment such as air conditioning. In the Porsche way, you pay more for less: The UK price is Rs. 36.4 lakh.



TECH

The home machine
The DreamScreen is a family PC with a difference. An all-in-one with an 18.5-inch touchscreen, this device is targeted at first timers — mainly the elderly or kids. Running a custom version of Linux, the DreamScreen provides four USB ports. The 1.3 megapixel Webcam comes in handy for video calls. There’s a 250 GB hard drive, but only 140 GB is usable. Functionality is limited to what’s provided, since you cannot install any new applications. You can view and edit office documents, browse the Web, get news and astrology from NDTV, book train and air tickets through Yatra, pay bills via Bill Desk, and even pay your respects to God via Live Darshan.
—    by Deepak Dhingra



EVENT

Jamshed Bhabha Memorial Concerts
Six concerts, 13 days, 238 children, and a perfect 10. The Symphony Orchestra of India, the country’s only fully professional orchestra, will celebrate completing 10 seasons with its Tenth Celebrity Concert Season. Dedicated to Dr. Jamshed Bhabha, the founder of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), the event will have an array of soloists and will be conducted by British conductor Adrian Leaper and the orchestra’s resident conductor Zane Dalal.

The programme includes masterpieces that have never been performed in Mumbai. The highlights are Mahler’s 4th symphony, Brahms’ 2nd symphony, Prokofiev’s 2nd violin concerto and Liszt’s 1st piano concerto.

At NCPA, Mumbai; February 14 to 26

Home3D breakfast collection

Italian appliance maker De’Longhi has turned to the arts for inspiration for its latest Brilliante range of kitchen devices. Italian artist Varisco is renowned for his treatment of crystal surfaces and this approach works like a treat on the sides of a toaster or kettle. The Brilliante devices have faceted hard lines, creating a 3D effect designed to reflect light. Black and white finishes are complemented by chrome details. Equipped with reheat and defrost modes, the four-slice toaster has extra deep crumb trays. The 1.7-litre kettle has a 360-degree swivelling base and a washable filter. Both Rs. 4,500,

delonghi.co.uk



Pleasure play