It’s Friday. It’s five o’clock in London. That means it’s time to down tools, pour yourself a drink and look back at what A Prodigal Week it has been. But first, “stop fookin’ about!”
Glass in hand? Let me offer you some canapés of news and views.
Oh, and if you fancy it, why not…
👋 Join us on Clubhouse tomorrow at five to discuss it all.
CARS
Taycan updated
I’d have an almost impossible time choosing between the Porsche Taycan and the Audi e-Tron GT. They’re two sides of the same coin anyway. And that coin is the most desirable car on the planet right now. So, when Evo broke the news of an update this week, my ears pricked up.
Porsche has made changes to the way the car’s electric motors work when coasting or at a stop to reduce frictional losses. There are also improvements to the Taycan’s charging capability, with the batteries now able to be pre-warmed to a higher temperature, allowing for a faster charging rate for more of the time. Finally, the Taycan’s infotainment system has also been updated to Porsche’s latest software, including a long-awaited integration of Android Auto.
What’s really interesting about all of this, what’s indicative of the way cars are fundamentally changing, is that none of these upgrades involve any change to the car itself. Evo writes:
As there are no physical hardware changes, this Taycan update does not present the need for a re-homologation of the car to take place.
Our cars are coming to resemble our gadgets more and more every day.
Also worth your time
Aston Martin Vantage ‘AMR’ spied: “V12 power to take on 911 Turbo S.”
Tesla iPhone app redesigned: “Features two new home screen widgets and the ability to send commands to your car immediately.”
Porsche 911 hybrid snapped: “Stuttgart has made no secret of the fact its flagship supercar would go hybrid eventually – with spokespeople even pointing out the hybrid system’s mounting points on the 992’s new-at-the-time PDK box.”
GADGETS
Sony playing games
One of the many reasons I enjoy having children is that it affords me the perfect excuse to acquire the latest games consoles. Which is exactly what I did last Christmas. With Sony’s new PS5 having just hit the market, I was delighted to gift one to my kids so that I could play with it the moment their backs were turned.
Except it never showed up. And it’s been out of stock at every major UK retailer ever since - with none of them having the slightest clue when they’re likely to receive more units. So, it was with some surprise that I read The Verge’s report of a new model:
The revised PS5 models include a new screw for the base stand that no longer requires a screwdriver. Sony reportedly swapped in a new screw with a grip around the top so it can be easily adjusted by hand. These updated PS5 models are around 300 grams lighter than the original, but it’s not clear what Sony has removed or changed to bring the weight down.
So, let’s sum up, shall we? A games console no one has been able to buy is being replaced by a new model no one will be able to buy. Look, Sony, I’m well aware there have been a few things going on in the world recently but, for the love of all things Holy, sort this out please!
Also worth your time
Jeff Bezos’ trip to space celebrated: “It’s a miniature dick-rocket that costs $69, which means the noise you can hear right now is the invisible hand of the market making jerk-off motions behind your back.”
Fitbit Charge 5 released: “This new edition of the device is packing both ECG and EDA sensors to better help you monitor your heart health and stress. It also gets a few quality-of-life improvements, including a new body that’s 10 percent thinner and a new color AMOLED display with an always-on option.”
Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 reviewed: “Foldable phones are finally ready for prime time.”
WATCHES
IWC Stormtrooper
It’s not actually called the Stormtrooper. But it should be. In fact, this is the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Inspiration4”. It’s being made in a series of just four, designed by IWC to equip the crew of the first all-civilian mission to orbit. They’ll then be auctioned in aid of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Monochrome reports:
The case, which still measures 44.5mm in diameter, is made of white ceramic – a mix of zirconium oxide and other metallic oxides, to give it resistance and colour. The crown and pushers are stainless steel. Other than colours and materials, traditional features of the IWC Pilot’s Watches are respected, such as the soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields and crystal secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition Inspiration4 is worn on a white rubber strap with a white leather inlay and closed by a folding clasp.
IWC is the undisputed king of pilot’s watches (sorry, Bremont fans). Over the years, they’ve made this niche of the watch world their own. I love an IWC pilot’s chrono and I particularly love one made from exotic materials. So the Stormtrooper ticks a lot of boxes for me. And whereas a few years ago the colour might have put me off, the older I get, the more I’m attracted to the whimsical. The unusual white case and starry dial delight me. The whole thing is just great fun.
What really made me want to flag this to you though is the small part it plays in a larger story: the wonderful renaissance we’re witnessing in space exploration. There are plenty of doomsters and gloomsters who love to complain, arguing that the likes of Bezos and Branson are funding ego trips not space tips, squandering their money in space when we have real and pressing societal problems to solve on Earth. I disagree. I think, now more than ever, we need more dreamers, more adventurers, more people reaching for the stars.
Also worth your time
Panda-dialled chronos spotlighted: “This dial setup has become iconic and is a timeless classic. If you think of any of the top brands in the industry, they’re likely to have at least a couple of panda dialed watches in their archives.”
Gérald Genta Mickey watch remembered: “Rather than withdraw the cartoon watches as requested and hand a win to industry suits, Genta pulled out of the show altogether, betraying an artistic temperament and the confidence of an industry veteran who gave the world the Nautilus and the Royal Oak. Who was anyone to tell him which watches he could and could not show his clients?”
Piaget Polo Date 36mm collection unveiled: “Presented in 2016, the Piaget Polo has become the brand’s take on the sporty-chic watch. This year, the brand enlarges the collection with a mid-size model for a more refined look.”
Don’t miss…
🧭 The Rolex Explorer II takes centre stage in the latest instalment of The Wish List.
Explore the Explorer >
💩 Why is Eric such a tit for tat? Our latest episode of Persiflage is what you might kindly refer to as ‘tired and emotional’. Is Eric insane to walk away from a collection of vintage sports Rolex in favour of cheap Japanese imitators?
Decide for yourself >
🥰 Thank you. The reaction to the return of Talking Hands was overwhelming and, in this latest episode of Persiflage, we wanted to say thank you and give you some insight into why it’s been so long and, more importantly, what we’re planning next.
Have a listen >
👋 Join us on Clubhouse tomorrow at five to discuss the week’s news.
Welcome to the weekend, folks. 🍸