Sharp Autos: Acura ZDX Preview

by Peter on July 29th, 2009

Coupes are pretty cool, but they’re not exactly the definition of practical. Fun to drive, but ever tried sitting in the back seat? Acura’s answer, in that functional way of theirs, is to make a coupe from a sedan - including 4 functioning doors. The car, which premiered at the 2009 New York Auto Show, also includes such styling details as a panoramic sunroof and hidden rear door handles (so that nobody has to know that it’s got four doors. Tricky).

The best part about this car, though, is that it’s going to be made at the Honda assembly plant in Alliston, Ontario. Canadians may not be known for the kind of drama this car tries to evoke, but they do know their way around sheet metal. What better way to embrace economic recovery than with an awesome set of wheels? 19-inch wheels, that is, pushed along by 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft of torque, as well as all-wheel drive and an exceptionally appointed interior. On second thought, maybe practical still has nothing to do with it. Regardless, we can’t wait to drive one.

Acura ZDX is due out this winter, $TBA. For more information, visit www.acura.ca.

Sharp Travel: Victorinox Travel Alarm 1884 Anniversary Edition

by Peter on July 28th, 2009

Odd for a company that makes both iconic watches and knives that never before the twain have met. What a perfect opportunity, then, for the esteemed Swiss company to celebrate its 125th Anniversary in unprecedented style. The result is the 1884 Limited Edition Travel Alarm, a timepiece fashioned in the style of a classic knife.

Now, in all fairness, the travel alarm doesn’t actually include any sharp blades. What it does do is fold into its own casing a la the Swiss Army Knife - using the very same patented spring mechanism. Also, it’s got tweezers and a toothpick lest one’s personal hygiene ever suffer (perhaps wise to remove these if wishing to travel with carry-on baggage only). This is the perfect travel accessory, and one that will stand out on your bedside table in that traditional Jubilee red on both the clock face and the MABS plastic side panels. For all those who enjoy both Victorinox watches and knives, this is a match made in heaven (or Switzerland, as the case may be). It only took 125 years to come up with.

Look for it this fall, $TBA. For more information, visit www.swissarmy.com.

Sharp’s Weekly Web Roundup

by Peter on July 27th, 2009

I’ve pretty much accepted the fact that I’m a big guy. At 6’5” and 300 lbs I can still manage to fit very comfortably in a Porsche 911, but more and more I’m gravitating towards big cars. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and comfort is more of a priority than pulse quickening hijinks or maybe it’s because I was raised on a steady stream of massive Detroit Iron but, any way you cut it, I like big cars. The Q7 is a big car. Read more…

The thing about fashion, especially men’s fashion, is that a little individualism can go a long way. To look good, the best plan of attack is to make small, personal touches to classic looks - men have been dressing roughly the same way for centuries, so really there’s no need to disregard past successes completely. There are a few people, however, whose modern takes on time-tested fashions are truly inspiring. Read more…

With a string of hit comedies to his credit (from The 40 Year Old Virgin to Knocked Up), when his longtime collaborator and filmmaking buddy — comedy’s uber-director/writer Judd Apatow — asked Vancouver-born funny man Seth Rogen if he would like to costar in his latest film about life behind the curtains for stand-up comedians — Rogen didn’t have to give his answer much thought. He immediately agreed to work again with Apatow and to costar (alongside Adam Sandler) in Funny People. Read more…

For her latest romantic comedy, part-time movie star (Knocked Up) and full-time television star (Grey’s Anatomy) Katherine Heigl, along with costar Gerard (300) Butler, both suited up for another tussle in the ongoing battle of the sexes. A funny, but surprisingly frank peak inside the turbulent world of dating and dealing with romantic relationships, the Robert Luketic-directed The Ugly Truth should easily appeal to just about anyone who has ever fallen head over heels in love. Read more…

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