SAVE THE PLANET IN STYLE
“Driving green” only goes so far. The truth is people also want to look good -- and go fast -- while they’re saving the planet. And what could be better than burning rubber in a car that doesn’t burn any gas?
The $109,000 Tesla roadster (pictured above) should spark some interest.
Based on the Lotus Elise and named after pioneering early-twentieth-century electrical genius Nikola Tesla -- inventor of AC current -- this car is the ultimate green machine. Its electric motors spin to more than 13,000 rpm and produce the equivalent of 248 hp -- rocketing the flyweight 2,600-pound convertible to 60 mph in less than four seconds, while returning virtually unlimited mpg.
But if you need more room than a high-performance two-seater can provide, you might want to wait until 2011, when Tesla will launch the four-door Model S. It will seat five, and expected sticker price should be around $57,500. www.teslamotors.com
And, if you can’t wait until 2011 but must have four doors, the forthcoming Chevy Volt (pictured below) could do the trick. While it does have a small gasoline engine, it is there only to provide back-up generating power for the onboard battery packs when an electrical outlet is not immediately available. The 2011 model Volt should become available in 2010. -- ERIC PETERS
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SPORTS GEAR GEAR UP AND GO
GET READY TO RIDE, RUN, AND RECORD YOUR PROGRESS WITH THIS LINE-UP OF TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SPORTS GEAR. BY CHRIS WARREN
ON A ROLL A There are those who, understandably, regard riding on a stationary bike as a form of excruciating torture. But with the TACX FORTIUS VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINER T1940,
you can climb aboard your very own outdoor bike for a spin indoors.
Hooking the trainer up to a computer and downloading the company’s
software makes the pedaling a lot more interesting -- and motivating --
because the virtual reality programs include realistic rides through
the Pyrenees Mountains, in the Tour of Flanders, and up formidable
Mount Ventoux. Around $1,000. www.tacxvr.com
VIRTUAL TRAINER B
Whether it’s helping people prepare to run their first 10K or to make
the Olympics in rowing, Polar USA has been a pioneer in athletic
training. POLAR’S RS800CX
is one of the company’s newest products, which, with a sophisticated
GPS sensor, allows athletes to monitor not only their heart rates, but
also the speed and distance they’ve traveled running, cycling, skating,
kayaking, or a multitude of other sports. The completely customizable
training computer retails for $420. www.polarusa.com
CAUGHT ON FILM C
Ever wish that you could take what you’re seeing as you fl y down a
mountain on a bike or a snowboard and show it to your less adventurous
friends? With the tiny EPIC ACTION SPORTS VIDEO CAMERA
you now can. About the size of a thumb, the EPIC is easily mounted to a
helmet or handlebars and is shock resistant, allowing it to take up to
200 minutes of high-quality video of your adventures; it also can snap
30 frames per second, has a 45- degree field-of-view angle, and your
videos can easily be uploaded to YouTube. Between $159 and $199. (877)
269-8490, www.epicstealthcam.com
TUNES IN TRAINING D
Music has long been a favorite motivator for athletes, pumping them up
for a big race or getting them through a tough workout. YAMAHA’S BODIBEAT
goes well beyond being just a tuneful motivator, combining an MP3
player, heart-rate monitor, and overall training coach for anyone
looking to improve his or her fitness. Perhaps best, you can either
pre-program the BODIBEAT with your favorite music or it will
automatically play tunes that match your running and walking pace.
Around $300. www.bodibeat.com
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CELEBRATED TRAVELER
No mere athlete, ANNIKA SORENSTAM
is simply the greatest woman golfer in history. Her nickname, Ms. 59,
refers to the lowest score ever in women’s professional golf, one of
many records to go along with her 10 Major Championships and 89 career
wins. Sorenstam retired from golf at the end of 2008, but not to rest.
Instead she will pursue passions old -- skiing, fitness, and cooking --
and new, like her recent marriage, golf-course design business, new
perfume, charitable foundation, and namesake golf academy. A famously
fit native of Sweden who lives in Florida, she is a world traveler who
has won tournaments all over the globe and designed courses from South
Carolina to South Africa.
TRAVELING FOR WORK
I
have been lucky that golf has taken me to all kinds of places around
the world, and each place has its own unique characteristics and charm.
Traveling has really opened my eyes and taught me a lot about life. My
most recent trip was a yoga retreat in India. That was very enjoyable!
No golf vacations for me. Golf is my work, so to be honest, it’s the
last thing I want to do on a trip.
I
like ‘happening’ cities such as New York and Chicago. However, I also
enjoy historical places such as Charleston, South Carolina, or even
Beijing. I love the Pebble Beach area for golf, along with Lake Tahoe
for golf or skiing.
One
of the beauties of traveling around the world is getting the chance to
try different restaurants and cuisines. Some of my favorites are the
Epic Roasthouse and Waterbar in San Francisco, Nobu Los Angeles, Amura
in Orlando, and Mezza9 in Singapore.
ANNIKA THE BRAND
Of
the various businesses around the ANNIKA brand [her namesake fragrance
launches in May], the ANNIKA Academy [at Ginn Reunion Resort near
Orlando] is my ‘baby.’ It is really a dream come true. I opened it
about a year and a half ago. It’s a boutique setting where I share my
passion for golf and fitness. It’s very personalized. We custom-make
packages that include everything: golf and fitness instruction, video
analysis, course management, club fitting, nutrition, and inspirational
talks. It feels more like a spa than a golf school. You can even enjoy
nine holes with me. -- LARRY OLMSTED
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SPORTSWEAR
Fashionably Fit
The
newest athletic gear and accessories for spring are technically
innovative and performance driven, but they are also designed to look
sleek and sporty even if the person wearing them never breaks a sweat. BY WILLIAM KISSEL
NEED FOR SPEED
A You don’t need to be in the driver’s seat to appreciate the racy styling of Tag Heuer’s collector’s edition SPEEDWAY 204
sunglasses. The sleek lava-stone-coated monel shades were created in
collaboration with Kimi Räikkönen and feature the Finnish Ferrari
Formula One race car driver’s engraved signature on the temples and
lens. Available in both unpolarized ($360) and polarized ($430) models.
(800) 345-3733, www.tagheuer.com/eyewear
GOODY TWO SHOES
B
Blending function with comfort, the Zegna Sport division of Italian
clothier Ermenegildo Zegna crafts the perfect performance hybrid shoe
this season. The GLOBE TROTTER
is actually two shoes in one: a soft travel slipper made of a
proprietary lightweight technical fabric that easily slips like a sock
inside a rubber- soled cycling sneaker and is held in place by two
Velcro buckles. At Ermenegildo Zegna signature shops worldwide. $330.
(888) 880-3462, www.zegna.com
LIGHT BRIGADE
C The new NBX COCONA HALF ZIP SHIRT
from Boston-based New Balance is remarkably lightweight. However,
runners and cyclists will also appreciate the pullover’s technically
advanced moisture-wicking and odor-absorption capabilities. The $65
topper, made for men and women, features reflective mesh on the back
for easy visibility, a zippered pocket for storing valuables, and is
crafted from 50 percent recycled polyester, so it’s also good for the
environment. (800) 253-7463, www.newbalance.com
TASTE OF AFRICA
D The new BREIL MILANO SHOSHOLOZA
timepiece was made for the South African yachting team to wear while
competing in the upcoming 33rd edition of the America’s Cup yacht
races. Nevertheless, one doesn’t have to be a professional yachtsman
navigating international waters to sport his or her own colorful
version of this limited edition watch, which sells for $895 and
features an innovative yacht timer. (800)587-5165, www.breilmilano.com
LET IT SHINE
E
Just because you’re working up a sweat doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look
sharp while doing so. Mondetta Performance Gear makes that possible
with their new collection of “Champagne” jersey workout separates,
including the EFFORT HOODED V-NECK CAP-SLEEVE TOP
made of a special blend of nylon/spandex that has naturally built-in
stretch and moisture wicking, and gives off a subtle iridescent sheen
with your every movement. $65. (888) 666-3388, www.mpgsport.com or www.mondetta.com
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ACTIVE VACATIONS
FIT TO TRAVEL
GET READY TO GO ON A REAL ADVENTURE WITH ONE OF THESE FITNESS-ENHANCED VACATIONS.
HIKING VOLCANOES
A new 32-room adventure hotel in the Atacama Desert at TIERRA ATACAMA
gives guests the best of outdoor adventure with all the indoor creature
comforts, including the luxurious Uma Spa. Hike one of two nearby
volcanoes (both reaching nearly 19,000 feet): the active Lascar, a
challenging eight- to 10-hour hike with views of the Chilean altiplano;
and Toco, an easier climb with stunning views onto the Atacama Salt
Flat. (800) 829-5325 or 011-56-2-263-0606, www.tierraatacama.com -- NICOLE ALPER
EXPLORING THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
California-based MOUNTAIN TRAVEL SOBEK
leads the pack in exploring Ecuador’s exotic Galapagos Islands. An
active cruise aboard the Reina Sylvia yacht will whisk you to such
islands as Genovesa, where you’ll spy the largest colony (approximately
150,000 pairs) of red-footed boobies in the world. Two daily outings
plus a snorkel excursion mean jam-packed days of calorie-busting
activities, including swimming with sea lions and hiking past piles of
marine iguanas. (510) 594-6000 or (888) 831-7526, www.mtsobek.com -- N.A.
MARATHON VACATIONS
There’s
nothing quite like going on a trip to France … and losing weight.
Today, marathons are a worldwide excuse to travel while staying fit.
For equal parts indulgence and exercise, head to Pauillac for the MARATHON DU MEDOC
this September, where the route runs through vineyards lined with
tasting tables overflowing with French cheese and fine wine. Elaborate
costumes and fireworks are part of the fun. 011-33-556-59-17-20, www.marathondumedoc.com -- N.A.
PILATES GETAWAYS
At Amanpuri, AMANRESORTS’
flagship property in Phuket, the new Aman Pilates concept mixes the
highest level of Pilates instruction with Gyrotonic physical fitness
systems. Sessions are held in a duplex glass-walled gym perched on a
hillside with spectacular views of the Andaman Sea. (800) 477-9180, www.amanresorts.com -- N.A.
GOLF SCOTLAND BY SHIP
Known for on-the-ground luxury golf tours, PERRYGOLF
now dips its spikes into cruising: This summer’s British Open By Sea
voyage launches from Edinburgh July 12 on the 105-passenger Andrea and
circumnavigates Scotland for eight nights and five rounds at classic
links courses, ending at the British Open Championship final round at
Turnberry. From $6,895. (800) 344-5257, www.perrygolf.com -- THOMAS BEDELL
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SPRING BLING
Picture-Perfect Pins
Brooches have made a huge comeback, and are shaping up to be the jewelry
piece of the year. They’re available in every imaginable shape and
size; just pick the pin for you. Clockwise from top left: OSCAR HEYMAN’S GARDENIA BROOCH in 18k gold and platinum with canary and white diamonds and enamel leaves, $58,000, (212) 593-0400, www.oscarheyman.com; MARK SCHNEIDER DESIGN PRAYING MANTIS PIN, 18k yellow gold with orange and green diamonds, chrysoberyl cat’s-eye, amolite, and a coral branch, $24,000, (800) 452-5804, www.markschneiderdesign.com; A & Z PEARLS, INC. OPAL MERMAID “FANTASY OF GEMS” BROOCH with 18k gold and a black Australian opal, $41,250, (213) 627-3030, www.azpearls.com; AARON BASHA STARBURST BROOCH with 18k oxidized gold, diamonds, and freshwater pearls, $14,000, (212) 935-1960, www.aaronbasha.com; TIFFANY & CO. MAGPIE BROOCH, in platinum with diamonds, sapphires, and enamel, $60,000, (800) 843-3269, www.tiffany.com; HARRY WINSTON DIAMOND CLUSTER BROOCH, price upon request, (800) 988-4110, www.harrywinston.com
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