“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear.
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Header Image Via: Toyota
The Land Cruiser has come a long way since the 40 series was introduced in the United States. The boxy profile, fold-down windshield and rear jump seats screamed adventure and would continue to embody that very spirit, albeit with more creature comforts with the later 200 series, which would be the last of the beloved truck we’d see here stateside. Well, after three years of rumors, teasers and much anticipation here on WSG, the Land Cruiser has finally returned with an all new 2024 model that blends its reputation for ruggedness and exploration with an array of modern day upgrades.
Compared to the 200 series, there seems to be a return to form that embraces the boxier outline seen in more vintage models. The 2024 Land Cruiser flexes its muscles in all the right places with a pronounced hood that angles down into the flared out front fenders. The body framing around the windshield appears to be closer to perpendicular to the ground, squaring off the body’s top half and the rear does more of the same in a more broader fashion. In short, the 2024 Land Cruiser looks less like the 200 series and more of a beefier version of a 1984 FJ60. Despite the bulkier look, the new Land Cruiser is actually a bit shorter (1.2 inches), slightly narrower (4.4 inches) and built on a solid steel TNGA-F body-on-frame platform.
A turbocharged 2.4-liter 4 cylinder engine is combined with an eight-speed transmission integrated with a 48-hp electric motor that makes up the Land Cruiser’s new i-FORCE Max hybrid powertrain. Every bit of its 326-hp and 465 lb-ft torque is put to good use through its Multi-Terrain and CRAWL Control features that surely will humble any outdoor trail incline and rocky mountain facade.
To celebrate the Land Cruiser’s return, Toyota has incorporated some of the design hallmarks seen in earlier models such as the signature round LED headlights and the “TOYOTA” heritage grille found on the Land Cruiser 1958 model and a set of rectangular headlights that pay homage to the FJ62. First-Edition models come with an additional set of accouterments that include a roof rack, rock rails and a unique interior design. Between the newly announced 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, the new-look 4Runner and the more luxurious option with the 2024 Lexus GX 550, the options for the boxy Toyota SUV are plentiful. Toyota
After the success from the initial collaboration between Airstream and REI that sprouted the Special Edition Basecamp trailer, a follow-up collaborative project was bound to happen. This week, the two iconic outdoor brands have linked up once again to create a larger, more family-friendly trailer equipped with all the comforts and features to make your next trip on the trail, or off of it, a smooth one.
On the exterior, we get the classic “silver bullet” Airstream aesthetics comprised of a lightweight aluminum superstructure. Wrap-around windows located at the broad front-end of the trailer provide panoramic views from the inside while the rear profile narrows ever so slightly. The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X also features a three-inch lift kit, all-terrain tires and stainless steel stone guards for added mobility and durability.
When you’ve reached your destination, the Basecamp 20X trailer offers several features that make living at your new locale easier than you could imagine. It’s equipped with a 360-watt solar package with a built-in 200Ah lithium battery bank. A UV-LED water filtration system ensures constant clean drinking water while a recirculating water heater system keeps hot water at your disposal without the waste.
That just covers the surface for the recent collaborative trailer between REI and Airstream. For the entire scoop, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or you’re new to the whole car camping game, head on over to Field Mag, here.
Add The NASA Mars Rover Perseverance LEGO To Your Space Mantle
We’ve recommended a number of LEGO sets here on WSG that’ll most certainly keep you busy until the end of the year, or even the next. But what’s one more set to add to the workload, especially if it’s as cool as the LEGO NASA Mars Rover Perseverance. The LEGO Perseverance is an accurate representation of the rover that’s currently making its rounds on the red planet as we speak. Among the built-in features such as an articulating suspension, 360° steering and a deployable helicopter known as the Ingenuity, the LEGO Perseverance is well-equipped to do some exploration of its own within the confines of your living room or as a display to show off your enthusiasm for all-things space. The LEGO NASA Mars Rover Perseverance retails for $99.99.
The vastness of space has a way of humbling us all. There are countless planets much larger than Earth, galaxies many lightyears away and black holes that are so gigantic that it makes you rethink your thoughts about what “big” really is. The video above takes us through space starting with the sun at the center of our solar system to the outskirts of our galaxy and beyond, all while displaying numerous black holes sprinkled throughout the universe in the process. The last cut which displays TON 618, a deep space abyss located over 10 billion light years away will leave your jaw dropped.
When the Porsche 911 GT3 RS was announced around this time last year, we immediately knew that the German automotive manufacturer had a beast on their hands. With a strong focus on active aero elements, an expansive rear wing and an overall aggressive stature, the 911 GT3 RS often feels more at home on the race track than on a suburban road. The GT3 Touring released a year before seemed a bit more casual-driving friendly, both in its subtle aesthetics and complaisant mechanical specs (still a dizzying 502 hp, 8,400 RPM and a top speed of 199 mph). What an automotive world it would be if Porsche found a way to combine the two … this week, they did exactly that.
The Porsche 911 S/T takes the track-ready specs of the 911 GT3 RS which include 518 ponies and a 4.0 liter engine and integrates them into the sleek-looking profile of the 911 GT3 Touring. Although the S/T doesn’t look as fierce, the special edition is still equipped with aero features, an extending rear spoiler fitted with a Gurney flap and CFRP bucket seats in the interior. The Porsche 911 S/T is distinguishable by its Shore Blue Metallic paint, Ceramica wheels and a Classic Cognac accented interior. Limited to just 1,963 units, the Porsche 911 S/T will start its pricing a shade north of $290,000 and will deliver next year. Porsche
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