Audi’s latest A6 is little more than a super-charged sedan with more muscle. As a stepping stone to a full re-design, the ’09 Audi A6 employs the legacy of its Quattro all-wheel drive to an edition with more cosmetic changes than outstanding design. A silky leather and wood trim interior, a lighting package that showcases rectangular fog lamps and detailed rear LED lamps that shine brightly in messy conditions, for example.

Even so, a wide range of models includes six diesel or gasoline engines with a standard 3.0 liter V6 or optional 4.2 liter V8 package capable of 350 hp. At the higher end, the car feature 18-inch wheels and daytime running lights as well.

Base price begins at just under $46,000. Find it here.

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Gorenje, the Slovenian-based manufacturer, has given the refrigerator a facelift. Combing Swarovski Crystallized elements into their freestanding design for the RK67365SB, the A+ Energy class fridge becomes the kitchen’s shining star, at a glitzy $1,500.

But will it keep my groceries cool, you ask? Surely, and for your investment you’ll also receive anti-bacterial protection, an odor elimination filter, touch-screen controls, a net capacity of 13 cubic feet with ample shelving, and a built-in recipe book and radio.

Too bad only a handful of these are likely to see production, making this ultra-chic icebox a limited edition, so get one while you can. Find the fridge here.

Zaha Hadid brings a unique aesthetic to her firm’s architectural vision. In 1977 she received the Diploma Prize from the Architectural Association, and has since amassed many awards and accolades through contracted work and competitions. Fine examples of her structural diversity include projects for the Mind Zone in Greenwich, the Contemporary Arts Centre in Cincinnati, the BMW plant in Leipzig, and even a cluster of stage sets for performing acts, including a Pet Shop Boys World Tour that began in 1999.

Her latest work includes a grand-scale vision for the Regium Waterfront in Italy’s Reggio Calabria. Early photos reveal a futuristic design for a museum and functional piazza that is sure to uphold her firm’s commitment to excellence. Her site here.

Amazon released its next-generation E-book reader, Kindle 2.0, today. The original Kindle is little more than a year old, but photos of the new release show a few significant design changes, most notably an improved processor that’s 20 percent faster. The new Kindle is much thinner now, improving on an already-small footprint.  The quality construction and response to its predecessor is sure to bring smiles to new buyers when Kindle 2 hits the market later this month.

The first Kindle reader sports a 6″ screen and has enough memory to hold 200 books (256MB). With syndicated content from leading newspapers and an ever-growing library of available books, the reader has many dedicated fans. Likewise, Amazon, who once upon a time sold just books, knows a good thing when it sees one. Developers have obviously mobilized quickly to corner the market on this revolutionary device. Find more news here.

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Artemide has expanded its lighting technology and prowess to the streets, where the Solar Tree is taking hold in municipalities that are looking for ways to conserve energy and save money. Though it resembles a plant from outer space, the 18-foot green steel stalks connect 38 mini solar panels to individual LED lamps that collect solar power during the day. At night the panels bring brilliant illumination to the streets below for an energy conscious urban lighting solution.

As a collaboration between designers Ross Lovegrove, Artemide, and Sharp Solar, initial installations in Vienna, Frankfurt, and Milan have seen success, and the company showcased the Solar Tree in Europe last year to rave reviews.

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