HAVING a mid or later life crisis and can’t afford a new sports car? Perhaps Callaway ’s new FT-iQ Driver will fit the bill.

Among all the usual technical babble and sales hyperbole - we’re talking about the “New dawn” of the “World’s Smartest Driver” here - Callaway claims the club was styled on the Lamborghini Reventon sports car. As well as the odd stealth jet.

In fact, it seems Callaway can’t quite decide on which futuristic image to push with the FT-iQ.

If you look at the short video here that as of this post date breathlessly announces there are only 26 days until “A new dawn in power and control” and that “Straight distance has arrived”, you will see that the FT-iQ driver is depicted more like a Star Wars style space fighter blasting into hyperspace.

The FT-iQ was unveiled at Callaway Golf’s national sales meeting in Rancho Bernardo, California this month and what all the hype seems to be aimed at is getting over the perception (and user comments) that the previous FT-i models hit straight all right but lacked distance.

“FT-iQ is a smart driver because power without precision is useless,” said Jeff Colton, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, Callaway Golf. “Not only is FT-iQ the longest driver we’ve ever developed, it’s also 35% straighter than FT-i, our previous benchmark for accuracy.”

According to the Callaway investor press release, it is the most technologically-advanced driver in the company’s history.

“FT-iQ is the result of a multi-year, multi-million dollar program undertaken by Callaway Golf’s world-renowned Research and Development team. Pushing multi-material Fusion Technology beyond previously held limits, the FT-iQ melds several cutting edge components into a sleek shape inspired by stealth jets and futuristic concept cars. Callaway Golf’s designers believe it is the smartest, most advanced driver in the world,” the release said. Whew.

FT-iQ is available in men’s and women’s versions in both standard and Tour models. The standard models feature 9, 10, 11, and 13 (HT) degree lofts. The 10 and 11 degree models are available in left-handed versions. The Tour version has a slightly more open face, and is available in 8.5 and 9.5 degree lofts; the latter is also available in a left-handed version.

The club will be available in Australia from October 15.

Having said all that, I want one. I think the new Callaway FT-iQ Driver would look good in the back of the not very new Camry station wagon. Might give it a bit more power and class and inspire it to greater performance.

Callaway Golf says its new FT i-brid iron set can help change your game and is the latest in a long legacy of innovation aimed at helping to make the game a little easier.

 Callaway says their “most technologically advanced game-improvement set” yet includes three “i-brids”, hybrid-like clubs designed to replace hard-to-hit long irons.

 The company says the i-brids “blend the control and accuracy of irons with the forgiveness, distance and versatility of hybrids. The low, deep center of gravity (CG) helps get the ball in the air quickly and easily, and the wider sole improves turf interaction.”

 The set then “seamlessly progresses” to game improving short irons that are designed for the ultimate in forgiveness and playability.

 The Mid and Short Irons have an oversized design with an increased offset, a large effective hitting and a wide sole for better turf interaction.

 The company says the clubs incorporate its “Fusion Technology, the superior weight shifting science created by Callaway Golf”.

 ”Multi-material construction enables weight to be shifted for optimal performance,” it says. “The lightweight titanium body allows for an oversize club head with increased offset for greater forgiveness and an increased effective hitting area. Heavy Tunite® weighting in the sole has been concentrated more toward the heel and toe for a higher MOI and better stability while keeping the CG low and deep. The TPU SenSert® is composed of a chemically engineered thermoplastic urethane that decreases vibration and creates an incredibly solid feel.”