Author: Tabitha
Incredulous as it seems, The Sleuth’s sources are hearing that Lynk & Co, an offshoot of Geely of China (which owns Volvo) is quickly proceeding with plans to bring what is dubbed the 02 to market in Geely’s home country later this year and to Europe and North America by late 2018. It’s all part of an aggressive plan to sell half a million Lynk & Co vehicles a year by 2022. The 02 compact four-door hatchback will use the same platform that was originally created for the upcoming Volvo V40 and XC40 wagons. The 02 will reportedly come with…
The Spy Guy notes that the rough-and-tough Ford Raptor pickup continues to draw imitators looking to capitalize on the latest off-road-style craze. The latest to cash in on this trend is Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Ram brand. Word from in-the-know sources has it that a new model based on the Rebel TRX Concept truck will hit the trail by the end of 2017, complete with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 (the same engine used in the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, but in detuned form) rated at 575 horsepower. Rebel TRX equipment includes special off-road suspension pieces and 37-inch knobby tires that fit inside…
The legendary Harrods luxury department store in London, England, is returning to its century-old electric-vehicle delivery roots, adding the all-electric Nissan e-NV200 to its service fleet. Dressed in traditional Harrods colors, the van will make daily deliveries to store customers. In 1919, Harrods used American Walker electric vans, later building its own fleet of 60 electric vehicles to deliver goods. As gasoline engines became more popular, the electric vans were slowly phased out. With a range up to 106 miles per charge, the e-NV200 makes up to 50 deliveries per week, covering an average distance of 150 miles in the…
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan went into full retail production April 7 at the FCA assembly plant in Windsor, Canada, across the Detroit River from the Motor City. Shipments of the plug-in minivan to dealerships began April 17, said alternative-vehicle website Green Car Reports. Its large battery pack gives the minivan 33 miles of government-rated electric range; once the battery is depleted, the Pacifica Hybrid is rated at 32 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Production began slightly later than when FCA said it would, noting that ‘in the case of this technically advanced vehicle, we are taking…
Having your infant safely secured in the rear seat of your car, facing the back, is the correct thing to do. However, it’s virtually impossible to see how they’re doing in the mirror with their backs to you. A simple solution is to purchase a Munchkin Adjustable Back Seat Mirror. The product will allow you to keep tabs on your kid just by glancing in your rearview mirror. The 13- by 9.5-inch mirror can be adjusted to the correct position for you and your baby to see each other and will fit just about any backrest. Munchkin sells the product…
If you have ever visited a new-car showroom, you’ve likely browsed through those slick brochures left in the waiting area. There’s a way you can download current and past copies of these glossy sales pieces by visiting www.auto-brochures.com. The site has a huge assortment of brochures, from Acura to Volvo, all in PDF format, with most dating back 10-12 years, but some much older. In addition there are numerous exotic and obscure models represented (for example, a 1924 Chevrolet Superior and a 1912 Studebaker), along with an assortment of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other high-end brands. Download as many as you…
You’re likely familiar with Rust-Oleum protective waterproof paint products, but Tremclad, the maker of Rust-Oleum, also has a line of car covers. The Rust-Oleum 5L is so named because it uses five layers of material bonded together for protection. Along with three layers of breathable polypropylene on the outside, there’s a special 100-percent waterproof membrane plus a final fleece layer to prevent paint scratches. Tie-down straps, buckles and grommets are also included, as is a seven-year warranty. The Rust-Oleum 5L covers are available in five different sizes and with prices in the $150 range. Order online through the distributor, Empire…
Do-it-yourself oil changes save you money, but they can be messy. Common problems include dropping the drain plug in dirty oil or losing the slippery little devil on the garage floor. One solution is the Drain Plug Pro from OTC Tools. Once loosened, the highly magnetized flexible end of the unit locks onto the bolt from practically any angle, keeping your hands away from the oil. The plug is then removed by twisting the tool as if you were unscrewing a bolt. When the oil pan is empty, you reverse the process and tighten before refilling with new oil. The…
Jaguar is developing its first all-electric vehicle, the I-Pace utility vehicle, saying it will be available to customers in 2018. It’s being developed around a dedicated platform for electric cars, says automotive-lifestyles website Motor Authority, although many elements including the suspension will be borrowed from existing models. The reveal of the I-Pace in production form will take place later this year and go on sale in the second half of 2018, (suggesting it will be branded as a 2018 model-year vehicle.) Jaguar intends to follow up the I-Pace with more electric cars, said the website. The next vehicle is expected…
German luxury and sports car maker BMW says it will use profits from the sale of its popular sport-utility vehicles to fund the development of a mass-production system for electric vehicles. The company expects demand for hybrids and EVs to rise to 15-20 percent of total sales by 2025, up from 2.6 percent today, says Charged Electric Vehicles Magazine. That will force BMW to overhaul production lines and vehicle platforms. Company CEO Harald Krueger told reporters recently that, “The fully electric drivetrain will be integrated into our core brands,” noting that EV production will be adapted to BMW’s main production…