Author: Tabitha

This item is perfect for you or the gearhead in your life who seemingly has everything related to his or her passion. Cruzin’ World’s Web site displays a selection of rings that depict V-8 designs in metal. They’re not just generic representations, but specific types of Chevrolet V-8s produced to scale. The engine collection includes both carburetor and fuel-injected versions along with a few supercharged, or ‘blown’ hot rod powerplants. All rings are made of sterling sliver with added brass for the valve covers, carburetors and blower scoops. Prices range from $300-$400, depending on the intricacy. Purchase from www.cruzinworld.com.

The Sleuth has been informed that Volkswagen’s up-market label is readying a top-of-the-line flagship model that will run in the same league as the Mercedes-Benz S-class as well as the upcoming BMW 8-series. The designated A9 will reportedly be based on the current A8, but with its own unique styling and an all-electric power system with an expected range of 300 miles derived from a 95-kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack. Among the A9’s other features will be semi-autonomous driving capability. The A9 likely won’t be available until the 2019 model year, at the earliest. The Audi A8, pictured, has always been…

Ignoring your vehicle’s radiator is to risk overheating problems that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Radiator Relief, from Design Engineering Inc., is a corrosion-inhibitor and anti-foaming agent that you pour into your car’s cooling system. The manufacturer claims the product is 100 percent biodegradable, non-corrosive, non-toxic and is compatible with water and all types of coolants and radiator alloys. Its use will also reduce the amount of scale build-up inside the radiator core and can reduce engine temperatures by as much as 30 F. A 16-ounce bottle of Radiator Relief sells for $10 from www.RadiatorRelief.com or through one of…

With most of the Chevrolet Corvette scuttlebutt these days revolving around future plans for the next-generation mid-engine model, there are still developments regarding the current ‘Vette. The Sneakster’s moles are telling him that a brand new ZR1 model is literally and figuratively on track for the 2018 model year. From what he hears it will be a no-holds-barred machine with as much as 700 horsepower produced by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. This time around, you’ll be able to tell a ZR1 from the rest of the Corvette herd by its massive rear wing that appears inspired by the brand’s GT…

In the wake of its diesel-emissions scandal, Volkswagen is attempting to make its name synonymous with the future of mobility; its new post-diesel strategy calls for 30 new electric cars by 2025. CEO Herbert Diess said the automaker is preparing a ‘very long range’ EV, according to automotive-lifestyles website Autos Cheat Sheet. He said the car would have a projected range between 248 and 372 miles, numbers that only Tesla has so far come close to delivering. Diess said he sees production starting by 2018 or 2019. Size-wise, he said the car would have ‘the space of a Passat on…

Supercar maker Bugatti might one day build a hybrid-powered car, using the technology not for environmental concerns, but expressly to make more power and speed. The French automaker’s newest limited production land missile, the Chiron, is powered by a 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine with four turbochargers, each feeding four cylinders; it makes 1,480 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet of torque. Even with that, Bugattis of the future ‘will probably need to produce more,’ writes auto lifestyles webmag Motor Authority, which is where hybrid technology can help. Bugatti boss Wolfgang DŸrheimer told British car magazine Autocar such a development would be ‘purely for…

Over the years, the Barrett-Jackson name has become synonymous with collector and specialty car auctions, especially the annual event held each January in Scottsdale, Ariz. Trading on its name, the company also produces a line of automotive grooming products under the Barrett-Jackson Premium Car Care brand. They include Wash and Wax, Spray Wax, Scratch and Swirl Remover, Chrome and Metal Polish plus a variety of interior cleaning items. All of these products are available individually and generally sell in the $10-$20 range. Product descriptions and ordering info are available at www.barrett-jacksonautocare.com.

Keeping your cell phone and other portable electronics fully juiced can be problematic if you’re nowhere near a power source. For that reason the new Brunton Revolt 9000 power supply can literally be a lifesaver. This shockproof and waterproof all-weather energy source has a built-in lithium-polymer battery (good for charging the equivalent of six smartphones), which you can recharge through an AC adaptor. Restore also includes a three-in-one-adaptor cable for linking with USB, Lightning and 30-pin devices. If the Revolt ever breaks, Brunton claims it will fix it or replace it for free. Pick one up for $100 from www.brunton.com.

The unveiling of the Escala sedan at the recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show in California indicates significant change is in the works for General Motors’ up-level brand, says The Sleuth’s informants. Although the concept model is based on the just-arriving 2017 CT-6 flagship, overall length has been increased by six inches, while the distance between the front and rear wheels is up by five inches. The roofline also extends to the rearmost part of the car, but unlike most hatchbacks, only the glass portion lifts up to access the stowage area. A twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter V-8 rests between the…

Word had been leaked to The Spy Guy regarding Porsche’s plans to develop a front-engine, rear- or all-wheel-drive sports coupe, or possibly a coupe-like four-door that would be based on a shortened version of the 2017 Panamera platform. The  car (which would have evoked memories of the late, great Porsche 928) has been shelved, at least for the time being. Instead, Porsche will focus on developing a pure electric model. The V-8-powered 928 that was available from 1977-’95 was one of the all-time great luxury grand-touring sports cars, but during its production run it lived in the shadows of the…