Author: Tabitha
For Jeep fans, the question of whether the Patriot and Compass models will be replaced has been answered, or at least uncovered by The Sleuth. This time around Jeep will replace the aging duo with just a single compact model, which certainly makes sense. Although the actual name remains a closely guarded secret (The Spy Guy suspects Patriot will get the nod), what is surprising is that the vehicle will be imported from the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) plant in Brazil where the sub-compact Renegade is produced for the South American market. In fact, the Patriot replacement will use a…
The Sleuth hears from his usual trusted sources that an extended/longer version of the upcoming 2017 model-year XT5 (called the XT7) tall wagon will go into production by mid-2018 at the earliest. At that time, the XT7 will join the Escalade to provide three rows of seats, although the XT7 will be no where near as large or as pricey as the big body-on-frame Escalade sport utility vehicle. In fact, the XT7 will reside on the same platform as the second-generation GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse. The assumption is that the stretched model will use the same 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6…
Being super-handy at swapping out engines and being able to source a Dodge Charger Hellcat or Challenger Hellcat powerplant for your Wrangler is the only way you’ll be driving something approximating the Jeep Trailcat. Some of The Sleuth’s off-roading associates became rather excited when they recently glimpsed the Jeep, which was one of seven concept Jeeps displayed at the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The enlarged (as in a 12-inch stretch in wheelbase) lime-green Wrangler has a 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat V8 along with 39.5-inch Goodyear off-road rubber and a big-time suspension upgrade. Unfortunately, the Spymaster had…
The Sleuth confirms that the Japan-based automaker will unleash an all-new vehicle in time for the 2017 model year. The CX-4, as it will be called, will be based on the Koeru concept car that was put on display in 2015. However, unlike the smaller CX-3, CX-5 and all-new full-size CX-9, the CX-4 will be more of a tall four-door hatchback. The low roofline and sloping liftgate and rounded sheetmetal delivers plenty style, but likely sacrifices some stowage space, compared to the other square-back models in Mazda’s stable. Your Intrepid Spy Guy also hears that Mazda’s 184-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder will…
Toyota unveiled a new hybrid drive system in the expressive Lexus LC Coupe at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland in early March. Designated the LC 500h, its performance-oriented drive system has both an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) plus a conventional multi-gear system. The pairing allows for infinite gear ratios; it can select the most efficient gear ratio for any moment and constantly adjusts itself as conditions change. The internal-combustion component, notes auto news and information webmag Motor Authority is a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. The goal for engineers was to create a rear-wheel-drive hybrid with a more…
The simplest solution is usually the most effective when solving any of life’s annoying problems. This certainly applies to the issue of snagging your garden hose or electrical cord on your vehicle’s tires. Royal Automotive Accessories’ straightforward solution is called the Hose Slide. This thick plastic piece fits around the edge of virtually any size and prevents garden hoses and extension cords from being caught up as you work around your vehicle. It will also keep you from turning the air blue from exasperation. A pair of Hose Slides will set you back $13. Details at www.hoseslide.com. Order from a…
Other than designing and manufacturing his line of clothing, fashion guru Ralph Lauren is known for his exquisite array of classic automobiles. One of his prized rides is the ultra-rare 1938 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic Coupe, which served as an inspiration for the Ralph Lauren Automotive Watch. This 45-millimeter-diameter manual-winding timepiece features a steel case with a matte black dial encircled by inlaid burled elm and sapphire crystals. The watch is water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters (164 feet). The Automotive Watch sells for $14,100 and is available through a select number of jewelry retailers. You can also…
Google’s self-driving electric-car project is advertising dozens of jobs with a special focus on manufacturing expertise. Thirty-six jobs related to the Google X car project were advertised in mid-February, including for engineers working on motion control, displays, robotics and sensors, and managers charged with operations, materials and marketing, reported the Reuters news service. Google, which declined comment on the postings, has said in the past that it has no interest in making cars and many observers expect the company will partner with an established automaker, supplying the software to pilot the fully autonomous vehicle. John Krafcik, who heads the program…
Toyota’s entry into the fast-growing subcompact tall-wagon category debuted in production trim at the recent Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The Toyota C-HR retains much of the original design of the concept that heralded it, says auto info Web site Motor Authority. ‘The bulbous wheel wells, low roofline and boomerang-like lights are all recognizeable.’ Rear door handles are obscured while blacked-out rear pillars help create a ‘floating roof’ look. Sharing its platform with the new-generation Prius, the C-HR will have a hybrid powertrain option alongside conventional gasoline engines, making it Toyota’s third hybrid tall wagon after the full-size Highlander Hybrid…
Chess games are usually made of wood, plastic, marble, etc. However, Mexican sculptor Armando Ramierz has created what he calls his ‘Rustic Warriors’ chess set produced from reclaimed used auto parts. For example, the queen comes from electrical-system components, the bishops from discarded spark plugs and the castles and pawns from various cogwheels. The board itself resonates with metal-on-metal sounds as the pieces are moved around the surface. Each set is unique and buyers are reminded that the game’s industrial-like design includes plenty of scratches, smudges and general discoloration. Ramirez sells his Rustic Warriors chess set for about $240 through…