Author: Tabitha
Chevrolet revealed more details about the production Bolt electric car at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich. There, CEO and newly minted Chairwoman Mary Barra elucidating on the Bolt’s slimline battery, power output and acceleration. Like most production electric vehicles, the Bolt uses a single high-output motor to make the electric equivalent of 200 horsepower and a zero-to-60-mph time of less than seven seconds, putting it in “hot hatch” territory. The Bolt is expected to retail for about $30,000 after the $7,500 federal tax credit. If owners are willing to add the optional DC fast-charger, they…
That’s what the General Motors division is hinting at with the reveal of the two-door Avista concept at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich. The Sleuth sees the completeness of the car as a sure sign that the Avista is headed for production at some point, from the four-seat interior and exterior design and the fact that the car runs under its own power using a twin-turbocharged 400-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also happens to be built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac CTS. That wasn’t the…
The recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev., was a launching pad for a number of upcoming models. Your intrepid Spy Guy thinks that one of the more intriguing was the Volkswagen Budd-e concept. The all-electric small van looks nothing like the retro-styled Microbus concept that VW displayed a number of years ago. This one uses front and rear electric motors that power all four wheels. Some of the key highlights include a claimed 373-mile range, a top speed of 93 mph and, when the battery pack is depleted, 15 minutes for an 80 percent charge. The Budd-e is…
You’ll be the talk of the links when you show up in this swinging ride. Batman’s Tumbler car that appeared in the “Dark Knight” movies was the inspiration for the Gotham Golfcart, which might not lower your score, but will likely intimidate the heck out of the other players in your foursome. The manufacturer starts with an EZ-Go golf-cart chassis and remodels it with a trick suspension, leather seats, dual rear tires and his and hers bag holders. A six-horsepower battery-powered motor can push this modified monster to speeds up to 38 mph. You can purchase the Tumbler replica (SKU…
Mustang owners/lovers often display their affection for their favorite car by wearing T-shirts, jackets or ball caps. Now they can wear Ford Mustang and Shelby Cobra leather driving shoes. Officially licensed from Ford, these racing-style kicks have leather suede uppers with the classic Mustang pony logo embedded on each side. The vulcanized rubber sole comes with special outer protection needed for heel-and-toe shifting, while the insole can be replaced with most orthopedic insole types. The Mustang shoe can be ordered in red, black, blue and gold, in full and half sizes seven to 13 and in medium to EEE widths…
Talk about extending the brand. The Ford Motor Company in conjunction with beauty products maker OPI has developed a Mustang nail lacquer collection in honor of the brand’s 50th anniversary. The signature nail shade is Race Red, which was an actual shade that was available for the original ‘Stang. From that point, the names become more fanciful and include The Sky’s the Limit (aqua), Queen of the Road (black), Angel with a Leadfoot (white) and Girls Love Ponies (pink). Each bottle sells for $9.50, including applicator brush, and can be purchased at a variety of department stores and professional nail…
For a really different driving holiday, try off-road adventuring on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. But you don’t have to use your own vehicle; the folks at Wide Open Excursions will put you behind the wheel of one of their 35 custom-built 175-horsepower Baja racers that’s similar to those competing in various desert races staged each year in California, Nevada and Mexico. An experienced group instructor communicates via a two-way radio and continually advises on conditions ahead as well as how to drive these Subaru-powered buggies in fast, but safe manner. Prices start at $530 per person for a one-third day session,…
The Sleuth assumed that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) super snake would be breathing its last following the 2017 model year. That’s when the Detroit, Mich. assembly plant will shut its doors for good. However recent comments by FCA boss Sergio Marchionne suggest that the Viper just might return, albeit in another form and using an all-new Alfa Romeo-based platform that will underpin the next-generation 2018 Dodge Challenger (Alfa is a division of FCA). Although the move will most certainly not include the Viper’s unique V10 powerplant, an all-new version would likely be lighter, less expensive and quicker than the current…
Acuras are many things to many buyers, but with one notable exception – the 2017 NSX super car – the brand has come under fire for its innocuous styling. That is likely to change, claims The Sleuthy One. The “Precision” concept car that was revealed at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich., displays a new “Diamond Pentagram” grille with the existing “Jewel Constellation” headlights that will be included in future products built by Honda’s upscale division. Inside, Acura has installed a centrally located upper information display that extends horizontally along the dashboard, plus a smaller tablet-sized…
With the Pacifica Hybrid’s all-electric range of 30 miles, many urban owners will hardly ever need to use the minivan’s 3.6-liter V6 gas engine. Built just south of Detroit in Windsor, Canada, the Pacifica Hybrid will be available in the second half of 2016. The hybrid version of the standard gasoline-powered Pacifica will have, says lead engineer Jessica LaFond, an efficiency rating of about 80 mpg equivalent in city driving. Engineers placed the 16-kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack under the floor in the Stow ‘n Go bins, meaning the vehicle’s nearly 200 cubic feet of cargo space is not compromised. It…