Author: Tabitha
The first car designed from the ground up to offer one of three distinct, advanced powertrains in a single body will be its manufacturer’s “starting point” for future mobility. The Ioniq hatchback sedan embodies Hyundai’s “new thinking and bold ambitions” for mobility, said Ioniq project manager, Rag Jung. The full Ioniq range will offer buyers a choice of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains, which is a first for a single model. Despite the claim of class-leading efficiency, Hyundai says the Ioniq will also deliver spirited handling and driving pleasure, things for which not all hybrids are lauded. The company…
As if the Nissan Juke wasn’t youthful and sporty enough, The Trenchcoated One has learned that a two-year-old concept wagon that was a huge hit at auto shows in Brazil will be built and sold there beginning in late 2016. As well, it seems a certainty that the Kicks will also be constructed at other Nissan plants in Europe, Asia and North America. It’s also possible that it will share the same platform as the next-generation Nissan Frontier pickup that’s due out in a couple of years. An all-wheel-drive option is a definite, however less certain is what Nissan will…
Originally, Nissan’s premium division planned on launching two separate but similar new compact hatchbacks based on the Mercedes-Benz GLA (yes, you read correctly) that arrived for the 2015 model year. The Q30 was to be strictly a front-wheel-driver, while the QX30 would come with a slightly elevated ride height and all-wheel-drive. Before either car reaches Infiniti dealer showrooms, Your Obedient Snoop has been informed that all-versions will simply be labeled QX30s. Regardless of drivetrains, the standard powerplant will be a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (same as the GLA) with 208 horsepower on tap. What it boils down to is that…
Beating the summer heat while picnicking or tailgate partying is a little easier with the Icybreeze cooler. The product consists with a 36-quart capacity ice chest with wheels and a convenient pull handle. But built into the unit’s lid is a blower unit that pumps out chilled air – up to 35 F lower than the outside temperature – through of a vent, or out through a flexible hose mounted on top of the lid. All you need is a sufficient quantity of ice and water inside the cooler to keep the cold air blowing. The three-speed fan that runs…
Originally developed in France, the Formula D board game has been updated for North America. This fast-paced game involves rolling the dice and “racing” around the track, with the added complexity of having to slow down (missing your turn at play) when you reach the corners, shifting gears using varying types of dice, heading to the pits to “refuel” your points status, and so on. The board has a closed racing circuit one side and a typical city layout on the other for urban street chases. There’s obviously a lot more to playing Formula D than can be described here,…
General Motors chose the technology-savvy Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev., over the closely timed Detroit Auto Show, to unveil its production-ready Bolt, 200-mile-range plug-in electric hatchback sedan, billing it as a technological showcase designed to accommodate a ride-sharing future. The Bolt unveiling came just days after GM allied with the networked taxi service Lyft, for which GM will build a fleet of shared vehicles for its drivers to rent. “The Bolt EV is capable of using the latest mobile app technology to enable car sharing (and) advanced routing, said GM CEO Mary Barra, “all designed to enhance the…
Nissan is developing a range-extended electric car, a plug-in battery electric with a small internal combustion engine that takes over when the batteries are depleted. The automaker will unveil a new range-extended model distinct from the pure electric Leaf sedan in 2017, says Australia’s Motoring magazine. The Leaf, now the best-selling electric car in history, will continue production as an all-electric vehicle, said Yoshi Shimoida, Nissan deputy general manager for electric cars and hybrids. There is no official hint as to what type of vehicle will get the extended-range electric powertrain, but it might be a small tall wagon (think…
Hey there 2005-’14 Mustang owners, when was the last time you had more than yourself and a passenger out for a ride? If the answer is hardly ever, why not consider lightening your ride by replacing the rear bench with a hand-laid fiberglass Rear Seat Delete kit from TruFiber. This is also a good idea if you use your ‘Stang on the race track and/or are planning to install a roll bar. All of the mounting holes have been pre-drilled and the one-piece panel can be painted to suit, or left in its natural state. The Rear Seat Delete kit…
Most of us are familiar with Rust-Oleum protective paint products. Now Tremclad, the maker of Rust-Oleum, has expanded the brand to include a line of car covers. The Rust-Oleum 5L cover is so named because it’s made using five layers of material bonded together. Along with three layers of breathable polypropylene on the outside, there’s a special 100 percent waterproof membrane plus a final fleece layer to preventing 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 varying from $100-$150. Order…
Nissan and BMW are joining forces to offer public fast charging at 120 locations across 19 states in an effort to support Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 owners, and to promote increased adoption of electric vehicles nationwide. With the new partnership, the automakers say they are addressing the growing demand for more public fast-charging options in markets across the United States, giving drivers the ability to easily extend the length of their electric travels. The breadth of Nissan and BMW’s fast-charger expansion is widespread, with stations now available in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico,…