Author: Tabitha
Nissan has clarified its vision of the future for autonomous and zero-emission electric vehicles in the form of the IDS Concept. New technologies coming from the automaker will do no less than revolutionize the relationship between car and driver, and future mobility, promised Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn. The IDS Concept integrates advanced vehicle control and safety technologies with artificial intelligence. “Nissan Intelligent Driving improves a driver’s ability to see, think and react,” he said, “It compensates for human error, which causes more than 90 percent of all car accidents.” Even when the driver selects “Piloted Drive” and turns…
The Sleuth sends big kudos in Ford’s direction for injecting some serious performance into its small-car lineup. Currently you can purchase a 252-horsepower Focus ST hatchback or a 197-horsepower Fiesta ST. As if those numbers aren’t impressive enough, the all-wheel-drive Focus RS that’s arriving soon with 350 turbocharged horsepower is sure to make compact-car performance fans swoon. The Spy Guy now hears that Ford will also introduce an RS version of the Fiesta for the 2017 model year. Apparently the output rating will be in the vicinity of 250 horsepower. As with the rest of the ST and RS models,…
Volkswagen’s up-market subsidiary has big plans for product expansion over the next five years or so. The Sleuth is hearing that a new compact Q2 wagon (that’s smaller than the current Q3) is in the works, but is unlikely to make it to North America to avoid muscling in on VW Tiguan action. What we will get is a second-generation Q5 for the 2017 model year, followed by slick new Q6 that will be available with all-electric (e-tron) as well as fossil fuel (gasoline and diesel) propulsion. The Q6 is likely for the 2018 model year. Lastly, an all-out Q8…
Hot on the heels of the soon-to-be released Bentayga luxury tall wagon, The Sleuth hears that the Volkswagen-owned automaker has yet another model confirmed for production. This one, which is based on the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept, will likely end up as the Speed 6 when it’s expected to launch sometime in 2018. The two-seat coupe (a roadster version is also likely) will probably use Bentley’s twin-turbocharged V8 engine and will be built on an all-new “MSB” platform that it will share with next-generation Porsche Panamera and eventually all other Bentley models as they come up for renewal. There’s…
Two highly anticipated supercars are nearing launch-readiness, although their price tags will discourage all but the wealthiest. The Sleuth has spied the final incarnation of the Ford GT and reports that the mid-engine composite-bodied machine varies only slightly (larger outside mirrors, added side marker lights and glossy black trim) from the prototype. The 2,800-pound car’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 will output 630 horsepower and will use a seven-speed paddle-shift transmission. Prices for this limited-production machine will start in the $400,000 range. Somewhat more affordable is the nearly here all-wheel-drive NSX (3,800 pounds) with a gas-electric powertrain that produces 573 horsepower. It…
The first 2016 Ford F-150 pickup truck to run on compressed natural gas, propane and gasoline rolled off the line in Kansas City, Mo., recently. It joins a CNG/propane-capable fleet that includes the F-Series Super Duty, Transit and Transit Connect vans and wagons. Ford has sold more than 60,000 vehicles prepped to run on natural gas and propane since 2009, “six times more” than other U.S. automakers combined. Its gaseous-fuel-prep package includes hardened engine valves, valve seats, pistons and piston rings. Gasoline runs through the truck’s existing fuel delivery system. When equipped with the package, the 5.0-liter V8 F-150 can…
A new trademark filing by General Motors indicates that the automaker is working to develop an electrified Corvette, speculates AutoGuide.com. Two filings – one for “Corvette E-Ray” and the other for just “E-Ray” – apply specifically for “Motor land vehicles, namely, automobiles.” “In the spirit of jumping to conclusions, we’ll say there’s no way these trademarks don’t point to the possibility of GM developing an electric, or maybe even hybrid-powered Corvette.” The site notes that GM has been pushing its electrification strategy of late, with the second-generation Volt “impressing the critics.” With electric motors offering full torque at practically zero…
Here’s an intriguing product from the land of late-night infomercials. The Easy View XT is a tinted, impact-resistant plastic panel that flips down from your vehicle’s sun visor to shield your eyes from late afternoon sunlight. At night, the product is also designed to diffuse the glare from oncoming headlights. The 11.75-inch by 3.75-inch Easy View XT attaches using the clips provided and without tools. A set of two shields costs $10 plus shipping. Further information plus video demonstration can be found at www.easyviewxt.com.
The Tool Pen, designed by Mininch, really isn’t a pet at all, but a multi-purpose screwdriver that you can carry around in your pocket or purse, or inside your vehicle’s glove box. The basic unit comes with six different commonly used heads, including slotted (flat), Phillips, hexagon and star-shaped bits. All are encased in a mechanical pen-shaped aluminum case that also doubles as the driver (the bits themselves are made from milled carbon steel). The basic Tool Pen can be had for $69 for the 16-bit set, or $75 for the full 18-bit version. Full details at www.mininch.com.
Fueling stations of the future will look starkly different than they do now, if a Nissan-supported vision comes true. Nissan partnered with London architects Foster + Partners to develop a “sustainable urban master plan,” a final concept of which will be unveiled in March. Looking ahead 10 years, David Nelson, head of design at F+P, said that autonomous cars, artificial intelligence and greater connectivity “will come at great pace.” For consumers, “a totally seamless experience is vital if we are to succeed in creating cities that serve us.” That experience, could involve inductive (wireless) recharging. With the rise of connected…