Author: Tabitha
For years, the BMW 3 Series represented the German automaker’s smallest, most fuel-efficient offering, setting the benchmark since its debut in 1975 for premium compact cars in terms of efficiency, quality, ride, handling and performance. It has since been undercut in size by the 2 Series, 1 Series and the BMW-owned Mini brand offerings, but hasn’t suffered in popularity because of its smaller siblings, and is still widely considered the car to beat in its class. BMW recently delivered the 10-millionth 3 Series – which is a 320d (‘d’ signifies diesel) – at a handover ceremony in Munich to the…
In the next two to three years, Tesla will expand beyond the current Model S sedan to include a sport utility vehicle called the Model X and a lower-priced Model III passenger car. However The Sleuth sees that some sleeping giants will come gunning for Tesla with their own all-electric models. Audi will soon launch the mid-engine Audi R8 e-tron sports car and has also earmarked the e-tron Quattro wagon concept for production. As well, Porsche says the 800-volt Mission E concept that can blast to 60 mph from zero in 3.5 seconds is also bound for production. Lastly, a…
The Sleuth recently had an up-close and personal look at Honda’s sporty Type R that was on display and in action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb event in Sussex, England. Of course he naturally assumed that the same or closely similar four-door hatchback would be coming to North America as well. However he has since learned that the front-wheel-drive Type R that will be available here in 2017 (for the 2018 model year) will be based on the just-revealed Civic four-door sedan and possibly the coupe (but not the hatch). The surprise part of this news is…
The Sleuth believes that the recently unveiled second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan should be just what der Doktor ordered. The long-overdue replacement model, which is expected for the 2017 model year, will be available in both five- and extended-length seven-passenger seating configurations, the latter due to arrive in about a year after the five-seater’s launch. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is the most likely the base powerplant candidate, with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel optional. Outwardly, the Tiguan’s nose appears influenced by the Passat sedan, while the rest of the vehicle displays an update of the current model, except with a few more shapes…
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra that will be revealed in North America later this year impresses The Sleuth greatly. The significantly redesigned compact car is pretty much the same size as the current model, save for about a one-inch increase in length and width. The standard engine is a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s harnessed to a six-speed manual transmission, or optional seven-speed automated manual. There’s word a turbocharged option will be added that would counter a similar powerplant available in the upcoming 2016 Honda Civic, which is the Elantra’s primary rival. The new Elantra is expected to go on sale by…
With a new shape, more finely detailed design and a “heightened driving experience,” Toyota’s fourth-generation Prius hybrid looks poised to stay relevant in a market where it’s no longer considered the “it” car. More than a mild evolution, reports vehicle research Web site The Car Connection, the new Prius comes into production facing gasoline prices that are expected to continue low in the near term at least, and more competition from vehicles with a plug, which includes the similarly upgraded 2016 Chevrolet Volt. While Toyota has said nothing about the size of the car’s internal-combustion engine, or even verified that…
An electric sports car with a 311-mile range, 600 horsepower, all-wheel-drive and 15-minute recharge time could soon be real if Porsche decides to build its stunning Mission E concept. If it does, its first all-electrically powered four-seat, four-door sports car won’t exactly be affordable to the masses, though trickle-down economics and mass production would undoubtedly lower costs for future models. The source of Porsche’s string of incredible claims is the first 800-volt power system to be incorporated in an automobile. Conventional electrics use 400-volt systems. Although the car is a concept, its electric drive system has been proven in motor…
Are you looking for something really unique to park in your garage? How about an authentic, if slightly used London cab? This actual retired taxi comes with all the trimmings, including air conditioning, rear parking sensor, leather interior and authentic taxi sign attached to the roof. Inside, there’s room for six passengers (including two rear-facing jump seats) plus the driver. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder diesel engine supplies the power and is connected to a three-speed automatic transmission. Note that the taxi is a right-hand-drive model. Gadget retailer Hammacher Schlemmer will sell you one for $40,000, but the company advises “Special conditions…
If you have children or grandchildren who play video games, they will love this gift. Toys R Us has become the exclusive retailer for the actual ride-on version of Nintendo’s Super Mario Kart from Jakks Pacific, which is a company that produces a variety of officially licensed Nintendo products. The single-seat race car features a red, white and blue body, dark blue seat and yellow wheel covers. The Super Mario Kart also reproduces sound effects from the Mario Kart video-game series so it’s sure to drive parents crazy. Both indoor and outdoor tires are supplied so kids up to 70…
Vintage license plates look really cool when attached to old automobiles, but they also look good on headgear produced by Gasoline Caps of Portland, Ore. The company’s line of hats features embroidered patches of various state license plates from a wide range of years. A few of the many styles include a 1935 Vermont, 1975 Montana, 1952 Michigan, 1969 Alabama and 1957 Ohio. All of the company’s one-size-fits-all caps are made from either blended wool or canvas fabrics and come with either snap or Velcro closures, depending on your selection. Prices range from $28-$30 each. You can scope out the…