Author: Tabitha
Makerhaus specializes in various auto and electronic products, including this 1:3 scale model of the high-performance 289-cubic-inch V-8 that Ford installed in early Mustangs. This one moves with the help of three AA batteries (not included). The cooling fan spins, the crankshaft turns, the pistons move up and down and the spark plugs fire (or appear to fire) using red-tipped LEDs. An electric sound module produces a simulated engine growl. A collector’s manual covering the history of the Mustang V-8 is also included with the 200-piece kit. Purchase for $186 from www.makerhaus.biz.
BrightDrop is the name applied to GM’s new battery-electric-vehicle operation that will market to fleet operators such as delivery businesses. The first to arrive in late 2021 is the BrightDrop EV600, so named for its 600 cubic feet of storage. According to the automaker, the van’s Ultium-brand batteries (another General Motors offshoot) will give the E600 a range of 250 miles. With a DC fast charger, the batteries can be replenished at a rate of 170 miles of range per hour. Included in the EV600 is a host of active-safety technologies, including forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning and pedestrian alert. Also…
OK, where did this come from? In case you missed the news, the 2021 Grand Cherokee L will join the current five-passenger Jeep wagon a few months from now. And no, it isn’t a stretched version of the existing model; it’s built on a separate unitized (frameless) platform and displays its own unique grille and other body panels. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard, however they can be swapped for a bench seat for more passenger space. The L comes in Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit trims, the same as for the five-passenger model. Engines choices include a 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6…
The seriously fastidious who insist on keeping their vehicles in spotless condition know how difficult it can be to thoroughly wipe dirt and smudges off the inside of vehicle glass. To help, the inShield Wiper’s microfiber pad attaches to the back of your hand, which makes for a more natural wiping angle for the windshield (as opposed to contorting and twisting your arm so that your palm is toward the surface). The company sells the inShield Wiper single pack for $13, a two-pack for $20 and the five-piece kit (two wipers, a 12-ounce bottle of cleaner plus two spray bottles)…
According to Loading Zone, the Original Cargo Gate locks easily in place and adjusts to fit the width and height of virtually any pickup box (with or without a bed liner). It can also create a containment area inside most popular most popular utility vehicles (Ford, Chevrolet, Ram, Toyota, etc.) and minivans. The product consists of an aluminum frame, stainless-steel hardware and nylon webbing. The original Cargo Gate is available in three sizes and retails in the $165 range. Check full product details and purchase at www.loadingzone.com.
Canoo Inc. a California-based publicly traded company founded in 2017, has reportedly developed its own EV platform for a variety of models. First up is a 22-window electric minivan — Canoo calls it a lifestyle vehicle — with seating for up to seven passengers (including wrap-around rear seating). It will also have an estimated 250-mile range and can be charged to 80 percent of capacity in less than 30 minutes. The minivan is expected to go on sale by late 2021, followed by an electric delivery van in 2022. Canoo’s vehicles will be available via a monthly subscription plan that…
It certainly appears that way to The Sleuth. The automaker revealed a removable-roof version of the coupe — called the Sport Top — at the recent SEMA360 virtual trade show. Included with the one-off concept were aero body add-ons and a rear spoiler that’s reminiscent of those installed on earlier Supras. The twin roof panels are made from lightweight composite materials that can be stored inside the trunk when not needed. The optional 382-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder was installed in the Sport Top along with an eight-speed automatic transmission (which also connects to the base 255-horsepower turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder). Toyota hasn’t…
Yes, it ranks high on the style scale, but the CX-9’s on-road behavior will have you believing you’re piloting a sport-tuned machine instead of a 4,400-pound family bus with three rows of seats.
For many years, Mazda’s focus for its entire fleet has been to deliver MX-5-Miata-sports-car-like driving enjoyment. The SkyActiv moniker that the company advertises extends past the powertrains and into vehicle dynamics. The marketing spin is that no matter what Mazda you buy, you’re getting a sharp-handling machine that will put a smile on your face.
The early-2020 arrival of the Kia Seltos begs the question: Just how many utility-style vehicles can one automaker include in its lineup? The answer, it seems, is as many as it wants, provided there’s demand.
The Seltos name, in case you’re wondering, is derived from Celtos, son of Hercules in Greek Mythology.
The vehicle squeezes between the smaller Soul (four inches shorter) and the larger and more mainstream Sportage (about seven inches longer).
The Sleuth reports that the brand’s up-market passenger car (comparable to the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon sedans) will receive a major makeover for 2022, including new styling, added luxury and safety content and most likely an all-wheel-drive option. Going forward, the Cadenza will be labeled the K8, which fits in with the automaker’s rebranding the smaller Optima sedan as the K5 for 2021. The K8 will apparently retain the Cadenza’s 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Rumor has it, however, that a plug-in hybrid system similar to what’s installed in the 2021 Sorento utility vehicle (it provides up…