Author: Tabitha
Cure the problem of lost or missing valve-stem caps once and for all with a set of No Loss Tire Caps (SKU: 008-001). This product, which was originally designed for military vehicles, will help maintain tire pressure even if the valve core fails. And, the company says, because they’re made of brass instead of aluminum, they won’t warp, corrode or seize up due to road salt or moisture. Most importantly, the retaining strap on each No Loss Tire Cap prevents it from getting lost or forgotten in your jacket or pants pocket. The manufacturer claims the strap is strong enough…
In case you’re not aware, the wearing of colorful socks is a thing these days. For anyone wanting to display their automotive inclinations, Portugal-based Heel Tread produces a variety of socks that are a perfect fit in more ways than one. Some of the themes include exotics such as the Lamborghini Veneno, Porsche RSR, Ford GT 40 and Aston Martin DB5. They also make feet wear inspired by classic cars including the Lamborghini Miura, Ferrari F40 and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL gullwing. Most pairs are priced from $8 to $13, however multi-packs of four or five different marques sell for $50…
The Sleuth has it on good authority that the automaker will insert a battery-electric model into its North American lineup, perhaps in the first quarter of 2021. The MX-30, which was originally shown in concept form in late 2019, is a compact utility-style vehicle (think CX-3) with two regular-size doors plus a pair of rear-hinged access doors. An electric motor that powers the front wheels will be supported by a lithium-ion battery pack, presumably located beneath the rear seat. Output, battery charge times and range haven’t been revealed, but you can expect somewhere in the vicinity of 250 miles. Also…
The Sleuth reports that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is mounting a serious challenge to the King Kong of off-road pickups, a.k.a. the Ford F-150 Raptor. The Rebel TRX, which was shown in concept form three years ago, will debut sometime in 2021. Based on the Ram 1500, the four-wheel-drive TRX is rumored to have a 7.0-liter V-8 making in the vicinity of 525 horsepower. A 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 (similar to what’s installed in the Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat models) is rumored to be optional. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard. Naturally, there will be a hiked-up suspension (with…
Of the myriad of available Lego kits, this one could be the most charming. The 960-piece 1960s-era Fiat 500F represents an era where basic economical transportation ruled the roads of Italy, much like the Citroen 2CV did in France and the VW Beetle in Germany. The kit comes with a full interior, rear engine and a fabric roof that rolls open just like the real thing. A luggage rack (with luggage) and background painting of a Fiat 500 parked in front of the Coliseum in Rome that’s perched on an easel are also included. Get yours for $90 at www.lego.com.
In 1974, Random House first published cars and Trucks And Things That Go, written and illustrated the late children’s author and illustrator Richard Scarry. Since then it has remained popular with parents who likely had it read to them when they were youngsters. In typical Scarry fashion, the book features an assortment of cats, pigs, rabbits and foxes, all of which are depicted racing around in a variety of vehicles. The 72-page book is available in hardcover and paperback and is recommended for children ages 3 to 7. Purchase for $12-$15 (depending on the cover) from a number of sources,…
The Spy Guy can report that the Volkswagen division is putting the final touches to the E-Tron GT, a companion model to the E-Tron utility vehicle that Audi introduced for 2020. The sleek coupe-like GT, which is expected to launch in 2021 as a 2022 model, uses the same platform as the Porsche Taycan (VW owns Porsche), but comes with what appears to be a grille, but is in fact a place where the car’s various driver-assist cameras and lasers are positioned. The all-wheel-drive GT will reportedly come with a two-motor battery-electric system that puts out 590 horsepower and is…
That’s what The Sleuth’s intel gatherers believe upon learning that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently registered (re-registered, technically) the Hornet name with North American patent offices. In 1987, FCA inherited the brand when it absorbed the ailing American Motors Corporation. Then in 2006, Dodge showed a compact hatchback concept called the Hornet. It used a supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. Of course it’s highly unlikely that any future Hornet would resemble the 14-year-old design or use the same engine, but with other automakers introducing new or updated small hatches lately, it’s probable…
The Spy Guy’s intel team has confirmed that the automaker will introduce the electric i4 sedan, replacing the smaller i3, and is slated to enter production in 2021. It will join the equally new 4-Series coupe and four-door Gran Coupe that arrive ahead of it. Other than the electric drivetrain, the i4’s most prominent feature is an oversized kidney-shaped grille. But instead of drawing in fresh air, it will house the i4’s dynamic-safety and semi-autonomous-driving sensors. An integrated rear spoiler is part of an aerodynamically shaped rear end. The cabin design is highlighted by a long, narrow curved screen, which…
According to The Sleuth’s sources, the Korea-based automaker’s plans for an electric sedan should look something like the recently shown Prophecy concept, although not quite as radical. The car does seem to indicate that Hyundai will ensure that the Prophecy (or whatever name is selected) won’t mimic any gasoline or electric vehicle that wears the company’s logo. It’s also doubtful that the concept car’s pixelated headlights or tail lamps will make it to production. Nor will the twin pivoting joysticks that are employed in place of a traditional steering wheel. One novel idea that might show up is the cabin…