Author: Tabitha
Have you ever thought of being behind the wheel of a race-prepped rally car, slithering and snaking through some backwoods trail at breakneck speeds? If so, Team O’Neil Rally School located in New Hampshire can provide all the training you’ll need. The 583-acre facility contains plenty of unpaved trails and challenging whoop-de-dos to guarantee you an experience of a lifetime in one of 50-plus specially prepared rally machines. Of course you also receive the necessary instruction to help get you well past the novice stage. Prices range from $1,400 for a single-day run, up to $6,000 for a five-day experience.…
Tesla recently revealed its first-ever electric pickup to great fanfare, and some embarrassment when CEO Elon Musk damaged the oddly shaped vehicle’s supposedly shatter-proof side glass. Mattel’s Hot Wheels division hasn’t wasted any time capitalizing on the interest in this vehicle by introducing two distinct versions of the Tesla Cybertruck. One is a 1:10-scale radio-controlled version with functioning headlights and taillights and two drive modes (just like the real thing). The kicker? A cracked-window sticker is included with your $400 purchase. Note that this item is sold out, but you can add your name to the waiting list. Also available…
The Sleuth’s operatives report that the automaker’s two performance sedans will be significantly altered for the 2021 model year. The base WRX is rumored to receive a new turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that replaces the current 2.0. Although smaller in displacement, the new engine is expected to generate more than the current 268 horsepower, possibly with assistance from an electric motor. Fans of the WRX STI are in for a treat: A 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s said to produce 400 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. That’s way up from the current 310 horses and 290 pound-feet. Both the WRX…
When it comes to upscale wagons in general, and off-road-capable versions in particular, Audi and Volvo have essentially owned the category. So it came as some surprise to The Sleuth that Mercedes-Benz is introducing the E-Class-based All-Terrain for 2021, joining the all-new E-Class sedan and convertible. The E450, as it’s called, comes with protective front, rear and side cladding, underbody skid plates and an air suspension that can increase ride height when needed. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, rated at 362 horsepower, is standard, as is the automaker’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. A low-$60,000 base price for the All-Terrain would…
If you’re a certified auto nut, you won’t want to place your beverage glass on just any old coaster. Instead, you might want one produced by New York City-based Veciamo. The company’s collection of handmade enameled coasters includes logos from high-end brands such as Bugatti, Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini. Each solid-bronze coaster can be finished in your choice of black, yellow gold gloss or rose gold gloss trim. Purchase singles for $175, which includes a genuine suede pouch and polishing cloth. The complete set of five costs $700. Visit www.veciamo.com.
You don’t have to be a diehard Porsche fan to appreciate this awesome item. A twin-exhaust outlet and resonator from the 500-horsepower 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine found in the 911 GT3 forms the basis for this Bluetooth-enabled speaker. The 200-watt unit, which weighs in at 40 pounds, comes with bass and treble controls, Dolby digital decoder, LED display and a remote control. Both coaxial and optical inputs are included, as is a sub-woofer output and a plaque with an assigned limited-edition number indicating which of the 911 (total production) speakers is in your possession. Purchase for 3,500 Euros (about $3,800) from…
Aside from the diesel, the Ram is available with a 3.5-litre V-6 that produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. That can be temporarily increased by up to 90 pound-feet with a belt-drive 48-volt “eTorque” motor/generator. This mild-hybrid system replaces the traditional alternator and uses a lithium-ion battery to add power under hard acceleration. Optional is a 5.7-litre V-8 that delivers 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet, and when equipped with eTorque it has slightly more towing capacity than the EcoDiesel at 5,795 kilograms.
If you’re looking for something special for yourself or a muscle car lover in your life, look no further than this unique piece from Summit Racing Equipment. The Plymouth Barracuda Light-Up Shelf consists of a tempered glass top attached to a replica front end of one of Chrysler Corporation’s more iconic models. The cast-resin item is 19.5 inches long by seven inches wide by seven inches tall, and is designed to mount flush against a wall. The Barracuda’s headlights can be switched on (requires two AA batteries). And if you’re not into Barracudas, then Summit also sells versions resembling the…
Anyone who has had to trailer their rare/expensive hobby or racecar (or any vehicle, for that matter) lives in fear that their precious cargo could be damaged in transit. One way to reduce that possibility is with the Chassis Stabilizer from Mac’s Tie Downs. This item consists of a sturdy rubber bladder (round or rectangular-shaped) that, once inflated by compressed air (up to 20 pounds per square inch) and strategically positioned beneath the vehicle, significantly reduces the severity of undulations due to uneven (or rough) road surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of damage. The Chassis Stabilizer sells for $300 and…
Toyota’s new-for-2020 sport coupe, built alongside the BMW Z4 roadster, has been on the market for less than a year, but The Sleuth is hearing it will get some powertrain/performance changes for 2021. To begin, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque becomes the base engine, resulting in a weight drop of 200 pounds, mostly over the front wheels. This version will also get smaller-diameter front brakes discs, the active suspension will no longer be included and a lower-powered audio system will be installed. The base price will also be reduced, but it’s not known…