Author: Tabitha
The Spy Guy reports that the midengine supercar that’s built in very limited numbers by Multimatic in Canada is now even a bit more exotic. To begin with, the 2020 version, which carries a half-million-dollar price tag, comes with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that now puts out 660 horsepower (up from 647) but is rated at the same 550 pound-feet of peak torque. The increase is due to new piston oiling, increased spark to the cylinders, and redesigned air ducts and larger intercoolers for the turbochargers. The changes were originally designed for the 2019 GT MK II racecar. For 2020,…
The Sleuth recently reported the impending return of the brand made famous for its deployment by the U.S. military. Now comes news that, following a 10-year absence, the Hummer name will be resurrected as a GMC electric truck (not a secret since the recent airing of a teaser commercial during the Super Bowl). Although only the Hummer’s grille was shown, the confirmed powertrain stats — 1,000 horsepower, up to 11,500 pound-feet of torque and zero-to-60-mph in seconds — will be tough to beat by competitors. That list, which seems to expand almost weekly, includes Chevrolet and Ford as well as…
Elon Musk’s electric-car company has quietly begun cranking out its fifth model (four if you don’t count the Lotus-Elise-based battery-powered roadster). Tesla refers to the new Model Y, which will likely begin arriving this spring, as a utility vehicle. In reality, it’s more of an all-wheel-drive midsize hatchback. The first two Y models — the Long Range and the Performance — will each have an estimated range of 315 miles and carry base prices of $53,000 and $61,000, respectively. According to Tesla, they will also be able to accelerate to 60 mph from rest in 3.5 seconds. For 2021, the…
The annual Mille Miglia (thousand-mile) road race in Italy dates back to 1927 and is now exclusively for drivers of classic and vintage machinery. To commemorate the event, Willer Chronometers has created a series of unique timepieces. Each one displays a speedometer-style face inside a 44-millimeter stainless-steel case. As well, the battery-powered Seiko movements are waterproof up to five atmospheres (50 meters or 164 feet). Lastly, the perforated leather strap is made from genuine Italian leather. Each of the four Mille Miglia styles sells for an introductory price of $230 and can be purchased at www.willer.club.
Backup warning systems are common on new vehicles, but older cars and commercial vehicles can also be retrofitted. Rostra Precision Controls manufactures the Rostra Obstacle Sensing System (ROSS) that alerts drivers to obstacles that come within 12 feet of the rear and sides of their vehicles while backing up. That includes cars, buildings, trees and people and pets. The company says the motion-sensing unit uses the latest microwave technology to provide both audible and visual alerts in all weather conditions. The ROSS also remains completely hidden when installed behind a non-metal (plastic) bumper. Get full details from www.rostra.com and order…
The Spymaster’s sources report that the automaker’s long-serving midsize sedan that first broke cover for the 2006 model year will be going away after the 2020 model year. In its place, Ford will introduce the Fusion wagon in early 2021. This won’t be just any average-looking or acting model, however, but, taking a page from the Subaru Outback, it will arrive with all-wheel-drive, a hiked-up ride height and plenty of protective body cladding. There’s no word yet regarding engines, but Ford has plenty of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder powerplants (regular and hybrid) in its arsenal. The Fusion sedan, pictured, is…
The Sleuth’s intel mavens have managed to lift the veil of secrecy ever so slightly on the upcoming 2021 utility vehicle. It’s based on the Ranger pickup and it will have four removable doors, not unlike the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It’s unclear whether there will be a two-door model, but there could be a truck version (think Jeep Gladiator). Powertrain choices will include Ford’s 325-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6, although a 310-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder could be offered as a base engine. A twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 might come in a Bronco Raptor model. The official reveal is expected this spring at…
Most portable lithium-ion booster packs work well enough, but their batteries need to be fully charged. Apparently not so for the 750-amp OzCharge super capacitor from Australia-based RescueMate. The manufacturer claims the product will maintain a full charge for up to five years and can be recharged in 1.5 hours. The OzCharge can boost a variety of battery types, such as those found in motor vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, and two- and four-stroke outboard motors. It’s also claimed to work in extreme hot or cold conditions and to never overheat. Get more information from www.rescue-mate.com.au and purchase for $200 from www.amazon.com.
Do you have an airplane inside your garage, or is it a boat or classic car? It can be any one of these and more with a garage poster from style-your-garage.com. This Germany-based company specializes in dressing up single- or double-sized garage doors using any of a variety of images from the company’s gallery. You can also submit your own images to be used in the same fashion. Each one is made of “indestructible” material that attaches to wood or metal doors with self-adhesive Velcro fasteners and should take you and a helper 30 and 60 minutes to install. Although…
JPS Motorsports creates realistic-looking replicas of the 1957 Porsche Speedster (roadster) in standard and flared body styles, but the company also builds a version of an early 1955-’59 Porsche 356A coupe. The turn-key vehicle has a steel-reinforced fiberglass body, new 2.1-liter air-cooled four-cylinder engine with dual carburetors, rebuilt four-speed manual transmission, front and rear disc brakes, retro-styled bucket seats and a wood-rim steering wheel. You can also specify extra-cost items such as air conditioning, leather interior, rear disc brakes, a bigger engine and fancier wheels. Prices start at $29,000 for the Speedster and $40,000 for the coupe. Check them out…