Author: Tabitha
From the front, the Gladiator looks like any other Jeep Wrangler, with a traditional slotted vertical grille, round headlights and a stout bumper. Behind the second-row seat is a five-foot-long box that’s capable of transporting up to 730 kilograms of ATV, dirt bikes, camping gear and/or just about anything else you can imagine. Trailering capacity with the proper tow package tops out at 3,480 kilograms.
Makerhaus specializes in various auto and electronic products and sells a 1:3 scale model of the high-performance 289-cubic-inch V-8 that Ford installed in the early Mustang. 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 at www.makerhaus.biz.
Racing and Emotion offers custom-built chairs that really are works of art. The company’s focus is on the Porsche 917, which is one of the most famous of all Porsche racing cars and the vehicular star of the 1971 movie “Le Mans” that actor Steve McQueen produced and starred in. R&E makes what it calls egg chairs, since they are inspired by Arne Jacobsen’s 1958 design. There are two distinct shapes produced from molded fiberglass, and they feature cloth, or optional leather seats. The Egg series starts at $6,000 per chair, while the smaller ball-type chairs sell for upward of…
The Sleuth’s sources have provided interesting intel relating to the next-generation Sienna that’s expected to arrive in late 2020 as a 2021 model. Joining recently updated fleet members, Toyota’s eight-passenger people mover gets the latest TNGA modular platform, which is compatible with front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive applications (the latter of which is a Sienna option). The new architecture coincides with about a four-inch increase in length plus a corresponding gain in distance between the front and rear wheels. That should result in more legroom for third-row riders and greater cargo volume behind the seats. The Sienna’s new nosepiece will be…
The Sleuth recently reported that the automaker’s Tonale concept model would be production-bound sometime in 2021 as a 2022 model. That plan is still somewhat still on track, but with the upcoming merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which owns the Alfa brand, and France’s Groupe PSA, rumor has it that the Tonale compact utility vehicle will be built off a platform developed by PSA. There’s also word that the Tonale will be offered with a battery-electric system as well as a plug-in hybrid systems. The Sleuth is now hearing the Tonale will sometime in 2022 instead of 2021. The…
The makers of Goo Gone from Magic American Corp. claim their citrus-based formula can remove tree sap, bird droppings, brake dust, tar, spray paint, bumper stickers and other nasty stuff from your vehicle’s exterior. But that’s not all. Goo Gone can also go to work on the inside to take care of a variety of stains and spills on your upholstery, or any cloth, glass, or plastic surface for that matter. (It’s not recommended for leather and rubber). A 16-ounce bottle sells for $11, or pick the 12-ounce spray gel for $7.50. Order either or both (or any of the…
Jesser’s Classic Keys sells keys for American vehicles from 1900 to the present day. The company’s specialty, however, is three-piece New Old Stock (N.O.S.) and reproduction sets — ignition, trunk and matching leather keytag – for classic 1950s and 1960s vehicles sold under the General Motors, Ford and Chrysler banners. Jesser can also stamp and cut your keys according to the correct ignition code, so that the key works in the ignition. Each set features the manufacturer’s or vehicle emblem and the key itself can be upgraded to 10-carat white gold. Prices vary, so Jesser’s recommends you contact him directly…
Although late to the party, at least among its exotic vehicle-producing peers, the automaker has flipped the switch at its factory in Wales, that will crank out the all-new DBX. From the Spy guy’s perspective, the luxury utility vehicle is destined to become a top seller in a world where such vehicles continue to climb in popularity, from the humblest Hyundai Kona to the rarefied Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The DBX gets a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 producing 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. A-M claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.3 seconds and 181-mph top speed. There are also rumblings that a…
Although not much larger than their predecessors, the cargo capacities of Chevrolet’s full-size utility vehicles increase by 66 (Suburban) and 19 percent (Tahoe). The Tahoe also gains up to 10 inches of third-row legroom thanks to a fore and aft sliding second-row. A 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the six-speed automatic and there’s a new 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder turbo-diesel that makes 277 horsepower and a stout 460 pound-feet of torque. The Tahoe and (the longer) Suburban are built off an new chassis with an equally new independent rear suspension. An adaptive air-ride suspension with rear load leveling is optional. The redesigned Chevrolet…
The Sleuth is not really surprised that this General Motors’ division will cancel both the Regal Sportback (hatchback) sedan and Tour X wagon for the 2021 model year in North America. This follows deletion of the LaCrosse midsize sedan and Cascada Convertible for 2020. The move is simply further evidence of how shoppers are shunning such models produced by domestic-based automakers, while sedans and hatchbacks, although not setting any sales records, continue to sell in sufficient enough quantities so as to avoid (so far) retirement. So, what’s left? Buick’s lineup will contain only utility vehicles, the latest being the new-for-2020…