Author: Tabitha
The Spy Guy’s sneaky team recently spotted an early version of what’s destined to be the next-generation TLX sedan that’s due out early next year as a 2021 model. The blue Acura Type S concept, which recently debuted at Monterey Car Week in California, was done up in performance livery, with big wheels and brakes. It also had a longer, lower and wider body, which suggests that the next TLX might also supplant the bigger RLX four-door that has never really caught on with buyers. Word also has it that a turbocharged four-cylinder will remain as the base engine, while…
Recently, Ford conducted a public demonstration of its forthcoming F-150 electric; it pulled 10 double-decker rail cars containing 42 gasoline-powered F-150s for the press and public to ooh and aah over. The Sleuth’s sources are now hearing that startup car company Fisker (actually a re-startup car company) is planning an electric pickup that it hopes to sell following the launch of a yet-to-be named sport utility vehicle and sedan (both also electrically powered). In addition, an electric pickup from another startup company, Rivian, plus one that Tesla claims it will bring to market later this year, are scheduled. Although it…
Your vehicle’s low- and high-beam settings likely work well in the dark, but the Lanmodo Vast 1080P Night Vision System is in a whole different league. The high-resolution infrared color camera is located on the back side of an 8.2-inch (diagonal) screen that can sit on the dashboard or be suctioned to the windshield (it comes with both attachments). It connects to your 12-volt outlet and has a claimed range of 300 meters, or nearly 1,000 feet, which is a considerably greater distance than your headlights can provide. The Lanmodo Vast is priced at $500, while adding a lower-resolution rear…
When it comes to tire inflators, those bulky units that plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt receptacle probably come to mind. Not so with the wireless Norshire Mini portable air compressor that the company says is the world’s smallest. Although light and tiny — the Norshire weighs about one pound and is just over eight inches long — the unit can inflate most car and truck tires. It comes with power button and start/pause buttons, plus a button to set a maximum pressure level, indicated on the inflator’s LED window. The plug-in version sells for $50, while the Battery model —…
That’s the scuttlebutt from The Spy Guy’s intel gatherers. They’re hearing that parent company BMW will reduce the number of Mini models in a couple of years to just the current two-door Mini Cooper and the larger Mini Countryman, both of which will use battery-electric power exclusively. For 2020, a Mini Cooper SE electric is expected to join the group. There’s also word that two-seat all-electric coupe called the Mini Rocketman, which was recently viewed in concept form, could possibly join the lineup. If true, that could displace the Mini Cooper four-door and convertible as well as the Mini Clubman…
It’s the burning question on The Sleuth’s mind now that details and pricing for the 2020 Corvette have been released. The midengine Chevrolet that comes with a 495-horsepower V-8 should closely match the (also mid-engine) NSX in performance, but the Corvette has a base price of about $60,000. That’s about $100,000 less than the base price for the hybrid Acura, of which less than 200 examples were sold in North America in 2018. Without question, the NSX is one quick ride, as The Sneaky One knows first hand, but how will NSX sales be impacted by the new ’Vette? While…
Most of us have seen vehicles on rotating turntables at auto shows, but there’s also a practical side for the public. San Diego-based company Carturner builds its patented stainless-steel turntables to be handy for parking in tight driveways or in garages where maneuvering is difficult, if not impossible. There are also professional applications, such as for commercial photographers. Installation — indoors or out — is a relatively simple process since the 15-foot diameter unit sits on top of your driveway or garage floor. Prices start at $12,000 for the brushed or powder-coated finishes, and $13,000 for the mirror-finish version, and…
Online reseller Begoina claims these tungsten-steel key holders are manufactured using the same grade of material that Rolex uses in its line of watches. The end that secures your keys and/or key fob rotates 360 degrees, which also allows it to neatly fold up when not in use. Included is your choice of logo fitted to the product, from popular brands to exotics such as Ferrari, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Bentley and Jaguar. Each is priced at $18 ($16 each when ordering three or more). Order from www.begonia.shop.
The Sneaky One’s intel gatherers are reporting that prototypes of the next-generation Land Rover Defender are in the final sorting-out phase and should be ready for a North American debut in early 2020. The off-roader will be available in short-wheelbase Defender 90, standard-wheelbase Defender 110 and long-wheelbase Defender 130, which can accommodate up to eight people. It’s unclear at this point whether all three variants will be sold in North America. For the uninitiated, the Defender has a near-fanatical worldwide following, with older models in this part of the globe selling at a premium. The classic Land Rover Defender, pictured,…
The Sleuth’s sources are hearing that General Motors’ premium brand will add second powerplant choice to its midsize five-passenger utility model for the 2020 model year. The current V-6 rated at 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque will be joined by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 237 horses and 258 pound-feet. This also happens to be the same engine that’s standard in the smaller XT4. Other changes to the XT5 include a redesigned front end (grille and standard LED headlights), a rear pedestrian alert and a newly available night-vision camera. Updates to the XT5’s interior are also…