Author: Tabitha

That’s a distinct possibility, according to The Sleuth’s intel. The competitor to the BMW 3 series and the Audi A-4 hasn’t been selling like it used to, as the automaker’s range of utility models continues to grow in popularity. At the same time, both the new-for-2019 A-class sedan and hatchback, and the revised coupe-like CLA-class sedan, are also putting the squeeze on the C class. And almost certainly, some C-class buyers will be drawn to the new range of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. They’ll fall under the new EQ banner and they’ll be built in the same U.S. plant as the…

Few scoops escape The Sleuth’s eyes and ears, but he was caught off guard with news that General Motors’ Lordstown, Ohio, factory — which until recently produced the Chevrolet Cruze sedan — will be repurposed to turn out electrified vehicles. The manufacturer, Workhorse Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, plans to build a full-size four-door pickup, called the W-15, within the next year or so. The vehicle has a 460-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. A backup gasoline engine/generator will recharge the batteries once the truck’s 75-mile electric range has been used up. According to Workhorse’s stats, the W-15 will…

Carbon fiber is used in the construction of strong, lightweight vehicle components. It has also turned into a fashionable way to dress up a vehicle and that’s where Dupli-Color Carbon Fiber Kit comes in. The company’s two-step spray-on paint process consists of a base coat of graphite metallic followed by a patented finishing coat called Dimensional Effex. The result is the three-dimensional raised look of carbon fiber, with a glossy finish. The kit works on both metal and plastic surfaces, but for the latter Dupli-Color recommends you apply the special adhesion promoter. The kit can be purchased at most auto-parts…

According to Antigravity (yes, that’s the brand name), lithium-ion batteries have significant advantages over traditional lead/acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries provide up to three times more cranking power, according to the manufacturer, and weigh approximately 70 percent less. They also tend to last longer. They can still run down under certain circumstances, but Antigravity has you covered with its wireless Re-Start technology. Pressing on a special fob re-energizes the battery from its sleep mode and fires up the engine. Prices range from $660 to $800, depending on power and vehicle compatibility. Check out the full range at www.antigravitybatteries.com.

Word has it that the General Motors division is working on a new compact utility vehicle, named the Granite, that would share a platform with the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore. This move makes plenty of sense to The Spymaster since both vehicles have proven themselves top sellers in the small tall-wagon category. It’s also possible that the Granite’s styling will be somewhat based on an attractive concept model of the same name, first shown in 2010. The new GMC model isn’t expected to arrive until the 2021 model year, following the launch of the second-generation Trax and Encore that…

Ford has bought a minority stake in Rivian, a startup company building an EV pickup. Why? Ford has already announced it will build an electric F-series pickup, so the Rivian investment seems natural. However there’s now word that General Motors is heading down a similar path. The Spy Guy hears that the GMC Sierra will be the first to receive electrification, but a related Chevrolet Silverado pickup remains a distinct possibility. Yet another rumor is that the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL utility vehicles, plus the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, will eventually be available with electric propulsion. We’ll have wait…

In The Sleuth’s opinion, this year’s event in The Big Apple — April 19-28 — continues to dominate all others in North America with its array of new-product reveals. Compared to similar annual shows that are held in Detroit and Los Angeles, it’s simply no contest. Shown for the first time were vehicles — both production-bound and in concept form — from Cadillac, Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz (which had zero presence at the Detroit auto show in January), Lincoln, Porsche and Nissan, to name some of the biggies. Also present were a number of exotic and electric-powered vehicles from smaller up-and-coming…

The Spy Guy’s sources confirm that the Ohio plant that hand-assembles the automaker’s NSX supercar will begin to assemble a couple of normally mass-produced Acuras. First up will be the Acura TLX PMC (for Performance Manufacturing Center) sedan that will be finished in a special Valencia Red Pearl finish that’s normally reserved for the NSX (and takes five days to apply and cure). Other unique treatments will include gloss-black-painted roof, wheels and door handles plus unique Alcantara (artificial suede) upholstery. Also receiving the PMC treatment will be the MDX tall wagon. Both will be built as fully equipped A-Spec models…

Clothing made from recycled materials continues to catch on as a more environmentally responsible alternative to buying new. Oakland, Calif.-based Platinum Dirt creates clothing and accessories sourced from the leather seat covers of decommissioned automobiles. For example, the company’s line of VIN Jackets (so called because the Vehicle Identification Number plate from the donated vehicle is attached to the product) is made from the stuff. As you can imagine, no two jackets (starting at about $1,500) are alike, but all are painstakingly tailored and include stitched-in brocade (silk) linings. The current inventory includes repurposed leather from Cadillac, Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz…

If you were the kind of student you enjoyed doodling automobiles in study hall, this is the book for you. “I DRAW CARS” sketchbook and reference guide contains all of the instructional elements necessary to properly sketch just about any conveyance imaginable. A major portion of this tome includes more than 100 pages devoted to templates while other reference materials help you practice the necessary form and proportion skills. You also get a rundown of various automotive brands, a compendium of design schools for serious instruction and even a list of worldwide auto shows and dates. I DRAW CARS sells…