Author: Tabitha
The seventh-generation Lexus ES — both the ES 350 and companion ES 300h hybrid — could change perceptions with a new-from-the-ground-up approach. The car remains unmistakable in origin, but it’s more visually appealing and delivers greater kick-in-the-pants performance.
If your idea of a fun time is occasionally heading far away from painted lines, pedestrians and traffic lights, Honda has a suggestion for you. Instead of dropping major coin on a chunky off-roader that rides like a covered wagon, check out the all-new 2019 Passport that’s coming on stream this spring.
If you have ever visited a new-vehicle showroom, you likely browsed through those slick brochures that provide info on standard and optional equipment, as well as technical data. There’s a way you can download current and past copies of these glossy sales pieces by visiting www.auto-brochures.com. The site has a huge assortment of brochures from Acura to Volvo, all in PDF format, with most dating back 10-12 years. There are also numerous exotic and obscure models represented, along with an assortment of high-end brands including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, etc. You can download as many as you want since there’s no…
Classic-car collectors prefer to display an authentic license plate on their vehicles, if possible the one that originally came with the car. Unfortunately, many are in pretty rough shape. Restore A Tag can take your rusty old plate and turn it into a pristine tag that looks as good as the day it was issued. The process includes straightening the plate and removing all of the old paint and rust. Primer is then applied to the surface, followed by preparing the primer for paint and applications of protective clear-coat. There’s no set price for each job, since the amount of…
Promising to save police forces and taxpayers thousands of operating dollars per vehicle per year, Ford has introduced hybrid power and new officer-safety technologies as standard equipment in the 2020 Police Interceptor Utility (PIU), which is based on the redesigned Ford Explorer. With a claimed 41-percent fuel-economy improvement over the current PIU with a 3.7-liter gasoline engine, the new hybrid (which combines electric drive with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine to make 318 horsepower) was rated by Michigan State Police as the second-quickest interceptor available among the current crop of competitors. At the top is another Ford, a 400-horsepower non-hybrid equipped…
With its own platform designed specifically to accommodate electric power, the Infiniti QX Inspiration concept represents the brand’s plans for high-performance electrified vehicles wrapped in a new design language that is “infused with Japanese DNA.” Infiniti showed the futuristic concept vehicle at the 2019 Detroit auto show in mid-January. New electric platforms developed by the brand allow for “spacious, lounge-like interiors,” Infiniti said in a release. The QX Inspiration’s cabin was hand-crafted using traditional techniques and a choice of materials inspired “by a subtle Japanese sensuality.” It follows the Japanese hospitality principle of ‘omotenashi’ in creating a welcoming environment “while…
Chances are good that the Korea-based automaker will add sporty trim options to more models in its North America-based fleet. The N Line, right now a performance version of the 2019 Veloster hatchback, will reportedly proliferate to the 2020 Tucson. The package will include a sport-tuned suspension, revisions to the power steering to increase feedback, a blacked-out grille and larger-than-standard wheels. There will also be slightly modified front and rear bumper covers, while the cabin gets leather and suede sport seats with red piping and stitching. It doesn’t appear there will be any extra performance, as the Veloster N received.…
The Sleuth is amused by how Germany-based automakers continue to play follow the leader when it comes to turning their utility vehicles into four-door “coupes.” Following the arrival of the BMW X6 a few years back (joined later by the similar but smaller X4), Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLE and GLC coupes. Now it appears that Porsche has yielded to temptation and will launch a coupe derivative of the popular Cayenne utility vehicle. As with the competition, the Cayenne Coupe’s roof (available in carbon fiber) has been lowered from the windshield to the hatchback by close to an inch, while rear-seat…
Those inventive folks at Lego recently began offering model-car kits to young and old alike, and one of the latest is the 1967 Ford Mustang GT fastback. With more than 1,400 pieces, however, this one isn’t for younger or less patient brick builders. The 13-inch-long Mustang comes with a detailed interior (including a working transmission shifter) and a customizable engine bay to which you can add a supercharger. The stance can be altered and there are also side exhaust pipes, a front spoiler and a nitrous-oxide tank for the trunk. Or simply leave the car stock. The price for all…
If you’re looking for something special for yourself or for a muscle-car lover, look no further than this unique piece from Summit Racing Equipment. The Plymouth Barracuda Light-Up Shelf has a tempered-glass top attached to a replica front end of one of Chrysler Corporation’s more iconic models from the 1970s. The cast-resin shelf is 19.5 inches long by seven inches wide and seven inches tall, and is designed to flush mount. To add to the effect, the headlights can be switched on (requires two AA batteries). If a Barracuda isn’t your thing, Summit also sells versions resembling a 1969 Chevrolet…