Author: Tabitha

Taking its cues from the classic American dune buggies of the 1960s and ’70s, Volkswagen said it would unveil an electric buggy at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland in March. Based on VW’s modular MEB electric drive platform, it’s a “modern, non-retro interpretation of a classic design,” said Klaus Bischoff, VW head designer. True to original style, the MEB buggy — which so far doesn’t seem to have a name — has no fixed roof or conventional doors. Bischoff said the vehicle shows the automaker’s modular electric platform is versatile and can be used for more than just large-scale…

Electric vehicles could be profitable for General Motors as soon as the early 2020s, said GM CEO Mary Barra. On a conference call with analysts Feb. 6, she said the automaker has struck a battery-development-program deal with Honda and through its strong relationship with China, a major global producer of batteries, “I think we’re in a good position, driving our cell costs down.” She said GM is committed to an all-electric vehicle future. Alternative-vehicle website Green Car Reports notes, that in 2017, Barra said the advent electricity, autonomous-vehicle technology and a new model for mobility represents “the biggest business opportunity…

The Sleuth isn’t surprised over rumors that Honda’s premium division will replace the flagship RLX sedan. That full-size passenger car never caught on with buyers seeking style/status. According to The Spy Guy’s sources, the RLX replacement will be based on the Acura Precision concept that was first viewed in 2016. Rumor also has it that the to-be-named replacement will be revealed this August at the annual Concours d’Elegance classic-car event in Pebble Beach, Calif. There’s no info on a name or the powertrain(s) to be used, but you can bet that Acura’s current all-wheel-drive hybrid system (similar to that installed…

The Spymaster’s sources claim that both the next-generation Chevy Trax and Ford EcoSport are well along in their respective development processes. The 2020 Trax will launch later this year, in a slightly larger size and with more aggressive styling. It will likely keep the current turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, word has it that the next EcoSport (there’s a chance the name will change) is at least 12-18 months away and will be built off the compact 2020 Fiesta platform, even though that subcompact will vanish from Ford’s lineup after 2019. The EcoSport replacement will be positioned one size below…

The Sleuth can confirm that the automaker’s XC90 flagship utility vehicle will arrive with a few minor exterior changes for the 2020 model year (including a redesigned grille), and will receive a significantly updated powertrain option that’s intended to boost fuel efficiency. More specifically, the available turbocharged and supercharged 400-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gets an advanced new kinetic-energy-recovery system that converts braking energy to electricity to replenish the XC90’s batteries. Volvo claims the new system will improve the plug-in hybrid’s fuel economy by “up to 15 percent.” Given that the 2019 version’s official city/highway rating clocks in at 58 mpg…

The latest tall-wagon trend is to market them as off-road capable machines, and in some cases actually equip them for such duty. The latest model to follow that route is the 2020 GMC Acadia. The seven-passenger vehicle’s mid-cycle makeover includes replacing the largely benign-looking front end with a more aggressive grille (similar to those attached to the brand’s pickups). The Acadia also gets a new 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine option to supplement the base non-turbo 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the available 310-horsepower V-6. A new nine-speed automatic transmission comes with all three powerplants. The updated GMC Acadia gets a…

If you regularly head off the road, you might want to consider taking a trailer along that’s as tough and rugged as your vehicle. Available in a 108- by 54-inch-wide size that sleeps two, or a 60-inch-wide model that sleeps three, the XTR from Moby1Expedition Trailers of Springville, Utah, features a coil suspension with up to five inches of travel, Rancho 9000XL adjustable shock absorbers, all-terrain tires on 15- or 17-inch wheels, and 10-inch electric brakes. The wide range of options includes a rooftop tent that sleeps up to four, an enclosed awning, a sink with water heater, a propane…

Why buy a paper poster when you can purchase a distinctive wood-based display with neat graphics that will probably last much longer. Red Horse Signs sells a wide array of products, including vintage-style automotive signage. All are printed onto distressed tongue-and-groove panels or on metal and are available in sizes from 15 by 26 inches to 25 by 40 inches. Products include racing cars and venues, classic and muscle cars, hot rods, service stations, auto sales, gas pump brands, and various accessories. Any of these distressed-look signs would make a colorful accessory for a garage, office or den. Prices range…

In this case, N stands for Hyundai’s performance trim level that’s currently available only for the Veloster. The Spymaster’s intel gatherers report that the Hyundai Tucson compact utility vehicle will be the next in line to receive the N treatment for North America. The expected rating for the N’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine is 340 horsepower. Given that the optional non-turbo four-cylinder makes 181 horses, the Tucson N would trump that by nearly double. Word also has it that the Tucson N’s zero-to-60-mph time will be about six seconds, which should beat all competitors. The Tucson N is expected sometime in…

And by changes, The Spy Guy is hearing from sources that a number of long-overdue alterations to the Charger’s sheetmetal are in the works for the 2020 model year, but likely limited to a slightly altered grille and rear end. Most noticeable, though, will be a wide-body option — similar to the Dodge Challenger — that flares out the fenders to accommodate wider rubber. To get the look, Charger customers will need to opt for the high-performance R/T Scat Pack or Hellcat models. Since smaller-displacement powerplants (with electric assist) are expected to replace both engines sometime in 2021, the window…