Author: Tabitha
After years of watching others pioneer electric motorcycling, American icon Harley-Davidson has announced plans to build its own electric bike called the Livewire. The few details released excluded battery range, output and price, however the electric motor will be mounted longitudinally and it will be a load-bearing component. Other specs include 11.8-inch disc brakes and a mono-link rear suspension. Anti-lock brakes will be standard and riders can choose between one of four pre-set riding modes, or set their own custom setups in terms of power, range and regenerative braking. Pricing will be announced early in 2019 with the Livewire expected…
When hauling your boat, horse or travel trailer, you want to do it as easily and as safely as possible. Fastway Trailer made the e2 hitch to reduce or eliminate the dreaded side-to-side trailer motion that’s commonly referred to as sway. The system, which slides into the receiver of the tow vehicle, uses arms that glide on special L-brackets, which are bolted to the trailer tongue. The e2 is also claimed to improve weight distribution with the tow vehicle, which aids stability. The hitch is available in load ratings ranging from 4,500 to 12,000 pounds. Product, accessory and ordering details,…
Just because your car or truck isn’t equipped with heated and cooled seats doesn’t mean you have to go without. The All Season Car Cushion from Wagan Tech is designed to keep you comfortable, no matter the weather. The 12-volt seat cover is designed to fit the driver’s or passenger seat of practically any vehicle. The unit is simple to install using the built-in straps that attach around the seat’s headrest and the lower back. Once plugged into a 12-volt socket, press the red button located on the cushion for heat, or the blue button to activate the cooling fan.…
The name given to Nissan’s new small wagon broadly hints at the intended demographic. Kicks is urban slang for a cool pair of running shoes, but in this case it’s also about having fun. In many respects, the Kicks becomes the replacement for the funky 2011-’17 Juke.
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee have developed a wireless-charging system that they say rivals wired plug-in fast chargers. With a six-inch air gap between the battery to be charged and the ground-based charging coils, tests have shown the 120-kilowatt system is 97 percent efficient. Next up, ORNL said, are higher output 200 kW and 350 kW systems, with the goal of charging a vehicle in 15 minutes or less, reported Charged Electric Vehicles Magazine. Lead scientist Veda Galigekere said the research team developed “a novel co-optimization methodology” that solves the issue…
A new trend appears to be brewing in the world of drag racing. General Motors’ Bowtie division recently revealed an electric COPO Camaro, called the eCOPO, which swaps out the regular race-prepped V-8 for a pair of BorgWarner electric motors plus an 800-volt battery pack that weighs 700 pounds. The resulting combo makes “more than” 700 horsepower and 600 pound-feet, which is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. Actual production plans are unknown. The eCOPO uses two electric motors and 700 pounds of batteries to make “more than” 700 horsepower. PHOTO: WHEELBASEMEDIA.COM
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched its latest crate engine at the recent Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nev. According to FCA, the supercharged 426-cubic-inch “Hemi” V-8 makes 1,000 horsepower and 950 pound-feet of torque. It’s dubbed the Hellephant (a blending of the elephant nickname for the 1960s’ Hemi engines, and the engines in the current Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat models) and can be bought from just about any Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep dealer. Although pricing details are unknown, the 707-horsepower Hellcat crate engine sells for about $20,000. The Sleuth estimates about $26,000 for the Hellephant, which can be…
There are times when you need to reposition your travel, boat or horse trailer into just the right spot, but for a number of reasons you can’t use your tow vehicle to do it. One of the RVR Series models from Trailer Valet makes that task easy. Each unit consists of a battery-operated mini-tractor that, depending on the model, can move trailers ranging from 3,500 to 9,000 pounds. The remote control allows the operator to direct the RVR from up to 40 feet away. The newest version, the RVR3, sells for $2,100 and includes a mounting bracket that lets you…
With the popularity of auto-themed rec rooms and garages, demand for the appropriate furniture and accessories has never been greater. Car Furniture Inc. sells an assortment of couches and love seats that are made from rear ends of actual classic and sports cars and are not fiberglass copies. For example, the trunk portion of this 1955 Chevrolet stands 36 inches tall by 74 inches wide and fits through a standard 32-inch doorway. Available body colors include red, black, pink and turquoise, while the upholstery comes in red, black, tan, or white. Note that the sofa weights about 500 pounds so…
A new trend appears to be brewing in the world of drag racing. General Motors’ Bowtie division recently revealed an electric COPO Camaro, called the eCOPO, which swaps out the regular race-prepped V-8 for a pair of BorgWarner electric motors plus an 800-volt battery pack that weighs 700 pounds. The resulting combo makes “more than” 700 horsepower and 600 pound-feet, which is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. Actual production plans are unknown. The eCOPO uses two electric motors and 700 pounds of batteries to make “more than” 700 horsepower. PHOTO: WHEELBASEMEDIA.COM