Author: Tabitha
Despite sightings of what appears to be a Raptor off-road version of the 2019 Ranger pickup, The Spymaster’s peeps on the ground are reporting that such a model/trim level will not be sold in North America. Instead, it’s destined for the automaker’s dealerhips in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. The Ranger Raptor will likely be powered by a four-cylinder turbo-diesel and not a gasoline engine that was speculated to be used for the potential North America version. One reason being touted for restricting the junior Raptor’s availability is that the projected list price would have been too high, relative…
The Spy Guy’s sources are certain that General Motors’ luxury division will unleash a performance version of the XT4 sometime in 2019. The V-Sport model will reportedly be fitted with GM’s new turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that will see service as an option in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. That would give the XT4 V-Sport at least 310 horsepower. The only other engine is the base 237-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Along with increased output, the upcoming model will come with unique body trim for the fenders and rocker panels, plus a unique grille, wheels and sport-style front seats. You…
Whether you park your expensive or classic car indoors or out, you probably want to provide the best possible protection from dust, water and bird droppings/environmental damage. Florida-based Carcoon sells air-circulation-type (bubble) storage systems for both uses. Each one is designed to reduce the moisture content in the air within the bubble, thus reducing the potential for condensation to form on your prized possession. Carcoon prices start at about $950. Check out the various options at www.carcoonamerica.com.
For some people on the go, the spot between the front seats of their vehicles that’s designed to hold up two beverage cups might not be enough. The iCarry, which is made of ABS plastic and silica gel, expands (pivots outward from the base, actually) to hold up to four coffee cups, water bottles or soda cans, or a combination of all three. You can also use the extra capacity for your sunglasses, cell phones, pens or any other small items. The iCarry sells for $25 and can be ordered at www.dudegadgets.com.
Pre-orders have started in Japan for Mazda vehicles equipped with the automaker’s latest enhanced-handling and ride-control technology, called G-Vectoring Control Plus. Mazda’s original G-Vectoring Control (GVC) varied engine torque in response to steering inputs to optimize the vertical load on each wheel “for smoother and efficient vehicle motion.” GVC-Plus additionally uses the brakes at add direct yaw-moment – in which a vehicle turns on its vertical axis – control, to further advance handling stability. “As the driver steers out of a corner by returning the steering wheel to the center position, GVC-Plus applies a light braking force to the outer…
The Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) division announced Oct. 8 it will build a plug-in hybrid version of the compact Renegade in Italy. When it goes on sale sometime in 2020, it will be one of 30 new FCA models to use conventional hybrid drive, plug-in or fully electrified systems. That mix will include a new plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler, a Ram pickup with electric-motor assist (available for 2019) and the already-in-production Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan. FCA said at an investor meeting in June it would spend $10.3 billion to expand its hybrid and electric portfolio with a dozen new powertrains.…
The Sleuth has it on good authority that the next generation of the automaker’s compact sedan and hatchback will be a game-changer. Physically, the Mazda3 will resemble the Kai concept car, with an elongated nose that runs counter to the severely truncated rear end that appears both odd and attractive at the same time. Whatever the final shape, the 3’s high-compression 2.0-liter gasoline engine will have what Mazda calls “Spark-Controlled Combustion Ignition” that works somewhat like a diesel engine. The result, says Mazda, is a cleaner and more efficient burn, resulting in much improved fuel economy compared to a similar-displacement…
The Sleuth’s sources are hearing that Terrafugia, a company owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group of China (Volvo’s owner), is accepting orders for the Transition, which converts to an airplane from a car in less than a minute by unfolding its wings. Top speed is also said to be 100 mph in the air with a 400-mile range that’s accomplished with a rear-mounted 100-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that drives a propeller. As a precaution, there’s a built-in parachute and, yes, the vehicle requires a pilot’s license. On the road, the two-seat Transition travels using electric motors. Pricing starts at US…
The Germany-based automaker says its first all-electric utility vehicle paves the way for a new wave of battery-powered models. The full-size, high-performance Audi e-tron marks the start of a “new era” for the automaker, deriving high performance and agility from powerful front and rear electric motors energized by a large, high-voltage battery that facilitates sub six-second acceleration and a 250-mile driving range that is free of emissions and “almost silent.” Audi attributes up to 30 percent of that range to a new kinetic-energy recuperation system (regenerative braking). Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system was redesigned for electrification; “it continuously and variably…
Ram is bringing regenerative braking to the full-size-pickup market in a big way with the 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque. Regenerative braking makes a lot of sense for larger vehicles, capturing their kinetic energy and converting it to electricity instead of to heat, which is energy wasted in conventional braking systems. The system captures that power for storage and later uses it to boost the engine at low speeds. What makes the Ram eTorque system unique, said Brian Spohn, vehicle-electrification manager for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, “is its application to full-size trucks.” Without requiring the engine to make more power, the truck…