Author: Tabitha
It has been four years since Mustang buyers could opt for this powerhouse Mustang, but Ford says the wait will soon be over. The forthcoming super snake is now in the final testing phase and will arrive sometime in 2018 as a 2019 model. The previous GT500 was fitted with a supercharged 5.8-liter V-8 that made 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque. The next-gen model will run with a smaller 5.2-liter V-8 (also supercharged), with a manufacturer-claimed output of more than 700 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will return, but a seven-speed paddle-shift gearbox originally developed for the ultra-expensive…
That’s a distinct possibility, according to intel being forwarded to The Sleuth’s electronic in-basket. All the automaker’s current offerings come with horizontally opposed (boxer) engines (one bank of two pistons fires 180 degrees to the second bank of two pistons, with the crankshaft in the middle). Word has it that the next-generation Subaru WRX and WRX STI (based on the Visiv Performance concept) that’s due to launch for the 2020 model year might go a different route. The problem, say some Subie sources, is that the boxer engine doesn’t lend itself to ever-tightening CO2-emissions regulations that could directly impact the…
The FastBack from Creepex has a unique three-wheel design with a built-in soft polyurethane headrest above the front wheel. The body is made of lightweight hard plastic with two built-in tool trays, supported by two seven-inch-diameter wheels. The Fastback weighs 17 pounds (but can support up to 500) and is light enough to hang on the wall using the optional lockable storage hanger. The base model with hanger sells for $240, while the Fastback Pro that adds dual LED lights, sealed wheel bearings and two ground-clearance settings sells for $290. Prices include shipping within the United States and to Canada.…
It’s referred to as a gaming chair, but in reality the RapidX Finish Line an ideal office chair for automotive enthusiasts. The checkered pattern will stand out in all surroundings and the well-bolstered sport-bucket design is inspired by racing seats. The armrests are fully adjustable, the recline mechanism is similar to what’s used in most car seats, and the chair can be raised and lowered by about 2.5 inches. The $350 chair also comes with a detachable lumbar-support pillow. View this and other RapidX models at www.rapidx.io.
Korea-based automaker Hyundai has joined with autonomous-vehicle (AV) technology provider Aurora to bring fully-self-driving vehicles to market by 2021, integrating its self-driving technology with Hyundai vehicles. Starting in ‘smart’ cities that have the appropriate infrastructure, Hyundai and Aurora will work to commercialize autonomous vehicles worldwide over the longer term. The partnership’s goal ‘is to deploy autonomous driving quickly, broadly and safely,’ Hyundai said in a statement. While they can operate in select conditions without human direction, Level 4 AVs still have steering wheels, accelerator and brake pedals; Level 5 does away entirely with human intervention, including steering wheels and pedals.…
Honda is bringing back the Insight name for its next-generation midsize hybrid sedan, showing the 2019 model ‘premium compact’ at the 2018 Detroit auto show in Michigan. The Insight will be EPA-rated at 50 mpg (combined highway/city numbers), the automaker said, noting it will be the company’s first dedicated-hybrid platform to be assembled in the United States. The Insight will operate mostly on electric drive; the drive motor will be powered either entirely by the battery pack “or while the engine is serving as a generator to recharge the battery to provide power,” said consumer automotive website The Car Connection.…
The minimum legal tread depth for motor-vehicle tires typically ranges between 2/32 of an inch and 1/8 (4/32). Most drivers have no way of telling if their tires are in compliance with the law, however. The S448 tire-depth gauge from Milton Industries will indicate wear as well as possible alignment problems once you measure the tread depth on the inner and outer grooves of each tire (if they’re not equal, you have a problem). The gauge can also indicate whether the tire has been over or underinflated by measuring tread depth in the middle of the tire. The S448 is…
Most car covers do a good job of protecting your automobile, but for indoor coverage that keeps away dust and dirt, but still lets you see what’s underneath, check out the translucent ViewShield by Covercraft. Each lightweight, machine-washable and mildew-resistant cover is custom-shaped to fit your specific vehicle. As well, the ViewShield’s nylon fabric is double-stitched to ensure a long life (the product comes with a four-year warranty). Prices vary, depending on the make and model of your car, but start at about $300. Purchase directly from the manufacturer at www.covercraft.com.
No two auto bike racks are exactly the same, as evidenced by the Talon bicycle rack from SeaSucker. The product’s extra-strong vacuum suction cups hold your two-wheeled ride firmly on top of your vehicle’s roof or trunk, or hanging from the liftgate window. But the best part is that the Talon attaches without the need for a conventional roof rack. When not in use, the suction cups can be stored away in a small bag. The single-rack Talon sells for $300, while the dual-bike version sells for $440. The triple-bike rack costs $550. Get full details at www.seasucker.com.
It’s often difficult keeping the interior of your vehicle clean and free from assorted messes, spills and pet hair. However with kids and the family pooch often riding with you, that’s not an easy task. The Solvit Deluxe Back Seat Cover has been designed to fit over the rear bench on most cars, trucks vans and sport utility vehicles. The machine-washable quilted cover creates a comfortable cushion for your pet, while preventing moisture, hair, etc. from penetrating the seat itself. Elastic traps and special clips (included) help secure the cover in place. Order one from a pet-supply store or for…