Author: Tabitha
This is likely one of the most unusual (and expensive) auto-related products imaginable. Vulcan Innova has taken an actual BMW six-cylinder engine block, placed it on its end and converted it to a watch winder. Each of the six cylinders contains what’s called a rotating “stepper” motor attached to the piston that keeps the timepiece fully wound and ready for the wearer to strap on his or her wrist. The price for this one-of-a-kind watch winder is $25,000 (possibly even more expensive than an actual working BMW engine). Full details at www.vulcaninnova.com.
Many garage doors fail to keep out rain, insects, dirt and debris, etc. One solution is to install a Garage Door Threshold Kit from Tsunami Seal. This PVC barrier attaches to the garage floor and compresses to form a tight seal whenever the door is closed. The product has also been designed to withstand years of use and can withstand extreme hot and cold. The Tsunami Seal is available in lengths from 10 feet to 50 feet and can be installed as is, or trimmed with a knife for a custom fit. Retail prices range from $50 to $250. Purchase…
The Sleuth’s well-placed sources are confirming a number of details about one of the world’s most recognizable vehicle brands. The new Jeep model, called the Wrangler JL, won’t look all that different from the current JK series, but a new frame plus aluminum body panels will result in a weight reduction of about 250-300 pounds, depending on the body style (two or four doors). The current 3.6-liter V-6 will also return virtually unchanged, but a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will become the base engine. Additionally, a four-cylinder turbo-diesel will become optional about a year after the JL’s early-2018 launch.…
That’s what The Sleuth’s sources believe it to be a likely outcome. The fact that the current iteration has been around since the 2003 model year with only one update since that time would indicate that the 370Z’s days are numbered. And public comments issued by a number of Nissan execs regarding the sports car’s low priority seem to support the notion that are no plans to replace the car with a fresh model. There are also rumblings in high places that, with the success of the premium priced GT-R, there is really no need to spend gobs of money…
The Sleuth noted the recent announcement that the automaker’s compact utility wagon will be adding a gasoline-electric variant. Although the CR-V hybrid goes on sale in China The success of BMW’s so-called four-door coupe body styles is reason enough for the company to add a version to the entry-level 2 series coupe and convertible line. As with similar-looking models, the fastback-styled Gran Coupe will actually be a compact hatchback. With a fold-flat rear seat, the car will also be much more practical than the existing two-door as far as cargo stowage is concerned. Sources are also telling The Sleuth that…
The Sleuth notes plenty of anticipation among midsize-truck fans concerning the return of Ford’s junior model. His sources tell him that at least a couple of disguised prototypes (both four-door crew-cab models) are being evaluated on public roadways as well as away from anything remotely resembling pavement. At this point, turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines are the only powerplants being tested (the Ranger will be sold globally), but it’s quite possible that at least one will be available here to compete with similar Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon diesel models. As well, as least a couple of turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engines (including a high-output…
The Rush Hour logic puzzle from ThinkFun has been challenging players for more than 25 years. In fact, Rush Hour has been voted one of the best 25 toys of the past 25 years by the nonprofit Parents’ Choice Foundation. The idea is to slide the blocking vehicles in such a way so that the path is clear for the red car to exit the game board. Sounds simple enough, but after trying it ourselves we can attest to the skill and smarts needed to free the car from its gridlocked position. Get one for $20, then challenge yourself and…
There have been numerous books and at least one documentary that focus on the life and tragic death in 1994 of Formula One racing champion Ayrton Senna. Now comes a 1:8 scale version of the car that Senna drove to his first of three championships in 1988. The highly detailed and McLaren MP4/4 model is made up of hundreds of parts that, when assembled, result in an authentic reproduction that can be displayed as a single unit, or with the engine and body removed. De Agostini of Italy sells the kit as a single package for the equivalent of about…
The Sleuth noted the recent announcement that the automaker’s compact utility wagon will be adding a gasoline-electric variant. Although the CR-V hybrid goes on sale in China and Europe in 2018, The Sneakster’s sources hear that North America will also get that model. They go on to speculate that Honda’s product planers are focused on launching the Accord hybrid and Clarity hydrogen model before turning their attention to the CR-V. That likely means the CR-V hybrid won’t arrive until the third quarter of 2018, at the earliest. Note that the rival Toyota RAV4 hybrid is already on the market and…
Recycling various car parts to make all kinds of products is becoming popular. A case in point is the Couch company that takes ‘vintage’ vinyl and cloth seat covers, trunk liners and seatbelt webbing (no leather, please, the owners are vegans) and turns them into consumer products, including guitar and camera straps, belts, bags and wallets. The wide assortment of guitar straps are derived from retired Mustangs, Volkswagens, Cadillacs and Mercedes Benz models, etc., and are priced from $45-$50. Camera straps range from $20-$30, while wallets sell for $20-$34. Couch makes other cool stuff, which can be viewed/purchased at www.couchguitarstraps.com.