Author: Tabitha
Hyundai’s emerging premium division began life a year ago with revamped models of the big Genesis and Equus sedans that were rebranded as the Genesis G80 and G90, respectively. Building on both models, The Sleuth is aware that Genesis will soon launch a smaller G70 sedan that’s aimed squarely at the BMW 3 series, the Audi A4 and similarly sized premium sedans from Lexus, Infiniti and Jaguar. This category is critical for Genesis, since the entry-luxury vehicles’ lower starting price will entice more buyers. Power for the G70 will come from a turbocharged four-cylinder, but an optional twin-turbo V-6 is…
The most successful electric-car brand (in terms of total sales) in the world is about to get a boost as the second-generation model arrives for 2018. Although the original was competitively priced and provided reasonable power and cabin space, it was getting long in the tooth and sales were beginning to dip. The new Leaf not only looks great, but it’s also larger, has 40 percent more range (up to 150 miles) and delivers 26 percent more peak torque. Down the road, a more powerful battery option is expected to extend the range to about 300 miles. A number of…
For both modern and classic pickups, a genuine wood bed liner is practically a must. Bed Wood and Parts has a wide variety, custom-designed to fit virtually every make, model and year of truck. The company also produces all the proper stainless-steel and aluminum finishing hardware needed for a standout custom look. The company sells more than 40 different types and styles of wood that can be installed without drilling into the bed surface. Bed Wood and Parts can also furnish wood flooring for van and sport utility vehicles. As you can imagine, pricing for each kit and application will…
Indy Car racing driver Marco Andretti counts Beverly Hills-based watch designer/retailer Ritmo Mundo as one of his sponsors. Recently, the company introduced a limited-edition wristwatch in his honor. The bad news is there will only be 100 of the numbered chronographs available at $850 each. The 44-millimeter stainless-steel case features brightly colored luminous red and yellow hands, while in back there’s an engraved portrait of Marco, along with his signature. As a finishing touch, the rubber watchstrap has the look of a tire tread. Check out Marco’s watch plus the complete line of Ritmo Mundo timepieces at www.ritmomundo.com/product/racer-limited-edition-marco-andretti/.
Windshield covers keep your vehicle cool while preventing the sun’s rays from fading/damaging the interior. A retractable version from Dash Designs, makers of The Original Retractable Shade, is designed to fit your automobile’s specific make and model year. The accordion-type product opens and closes from side to side across the windshield, between the rear-view mirror and the windshield. When not needed the shade folds up and compactly stores away. The standard color is gray, but it’s also available in a number of patterns from Dash Design’s Art Series. Prices vary slightly depending on the vehicle, but generally run in the…
Few people will ever own or even ride in an exotic supercar such as the McLaren 570S, but at least tiny tykes aged 3 and under can have that experience in the ride-on version from Step2. The company has teamed up with McLaren to create this neat sidewalk roadster with some very handy features that include dual (sippy) cupholders, a storage area beneath the seat and, best of all, electronic McLaren engine revving sounds that are activated whenever your youngster presses the horn button. For parents, the oversize handle, which also comes with its own cupholder, folds underneath the car…
The Sleuth is hearing that Hyundai’s second-generation hatchback will be available as an ‘N’ model for North America. For the unaware, N is Hyundai’s recently formed performance division. What it means for the Veloster is a big bump in output, likely to as much as 275-plus horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is way more than the 201 horses that the currently optional turbo 2.0 delivers. Other N goodies will include an eight-speed paddle-shift transmission, sport exhaust system, bigger brakes, unique wheels and N-specific seats and interior trim. The Veloster N will join a growing list of hot hatchbacks,…
The Spymaster notes that the vehicle that makes more coin for Volkswagen Group’s preeminent brand than any other model won’t look much different when the updated version arrives in mid-2018. In terms of performance it’s a different story. The base model’s turbocharged 340-horsepower V-6 will have 40 more horses than the current non-turbo 3.6-liter V-6. In addition, the Cayenne S’s twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 delivers 440 horsepower, compared to the current 420-horse twin-turbo V-6. A new eight-speed automatic transmission is attached to each engine. Other significant improvements include a lighter platform, aluminum body panels and significantly enhanced suspension components (including available…
The motorized Cruzin Cooler can handle up to 300 pounds perched on the lid while stowing the equivalent of 24 12-ounce beverage cans inside. Pick a 300-, 500- or 1,000-watt electric motor to go with yours. Also included are disc brakes and a set of retractable foot pegs (a cushion seat is optional). Depending on the unit, top speed is as high as 13 mph, with a range of up to 15 miles. Prices range from $490 to $600, depending on the model. Check out the complete line at www.cruzincooler.com.
It’s a cruddy world out there. You know it, and your car shows it every time you drive over fresh asphalt or when it’s dive-bombed by some winged creature that delights in using it for target practice. The Tarminator, from Stoner, Inc., will help you get rid of tar, sap, bird droppings, grease and other assorted nasties (even if they’ve been there for a while) that mere soap and water are powerless to remove. And Stoner claims that Tarminator won’t hurt the clearcoat finishes on newer cars. Just spray over the affected surface and wipe clean. Tarminator also comes with…