Author: Tabitha
It’s a go for the Korea-based automaker’s continuing plans to expand beyond building traditional sedans, and The Sleuth isn’t one bit surprised. The Santa Cruz (a very cool truck name, by the way) concept that was a surprise hit at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich. will apparently form the basis for the actual production version that’s expected for the 2020 model years. As with the successful Honda Ridgeline, the Santa Cruz is expected to arrive with a tool belt’s worth of innovative stowage areas and accessories with the professional as well as urban truckers in…
The Sleuth knew it was coming, but still he was completely slack-jawed when the latest concept version of the next-generation Z4 roadster was revealed by BMW. Assuming that the automaker doesn’t tone down the design when production begins, the stunning Z4 should be a smash hit with sports car enthusiasts in general, and BMW loyalists in particular. The car’s graceful lines include a long, pointy hood and a rear end that also appears lengthened, compared to the old Z4. However, based on Spy shots of BMW’s test car, it’s uncertain whether the aerodynamic domes positioned behind the twin roll bars…
For camping, picnicking and just enjoying the Great Outdoors, you should consider packing some basic Ñ and highly portable Ñ utensils. The 941 Buck Travelmate Kit is one of those multiuse items that stores easily in your vehicle or on your person. The kit contains a wooden-handled knife with a five-inch serrated blade that can handle everything from buttering bread to chopping and dicing vegetables, filleting fish, cutting through chicken and meat bone. Also included is a detachable fork that also doubles as a can and bottle opener, a barbecue grill scraper and a flathead screwdriver. The Travelmate Kit stores…
The Spymaster’s sources claim that the purveyor of loftily priced vehicles for the upwardly mobile is considering bringing the 1 series sedan to our shores. This is because competitors are finding success with tinier cars and wagon utilities and they plan to introduce more. The 1 series that’s currently on sale in China uses the same front-wheel-drive platform that was designed for BMW’s Mini brand, but of course that can be adapted for all-wheel-drive. The base engine in the 125i (the likeliest model to arrive here) is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 231 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.…
The move away from traditional sedans and into tall wagons seems more like a thundering stampede, so sayeth The Sleuth. Among the list of newbies is the Audi Q8 (which trumps the Q7 in size) that will arrive in 2018 packing a 354-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. A plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid model is also planned. Also coming is the Volvo XC40 compact utility vehicle with a smaller size and price tag than the XC60. It will reportedly spawn a less-expensive version from Lynk & Co, which is an emerging brand from Geely of China that’s heading this way next year. Geely…
Who says that cupcakes have to be round? Certainly not Nordic Ware of Minneapolis, Minn. Among its many bakeware products is this whimsical Sweet Rides Classic Car cupcake pan. The cast-aluminum pan features eight distinctive molds of different vehicles. You might be hard-pressed to pick out the make and model of each shape, but if you stare at the pan long enough you could spot a 1955 Chevrolet Nomad wagon, Model T Ford, 1960 Cadillac Eldorado convertible and what appears to be a 1950s-era Dodge or Ford pickup. You’ll have fun trying to figure out the rest, but decorating and…
The Spymaster’s sources have revealed that Ford is not happy with China-based automaker Geely these days. Apparently the concern is that the company, which owns Volvo, plans to launch an offshoot brand to be marketed globally under the name Lynk & CO. The Sleuth hears that Ford is planning to oppose any U.S. trademark applications by Geely, claiming that, when spoken, Lynk & CO sounds too much like Lincoln. Before the end of the decade, Lynk & CO, or whatever name it will eventually go by, plans to launch the 01 tall wagon and 02 sedan in North America, Both…
While the automotive-enthusiast world wrings its hands in anticipation over the arrival of the next-generation Toyota Supra, The Sleuth’s sources have gleaned some of the upscale-sportscar’s specs. The available powerplants will consist of a 248-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an optional 335-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Both engines will be sourced from the BMW parts bin and will also be used in the forthcoming (and all-new) Z4 roadster. Although the Supra will only come with an automatic transmission, the rear-wheel-drive Z4 will be available with a manual or an automatic. There’s also a rumor that a gas-electric powertrain will be eventually be…
According to H&R Springs, automakers deliberately leave significant gaps between their vehicles’ wheel and tires and the fenders for those instances when tire chains are installed. If you have no intention of ever using chains, however, you can reduce that gap (lowering the ride height) for improved handling, cornering performance and for a more attractive stance with Trak+ spacers. Each is made using an aluminum/magnesium alloy for durability and light weight and they’re specifically designed to fit a wide assortment of makes and models. H&R also provides step-by-step guide for determining the exact spacer for your specific application. Prices start…
Jaguar Land Rover’s ‘steering wheel of the future’ could one day become the only part of one of its cars that people actually own, the company teased ahead of the wheel’s introduction at the annual Tech Fest in London, UK, Sept. 7. The Sayer steering-wheel concept is the first voice-activated artificial-intelligence steering wheel able to carry out hundreds of tasks, Jaguar Land Rover said in a press release. Do you need to be at a meeting two hours away by 8 a.m. tomorrow? “Ask Sayer from the comfort of your living room and it will work out when you get…