Toyota and its luxury arm Lexus are selling cars in the US with an optional ‘cat shield’, in an effort to stymie the theft of catalytic converters, a crucial exhaust component which contains a precious metal worth six times more than gold. Hybrid models from the Japanese nameplates are the main targets because they have anti-pollution devices with even more precious metals … [Read more...] about Anti-theft ‘cat shields’ for Toyota hybrids
1974 Corvette and bucket of soapy water
A 1974 Chevrolet Corvette discovered in a barn in the US has had its first wash in 34 years. Bought by its second owner in 1982, the C3 Corvette was driven until 1989, when it was parked in the barn. And that’s where it’s stayed for the past three decades – along with the rats and mice that called it home. The car was pretty much complete, except there was nothing left of the … [Read more...] about 1974 Corvette and bucket of soapy water
Hitting road in Hilux adventure camper
The latest off-road camper from Japanese specialist Direct Cars is based on a 4x4 ute that is likely to join the Toyota fleet in New Zealand this year – the beefier Toyota Hilux GR. The GR ute itself will no doubt slot comfortably into the country’s best-selling vehicle segment. On the other hand, the GR-based camper conversion is very much a factory-finished niche product, … [Read more...] about Hitting road in Hilux adventure camper
Audi and Ducati get it together
Ducati first showed off two Scrambler-based concept bikes, the Motard and DesertX, at its world premiere event in Italy in 2019. The frenzied reception the DesertX received prompted the company to prepare the Dakar-inspired adventure bike for production in 2021. It went on sale in New Zealand last year, priced at around $25,000. Now Ducati has tweaked it … [Read more...] about Audi and Ducati get it together
Ford and Toyota to deliver US pick-up trucks
One-tonne truck market leaders Ford and Toyota are in the midst of signing off on right-hand-drive versions of their bigger North American market pick-ups for sale in Australia and New Zealand. Both companies are working towards the end of research and development – Ford with right-hook F-150 models engineered by Thailand’s RMA Group, and Toyota with the Tundra … [Read more...] about Ford and Toyota to deliver US pick-up trucks