Auto Almanac
Drawing Board
Mini Vision concept: The prototype shown here gives some clues as to how the 2015 Mini Cooper will look. Although similar to the current model from the windshield back, the front end has larger headlamps and a distinctive nonretro grille. The interior also appears more modern, but it’s likely the current four-cylinder engine choices will carry over.
Auto Trivia
n At its top speed of more than 250 mph, the Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 swallows nearly 10,000 gallons of air every minute, which is about as much as the average person breathes in four days.
n Peugeot was the first car company to offer a power-operated convertible top in 1934.
Who am I?
To guess his secret identity, read the following clues.
1. He studied metallurgy and went on to earn a doctorate in metal physics.
2. Before joining Audi, he worked at Bosch … on refrigerators.
3. At Audi, he moved up the ranks and became the company’s quality guru.
4. From there he became the head of quality for Audi’s umbrella company, Volkswagen.
5. He’s still with VW/Audi and had this to say about the Q7 sport utility vehicle: “It was our first SUV, there was no room for failure.”
Still stumped?
Being obsessive about Audi quality is what Martin Winterkorn is all about.
What’s up, auto doc?
It seems like a simple task, but cleaning auto glass presents a problem over regular window glass mostly due to environmental contaminants associated with driving: everything from oil and bugs to small bits of rubber that are smeared across the glass by the wiper blades. Inside the car, the various materials “outgas” giving the glass a foggy look. It’s much different than the type of crud found on the bay window in your living room.
There are a number of auto-specific products out there, but we use Invisible Glass by Stoner Inc. with success. No matter what you use, be sure to be out of direct sunlight, which dries out the spray before you can get the surface properly wiped. A good tip is to clean one side of the glass in an up-down motion and the other side in side-to-side motion. That way, you know which side any streaks are on.
While you’re out shopping, pick up a towel specifically suited for cleaning glass. They really do work better.
eBay watch
1958 Willys Jeep station wagon, sold, $3,550: Popular with rural buyers, the wagon version of Jeep’s CJ series was produced from 1946-1965. Early models featured four-cylinder power exclusively, but by 1948 a six-cylinder engine and four-wheel-drive became optional. This particular 4-by-4 unit is in unrestored condition, which is reflected in its modest selling price.
Top Gear
Midland XT511 Emergency Crank Base Camp, about $90, www.midlandusa.com: In case of emergency, a two-way radio could be a critical lifeline in case of an emergency. The Midland XT511 Emergency Crank Base Camp will keep you connected to the outside world with its built-in AM/FM radio and it can also summon help with its built-in 22-channel two-way radio (license required) with scan feature. The XT511 uses a rechargeable battery pack that can be revived using a plug-in socket or with the attached hand crank. A hand-held microphone, AC wall adapter and shoulder strap are included.
