Author: Tabitha
The midsize Chevrolet Malibu, which was last refreshed for the 2016 model year, remains as the only Chevy-branded sedan. It’s one of just three such General Motors models available in North America, including the Cadillac CT-4 and CT-5 sedans. Rumors of the Malibu’s demise would seem unfounded since the next generation of the sedan is reportedly planned for the 2025 model year. Although it likely won’t receive battery-electric propulsion, a hybrid system of some sort can’t be ruled out. It’s a different story with Mitsubishi as the teeny-tiny Mirage could soon be gone. The Asia-built model, which is the least…
Chevrolet’s plan to diversify the Corvette’s offerings is in full swing with the announcement of the all-wheel-drive 2024 E-Ray hybrid coupe and convertible. The E-Ray, which has the wider bodywork of the Z06 model, uses the 6.2-liter V-8 found in the base Corvette that delivers 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The E-Ray adds an electric motor supplying 160 horsepower and 125 pound-feet to the front wheels. The net output is 655 horsepower. According to Chevrolet, the E-Ray can accelerate to 60 mph from rest in 2.5 seconds and cover…
If your vehicle has a lighter socket from the old days of smoking cigarettes, why not have some fun with it? A set of anodized aluminum dustproof button plugs from Taicols should put a smile on everyone’s face and brighten up the dashboard. The three-pack includes buttons with Fire Missile, Eject and Panic! in bold typeface. The plugs are designed to fit most 12-volt outlets found in nearly every make and model of vehicle. Use the ones you like and gift the ones you’re not using to someone else. Order a set for $10.50 from www.amazon.com.
Sometimes the simplest and least expensive automotive accessories are also the most effective. For instance, the Car Dashboard Anti-Slip Rubber pad can be placed on any surface — flat or otherwise — and is designed to secure your phone, glasses and various other items. The flexible 10.6- by- 5.9-inch pad is made of silicone and is claimed to be heat and cold resistant. You can purchase this item for $7 at www.amazon.com.
The British brand’s plan to go electric will affect the F-Type sports car, which retires after the 2024 model year. To close out the line, the Jaguar F-Type coupe and convertible will be available in three models. The base rear-wheel-drive F-Type R Dynamic runs with a 450-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V-8. The special-edition F Type 75 and 75 R (the designation pays tribute to the Jaguar’s first sports car, the XK 120 that was launched in 1950) come with all-wheel-drive and their supercharged V-8s make 450 and 575 horsepower, respectively. The final F-types will begin arriving in spring but could eventually…
The long-awaited electric pickup was recently revealed in concept form and contains some significant surprises. The sleek-but-tough-looking Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept — the production version of which is due in 2024 — has a passenger compartment that’s about four inches longer than that of the current crew-cab Ram 1500. That allows for two foldout jump seats behind the second row, attached to the optional power-folding rear wall that drops to allow long cargo to be transported. Using a passthrough to the front storage trunk, skinny objects up to 18 feet in length can be brought aboard. Power-system details are…
Is a friend or loved one celebrating a special event? Thanks to Cameo, you can arrange for a personalized video shoutout from an active or retired racing driver offering their best wishes. Included in Cameo’s racing category (one of many) are numerous stars such as Richard Petty, Tony Stewart, Michael Waltrip, Kurt Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya and Rusty Wallace. Prices for each video message vary, depending on the personality, but start at about $35. (A King Richard greeting costs $250.) View the selection at www.cameo.com.
For drivers and passengers on the go, it’s common to frequent the drive-thru lane at various fast-food establishments. The Car Cup Holder Expander from Master Show is designed to securely contain various sizes of beverage cups, from 2.6 to 3.9 inches in diameter. For handling your food orders, the ABS plastic unit comes with a detachable 9.7- by- 6.2-inch tray that can be rotated 360 degrees to face the driver or front passenger (or somewhere between both). Order yours for $29 at www.amazon.com.
Serious driving enthusiasts, whether on the track or the street, deserve the appropriate apparel and that includes footwear. The Avenue collection from automotive footwear specialists Piloti is specifically designed for comfort and for precise two- or three-pedal use. The manufacturer states the Avenue shoes have top-grain leather uppers with anti-microbial linings. The soles are rounded at the edges for easier movement between accelerator, brake and clutch pedal. Built-in steel bars enhance stability. Color choices include cognac (brown), black, racing green and racing silver. Select your size and order for $195 at www.piloti.com.
Gamers are always seeking new challenges, and the F1 2022 Grand Prix racing game should deliver plenty of thrills. As the name implies, it’s the official game of the 2022 Formula One World Championship. Players get to race lifelike competition versions of the actual 1,000-horsepower race cars piloted by the various drivers on representations of the actual F-1 circuits. There are even pre-start formation laps, pit stops and safety car appearances following crashes. The F1 2022 Grand Prix racing game is available for Xbox and PlayStation gaming systems at prices starting from $28 from www.amazon.com.