Author: Tabitha

Over the years, the Barrett-Jackson name has become synonymous with auctions of collector and specialty cars, especially the annual event held each January in Scottsdale, Ariz. Playing on its popularity, the company also produces a line of automotive grooming products under the Barrett-Jackson Premium Car Care brand. They include Wash and Wax, Spray Wax, Scratch and Swirl Remover, Chrome and Metal Polish plus a variety of interior cleaning items. All are available individually and generally sell in the $10-$20 range. Product descriptions and ordering info are available at www.barrett-jacksonautocare.com.

For people who have to have the latest and greatest tools in their shop, the Easypuller from Las Vegas Tools is worth a look This award-winning product is designed to remove virtually any stubborn fastener, such as those used on most vehicles. That includes rusted and seized-up bolts screws, nails, cotter pins, clips, seals and so on. It will even work as a dent remover. The secret is the patent-pending Easypuller’s special locking pliers that clamp onto the fastener in question work in tandem with a sliding two-pound hammer that creates a powerful pulling force. The Easypuller sells for $50,…

Lots of mechanic types place (or misplace) their trust in jack stands, cinder blocks or other items used to prop up their vehicles while they work beneath them. The Bodyguard from Creepex features a built-in protective framework that has been designed to provide an extra measure of safety and comfort. In fact, the company claims that the Bodyguard can support up to 30,000 pounds. As well, the product’s design means you won’t have to lift your vehicle any higher than you normally would when using a regular creeper. Each unit includes three heavy-duty six-inch locking casters and an ergonomic four-position…

For the movie “Batman v Superman” (release date: March 26, 2016), the vehicle piloted by The Caped Crusader reportedly weighs in at a hefty 7,000 pounds, is 20 feet long (about three feet longer than a Chevrolet Suburban). It looks like a creation by Lamborghini’s design department after drinking way too much Red Bull, but despite the dimensions, it’s claimed to reach a top speed of 205 mph, thanks in part to a rumored hybrid powerplant. It looks like an evil version of a Lamborghini Aventador, but the new Batmobile is like a tank at 7,000 pounds.

First, last and always a Ferrari fan, Your Obedient Gumshoe hears that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) boss Sergio Marchionne has spilled the beans concerning the return of the Dino (FCA controls Ferrari). The original two-seat, V6-mid-engine car, designated the Dino 246GT/GTS, was introduced in the late 1960s and available until 1973. The Dino (named for founder Enzo Ferrari’s son) is a stunning piece of work and FCA’s stylists will have their challenges if they hope to capture the spirit of the original. Nevertheless, word is that the next Dino will also have V6 – it’s now the standard layout on…

With more than 3.5 million Cruzes sold in 115 countries since its introduction in 2008, Chevrolet is preparing to roll out its all-new second-generation Cruze, said to be larger yet lighter, more fuel efficient and cleaner burning than the first-gen car, while packing new engines, safety features and technologies. As a global product, the Cruze singlehandedly replaced 15 other company GM vehicles around the globe, noted Alan Batey, president of GM North America and global Chevrolet brand chief, offering compact car customers “style, safety and connectivity at an affordable price.” When the next-generation Cruze hits showrooms in early 2016, more…

Energy giant Shell showed a fleet of cars at the recent 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in France that could complete the world’s most famous auto race on just over a liter of fuel, albeit at a much slower pace. It marked the 30th time Shell has hosted the Eco-marathon, which started in France in 1985. This year’s entries achieved as many as 2,343 miles per liter (a bit more than one quart) of gasoline burned. The global competition challenges students to design, build and drive the most efficient vehicles, pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency and mobility…

The majority of public toll operations make available electronic pass systems that are quicker and easier for you to pay the fees. Tonic Concepts sells a variety of elegant cases that will fit all major transponder variations. Each can be attached with your choice of a non-permanent dash mount, or with 3M Velcro strips that allow the cases to be mounted to the windshield. Prices range from about $8 to just over $20 each, with discounts available for multiple-case purchases. The full range of transponder case designs can be viewed and purchased at www.tonicconcepts.com or at www.myshopify.com.

Your usual variety of power and non-power screwdrivers will work just fine for most tasks, but might be too large for those micro-sized jobs. In those instances even a super-small manual screwdriver could be awkward to use. The Model 500 Cordless Precision Screwdriver from General Tools could be exactly what you need. This mini-flashlight-sized, battery-powered and ergonomically designed device comes with eight different interchangeable slotted, Phillips and Torx bits and operates in forward and reverse modes. The Model 500 sells for $30 and can be purchased from the manufacturer at www.generaltools.com/500.

Volkswagen’s upper upscale arm will most definitely be jumping into the premium-tall-wagon pool and will have one ready to go by calendar-year 2018. Plans call for a carbon-fiber body attached to a version of the Audi Q7 platform that will also be used by the upcoming Bentley Bentayga tall wagon (VW owns both brands). Lamborghini’s all-wheel-driver will look similar to the Urus concept model that was first displayed at the 2012 Beijing (China) Motor Show, but will receive updated wheels and headlights, etc. A 5.2-liter V10 engine producing about 600 horsepower is the expected propulsion source. You can also expect…