Author: Tabitha
Why should passenger cars and light trucks have all the fun with aftermarket wheels? California-based wheel maker Raceline now offers a range of products for commercial vans, including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit and Ram Promaster models. The five-bolt 16-inch Scout Van and six-bolt 17-inch Defender Van wheels come with a satin black finish, while the 17-inch Surge Van Wheel can be had in chrome or gloss black. A lifetime structural warranty comes with all versions. The price range from $162 to $225 per wheel, depending on the model. Check them out at www.racelinewheels.com.
For 2021, the new fourth-generation Sienna receives a complete redo that encompasses every aspect of the minivan. From the front, the appearance is similar to most other Toyota models, including a wide-mouth grille protruding ahead of the hood and headlights (apparently inspired by Japan’s extra-quick Bullet Train). But a check of the remaining bodywork reveals an origami of creases and curves that stands in stark contrast to the previous Sienna. The final form might not to be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying that the minivan definitely stands apart from its peers.
All-weather capability, top-level performance and exemplary fuel economy pretty much sum up of the 2021 RAV4 Prime. All three strengths confirm Toyota’s stature as the preeminent leader when it comes to hybrid powertrains.
Automobilist is a source for officially licensed limited-edition racing posters, fine-art prints and scale models of vehicles. The subject matter covers the gamut, including competition cars (mostly Formula One) and drivers from the past up to the present day. Most posters are 19.75 by 27.5 inches and are printed on high-quality paper. All are shipped in protective tubes. The 1:18-scale models (approximately 10 inches long) are mounted on black acrylic stands with clear plastic dust covers. Poster prices range from $55 to about $300, while model-car prices range from $800 up to about 15,000. Check out the variety at www.automobilist.com.
For Tidying up your vehicle’s interior, a compact portable vacuum comes in handy. The ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner is a lightweight 2.4-pound unit that comes with a flexible extension hose, flat head and brush head that are designed for both wet and dry cleanups. ThisWorx has a 16-foot-long cord that plugs into the vehicle’s 12-volt power outlet. A spare washable HEPA filter and filter cleaning brush are included as is a carrying bag for all. See the full product description and purchase for about $35 at www.thisworx.com.
While sales of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger have remained relatively healthy over the past few years, the same cannot be said for the Chevrolet Camaro. It currently lags far behind, so much so that General Motors is rumored to be axing it after the 2024 model year. Potential replacements include an electric model, or possibly a performance-focused sporty sedan (also battery powered). The latter seems the likeliest since the popularity of coupes has been waning for some time. Whatever the final decision, Chevrolet might have to move quickly as Ford has already launched the Mach-E electric car and…
Of the many electric startup automakers that have recently emerged, California-based Faraday Future appeared to be on shaky ground financially. Until recently, that is. A recent cash infusion through an investment company — and Faraday’s listing on Nasdaq — injected new life into the company. The result is the FF91 that will reportedly launch sometime in 2022 (a showroom in New York City recently opened). The four-door hatchback’s two electric motors are said to produce a combined 1,050 horsepower and a number of autonomous driving technologies will be included. Pricing is expected to start in the $180,000 range, but less-expensive…
The toy company has come a long way since it began selling interlocking plastic blocks back in 1960. These days, Lego’s lineup of model automobile assemblies is extensive and includes the Ford F-150 Raptor kit that goes on sale Oct. 1. When completed, the 1,379-piece kit is 16.5 inches long by seven inches wide and six inches tall. Just like the real thing, the doors, hood and tailgate open, the suspension works and the engine’s pistons move up and down. Order yours for $100 at www.lego.com.
The simpler and tidier alternative to leaving your extra set of tires — or tires mounted to wheels — piled up in the garage is to store them overhead and out of the way using the Heavy-Duty TireLoft Multi-Tire Storage Unit (stock #01001). To accommodate a variety of tire widths, this steel assembly’s telescoping horizontal support bars can be adjusted for widths ranging from 34 to 58 inches, while supporting up to 400 pounds, with proper wall mounting. The three telescoping bars can also be relocated on the side frames for tire heights up to 28.5 inches. Order one for…
It’s no secret that sales of four-door models with trunks continue to weaken. For North American buyers, the latest casualty is the midsize Volkswagen Passat, which has been built at the automaker’s Chattanooga, Tenn., factory since 2011. For its final hurrah, there will be exactly 1,973 Passat Special Edition models The number represents the year that the Passat first rolled off the assembly line in Germany. Each car will get special paint and badging. The Passat runs with a 174-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Chatanooga plant will begin producing the new VW ID.4 electric utility…