Author: Tabitha
Following much teasing, Ford is close to releasing full details and images of its new compact pickup that arrives for 2022. The Maverick, which is smaller than the midsize Ranger, uses the same platform as the recently arrived Bronco Sport (as does the Ford Escape). It’s also designed more for urban pursuits than rigorous commercial-grade tasks. Towing will be limited to 2,000 pounds. Its competitors include the Honda Ridgeline and upcoming Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Mexico-built Maverick will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive and with the Bronco Sport’s 181-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder and the optional 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder.…
Wait, why would anyone want to steal a catalytic converter? Thieves are after the platinum, rhodium and palladium rare earth metals located inside the case. If you’re hearing about such thefts in your area, the CatClamp can provide a measure of protection. The patented product consists of aircraft-grade wire rope that literally wraps the converter up to seven times and is held in place using special clamps that lock it to the underside of the vehicle. When properly installed, the CatClamp is said to be nearly impossible for thieves to cut through. Prices vary according to exhaust-pipe size, but the…
Plastic model kits usually require hours of patience and a deft hand with a tube of glue and the various bottles of paints and brushes. There’s definitely fun in the process for some people, but Maisto sells 1/24-scale die-cast kits requiring only a screwdriver for model assembly. Each car is authentically reproduced and comes with interiors, opening doors and hoods. Among the many domestic-based Assembly Line-series choices are the Camaro LT1, Dodge Challenger SRT8, Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Corvette. Exotic cars include the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 911 GT2 and the Audi R8. The Assembly Line series of…
Most every pickup cap on the market is a rectangular-shaped box. Then there’s the Aero X from Michigan Vehicle Solutions. Clearly designed more for style than practicality, the molded composite top has glass side windows plus a lockable louvered rear window that opens wide for loading and unloading cargo. Aero X also provides protection from the sun while ensuring an unobstructed rear view. It’s available for 2015 and newer Ford F-150 and Ram pickups with 5.5- or 6.5-foot beds, however the company says it will soon add heavy-duty and midsize Ford trucks (Ranger) as well as Chevrolet, GMC and Toyota…
If you’re lacking the necessary funds to buy a Rolls-Royce, perhaps you can content yourself with the automaker’s Pursuit Seat. The portable product is ideal for those times when you would rather sit outside than stand. The cushion is made of natural-grain leather supported by a folding polished-aluminum frame. The padded seat is propped up by a carbon-fiber shaft that’s height-adjustable. A retractable spike built into the rubber-tipped base keeps it from slipping, and a built-in, but removable torch (what the British call a flashlight) will help find your way in the dark. The Pursuit Seat sells for about $9,000…
So Hyundai goes, so does Kia. That’s the case with the brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle — using a platform unrelated to any internal-combustion models in the lineup — that is expected to go on sale as a 2022 model. The midsize EV6 wagon will use the same platform and electrical system (battery and motor) as the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5. Both front- and all-wheel-drive EV6 models will be offered; the AWD’s two motors produce 302 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. Range is expected to top 300 miles. The Kia EV6 uses the same EV platform and powertrain as…
The Sweden-based automaker recently revealed the C40 Recharge, which it plans for the 2022 model year. The all-wheel-drive tall hatchback rides on its own EV platform and will join the electric version of the XC40 that arrived for 2021. The C40 will likely use the XC40’s front and rear electric motors that produce a net 402 horsepower. You can also expect a range of about 200 miles and a zero-to-60-mph time of about 4.5 seconds. Interestingly, it’s Volvo’s plan to sell electric vehicles exclusively online as opposed to through a dealer network. (A number of state dealership associations say this…
In a mere 14 years, the automaker intends to sell its very last internal-combustion-powered passenger vehicle. GM CEO Mary Barra said, however, that in some instances where the technology doesn’t exist by then, the company will purchase offsetting carbon credits and/or initiate “carbon capture” procedures. “Our preference will always be for removal of emissions,” said Barra. “This is a critical step on the path to a net-zero-carbon future.” General Motors currently sells the Chevrolet Bolt EV, but a number of additional battery-electric vehicles of all types are in the pipeline from the company and are expected to begin arriving for…
The vehicle lineup of the British car company founded by the late Colin Chapman (and now controlled by Geely of China, which also owns Volvo) is being overhauled. On the chopping block are the Lotus Exige, Elise and Evora two-seaters, the latter being the only model currently available in North America. The Evija, a battery-electric vehicle, will launch later this year. According to Lotus, it will produce close to 2,000 horsepower and more than 1,250 pound-feet of torque. Another new sports car, referred to as the Type 131, will be built on a unique platform and will use a hybrid…
Getting stuck in snow or mud is no fun and depending on how far afield you travel, it can be downright scary. The Compact Safety Shovel from Stayhold products can help keep you on the move and out of trouble. This lightweight, two-piece multi-tool can be used to clear snow or sand from around your vehicle, scrape ice, squeegee water from windshields and windows and provide extra grip when placed beneath a tire. There are also reflectors built into the Safety Shovel which alert other travelers that you’re stopped. You can acquire one for $30 from www.stayhold.com.