Author: Tabitha

The purpose of HydroThread Ceramic Fabric Protectant and Stain Repellent from Chemical Guys is, well, self-explanatory and it’s also claimed to prevent UV fading of non-leather seat coverings. Something called super hydrophobic ceramic protective textile coating is the key ingredient that makes liquids bead up on surfaces so they can be easily wiped away. The product can also be used to protect convertible tops and carpeting and is claimed to not change the way the fabric looks and feels. A 16-ounce spray bottle costs $28 from www.chemicalguys.com.

Packing extra gear on the roof doesn’t have to be complicated. The Sport 3 Car Top Carrier from Rightline is secured to your vehicle — without the need for a roof rack — via four straps that attach to the door frames. There’s 18 cubic feet of storage space within the 48- by- 36 by- 18-inch shape (two smaller sizes are available). To protect your belongings from the elements, the Sport 3 is made from a waterproof, UV-protected mesh-like material and comes with a one-year guarantee. Get full details and purchase for $120 at www.rightlinegear.com.

You might not possess the new vehicle of your dreams, but at least you can smell like that. Literally, you can smell like that. The Demeter Fragrance Library offers a complete line of products for men and women that is designed to remind you of showroom-fresh vehicles. The variety of offerings include colognes (splash or spray), roll-on perfume oil, body lotion, shower gel, purse spray and atmosphere diffuser oil. The fragrances are created using a blend of plastics, vinyl and various fabrics. Prices range from $6 to $40 depending on the product and container type and size. Order at www.demeterfragrance.com.

Hyundai’s compact crossover is a jack-of-all-trades machine available with a mild-mannered 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder or an available 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.6. There’s also a 201-horsepower electric motor with a maximum range of 250 miles. A fourth variant — the Kona N — will join the trio later this year as a 2022 model. This performance model will get a 247-horsepower turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to Hyundai, the Kona N will hit 60 mph from rest in very respectable 5.1 seconds. Hyundai will equip the Kona N with a 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, which should be good for…

If the Porsche Taycan electric sedan doesn’t give you heart palpitations, then check out the Audi E-Tron GT. Set to arrive for 2022, the stunningly shaped all-wheel-drive fastback uses the same platform as the Porsche, as well as the air suspension and battery system (both brands are part of the Volkswagen Group). The E-Tron GT’s two electric motors — one at each end — produce up to 640 combined horsepower. A single-speed transmission connects to the front motor and a two-speed unit is attached to the rear motor, which is similar to the Taycan’s layout. The GT’s estimated 200 miles…

Off-roading is a huge pastime for many people, whether they’re driving 4×4 pickups, utility vehicles or perhaps something smaller such as all-terrain vehicles or mountain bikes. To help travellers explore safely and without becoming lost, Gaia GPS provides worldwide maps for mobile devices and laptops that show various back roads, trails, designated camping spots and topography. It also indicates where you can’t go, such as private property and other restricted areas. Up-to-date weather conditions for specific regions are also provided. Subscription fees cost $40 per year from www.GaiaGPS.com.

Whether you’re at the campsite or simply out for a picnic at the beach, you’ll find the MoonShade a big help for staying out of the sun or rain. The nine- by- seven-foot awning comes with telescoping aluminum support poles and is claimed to be simple to set up. It also attaches to just about any vehicle’s roof and is constructed of durable polyester that provides protection from the sun. You get four support lines and stakes, plus two suction-cup mounts. When not in use, the eight-pound MoonShade stores in a portable 28- by- six-inch carrying bag. Purchase for $325…

In a recent interview, Dodge boss Tim Kuniskis stated that the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 powerplant — that makes up to 797 horsepower — will likely be the first of the Hemi-V-8 variants to be retired, primarily due to toughening emissions regulations. The Hemi’s replacement is likely to be an electrified or completely electric propulsion system, both of which are capable of delivering plenty of power for performance-car buyers. Previously, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Mike Manley suggested that smaller-displacement non-V-8 gasoline engines assisted by electric motors could wind up in the next-generation Dodge Challengers and Chargers. Indications are that the high-horsepower…

By the middle of the year, the Cadillac CT4-V and the larger CT5-V sedans will each be available with the Blackwing designation, which means a lot more performance under the hood. At the top, the CT5-V Blackwing is equipped with 668-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. The regular V gets a 360-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. The CT4-V Blackwing’s twin-turbocharged V-6 puts out 472 horses. The regular CT4-V makes do with a 325-horsepower turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder (similar to the four-cylinder engine offered in the Chevrolet Silverado pickup). The Blackwing models — rear-wheel-drive only — can be ordered with six-speed manual transmissions or 10-speed…

Driving at night can be tough enough, especially when visibility is compromised by rain, snow, or fog. The Lanmodo Vast Pro Night Vision System with integrated dash camera can help you see your way clear through these conditions. Attached to your vehicle’s dashboard, the high-definition eight-inch wide-angle color screen provides a 45-degree field of vision and can view objects up to 1,000 feet away in any weather and in complete darkness. The camera’s 128-gigabyte storage capacity can record up to 28 hours using an MP4 video format. Purchase for $319 (includes 128-gigabyte SD card), or $389 including the rear camera,…