Author: Tabitha
Ram, Chevrolet, GMC and Ford are updating their biggest and brawniest haulers for 2023. Among them is Ford’s redesigned Super Duty models, which include the F-250, F-350 and F450. The powertrains begin with a new gasoline 6.8-liter V-8 base engine that makes 405 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a 7.3-liter gasoline V-8 with 430/485. It gives the Super Duty an 8,000-pound payload capacity and a 22,000-pound tow rating. The 6.7-liter V-8 turbo-diesel ups the ante with 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet. An optional version makes 500 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet. The latter can pull up to 40,000…
If you’re a fan of the ultra-powerful Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, but owning one is not in the cards, you can live vicariously through your children with a scaled-down version from Uhomepro. This authentic-looking ride-on, designed for kids aged 3 to 5, has a 12-volt battery and a top speed of 2.8 mph. Other features include working LED headlights, push-button starter, MP3 player, a seatbelt and a remote control that allows parents to stop, start and turn the car. This ride-on — there are many others to choose from — is available in black, white or blue for $380 plus…
As the name implies, Cut Maps specializes in highly detailed city, state/Canadian province and country maps to hang on your wall. They show the streets and highways just like an actual road map does. Cut Maps’ huge variety includes city maps etched in stainless steel, and state/province maps (Prince Edward Island pictured) cut from oak. Prices are all over the map, pun intended, depending in the style you choose, but the five- by- seven-inch stainless-steel maps start at $35, the 11- by- 14-inch size starts at $60 and the 18- by- 24-inch versions cost $200. The oak province/state maps run…
Most automakers entering the electric vehicle arena are sticking to utility vehicles, wagons and pickups. With the 2023 Ioniq 6, Hyundai is adding a sedan to a lineup that currently includes the Kona EV and Ioniq 5 hatchback. The slippery looking Ioniq 6, which uses the same platform as the Ioniq 5, does what no utility vehicle or pickup can do: Provide a genuinely futuristic design. Base rear-wheel-drive versions are rated at 225 horsepower while the optional two-motor (front and rear) version is rated at 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet. Maximum range is estimated at 320 miles. According to Hyundai,…
The automaker’s new battery-electric five-seater (and the company’s first EV crossover) comes to fruition for 2024 with considerable assistance from General Motors, which is building the Prologue using its Ultium battery platform. The EV is larger than the Honda CR-V, but not as big as the Pilot (although the distance between the front and rear wheels is greater than the Pilot’s by nearly a foot). Honda hasn’t revealed powertrain specs, but since the Chevrolet Blazer is roughly the same size as the Prologue, it’s likely to have the same powertrain choices and both front- and optional all-wheel-drive. Maximum battery range…
For track-day adventures or for simple day-to-day driving, having comfy kicks is a good idea. Chicane Racing’s Speedster series shoes appear to be up to the task. The rubber soles — claimed to be fuel- and oil-resistant — are supplied by the Michelin tire company. The suede cowhide uppers are said to be comfortable and durable, and there’s added cushioning in the arch and heel areas. Choose from blue, red or black, and men’s full and half sizes from 8 to 13, and women’s sizes from 7 to 10. Purchase for $160 plus shipping at www.chicaneracing.com, or call 1.888.919.4696 (email:…
Animals shed, which is just a fact of life. One way to stay on top of the problem in your vehicle is with the Mini Pet Hair Detailer from Lilly Brush. According to the company, the product’s cleaning blade can and easily scrape up canine/feline fur from cloth-covered seats and carpeting. The product is small enough to store in your pocket or attach to a keychain, which makes it useful for quick cleanups anywhere and anytime. The Mini Pet Hair Detailer sells for $15 from www.amazon.com.
For camping, picnicking and just enjoying the Great Outdoors, consider packing some basic — and highly portable — utensils. The 941 Buck Travelmate Kit is one of those multiuse items that stores easily in your vehicle or on your person. According to the Indiana-based company, the kit contains a wooden-handled knife with a 10-centimetre serrated blade that can handle tasks such as chopping and dicing vegetables, filleting fish and cutting through chicken and meat bones. Also included is a detachable fork that also doubles as a can and bottle opener, a barbecue grill scraper and a flathead screwdriver. The Travelmate…
The Car Thing, from audio streaming provider Spotify, allows access to a wide assortment of music genres while in your vehicle. The voice-controlled (“Hey Spotify”) Car Thing connects to a 12-volt receptacle and comes with three different mounting options. Car Thing connects to your compatible phone (iOS 14 and Android 8 or later) and then to your vehicle’s audio system via Bluetooth. It sources your favorite playlists, stations and podcasts, which are displayed on the Car Thing’s four-inch screen. Note that a subscription to Spotify Premium, billed at $10/month, is required. Order Car thing for $30, including shipping, at www.spotify.com.
Following Chevrolet’s announced changes for the 2023 Silverado HD, its two primary competitors are also introducing updates. Ford’s Super Duty will get a new 6.8-liter V-8 gasoline engine. Output hasn’t been revealed, but it should be greater than the current 6.2-liter V-8’s 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The optional 7.3-liter V-8 and 6.7-liter V-8 turbo-diesel will return with added thrust, although actual values have not been released. Over at Stellantis, Ram is adding a 2500-series Heavy Duty Rebel trim to the lineup for 2023. The off-road-focused model operates with either a 410-horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 or newly optional 6.7-liter…