Author: Tabitha
With apologies to the Beatles tune, Blackbird, The Sleuth notes that General Motors’ Cadillac division will use the Blackwing designation for the brand’s top-performing “V” sedans that are due to arrive in late 2020, namely the upcoming CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing. The CT4 version gets a turbo V-6 with an output of about 400 horsepower, while the CT5’s supercharged V-8 could reach 640 horses. There’s no word regarding Blackwing models for any of Cadillac’s utility vehicles, but given that the brand’s key luxury competitors offer higher-output variants of similar vehicles, it’s possible that Blackwing versions for the full range…
Acura RDX Status: Carryover for 2020 The redesign of the RDX utility vehicle for the 2019 model year injected a strong dose of styling to dovetail with its practical nature and stellar performance. The interior is as radically different as the outside, with a dashboard replete with swoops and swirls that deviate from the less organic shapes found in competing models. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine puts 272 horsepower to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard, and Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is optional.
Exterior changes for 2020 include a bolder rectangular grille that’s similar to what’s found on other GMC pickups and utility vehicles, but the rest remains basically unchanged. Inside, the control panel is clearly influenced by other General Motors vehicles. Replacing the traditional gear-shift lever with a row of switches (below the climate controls) frees up space for the optional phone charger.
The Acadia seats seven passengers in a two-three-two arrangement across three rows. Opt for second-row individual seats that recline slightly and slide forward for easier third-row access, but overall capacity is reduced to six.
Many people keep a travel mug handy for that much-needed shot of java for long trips, or even just for the morning commute. The Hot Rod Heated Travel Mug features a modern-day barista-style espresso handle and a classic-car gauge that shows the temperature of your beverage. The eight-ounce-capacity mug has a non-slip rubber base and plugs into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet with the supplied connector. It also comes with a power indicator so you know when it’s working. Choose from candy apple red, or midnight glossy black. Purchase the Hot Rod Heated Travel Mug for $27 from www.amazon.com.
Car nuts living in predominantly rural areas can show off their love of the hobby with a classic-car mailboxes from The Mailbox Works. Each one is built around a postal-approved galvanized steel mailbox to which a seven-ply pine plywood representation of a collectible automobile is attached. All mailboxes are hand-finished in acrylic paint. Examples include 1955, 1957 and 1959 Chevrolets, the 1932 Model A Ford, the 1933 Willys and the 1959 Desoto. Also available is a variety of novelty mailboxes in the shape of hot rods, fire engines, buses and tractors. Prices range from $230 to $350, depending on the…
Automobilist is an interesting place to shop for officially licensed limited-edition racing posters, fine-art prints and scale models. The subject matter runs the gamut, including competition cars (mostly Formula One) and drivers throughout the years, right up to present day. The posters, most of which are sized at 19 3/4 by 27 1/2 inches, are printed on high quality paper and are shipped in a protective tubes. The 1:18-scale models (about 10 inches long) are mounted on a black acrylic stand with a clear plastic dust cover. Poster prices range from $55 to $303 and the models cost $740 each.…
Here’s an inexpensive and simple way to help beat the heat this summer. Cozybiub Premium screens stretch over your vehicle’s side windows to provide shade, and protection for your interior from the sun’s damaging ultraviolate rays. The product is claimed to not block your view and will also work whether the windows are up or down. The screens work on window sizes up to 44 by 23 inches, which is within the range of most sedans and utility vehicles. Order a pair for $13 from www.amazon.com.
Transporting heavy and/or bulky objects to and from your vehicle or garage can be difficult without some assistance. The Collapsible Dolly from Dozop comes disassembled for easy storage in your car or truck (or wherever), but can be put together in about a minute without tools to form a 19- by- 19.75-inch rectangle. Although the plastic dolly only weighs about 4.5 pounds, it can handle loads of up to 250 pounds and the rubber wheels will roll over carpet or uneven surfaces. Purchase one for $45 at www.thegrommet.com.
Hardcore fans of the Jeep Wrangler might find this unique fire pit to their liking. Metal Art of Wisconsin refers to its creation as an “Outdoor Rolling Steel Chiminea Fireplace or Yard Art.” You can choose either or both descriptions, but the metal Jeep can actually be used as a barbecue or, with the roof section removed, a wood fire for toasting marshmallows and cooking hot dogs. The 42-inch long product is made from 12-gauge hot-rolled steel so it can handle the heat (some assembly required). The two-door Wrangler model costs $380, while the four-door Wrangler Unlimited version sells for…
Whether you’re in your driveway or on the road, having the Vac N Go 500 from MetroVac on hand will help clean up your vehicle’s interior in short order. The lightweight all-steel (three-pound) one-half-horsepower 12-volt vacuum plugs into any power receptacle, such as a cigarette lighter. As well, the 10-foot cord and all-purpose Pik-All nozzle that’s included means you can suction most hard-to-reach nooks and crevices on the dash and in the trunk or cargo area. Note that the Vac N Go 500 is for dry suction only. MetroVac also makes a 110-volt version for home use and both come…