Author: Tabitha
The Sneaky One has always had a soft spot for British sports cars, especially those turned out by Jaguar. So it’s with much anticipation that he awaits the arrival of the updated F-Type coupe and convertible for the 2021 model year (the first significant changes since their debut for 2014). The front ends are especially attractive, with larger grilles and cats-eyes-like headlights. The rear also receives similar taillight treatments. Little will change take place inside other than a larger 12.3-inch touch-screen that replaces the previous 10-inch version. Engine choices will mostly carry over, too, including a 296-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and…
You might not notice how bad your vehicle smells from cigarette/cigar smoke, stinky pets, gym socks, rancid food and other gross sources. But those riding with you probably will, which is why the Moso Bag is worth considering. The manufacturer claims that within 24 hours the product will absorb smells and freshen the air using only pure bamboo charcoal. Apparently the non-toxic pores in this material are what does the trick. The manufacturer claims the product is better than sprays and little trees hanging from your rearview mirror that only serve to overpower odor with more odor. Each Moso bag…
In carpentry, the rule of thumb is to measure twice and cut once. When it comes to auto repair/maintenance, the mantra can now be to measure the bolt head or nut first rather than guessing and running back and forth to the toolbox until you find the right wrench or socket. The Wrench iD+ calibration tool from Zuther Xtreme technologies accurately indicates the size of any bolt head or nut as well as pipe or hose diameters. It shows the info in inches or millimeters (up to 2 1/8 inches and to 54 millimeters) on the built-in LED screen. The…
Sometimes the car or truck you’re working on has to be moved around the garage or shop while one (or more) of its wheels is missing. Maybe it’s being repaired, painted or a tire is being mounted. Or maybe you have a project vehicle with no wheels at all. This is when the Guniwheel comes in handy. The manufacturer states the product is compatible with most four- and five-bolt lug patterns found on sedans, light-duty trucks and utility vehicles. In addition, the Guniwheel’s narrow width and hard rubber (airless) compound makes it easier to push the vehicle to the desired…
Backing up your trailer can be difficult, even if you have the proper outside mirrors (and especially if you don’t). A Trailer Rear Vision Kit from Brandmotion can make the process much easier. It comes with a backup camera that attaches to the rear of the trailer, plus a wiring harness that extends to the hitch. When connected, the camera view shows up on the tow vehicle’s built-in screen. When disconnected, the screen returns to normal use. The Rear Vision Kit can be specified for most current GM, Ford and FCA trucks and utility vehicles. Purchase for $500 at www.brandmotion.com.
There’s a bit of a styling renaissance going on at Hyundai, if the new Venue and Palisade utility vehicles are any indication. And at the recent Los Angeles International Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled the sleek-looking Vision T concept that The Sleuth understands will form the basis of the next-generation Tucson utility vehicle. The Vision T was fitted with a plug-in hybrid power system that will likely become optional for the Tucson, while a turbocharged four-cylinder will become the base engine. Should Hyundai stick with the show car’s proportions, it’s a certainty that the next Tucson, expected to arrive for the…
The Sleuth thought Kia had all the bases covered in the small-wagon/utility-vehicle department — with the Niro, Soul and Sportage — but the company found an opening to squeeze in yet another model. Making its debut at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, and arriving in the first quarter of 2020 as a 2021 model, is the new Seltos. In terms of size, it slots between the Soul and the larger Sportage, a model that’s expected to get bigger for the 2022 model year. That would help close the gap with the larger Sorento and also give some breathing room…
That would appear to be the case if The Sleuth’s intel is correct. The automaker showed off a full race version of the car it calls the RM19 at November’s Los Angeles International Show. Behind the front seats is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes in the neighborhood of 390 horsepower, or about 115 ponies more than the Veloster N production vehicle. Hyundai claims the RM19 can reach 60 mph from rest in less than four seconds. Other than using a modified body style and platform, the mid-engine machine is expected to approximate the RM19’s overall performance. Word is…
The simple answer? As many as it wants, especially if the automaker in question is Chevrolet. The Spy Guy notes that the brand is launching a new compact-utility model that’s roughly the size of the Trax. Chevrolet is also reviving one of its retired nameplates (just as it did for the midsize Blazer for 2019). The new Trailblazer borrows some of the Blazer’s design cues (especially the grille), but goes its own way in the powertrain department. Base models will run with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, while a turbo 1.3-liter four-cylinder will be available. They’ll be linked to continuously…
According to TKO Clamping Systems, tailgate theft is a serious problem as they can be quickly and easily removed. Gate Cuffs has been specifically designed to protect 2004-2019 Ford F-150 and 2006-2019 Ford Super Duty models. Each multi-hinged and powder-coated aluminum band is covered in high-density foam and attaches to either of the tailgate’s hinges with a unique security fastener. A matching bit is also included. TKO claims Gate Cuffs can be installed without removing the tailgate or making any modifications, and tailgate’s operation is also unaffected. Purchase for $40 from www.tkoclamps.com.