Author: Tabitha
So, how do you put a jack stand under the vehicle at the exact same point as the jack? Well since the jack is already there, you can’t. It’s a pain to find another jack-stand location (if there even is one), which is where Rennstand RS3 by Safe Jack comes in. It’s a jack stand that goes over your jack and locks in place when the desired height is reached. Then just remove the jack, if you like. Each 14-pound all-steel portable stand is capable of supporting up to three tons, with an adjustment height ranging from 11.5 and 16.5…
In case you missed it, Ford unveiled the 2021 Mustang Mach E, which is a four-door electric utility vehicle with a few key Mustang styling cues. Appropriating the Mustang name won’t garner approval from many fans of the brand who were likely hoping for something akin to the Mustang Lithium concept coupe that looks similar to regular ’Stang, except for an electric motor said to produce 888 horsepower and 1,000-pound-feet of torque. The Lithium’s six-speed manual transmission directs power to the rear wheels. None of that will be available with the Mach E that appears as much like a Mustang…
The Sleuth reports that Nissan’s premium division will adopt both electric and electrified models (hybrids) built off a common modular platform, starting in 2021. The hybrids will include vehicles with gasoline engines that will generate electric power for the batteries and will not be mechanically connected to the wheels. The 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder will continuously function as an electric generator so there won’t be an external plug-in charge port for the batteries. Infiniti says, however, that the high-performance hybrids will bed plug-in versions that operate for a defined period in electric mode before the gasoline engine assumes the propulsion duties.…
Rhode Island-based Bergeron Designs produces rings that resemble various automobile, motorcycle and bicycle treads. They’re made from a variety of metals, specifically yellow gold, platinum, palladium, cobalt and silver, and are available in different widths. Prices begin at about $105 for the pendants, $120 for a small-size mountain-bike ring in silver and $160 for the automobile-tire ring (also silver). Gold or palladium rings will set you back up to $2,350, depending on the design. View the complete assortment of styles (and purchase) from www.bergerondesigns.com.
Traxxas makes some of the coolest and most accurately detailed radio-controlled models you’ll find. One of the latest creations is the TRX-4, equipped with tracks instead of tires. As a result, with added traction and ground clearance, these 1/10-scale 4×4 vehicles can travel over sand, rocks, mud and water just as competently as a full-size version. The complete package with hand-held controller sells for $550, which includes a complete set of wheels and tires that you can swap out in place of the tracks. View the TRX-4’s demonstration video and order at www.traxxas.com.
Tire-pressure monitoring is commonplace on most new or relatively new vehicles, but the Cerebrum Smart Tire Sensors from Tire Stickers can do that plus a whole lot more. Mounted inside your current set of tires, each sensor is claimed to keep tabs on tire-rubber temperature, tread depth and alignment variation. And the best part is the sensors are reusable so they can be remounted inside new tires when the old ones are worn out (new base housings, available separately, are required). A downloadable app gives you up-to-date info on tire health at any time. Get full details and order a…
Replenishing the battery in your cell phone or tablet is convenient and easy with the AtomXS Emergency charger. This handy item attaches to your keychain or fits inside your pocket or purse, and can be a real lifesaver for those times when your devices are dead or dying (such as calling AAA about a flat tire or while seeking directions to a destination). The AtomXS’s high-density battery cell packs plenty of power for its diminutive size: Two-plus hours for the base unit that sells for $35, and three-plus hours for the upgrade version that costs $40. Order them from www.atomxsmall.com.
The Sleuth expected the first car from Volvo’s new luxury division to be an electric vehicle. So imagine his surprise when the carbon-fiber-bodied Polestar 1 broke cover as a plug-in hybrid. Surprising, but not disappointing since the China-built all-wheel-drive coupe’s 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged (yes it uses both) four-cylinder engine plus three electric motors combine for 619 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. As with most plug-ins, once the limited electric range is depleted, the vehicle reverts to non-plug-in-hybrid status, thus the Polestar 1 has an estimated maximum range of 540 miles. Pricing will begin at $156,500 (including destination fees)…
Porsche’s 2020 luxury-electric machine has barely turned a wheel, but the Sleuth is hearing that a wagon offshoot called the Cross Turismo is on the way. From a few blurry spy images and videos, it’s apparent that this new Taycan variant will be just as attractive as the sedan, but of course will be able to carry a few more grocery bags and/or sets of golf clubs. On the performance side, the Cross Turismo will likely also have dual electric motors with net outputs of 482, 670 and 750 horsepower (just like the three models of sedan). The vehicle is…
Who says that seat covers for your car can’t serve other purposes? As the name implies, the 3 in 1 Seat Poncho by Lunna can be worn as a poncho, attached to your vehicle’s headrest supports and draped over the front seat, or used as a travel blanket. The company suggests numerous other outdoor uses when it’s chilly, from picnics and concerts to outdooor movie nights. Inside the car, it insulates from either cold or hot seats. The 100-percent cotton product is handmade in Nepal and sells for $45 from www.lalunna.com.