Author: Tabitha
Dressing up your truck’s bed with a wood base can set it apart from the rest of the pack. Kentucky-based Bed Wood and Parts specializes in genuine wood flooring for literally every truck ever made. And if you can’t find a kit among the literally hundreds in stock, the company can create one to your exact specifications. The BedWood line is for classic pickups dating back to the mid-1920s, while the RetroLiner kits are designed specifically for late-model trucks. Both offer a variety of wood surfaces. Prices vary depending on bed size and materials selected, but generally range from $3,000…
The Sleuth’s sources report that, at long last, the first of three new tall-wagon models will start arriving in early 2020. The five-passenger GV80 is set to compete with The BMX X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, among others. It will also appear similar to the GV80 concept vehicle. The intelligence gathered on the upcoming Genesis indicates that it will be built off the G80 rear-wheel-drive sedan platform, although all-wheel-drive will most certainly be available, if not standard equipment. As for powertrains, a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 with 365 horsepower will most likely get the nod, but a hybrid system will…
The Spy Guy’s usually reliable sources claim the automaker will not cancel the 370Z as he originally believed. Instead, Nissan is developing a new — or significantly revamped — replacement, possibly labeled the 400Z. Plans call for an updated platform and suspension to keep the two-seater competitive with the 2020 Toyota Supra. There are also hints that more than a single powertrain could be in the works, including a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that’s found in the Infiniti division’s Q50 sedan and Q60 coupe. That engine makes 400 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque while the current Z’s 3.7-liter non-turbo V-6…
There are situations that arise when even the toughest vehicles can become stuck. That’s when you need the TruckClaws II Emergency Traction Assist (part #TC-15002). The product is designed to help owners of pickups, sport utility vehicles and recreational vehicles who find themselves hopelessly bogged down in mud, snow or ice when traveling off the beaten path. According to the manufacturer, the product can even be installed over tire chains. Each set consists of two TruckClaws and attaching straps and a carrying case. Prices start at $160. Purchase at www.truckclaws.com.
When accessorizing up your vehicle to set it apart from the rest of the crowd, don’t forget the wheels. According to Tapeworks Graphics, a Stripe-It-All applicator allows you to stripe on four wheels in about 30 minutes. More importantly, the end result will be far more accurate than if you were adding the stripes by hand. The Stripe-It-All kit can accept one-eighth-, one-quarter- and three-eighths-inch-wide Tapeworks tape, which is sold separately, but when purchasing Stripe-It-All for $25, you can bundle it with your choice of Rimstripes for $20 extra (a $5 discount). Get full details at www.tapeworks.com.
The Spy Guy congratulates the Japan-based automaker for finally jumping into the electric-vehicle pool (or onto the electric-vehicle grid) with a battery-powered model dubbed the MX-30. The recently displayed compact hatchback comes with a driver’s side mini rear door, similar to what was found on the previous-generation RX-8 that retired after the 2011 model year. The MX-30’s power system consists of an electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack located beneath the floor. It’s rated at 141 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Maximum range is estimated at a modest 130 miles, but that can be extended with the…
The Spymaster’s overseas operative recently observed the unveiling of the Nissan Ariya at the bi-annual Tokyo Motor Show and was privately informed that the concept utility vehicle is likely headed for production and sale in North America sometime in 2021. The attractively styled vehicle comes with front and rear electric motors that function independently and automatically adjust their torque depending on surface conditions without driver input (no multi-mode switches or buttons to adjust). The simplified dashboard appears to be just one elongated screen that controls all key functions with a swipe of a hand. A solitary knob adjusts the climate…
If you tow a medium to large trailer, you know what a hassle it can be when you have to use cinder blocks or wood under the tongue jack to get the right height. Attaching the sturdy Flip Jack Foot from Fastway solves that problem. When secured to the trailer’s tongue jack, it adds up to six extra inches in length. It also automatically tucks up out of the way when the trailer jack is retracted. The Flip Jack Foot is available for 2.0- and 2.25-inch tongue jacks, starting at $40 including shipping. Head to www.fastwaytrailer.com for more info and…
The Amalgam Collection is a company that sells scale replicas of some of the most exciting street and racing cars ever built. New to the inventory is a large 1:8 scale Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 that won the 1932 Monaco GP race. At 1:8 scale, it’s about two feet long and costs $13,830. Another new 1:8 scale model is the McLaren Speedtail with more than 1,000 parts ($15,025), which is available for preorder. The smaller models appeal to more modest budgets. For example, a 1:18 scale Ferrari 488 Spider costs $740. Amalgam also sells scale replica Formula One racing steering…
The Spy Guy’s operatives hear that the upcoming all-electric model will be unveiled November 17 and will go on sale in the first half of 2020 as a 2021 model. The Mach E (the expected name) will appear somewhat like a utility vehicle — about the same size and shape as the 2019 Ford Escape — with a lithium-ion battery pack providing about 300 miles of maximum electric range. The Mach E’s design is expected to lean heavily on the Ford Mustang, especially the front and rear styling. Globally, Ford expects to launch 16 electric and electrified models within the…