Author: Tabitha
Or in sand, or in snow. The Tactical Black Recovery Board kit from Traction Jack consists of two extra-wide composite panels that the manufacturer claims are virtually indestructible. They’re hinged in the center so they’ll work on uneven terrain, and can be folded after use for easy storage. For changing tires on soft ground, you can position one of the recovery boards beneath the jack. Each Recovery Board kit sells for $200 ($270 with the carrying bag). Order this plus other recovery-related gear from www.tractionjack.com.
Too much or too little tongue weight while towing can negatively affect stability and handling, and can also damage your vehicle. Likewise, towing an unbalanced load can cause dangerous trailer-sway conditions. The ball and receiver from Weigh Safe comes with a built-in scale that indicates the downward force on the hitch (between 10 and 15 percent of gross trailer weight is recommended by the company). Weigh Safe hitches are available in four-, six-, eight- and 10-inch-drop lengths and in 2.0-, 2.5- and 3.0-inch receiver sizes. The product is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and high-strength steel, with pricing starting in the…
Months ago, The Spy Guy reported that airless tires were going to be made available in the near future. That future appears to be close at hand as General Motors says it will begin testing Michelin airless-tire prototypes on a number of Chevrolet Bolt electric cars. Called Uptis (which stands for Unique Puncture-proof Tire System), the tires have been in development for the past decade, but apparently won’t go into full production until 2024. Instead of a tradition sidewall, Uptis uses exposed flexible webbing. The tread wraps around the outside. Aside from no more flat tires or having to maintain…
The Sleuth notes that one of the automaker’s more affordable four-wheel-drive models receives some significant changes for the upcoming model year, most noticeably the revised front and rear sheetmetal. Unseen is a new platform, which also underpins the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, that’s claimed to be stiffer by 13 percent. The Disco Sport also gets an updated interior with a new steering wheel, a 10-inch touchscreen, and an available camera located beneath and ahead of the engine that shows ground objects to the driver (handy for off-roading). A 246-horsepower four-cylinder is standard, but optional is a mild-hybrid that adds…
The Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Door opener consists of a ceiling-mounted hub — claimed to connect to nearly every electronic opener built since 1993 — that you plug into a nearby power source. The accompanying wireless electronic sensor that mounts on the inside of your garage door sends a message to your smart phone (via the downloadable app) indicating your door’s opened/closed status in real time. A guest feature allows up to three other phones to access the opener. The Chamberlain myQ system sells for about $50 from www.amazon.com.
The story of toymaker Smith-Miller is a fascinating one and can be read at www.smittytoytrucks.com. In a nutshell, the company’s line of 1/16th-scale transport trucks and trailers includes some of the most unique samples to be found anywhere. Each one is a limited-edition model and individually numbered. Some are made using new-old-stock pieces that date back to the 1950s, or reproduced using the original dies from that period. Some are also new creations. Regardless, all are hand-assembled and reproduced in steel with polished-aluminum wheels, rubber tires, chrome accessories, functioning suspensions and wheels that turn. The price of toy-truck nostalgia ranges…
The auto business is loaded with niche products, and this General Motors division is fast becoming the niche-iest. For example, Chevrolet has announced revival of the Trailblazer nameplate for a compact utility vehicle that’s larger than the (also compact-size) Trax, but smaller than the midsize Equinox. At this point, not much is known about what will power the Trailblazer, but the 153-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder from the Cruze sedan, which is now out of production, is perhaps the most obvious choice. The Trailblazer is expected to go on sale in early 2020 as a 2021 model. It might not seem…
Hybrid vehicle introductions are commonplace, except when it comes to one of the world’s best-known exotic-sports-car brands. The Sleuth was understandably blown with news that Ferrari is launching the 2020 SF90 Stradale as a plug-in hybrid. The automaker claims the mid-engine supercar can travel up to 15 miles on electric propulsion, but the big news is that the Stradale’s turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8 plus three electric motors combine to produce 986 horsepower. An eight-speed paddle-shift transmission directs power to all four wheels (unlike the LaFerrari hybrid, which is rear-wheel-drive). Ferrari says the 3,461-pound SF90 can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph)…
The SX Limited comes with a self-leveling rear suspension, head-up driver-information display, Nappa leather seat coverings (heated and ventilated front and second rows) and rain-sensing wipers. The second-row high-back bucket seats come only with the SX Limited model. With size, comfort and power in its favor, the Telluride checks off the boxes that most buyers of full-size utility vehicles are looking to fill. Welcome aboard.
The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback might confuse some people. Although on the surface it appears to be a warmed-over version of the previous Corolla iM (originally the Scion iM), that’s just not the case. The new Hatchback’s prow shows off Toyota’s signature wide-mouth grille that’s found on a number of the automaker’s products, from the subcompact Yaris to the near-luxury Avalon. At the opposite end, the Hatchback’s more steeply raked cargo opening is made of a lightweight composite instead of steel.