Author: Tabitha
The Air Force Master Blaster lineup from Metro Vacuums is designed to dry your vehicle with a blast of warm, filtered air. This reduces the risk of leaving scratches or swirl marks caused by using cloths or towels because, well, you no longer use those. And with a narrow nozzle head attachment, a Master Blaster can get into hard-to-reach seams, fussy grilles and door gaps, all without leaving streaks or water spots. Metro also claims that its Master Blasters are safe to use on all painted and chrome surfaces and won’t harm waxed finishes. Prices range from about $125 for…
If you’re in the Las Vegas area and need a break from the casinos, take the 45-minute drive to the town of Pahrump, which is home of the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, and the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School. Fellows has extensive experience competing on tracks throughout the world. His team of instructors will guide you around Spring Mountain’s challenging 2.2- and 2.4-mile layouts in the latest Corvette Stingray, Grand Sport and Z06 models. Prices start at $3,500 for the two-day school and $3,900 for the three-day experience. Details at www.springmountainmotorsports.com.
It’s quite likely, according to The Sleuth’s sources. Apparently, Jaguar head of design Ian Callum has a design for the next-generation XK, ready to go. His vision is for a high-end grand touring model in 2+2 body, which could mean a vehicle that shares a similar style with Aston Martin’s Vanquish coupe. However, with Jaguar’s top brass remaining focused on further development of the F-Type, a new XK won’t likely appear until the 2021 model year, at the earliest, which would be about two years after the F-Type’s scheduled redesign. By that time, powertrain availability will likely include a gasoline-electric…
The Sleuth believes that the company’s high output models will differ markedly from the current Impreza sedan-based design. The Viziv Performance concept car shown at the recent Tokyo Motor Show is stunning in its execution and will, in The Spymaster’s opinion, provide the design inspiration for the next WRX. The change would add significant desirability to it and the higher-output STI offshoot. That is, of course, if Subaru uses the Viziv Performance’s shape for the WRX. But with increased competition from other rally-inspired sedans and hatchbacks, the time is right for Subaru to step up its game in the segment.…
Autodromo, the watchmaker that specializes in automotive-themed timepieces and other accessories, has introduced a new watch that pays homage to the iconic Ford GT sports car. In fact it embodies both the 1960s original (called the GT40) and the current $450,000 limited-edition GT that’s made almost entirely of carbon fiber. The officially licensed Chronograph has a 40-millimeter-diameter case and uses a Japan-made Seiko quartz movement. It comes with a leather strap and is water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters. The GT watch sells for $700 at www.autodromo.com.
Here’s an interesting book for parents looking to introduce their offspring to the wonderful world of automobiles. Yellow Car Vroom Vroom!, written and illustrated by H.W. Guerrier, tells the story of a father, his daughter named Cricker, and a yellow sports car purchased by the father that they learn to care for together. That involves keeping it clean and in good mechanical repair with the help of a garage mechanic. The book is aimed at children ages 4-6 years. Order for $12 from www.amazon.com.
The Sleuth is hearing that the Japan-based automaker might be preparing to bring more than one sporty car to market. We already knows that the Supra is a go and will likely arrive within the next 12 months, and Toyota is now also showing the GR HV Sports Concept in its home country. Since the show car is built on the bones of the Toyota 86 that was previously labeled the Scion FR-S, it’s logical that the GR HV (the GR stands for Gazoo Racing, which is Toyota’s competition arm) could become the next version of that coupe. Interestingly, the…
The Sleuth was a bit leery about the new turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the automaker’s latest midsize sedan, but after spending time behind the wheel he’s a believer. The base and optional engines are smooth and potent enough to effectively propel the Accord. The larger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque has the tough chore of replacing the smooth 3.5-liter V-6, but the four-cylinder actually has more torque. The only real downside is that the Accord coupe is now retired, but that’s understandable since it constituted only about five percent of annual Accord sales. Both…
It’s one thing to spray-clean the windshield and rear glass from the outside, but the job becomes much more difficult when attempting to remove grit and grime from the inside (and even the outside of certain cars and tall trucks). The Reach and Clean glass tool kit from Invisible Glass can save you considerable grief. Included with this package is a pivoting 14-inch handle and triangular head that makes is easier to access hard-to-access areas, a total of five washable and reversible microfiber cleaning head covers and a handy nylon-mesh storage bag. The Reach and Clean kit sells for $25.…
Most driving shoes resemble vibrantly colored sneakers, but they tend to sell for a much higher price. Such driving shoes work just fine for a day at the track, but they’re not suited for more conservative or social surroundings. The Italian-made Stile driving shoe by OMP America has been designed for just such occasions. The combination of charcoal gray suede inserts and black leather trim give the shoe an elegantly casual appearance that makes them appropriate for a variety of occasions. The anti-skid thin sole also provides the driver with plenty of necessary pedal ‘feel.’ You can get yourself a…