Towing Safety And Spring Automotive Tips For Your Car
By Nordstroms Automotive inc.
Towing Safety Tips, Ford Fuel System Problems, Head Gasket Failures and more automotive fun and information from Under The Hood. Press "Play" below to listen to this episode
How Automakers Are Pitching In to Fight Coronavirus
It may be a bit unorganized, even chaotic, but the Arsenal of Democracy is gearing up as the auto industry is scrambling to help health care workers fight a pandemic. Politics and confusion aside, carmakers and suppliers are forming partnerships and retooling idled plants to make masks, respirators, ventilators, and protective gear. Despite the voluntary efforts underway, President Donald Trump on Friday signed an order requiring General Motors to produce ventilators to fight the coronavirus pandemic under the Defense Production... [read more]
President Trump Invokes Defense Production Act, Requiring General Motors to Make Ventilators
On Friday, after hinting that he may do so previously, President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) compelling General Motors to make ventilators. This action is specific to General Motors, but confusingly comes several hours after that company announced plans to build ventilators at its Kokomo, Indiana, plant with partner Ventec Life Systems, which is a medical supplier of respiratory-care products. Lets back up and discuss what General Motors announced prior to the invocation of the DPA. First, after... [read more]
Does a School Bus Make a Good Camper Van? Yes, a Big One
Weve seen all kinds of tiny homes, but this incredibly, wood-lined one doesnt feel so small thanks to its clever use of space and materials. Also, it's actually a school busso it's not really that tiny, and combined with its excellent execution, it has just about everything a camper could need for you to live on the road. The man behind the bus is Danny, wholeft his apartment in New York City and moved into a 2001 Thomas Freightliner he... [read more]
LS Fest Fan Favorite! LSX-Swap 1993 GMC Utility-Box Race Truck
At a svelte 6,000 pounds, Tom Wests 1993 GMC 2500 utility box truck is by far the lightest vehicle he works on. That doesnt really make sense until it dawns on you that West operates Specialized Truck Repair, a very real heavy-truck repair service that comes to the rescue of broken big-rigs on the heavily traveled Interstate between Nashville and Memphis. (Car Craft fans may remember Project Jake, the Cal Trans 1993 GMC three-quarter ton pickup that Jeff Smith famously... [read more]
Wonder How a Land-Speed Record Car Stacks Up Against Other Fast Cars?
The Bloodhound LSR team , caretakers of the long-gestating effort to eclipse the 763-mph land-speed record using a jet-powered wheeled missile of the same name, released a really cool video that shows how its car stacks up against representations of a Formula 1 racer, a Bugatti Chiron , and a regular road car in regards to acceleration and top speed. Ever wondered just how Bloodhound LSR stacks up against other fast cars? ???????????? For fun we crunched the numbers and... [read more]
Mid-Engine 2020 Chevy Corvette C8 Reimagined as Front-Engined
Is it just us, or does it seem like every last morsel of scandale and rumor about the new Chevrolet Corvette has cropped up in the internet's every nook and cranny? GM employees have been arrested while driving it . One poor example had its wheels stolen while parked in Detroit, Michigan. There are aftermarket parts for it already , and one modded example even lunched its axle at the drag strip. The C8 being the first mid-engined Corvette makes... [read more]
Delicious or Death Trap: Mad Max Style Stripped Miata
Perfect for tooling around town or powering through the apocalypse, this Franken-Miata looks like a blast to drive. You never know what youre going to see when out cruising around, but even we were surprised at the creative repurposing of this Mazda Miata. Sure, its a Miata, but we see a lot of hot rodding potential going on here. We spied this at a local store but couldnt find the owner to get any background. In short, someone stripped a... [read more]
Mini Takes a Walk on the Wild Side With the 2021 Sidewalk Edition Convertible
Mini is bringing back a stylish special edition that launched way back in 2007. Arriving in dealerships this April, the 2021 Mini Cooper SConvertible Sidewalk Edition receives special wheels, colors, and interior features. The Sidewalk Edition offers two paint color options: Deep Laguna Metallic and Enigmatic Black Metallic. Both hues are complemented by a special Anthracite soft-top roof. Custom designed two-tone 17-inch wheels finish off the exterior's look. Inside, theres a custom steering wheel and floor mats. Cabin surfaces also... [read more]
Indianapolis 500 Postponed Until August Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
The NTT IndyCar Series on March 26 announced that its biggest race, the Indianapolis 500, is postponed until August 23. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause organizers of major eventssporting and otherwiseto search for alternative dates in the hope they can salvage their seasons if spread of the virus is brought under control in time to make something of 2020. The 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 was scheduled originally for May 24, its traditional slot on the Sunday of... [read more]
France Moves COVID-19 Patients Using Famous High-Speed TGV Trains
You have to love the Train Grande Vitesse ,the TGV, Frances iconic high-speed train, the pride of a nation of vehicular pioneers. And in the midst of an absolutely horrible disease outbreak (the coronavirus pandemic and the illness), the French have put the TGV to a novel use: carrying severely ill patients to less-impacted areas. As NPR reports , eastern France is hard-hit by the virus and hospitals there are overwhelmed. With too few beds for sick patients, the country... [read more]
Morgan Plus 4 70th Anniversary Edition Marks The End of an Era
Morgan managed to squeeze out only four copies of the Plus 4 70thAnniversary Edition before shutting down its U.K. factory over mounting coronavirus concerns. A total of 20 vehicles will eventually be made, all featuring special badges, a gold-painted chassis, and slick Platinum metallic painta nod to the 70-years-young Plus 4 nameplate's platinum anniversary. The special edition marks the end of Plus 4 production, and thus the end of the line for Morgans steel chassis. That chassis has been in... [read more]
2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid First DriveNo Compromises
The race for the most fuel-efficient sedan is on. With Hyundai s 2020 Sonata Hybrid, the Korean brand is challenging the best from Japan in a fuel-efficiency battle. But Hyundai didnt stop there, it packed the Sonata with premium materials, a ton of tech, and great packaging to deliver a spacious interior. And did we mention how upscale it looks ? You might not be able to visually distinguish the hybrid from the gasser, but the electrified model adds a... [read more]
2020 Jeep Gladiator Interior Review: Whats Jeeps Pickup Like Inside?
A lot of talk on pickup trucks is focused on how well they tow or haul. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is no exception. Since it hit the streets a year ago, weve taken it overlanding on the Mojave Road, loaded its bed with horse mats, and bolted a 4,000-pound trailer to its hitch, among other things. One area we havent focused enough on is what its like to live with the Jeep Gladiator s interior. Although easy to dismiss as... [read more]
Why Driving a Tesla Model X Is Important to Jesse Colin Young of the Youngbloods
Quick stats: Jesse Colin Young, singer/songwriter for the Youngbloods Daily driver: 2019 Tesla Model X (Jesses rating: 10 on a scale of 1 to 10) Other cars: see below Favorite road trip: Point Reyes to Santa Barbara Car he learned to drive in : 1950s Mercury Monterey First car bought: Plymouth Barracuda While most people his age have long settled into retirement, at 78, Jesse Colin Young has been busy answering the call of these times we are in, fulfilling... [read more]
Holy Smokes, its the Hairy Mutha!
You may not believe it, but I dont buy enough magazines. When I do, I certainly dont pick them haphazardly. Each and every purchase has to have a... continue reading
Transporter, Bus, Kombi: Whatever You Call It, VW's Van Is Celebrating 70 Years of Production
If you think about vehicle nameplates that have been in near-continuous production for a really long time, your mind might jump to the likes of the Porsche 911 , the Mercedes-Benz SL , and the Chevrolet Corvette . The Volkswagen Beetle might have made the list, too, if not for the German brand's decision to kill it off last year (remember that Volkswagen continued to produce the rear-engined Beetle in other parts of the world even after it left our... [read more]
From the Archives: 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 First Drive
If you fire a 12-gauge shotgun packed with 00 buck, you'll get a sense of what it's like to pull the trigger on a Ram SRT-10: a loud roar, followed by a cloud of smoke, and, suddenly, heavy metal flying through space. The only difference is that this truck's Viper-sourced V-10 firepower, good for a 5.2-second 0-to-60 run, surges smoothly at your back and not abruptly against your shoulder. Dodge 's Performance Vehicle Operations group has created more than just... [read more]
2021 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe and Convertible Get Updates and Changes
The Chevrolet Camaro coupe and convertible enter the 2021 model year with minimal changes according to the bow-tie brands fleet order guide . The most noteworthy change to the model is the addition of standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across the line. It joins newly standard wireless charging on higher-end 3LT and 2SS models. Wireless charging was previously limited to the high-performance ZL1 trim . Technology isnt the only name in the 2021 Camaros game and V-8... [read more]
Best New Overland Vehicles: Factory-Backed Off-Roaders Ready for the Trail
For many overlanders and off-roaders, modifying their SUV or truck is half the funI know this full well, as Ive watched my wife turn her Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid into a light-duty overland expedition rig. But modifying any vehicle (not to mention assuming you know better than a team of highly skilled automotive engineers) can be risky, especially if you plan on heading off the beaten path. --> At worst, a poorly chosen part could break, leaving you stranded a long... [read more]
2020 Mazda CX-30 Interior Review: Does it Meet the Brands High Standards?
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 might be the newest addition to the Mazda family, but one peek inside makes it abundantly clear this crossover belongs in the same showroom. The Japanese automaker might not have the size, clout, or breadth as larger full-line global automakers, but the CX-30 continues the tradition of excelling in the areas where Mazda does well. One is the fun-to-drive quotient. The other is interiors that are clean, sophisticated, and feel more premium than the segment might... [read more]
10 Classic JDM Cars Youve Probably Never Heard Of
As a car fanatic, you already know that JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, and that Japan has a propensity for giving cars unintentionally funny names. You also know that a lot of Japanese cars dont make it to North Americaand to our dismay, theyre usually the coolest and/or weirdest ones. That forbidden fruit appeal has raised awareness of obscure, oddly named classic Japanese cars in recent yearsespecially as early 90s models are now legal to be imported (and this... [read more]
Virtual Shop Tours Lets See Yours!
If anything good has come out of this shut down (besides slowing the virus spread and less traffic), it's folks getting creative about how they can engage with... continue reading
Ford Replica Window Stickers Available for Your Fox-Body Mustang
Yes, you can give your Fox-body Mustang a new paint job or an engine rebuild, but one of the easiest ways to make your classic sports car look and feel like new is to get an original-style window sticker. It's a surprisingly cheap and simple add-on that you can get for your 1987-1989 Mustang on the Ford Show Parts website ; the official online store of Ford Performance. All you'll need is your Mustangs vehicle identification number (VIN), then you... [read more]
Was The Lost Hoodie And His Honda Ever Found
By Nordstroms Automotive inc.
We last left you waiting to find out if Tracy made it back home. Chris and Russ have a rap off. Maybe... #Honda Keys, #FordTransmisison #EngineMissfire #ChevyTransmission #ElectricalProblems Press "Play" below to listen to this episode
Sit Your Tail Down and Ogle This Ultra-Rare McLaren F1 GTR Longtail For Sale
Let's cut to the chase: The McLaren F1 is one of the most legendary supercars ever made. There is simply no overstating how mind-blowing the F1 and its race-bred counterpart, the F1 GTR, were in the early 1990s. Just 104 F1s were ever made, but the F1 GTR is even rarer (26 made), and its GTR Longtail variant is rarer still (with only 10 in existence). And one of those GTR Longtails is for sale right now. Trust us, this... [read more]
Jeep, Eagle, and 4WD Vehicles: The Traction AMC Needed to Keep Going
Steve Magnante is a hot rod historian, author, and lover of all things cars. On Roadkills Junkyard Gold, he travels the country uncovering the forgotten and hidden gems of the automotive world. Subscribe to the MotorTrend App for $1 per month to start binge-watching today! Steve Magnante is at Rambler Ranch in Elizabeth, Colorado, looking for 4-wheel-drive vehicles from American Motors Corporation (AMC). When most people familiar with the history of the American automotive industry think of AMC and 4-wheel... [read more]
Toyota's Rad 1989 RAV-FOUR Concept Is the RAV4 We Still Want
The Toyota RAV4 has been part of the automotive landscape for so long that you forget where it came from. Remember the really early ones, available in a funky two-door convertible format? That was the early 1990s, and automakers knew SUVs were hot and were throwing all sorts of ideas at the wall to see if theyd stick. The convertible RAV4 had a bunch of strange company in America, like the Isuzu Amigo , the Suzuki Sidekick , and even... [read more]
Use These Cool Car-Themed Coloring Books To Stay Busy While Sitting Still
If there is one thing people all around the world are getting a lot of right now, its quality time with those they share a roof with. But, having everyone home at once, all day every day, can get a little busy. Have you ever really tried keeping your little ones occupied while you work? It isn't easy. Luckily, a few automakers have stepped in and have made sweet sketches available that parents can print out for their kids to... [read more]
The Least Boring Cars, Trucks, and SUVs Under $45,000
Youve got money to burn. Say, enough to jump over the roughly $35,000 average transaction price for a new car in America and buy a car, SUV, or truck for less than $45,000. Fortunately, the market is flush with exciting new vehicle options that fit your highly specific budget. If youre looking to tackle off-road trails (or look like you do), take to the track (again, or look as though you will), or simply to enjoy the day-to-day commute without... [read more]
Should This Be The Next Dodge Challenger/Charger, Yellow Spoiler Guards and All?
The Dodge Challenger coupe and Chargersedan are due for full redesigns, and we can only imagine what their replacements might look like. Let's hope that this sketch offers some much-needed direction for our imaginations and actually previews what the new muscle cars will look like. The sketch was released by none other than FCA design boss Ralph Gilles. On Instagram. Gilles described the sleek orange car in the rendering as an experimental design of a Dodge of the future. While... [read more]
1963 Ford Pickup: 3-in-1
So a friend of mine bought a 1963 Ford F100 right before the whole world went to hell in a hand basket. Knowing I owned one at one... continue reading
This Iconic 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Prototipo is Currently For Sale
Surpassing Vignale as the most popular carrozzeria amongst Ferrari enthusiasts, Italian car design firm, Pininfarina quickly became the Maranello-based manufacturers go-to craftsmen following the creation of the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Prototipo. This Iconic 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Prototipo is Currently For Sale Soliciting the firms expertise for at least 48 out of the 53 most valuable Europa/Europa GTs slated over the years, the Berlinetta was first unveiled at the Geneva Salon in March 1956, showcasing sleek, sensual... [read more]
2020 Jeep Cherokee Interior Review: Still Fresh
Its no secret that the automotive industry moves fast, with fierce competition in every segment. Its normal for vehicles generations to be replaced every five or six years, bringing new technology on board and under the skin, as well as better safety technologies. Jeep introduced the current-gen Cherokee as a 2014 model at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. In early 2018, the SUV got a midcycle refresh that provided its interior and exterior with a younger vibe. We... [read more]
Timing for Next-Generation Toyota 86, 4Runner, Tundra, Sienna, and More Leaked!
Most PowerPoint slide shows are a real snooze. Not this one that reportedly shows Toyota 's future product timeline, though. Credit a snitch at a recent dealer conference who snapped this pic, which reveals the launch timeline for several of our favorite Toyotas, as well as news of two new crossovers. Surprised? According to the sleuths over at GR86.org , Toyota plans to roll out a refreshed 86 with a 255-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine next summer (both fingers crossed... [read more]
Best Driving Roads in America: Experts Weigh InAgree or Disagree?
More from HOT ROD! David Freiburger Recommends Taking a Road Trip on Route 66 If cabin fever is starting to set in, wed like to remind you of a great way to keep a 6-foot distance between yourself and your fellow humans: Go take a solo drive. In our travels, weve found some of the best roads in America, and this list has half a dozen of our favoritesroads that are not only challenging, but not overly crowded, even when... [read more]
The Best Online Car Configurators to Help You Waste Time (the Fun Way!)
The current health crisis gripping the nation has halted the automotive industry and left many of us stuck at home for the next few weeks. And though we should feel proud that were doing our part to help flatten the curve, that doesnt make the isolation and boredom any easier to deal with. (And we're luckywe're still technically working, with jobs; some have free time under worse circumstances.) So, to take everyone's mind off of things, stay positive, and keep... [read more]
The Future of Jaguar and Land Rover: Here's What to Expect
Everyone is going electric, but given the high costs associated with developing EVs, it's little surprise luxury brands now lead the mainstream push. Tesla (and to a lesser extent, Nissan ) got the ball rolling, Mercedes-Benz created its EQ brand, the VW Group introduced the Audi E-Tron and Porsche Taycan , Ford says the Lincoln brand will lead its EV efforts, and General Motors has appointed Cadillac to lead on its side. But what about a company like Jaguar Land... [read more]
What Would a Porsche Pickup Truck Look Like? The Traykan
The truck world is about to look a lot different, thanks to boldly styled (and even electric!) pickups on the way, including the Rivian R1T , Hyundai Santa Cruz , and the real showstopper: Tesla's Cybertruck . Having seen all three in some form or another, we feel somewhat inoculated enough to consider this wild-looking Porsche truck without doing a spit-take. Feast your eyes on the Porsche Traykan, as imagined and rendered here by Adel Bouras . The name plays... [read more]
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 First Drive: Overland Expedition Across Africa
We are well and truly alone. Before us lay a seemingly endless gray desert moonscape. Our trifling caravan was rolling along the western coast of Africa, the only sign of humanity our silver specks of overland-loaded 2020 Land Rover Defender 110s dancing over sand dunes, splitting the horizon with the churning South Atlantic Ocean. --> I snapped back to reality as my Land Rover s nose aimed skyward as we struggled up a dune. Throttle in, the engine roaring, we... [read more]
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 Interior Review: Updates Bring Defender into 21st Century
Lots of ink will be spilled on how good the 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 is off-road. In fact, Ive spilled lots of it myself (you can check out our First Drive, an overland adventure across Namibia, HERE ). Sure, how well the Defender drives is no doubt important, but what its interior is like to live with on a day-to-day basis is probably equally so. With that in mind, heres a list of questions youre likely to have about... [read more]
Need For Speed: Heat Is The Best NFS Game In Years
Even for its most dedicated fans, the Need for Speed video game franchises legacy exists on shaky footing. Since Need for Speed Carbon s release in 2006, successive new titles in have struggled to live up to the earlier games' appeal. Recent offerings such as Rivals and Most Wanted left fans looking back and wanting more. The latest NFS installment, Need for Speed: Heat , is a much-needed return to form. Now, lets back up for a second. I know... [read more]
Turbocharger vs. Supercharger: What's the Difference?
As government legislation and environmental concerns drive a shift away from fuel-thirsty big-displacement naturally aspirated engines toward smaller thriftier ones, automakers are increasingly employing turbochargers and superchargers to make more power from less fuel. Both devices serve as a replacement for displacement by helping cram the same amount of air a bigger engine would naturally inhale into a smaller engine so they can make the same power when the drivers foot hits the floor. Oxygen, it turns out, is way... [read more]
GM's Kei-Car Inspired EV Is Absolutely Adorable
Wulinga Chinese brand built under a joint-venture between General Motors, SAIC Motors, andGuangxi Automobile Group Co. Ltd.teased its first battery-electric vehicle: a tasty, two-door city car with loads of personality. The yet-to-be-named EV is styled after Japan's popular Kei cars. Its compact size and short wheelbase will give it a natural advantage for parking and turning in crowded cities, the automaker noted in a recent statement. Plus, its battery-electric powertrain ensures the little Wuling EV doesn't contribute to urban smog... [read more]
Bitchin Boot Camp, Week 2 Power Rankings: Custom-Fitting a 1968 Camaro Bumper
Bitchin Boot Camp is a building competition where 12 highly skilled fabricators are competing for the chance to join the Kindig-it Designs crew. Subscribe to the MotorTrend App for $1 per month to start watching today! **SPOILER ALERT! Challenge results are mentioned below! If you havent seen the first 2 episodes of Bitchin Boot Camp , go watch right now on the MotorTrend App!** It may be week 2 for us, but its only day 3 for the contestants at... [read more]
Hot Rod Dogs! 101 Photos of Readers Four-Legged Friends and Four-Wheeled Rides
We sent out a request to the HOT ROD universe to please send us all the dogs and cars photos available, and the universe answered. From young pups eager to hop in the passenger seat, to the seasoned car-ride veterans who know just how far to poke their heads out the window, these loyal creatures seem to have a passion for the open road as strong as ours. Now that youre hunkered down in your respective safe space, enjoy this... [read more]
Dont Forget to Call Roadside Assistance
I read Ryan's post from yesterday, and I think we've just about covered it all for hunkering down in the garage, getting stuff done in solace, fighting boredom,... continue reading
So, Now What?
Just a week ago I was encouraging people to get out in their cars and drive them. Pandemic inspired reliability runs seemed like a fantastic idea at the... continue reading
