Category: Features

The latest feature articles about the automotive aftermarket from THE SHOP.

Ohio Shop Adapts Retail Showroom for the Internet Age

Brad Barhorst, owner of Sidney, Ohio-based PSG Automotive Outfitters, joined THE SHOP staffer Anthony Bowe at the Keystone BIG Show in Dallas for a discussion about lessons he’s learned running the 25-year-old shop. Key topics covered include strategies PSG Autmotive Outfitters employs to get customers into its truck and vehicle accessories showroom and how to… Continue reading Ohio Shop Adapts Retail Showroom for the Internet Age

Ford Ranger to Offer Black Appearance Package

Ford has introduced the new Black Appearance Package for the new Ford Ranger. More than two-thirds of all-new Ranger pickups are leaving showrooms optioned with either the Sport Appearance Package that adds unique wheels and Magnetic Gray-painted accents, or the Chrome Appearance Package with bright chrome wheels and chrome body accents. The new Black Appearance… Continue reading Ford Ranger to Offer Black Appearance Package

What Powers Finnegan’s 900-Plus Horsepower 1955 Chevy?

Mike Finnegan and fellow Roadkill star David Freiburger worked together to conceive Finnegan’s Blasphemi, a 1955 Chevy Bel Air powered by a supercharged 528 cubic-inch Hemi. Finnegan and Freiburger worked under the premise of ‘what’s the most ridiculous thing we can do?’ The blasphemous-to-some Chevy has a Chrysler engine between the framerails to kick the piecrust… Continue reading What Powers Finnegan’s 900-Plus Horsepower 1955 Chevy?

VinFast Puts Vietnam Car Manufacturing on the Map

The first two cars from new Vietnamese car company, VinFast, demonstrate the company’s philosophy of promoting Vietnamese style, safety, creativity, pioneering. The sedan and SUV premiered in October at the Paris Motor Show. The company worked with designers from Pininfarina in Italy. Both cars feature a long wheelbase and elegant styling, according to VinFast. The sedan… Continue reading VinFast Puts Vietnam Car Manufacturing on the Map

Legend Reborn: Modern Take on the ’70s Pantera

The Panther ProgettoUno is a comprehensive modern reimagining of the iconic 1970s Pantera by Italian company ARES Design, which also has a location in Texas. Conceived and designed as the first example of ARES Design’s Legends Reborn service, the Panther is constructed from carbon fiber and has a mix of traditional craftsmanship, modern engineering and… Continue reading Legend Reborn: Modern Take on the ’70s Pantera

Hellwig ‘Enforcement’ Targets Saggy-Bottom Trucks

The Hellwig Load and Sway Patrol was out in full force at King of the Hammers (KoH) a few weeks ago. “We were on patrol informing race fans how to properly set up their tow rigs for optimal safety and efficiency,” the company stated in a news release. “Load and Sway Patrol Officer Mike Hallmark… Continue reading Hellwig ‘Enforcement’ Targets Saggy-Bottom Trucks

Katech Keeps Striving for More Horsepower

Watch as Katech pushes its LT5 development engine to 1,486 horsepower, with the stock bottom end before the connecting rods say no more. This was after many pulls well over 1400 horsepower, according to Katech. “We are not done. We’ll be back on the engine dyno after rebuild to test some new products,” the company… Continue reading Katech Keeps Striving for More Horsepower

A Shockingly Easy Source of Bolt-On Revenue

Damper function is a critical component of a vehicle that is often overlooked, making it challenging to sell replacements. Typically, the degradation of shocks happens slowly and over time, making it less likely for consumers to be proactive in replacing parts-not to mention that shocks are tucked behind wheels and brakes, making them easy to… Continue reading A Shockingly Easy Source of Bolt-On Revenue