Category: Features

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

‘Pocket Rocket’ Gets the Brabus Treatment

smart BRABUS GmbH marked its 15th anniversary by developing a club sport version of the current smart fortwo for the racetrack. Mercedes-Benz race drivers and media members put the Pocket Rocket through its paces on the rollercoaster circuit of the German test track Bilster Berg. The BRABUS 125R edition, limited to 125 vehicles, now presents… Continue reading ‘Pocket Rocket’ Gets the Brabus Treatment

How Body Tracking Improves Ford’s Engine Manufacturing

Technology typically used by the world’s top sport stars to raise their game or ensure their signature skills are accurately replicated in videogames is now being used on an auto assembly line. Employees at Ford’s Valencia Engine Assembly Plant in Spain have experimented with a special suit equipped with advanced body-tracking technology. The pilot system,… Continue reading How Body Tracking Improves Ford’s Engine Manufacturing

A Closer Look at Road Armor’s New Bumper for the Jeep JL

Road Armor went through an extensive process to find the most requested and wished-for aspects of aftermarket bumpers for the Jeep JL. The No. 1 thing we heard consistently from consumers was the need to have their own personal styles represented within the products. With that in mind, Road Armor’s engineering team engaged in multiple… Continue reading A Closer Look at Road Armor’s New Bumper for the Jeep JL

Product-Mobiles Are a Fun Way to Promote Business

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following blog was written by John Gunnell, owner of Gunner’s Great Garage Restoration Shop in Manawa, Wisconsin. Gunnell regularly contributes articles and industry-driven observations for THE SHOP magazine and eNewsletter. … While doing some clean up at our shop in mid-July, we looked down the alley and spotted something you don’t see every day-the… Continue reading Product-Mobiles Are a Fun Way to Promote Business

River City’s ‘El Chapo’ Taking Shape

Work is progressing on River City Rods & Fabrication’s 1976 Ford GTB100 project truck headed to the Energy Suspension booth (No. 23267) at the Oct. 30-Nov. 2 SEMA Show. The Davenport, Iowa shop last year turned necks at the SEMA Show with its 1968 C30 camper. The GTB100 build recently passed two important milestones: Completion of its Roadster Shop chassis, and… Continue reading River City’s ‘El Chapo’ Taking Shape

Japanese Duo Crowned Champions of WRAPSCON Wrap Olympics

Team Samurai outdueled the competition during WRAPSCON in Long Beach, California. It was Team Samurai’s second consecutive year appearing at the event. WRAPSCON was part of THE NBM SHOW Aug. 2-4. THE SHOP magazine is owned by National Business Media, the same company that organizes THE NBM SHOW. Tadashi Kariya of Japan’s Design Lab Inc. and Keiichi Hasegawa of Toronto’s c17media once again paired up… Continue reading Japanese Duo Crowned Champions of WRAPSCON Wrap Olympics

VIDEO: Lift Safety Tips

Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) has launched a four-part video series featuring celebrity car builder/TV host Lou Santiago…

Toyota 86 Blends Sports Car Fundamentals with 21st Century Performance

The 2019 Toyota 86 2+2 rear-wheel drive coupe line will now include the limited production 86 TRD Special Edition. Two existing grades-the 86 and 86 GT-complete the 86 range, and offer a wide variety of standard amenities, including the choice of a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The 86 TRD Special Edition is the highest… Continue reading Toyota 86 Blends Sports Car Fundamentals with 21st Century Performance