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Image credit: Rob Wilkinson / AiM / APEX Pro / Garmin
Buying GuidesDealsSaturday Morning Car Tune!

These lap timers will help you become a better track driver

Attending track days is one of the most fun and fulfilling ways to express one’s automotive enthusiasm. What’s not to love? You’re in a safe and controlled environment where you can drive at way higher speeds than pretty much any other place on paved earth. This enables ample opportunity to truly enjoy what your car was designed and/or modified for, sharpen your driving skills, and even become a safer motorist along the way.

Then, there’s the bit about track driving that’s even more fun, and incredibly addictive: Setting and gradually dropping lap times. Changing your line, turning in earlier or later, refining your acceleration and braking; the process of setting and achieving goals to go faster is a fun one, and along with it comes a hearty sense of pride and accomplishment. It may not be the most financially healthy activity for car nuts, but hey, it sure beats hard drug use!

One tool that’s of massive help along the way by giving you all the information you need to go faster is a good GPS-based digital lap timer. 

Guidance from a qualified instructor is another top method, and certainly shouldn’t be overlooked as part of the learning experience. A lap timer that records data is a strong accompaniment—analyzing and digesting this data post-track session expedites the learning process and paints a very detailed picture of what it takes to get faster. Let’s go over three popular digital lap timers and discuss their various positives and negatives. We won’t rate them, but rather to help you figure out which is best for your budget and learning style.

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Image credit: Peter Nelson

For the most digestible data and video on the spot: Garmin Catalyst Driving Performance Optimizer

Garmin Catalyst lap timer
Image credit: Garmin

What’s hot?

  • Includes video
  • Simple, fool-proof setup
  • Very easy to digest data post-session
  • Logical software
  • Stays plugged into a 12v outlet or USB, so won’t lose power on track

What’s not?

  • Expensive
  • Doesn’t allow as deep of a dive into data as other systems
  • Requires earbuds or another improved hearing method

Kicking off this list is a comprehensive system by Garmin. I call it a system because using it requires a bit of setup time. Inside its fairly hefty box lives a bunch of wires, connectors, plugs, and various electronic doohickies, plus the sturdy Garmin tablet itself that’s the brain of the whole operation. Read the directions and allow ample time to properly piece it all together—don’t do it 10 minutes before you head out on track—and you’re golden. In fact, it’s a good idea to turn it on the night before, connect to Wi-Fi, and ensure all software is up-to-date.

Once the Catalyst is all set up and running, it’s so incredibly pleasant to use: Select the track you’re at, and it’ll automatically start and stop recording both lap times and video. While filming laps and displaying lap times, it has a delta timer that shows how much faster or slower you are compared to your best-recorded lap. It also utilizes its various sensors and GPS to record accurate data covering acceleration/deceleration, speed, your precise location on track, and so on.  Then, the footage it puts together includes a very handy data overlay for even easier data digestion, which you can review as soon as the session is over.

Image credit: Peter Nelson. Note the camera mounted to the center of the windshield, and the tablet attached via its suction cup high off to the side.

Post-session, pulling the tablet off its mount and tapping around to look at different laps, examine speed, acceleration/deceleration, and track position, as well as learning where opportunities to improve lie, is incredibly easy. It’s as easy as surfing the world-wide-web on an iPad. Plus, the layout/interface is incredibly logical, so it takes no time at all to get used to.

The Catalyst also makes suggestions on how to cut time, but does so based on your own performance—it’s not going to compare you to Lewis Hamilton. Then, by dividing the track up into different sectors, it puts together an optimal lap of all your best ones; think of it as essentially a Best Of compilation. It’s a fun challenge to try and replicate—or better yet, improve upon—this lap in a future session.

Here’s an example of what the recorded video looks like.

One downside is that its spoken instruction (that’s right, it’s got that too) is awfully quiet. The optional earbuds are a must if you’re on track with most track day organizations, as they require you to run with the windows down for safety reasons. These simple suggestions are definitely worth listening to as well. They include stuff like “brake later next lap,” “turn in earlier next lap,” and so on.

After discussing the Garmin Catalyst at length, with almost all positive remarks, here’s the catch: It’s an expensive system. It’s knocking on the door of one thousand American dollars, which isn’t exactly pocket change for most folks. In fact, that’s more than a set of good track tires in many common sizes. Though, for its ease-of-use, video, and coaching aspects, and easy data digestion, it could prove to be a very wise investment in your lapping education.

The OG for extra-deep data potential: AiM Sportline Solo 2 DL GPS Lap Timer and Dash Logger

Image credit: AiM

What’s hot?

  • The best display
  • Easy to fire up and start recording
  • Mid-tier price
  • Excellent application integration
  • Programmable lights

What’s not?

  • Potentially too much data for some folks
  • Expensive to integrate a camera
  • Slight learning curve, though all of the units in this list have that to some degree

The AiM Solo 2 DL is the oldest of the bunch, but that’s by no means a knock against it. This capable device has a lot going for it.

First and foremost is setting it up: it’s so easy to turn the DL on and begin recording once you’re underway on your warm-up lap. Like the Catalyst and APEX Pro, it utilizes GPS to figure out where you’re at and suggest which track you’d like to select from its massive database, which saves precious seconds while prepping to head out on track.

Also like the other two, its GPS is quite accurate: In my experience, all three record lap times that are within a hundredth of a second of any track’s conventional transponder-based timing system.

But where AiM’s product beats the others is its crystal-clear backlit screen: I consider it the easiest to quickly look at and understand, especially on very sunny days and other harsh lighting conditions. Not only that, but it also has a very clear delta timer. However, like the Catalyst’s, this feature can be hazardous at times, as it often motivates folks to really push braking zones and hang out on the ragged edge of the grip.

Image credit: Peter Nelson

Like the APEX Pro below (which I’ll get to shortly), the Solo 2 DL has a system of lights, but here you can program them to mean different things. For instance, the DL part of its name means data logger, specifically its ability to pull data from the OBD2 port and log it with the data it produces itself (G readings, location on track, etc.) You can program the lights to serve as a shift light, meaning it’s pulling this data from the ECU in real time—though, this requires some work with a PC and its desktop application to set up. They can also be programmed to convey predictive lap timing, though this function I’m not as familiar with.

Mounting up the Solo 2 DL is easy with a suction cup mount or a more permanent solution, though, like the Catalyst, there are some wires to run for OBD2 data integration. You can also choose to wire its power into a 12v circuit somewhere with the right wiring option. This is so you never have to worry about recharging, which is convenient for purpose-built track steeds.

Between the Catalyst, APEX Pro, and Solo 2 DL, only the latter two are able to pull and integrate vehicle OBD2 data. This means that folks who like to dig deep into this kind of stuff are better off with one of the two. 

And speaking of digging into data, AiM’s software makes for a very, very thorough experience. You can review sessions on your phone, but its full potential is best enjoyed with the brand’s desktop application. Seriously, you can spend hours and hours examining everything it produces.

For diving a little deeper into data: APEX Pro Gen II Lap Time Optimizer

Image credit: Apex Pro

What’s hot?

  • No wires means easy portability and setup
  • Convenient app-based program makes post-session review a snap
  • Much less expensive than other systems
  • Good battery life

What’s not?

  • Has a learning curve (though it isn’t steep)
  • Additions cost extra
  • Some folks might not like the system of lights

Where the Garmin Catalyst has a bunch of wires to run and a camera to set up, the Apex Pro Gen II is as easy as magnetically attaching a little box with lights to a glued-down post or suction cup mount. It’s also a good idea to keep your phone strapped down somehow, like with a quality Ram Mount.

No, really, it’s that simple, and a big part of the APEX Pro’s appeal. All you do is turn the unit on, open up your phone’s app and connect it, calibrate the unit’s position, and then hit “Drive.” It’s just a few taps and is as quick and easy to get used to as the Catalyst.

When the session’s done, you’ve got a list of laps on the APEX Pro app and a bunch of data. These include speed, track position, acceleration/deceleration G, and more, which help you see where you could improve, where you did well, and so on. It doesn’t make suggestions like the Catalyst, but the company has a lot of useful resources to help you figure out a good plan of attack for the next session. It also utilizes its GPS sensor to record your lap on a track map, which makes zeroing in on and analyzing certain sectors a cinch. Finally, having the ability to page through various graphs containing pertinent data points is very useful; once again, it takes a little bit of education to learn how to read these. My favorite is examining the lateral vs. longitudinal G scatter plot—it’s a simple x and y axis, so it’s easy to take a quick look to see how much of the lap you were on the edge of grip, and didn’t leave any G force on the table.

See that little thing on top of the dash? That’s it!

Instead of the APEX Pro giving you real-time verbal suggestions on track, it does so with a system of lights. These can indicate many things, from leaving speed on the table to being off the right line (especially in regards to your speed) and more. For example: All green lights: You’re golden. Almost all green lights: You’re doing well, but you’re leaving speed on the table. Once again, reading over the instructions is required.

Finally, you can export your data and analyze it even further in certain desktop applications, which is great for those who’d really like to get into the weeds with numbers and pinpoint where there’s time to shave.

One downside to the Apex Pro is it takes time to figure out its way of doing things. Though, once you’re there, you’ll have no problem quickly diving deep into analysis. Another is needing to purchase accessories or subscribe through your OS’ app store for more features. If you’d like to include OBD2 data (a super helpful data addition), you’ll have to buy the company’s dongle. If you’d like expanded features like recording via your phone’s camera, that’s an added subscription. Still, it’s a great overall system that’s quite comprehensive and easy to use, and quite a bit lower in price than the Garmin Catalyst.

Check out the lights in action!

Go forth and analyze

You can’t go wrong with any of the above digital lap timing units, it just comes down to your learning preference, what you want features-wise, and what your budget looks like. They’re all sturdily constructed, so you can toss ‘em around a bit like other track equipment. Though, I wouldn’t use any of them to chock your wheels in the paddock. Video is certainly a useful accompaniment, which the Catalyst does best as its camera is a default accessory to its function. The APEX Pro requires a subscription but does it well enough, and the AiM requires its expensive SmartyCam to put two and two together here.

I should point out that the Racelogic Performance Box Touch, Racelogic VBOX Sport, and RaceBox Performance Meter Box are also well-regarded options, but I don’t have any familiarity with them personally.

GRIDLIFE Laguna 2023
Image credit: Jeric Jaleco

Regardless of which option you go with, make sure you spend time reading through its instructions, do a little perusing through any applicable Facebook groups and/or forums, and ensure it’s set up properly before heading out on track. Then, head out there and enjoy setting and achieving all your lap time goals!

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best foldable e-bike feature photo
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What’s the best foldable e-bike for last-mile commuting?

That last-mile commute can be a pain for many, especially those who call the urban jungle home or those cursed to park in lots that’d shame a Mall of America. I know it. You know it. I’m sure millions more out there know it, too. Try having to park at a garage miles away from a store you want to visit or having to hike all the way across campus at the university just to make your dumb classes and not screw your attendance grade. Yeah. Well, thankfully, some smart minds graced us mildly lazy people with electric bicycles we can fold and stow in our cars! But with a market this saturated, it can be tough to pick the right one. So help us out and shoot us your picks for the best foldable e-bike on the market.

Once more, we want to give a shout-out to our friends, readers, and followers who helped us with our first community guide on racing sim wheels. Don’t forget to check that one out if you’re in need of one for your setup.

EVELO e bike
Image credit: EVELO

Think about it. You drive to where you need to go. Traverse all those freeway miles and whatnot. But your parking spot is far, or it’s July and a million freaking degrees outside. I’m all for fitness and getting your steps in, but sometimes, you just gotta say, “screw that.” Pop the trunk or hatchback, whip out your e-bike, and scoot along at a brisk pace that’d have paperboys of generations past envious. That’s the magic of an e-bike you can breakdown and simply toss in the back seat, little-to-no disassembly required and no shelling out extra dough for some trick bike rack.

If anyone reading has any bright ideas on their top pick or picks, drop us your suggestions in the comments section below! Just acknowledge the following requests:

  1. Give the full name of the product, including make and model, for easy search.
  2. Please list at least three pros for why you like it and two cons about your choice! Any pro or con is valid, from build quality to performance to pricing and value.
  3. Feel free to engage with fellow commenters on their choices, but be courteous and respectful! Constructive criticism or affirmations of the products can help with deciding buyers’ guide picks!

Sound good? Lovely. Have at it, and let us know what you got!

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Best Racing Sim Wheels feature photo
Buying GuidesDeals

Here are some great racing sim wheels to get your gaming setup rolling!

Hello, and welcome to our first community-curated buyer’s guide! This first one ain’t much, but it’s honest work. And we hope fellow consumers, enthusiasts, and gaming junkies can probably find something to love here. After all, you guys chose them. So thank you to our readers, social followers, and close friends who helped us piece this together with their insight. Now presenting (and in no particular order) our round-up of the best racing sim wheels according to you, the people!

Scroll on through, and happy shopping.

Moza R5 – for PC

Moza R5
Image credit: Moza, Amazon

What’s hot?

  • Sleek design with swappable quick-disconnect wheel akin to real race cars
  • Tough steel and aluminum construction vs commonplace plastic
  • Customizable and configurable buttons
  • Acclaimed direct drive and force feedback system

What’s not?

  • PC only
  • More expensive than Logitech offerings

Arguably the best thing on this list. And it’s not even the fanciest, schmanciest thing Moza sells. The R5 is touted as an excellent PC offering for those who fancy any sort of serious, tense racing, from iRacing to Forza Motorsport lobbies and even DiRT. The aluminum direct drive system and tunable force feedback of the R5 allow gamers to have as realistic and immersive an experience as possible without totally breaking the bank, although Moza’s systems aren’t that cheap, to begin with. But if you’ve got extra coin burning a hole in your pocket, we can’t argue with the most critically acclaimed item on this list. Shop around their store, and maybe you can find a quick-disconnect wheel in a cooler style you’d prefer.

Logitech G923 – for PC, Xbox, PlayStation

Logitech-G923
Image credit: Logitech, Amazon

What’s hot?

  • Choice of Playstation or Xbox configurations for this one model
  • Amazon bundles for manual shifters and headsets
  • Built-in launch control feature
  • Strong value

What’s not?

  • Logitech manual shifters feel very cheap and plasticky
  • Very few but notable quality control and performance hiccups

Not a bad value for what’s ultimately an “intermediate” racing sim wheel. The G923 sits as a slightly more feature-ladden iteration for the common and popular Logitech wheel lineup, featuring fun tidbits like shift lights, launch control, and Logitech’s TRUEFORCE feedback system that can adjust steering wheel based on in-game surface, cornering load, and weather changes. It’s a hot pick that’s seemingly often sold out on Amazon, given its enticing shifter and headset bundles and the fact it can be had in Playstation or Xbox configurations, although there have been mild QA concerns, according to Amazon shoppers.

Logitech G920 – for PC, Xbox

Logitech G920
Image credit: Logitech, Amazon

What’s hot?

  • Stellar price point
  • Logically-laid out buttons
  • Helical gears reduce vibration, backlash, and noise.
  • Dual-motor force feedback provides commendable steering feel

What’s not?

  • Awkward pedal spacing for big feet
  • Bargain bin price means fairly basic build quality and mounting

The G920 and its PlayStation-oriented G29 twin are Logitech’s bread-and-butter go-tos for budget pros and casual gamers alike. Its compact, plasticky construction, while it may look quite cheap at first, keeps costs down to a stellar price point and makes it easy to mount to nearly any setup. A dual-motor, helical-gear system reportedly provides surprisingly decent steering feel over a variety of in-game traction conditions and with minimal backlash or noise, making it my friends’ choice for many games, from Assetto Corsa and Forza Motorsports to Forza Horizon and BeamNG.drive. Just mind the tight pedal spacing if you’re a big fella’.

Logitech G29 – for PC, PlayStation

Logitech-G29
Image credit: Logitech, Amazon

What’s hot?

  • Great starting price
  • Logically-arranged buttons for PlayStation
  • Vivid contrast with red and blue accents
  • Same helical gears and dual-motor setup as G920

What’s not?

  • Same pedal spacing issues as G920
  • Same cheap feel for some parts of its construction

Gran Turismo fans, enter the G920’s PlayStation counterpart. Not much differentiates the two other than one being optimized for Xbox and the other for PlayStation. Both sport roughly the same features, roughly the same design, and just about the same price point, not accounting for any ongoing Amazon deals. Like the G920, it rocks an F1-like two-and-a-half turns from lock to lock, paddle shifters, and the ability to accept Logitech’s chintzy yet effective manual shifter add-on. Again, not the the fanciest thing on this list, but it’s an excellent do-it-all bargain. As one reader put it best, “A Logitech will suit your purposes just fine and provide a fun, engaging experience without being overwhelming.”

Thrustmaster TS-XW – for PC, Xbox

Thrustmaster TS-XW
Image credit: Thrustmaster, Amazon

What’s hot?

  • Superbly accurate steering rack with great feedback
  • Swappable wheels like some higher-end brands
  • Trick cooling system for belt drive for prolonged racing sessions
  • Compatible with all Thrustmaster add-ons, including gated shifters

What’s not?

  • Steep price tag encroaches on entry-level direct drive wheels
  • Optimized for Xbox and may need modification for PC

Careful, Icarus. Flying awfully close to the direct-drive sun, I see. But I guess it’s not a bad place to be when the wheel is this damn good, and it better be for that hefty price! A dual-belt system raises questions over why there is no gear or direct drive, but the community has spoken and frequently sings its praises for strong force feedback and top-notch steering feel. Like the Moza sim wheels, there’s also the ability to swap quick-disconnect wheels for designs of your choice, such as this bundle’s Sparco wheel. There’s also an appreciable degree of modularity akin to Logitech, allowing users to tack on Thrustmaster’s wide array of add-ons, like their drool-worthy gated shifter.

FAQS

Direct drive vs. belt drive vs. gear

It’s a matter of price point and quality. Belt drives can be made phenomenally, as Thrustmaster proved, but are generally low-cost servo motors that can dampen steering feel and accuracy. Gear drives are often more tactile and direct but costlier and open the door to possible vibrations and backlash. Direct drives typically offer the best feedback and accuracy but at the cost of, well, a literally higher cost. Some companies can do the cheaper stuff better than others, but direct drive systems often stand at the pinnacle of a brand’s lineup, serving as their flagships aimed at pro gamers and e-sports professionals.

Are all sim wheels compatible with every console or platform?

Sometimes. Some systems, like Logitech’s G923, have configurable variants compatible with PC and both major consoles. Others in Logitech’s lineup are made specifically for a console. And models like the Moza R5 are PC exclusives. Some wheels may crossover but may require slight modification to do so and aren’t guaranteed to have all their buttons and controls mesh perfectly with a platform’s system. When searching for a wheel, do yourself a favor and spend the extra minute to double-check and see if the wheel you want is truly compatible with your platform or if it can be modified to be so.

Can I use a sim wheel for more casual games like Forza Horizon or Need for Speed?

If my ambitious friends and certain nutcases on Instagram are anything to go off of, the answer is yes. You can use a sim wheel to play anything you want. I’ve seen people play Counterstrike on a sim wheel. You can do anything with whatever setup. Games like Forza Horizon even have settings in their menus to help you tailor your game to be more accommodating to sim wheels.

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Valentines day gifts for car nerds
Buying GuidesDeals

Shop quirky Valentine’s Day gifts for the car nerds in your life

It’s about time to start thinking about grabbing a special gift for the special person. If that person happens to be a car nerd or gearhead, fear not. We here at Acceleramota have covered you for Valentine’s Day with the best gifts for the automobile enthusiast. I always say the best gifts are useful ones you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself. Function and thoughtfulness were factors when we compiled this list.

1 — Innova 5610 OBD-II diagnostic tool

Image credit: Amazon

A diagnostic tool like this is a game changer, especially in the hands of a gearhead. Help your loved one keep their vehicle(s) in tip-top shape and aid them in getting solutions quickly with OBD2 and OEM data. They’ll know what to do with info for ABS, SRS, a transmission, and an engine. The Innova 5610 provides clear dealership-level re-learn procedures to complete repairs fast. Troubleshoot for foreign or domestic cars, trucks, SUVs, or hybrids as long as they were manufactured after 1996. It supports English, Spanish, and French and is a handy gift.

2 — Tires that aren’t bald

Image credit: Tirerack

Nothing screams romance like a set of new tires. Okay, maybe it’s not romantic, but keeping a loved one safe on new tires is very considerate. We are fans of Tire Rack here at Acceleramota, especially when it comes with road hazard protection for two years. They ship free directly to you or to one of their installers or one you have selected. Tire Rack has a wide variety of offerings for cars, trucks, SUVs, and both newer and older makes. But we recommend you check our best places to buy tires post, too, for a full scope before making a decision.

3 — 10mm socket (10-pack)

Image credit: Amazon

Having a set of sockets around is never a bad idea. There is nothing worse than losing a socket deep down under the hood. This will be even more painful if it’s the only one you have. This set can solve this very frustrating problem and is a kind gift. This is especially so if you’ve listened to your car nerd gripe about losing sockets or not having ones of the length they need. This particular set by Brazen has ten sockets: six 3/8″ drive, and four 1/4″ drive.

4 — Socket organizer

Image credit: Amazon

If you’re looking for a companion gift to that socket set, how about an organizer? This also works if you are just tired of clutter in the garage or your moto-babe is super messy. Help them literally clean up their station and get all those sockets in one place. Pick from a red or black tray to fit the right aesthetic for the garage. These trays are durable and can handle getting dirty with oil and grease.  Most brands’ standard socket sizes will fit, and one happy customer said, “It is almost therapeutic cleaning up a mess of sockets.”

5 — Toyota water pump gasket

Image credit: Amazon

Ignore how this looks. Did you stop laughing? Okay, welcome back.

This… is a water pump gasket and a very important part of your vehicle, er, in this case, a Toyota truck. This is a best-seller, and a buyer rated it five stars and said, “Better than the one that came with the water pump I bought from another supplier.” Of all the items on this list, this one is kind of romantic. This specific model of Toyota water pump gasket, found on Tacomas, 4Runners, and T100s for many years, has aroused (ha) many laughs on the internet for very obvious reasons, but surely you’ll be the one with the last laugh once that gasket job is complete.

6 — Owners’ Workshop Manuals

Image Credit: Amazon

I’m such a huge fan of these Owners’ Workshop Manuals. These make beautiful coffee table books and are great for motorsport fans. But even if they aren’t, these stand out and are very cool. There are a ton to choose from, so if they are motorsports fans, you can help them build an entire set. The Haynes Manuals are excellent options, too.

7 — LEGO Icons Porsche 911 10295 Building Set

Image Credit: Amazon

I love these LEGO sets as gifts, especially if you build them together. This is a great date night activity, and when you’re all done, your sweetie has an adorable decoration for an office or bookshelf. LEGO makes a few different versions, but I like this one because I’m a silly little Porsche fan. This set has 10,295 pieces, and you can build two different variations of the 911. It would look perfect on top of a Porsche 911-centric Owner’s Manual.

8 — Airmoto Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor

#image_title

Built with the highest quality materials, Airmoto is a portable tire inflator for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and bicycles. Quickly inflate your vehicle’s tires in just minutes with precision and accuracy up to 120 PSI. A compact car air pump that fits in your glove box or trunk is just so practical to have. This could be a huge relief on a very unfortunate day. It’s nice to be the hero sometimes.

9 — WeatherTech Trim to Fit Floor Mats – 4-Piece Set

Image Credit: Amazon

Another gift that someone might not necessarily purchase for themselves but is so useful are these floormates from WeatherTech. This is a trusted brand, so you know you are gifting quality. They are made from an advanced rubber-like thermoplastic compound and are easy to trim for an accurate custom fit. If your car lover is on the messier side or just has a lifestyle where things get dirty, this is an ideal present.

10 — Car Registration and Insurance Holder

Image Credit: Amazon

Did someone say disorganized? Get one of these registration/insurance holders for that loved one who never knows where anything is in their vehicle. Keep those very important documents safe and avoid the embarrassing situation of trying to locate them at the worst time.

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Collab Gift Guide feature photo
Buying GuidesFeatures

Here’s our gift guide for all your automotive holiday shopping

The season is well upon us, and the days are rapidly approaching when we must be ready to express our love and appreciation for those dear to us through reckless spending and consumerism! For some, depending on what you celebrate, those days may already be here. But thankfully, it isn’t too late to snag some last-minute gearhead cheer! Merry winter and happy holidays from the Acceleramota crew as we bring to you this collaborative gift guide for all things car-related, from services and subscriptions to toys, apparel, and more.

Thinking of snagging a gift for yourself? Or how about your gearhead friends? Or perhaps your spouse or partner could use something as simple as some car care products to stay busy on the weekends. We got you covered here. But remember, this is a mere sampling of what we’ve offered recently, so don’t forget to check out more cool products from our prior guides linked below! 

Also see: 

Nathan: Detailing & car care

Chemical Guys Black & Dark Car Care Kit

Chemical Guys Black & Dark car care
Image credit: Amazon

Black cars are brilliant on the showroom floor. That matte black Cybertruck looks great until a few trips to the car wash, after which you’re left with a swirly mess. This black car care kit is designed to restore that glossy paint finish. Use the high gloss car wash soap to pull abrasive dirt from the paint surface and more abrasive soap to clean the undercarriage and wheels.

What makes this kit unique is the black light and butter-wet wax. These creams give your black that extra shine, ensuring that it looks just as smooth as the day you bought it.

Leather Honey leather conditioner

Leather Honey conditioner
Image credit: Amazon

Ever wanted to buy a used car with leather seats? The seat bolsters are always cracked! The most underrated car care item is a leather conditioner. This formula from the leather experts, Leather Honey, will ensure that your oversized pickup truck’s leather seats are smooth for years to come.

We could go on about how it’s made in America, restores all types of leather or that the company has been around since 1968, but that’s rather boring. The real kicker is that if you’re not 100%, you can just return the bottle for a full refund!

Griot’s Garage Master Car Care Kit

Griot's Garage car care kit
Image credit: Amazon

If you want an all-you-can-clean kit, Griot’s Garage has you covered. From applicators, pads, and brushes to leather spray, wheel cleaner, and wax, you can get down to business with this kit. We picked this one based on the sheer number of products you get for $299.

The “Pure Freakin’ Magic” or PFM® microfiber is one of the reasons you never go cheap when buying car care products. These looped-weave microfiber cloths are truly the best out there.

Chemical Guys HOL148VB 16-piece Arsenal Builder Car Wash Kit

Chemical Guys car care kit
Image credit: Amazon

This kit has every other kit beat on pure value. For $129 (probably less with ongoing deals), you get everything you need to keep your car in tip-top shape. This kit contains your usual car cleaning products and comes with a convenient dirt trap and bucket to prevent cross-contamination. You also get a foam blaster, which can help prevent those nasty swirls and scratches when applying car wash soap.

Still, there is always somebody doing a better job with more expensive products. But this kit will get you the clean and shine you need. With that, you also get helpful instruction videos. So it’s a no-brainer to go with this kit if you’re on a budget.

Jeric: Enthusiast apparel

Heel & Toe Apparel

Heel & Toe shirt
Image credit: Heel & Toe Apparel

Huzzah! For my first pick, I present a brand near and dear to my closet, one whose shirts have stood the test of time in my possession for years. Heel & Toe Apparel joins the collective of car enthusiast-centric apparel, creating subtle yet tasteful designs for any and all niches. While primarily Euro-centric, they have neutral designs that’d work with just about any ride, with nearly all designs themed after manual gearboxes. Surprise, surprise, given the name.

I’ve personally had one of their apex t-shirts in my collection, where the material has never shrunk, faded, or torn over the years. The black remains a deep black while the white remains vivid, and I promise you it’s not because I take good care of my laundry. Complaints? Just a little pricey, with simple t-shirts currently ringing in at $32, but I can’t fault the universal appeal of their prints and the quality of their materials. And if you want more, they also have hoodies, hats, and stocks. Real stocking stuffers. 

Simply Carbon Fiber accessories

Simply Carbon Apollo watch
Image credit: Simply Carbon Fiber

A peculiar pick from our recent car enthusiast-centric merch guide, Simply Carbon Fiber is a niche, relatively inexpensive lifestyle brand pitching carbon fiber jewelry and accessories in a variety of shapes and sizes. From sunglasses to money clips, wallets, and even watches, they got it! And I get it. Swathes of carbon can be tacky to some. But there are a few understated designs that should better appeal to those who simply like a more modern look, such as their Astro Series watches with the chopped carbon dial or the Alpha Series with the carbon weave dial and leather strap.

Customer reviews across the internet seem to be quite pleased with the company, citing genuinely good quality and some noting themselves as returning customers. However, a few hiccups regarding the fitment of some of their phone cases have been made known, but they’re few and far between. 

Piloti driving shoes

Piloti driving shoes
Image credit: Amazon

Long touted online as a premium driving shoe that can do more than just live in the footwell of your car, Piloti driving shoes exude loads of style and pizzazz. No longer do you have to feel like a tool rocking those oddly shaped and peculiar driving shoes that look like you stole them from an IMSA paddock (unless that’s your style, then be my guest). Piloti shoes come in a wide array of styles, including slip-on loafers, high-top sneakers, and skate shoe-esque sneakers. No matter your choice, each shoe is styled to match a certain lifestyle or aesthetic to ensure you look like the distinguished driving enthusiast you are on or off the track. 

Expectedly for a company that’s been playing this game since 1999, reviews are almost universally positive. Consumers laud the appreciable blend of comfort and usability while still allowing for that enhanced pedal feel that driving shoes should be capable of. Minimal fatigue, plenty of cushion, but still good pedal feedback when behind the wheel. Friend and colleague, Peter Nelson, even commended the Piloti Shift for its construction beneath its otherwise understated appearance.

Sheilah: Toys

Lewis Hamilton F1 Remote Control Car

Hamilton Mercedes F1 RC car
Image credit: Amazon

This wouldn’t be a Sheilah entry if I didn’t include Lewis Hamilton. This remote-controlled version of his #44 Mercedes-AMG F1 car is an excellent pick for any lover of Hammertime. I love that the controller mimics that of an actual F1 car, albeit much less complicated. The sponsor stickers come separately for you to place them wherever you like. If you’re particularly crafty, you could make your own too. Just remember to add AA batteries (seven, to be exact) to your order, you’ll need seven total for both the car and controller. This is a solid big boy also, at 19 inches long and weighing almost three pounds.

Aoshima Initial D Series Takahashi Ryosuke – Model Building Kit

Initial D Ryosuke RX-7 model car kit
Image credit: Amazon

I’m deep in a rewatch of Initial D at the moment, so this felt right. If you’ve ever wanted to build a model car but are intimidated, Aoshima’s sets are for you. They couldn’t be easier, as seen in this unboxing video. They take all the stress and time-consuming nature of model building away. These kits are strangely relaxing, and I’ve got a few of them. Aoshima has a ton of models to pick from, so if you find you love one you can create a whole series to show off. The instructions are in Japanese, but much like Ikea, they are idiot-proof with pictures. I’ve never run into an issue getting a car put together, so I don’t think you will either. I recommend getting a basic tool set like this one linked here to help assemble such tiny parts.

Gabe: Services & gift cards:

Virgin Experience Gifts

Virgin Experiences x Exotics Racing
Image credit: Virgin Experiences, Exotics Racing

Let’s face it, most people will never have the chance to own and drive an exotic supercar, let alone on a track. Fortunately, Virgin (the phone carrier slash airline, not the average Redditor) also has a website for booking supercar driving experiences on real circuits, many of which include in-depth performance driving lessons from professional instructors. It’s among the handful of car-related adventures Virgin will help travelers experience, among race car ride-alongs at oval tracks across the country, if that’s your thing.

If you know someone who’s been dreaming of driving a Ferrari 488, a Lamborghini Huracan, or a Porsche 911, you can’t go wrong with an unforgettable driving experience from Virgin Experience Gifts. Believe me, my dad and I did something like this at Lime Rock Park in a brand new McLaren GT, and it was one of the highlights of my 2023. 

FINN car subscription services

FINN car subscription service
Image credit: FINN

Sure, maybe it’s a stretch to recommend buying someone a car for Christmas. But what if you subscribed to one? That’s the idea behind FINN, a German car subscription service offering a new kind of business model for acquiring and maintaining a car. While even the best lease deals and financing offers come with hidden costs and long-term maintenance expenses, subscription services like FINN are all-inclusive. 

Along with the car itself, routine maintenance and insurance are covered by the monthly cost, so you don’t have to deal with the headache of all the administrative work that typically comes with buying or leasing a car. Besides, for most people, the days of gifting someone a car for Christmas are numbered. In 2023, the average price of a new car exceeded $48K, according to Kelley Blue Book. That’s absurd, considering most cars depreciate by a whopping 20% in their first year. At least with a FINN subscription, you can upgrade your car once or twice a year just like you would an iPhone – no down payment required.

Apart from the initial sticker shock, one major downside to FINN is the limited selection of vehicles. Every time I check the site, fewer and fewer cars are available. Not only that, but it seems the makes and models are in constant rotation. The first time I perused its inventory, I recall FINN had a handful of BMW SUVs and a Tesla Model 3 – now it doesn’t offer any fully electric vehicles, and all but two models are unavailable at the time of this writing. Still, if you can get your hands on something your loved one will enjoy, you can always spend a fraction of the price of a new car on a 6-month subscription.

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TikTok Accessories gift guide cover
Buying GuidesDeals

Here are 10 awesome TikTok car accessories for all your hyper-niche holiday needs

In just a few short years, TikTok solidified itself as not only an app for entertainment but more for information, especially in the commerce space. Watching creators share real and honest reviews on products has made several of these items go viral, and rightfully so. Getting to see a product be truly used has helped catapult small businesses and made life easier in several different categories. Here are a few of the best car accessories from viral TikToks, as sold on Amazon. Many are certainly odd yet lovable little doohickeys that only fellow internet weirdos may like, but some are sure to be fan favorites for you, too. So have a little fun this holiday season and happy shopping!

1) Portable Car Screen with 4k Dashcam

Amazon CarPlay/Android Auto screen
Image credit: Amazon

Dashcams have been a brilliant accessory for cars for a while now, and not just as a safety measure. If you have an older vehicle that isn’t equipped with the latest screens for navigation and entertainment, this is an easy-install alternative. These are a great asset for commuters or for those who do a lot of travel. Being able to record an unfortunate situation can help with accidents for you and for others. Easy access to maps, phone calls, music, podcasts, and more can improve the nightmare of driving in traffic or long distances. Also, we are certain law enforcement will appreciate you keeping your hands on the wheel and not any and all devices.

2) Mini USB Car Humidifier

Amazon car humidifier
Image credit: Amazon

A car humidifier might not be something you immediately think you need, but as someone who does a lot of road trips, it can be a necessity. Older vehicles with not-spectacular AC can be a menace to your lips and skin. Dry air blasting in your face and eyes for hours is a different kind of hell. This mini humidifier can run for up to nine hours in one mode or almost five hours in the other. It is UBS-powered and is whisper quiet if you’re a driver who likes the serene solitude of the open road sans noises. It shuts off automatically, fits securely in cup holders, and is a great companion for the winter months.

3) Smart Kup Car Cup Holder

Amazon Smart Cup
Image credit: Amazon

We live in a time of multiple water bottle preferences, and not all cup holders are created equal. This Smart Kup holder is not only a favorite of TikTok but Amazon as well. While this rose in popularity as everyone and their mother bought a Stanley, it fits plenty of other brands snuggly. Yeti, Hydro Flask, and Nalgene all work with this. What kind of blows my mind is just a regular coffee mug can even be tightly in one of these. I’m not that wily, but who am I to judge? I love my Amazon Basics water bottle, FYI.

Just don’t spill if you like to raw dog your open coffee mugs with java fresh from Hell’s pits.

4) Kei Project JDM Tsurikawa Ring

Amazon Tsurikawa handle/charm
Image credit: Amazon

Function and style. These Tsurikawa Rings are a definite statement piece and come in a ton of different colors and even shapes. These can absolutely just be decorations, from bumpers and mirrors. But if you’re someone who needs a little help getting into a vehicle that’s higher up, these are so helpful for you and your passengers. for that extra boost.

Also, who doesn’t want a little dash of cutesy JDM charm?

(Editor’s note! If the intent is to use this as a drift charm, you mount it hanging just beneath your back bumper. If it’s broken, scuffed, or torn off altogether after a drift session, you are running at an appropriate ride height. Don’t be a dunce who just mounts it anywhere on the exterior and still calls it a “drift charm.” I’ll fight you personally. Love, Jeric.)

5) EcoNour 2-in-1 Car Steering Wheel Tray

Amazon Tsurikawa handle/charm
Image credit: Amazon

We would never condone using one of these while driving; I’m not entirely certain how you could, but just don’t. However, if you do travel a lot and pitstop for meals or to check in with work, these trays are handy to have. Slipping easily onto the steering wheel makes meals less messy and more enjoyable. Car lunches don’t have to be a struggle when you’re already exhausted from driving. Slim, lightweight, and sturdy.

6) Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler

Amazon Drop Stop
Image credit: Amazon

Of all the products I’ve seen on TikTok, this one is top-tier, and it was even a Shark Tank selection. How many times have you had your keys, phone, or wallet fall between the cracks of the seat, door, or console? We are going to guess a lot. The Drop Stop slides right in and becomes the perfect gap filler, so you never have to dig for important wares again. You get two in a pack, and we guarantee your passengers will appreciate this as well.

7) Govee Car LED Smart Interior Lights

Amazon interior lighting kit
Image credit: Amazon

Aesthetic goes a long way, and if you want to be extra, grab these Govee LED Smart Lights. Govee is a great and reliable brand, so you know these car lights are going to be just as ace (like the Type-S underglow kit from our gearhead-specific gift guide, cough, cough). Over 74,000 happy customers can’t be wrong. Easy to install, almost anyone could figure out how to stick them up and connect via a car charger. Control the colors and patterns seamlessly from the Govee app. Pick a vibe that fits your tastes or even use these to set the mood on a romantic outing.

8) Panoramic Rearview Car Wide Angle Mirror

Amazon panoramic rearview mirror
Image credit: Amazon

If you’re someone who prefers a larger viewing range while driving the Panoramic Rearview Wide Angel Mirror is for you. Just snap this onto your current rearview mirror and expand your horizons, literally. The specific shape is designed to reduce blind spots and lessen distortion. It’s never a bad idea to add extra safety precautions. This smart accessory is compatible with most vehicles and is made with high-quality shatterproof glass.

9) Ceeniu Smart Car Air Freshener

Amazon car air freshener
Image credit: Amazon

Just because you can’t always have a “new car smell” doesn’t mean your vehicle should lack a calming scent. This little whiff dispenser comes battery-powered and can run up to 40 days. Cover up must, wet dog, baby diaper odors, and anything else that can happen while on the road. There are three different intensities to pick from for the days you need a little extra funk control. Grab one of the 17 refill scents when you run out too. Switch it up based on season or stay true to your vibe with something light and inviting to make any trip more enjoyable.

10) ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon car vacuum
Image credit: Amazon

Kids, pets, and significant others can all be messy on long and short trips. Accidents happen, so it’s best to be prepared for them. A portable car vacuum is a spectacular item to keep your four-wheeled dream pristine. Snap up crumbs, fur, dirt, and anything in between. With a 16-foot chord that plugs into the lighter, there’s plenty of slack to clean a long truck or even a van. Three different attachments give you options for appropriate picker-uppers. Don’t pay an arm and a leg for expert detailer again, now you can do it yourself with this 4-star rated wonder.

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Acceleramota Car Enthusiast Holiday Gift Guide Feature Photo
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These are the best gifts for the car enthusiast in your life

It’s that time of the year for merriness, camaraderie, and caving into the materialistic desires of a highly capitalistic culture! It’s the holiday season, and now is the time to snag some hot gifts for the car enthusiast in your life while the egg nog is fresh and Mariah Carey is still thawing from her stasis.

Are you considering surprising your gearhead (or yourself) with some trick new car parts? How about some unique and fashionable apparel? Or how about bits and bobs to make their average commute a little more forgiving? Because God forbid, they dare take their battered project car to work. Everything and more, tailored specifically for the geekier of hobbyists, can be found in our lovely little holiday gift guide at your disposal. 

Car parts

MBRP exhausts

MBRP Exhausts
Image credit: MBRP

MBRP is a budget-friendly exhaust manufacturer that makes just about any exhaust for nearly any vehicle, on or off-road. How can I be so sure of their worth? Because I rock them. My friends rock them. My old gig at an aftermarket retailer rocked them on shop cars. And they’re a strong value proposition, undercutting some rivals by hundreds of dollars. Although some consumers and a few friends reported some tinny raspiness on the most aggressive exhausts, the muffled systems my colleagues and I use are fairly civil and drone-free, with enough bark to remind us we have something special. Most retailers will sell some lineup of MBRP systems, including domestic-centric American Muscle or import-centric Speed Industry, for example. However, we’ve linked their site above to let you pinpoint exactly what car you’re looking for.

Powerstop brakes

Powerstop Brakes
Image credit: Amazon

Once again, harping on budget-friendly yet highly effective options, we have Powerstop brakes, the perfect upgrade for your street or canyon car that you can buy on Amazon, believe it or not. Among their hottest sellers and brakes I personally stand by as a fantastic budget performance option is their Extreme Z26 pad lineup, which includes carbon and ceramic in its composition to provide long-lasting performance that’s never let me down in spirited canyon runs. Those looking for even more capability under harsher driving conditions can opt for their Track Day pads, but note that they’re quite aggressive, as track pads often are, and will decimate any rotors that aren’t up to snuff with such performance levels.

Type-S lighting kits

Type S Lighting Kit
Image credit: Type S Auto

Just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean you still can’t rock that Spooky Shreds aesthetic. A longtime sponsor of Formula D and a big player in reviving interest in underglow, you can grab a set online or at nearly any Autozone. The Formula DRIFT full car kit linked above comes complete with light strips for all sides, plus app connectivity for setting your mood lighting on the fly. Customers frequently commend the sheer brightness and numerous lighting modes at a fairly decent value, but some concerns have been raised over hardware quality and waterproofing. And their universal application may require modification for installation on some cars. But, I mean, come on. Does this not look awesome, or what? Get a little goofy and have some fun with something like this. 

Car enthusiast accessories

GT//Rotors 4-keychain set

GT Keychain Set
Image credit: Amazon

Behold, the cheapest thing on this guide by a sizable margin and one you can hand out to all your car buddies. This keychain set includes a gunmetal wheel, a brake caliper with an actual spinning rotor that tragically has no ventilation for Stuart Little’s upcoming GP race, an adjustable wrench, and one of those trendy turbo whistle keychains. Yes, it reportedly functions as advertised. You blow into it, the impeller spins and generates what a few reviewers described as an obnoxious, high-pitched whine. Did anyone expect anything different? Come on, now. Enjoy this cheap and cheerful gift idea, but be wary of products reportedly getting damaged or missing during shipping or transit.  

BRIDE JDM bi-fold wallet

BRIDE Wallet
Imade credit: Amazon

Here’s another affordable option and one for the JDM merch fans! I actually own this BRIDE wallet after purchasing it weeks ago at GRIDLIFE Laguna, and it proved to be a surprisingly robust and accommodating successor to my janky, old leather wallet, with plenty of space for cards and IDs while still having leftover pockets. And while it’s no Ridge wallet, it’s slim enough to be far less intrusive in my pants pockets than any wallet I’ve had. Any fan of the brand or JDM car culture will be quite pleased with this offering for the $15 or so that it costs. Just know that while it’s not as thick, it is “taller.” It’s better for concealing cards and cash with nothing sticking out, but smaller pants pockets may find it hard to get along with.

Samsonite lumbar support pillow

Samsonite pillow
Image credit: Amazon

Don’t look at me like I’m some geriatric weenie. This is as handy to office drones and 9-to-5 commuters as it is to those who took “fuck it, we ball” to heart when purchasing those racing buckets. Fill the void in your project car’s lackluster comfort with this portable lumbar pillow by Samsonite. The memory foam and mesh construction make it light, plush, and breathable, while the wrap-around strap enables its use in nearly any seat, whether in-office or in-car. It can also be paired with various Samsonite comfort accessories like neck pillows or bottom cushions. Perfect for when the regret of snagging those eBay bucket seats finally hits.

Car enthusiast apparel

Simply Carbon Fiber fashion accessories

Simply Carbon Fiber Watch
Image credit: Simply Carbon Fiber

If you’re the type of person to check every carbon option box on the BMW or Porsche configurator, this is the brand for you. Cave into your addiction with Simply Carbon Fiber lifestyle and fashion accessories, ranging from a broad selection of – you guessed it – carbon goods, from wallets and sunglasses to watches. Yes, watches. And they actually look quite nice for a great price, with three different styles ranging from 40mm to 42mm dials. And while we have them listed here under apparel for their impressive selection of tastefully styled goods, they also provide plenty of other goods that’d be right at home under accessories like car phone mounts, phone cases, and chargers. 

Blipshift t-shirts

Blipshift shirts
Image credit: Blipshift

Here’s a kickass offering that’s been slinging apparel for car enthusiasts of all calibers for many years. Blipshift is a collection of various art submissions brought to life through your choice of shirts, sweaters, and more. And when I say car enthusiasts of all calibers, I mean it. This is a brand for all, regardless of your taste or age. It’s not brand-centric or JDM-centric or domestic-centric. It’s just gearhead stuff for nearly any gearhead. Want a cutesy Miata shirt? Or one with old F1 cars? Or how about a Ram pickup, if that’s your jam? If it’s on Blipshift’s calendar of constantly-circulating designs, then there you go. Their print quality is fairly robust and long-lasting, as my BMW M shirt from Blipshift has lasted roughly 11 years with minimal wear and tear. 

Hoonigan t-shirts

Hoonigan censor bar shirt
Image credit: Amazon

Can’t talk car merch without the OGs, whose name is now as synonymous with gear and apparel as it is with their racing team. Nothing too extravagant. Nothing too outlandish. Just plain, simple shirt designs like this censor bar logo listed on Amazon. Of the various bits of merch I’ve acquired from many different brands, these are among the handful that actually fit true to size with no second-guessing on whether a medium may run smaller or larger than anticipated. One complaint I do have is that their colored logos on other shirts may fade easier in the washer than similar shirts from different brands, but that could just be solved with extra care and attention come laundry day.

Tuned In Tokyo t-shirts

Tuned In Tokyo Shirt
Image credit: Tuned In Tokyo

Tuned In Tokyo seems to have stormed onto the car scene with great success, constantly rolling out new designs and becoming increasingly common at auto shows and car meets. For those who love far more elaborate designs, especially those heavily influenced by JDM car culture and Asian-American streetwear, there’s plenty to like about this brand. Just take their reportedly top-notch shirts and prints with a big fat asterisk, as many customers in prior years have reported delays in shipping with minimal updates on when items will be shipped or restocked if backordered. The items have been well-received for quality and aesthetic appeal but are offset by the company’s shaky customer service. However, if you’re willing to play the gamble, know it’d be far-fetching to find other apparel like this elsewhere.

Donut Media t-shirts

Donut Media shirt
Image credit: Donut Media

In tandem with Hoonigan, Donut Media is now a top-shelf competitor for car merch, catering to dedicated fans of the media brand with self-referencing shirt designs and project car tributes. Suppose you ever wanted shirts and other apparel with catchphrases from that loud dude who taught us about our favorite childhood icons in 10-to-15-minute bursts. In that case, this is your move. An interesting observation with Donut apparel is that my colored Boost Creeps shirt appears to have faded significantly less than my Hoonigan censor bar shirt, so props to whatever materials go in every product. I will say that with Donut merch being self-referential, appeal to non-fans may be limited aside from a few car-specific items, like this EJ boxer engine shirt.

Car enthusiast gaming

Logitech G923 racing wheel and pedals

Logitech G923
Image credit: Amazon

The Logitech G923 frequently finds itself on numerous buying guides and “best items” lists for a good reason, likely the same reasons it’s now mentioned here. It’s a damn fine sim wheel setup at a reasonable price, enabling you to get a jump on an eSports career without totally breaking the bank. It’s not specific to a console, enabling its use for both Xbox and Playstation and can be purchased by itself or paired with a manual shifter for added involvement beyond the standard paddle shifters. Other neat tidbits include leather upholstery and metal pedals, a gear-type steering system with force feedback, and programmable launch control. At roughly $350, it’s frequently praised for its strong value, featureful standard equipment list, and robust build quality, even for an alleged “beginner’s” sim wheel setup. 

Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition sim racing cockpit

Playseat Logitech Edition
Image credit: Amazon

This Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition aims to deliver a proper experience compared to the simpler, cookie-cutter designs. Yes, it sits at a fairly lofty price point when the more generic setups can ring in at less than half the price. But I’d argue the Playseat Trophy proves its worth through its side bolstering, contoured seat shape, and angled seat bottom, which would better convey the sensation of an actual racing bucket. The adjustable pedal plate allows you to place your legs and feet right where you want them, while its slim profile and small size make it easier to store. Customers acclaim this product for its sturdy build and little-to-no perceivable shake or play, although a few have wished for quicker adjustment methods instead of the standard screw-type adjustments. Users over six feet tall may also find themselves pushing the limits of a comfortable driving position. 

Car enthusiast literature

Go Like Hell by A.J. Baime

Go Like Hell w AJ Baime
Image credit: Amazon

You’ve probably heard this title tossed around since Ford V. Ferrari dropped in theaters a few years ago. Well, here’s the book that inspired it, based on the same true story of Carroll and Ken versus the world. As expected for having influenced the movie, Go Like Hell has been acclaimed for taking what can easily appear to be an all-business affair between automakers and telling its tale in a way that truly highlights the heroes and villains, bringing to light the motivations, trials, and tribulations behind those involved in one of automotive history’s most iconic legends. 

How To Build A Car by Adrian Newey

How To Build A Car w Adrian Newey
Image credit: Amazon

A star highlight from Sheilah’s guide to Formula 1 literature, How To Build A Car is a worthwhile read that has seen its fair share of public exposure and discussion. While it does delve into the individuals involved, like Go Like Hell, this book focuses more on the technical know-how that goes into building one of the fastest, most fiercely competitive race cars on the planet. Spoiler alert: it’s not easy. The behind-the-scenes tech dives are often noted as a little hard to digest for those who aren’t as mechanically inclined, but it still makes for a riveting book. And do yourself a favor and buy the physical hardcover copy. It’d look fan-freaking-tastic on your coffee table or desk. 

Road & Track Crew’s Big & Fast Cars by Dan Bova, R&T editorial team

Road & Track book
Image credit: Amazon

So. Uh. They say this is for kids. But you bet your ass I want a copy for myself. In keeping with Road & Track’s transition into a glitzier lifestyle magazine in recent years comes some gearhead geekery that the youngins can clamor over. Keep them occupied this winter with over 700 facts and countless photos of the latest and greatest cars, teaching them various facts from how cars have four wheels to what horsepower and engine configurations mean (yes, I’m serious). And it all comes slapped together in a chic manner evocative of the magazine it hails from. Heck, you might even want to borrow it when your kids aren’t looking.

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