Watch a Lamborghini Get Smoked While the Owner Tries to Cook a Kebab

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Believe it or not, it is possible to cook food in your car’s engine bay, in fact, you can even tackle cooking a Thanksgiving dinner using this method. By choosing that route, the food will cook using the waste heat from the engine, which obviously takes a good amount of time. However, one Lamborghini Aventador owner in China recently figured out a much faster way to cook food with a car, although, it wasn’t as successful.

The Lamborghini Aventador crackles and pops to perfection

2020 Lamborghini Aventador | Lamborghini

The Lamborghini Aventador is a 700-plus horsepower exotic car that’s known for its superior performance. According to Car and Driver’s testing, the Aventador is capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds and can even reach a top speed of 217 mph. But we bet you didn’t know that it can also cook a kebab.

At least that’s what one Aventador owner thought when he tried to take advantage of the car’s crackle tune. A “crackle tune” is when the car is tuned to dumps raw fuel into the exhaust where it combusts and shoots flames, reports The Drive. Knowing this, the owner decided to use those flames to cook a kebab as onlookers watched. Surprisingly, it worked. At least for a moment.

The Aventador was well-done

The Lamborghini owner watches as his car goes up in smoke
The Lamborghini owner watches as his car goes up in smoke | YouTube

Right when the owner figured his kebab was well-done, the Aventador’s engine bay starts to go up in smoke. Fortunately, the car was turned off in time just as red coolant started to leak out of the engine bay. It looked like something out of an automotive horror movie.   

According to Jalopnik, the leaking coolant was most likely caused by a burst coolant hose or fitting possibly due to revving a cold engine really hard. When the engine is still cold, and the thermostat hasn’t had a chance to open completely, then bad things (like a coolant leak) can happen. The Drive noted that there most likely wasn’t any serious damage done to the engine, however, the owner will need to refill the coolant and clean the engine bay afterward. That’s a pretty small price to pay for what could have been a far more expensive repair.

You can check out the full video below:

Is it a good idea to crackle cook food?

No. Just because there happen to be flames shooting out of a car’s exhaust, it doesn’t mean that it’s a good energy source in which to cook food. When a car crackles, pops and shoots flames, it’s also passing unburnt fuel through the exhaust system.

That unburnt fuel can easily make its way onto the food. Aside from the obvious gross taste of fuel, it’s not a good idea to put that into your body either, regardless if it’s the best kabob ever made. If anything, you’re better off sticking to street vendor carts or a trusty restaurant to cook your food. Otherwise, you might end up like the Aventador owner with his broken exotic car and a massively bruised ego.

The post Watch a Lamborghini Get Smoked While the Owner Tries to Cook a Kebab appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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The Most Reliable New SUVs Under $30,000 According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

An affordable new SUV sounds like a good purchase. But do you know what would make for an even better purchase? Buying an affordable SUV that’s also reliable. Fortunately, Consumer Reports recently listed off its picks for the most reliable new SUVs under $30,000. Let’s find out what they are. 

These Mazda models are the most reliable new SUVs under $30,000

2021 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

There’s no getting around it. Mazda makes some of the most reliable new SUVs under $30,000. Take, for example, the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Not only did Consumer Reports give this affordable new SUV an 83 overall score, but it also gave it a five out of five predicted reliability rating. Even better, this new SUV starts at $25,370 and comes standard with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and Mazda Connected Services.

And if the 2021 Mazda CX-5 isn’t quite your style? Consider the 2021 Mazda CX-30, which earned a 75 overall score, or the 2021 Mazda CX-3, which Consumer Reports gave a 73 overall score. Consumer Reports also gave both new SUVs a five out of five predicted reliability rating. And when it comes to price? While the Mazda CX-30 starts at $22,050, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 starts at $20,790.

The 2021 Kia Sportage is an incredibly reliable new SUV

A red 2021 Kia Sportage parked
2021 Kia Sportage | Kia

Now, Mazda isn’t the only brand offering some of the most reliable new SUVs under $30,000. As a matter of fact, the 2021 Kia Sportage also made the cut. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. According to Consumer Reports, the new Kia Sportage is an incredibly reliable new SUV. The organization even gave this year’s model a five out of five predicted reliability rating.

Consumer Reports isn’t the only one to have recognized the 2021 Kia Sportage as one of the most reliable new SUVs either. As it turns out, RepairPal gave this year’s model an Above Average reliability rating. RepairPal added that it has excellent ownership costs and both the severity and frequency of repairs are lower than other vehicles. 

The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a new subcompact SUV that puts reliability first

A blue 2021 Hyundai Kona driving, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is one of the most affordable new SUVs under $30,000
2021 Hyundai Kona | Hyundai

Consumer Reports also highlighted the 2021 Hyundai Kona as one of the most reliable new SUVs under $30,000. This year’s model starts at $20,950 and is available in several affordable trim levels, all of which cost less than $30,000. Even at its most expensive, the new Hyundai Kona will only have you spending about $28,250. 

But an affordable price tag isn’t the only reason to consider this SUV. In fact, Consumer Reports gave this year’s new Kona a 76 overall score, along with a five out of five predicted reliability rating. Such a high rating isn’t unusual for the Kona either. As it turns out, Consumer Reports has awarded every Hyundai Kona model with a five out of five reliability rating since Hyundai first introduced the subcompact SUV in 2018. 

The 2021 Honda HR-V is one of the most reliable new SUVs under $30,000

A silver 2021 Honda HR-V parked, one of the most reliable new SUVs under $30,000
2021 Honda HR-V | Honda

Lastly, let’s talk about the 2021 Honda HR-V. Consumer Reports gave this year’s new HR-V a 71 overall score. It also gave it a five out of five predicted reliability rating, make it one of the most reliable new SUVs on the road today. Of course, that’s not all this new SUV has going for it.

Much like other new SUVs on the list, the HR-V is an affordable SUV under $30,000. Base models start at $21,220, which makes for a pretty manageable price tag. Treat yourself to the range-topping EX-L instead, and you’ll still be spending under $30,000 on this new SUV.

Buying the best new SUV for your needs doesn’t have to break the bank

Buying a new SUV can be expensive. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be, especially if you’re in the market for a reliable new SUV under $30,000. Consider Consumer Reports’ picks, take them out for a test drive, and, chances are, you’ll find yourself behind the wheel of the best and most affordable new SUV for satisfying all of your daily driving needs.

RELATED: The Roomiest, Most Comfortable Compact SUVs According to Consumer Reports

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Is the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport a New X-Runner?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It might be outdated in some ways, but the Toyota 4Runner is still an excellent choice when it comes to off-roading. But when it comes time to drive on paved surfaces, some find the SUV a bit clumsy. Not to mention, not every 4Runner owner spends their weekends scrambling over rocks. That’s why, for 2022, Toyota is releasing a more on-road-focused version: the 4Runner TRD Sport.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport aims to give the off-road SUV some extra street cred

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport rear 3/4 | Toyota

Normally, the 4Runner TRD trims, whether Off-Road or Pro, are associated with, well, off-roading. However, as the Camry TRD demonstrates, Toyota’s performance division also knows how to make street cars look and handle sharper. And the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport brings that approach to the SUV segment.

Although the TRD Sport trim is new for the 2022 4Runner, this isn’t the first Toyota to receive it. The Tacoma pickup truck has offered a TRD Sport trim for some time, MotorTrend notes, and the 4Runner’s version is very similar.

While the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport is based on the base SR5 model, it borrows several features from the higher-up Limited trim, Car and Driver reports. The TRD Sport has the same 20” wheels, albeit in a different color, and is available with either RWD or part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. Though unlike the Limited, the TRD Sport has synthetic leather seats, rather than real leather ones.

But the biggest feature the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport receives from the Limited is the latter’s X-REAS suspension. This gives the SUV adaptive hydraulic dampers cross-linked with each other via a “center control absorber,” Autoblog explains. The rear-left wheel is linked to the front-right wheel, and the rear-right wheel to the front-left one, forming an X. This system distributes cornering forces and reduces rolling, Car and Driver explains.

The gray front seats and dashboard of a 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport
2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport front interior | Toyota

However, apart from the X-REAS system, the 4Runner TRD Sport doesn’t get any extra performance upgrades. Its 4.0-liter V6 still makes 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque and is still linked to a five-speed automatic. But the TRD Sport does get a TRD hood scoop, front spoiler, blacked-out roof rails, and some model-specific exterior and interior trim pieces, Roadshow reports. Plus, heated front seats and all the extra features the 2022 4Runner lineup receives.

How does the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport compare to the discontinued Toyota Tacoma X-Runner?

A blue 2005 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner goes around a corner of a desert racetrack
2005 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner | Toyota

RELATED: 2021 Toyota Tacoma: Is the TRD Off-Road Worth $5,000 Over the Base SR?

While the TRD Sport trim is new for the 4Runner, this isn’t the first time Toyota has tried to increase its off-road utilitarian vehicles’ on-road performance. Before there was a Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, there was the 2005-2013 Tacoma X-Runner.

Although the modern Tacoma TRD Sport is available with RWD or 4WD, Toyota only offered the Tacoma X-Runner in RWD form. Like the modern RWD truck, the X-Runner had a 4.0-liter V6 and a standard limited-slip differential. However, the Tacoma X-Runner ‘only’ had 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. But unlike the modern Toyota Tacoma, the X-Runner offered an optional TRD supercharger.

RELATED: Here Are 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Buy the TRD Lift Kit for the Toyota Tacoma

While the modern Tacoma offers an optional six-speed manual, the X-Runner came exclusively with it. And to improve the truck’s handling, the X-Runner rode 2” lower than the contemporary Tacoma. It also offered Bilstein shocks, upgraded springs, performance tires, a rear sway bar, and optional StopTech brakes. And, just like the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport, the Tacoma X-Runner had a body kit with a hood scoop.

In-period, the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner wasn’t quite as fast as competitors like the second-gen Ford F-150 SVT Lightning, Gear Patrol reports. But it was a genuine sports truck in terms of how it handled, Autoweek says. And purely in terms of features and mods, the 4Runner TRD Sport doesn’t quite measure up.

Will the SUV be worth considering?

RELATED: 2022 Toyota 4Runner Drops Two Trim Levels

So, on paper, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport isn’t the second coming of the X-Runner. MT even describes the former as “more of a looks package and not an actual sports package.”

However, it’s worth pointing out that RWD TRD Sports do come with LSDs. And compared to the more off-road-focused TRD models, the TRD Sport will likely handle better on paved surfaces. Plus, body-on-frame SUVs are often bought more for their utility and appearance than their handling prowess. So, in that regard, a 4Runner X-Runner doesn’t make much sense. And as such, the TRD Sport is exactly what it’s supposed to be.  

The hood and hood scoop of a dark-blue 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport parked on a city street
2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport hood | Toyota

RELATED: 2022 Toyota 4Runner Gets 1 Massive Improvement to Make Your Life More Comfortable

As of this writing, Toyota hasn’t revealed the 4Runner TRD Sport’s pricing details. But it will likely fall in-between the SR5 and the Limited, Car and Driver muses. For 2021, the SR5 starts at $36,765; the Limited starts at $45,670.

Is the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport a new X-Runner? It’s impossible to tell without driving it, but based on the specs, likely not. However, if you want a sportier-looking 4Runner that handles better around town, it’s still worth a look.

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U.S. News Lists the 2021 Tesla Model Y as the Most Expensive Cheap EV of 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric vehicles will grow cheaper as time passes, and we’re already beginning to see prices drop. Tesla, which used to charge extraordinarily high prices for its EVs, now offers a model that costs less than the original car it produced. The Model Y is the brand’s first SUV. 

U.S. News recognizes the competitive EV market is driving prices lower, so the publication compiled a list of the cheapest EVs you can buy this year. The Tesla Model Y appears in the roundup, but it’s the most expensive of the bunch.

How does the Tesla Model Y’s price compare with other models?

When electric vehicles began hitting the market, their prices were quite high. As new model years come out, the market becomes more competitive because there are now more electric cars, SUVs, and soon trucks on dealership lots for consumers to choose from. 

U.S. News lists 12 as the cheapest EVs this year. The least expensive is the Mini Cooper SE Hardtop, starting at $29,900. But if you choose the top-trim Iconic, expect to pay around $36,900.

Sitting in the middle of the list is the Hyundai Kona Electric. This subcompact SUV starts at $37,190. The Kona’s highest trim is the Ultimate, starting at $45,400. 

But the most expensive on the list of the cheapest EVs is the Tesla Model Y, starting at $50,990. However, that’s for the Long Range model. If you choose the more powerful Performance trim, you’ll pay around $60,990.

What the Tesla Model Y offers EV consumers

Tesla continues to produce futuristic-looking EVs with unique features that make driving them more fun. The 2021 Model Y is no exception. For $50,990, you get one of the best-performing crossovers on the market. You’ll also get one of the safest electric SUVs available, thanks to its front-end design, offering improved safety for front-row passengers.

The Model Y Performance can zip from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds. That’s quite a bit faster than many gas-powered rivals. Tesla’s Standard Long Range model is slightly slower at 4.8 seconds. But it offers a 326-mile range, while the Performance trim gets 303 miles on a full charge. 

One convenient feature is the 15-inch touchscreen, which controls just about everything in the vehicle. That includes navigation, music, and even some traditional features on other vehicles. Another interesting perk is the available third seat that upgrades the Tesla Model Y from a five-seater to a seven-seater. 

Is this electric SUV worth the MSRP?

Several factors come into play when deciding whether the Tesla Model Y is worth the price. One aspect is that the Model Y is almost identical to the Model 3. But the difference is that the former is an SUV, while the latter is a sedan. 

Also, the Model 3’s base trim offers a longer range. You can expect to travel about 353 miles before needing a charge in normal circumstances. The starting price is also lower, at $46,990 for the Model 3 Long Range, the least expensive Tesla to date. If you choose the Performance model, you’ll get an acceleration time of 3.1 seconds. That’s 0.4 seconds faster than the Model Y.

However, the larger Model Y offers more cabin space. Don’t expect much if you upgrade to the jump seat, though, because it doesn’t offer as much room as the second-row seats. But if you want performance, Tesla’s SUV won’t get you much for the price. On the other hand, if space is important, opt for the Model Y (without the third row, of course) over the Model 3. 

With all the EVs on the market nowadays, the Tesla Model Y stands out for its unique features. Though it’s one of the EV maker’s cheapest models, it’s by no means inexpensive, especially compared with other SUVs on the U.S. News list. 

RELATED: Which Tesla Model Costs the Most to Insure?

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