The 2021 Honda Accord Sport Is Actually … Sporty

by Gabrielle DeSantis

From its beginnings in 1976 as a two-door hatchback with a 68-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, the Honda Accord has transformed greatly over the years. The current generation arrived in 2018 with its spacious sedan body style and two engine options. The new Accord even has a Sport trim. But is it truly sporty?

Does the Honda Accord’s ‘Sport’ moniker mean anything?

Car and Driver points out that the word “sport” has long been overused to describe vehicles. Most people probably assume “sport” indicates sporty performance, like with the Audi Sport Quattro. It could also mean a smaller version, like with the Ford Bronco Sport and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. And sometimes, it doesn’t seem to indicate anything at all, as with the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid.

However, the 2021 Honda Accord Sport trim fits into the most common understanding of “sport.” It provides additional performance at a good price. That doesn’t make it a sports car, but it makes it one of the sportiest Accord models.

The proof is in the 2021 Honda Accord Sport’s performance

The 2021 Honda Accord comes in five trims: LX, Sport, Sport Special Edition, EX-L, and Touring. Along with the top-trim Touring, the Sport has access to the upgraded turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers can also select the base engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). But the Accord Sport doesn’t include the Touring’s luxury features, and it weighs in at 50 pounds less.

With its relatively light weight and more powerful engine, the Sport with the 2.0T engine can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 14 seconds at 101 mph. Power came easily during testing, and Car and Driver’s test driver didn’t have to fight with the car to get it up to speed. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts through the low gears quickly and easily. (In a change for 2021, a manual transmission is no longer available.)

This model is truly sporty

The 2021 Honda Accord Sport earns its sporty name by boasting more power than the standard version. But with either motor, the Accord offers a sportier ride than most midsize cars, U.S. News reports. It’s grounded on turns and has a firm but pleasant suspension.

The Accord Sport also has a Sport mode button, which Car and Driver says functions by “dropping the transmission down a couple gears and sharpening the engine’s throttle response.” Also, the Sport trim rides on 19-inch 235/40R-19 Michelin Primacy MXM4 all-season tires that give it a good amount of grip, especially when it’s turning to the left.

The Sport 2.0T boasts more horsepower than the front-wheel-drive Honda CR-V Touring while providing about the same passenger space. In addition to being sporty, the Accord has a lot to offer in general, with its roomy cabin, large trunk, and smooth ride. In fact, Car and Driver calls it “Honda’s everyday masterpiece.” The Accord Sport 2.0T starts at $32,110. With the smaller 1.5T engine, the Sport starts at $27,430.

Though the term “sport” can be confusing because it has more than one meaning, the 2021 Honda Accord Sport offers a more powerful engine in a car that’s comfortable to drive. It truly deserves the name “Sport.”

RELATED: The 2021 Honda Accord’s Driving Really Just Nails It Behind the Wheel

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These Large SUV Models Earned the Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy’ Badge

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The large SUV segment doesn’t have a long list of models. But that doesn’t mean the class doesn’t have a lot to offer. In fact, all of these large SUV models earned the Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy’ badge. 

2021 Ford Expedition | Ford Motor Company

While that doesn’t mean they are the only great large SUVs on the market, it does point shoppers in a good direction. For buyers with large SUV models on their radar, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition all earned Consumer Guide‘s badge of honor. Let’s take a look at how they took the title. 

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

reveal of the all-new Suburban and Tahoe on stage
2021 Chevrolet Suburban (left) and 2021 Tahoe (right) | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

The Chevy Suburban and Chevy Tahoe have long been staples when it comes to the family SUV. Each model boasts a spacious interior and a sturdy truck platform with body-on-frame construction. What’s the difference between the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the Suburban? 

Consumer Guide describes the differences between them as something similar to the difference between the Expedition and the Expedition Max. The 2021 Chevy Suburban is just a longer version of the Tahoe with an extended wheelbase. That means the Suburban is a bit more spacious than the Tahoe. That means the Suburban will be the better choice for those with more people or stuff to accommodate. 

The reason Chevrolet’s large SUV models earned the best buy badge is because they are better than ever coming fresh off a redesign for 2021. They are nicer, with updated features and new exterior styling. Both the Chevy Suburban and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe are worth checking out for buyers who want a large SUV. 

The 2021 GMC Yukon means GM SUV models dominate the ‘Best Buys’ list

a 2021 Yukon AT4 driving off road on scenic trails
2021 GMC Yukon AT4 | General Motors

To add to the GM SUV models on the list, Consumer Guide also gave the 2021 GMC Yukon the title. This model shares a platform with other GM SUV models. That means the Tahoe, Suburban, and Cadillac Escalade are all relatively the same underneath. 

In fact, the 2021 GMC Yukon offers all the same powertrain options as the Tahoe/Suburban SUV. These include a 5.4 liter V8 (355 hp), a 6.2 liter V8 (420 hp), and a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder diesel engine (277hp). Consumer Guide does mention that none of these powertrains are particularly fuel efficient. 

However, that’s not typically a concern for buyers that know they are going to end up in one of these massive people haulers. Consumer Guide also notes that the 2021 GMC Yukon also offers a longer model. The Yukon XL is on a larger wheelbase and offers more spacious accommodations. 

The 2021 Ford Expedition makes for an easy ‘Best Buy’ pick

Joining the large SUV with two wheelbase options club are the 2021 Ford Expedition and Expedition Max. Consumer Guide reports that the 2021 Ford Expedition stands out as a premium people mover. In fact, most critics agree that the 2021 Ford Expedition is one of the best large SUV models you can buy. 

“The Expedition offers a cavernous cabin, a strong powertrain, a long list of high-tech available comfort and safety features, and excellent road manners for a full-size SUV.”

One powertrain option is offered on all Expedition trim levels. Ford’s 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission is tuned a bit differently for various price points. The standard tuning gets 375 hp, seen on the XLT, King Ranch, and Limited models. A version tuned for 400 hp comes under the hood of the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum. 

Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy’ large SUV models

Shopping for a large SUV can be almost as much of a chore as parking one. However, ratings like these can help narrow down the options. Buyers looking for large SUV models should have the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, 2021 GMC Yukon, and 2021 Ford Expedition on their shortlist.

RELATED: The World’s Best-Selling Tractor Brand Isn’t John Deere

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What’s New With the Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The newest supercar in the lineup is the 2022 Lamborghini Huracán EVO2. Known as the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2, this new car will be racing in the Lamborghini championship series, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Race.

The Lamborghini Super Trofeo Race and the Lamborghini Huracán EVO2

The Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO during the Lamborghini Trofeo Series | David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Lamborghini Centro Stile was created in 2004 to design innovative and new ideas for the brand. Centro Stile worked with the Technical Office to “create the perfect balance between form and function.” Mitja Borkert, Head of Design at the Lamborghini Centro Stile, says, “With just a few elegant and accurate lines, it is possible to create a new Lamborghini.”

Lamborghini says the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 is the most high-performance car to be designed for the series. According to Wikipedia, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo is a motor racing series in Europe, Asia, and North America. The Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 is the only car to race in the series.

The Huracán EVO2 has 612 hp from the 5.2L V10 engine is combined with an X-Trac six-speed sequential gearbox. Not bad for a track car.

What’s new with the Lamborghini Huracán EVO2?

Lamborghini upgraded the Huracán EVO2 in a few areas. The design, aero, and brakes. Leonardo Galante, Motorsport Chief Engineer, spoke to Autoblog about these new features. The new EVO2 design will pave the way for production cars shortly. Centro Stile worked alongside Squadra Corse, Lamborghini’s motorsport department, to update the design.

The lights are thinner on both ends of the car, and the rear units echo the design of the Lamborghini Countach. There are air curtains on both sides of the front fascia and a large diffuser on the back end. The front end has carbon fiber fins, and an aggressive new lip called the “omega” lip.

“We worked together to define the best shapes to generate an efficient aerodynamic profile. We want to generate as much downforce as possible while creating as little drag as possible.”

Leonardo Galante | Lamborghini

Galante went on to say that the goal was to keep the car as stable, and predictable, as possible. This is not an easy feat when the Huracán EVO2 has to brake from triple digits. Feedback from other Super Trofeo competitors helped the team find the right amount of downforce.

Squadra Corse developed a full brake system in-house to ensure it could stand a whole weekend of racing. This included the calipers, rotors, and pads. The Lamborghini press release also discussed the new steel-front disc brakes. To optimize performance, these discs increased in size from 380 to 390 mm. This allows the driver to brake from high speeds without issue.

Will this trickle down to the streets?

The Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 is an upgraded, track-ready version of the Huracán EVO. The Huracán EVO is available for those who want to ride on the streets in a ridiculous V10 car. It has hood lines inspired by the Countach and similarities in the air intakes from the Murciélago. Of course, this version has a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds.

Lamborghini’s Head of Motorsport Giorgio Sanna noted that the brand was excited to produce a car that everyone will enjoy driving.

“The Super Trofeo is the basis of our concept of customer racing, capable of involving and exciting both young talents and gentlemen drivers. The Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 is dedicated to both categories of drivers, and we have designed it with the precise aim of offering an even more engaging driving experience while paying the utmost attention to running costs.”

Giorgio Sanna | Lamborghini’s Head of Motorsport

The EVO2 was officially released this weekend and is priced at just over $300,000 (€250,000). In conclusion, you won’t see this one on the streets yet, but perhaps down the line, we will see some different versions available.

RELATED: What Is the Fastest Lamborghini Car Yet?

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The Fastest New Cars Under $40,000 According to U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Say you want a fast car but are car shopping on a budget. In fact, say you’re in the market for a fast new car under $40,000. The good news is that you’ve got plenty of affordable new cars to choose from and, according to U.S. News & World Report, the following are just some of the fastest new cars under $40,000.

These iconic models are some of the fastest new cars under $40,000

2021 Subaru WRX | Subaru

Now, there are some pretty iconic fast new cars under $40,000 out there. A few of them were included in U.S. News & World Report’s list too. Take, for example, the 2021 Ford Mustang GT. This affordable new Ford Mustang model starts at $36,120 and comes driven by a 5.0-liter V8 engine. Churning out an impressive 460-hp and 420 lb.-ft of torque, this new Ford also comes outfitted with your pick of a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic.

And if the 2021 Ford Mustang GT isn’t quite your style? Consider the 2021 Chevy Camaro SS instead. The Chevy Camaro SS starts at $37,500 and comes standard with a 455-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine under the hood. This year’s Camaro SS also comes standard with sought-after performance features like Brembo performance brakes. It offers up multiple drive modes too.

Now, both the 2021 Subaru WRX and the Mazda MX-5 Miata were included in U.S. News & World Reports’ list too. While these models are certainly well-known, they aren’t quite as fast as the 2021 Ford Mustang GT or the 2021 Chevy Camaro SS. In fact, the Subaru WRX starts at $27,495 and comes equipped with a 268-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Meanwhile, the 2021 MX-5 Miata starts at $26,830 and comes standard with a 181-hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.

The 2021 Honda Civic Type R is an affordable fast new car under $40,000

The 2021 Honda Civic Type R was included in U.S. News & World Reports’ list of the fastest affordable new cars under $40,000 too. This year’s model starts at $37,895 and comes with a 306-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine under the hood. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the Civic Type R is also standard with performance-oriented features like Honda LogR, which is designed to measure the car’s performance in real-time.

An affordable price tag and 306-hp engine aren’t the only reasons that U.S. News & World Report included this year’s new Civic Type R in its list. In fact, U.S. News & World Report added, “Steering is direct and responsive, carving corners with a purpose. It also boasts the spacious, comfortable interior found in the rest of the Civic lineup.”

These fast new cars under $40,000 made the cut too

A blue 2021 Hyundai Veloster N at dusk, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N is one of the fastest affordable new cars under $40,000
2021 Hyundai Veloster N | Hyundai

Here’s the thing, these aren’t the only fast new cars under $40,000 that U.S. News & World Report highlighted. Models like the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N, the 2021 Genesis G70, the 2021 BMW 230i, among others, also made the cut. 

With so many fast new cars under $40,000 to choose from, we recommend starting out with a few test drives. After all, with this many affordable new cars under $40,000 on the list, the best way to find out which is right for you is going to include getting behind the wheel and taking these new models out for a spin.

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