How Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Built for Off-Roading?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is surprisingly good as a daily driver and for off-roading. After being impressed by its smooth ride and ability to crawl up inclines, it’s time to get into the details about how the Ford Bronco Sport is built so well for adventuring. 

Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport good for off-roading? 

2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Allison Barfield

Yes, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport serves as an excellent option for off-roading and daily driving. It may share components with the Ford Escape, but it received an updated suspension with an enhanced design for the ability to travel off the beaten track. 

The Baby Bronco may not be as well equipped as the big Bronco for off-roading. However, it still was engineered to prioritize high-speed off-road capability with a confident composure when hitting bumps on the road and the wild to live up to its moniker. 

How is the Ford Bronco Sport built for off-roading? 

RELATED: Can the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Live up to the Hype?

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport features an all-wheel-drive system with the HOSS (high-performance Off-road Stability Suspension. It’s based on the Escape’s fully independent front strut and multi-link suspension design. 

However, according to MotorTrend, the Bronco Sport has newer, more robust suspension control arms and larger offset wheels to widen its track by an inch in the front and rear. The Badlands trim has different suspension knuckles that are stronger too. 

The Bronco Sport has unique suspension bushings, springs, anti-roll bars, and special 44-mm diameter monotube rear shocks with an increased oil capacity to enhance its ability to dissipate heat while running fast over challenging terrain. 

The Badlands and First Edition models provide 70 percent more dampening in the front and 95 percent more dampening in the rear compared to the Escape. Both models are 15 percent lighter too. 

Plus, the new suspension hardware increases front jounce travel to 7.4 inches and 8.1 inches in the rear. The BWI hydraulic jounce bumpers are integrated into the front struts to provide cushion for the last 10 to 15 percent of front wheel travel for softer landings. 

What off-roading equipment does the Ford Bronco Sport have? 

A blue 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands parked on the grass next to a hill in Area 51
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands | Ford Motor Company

Higher trim levels of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport include 17-inch all-terrain tires, including a full-size spare. The Bronco Sport provides between 7.8 to 10.2 inches of ground clearance, depending on the tires and model you choose. 

Under the Ford Bronco Sport, you’ll find 2.8-mm thick steel armoring shields to protect the fuel tank, engine, transmission, and vapor-recovery canister. The Bronco Sport can ford water up to 23.6 inches deep. 

The ram travel index RTI is 345. The approach angle is 21.7 degrees, the departure angle is 30.4 degrees, and the break-over angle is 18.2 degrees. The two transfer cases are actively cooled too. 

Plus, the Ford Bronco Sport has its Go Over Any Terrain (G.O.A.T) modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand settings. The infotainment screen displays the differential status, tire pressures, and camera views to help you navigate tricky areas. 

Trail Control serves as an off-road cruise control system. You can set the speed between one to 20 mph for controlled movement while climbing or descending hills. The system works on flat land too. 

The Ford Bronco Sport feels well planted with limited body control around curves and provides enough power to make it over inclines without slipping. This little SUV is built tough and serves as a fair Jeep rival.

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The Best New Car Deals This Memorial Day According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner. While some spend it grilling burgers and flipping hot dogs, others spend it shopping for a new car. But can you blame them? After all, Memorial Day is one of the best times to buy a car. But if you’re looking for the best deal possible? Consumer Reports says these are the best new car deals this Memorial Day.

Is Memorial Day a good time to buy a car?

Potential car buyers. | Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Historically, Memorial Day weekend is one of the best times to buy a car, explains Consumer Reports. More often than not, automakers offer car shoppers both deep discounts and low financing rates on new models. While that’s undoubtedly good news for those in the market for an affordable new car, it’s important to keep in mind that things are a bit different this Memorial Day.

In fact, according to Kelley Blue Book, car shopping this Memorial Day is going to take a new strategy. Because of chip shortages and low inventory levels, Kelley Blue Book recommends being flexible when shopping for a new car this Memorial Day weekend. Keep an open mind when it comes to the vehicles you’re considering, look at models that aren’t impacted by shortages and low inventory levels, and consider shopping outside your local area.

Nissan has some of the best new car deals for Memorial Day

A silver 2021 Nissan Leaf parked on the street, Consumer Reports says the Nissan Leaf is among the best new car deals this Memorial Day
2021 Nissan Leaf | Nissan

RELATED: Cheap EVs: The 2021 Nissan LEAF Gets up to $15,000 off

As for the best new car deals this Memorial Day weekend? Well, Consumer Reports highlighted quite a few. First, let’s talk about Nissan, which is offering some of the best new car deals this Memorial Day weekend. The best deals are on models like the 2021 Nissan Leaf SL Plus, the 2021 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV, and the 2021 Nissan Maxima Platinum 3.5L.

While the 2021 Nissan Leaf SL Plus typically starts at $38,270, Consumer Reports says you can save up to $9,834 by shopping this Memorial Day weekend. The same goes for the Nissan Altima. While you will save slightly less on the Altima, Consumer Reports says you can save up to $3,729 when choosing this year’s 2021 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV.

And if you’re shopping for a new Nissan Maxima and want to save a few bucks? Consumer Reports suggests opting for the 2021 Nissan Maxima Platinum 3.5L. While this model typically costs new car shoppers approximately $42,320, shopping this Memorial Day weekend could have you saving roughly $5,323. 

The best new car deals Toyota is offering this Memorial Day

A Black 2021 Toyota Camry parked
2021 Toyota Camry | Toyota

RELATED: Consumer Reports Confirms the Toyota Camry Is Still the Midsize Sedan to Beat

Now, Nissan isn’t the only automaker offering some of the best new car deals this Memorial Day weekend. Consumer Reports also included two Toyota models in its list of the best new car deals. First, let’s talk about the 2021 Toyota Camry. Opt for the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE, which typically costs $27,270, and you could save up to $3,432 on this year’s model.

And if the Toyota Camry isn’t quite your style? Consumer Reports says you can save up to 13% off when buying the 2021 Toyota Avalon. Treat yourself to the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE, which starts at $37,100, and Consumer Reports says you can save up to $4,709 this Memorial Day weekend.

These Memorial Day car deals won’t have you breaking the bank

A white 2021 Buick Encore parked on the street, also one of the best new car deals this Memorial Day
2021 Buick Encore | Buick

RELATED: The 2021 Buick Encore is an Underrated Yet Recommended SUV Option

Sure, Nissan and Toyota are offering some of the best new car deals this Memorial Day weekend. But are they the only automakers discounting their cars this holiday? Not even close. In fact, Buick is offering some of the best new car deals this weekend too. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, you can save up to $5,008 on the 2021 Buick Encore Preferred AWD and up to $8,028 on the 2021 Buick Enclave Premium AWD.

As for other new car deals that you should be keeping an eye out for this weekend? Consumer Reports suggests keeping vehicles like the 2021 GMC Acadia, 2021 Hyundai Kona, and the 2021 Kia Sportage in mind. While choosing the 2021 GMC Acadia Denali AWD can save you up to $7,236, opting for the Hyundai Kona SEL AWD instead could save you approximately $3,279. As for the Kia Sportage? Choose the 2021 Kia Sportage LX AWD, and Consumer Reports says you can expect to save up to $3,023.

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Taco Tuesday: Chunky Tires, Yellow Paint? Check Out Toyota’s Twitter Teaser of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ok so if you’re a fan of the Toyota Tacoma, then it’s not hard to get excited about things like this. When it comes to Tacoma love, I am so ‘that girl.’ I’ll admit it. My favorite color is also yellow, so Toyota’s Twitter teaser of the upcoming 2022 Toyota Tacoma model has me a little more than a little excited.

Toyota Tacoma TRD 4×4 | By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

It looks like Toyota is teasing some new off-road designated Toyota Tacoma trims for the 2022 lineup. With a brand new Toyota Tundra generation around the corner, we can expect some changes in the future of Toyota trucks.

Not all changes are good, but Toyota doesn’t usually change things until it’s time. Just look at how long the Toyota Tacoma generations run and you’ll see the brand isn’t a huge fan of overloading each new model year with new features that have not yet stood the tests of time and regular use, but that’s another story. Let’s take a look at this teaser.

Toyota teases new off-road Tacoma model on Twitter

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is coming. Could the TRD model get a yellow paint color option? We don’t know. But the paint coat on the right side of Toyota’s Twitter teaser is bright and quite yellow.

There’s no telling what the actual TRD Pro color for the upcoming Toyota trucks will be. Last year, we got the Lunar Rock paint TRD Pro Toyota models. This year, the 2022 TRD Pro information will likely release sometime in the summer––probably even around the same time as last year (August).

New off-road Tacoma models

Toyota TRD Pro 2021 lineup in the desert with mountains behind in the distance.
Last year’s TRD Pro lineup, Lunar Rock | Toyota USA

If there’s one thing the Toyota Tacoma does right, it’s taking things off the pavement and hitting the dirt. The Tacoma is a known rock crawler. It’s a tough truck that tackles off-road obstacles with relative ease.

The Toyota Twitter post shows the front Toyota Tacoma wheel of two different trucks. The one on the right, in the wild-looking neon yellow color, has the TRD wheel caps on its black wheels. The lefthand side Toyota Tacoma wheel wears a wheel cap that just says “TOYOTA” in the center of its bronzed, rugged-style wheel.

“Two new adventure-ready trucks are on the horizon for the mid-size segment-leading Toyota Tacoma. Gear up and get ready!’

Toyota Newsroom | May 24, 2021

The Toyota Newsroom also released the teaser. There’s no full-length product detail. In fact, there’s not much information at all, but Toyota did give us a little snippet to hold onto until the next tidbit it gives us. Two “adventure-ready” off-road Toyota Tacoma models are on the way––just look at those chunky Goodyear Wrangler tires.

Are these Toyota trucks part of the new midsize pickup generation?

a split image of two different Toyota Tacoma wheels in the dirt
Toyota Tacoma teaser image | Toyota USA

It’s common knowledge in the industry that the current, aged Toyota Tacoma generation is on its denouement. The final loose ends of its story are being tied off. A new generation is coming soon.

But the midsize pickup trucks in the teaser don’t look all-new. While we know that a new-gen Taco is in the works, it appears that will we get some final farewell goodies in the 2022 Toyota Tacoma lineup.

It looks like the left side Taco wears the Lunar Rock paint color, so perhaps this color will become newly available on other trim levels as well? We don’t know yet. We do know that Toyota is making some promises for its midsize truck class representative. Hopefully, we will learn more about the 2022 Toyota Tacoma in the coming summer months.

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For Sale: VW Got a $9.2 Billion Offer to Buy Lamborghini

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Quantum Group, a holding company in Zurich, Switzerland, has offered VW Group $9.2 billion for Lamborghini. There has been no word from VW on whether it plans to negotiate or not. And Quantum wants it all; the manufacturing facility in Sant’Agata, Italy; the motorsports operations, and a five-year supplier deal with Audi. Is Lamborghini for sale?

What would Quantum do with Lamborghini?

A Lamborghini Aventador on display in the streets of London | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

According to the UK’s Autocar, Quantum wants to “spearhead innovation by consistently implementing new clean drivetrain technologies.” Quantum also wants to build an Advanced Automotive Innovation Center in Germany for battery development and manufacturing. Additionally, it says the consortium, which includes investment firm Centricus Asset Management, wants the manufacturer as a “technology and lifestyle investment platform.”

There is also a Porsche connection in all of this. Rea Stark of the Piech Automotive Group is representing Quantum. Anton Piëch is the son of former VW Group chairman Ferdinand Piëch and great-grandson of Ferdinand Porsche. If you don’t know who he is, Google it. 

The Volkswagen Group owns Automobili Lamborghini which is overseen by Audi. It was originally founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963. VW purchased the company in 1998 from Indonesian-based Megatech for around $110 million. 

Software development and autonomous driving technology would expand its reach

An image of a Lamborghini Urus outdoors.
Lamborghini Urus | Lamborghini

RELATED: Lamborghini Countach: The World’s Best Terrible Car

Quantum is also asking for access to VW intellectual property of electric technology. It will springboard that to expand into software development and autonomous driving technology. There is also mention of developing green materials and investing in e-fuels and hydrogen propulsion. 

The current Lamborghini management would be asked to stay and the purchase provides job assurances for all existing employees.  Quantum would hire an additional 850 people for the innovation center. There is also the desire for “upscaling” production with an “EV solution” available by 2025. 

Audi has said Lamborghini is not for sale

An image of an orange Lamborghini Huracan Evo parked outdoors.
Lamborghini Huracan Evo | Lamborghini

Over the years there have been reports of the VW Group wanting to sell Lamborghini as well as Bugatti and motorcycle manufacturer Ducati. But VW chairman Herbert Diess recently suggested Lamborghini could be wrapped with motorcycle manufacturer Ducati and design house ItalDesign to save operating costs. That killed further talk of a sale. And more recently Audi has come out to said Lamborghini is not for sale. 

In December 2020, a Volkswagen supervisory board meeting was held where the company’s plans were discussed. Development for future models was said to be above their assigned budgets, which worried Diess. But it was ultimately decided that rather than sell the company, Audi would continue to oversee it along with the day-to-day operations of Bentley. 

Lamborghini sales dropped in 2020 to 7430 units. In 2019 it saw a record amount of sales at 8205 units. The drop was attributed to the COVID-19 shutdown of the manufacturing plant. It was closed for 70 days. However, in spite of the drop profits were up for 2020.

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