Florida Man Crashes Stolen Cop Car, Then Steals Another

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The iconic “Florida Man” doesn’t really refer to any specific person but rather is used as a generalized term for all of the weird stuff that seems to happen in the state of Florida — well, it refers to the person doing the weird stuff really. As a Florida native, I wish I could say that Florida man was just an exaggeration of the media, but unfortunately, time and time again, we keep seeing weird headlines from the state of Florida. So, when this week’s paper read about the Florida man who stole a cop car, I wasn’t really surprised — and, as it happened, it occurs right in my home town.

Florida Man steals a cop car

While Florida Man isn’t really one person, it always seems like ‘he’ is up to no good. Years ago, it was the incidents with bath salts, sometimes we even see odd headlines involving alligators being thrown into drive-thru windows, but this week it was a Florida Man who stole a cop car — but that’s just the beginning of the story.

One wrecked cop car and another stolen

The news story was covered by the Orlando Weekly, and the tale began just a few minutes north of my hometown in Cocoa, Florida. Cocoa Police Department reportedly responded to a call for a disturbance at a local, unnamed motel, and while confronting the suspect, he was able to get into an unlocked police vehicle and take off up I-95 — the long highway that runs along Florida’s east coast.

The chase went on for 60 miles, crossing from the Brevard County boarder into Volusia County before taking a turn. During the chase, the police attempted to nudge the vehicle off of the road in an attempt to stop the car and end the chase. In the process, the driver of the stolen vehicle lost control of the car, crashing into the woods on the side of the highway.

RELATED: Halloween Car Horror: Wrecked Exotics

Another stolen police car

The story doesn’t end with the crashing of the first stolen cop car, either. Police following in pursuit of the vehicle attempted to close in on the suspect, who had escaped the wrecked vehicle to hide in the woods. With the police out of their vehicles approaching the wrecked car, the suspect ran from the woods, and stole yet another cop car.

“The suspect and the vehicle were in the wooded area just off the highway. As officers attempted to take the suspect into custody, he fled, jumped into another Cocoa patrol vehicle and continued north.”

A statement from the Cocoa Police Department

RELATED: 10 of the Most Ridiculous Car Names in History

The chase ended when police were able to close sections of the highway and deploy stop sticks, designed to puncture car tires in a pursuit. The suspect was taken into custody and is being charged with grand theft auto, fleeing the police, and several other unrelated charges.

The post Florida Man Crashes Stolen Cop Car, Then Steals Another appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The Jaguar XJR 100 Celebrated a Centenary With Style and Speed

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While its modern sedan lineup has shrunk recently, Jaguar has a long history with four-door luxury passenger cars. And many of them, like the Mk 2, favored by ‘60s cops and robbers, aren’t just comfortable, but genuinely sporty. Hence why the British brand’s old sales slogan was ‘Grace, Space, Pace.’ And in that regard, the X308 Jaguar XJR 100 fits right in.

An X308 Jaguar XJR combines “stately luxury with muscle car power,” MotorTrend says

1998 Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas front 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

Although it’s not currently in production, the Jaguar XJ is a long-lived nameplate, Car and Driver reports. First launched in 1968, the XJ was originally supposed to be the only Jaguar sedan, replacing the Mk X, the Mk 2, and the S-Type. And by 1998 it was in its sixth generation, known today as the X308, Automobile explains.

Design-wise, the 1998-2002 X308 Jaguar XJR looks similar to its predecessor, the X300. But that ‘8’ signifies the major change. While previous XJs used six-cylinder engines and V12s, the X308 XJ was the first Jaguar with a V8. Specifically, several V8s, MotorTrend explains, a 3.2-liter and a 4.0-liter. The US market only got the 4.0-liter V8 options, though. However, that also included the Jaguar XJR.

The X308 Jaguar XJR’s 4.0-liter V8 is supercharged. So, instead of 290 hp and 290 lb-ft, it makes 370 hp and 387 lb-ft. That goes to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic and lets the XJR go 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, Car and Driver reports. And in 1998, that made it one of the fastest sedans available, AutoClassics reports.

Besides the V8s, the X308 XJs have several upgrades over the earlier X300. They have different interiors, upgraded and retuned suspension components, more airbags, and more accurate steering racks, MT reports. X308 models also have four-wheel ABS-equipped disc brakes, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and power seats. And in 2000, traction control became standard on all models, Classics World reports.

The white-leather front seats and dark-wood-trimmed dashboard of a 1998 Jaguar XJR
1998 Jaguar XJR front interior | Bring a Trailer

The Jaguar XJR has several additional features. Besides sportier suspension and standard traction control, it has performance-rated tires, stability control, heated seats, and an upgraded audio system, MT reports. Plus, cross-drilled Brembo brakes were an optional extra. And, like the other X308 XJs, the XJR offered optional adjustable dampers.

The X308 Jaguar XJR 100 is a supercharged 100th birthday present to the brand’s founder

A black 2002 Jaguar XJR 100 on a stone driveway in front of a tree-lined lawn
2002 Jaguar XJR 100 front 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

RELATED: The Mercedes E55 AMG Was the Fastest Sedan in the World

For 2002, the X308-gen car’s last year of production, Jaguar made it slightly more special. 2002 marked Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons’ 100th birthday, and to celebrate, the automaker released the limited-edition XJR 100. And suitably for a centenary gift, the limited-edition sedan came with all the bells and whistles.

Besides the standard XJR features, the 2002 Jaguar XJR 100 has the optional cross-drilled Brembo brakes and adaptive dampers, Autoblog reports. It also has trim-specific ‘anthracite’ paint, BBS wheels, and red-stitched charcoal leather sport seats. Plus, it has heated front and rear seats, a 6-disc CD changer, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, and navigation, Bring a Trailer and Forbes report.

RELATED: Jaguar’s First XKE Back In Production After 60 Years

But whether in standard or limited-edition 100 trim, the X308 Jaguar X308 makes for an excellent and overlooked used luxury car. Even with the sportier suspension, the sedan has “unwavering ride quality,” CarThrottle reports. And its supercharged V8 pulls the XJR forward with what Evo describes as “seemingly effortless grace.” It’s not quite as sharp as the contemporary M5, but it’s still great fun on twisty roads, Driving.ca reports.

In short, the X308 Jaguar XJR makes for a comfortable cruiser that can still sprint when the need arises. And the good news is, it’s easier to live with than you might think.

It’s an affordable, reasonably sporty luxury car that’s genuinely reliable

RELATED: The Legendary Jaguar C-Type Will (Briefly) Prowl Again

Jaguars don’t always have the best reputation for reliability, and the outgoing XJ had its fair share of problems. However, while the X308 XJ and XJR had some problems, by and large, they’re actually fairly dependable, PistonHeads reports.

Apart from worn suspension bushings and the odd failed adaptive damper, the X308 Jaguar models only have two major issues, Honest John explains. Early models’ Nikasil cylinder linings, much like those BMW engines used, couldn’t tolerate the high-sulfur unleaded gasoline used in the late ‘90s. Early-build X308 XJs also use plastic timing-chain tensioners that are prone to failure, Motorious reports, as are their water pumps.

The rear 3/4 view of a black 2002 Jaguar XJR 100 on a stone driveway in front of a tree-lined lawn
2002 Jaguar XJR 100 rear 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

RELATED: Here Are the Car Brands Going All-Electric by 2030

Luckily, by 2000 Jaguar started using different cylinder linings and upgraded the tensioners and the water pump. And in 2002 it swapped the plastic tensioners for steel ones, Evo reports. The good news is all these parts are compatible with the early-build cars. And once they’re replaced, the X308 Jaguar becomes “a thoroughly dependable car,” Motorious reports.

It’s also a fairly inexpensive used car. True, XJR 100s command a premium, because production was capped at 500 models and the US only got 240. But most X308 models on Bring a Trailer hover in the $10,000-$15,000 range.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

The post The Jaguar XJR 100 Celebrated a Centenary With Style and Speed appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

This Nissan 350Z Owner Confuses His Sports Car for a Pickup Truck

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There is an argument to be made for expanding the definition of “sports car.” However, the chasm between a Nissan 350Z and a pickup truck is pretty deep. Although a Nissan 350Z is a two-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car, it didn’t stop this particular owner from using his 350Z as a pickup truck to haul a side-by-side on the roof. 

Nissan 350Z with a UTV strapped to the roof | Reddit:Akumabengoshi

Who needs a pickup truck when you have a Nissan 350Z?

This image of the toy hauler Nissan 350Z was recently posted on Reddit. If you aren’t aware of the difference between pickup trucks and sports cars, this is really not a wise way to use a Nissan 350Z. 

The image shows a foolish yet awe-inspiring scene unfolding of a Nissan 350Z with a UTV parked and strapped to the roof. According to CarScoops, there doesn’t seem to be very much information about this parking lot madness. 

a red Honda Talon UTV on display at an indoor auto show
A Honda Talon 1000R is on display at the Chicago Auto Show.| Bilgin Sasmaz/NurPhoto via Getty Images

What we do know is that somehow, this fella got a UTV on the back/on top of his little red sports car. Not only is the side-by-side up there, but it is ratchet strapped to the car for what appears to be an effort to carry it somewhere like this. 

What exactly is going on with this Nissan 350Z? 

We aren’t sure if he just bought this and had no other way to get it home or if he was heading out to the trails, but what we do know is that the weight of this UTV is likely doing some damage to the 350Z’s roof. Typically, most two-seater UTVs or side-by-sides weigh around 1,200-1,600 lbs. 

RELATED: Street Race Ends With Flaming Nissan 350Z Raising Hell at Cadillac Dealership

If we move past the roof for a second, we’ll notice that the Nissan is sitting awfully low. This would make sense on account of the suspension simply wasn’t designed to support that kind of weight.

If you look at most compact pickup truck payload capacities, they will only just be rated to carry something this heavy. Needless to say, the Nissan 350Z’s suspension is far from that of any pickup truck. 

Can you tow with a sports car? 

Can and should are two very different things. Can you tow with a sports car? Sure. Should you tow anything with a sports car? No. 

Even though sports cars can be extremely powerful, they typically are powerful in the right way. Horsepower and torque are very different.

When it comes to towing, torque is what you want, while horsepower is less relevant. In fact, most of the highest-rated towing vehicles have fewer horses under the hood than torque. 

2019 nissan 370Z in blue
Nissan 370Z | Nissan

RELATED: Why Is the Nissan 370Z Nearly Sold Out Across the Country?

Torque accounts for the low rev power that is necessary to pull heavier weight. Furthermore, the rest of the mechanics of a sports car is wrong for towing.

The suspension, gearing, and wheelbase are not only wrong but essentially the opposite of what you need to tow safely. In fairness, our friend with the Nissan 350Z isn’t towing the side-by-side, but the same problems are present in any case. 

To be a fly on the wall…

Obviously, there is so much juicy information we would all love to have surrounding this photo, like, how does he plan to get the side-by-side off? How did he get the side-by-side up there? And, did the Nissan survive this day playing pickup truck? 

For all our questions, we only have our imaginations to answer them. At least this ambitious 350Z owner put down some cardboard underneath the UTV tires. I guess that’s something.

The post This Nissan 350Z Owner Confuses His Sports Car for a Pickup Truck appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Have a V6 Engine?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 model year for the Chevrolet Silverado is another great rendition of the popular pickup. It’s more versatile than you might think based on first glance, but it comes with several drivetrain options, cabin sizes, and truck bed lengths that can be mixed and matched to fit the needs and want of many different drivers. While some truck purists may want a V8 engine under the hood, there are still plenty of reasons to opt for the V6 option instead in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has several V6 drivetrain options

There is only one drivetrain option if you are looking to get a V6 engine in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but it won’t leave you disappointed. Under the hood of the WT trim — or, the Work Truck, trim — which is the base model, is a capable V6 engine. It’s a 4.3-liter V6 engine that offers 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. That’s not particularly overwhelming, especially for such a large pickup truck, but it will get the job done.

General Motors Co. Chevrolet Silverado | David Paul Morris/Bloomberg, Getty Images

Cab sizes with the V6 engine

While the WT trim might not sound very exciting, there are a lot of interchangeable features that make it worthwhile. Cab sizes can vary for the WT trim level depending on features, giving buyers the potential for all three cab options. For the WT version of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you can get the Crew Cab, Double Cab, or Regular Cab, depending on what you’re looking for specifically. According to Edmunds, all of these options still come with the V6 engine.

RELATED: Does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Still Offer a V8 Engine?

Work Truck options and features

The name of the trim level, the Work Truck trim, may not sound enticing, but it comes with plenty of enticing features that make it worth buying. For one, it is the base model trim, making it the most affordable variation of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The affordable sticker price for the regular cab option is $31,535 and increases slightly with different cab choices.

It also comes with many features buyers are looking for, like a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features seem more basic than some other higher-end features that luxury pickup trucks have, but these conveniences are still a big plus for many buyers.

A lineup of Chevrolet Silverado 1500s at the dealership
General Motors Co. Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks for sale at a car dealership in Colma, California, U.S., on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. General Motors Co. is scheduled to release earnings figures on February 10. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

RELATED: 2021 Ford F-150 vs. 2021 Chevy Silverado: Battle of the Full-Size Pickups

With all of the choices available for the Work Truck trim for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 it makes it a reasonable purchase for the price, especially for the fuel economy of having a smaller engine size.

The post Does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Have a V6 Engine? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by