Tesla Crashes a Model S Plaid On Test Track

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla crashed a Model S Plaid on a test track in Germany. Tesla brought the Model S to the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany with the intention of setting a new record. Instead, they crashed the Model S Plaid. Thankfully no one was hurt. So what exactly happened with the Tesla Model S Plaid crash?

2021 Tesla Model S | Tesla

How did the Model S Plaid crash?

Tesla was attempting to break a record at the track. It isn’t known exactly what goal they were trying to beat that day. However, Tesla had been trying to get a 7:05 on a previous attempt at the 13-mile Nürburgring. 

The Nürburgring track is known for being secretive. We may never know exactly what happened. At this time there’s no formal report about what went wrong on the track. The only thing that’s known is that behind the Tesla crash a BMW M8 also crashed, meaning there were two accidents which had to be cleared.

Because of the Tesla Model S Plaid crash, as well as the BMW crash, very few cars were able to complete their runs. Ten cars had planned on making test runs that day. Unfortunately, only two cars were able to complete their runs. The cleanup of the Tesla and Corvette accidents created delays. Therefore, the track’s testing window to close without any more cars being able to try their best to perform an impressive – and possibly record breaking – run. The two cars that were able to get their runs in were a McLaren 765LT and a Cadillac CT5-V.

The Nürburgring track is very dangerous

According to Business Insider, 70 people have died at the Nürburgring track since 1927. It’s been nicknamed the “Green Hell” by Formula 1 driver Jackie Stewart because of its dangerous nature. 

There are several factors that make the Nürburgring such a challenging and deadly place to drive. One of these are steep and sudden elevation changes. In one area of the track, the course drops nearly 1,000 feet. Business Insider says that some of the changes happen without warning as well, meaning you’d have to know the track really, really well to navigate them. 

Other areas of the track involve going airborne and having to take turns at 120 mph. There’s also not a lot of space for a driver to make a mistake. If a car goes even slightly off the course in most areas, it will hit a barrier almost immediately. 

The Tesla Model S Plaid is designed for speed

According to Electrek, Tesla has been “testing track modifications” that could make it even faster. They go on to say that Tesla intends to bring a Roadster prototype to the Nürburgring track at some point. This Roadster will have the potential to set a new record.

Many professional drivers want to try driving at the Nürburgring track. Many car manufacturers want to test out their cars on it as well. When drivers are trying to top out a car as much as possible on a dangerous track, it’s inevitable that there will be accidents. Luckily no one was hurt in the Tesla Model S Plaid crash. We’ll have to wait to see what the Plaid and Roadster can do some other time. 

RELATED: Teslas Keep Crashing Into Emergency Vehicles

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BMW Leans On Japanese Manga And Esports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

BMW is known for being really “unorthodox” in its marketing strategy. 90s kids might remember the series of short films released by the German brand. Some of those films featured major stars like Madonna, Clive Owen and directors like Guy Richie. Then there is the BMW art car program which has existed for decades and successfully crossed markets between car enthusiasts and the artistic community.

Like most effective strategies, BMW realizes that it is prudent to keep changing things up. The automaker has started dipping its toes into the rapidly growing esports audience in the last few years. Esports has grown exponentially within the last 10 years, and brands have taken notice. It is common for esports teams and athletes to have sponsorships and endorsement deals that rival those seen with athletes in traditional “stick and ball” sports.

BMW backing several esports teams

BMW rivalworks esports arena | BMW

BMW is mostly known for their high-end cars like the 5-series, 7-series, and performance cars like the M3 and M4. Those cars tend to have positive reviews, but they are also expensive. Furthermore, there is much more to BMW’s lineup than high-dollar luxury cars, performance sedans, and coupes. There are “entry-level” cars like the 3-series and the eco-friendly i3. While neither of those models is “cheap,” they are less expensive and much more accessible.

To reach out to the millennial and “gen z” crowd, BMW is partnering with some of the biggest, most successful teams in esports. Teams like Cloud 9, FNATIC, FunPlus Phoenix, G2 Esports, and T1 are all running BMW’s logo on their gear. While those names all sound like AIM instant messenger tags from the 1990s, each of those teams are multi-million dollar operations with just as many fans all over the world. Fans that BMW can leverage into future customers.

BMW creates a Japanese Manga

When an iconic German brand engages a Japanese touchstone as part of a brand new marketing effort, it is hard to resist the urge to raise an eyebrow. For the uninitiated, “manga” is essentially a Japanese comic book. Manga is the nexus of Japanese animation or “anime,” as most popular anime is based on successful manga books. Since the teams that BMW sponsors are effectively rivals, the brand has elected to create their own manga telling the tale of the competition between the teams.

The manga is called “Heroes of Rivalry,” which also happens to be BMW’s name to all the teams as a group. BMW released a stylized live-action trailer intercut with manga-style special effects to announce the upcoming manga story. The trailer also features a BMW X3 and BMW 330i both decked out with manga-style liveries.

“The superheroes in our manga not only develop great power in their adventure, but they also inspire the imagination of every single person,” said Stefan Ponikva, Vice President Brand Experience BMW. “There is something magical about manga; it touches peoples’ hearts. That is the crux of the matter. Manga follows our goal of wrapping brand messages in emotions – with great finesse for images, language and symbols – and entertaining people. In pop culture like the Esports scene, this is far more effective than another display ad. Through manga, we are communicating on the same wavelength with a target group that does not actually respond positively to advertising, and we are there, where they are – on their mobile devices.”

It certainly seems like a fun endeavor for BMW and esports fans. But, will it result in future sales? That remains to be seen.

RELATED: MANHART MH5 GTR Is A Uber BMW M5 CS

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James May of Amazon’s Grand Tour Only Owns 1 ‘Classic’ Car and It’s Perfect

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Grand Tour’s resident loveable fuddy-duddy, James May, has famously made his position on old, inefficient, loud, uncomfortable, and all-around undesirable classic cars quite well known over the years as a TV presenter. James May seems to be a man that appreciates comfort and practicality over most other aspects of motoring. However, it has recently come to light that he has kept one of the least practical cars ever from a Grand Tour special, his VW-powered replica Meyers Manx beach buggy.

James May and his replica Meyers Manx | YouTube, Drivetribe

James May loves his “classic” car

First off, the aforementioned car that James May loves so much isn’t exactly vintage. It is, however, based on something made in the 1960s. James May showed up in a new clone of an original Meyers Manx beach buggy in the Grand Tour special where the lads went to Namibia. 

“I don’t really like classic cars, to be honest, but this isn’t one, really,” says May. “It’s more of a deeply personal effect that flowered unexpectedly and beautifully in the dustbin of automotive rubbish.” 

Before May’s flowery beetle language on the Drive Tribe’s video, May essentially says his beach buggy is great for two reasons: one being simply that it is a beach buggy. Secondly, as a fervent VW Bug hater, May is happy that his buggy required the life of a VW bug. The fact that his buggy exists means that another dreadful VW bug is off the streets forever. 

What is a Meyers Manx beach buggy? 

Bruce Meyers started taking old VW Bugs and converting them into these Beach Boys songs on wheels starting in 1964. The maestro of automotive good times managed to transform the joyless and painfully slow VW bug into these joyful chariots by making fiberglass body kits for others to join the grinning revolution. 

James May’s buggy is not technically a Meyers Manx, though. His 100-hp beach buggy is essentially a copy of the original Manx built and then re-built (after the Grand Tour) by Crazy Dave Fisher of Kingfisher Customs. 

James is clear that his Manx copy is good despite itself. In fact, May says that his buggy is “great not because of what it does but because it is a coded message of hope to all humanity….” That is one hell of a car review. 

May goes on to say, “It’s impossible to be miserable when you’re driving a beach buggy,” he explains. “It’s a testimony to the triumph that good will ultimately achieve over evil. A wonderful coda, really, to the most incredible car story in history […] What other car has achieved this transformation, from an icon of oppression to everlasting party on wheels?”

The Meyers Manx is proof that bad cars can be great

Bruce Meyers Manx Dune Buggy
Bruce Meyers Manx Dune Buggy | Eric Rickman/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images/Getty Images

A car’s worth is so much more than just the things it can do. Sure, plenty of people simply want the most powerful, fire-breathing joke of a status symbol, but many true car lovers have found ways to connect with these machines on a deeper level than just what is going on underneath all the bodywork. 

Truly great cars often have little to do with performance. Instead, these true greats have captured the essence of a certain time, scene, subculture, or mindset that allows people a clearer look at the bigger picture. Maybe this is true, or maybe we just say these things to give our passions deeper meaning. Either way, James May believes it enough for all of us.

RELATED: Where Have All the Dune Buggies Gone?

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The Top Mustang Models of All Time

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There have only been a few muscle cars with as big of a following as the Ford Mustang. Ford’s running horse badge represents all things power, performance, and personality. With so many models spanning so many decades, you might need a guide to sort out the best of these purring ponies. So, which Mustang is the best? What is the best year Ford Mustang to buy? If you need to know which Mustang car model to prefer, this is the ultimate guide you’ve been waiting for to help you decide. 

From this guide, you can expect an in-depth introduction to the best Mustang models of all time. This list offers details you need to know about some of the legendary Ford Mustangs you probably know, like the Shelby GT350R, Shelby GT500, and the California Special. Additionally, there will also be highlights regarding the Bullitt, Boss 429, Mach 1, and others. Keep reading and take the guesswork out of buying your next Ford Mustang.

Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R

A Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R model | Scott Olson/Getty Images

When Ford introduced the Mustang Shelby GT350R in 2016, fans rejoiced. This muscle car took performance to an entirely new world-class level, according to Dupont Registry. The 5.2-liter V8 engine produced 526 horsepower, allowing this beefy Ford Mustang to scream from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. It can reach impressive top speeds of 190 mph, too. Car and Driver called the six-speed manual transmission and chassis “lively” when testers beat out the likes of the Toyota Supra, the BMW M2, and the Porsche 718 in a comparative analysis.

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R was produced from 2015 (for 2016) through 2020, according to Motor Authority. However, if you were interested in knowing which Mustang model and year is the best to buy, getting one of those limited number units of 2015 might be the most valuable. Only 137 were made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Carroll Shelby’s 1965 Ford Shelby GT350. Buying one of the newest 2020 models might cost you around $73,435 while fetching the earliest 2015-2016 models would set you back about $65,620.

Ford Shelby Mustang GT500

Some Ford Mustang fans will tell you the Shelby Mustang GT500 is quite possibly the greatest model of all time. It was 1967 when Ford launched this version of the pony, reports Car Covers, intended for sheer muscle. The early models came with a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, capable of 500 horsepower. This car got another boost in 2013 when Ford saw that the Shelby GT500 could hit 202 mph with 662 horsepower from its 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine.

If you find a classic Shelby GT500, depending on its mileage and condition, you could be spending collectors’ prices, up to $200,000. Buying one of the 2013 models could cost you anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000. Ford says you can buy a new 2021 Shelby Mustang GT500 for a starting MSRP of $72,900.

Ford Mustang California Special

If you need to know which Mustang model and year is the best to buy, you have to consider the Ford Mustang California Special. A group of West Coast dealers convinced Ford to bring a limited-production model to life back in 1968. It would be exclusive to the region, and it was called the Mustang GT California Special. Finding one of these introductory year models today might be tough and cost you more than you’re willing to spend since only 4,100 units were ever produced.

Ford Performance lays out the specs for the modern version of this iconic Mustang, including the 300-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine, bolted to a five-speed manual transmission. Newer model Mustangs with the California Special Package will enjoy some of the styling treatments of the original, including iconic hood scoops. Of course, the more recent models also include upgrades like heated seats, upgraded audio systems, and satellite radio, says Ford. A 2021 Ford Mustang GT Convertible California Special has a starting MSRP of $46,815, per an AutoGuide review. However, considering the rarity of those original 1968 models, you should be prepared to spend around $68,000 for one of those.

Ford Mustang Bullitt

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is legendary for several reasons and partly because of its Hollywood roots. It was 1968 when Steve McQueen starred in the movie Bullitt portraying Frank Bullitt, the San Francisco police lieutenant who drove a dark green 1968 Fastback. Together, according to Steeda, McQueen and Mustang defined the pedal-to-the-medal car chase scenes on-screen. This caused the Bullitt to go down as a legendary beast. The car featured in the movie sold at auction for $3.74 million, making it the most expensive Mustang transaction ever.

The 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt offered 335 horsepower and 0 to 60 mph times of 6.3 seconds, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine. Over the years, Ford has introduced commemorative Mustang Bullitt models with even more to offer. The 2001 Bullitt offered an homage exterior green color to the 1968 version. Another variation of the legendary car came with different styles and engine revamps in 2008 and 2009, says Car Covers. 

On Jan. 14, 2018, Ford announced that it was launching a new 2019 Mustang Bullitt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the fan-favorite movie and arguably the best car chase scene of cinematic history. This model featured an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine that could deliver at least 475 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, capable of an impressive top speed of 163 mph. A 2020 model costs around $48,905. Buying one of the original 1,251 models will likely cost much, much more.

Ford Mustang Boss 429

SuperCars insists you can’t have the “best Mustangs of all time” list without including the beefy Ford Mustang Boss 429. This car was Ford’s answer to the super-fast Mopar HEMI engine in the NASCAR arena back in 1969. This model Mustang came with a robust 500-hp rating, even though racing was limited to 375 horsepower. It was built as a full-on race engine with large exhaust pipes, nicknamed the “shotgun engine.”

The 1969 Mustang Boss remains atop many of the best Mustang lists today, including with Dupont Registry. Mustang car packages also became available later, harkening the fender decals, hood scoops, and front spoilers like the original models. However, as Top Speed points out, the Boss 249 is one of the most sought-after Mustang models of all time. Unfortunately, only 1,358 were ever produced between 1969 and 1970. Even if you find one to buy, a “fair” condition Boss 429 can go for over $140,000.

Ford Mustang Mach 1

Ford lets you shop for a 2021 Mustang Mach 1 right now with a starting MSRP of about $53,400. However, it’s certainly not the first time Ford introduced a Mach 1. Technically, this revolutionary design came out in 1969, with the concept making its debut the year before, according to MotorTrend. The Ford Mustang Mach 1 offered a 351-cubic-inch Windsor V8 engine and a 428-cubic-inch Cobra Jet engine, which was only available in the fastback body style. You could get a three-speed manual, a four-speed stick, or automatic transmission, as well.

In terms of sales revenue alone, it looks like 1975 was the best year for the Mach 1. Then, after a brief hiatus, it made another grandioso appearance in 2003 with a 305-hp engine treatment and a body style reminiscent of the original 1969. However, the most expensive Mach 1 to find today would likely be those earlier models. HotCars says you can expect entry-level price tags for a 1969 Mustang Mach 1 to hover around $70,000.

Ford Mustang II King Cobra

If you are unfamiliar with the Ford Mustang II King Cobra, you’re probably not alone. It’s a model that didn’t earn the Ford Mustang any real brownie points as a fan-favorite in the late 70s. HotCars calls the II King Cobra one of the least successful blue oval Mustangs of all. However, enthusiasts insist there’s plenty to get excited about with this muscle car. Those who still love this model say it merely was a victim of tough times when high gas prices and recession-like economic conditions plagued vehicle owners in 1978. Buying one of these back then would have only cost about $6,350.

The V8 engine under the hood could only achieve 139 horsepower, and it took a full 10 seconds to reach 60 mph, which wasn’t very impressive in the world of performance. However, it looked and felt like the lean, classic muscle car without being the gas-guzzling monster that most car buyers were trying to avoid back then.

Furthermore, Hemmings reminds fans that without the II King Cobra, there would likely not have been a path leading to the ox-chassis Mustang 5.0, the SVT Cobra, the Cobra R, or the new Shelby GT500. If you want to buy a Ford Mustang II King Cobra today and can find one, you’ll spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on its condition.

Ford Mustang SVO

Car Covers and others say the Ford Mustang SVO deserves accolades among the most extraordinary pony rides. A four-cylinder engine had already had its place among the Ford lineup. However, the 1984 to 1986 SVO brought more horsepower to the little engine that could. Engine output for these muscle cars was rated at 175 horsepower, along with a few other upgrades. Highlights include its aerodynamic body, better suspension, and much-improved handling. 

As CJ Pony Parts mentions, SVO stands for the Special Vehicle Operations team and represents a Ford group of officials who ultimately only collaborated for one production car, that being the Mustang SVO. The purpose of this car was to capture the horsepower of the larger engine, all while maintaining better fuel efficiency. The SVO ends up being a light, easy-to-drive Mustang car. Hemmings suggests you can try to find one of these models today and buy it for just $6,000 to $10,000.

Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R

Dupont Registry lists both the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra and SVT Cobra R on its list. Driving Line says the Mustang SVT Cobra R still commands respect as one of the greatest Mustangs of all time. If you’re undecided or still on the fence about which Mustang model and year is the best to buy, a 1993-2004 SVT Cobra R might just be it. These represent some of the most potent Mustangs of the time, with 385 horsepower from its 5.4-liter V8 engine, upgraded shocks, bigger wheels, and even more significant braking power. Ford even removed the back seat for this model, making it lighter. Additionally, let’s not overlook that giant spoiler. According to Ford Performance, this variation scorched pavement from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. These cars are considered collectible in today’s market, meaning you will need to spend well into six figures to buy one in great or mint condition. 

So, which Mustang model and year is the best to buy for you? Hopefully, you can find some guidance on this list of Ford Mustang icons. Whether you’re interested in a newer model or a collector’s classic, you’ll be joining a loyal group of industry enthusiasts who hold a special appreciation for all things Mustang.

RELATED: How Reliable Is the Ford Mustang?

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