by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you are wondering why the 2022 Toyota Sienna model features are more SUV-like than a minivan, that was the intention. The new Woodland Edition made the Toyota Sienna close the gap between the SUV and the minivan. With muscular body sides, flat hood, and roof rack. However, it is not the only minivan you can go for at the moment, with the Estima also being an excellent choice.

What are the Sienna’s main features?

2021 Toyota Sienna | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc

The 2022 Toyota Sienna’s Woodland Edition encompasses safety standards, the 2.0 suite of Toyota Safety Sense, which includes automatic emergency brakes, flexible cruise control, road sign recognition, forward collision warning, instinctive high-beam headlights, and more.

The Sienna comes as a hybrid, given the optional all-wheel drive and standard front-wheel drive. The minivan is above average in fuel economy despite its acceleration falling behind compared to its non-hybrid version. We rate it at 35 mpg or 36 mpg depending on the drive you go for, whether AWD or FWD. 

The Sienna in FWD format has 36 mpg both for city and highway driving. Adding AWD pokes down the economy for the city, driving by 1 mpg. However, this does not apply to the highway economy.

The Sienna matches up to its competition

Its spacious and family-oriented qualities enable it to compete with rivals like the Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, and the Honda Odyssey. Jalopnik even describes it as the coolest and minivans currently available. 

This year, the brand adds a Wilderness feature, a quasi-SUV trim, which features an exclusive cement color and a raised ride height just like its Tacoma pickup.

In terms of cost, we expect the 2022 Toyota Sienna to cost around $35,000. Its AWD limited model price could start at around $50,000, similar to the Woodland Edition. Given its comfort features like the 12-speaker JBL audio system and the navigation.

Apart from the Toyota Sienna’s audacious outside redesign, its interior is stylish and modern. Toyota has also created a large center console, which spans the distance between the center armrest and the dashboard, besides the huge storage at the bottom. Its second-row seats are not removable, but the nonobligatory second-row captain’s chairs will slide back and forward for up to 25 inches to offer more legroom for rear-seat riders.

In terms of power, it produces 245 hp and is powered by the 2022 Toyota Sienna minivan 4-cylinder electric and gasoline hybrid power train, which has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Toyota Estima minivan; A great alternative

The Toyota Estima could be a development of Toyota’s 80s-tactical wedge-shaped minivan: TownAce, HighAce, and LiteAce. The layout offers some unimaginable packaging benefits because the van’s mechanical parts measure below its short, short hood. However, Toyota ought to have done a lot with this platform, despite the Estima being a cool van.

Inside, the Estima is spacious and offers more expansive legroom that adds to its comfort. The car features a sunroof so that you can let the rays in and add some bit of light inside. With its 170 hp 4-cylinder 2.3-liter and 5-speed engine, the current Estima has more strength than the previous version.

If you are interested in a Toyota Estima, you may consider either purchasing an already imported one at a local dealership or importing one on your own from Japan. However, employing an import agent will be a great precaution if you are unacquainted with the auction and import process. Such an agent will guide you and help you pick an admirable Toyota Estima and avoid the common pitfalls of a primary time importer or auction client.

RELATED: Minivans and MPVs: What’s the Difference?

The post The Toyota Sienna Isn’t the Only Toyota Minivan You Can Buy Right Now appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

People love partying, and that is why most individuals look forward to weekends. Of course, booze is part and parcel of most parties. It sets the mood for such occasions and allows one to enjoy the moment as their senses drift away from the hustle and bustle of life. Additionally, drunk driving is a crime, but what about drinking while in the passenger seat? Does it compromise car safety or the safety of other drivers on the road?

Getting the facts, in this case, is critical because it helps you understand what to expect if cops pull over your driver as you enjoy an open container in the passenger seat. That means that when you have such knowledge, you will know whether or not you are violating set laws when drinking in the passenger seat, even before engaging a lawyer.

Laws concerning alcoholic beverages in cars

Driver and passenger drinking beers in a vehicle | Adam Berry/Getty Images

Most states have laws prohibiting the presence of open bottles, cans, or other unsealed alcoholic beverages containers inside vehicles, on sidewalks, or in the streets. These are known as open container laws. That suggests that each state determines whether a passenger violates set laws by drinking an alcoholic beverage while inside a vehicle.

When considering open container laws, the major difference is whether a state has a complete ban on alcohol in a vehicle in compliance with federal guidelines or a partial ban. The latter allows passengers to have open containers in autos, but not drivers. It is worth mentioning that in 1998, Congress passed federal legislation establishing a program designed to encourage states to adopt laws banning the presence of open containers of any alcoholic beverage in the entire passenger area of a motor vehicle.

This is known as the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The legislation provides states that follow the federal standard banning all open alcohol containers anywhere inside an automobile a financial incentive. As much as that is the case, a handful of states do not have open container restrictions on the books. Additionally, several other states do not have open container rules that apply to vehicle passengers.

First, note that although all states have open container laws, they have exceptions to those laws too. These exceptions generally fall into two categories. In the first case, most states allow the storage of open containers in the living quarters of a motor home. Also, many states permit passengers to possess open containers and drink alcohol in vehicles-for-hire like party buses and limousines.

In the second category, one can keep open containers lawfully inside a vehicle’s trunk or an area of an auto that is not readily accessible to passengers or the driver. Additionally, transporting an open container of wine from a restaurant is an exception within open container laws. 

The only thing is that these exceptions still require storage of the open bottle of wine in the trunk or another area within a vehicle where passengers or the driver cannot access the same. Some of the states where drinking in the passenger seat is legal include Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, and Missouri. However, doing so will land you in trouble in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansa, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming.

The penalty for drinking as a passenger

The punishment for drinking as a passenger varies from state to state. For instance, that will attract a fine of up to $100 in North Carolina, a maximum fine of $25 in Vermont, and $100 in Idaho. 

Who gets penalized for breaking open container laws? The driver or the passenger?

A driver may be cited for an open container violation if they have a container within reach or on their person. However, according to FindLaw, both the driver and offending passenger may be cited for a violation even though only the passenger has an open container. Remember that an offending passenger’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is irrelevant in this case, LegalMatch reports.

RELATED: 5 Car Etiquette Rules Most Passengers Aren’t Aware Of

The post Can You Drink in the Passenger Seat of a Car? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Bugatti vehicles don’t get enough attention among civilian SUVs and sedans, or even other supercars, for that matter. However, that might be due to Bugatti car price ranges. Even the cheapest model, the Veyron, will cost you over a million dollars at a minimum. Less affluent drivers could consider leasing a Bugatti, but even that would cost $66,000.

Still, it’s hard to ignore beautiful models like the Chiron, Bolide, Centodieci, Divo, and the rarest La Voiture Noire. Due to their high price points and limited production runs, Bugattis are unattainable for most consumers. So, how much is a Bugatti? If you have the means, here’s how much each Bugatti costs and how you can get one for yourself.

Why is Bugatti so expensive?

The Bugatti Bolide | BUGATTI AUTOMOBILES S.A.S.

The rich history of Bugatti is one of the reasons these cars are so coveted. The company was founded by Ettore Bugatti in 1909, cementing the brand’s legacy with the Bugatti Type 35. This roadster dominated many racing competitions in the 20s and 30s with an impressive top speed of 135 mph.

As vehicle technology evolved, the Bugatti lineup proceeded to gain even more power and high-quality interior materials. Bugatti models aren’t mass-produced in a factory. Each one is lovingly assembled by hand from a team of 20 people. This process only allows the automaker to produce less than 100 vehicles most years, adding exclusivity.

How much does the Bugatti Chiron cost?

Bugatti Chiron units were delivered to buyers in March 2017, with a relatively high production run of 500 units. It was the quickest production car at its debut, with a top speed of 261 mph and a 1,479-hp quad-turbo engine. The Bugatti Chiron price was originally 2.4 million euros, roughly $200,000 less than today’s estimated $3,000,000 price point.

If you’ve got $200,000 extra, you might consider upgrading to the Bugatti Chiron Sport model. This model is 40 pounds lighter, thanks to some parts being replaced with extra carbon fiber elements. It also got a new Dynamic Torque Vectoring system, a racing chassis, and an upgrade to 1,500 horsepower.

There are also two Noire versions of the Chiron floating around, each fetching around $3,300,000. If black-out carbon fiber isn’t your style, there’s also the gray Chiron Sport Les Légendes Du Ciel. French for “Legends of the Sky,” this model serves as a tribute to France’s history of aircraft innovations. Highlights of these Chiron models include a stylish French flag side sill and a sky view roof.

The most powerful Chiron is the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which costs an estimated $4,000,000. Its quad-turbo engine has an increased output of 1,578 horsepower and a max speed of 273.4 mph.

How much does the Bugatti Veyron cost?

The Bugatti Veyron was named after French Grand Prix racer Pierre Veyron. It’s the most attainable car the automaker has to offer, estimated to be worth $1,900,000. That price includes another quad-turbo W-16 engine capable of 1,001 horsepower. According to Bugatti, it can reach 0 to 62 mph in an obscene 2.5 seconds.

Like the Chiron, many special editions of the Veyron were released with unique styling elements. The coffee-colored Rembrandt Veyron, honoring the founder’s brother, features a copper interior with an exclusive bronze elephant hood ornament.

So, what is the Bugatti Veyron price range? Only three of these cars were produced, selling for over $3,000,000 each. Elsewhere, the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse features an awesome roof spoiler and produces 1,200 horsepower.

Although both these Bugattis feature all-leather interiors and shiny aluminum dashboards, you won’t find a large center touchscreen. Instead, each Bugatti comes with its own external tablet that displays the car’s important diagnostic information. This is to enhance the driving experience and not detract from the Bugatti’s immersive architecture.

How much does the Bugatti Bolide cost?

What is the Bugatti Bolide price range? The Bugatti Bolide has yet to be released, but it will be limited to 40 units costing $4,800,000 each. Its name means “race car” in French, clearly evident from its dynamic design and lithe 3,196-lb frame. It was first teased as a concept car last December, a 1,825-hp beast that definitely would never have been street-legal. The relatively reserved 1,578 horsepower version, that also produces 1,180 lb-ft of torque, is still only permitted on the track. If the concept is followed, it would be paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD.

The Bolide looks similar to the Chiron at the nose, but it’s been considerably shaved down to house a carbon fiber grille. At the back, it has a set of four exhaust pipes and an aerodynamic rear wing. Combined with the huge diffuser, the Bolide will undoubtedly have a significant amount of downforce.

Interior photos haven’t been released yet, but other details suggest it will stray toward the more practical end of luxury. Bugatti said each car would come with safety harnesses, a fire extinguishing system, and a bladder fuel tank.

How much does the Bugatti Centodieci cost?

The Bugatti Centodieci, named after the Italian word for 110, is one of the automaker’s one-off models. The Centodieci is meant to be a tribute to the Bugatti EB110, first released in the 90s. Many automotive experts call it the first hypercar, capable of 560 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.

So, what is the Bugatti Centodieci price range? It cost a relatively affordable $652,000 upon its release, but it’s now valued at least $2,000,000. Only 10 Centodieci units were produced, and each one is now valued at $9,000,000. It boasts the same wedge shape as the EB110, only now it’s much more powerful. Like most Bugatti models, it comes equipped with a turbo W-16 engine capable of 1,578 horsepower.

This fighter jet-inspired model is just a hair faster than the Veyron, reaching 60 mph in only 2.4 seconds. It can reach 186 mph in a mere 13.1 seconds, a few ticks faster than even the Chiron. The Bugatti Centodieci also calls back to the EB110 with its diamond-shaped air inserts on its sides. It also has the same low headlights but two additional LED taillight elements at the rear.

How much does the Bugatti Divo cost?

According to MotorTrend, the Bugatti Divo is worth around $5,700,000. The Divo is also a one-off model named after French racer Albert Divo. All 40 units were purchased almost immediately, and the company began making deliveries in April 2020.

It has the same 1,479-hp engine as the iconic Bugatti Chiron, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the Divo has a slightly higher top speed and weighs 77 pounds less than its sibling. At the Nardo circuit run, the Divo also ran laps eight seconds quicker than the Chiron.

According to Top Gear, the Bugatti Divo is unsurprisingly a thrill to drive. Acceleration is instant, and the steering is light enough for quick maneuvers without losing any driver confidence. While no off-roader by any means, the Divo’s carbon fiber wheels keep their grip even on unsettled pavement. It also has one of the most distinctive noises, a unique blend of growls from the intake, turbo gates, and exhaust.

The Divo sets itself apart from the Chiron with a more aggressive front splitter and double-decker tail wing. The interior boasts the same luxury as the Chiron, but it has a two-toned leather interior similar to the Veyron models

How much does the Bugatti La Voiture Noire cost?

What is the Bugatti La Voiture Noire price range? Only one La Voiture Noire was ever created, valued at a whopping $12,500,500. Additionally, CNN says that adding necessary taxes raises the hypercar’s final price to around $19,000,000. Like the Bugatti Centodieci, the La Voiture Noire is also a tribute to a Bugatti model from its earliest era. 

The Type 57 SC Atlantic was one of the most powerful and stylish cars of its time, capable of up to 200 horsepower. Only four were ever produced for ownership, but one of them was reportedly lost sometime during WWII. The remaining models are estimated to be worth anywhere from $50,000,000-$136,000,000. 

Each of them had a different color scheme, with one blacked-out model known as La Voiture Noire. Meaning simply “the black car” in French, the modern Bugatti La Voiture Noire shares the same engine as the entry-level Chiron. It makes 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed of around 250 mph.

Bugatti claims that the La Voiture Noire’s interior is the most comfortable one ever produced, clad in black leather. The driver’s seat was also customized to fit the sole buyer of this model. The entire exterior is matte-black with several exposed carbon fiber bits, with the color scheme only broken by red headlights.

Who bought the $19 million Bugatti La Voiture Noire?

For some time, the identity of the Bugatti La Voiture Noire’s buyer was shrouded in mystery. Last year, Hindustan Times reported that the owner was sports star, Cristiano Ronaldo. This would be the affluent soccer player’s second Bugatti purchase, the first one being the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse.

Ronaldo bought the La Voiture Noire as a gift for himself, commemorating his team’s 36th Serie A championship win. Ronaldo also has an established history with Bugatti, showcasing a special ankle boot produced in collaboration with Nike.

How can I buy a Bugatti?

Buying any Bugatti sadly isn’t as simple as slapping down a few million dollars. HotCars reports that Bugatti has a lengthy application process, briefing you on the company’s history and the vehicle’s mechanical workings. The company also interviews each customer to make sure they align with the automaker’s luxury image.

In most cases, Bugatti will seek out specific buyers in hopes that they will endorse the automaker. This includes famous athletes, movie stars, and music artists with obviously exorbitant incomes. Some of the most vocal Bugatti enthusiasts are even invited to visit the factory in Molsheim.

You’re also permitted to touch different car components and even test drive models during this interview process. Fair warning, you will be forced to purchase a Bugatti if it gets damaged during a test drive. Once you’ve passed the interview, Bugatti requires a hefty car payment of at least $250,000. 

However, your relationship with Bugatti doesn’t end just because you’ve paid off the ride. The automaker also expects its patrons to attend company events and showcase their vehicles. You also can’t alter the vehicle without the automaker’s approval, especially to replicate a lookalike. However, Bugatti does offer a virtually endless list of customizations you can include before the car is even delivered.

Only registered Bugatti mechanics can work on the cars, and customers must keep a strict maintenance schedule. This is a whole other cost barrier in itself. The company requires new tires every 2,500 miles and new wheels every 10,000 miles, a total replacement bill of $83,000. HotCars says the average Bugatti owner spends $21,000 on maintenance alone. Still, most of us wouldn’t hesitate to get a Bugatti if we had the funds.

RELATED: Bugatti Experiences Its Best Sales Quarter Ever Despite a Global Pandemic

The post The Ultimate Bugatti Price Guide appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Climate change is a process, but many people are already feeling its effects. Due to climate change, people must drive cars with a good fuel economy and potentially switch to EVs in the future. However, despite declaring a climate crisis, President Joe Biden ironically also called on OPEC (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to increase oil production, and here’s why that’s not as ridiculous as it seems. 

The world is in a climate crisis

President Joe Biden speaking about climate change at the White House | Anna Moneymaker-Pool/Getty Images

As The Guardian wrote, the UN recently released an updated report on climate change, and it’s not good news. This report, which came from the IPCC, or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, is a stark reminder of how bad things are getting. It’s a reminder that governments worldwide need to take action now rather than kick the can down the road.

As a result of this report, President Joe Biden, on Twitter, declared that “We can’t wait to tackle the climate crisis.” And, as folks who follow politics know, that’s exactly why there’s a $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill that is being hotly debated in Congress. Much of that plan will tackle climate change, according to The Guardian. It’s extremely ironic then that President Biden told OPEC to drill more oil a few days later.

President Biden tells OPEC to increase oil production

As Jalopnik reported, not long after President Joe Biden said what he said about climate change, he also told OPEC to increase oil production. President Biden did this for a straightforward reason, as gas prices are rising. That’s happening for two reasons. First, the American economy is starting to recover from the pandemic’s effects, and that’s led to more people driving. This means that more people need gas now than they did in 2020.

Secondly, because so few people were driving in 2020, OPEC, and other countries, decided to reduce oil production. This makes sense since if fewer people and countries need oil, there’s no reason to produce as much oil. However, as Jalopnik wrote, while oil demand has risen recently, the oil supply hasn’t caught up just yet. As a result, gas prices are rising.

That said, President Biden’s mixed-messaging is ultimately logical. Poor and working-class people typically aren’t buying EVs, as they are too expensive, at least for now. As such, high gas prices will hurt poor and working-class people, as they need to drive, and high gas prices will mean they will spend more money on gas. So, until EVs become affordable for everyone, cheap oil and gas are still necessary. 

How President Biden wants to make EVs affordable

Fortunately, that’s where that infrastructure bill comes along. As The Guardian wrote, the infrastructure bill will do many things to help America fight climate change. Not only will it reduce fossil fuels from the grid, but it’ll also encourage Americans to buy EVs. The bill will provide funding to create a larger charging network, and it’ll also offer even more substantial tax credits so that EVs are more affordable.

On top of that, President Joe Biden wants to phase out gas-powered cars eventually. Additionally, that infrastructure bill will also include money for public transit options, such as trains. Taken together, if passed, these measures will make it so that poor and working-class Americans can afford EVs soon. Furthermore, if they don’t want to drive, they may also have a public transit option that’s not terrible. Either way, these measures will help everyone kick gasoline out of their lives. So, while President Biden’s messaging is confusing, the infrastructure bill would still go a long way in tackling climate change.

RELATED: President Biden Takes the Ford F-150 Lightning Out For a Spin: ‘This Sucker’s Quick’

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