Fortnite Just Added a Ferrari 296 GTB for You to Test Drive, but Only for a Limited Time

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Not all of us can afford supercars like the new Ferrari 296 GTB. This Prancing Horse has the striking appearance you expect from Ferrari, along with cutting-edge technology. But just because we might never buy one of these cars, we don’t have to stop dreaming about them. Even the thought of owning a retired race car inspires the imagination. 

Luckily, we can live vicariously through videos, games, and car shows. And now, the addition of the Ferrari 296 GTB to Fortnite might be the closest we come to driving one.

The Ferrari 296 GTB is a supercar fanatic’s dream

2021 Ferrari 296 GTB | Ferrari

The latest plug-in hybrid in Ferrari’s lineup comes with a turbocharged V6 engine harnessing 818 hp and a quarter-million-dollar price tag. The Ferrari 296 GTB uses hybrid technology and has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This beast can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 205 mph. 

The car is built with minimalistic and sleek lines common to Ferraris, looking sharp on the street and the track.

Fortnite and Ferrari partner to bring the 296 GTB to life digitally

Of course, playing a game can’t compare to driving the real deal. Still, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s introduction to the wildly popular video game Fortnite provides an opportunity for car lovers to enjoy the vehicle in a digital format. 

Exposure to cars like this, especially at a young age (most of Fortnite’s players are teens), helps foster love and appreciation for these vehicles, inspiring a new generation of car fans. Despite the massive changes to the economy and our daily lives over the past year and a half, there’s still a healthy market for luxury cars that sees even the people who can afford cars like the Ferrari 496 GTB scrambling to buy what they can get because of short supply. 

A legendary battle royale game, Fortnite has redefined gaming and culture

Many battle royale games, including Fortnite, have come into the video game scene in the past 10 years. But Fortnite has proven to be the genre’s most popular and enduring. 

This huge success from Epic Games has been called the most important game of the decade by Business Insider, exceeding 250 million players. What started as one of several battle royale games to hit the scene has evolved into arguably the biggest game of all time. 

Battle royale games generally revolve around player-versus-player combat, either in a team or free-for-all format. Fortnite has long been known for its in-game skins for its characters and promotions in partnership with other companies. 

This is why it isn’t surprising it would team up with Ferrari to make the 296 GTB drivable in-game. The car can spawn anywhere on the map in many locations, but it’s only guaranteed to spawn in Holly Hatchery, Lazy Lake, and Weeping Woods.

Driving the Ferrari 496 GTB in Fortnite, you can compete in several time trial quests for Chapter 2 of Season 7 for the Fortnite season pass. Read the full guide for collecting the car and completing the time trails on Eurogamer. If you want the chance to take the car for a spin, check it out before October 6, when the car will leave Fortnite forever. 

RELATED:  10 Ferraris You Should Own if You Want to Be a Serious Ferrari Collector

The post Fortnite Just Added a Ferrari 296 GTB for You to Test Drive, but Only for a Limited Time appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The 2022 Ford Explorer ST Is Just Playing Dress-up

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Ford Explorer ST is bringing a much sportier look to the table. It does look both attractive and aggressive. But unfortunately, the new Ford Explorer ST isn’t coming with any extra power. 

The 2022 Ford Explorer ST looks the part 

2022 Ford Explorer ST models | Ford

The 2022 Ford Explorer ST brings fresh looks to the track. Ford mentioned that the exterior mirrors a fully equipped Explorer ST. It includes a blacked-out front grille, 20-inch machine alloy wheels, and dual exhaust tips. The headlights and taillights include a dark tint, and EXPLORER is featured on the hood in glossy black lettering. 

But the Explorer ST-Line is powered by the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. If rumors are correct, then the Explorer ST could gain the 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, which would be more enticing. 

The Ford Explorer can accelerate from o to 60 mph in about 5.2 seconds which is faster than average for its class. The sport-tuned suspension enhances its performance, but a little more would make it feel a little more worth it. 

Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is an available option. The engine is paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission. 

How is the Explorer ST’s interior? 

The inside of the 2022 Ford Explorer ST is pretty decked out. You’ll notice that the seats have red accents. The front seats and the steering wheel are also heated, and scuff plates with ST-Line badging are included. 

It sounds excellent with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Tech upgrades include a 360-degree camera, wireless charging pad. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, making it easy to listen to your favorite songs and podcasts. 

Plus, the Explorer ST is safe. Standard features include the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of driver and safety systems. It includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go as well as evasive steer assist. 

The ST line slots between the XLT and Limited trims. You can get started in the ST-Line for about $45,845, while the RWD ST begins at around $48,430. This is $2,000 cheaper than the AWD model. 

What about the Explorer ST you can’t have? 

2021 Ford Explorer ST on the track
2021 Ford Explorer ST | Ford

There is another 2022 Ford Explorer ST that we can’t have. It’s an extreme version of the SUV that was crafted for the Ford Performance Racing School. The Explorer was built to draw attention to the school that was established in 2006. 

It offers high-performance driving instructions, and it’s a complimentary program offered to those who buy Ford Performance vehicles. So, depending on what you buy, it’s possible that you’ll get a chance to take it for a spin. 

This Ford Explorer ST model has HP tuners for more muscle. But Ford hasn’t specified its new numbers. It uses the 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that provides 400 hp in regular Explorer models. It probably has a modest increase. 

It also has a custom fabricated full four-passenger safety cage, four Recaro seats with four-point safety harnesses, and racing window nets. Brembo six-piston monobloc aluminum front calipers are paired with 16.5-inch front rotors from the Shelby Mustang GT500.

RELATED: There’s a 2021 Ford Explorer That’s Actually Not Boring to Drive

The post The 2022 Ford Explorer ST Is Just Playing Dress-up appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

This $50,000 Lamborghini Aventador Might Have a Little Secret

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A Lamborghini Aventador for $50,000 should scream, “RED FLAG!” Well, it’s no secret that an Aventador costs about 10x more than this eBay asking price, and any potential buyer for this particular red car that looks like a Lamborghini Aventador should understand that looks can be deceiving. 

So, what is this Lamborghini Aventador look-alike? 

Clearly, this red Lamborghini Aventador doppelganger is a replica. However, the base car that the replica was built on may not be what you’d expect. According to CarScoops, this little red supercar suit is wrapped around a 2005 Pontiac GTO.

Although this GTO is a far cry from a real Aventador, it’s no slouch. The 2005 GTO underneath all that Lambo dressing holds a 6.0-liter LS2 V8. If that weren’t enough already, this LS powerplant has been modified to make around 500 hp. All 500 horses are sent to the rear wheels in true muscle car fashion, making for a very drifty Lamborghini clone. 

What else do we know about this disguised Pontiac GTO? 

An actual Lamborghini Aventador SV | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

The current owner/seller has said that he bought the Lamborghini GTO around two years ago, and he was not the one who built it. Obviously, unlike a real Lamborghini Aventador, this fancy GTO is not mid-engined as its looks might suggest to a very untrained eye. Nope, this American muscle job is still front-engined the way Dale always intended. 

The bodywork was sculpted from fiberglass and tried hard to closely mimic the real thing, particularly up front. The GTO sports the Aventador’s large air intakes, angular headlights, and aggressive bodywork.

How convincing are Lamborghini replicas? 

Usually, replicas always just look a bit off. While this is a very sliding scale, regardless of the attention to detail, it is tough to make the dimensions of a front-engined American muscle car match those of a mid-engined Italian supercar. However, the builder of this Pontiac Aventador tried pretty hard. 

While the overall vibe is just wrong, the details are there. As CarScoops points out, the long body panels stretch the GTO out attractively, and the massive side air vents add to the look. The GTO got black wheels with Lamborghini center caps, too. Seen at the rear is a decklid and ‘engine cover’ inspired by the Aventador, as are the taillights, diffuser, and central tailpipe. There is even a fake “V12” under the engine cover. However, the classic V8 rumble will unshroud that illusion pretty quickly. 

The truth is, this replica isn’t likely to fool many Lamborghini fans if any at all. But, such is the nature of replicas. They are typically built in the spirit of lighthearted motoring that doesn’t require anyone to take them too seriously for the overall objective of fun to be achieved. 

Is the Lamborghini Aventador replica worth $50,000? 

an upclose shot at a real Lamborghini badge as opposed to the Lamborghini Aventador replica built from a 2005 Pontiac GTO
Badge Logo of Lamborghini | Getty images

Well, that is a question that can only be answered by the person who buys this red plaything. The owner claims the Aventador replica “runs and drives great” and has “tons of power.” If the 500-hp claims are true, then I’d imagine the power is more than enough for most drivers to get into trouble. 
According to CarScoops, the Lamborghini Aventador replica has been listed for sale on eBay with a “Buy It Now” price of $49,000 and a starting bid of $42,999. Although it had some watchers, no one bit on the asking price.

RELATED: Supercar Fail: Double Yellow Lamborghini Aventador Crash

The post This $50,000 Lamborghini Aventador Might Have a Little Secret appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Biden’s Emission Rules Are Better Than Obama’s, but Environmental Groups Say They’re Not Enough

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s no secret that environmental policy is one of the dividing points in American politics. While the Obama administration implemented regulations that improved fuel economy, the Trump administration slashed those regulations. 

While finding cars with efficient fuel economy is important to consumers, it’s arguably more important to the Democratic party. Environmentalists were generally happy that Biden won the presidential election but are now concerned if his car emissions policy goes far enough. Here is what you need to know about the new emissions policy. 

Biden’s new policy

Joe Biden | Getty Images

During the Obama administration, car manufacturers were required to reduce emissions from their lineup by 5% per year, as reported by auto blog.  However, Trump reduced that standard to only 1.5% per year.  

In response, the state of California attempted to lead the country in car emission regulations.  To oversimplify a complex legal issue, California was able to work with five automakers to reduce their emissions by 3.7%. With a Democrat back in the White House, emission regulations will return to the federal level. 

Biden will return to the 5% reduction established by Obama and even exceed it in subsequent years. Specifically, the 5% reduction will increase after 2026. The Truth About Cars reported that the exact number is unknown, but most experts predict it will be between 6% to 7%. 

Is it enough?

While most environmentalists would agree Biden’s plan is an improvement, there is a fair amount of anxiety if it is enough to reduce the onset of climate change. One group that has volleyed such criticism is the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). 

To summarize, ACEEE believes that Biden needs stronger regulations to compensate for the “dirty cars” made during the Trump administration. Additionally, the group suggests that technology has improved to the point where a 5% reduction is too easy of a goal. They prefer to see more ambitious regulations that are more in line with recent technological advancements. 

Additional criticism comes from David Cooke, a senior vehicles analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists. Cooke is more concerned with the “off-cycle credits” in Biden’s plan, as reported by Green Car Reports. The off-cycle credits allow automakers to bypass emission reductions in exchange for researching new technologies that may reduce emissions. 

Cooke is concerned that the off-cycle credits offer little accountability. Additionally, technologies from prior years can be used as an off-cycle credit. A car manufacturer can go back as far as 2014 to utilize the credit program. It is anticipated that old concepts like grille shutters and engine idle-stop systems will be used as off-cycle credits, even though they’ve been in cars for years. 

The role of EVs

Electric vehicles may be the solution for reducing car emissions, at least until we get cars that eat pollution. The Biden administration has taken note and hopes to capitalize on the recent popularity of EVs. 

Biden wants 40% of all new car sales to be electric by 2030, per auto blog. However, this is just a proposed rule by the EPA. It is unclear if this will become an official regulation or not. 

Senator Tom Carper of Delaware is a major proponent of the EV mandate and wants to see it go even further. Specifically, the senator wants 100% of new car sales to be electric by 2035. Senator Carper believes that the auto industry is already making huge investments in EVs on its own. A nudge from Uncle Sam could make car emissions a thing of the past. 

Related: What Do They Test for in an Emissions Inspection? 

The post Biden’s Emission Rules Are Better Than Obama’s, but Environmental Groups Say They’re Not Enough appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by