Will a Power Boost Help the Ferrari Formula 1 Team Beat Red Bull and Mercedes?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Formula 1 is currently on summer break, but that doesn’t mean the Ferrari Formula 1 team is taking time off. With three weeks off, the Ferrari team has been upgrading the power units on both cars.

Ferrari Formula 1 Team vs. the Mercedes and Red Bull teams

Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving for the Ferrari Formula 1 Team | Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

According to Formula 1, both Ferrari cars will get a power boost during the summer break. It was reported this is some sort of “significant” engine upgrade. While the usual suspects are the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, Red Bull Racing is the new team to beat.

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have been pushing hard to gain some points this season, and it has worked. The current driver’s rankings show Sainz in sixth place with 83 points and Leclerc in seventh with 80 points. The Ferrari Formula 1 team is currently tied for third alongside McLaren with 163 points. Mercedes is in first with 303 points, followed closely by the Red Bull F1 team with 291 points.

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto confirmed that the current power unit in both cars is from the 2020 season. Teams are restricted to upgrade one component per year, and it seems Ferrari was waiting to upgrade the power unit until now.

The Ferrari Formula 1 team isn’t ready to accept third place yet

As it stands right now, both Sainz and Leclerc are on the third engine of the season. Each team is allowed three, so there is a good chance the team will incur grid penalties either way. It would make sense to switch the engine out at that time if penalties are on the table anyway.

“We will bring a power unit development. To clarify the regulations for 2021, you may have a brand new power unit in 2021. It means you can bring an update in all components of the power unit – the ICE, turbo, MGU-H, batteries, MGU-K etc.”

Mattia Binotto | Formula 1

Binotto confirmed that at the start of the 2021 season, there were components from 2020 included. Since then, it sounds like the Ferrari Formula 1 team has been working on the “evolution” of the parts. He also clarified these parts would be a big step toward the new 2022 regulations.

There is time for a major shakeup in the rankings

The summer break comes with 12 more Grand Prix still on the schedule, which is plenty of time for a shakeup from Ferrari. Binotto noted that the team has been working hard and hopes to hold on to third place. “The objective is to improve in all the areas. If we are capable of doing that, continuously improving, I think the outcome will be third.”

For the 2020 season, Ferrari finished sixth overall with 131 points. They have already surpassed that by 32 points this year. The power unit upgrade is definitely going to give the Ferrari Formula 1 team a shot at the podium. Keep an eye out for Sainz and Leclerc in the red Ferraris when the Formula 1 season continues at the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of this month. It might not be enough to beat Red Bull and Mercedes, but at least the team is competitive.

RELATED: 5 Most Expensive Formula 1 Cars Sold at Auction, Including One Lewis Hamilton Drove

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2021 Ford Bronco Parking Lot Pile Up: You Might Have to Wait Until 2022 or Beyond

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Amid chip shortages and quality issues with both soft and hard top 2021 Ford Bronco roofs, this Ford product rollout isn’t going smoothly. Production hiccups, supply chain problems, and pending quality checks have led to thousands of 2021 Ford Bronco models being parked in Wayne, Michigan. 

Assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

The good news? Now you know where your Bronco is. The bad news? You may have to wait a while for your 2021 Ford Bronco. In fact, in a letter to Bronco reservation holders, Ford outlines the issue. Also, the letter informs reservation holders that if their Ford Bronco order isn’t already scheduled for production they may not get that order filled as a 2021 Bronco. In fact, unscheduled production may actually mean that reservation holders may have to wait until 2022 Ford Bronco production to actually receive their new SUV. 

Where have all the Broncos gone? 

According to Autoblog, a Bronco6G Forum member recently took a spy video of a parking lot filled with parked 2021 Ford Bronco models. All of these, according to Ford, are waiting on quality checks. There are reported quality issues with the molded-in color hardtop. However, we’ve also seen mention of problems with the soft roofs too. 

As of now, the 2021 Ford Broncos that are in the parking lot are waiting on quality checks. Ford told Motor1 that each vehicle would remain in the parking lot until undergoing the necessary quality inspections before shipping out to their designated locations. But it’s so many Broncos that it hardly seems feasible that they will ship out in a timely manner. 

Your 2021 Ford Bronco might turn out to be a 2022 model instead––or even a 2023 model year

a blue two-door 2021 Ford Bronco on display outdoors
2021 Ford Bronco | Scott Olson/Getty Images

If your order has already been scheduled for production, the delivery of the 2021 Ford Bronco is delayed. In fact, the situation feels a bit like the recent discovery of lots in Kansas and Michigan loaded with Ford F-150 pickup trucks awaiting chip-related parts. For a time, the reason the Broncos sat in the Wayne, MI lot was a mystery.

Some speculated that it was another situation like the Ford F-150 trucks awaiting final components. However, recent updates on the situation reveal that the 2021 Ford Bronco SUVs are awaiting the replacement of the molded-in color hardtops. Additionally, Broncos scheduled for production have been put on hold until the built models have received the replacement parts. 

The parts should begin rolling out in September. Additionally, updated scheduling will come to owners with a scheduled build sometime in October, according to Autoblog. This delay means that anyone with a reservation that hasn’t scheduled the production for their 2021 Ford Bronco SUV yet will likely get a 2022 model. In fact, Ford reports that some may have to wait for a 2023 model as the manufacturer addresses the quality issues. 

Will 2021 Ford Bronco SUV reservation holders have to pay more for a 2022 or 2023 model? 

A red Ford Bronco getting parts on the production line.
2021 Ford Bronco on the line | JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images

If you are a Bronco reservation holder then you may be wondering if you’ll have to pay a higher price for a 2023 model than the 2021 you already put on hold. The answer is no. Ford issued a statement that 2021 model year reservation holders have “MSRP protection” and will not have to pay a higher price for a newer model year. 

Autoblog also reports that if you reserved a soft top option then the delay will not affect your order. So what if you change your order to a soft-top model? Ford has informed reservation holders that this may get them in their new Ford Bronco faster. However, there are other options that may take longer. For example, the Wildtrak trim, 2.7 liter V6 engine option, and packages like the Luxury, Sasquatch, and Trailer Tow packages. The Safari Bar is another option to avoid if you want your model quickly. 

What if you opt for a soft-top model and plan to purchase an accessory hardtop for it? 

2021 Ford Bronco crushing some Moab trails
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

If this is the plan, you’ll still have to wait a while. The accessory hardtops won’t go on sale until 2023. With all of this information, 2021 Ford Bronco SUV reservation holders may feel compelled to make changes to their order. 

If you would like to make some changes to your order, just contact your local dealer and they should be able to help. Plus, you won’t lose your spot in the queue––granted that your request is made before scheduled production. Additionally, the Bronco Support Team can be reached at 800-334-4375 for anyone who wants more information.

RELATED: The ‘World’s Richest Actress’ Has an Understated Car Collection

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Rumors of Chevy Using an Electric Sports Sedan to Replace the Camaro Are Circulating

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Many kids and adults dream of owning a flashy sports car someday, and the ideal sports car for many kids over the past several decades has been the Chevy Camaro. This gas-powered beast has been around for a long time, though some journalists believe its tenure is coming to an end sooner rather than later. Learn more about the Chevy Camaro, why it may be replaced by an electric sports sedan, and how reviewers feel about the 2021 Chevy Camaro.

History of the Chevy Camaro

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro | Chevrolet Pressroom

The Chevy Camaro has been around since 1966, and it has had such an impact on the car world that even those with minimal car knowledge have at least heard of the vehicle before. All the way back in 1965, reports began circulating that Chevy was in the processes of creating a car that could compete with the Ford Mustang. 

Chevy dominated the full-size, mid-size, and small car markets back in the day, but Ford’s Mustang created a whole new category, the pony car. According to the GM Heritage Center, the car was originally codenamed the Chevy Panther. Chevy sent a telegram to several agencies about a live press conference they were hosting to announce their new vehicle. 

The first generation of Camaros didn’t sell as much as the Mustang, largely because of some quirks that made it a bit less appealing than its competitor. The second generation, which began in 1970, produced major cosmetic changes and enjoyed better sales than the first. Each successive generation brought new styles and changes that kept up with the times, and since 2016, we have been enjoying the sixth generation of the Camaro. Will this be the final generation of the Chevy Camaro?

Rumors of an electric sports sedan replacing the Camaro

A report from Car and Driver that dropped last month speculates that Chevy hopes to become a more eco-friendly automaker to keep up with consumer demands. In fact, GM is hoping to go carbon-neutral by 2040, which will mean that some of their popular models may get the boot. This could include the Chevy Camaro, a gas-guzzling pony car that hasn’t hit the same sales volume as the Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger. 

General Motors has plans to introduce 30 new electric cars that will be made available by 2025. GM has already teased a new electric sports car during their EV week presentation. Not much is known about this mysterious EV, but some speculate that it could be equipped with the Ultium battery platform to produce up to 1000 horsepower. That’s not bad at all. 

Car and Driver also reports that these rumors come when the Mustang Mach-E is becoming a top seller in the electric vehicles category, and Dodge has plans to launch its own electric muscle car by 2024, currently called the eMuscle. Going electric appears to be the only way forward to keep up with the competition and hit key sales figures. 

An overview of the 2021 Chevy Camaro

Although the possibility of no more Camaro models may be sad to some fans, the Chevy Camaro is still here for now, and it’s an overall decent car despite its poor sales figures. U.S. News gave it an overall score of 8.2/10 and named it the fourth-best sports car behind the Ford Mustang, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Dodge Challenger. 

The main aspect that has held the Camaro back is its poor-to-mediocre interior quality. Otherwise, the car might’ve received a much higher overall score. Despite this, the Camaro’s engine options still pack a substantial punch. Additionally, prospective buyers can add several appealing performance and appearance packages to customize their Camaro.

The 2021 Chevy Camaro starts at $25,000, and the base model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The most powerful engine is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that can produce 650 horsepower, starting at $63,000. 

RELATED: Camaro Prices Skyrocketing: What’s Going On?

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Minivans and MPVs: What’s the Difference?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Minivans are cooler than ever these days, with the Kia Carnival redefining what a van really is, literally. Rather than calling it a minivan, Kia is calling the Carnival an MPV, or multi-purpose vehicle. But what exactly is an MPV, and how do they compare to minivans?

2022 Kia Carnival MPV (top) and 2022 Toyota Sienna Minivan (bottom)| Kia/Toyota

What’s the difference between a minivan and an MPV?

Minivans and MPVs don’t differ much on the outside, tall cabin spaces with a small front end. In fact, fundamentally, MPVs and minivans both pride themselves on being able to take three rows of people wherever they need to go. So why the name change?

The definition of an MPV all revolves around how luxurious it is. It has nothing to do with the styling really, though MPVs are usually larger and more SUV-like, whereas a minivan would be more like a budget crossover. In fact, Kia themselves say the Carnival is “staking claim on the unoccupied space between SUV and family hauler.”

The best comparison I can come up with would be a Dodge Grand Caravan versus a Chrysler Town and Country. Both can carry seven people and many things, but the Dodge was the budget option, starting at $21,000 when new, whereas the Chrysler started at $29,000.

Though even that’s not a great comparison, as they were basically the same car, one was just comfier. So if the Kia Carnival claims to be an MPV, what features does it have to deserve that title?

Why does the Kia Carnival classify as an MPV?

2022 Kia Carnival MPV
2022 Kia Carnival MPV | Kia

Boxy and big exterior aside, the Kia Carnival is certainly packing a lot of luxury inside the cabin. Starting from the front, the driver has control of an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and Bluetooth connectivity. Scattered around the cabin are 9 different USB ports, plenty for the eight passengers you can carry.

That’s right, despite the photos, the Kia Carnival has room for eight thanks to one hidden seat between the chairs in the second row. And while they may not be captain’s chairs, the second-row occupants can comfortably recline. The whole middle interior is flexible, allowing the two seats to move forward, back, left, and right to accommodate passengers or belongings. In other words, it’s highly multi-purpose.

But nowadays, a lot of minivans are coming out with similar features. The Toyota Sienna, while only able to seat seven, has reclining captain’s chairs with built-in footrests as well. It’s riddled with USBs, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, safety features up the wazoo, and even a virtual assistant rather than an owner’s manual. In short, most vans are luxurious, why aren’t they MPVs too?

Interiors and prices differentiate MPVs from Minivans

2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Kia Carnival Interiors
2022 Toyota Sienna (top) vs 2022 Kia Carnival Interiors (bottom) | Toyota/Kia

This is diving into speculation, as there isn’t a definitive answer to why the Toyota Sienna is more minivan than MPV. But here is my educated guess: it all has to do with the fact that the Toyota Sienna starts at $34,460, whereas the Kia Carnival starts at just $32,100. But wait, that’s cheaper, aren’t MPVs supposed to be more luxurious? You’re right, they are, but they’re also supposed to be a better bang for your buck.

Even the top-trim Kia Carnival SX Prestige is cheaper than a top-trim Toyota Sienna Platinum, costing $46,100 rather than $49,000 (before adding optional features/packages). So at the end of the day, it all has to do with luxury features wrapped up in affordability. You could get the Sienna for $49,000, but why do that when the Carnival can do that for $3,000 less. Though, if you want eight passengers, something the Sienna can’t do at all, then you’ll have to settle for the SX (one trim level lower than the SX Prestige)

So if you’re looking to carry as many people as possible, you’re better off with the MPV. If you’re looking to pay less, you’d still want the MPV. If you’d like luxury features, both the Sienna and the Carnival have them, but why would you want to spend more for the same thing?

RELATED: The Kia Carnival is Coming to Dethrone the Toyota Sienna

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