The 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Dominates as the Quickest Car of the Decade

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Car and Driver released its picks for the quickest cars of the decade. Amidst the land-rockets that scorched onto the tarmac, Car and Driver deemed the Ferrari SF90 Stradale hypercar as the quickest.

Where Did The Ferrari SF90 Perform?

Having almost 1,000 horsepower allowed the Stradale to blitz the lap record at Indianapolis. It earned a 1:29.6 with a 174.6 mph top speed, according to Motortrend. The nearest production car to the Stradale is the Porsche 918 Spyder, which set a 1:34.4.

How Did The Ferrari SF90 Achieve Its Speed?

Ferrari SF90 Stradale Front | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

The Stradale’s powerplant probably allowed it to overtake cars like the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder and Lamborghini Huracan Performante. The Stradale uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with three AC motors for 986 combined horsepower, thus launching the 3840 lb stallion to 60 mph in 2 seconds, according to Car and Driver.

The Stradale is all-wheel drive, with two electric motors on the front axle. Its V8 rests behind the seats, and a third electric motor lies between the V8 and its transmission. However, Michelin helped the Stradale along as well, equipping its carbon fiber wheels with Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

This particular Stradale used the Assetto Fiorano package, which installs titanium springs, Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers, and a bigger spoiler. It also includes a titanium exhaust and those carbon fiber wheels. If the Ferrari’s Price tag wasn’t already through the roof at $511,250, then the Assetto Fiorano package gave it the boost it needed. The Fiorano package costs an extra $193,697, totaling the car at $704,929. 

Ferrari’s SF90 Stradale marks a long list of firsts for the Italian automaker. The Stradale is the first Ferrari to use brake-by-wire as well as electric power steering and all-wheel drive. It’s also the first-ever hybrid Ferrari.

What Else Made The Cut For Car and Driver

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Lamborghini Huracan Performance | Photo by Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

Stradale was also up against titans like the Bugatti Chiron Sport, which got 60 mph in 2.4 seconds, and the BMW M8, which got 2.5 seconds. Even the Corvette C8 made the list, as well as the 2020 Tesla Model S Performance. The Ferrari 488 Pista and McLaren Senna were fighting for table scraps down around the 2.7-second mark.

Who Drove The Ferrari At Indianapolis?

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Ferrari SF90 Stradale Rear | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

Ferrari Development Driver Francesco Arati drove the Stradale to its lap record. Arati raced professionally in the 2012 FIA European Rally Championship. He raced in the Rally 1000 Miglia at the wheel of a Renault Twingo, however, he only managed to finish P27. 

Car and Driver it seems made the right choice with making the 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale the quickest car of the decade. The yellow prancing horse emblem on one of the fastest cars ever should surprise no one, but factoring in its hybrid powertrain yields some mysticism. Given its performance, it’s no wonder the SF90 costs the same as a house in the mid-west.

RELATED: There’s Another Ferrari Hybrid Coming and It Has a…V6?

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The Best Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs of 2021 According to TrueCar

by Gabrielle DeSantis

No one wants to spend additional time and money at the pump. After all, why would they? Fortunately, plenty of new SUVs are designed to make the most out of every gallon that you put into them. That’s especially true of TrueCar’s picks for the best, most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is one of the best most fuel-efficient SUVs 

The RAV4 has a reputation for being a reliable compact SUV. It also has a reputation for being among the most fuel-efficient new SUVs. That’s especially true of the 2021 Toyota RAV4, which found itself among the best most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021, TrueCar reports.

Though, it’s no surprise as to why. Under the hood of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. This year’s new RAV4 is also available with a hybrid powertrain, which provides an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

As for how much the 2021 Toyota RAV4 costs? Opting for a base model will set you back approximately $26,250. Upgrading to a more well-equipped RAV4 will cost you, however. In fact, at its most expensive, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 costs $37,330.

The 2021 Ford Escape is a fuel-efficient new compact SUV 

The 2021 Ford Escape also found itself among TrueCar’s picks for the best, most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021. Standard under the hood of this new compact SUV is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. 

The Ford Escape also offers three additional engine options, including a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, a hybrid 2.5-liter engine, and a plug-in 2.5-liter engine. While the Escape’s available 2.0-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, its available hybrid 2.5-liter engine can manage an EPA-estimated 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. 

Meanwhile, the plug-in Ford Escape boasts an EPA-estimated rating of 105 MPGe combined city/highway. The 2021 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid is on the most expensive side, however. In fact, while the base model Ford Escape starts at $25,555, the plug-in Ford Escape starts at $33,075.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a new luxury SUV

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Ford Escape are both fuel-efficient compact SUVs. Meanwhile, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a new luxury SUV that boasts “supreme off-road abilities.” Those differences, however, didn’t stop TrueCar from including the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport among its picks for the best, most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021.

As a matter of fact, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine under the hood, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport achieves an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, according to U.S. News & World Report. Opt for a V8-powered Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and those numbers do dip significantly. 

Perhaps the only downside to the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is its price. Though, it is a luxury SUV, after all. Base models ring in at $69,500. Meanwhile, the most expensive 2022 Land Rover Sport costs upwards of $98,500.

The 2021 Kia Niro offers three fuel-efficient engine choices

Kia Niro | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

As for the best, most fuel-efficient SUV of 2021? TrueCar highlighted the 2021 Kia Niro. At the heart of the new Kia Niro is a 1.6-liter engine with a hybrid electric motor. According to the EPA, the setup delivers an impressive 53 mpg in the city and 58 mpg on the highway. Overall, the EPA reports that the 2021 Kia Niro’s base engine will save drivers up to $4,000 in fuel costs over the first five years of ownership.

A fuel-efficient engine isn’t all this new compact SUV has going for it either. It also offers up a “comfortable and user-friendly cabin,” TrueCar added. The backseat provides ample amounts of space for kids and teens alike. The new Kia Niro also offers a slew of people-pleasing features, including standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

And when it comes to pricing? The 2021 Kia Niro finds itself among the most affordable new compact SUVs under $25,000. In fact, opt for a base model, and you’ll be spending only $24,690. If you’re shopping for a new SUV under $30,000, that price tag is certainly manageable.

Which fuel-efficient option is the best SUV for you?

If you’re in the market for the best, most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2021, TrueCar’s picks make for a great place to start. To determine which fuel-efficient new SUV is the best fit for you, we recommend hitting the road for a few test drives.

RELATED: 3 Best AWD SUVs of 2021 According to TrueCar

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1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Set to Bring in $8.5 to $10 Million at Auction

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is hitting the auction floor again, and this time the 90s supercar is expected to draw an insane amount. The CLK GTR is famous for its days racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Mercedes renamed it to the CLK LM shortly after. That’s essentially what makes it so popular, rare, exceptional…and whatever else you want to call it.

How many Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR vehicles are there?

A Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is going up for auction | Photo by Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

As first reported by Jalopnik, there were only 26 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR vehicles produced. Twenty of those were coupes, and six were roadsters, which means this is one of the more rare cars ever created. Depending on who you ask, this number varies a bit.

The 1998 CLK GTR is heading for auction from Gooding & Company out of Pebble Beach. The company estimates the vehicle will bring in anywhere from $8,500,000 to $10,000,000. This is the ninth Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR out of only 25 (one less than previously noted). It has 896 miles (1,442 km) on the odometer.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR has a 6.9L V12 and has all of the original records and accessories. It offers four-wheel ventilated ceramic composite brakes and independent wishbone suspension on both the front and the rear. The CLK GTR has a numbered battery charger, a few original tools, and wooden blocks to rest the car on.

This is the fifth sale of this particular 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

The last time this Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR sold, it sold for $4,515,000 in 2018. RM Sotheby’s sold the vehicle in California with the same mileage. The buyer held onto this vehicle for three years without putting a single mile on it. Tragic. This sale was the fourth buyer for the car. It is pretty much guaranteed to sell for a fifth time.

While most people will never see the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR in person, it did gain popularity from video games like Need for Speed. This certainly isn’t a vehicle you would see on the streets, which is what makes it so noteworthy. While there are a few variations of these vehicles, most cars didn’t make it to the U.S. and were not street legal. These would be strictly for racing or stored in a private collection somewhere.

The 911 GT1 Straßenversion (Strassenversion)

A similar vehicle story is the Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion or Strassenversion (street version). Porsche designed the 911 GT1 for racing, but regulations required a street-legal version. Thus, the 911 GT1 Strassenversion was born. The GT1 was first released in 1996 and came equipped with a 3.2 L water-cooled, flat-six, twin-turbo engine. It participated in 135 races and won 47 of those races. Like the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, there were only 25 vehicles produced.

When this Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR goes up for sale, it will likely disappear for another few years. This vehicle was imported to the U.S. back in 2017 under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “show or display” exemption. This means the car was deemed to have “historical or technological significance.” It is a costly process and could impact the sale of the vehicle in the future.

RELATED: Is the Porsche 911 Worthy of the Supercar Distinction?

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The Cancelled Sequels to the Volkswagen Beetle

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Perhaps one of the world’s most recognizable cars, the Volkswagen Beetle remains as iconic today as it ever was. But when the car first hit the production line in 1938, VW didn’t know what the Bug’s future would look like. As early as the 1950s, the German automaker looked into ways to branch out of the Beetle line with replacements or successors.

As we know, the Beetle took hold in its market, and VW discontinued the many attempts at a sequel. But what would they have looked like?

Volkswagen stopped producing the Beetle after the 2019 model year

1949 Volkswagen Beetle (left), 2019 Beetle Final Edition, and 1998 New Beetle | Volkswagen of America, Inc. Newspress Limited

After over 80 years on the production line, the VW stopped Beetle production in 2019, Business Insider reports. During that time, the Beetle saw several forms, such as the original and the New Beetle. And though the Bug certainly wasn’t the only car VW focused on, it was one of the brand’s most popular, with over 23 million units sold over the years.

In the 1950s and ’60s, the Beetle saw its peak popularity when it made its way around the world. After that, Volkswagen halted production from the 1970s until 1998, when the New Beetle debuted with a similar but new body shape. It enjoyed a few more successful decades, but VW ceased Beetle production after the 2019 model year when it became obvious consumers preferred SUVs and crossovers.

The failed sequels of the Volkswagen Beetle were numerous and varied

Though the Beetle ultimately became as beloved as we know it to be, VW wasn’t always confident that would be the case. So the automaker came up with a number of sequels to the Bug that could take over the market if the need arose. Volkswagen recently took a look back at some of the what-could-have-been Beetles from over the years, and it’s interesting to compare them to the original.

EA47-12: 1955-1956

Produced by Italian automaker Ghia, the EA47-12 tried a more modern approach to the Beetle. It was powered by a four-cylinder boxer air-cooled engine that could get up to 30 hp.

EA97: 1960

The EA97 was a rear-engine two-door packing a 1.1-liter engine. It was abandoned after 200 demo cars had been assembled by hand because it was too similar to the Beetle Type 3.

Type 3 Cabriolet: 1961

This prototype was produced as a slightly more luxury version of the Type 3, with a convertible option. It was discontinued because it was too similar to another Ghia convertible produced at the time.

EA276: 1969

The EA 276 became the predecessor of the Volkswagen Golf (sold as the Rabbit in the United States). It offered a boxier style than the others. It also ran with the Beetle’s current 1.7-liter engine, whereas the Rabbit eventually got an upgraded engine.

EA266: 1969

The EA266 was developed alongside Porsche, featuring a sportier design and a 1.6-liter engine mounted beneath the rear seat. Despite the excitement surrounding the EA266, it ultimately failed on the assembly line.

We could see the Volkswagen Beetle return yet again

Despite all the Beetle castoffs, Volkswagen has never said the Bug would remain off the assembly line forever. In fact, VW has recently gotten into the converting game, giving consumers a route to turn old Beetles into EVs — what the automaker calls “e-Beetles.” These electric conversions use an 81-hp motor and can go about 124 miles on a full charge.

That Volkswagen is converting these vehicles could hint at the automaker producing an electric Bug in the future. After all, the Beetle has seen hiatuses before, so it’s never out of the realm of possibility that we’ll see a new generation again.

RELATED: You Should Own a Volkswagen Beetle at Least Once

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