by Gabrielle DeSantis

Located at 5417 Trackview Road, this is your chance to truly live in a house with the best track view around. That’s because it is sitting in the middle of a race track. The Brainerd International Raceway to be exact. Yes, it’s your dream house.

Your dream house will have 300 mph+ nitro dragsters aimed at it

5417 Trackview Road | Zillow

You’ll practically be in the driver’s seat of either road or drag racing spectacles most weekends in the spring and summer. In fact, if you love drag racing, everything plying the strip is aimed right at your house. Mostly at 300 mph or more. Just look out any of the facing windows to be right where the action is. 

Now, we should be honest. We call it a house, but it is really a big garage with some living quarters attached. That’s not so much a bad thing as it is a car enthusiast’s dream, for sure. 

This three-story pad could be your very own dream house

5417 Trackview Road living room
5417 Trackview Road | Zillow

Screw season tickets to the Vikings or the Twins. If you live in Minnesota or have dreamed of a chance like this, you have to step up. For starters, the bottom floor is completely reserved for cars. Enough room for four. There is even a parking lift. And a display turntable for your most prized possession. 

You can keep the curious out of your second-floor living quarters because there is a wet bar and a large family gathering area. Once upstairs, you’re treated to two-bedroom and two-bathroom living quarters. Of course, the bathrooms are racing-themed. 

There is both a second-story covered deck and third-story observation deck

5417 Trackview Road covered deck
5417 Trackview Road | Zillow

The living room overlook gives a bird’s eye view of the garage area. To get away from the racing action there is also a covered deck that looks out to the directly adjacent wooded lake. But there’s more.

Slide up to the third floor and it is an observation deck. And we do mean slide up. You can get there by the built-in elevator. They just thought of everything. 

But the best part might be everything happening at the tracks is free. That’s right, all BIR-sanctioned events come with a “good neighbor pass.” And there’s a private entrance protected by a gate, so there’s no looking for a good parking spot. 

Your next-door neighbor is a car nut and could be your new best friend

5417 Trackview Road wet bar
5417 Trackview Road | Zillow

A public thoroughfare is close if you need to get to the liquor store to get ready for your race car buddies. And their spouses, of course. And just think, your only neighbor next door is a car nut, so you’ll have instant new friends with the purchase. 

If you’re a regular at BIR you could save hundreds of dollars a year with the passes alone. And you’ll have what is arguably the best spot at the track. So how much will all of this wonderfulness cost?

According to Zillow, just $999,999 buys it. And who knows, there might be a bit of wiggle room in the price as it has been on the market for over 40 days. While we can’t believe it hasn’t been gobbled up, maybe that’s because you were meant to own it? If you do buy it, can we be your friends?

5417 Trackview Road bathroom
5417 Trackview Road | Zillow

RELATED: You Don’t Have to be a Race Car Driver to Race on a Track

The post Dream House Built On Minnesota Racetrack is For Sale appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla Full Self-Driving and the brand’s Autopilot software might sound like the same thing. However, they most certainly are not. Each has key features that differentiate it from the other. It’s important to understand just what “autonomous vehicle” means here, and we’ll cover that too. In a world where these types of software are becoming increasingly prevalent, it’s important to understand what is arguably the most well-known software from the best-known EV maker.

Tesla Autopilot is better than you think

Autopilot in action | Chris Walker via Getty Images

Per Tesla, Autopilot is “an advanced driver assistance system that enhances safety and convenience behind the wheel.” Tesla Autopilot is aimed at making you, the driver, work less behind the wheel. In Tesla models, the software is powered by a series of cameras and sensors, numbering eight and 12, respectively. That software comes with two important features that can be defined broadly as adaptive cruise control.

Adaptive cruise is software in a vehicle that aids in your driving, especially on the highway, but still requires driver intervention from time to time. That’s exactly what Tesla Autopilot does. It matches the speed of surrounding traffic (or the speed limit) and uses something the brand calls “autosteer”. Effectively, autosteer is lane-keep assist. It’ll keep your Tesla on the road as long as your hands are on the wheel.

Tesla’s FSD is good, but has its issues

Tesla's Autopilot system on display at a press event in Europe
Hands-free driving | Niall Carson via Getty Images

Now before we get into Telsa Full Self-Driving, it’s important to understand there are levels to autonomous driving. There’s six to be precise, and you can find a list of them here. Levels one and two are where Tesla Autopilot sits. This means there’s minimal driver intervention and adaptive cruise. Here’s where things get… controversial. Tesla calls FSD Full Self-Driving, but in actuality, it’s not in the most strict definition.

Full self-driving is defined as levels four and five, where a vehicle will perform all driving-related tasks under some conditions, or all, requiring no human interaction. Think iRobot cars. Therein lies the controversy. Tesla Full Self-Driving still requires human intervention and functions only in specific circumstances. Therefore, in the most strict definition, Tesla FSD is not a full self-driving car. However, it’s close, and still in the beta phase.

When will Teslas become fully autonomous?

A man sits at the wheel of a Tesla with his hands in his lap
No hands! | Artur Widak via Getty Images

It’s hard to say when Tesla will finally be able to put out a truly autonomous vehicle. Frankly, there’s a lot of legal red tape to get around. Not to mention the prohibitive resource cost to develop something that has literally never been done before. For now, Tesla vehicles will continue to have both Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, even though they could be rolled into one product. However, it does look like the brand is trying its hardest to make FSD a reality, even though it is a very, very long way off. Not just for Tesla, but for everyone.

RELATED: Tesla Yielded and Lowered the Price of Full Self-Driving

The post Tesla Full Self-Driving vs Autopilot – Which Is Which? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline might live in the shadow of the more popular pickup truck options, such as the 2021 Ford F-150, but that doesn’t mean you should underestimate it. You may overlook this practical option simply because you aren’t as familiar with its capabilities, but you would be wrong in doing so. The 2021 Honda Ridgeline offers a surprisingly refined experience both on the road and off, and it’s just as capable as other pickup truck options of its size. In fact, this underdog option might surprise you altogether, and the reviews seem to agree that the new Ridgeline is worth checking out.

Edmunds recommends the 2021 Honda Ridgeline

2021 Honda Ridgeline | Honda

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is one of Edmund’s highest-ranked pickup trucks of the year, receiving an overall score of 8.5 out of a potential 10 and several very promising review notes that include everything from the vehicle’s ride quality and handling to the interior space and features. With this score rating, it is clear that the reviewers believe the Ridgeline is a well-rounded and capable pickup truck option, even if it isn’t the most obvious answer.

How much does the new Ridgeline cost?

The new 2021 Honda Ridgeline varies in price depending on trim level and options, but it starts out higher than some more modestly priced options with a base model MSRP of $37,715 and increases in price among the higher trim levels and with the addition of the various packages and add-on features. With the base model itself, you won’t be disappointed by what the pickup has to offer, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Honda Sensing Safety Suite that bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation, and even some luxuries such as proximity entry and push-to-start. If you’re looking for more features, you can opt for the higher-priced trim levels:

  • Base (Sport): $37,715
  • RTL: $40,695
  • RTL-E: $43,645
  • Black edition: $45,145

What makes this underrated pickup stand out?

There are several aspects of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline that make it stand out from the competition. Starting with the ride quality and handling experience, the Ridgeline is surprisingly refined, and the independent rear suspension gives the vehicle what is described as a “superior” ride by Edmunds. Paired with an all-wheel drive system, this truck is just as capable as its competition, and it gives the additional benefits of some unique features you may not get elsewhere. The tailgate, for example, is notable being a two-way tailgate and including a large in-bed trunk that can be locked to protect your belongings, giving the truck even more storage space.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline might not have been on your radar if you’ve been in search of the next best pickup truck, but just because it doesn’t hold a Ford or a Chevy badge doesn’t mean it’s worth underestimating. In fact, the ride quality, features, and options, the Ridgeline is a rather competitive option that you may have been overlooking.

RELATED: The Honda Ridgeline Should Not Be Losing to the Chevy Colorado Here

The post Don’t Overlook The 2021 Honda Ridgeline as a Refined Pickup Truck Option appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

TrueCar submitted its list of the best coupes in 2021. While each car has its merits, TrueCar made some interesting choices to occupy the top three slots, including two BMWs and one Audi. TrueCar lists are data-driven, based on findings from data journalists, customer surveys, and Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) industry research. It looks at comfort and amenities, fuel or electric efficiency, performance, practicality, and technical features. In a few years, some of these may make TrueCar’s list for the best, used sports cars for summer.

2021 BMW 4 Series: Baseline Performance Coupe

2021 BMW 4 Series | BMW

BMW’s 4 Series claimed #1 Best Coupe according to TrueCar. It performs beyond its controversial front-end restyling. As its most popular trim the 430i sports a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that sends 255 horsepower to the rear wheels, mated to a paddle-shifted 8-speed automatic transmission. If that’s not enough the M440i is always there to boost performance, with its 382 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and all-wheel drive.

Along with its $46,595 MSRP, the 430i includes a laundry list of state-of-the-art safety features. All the usual refinements like brake assist, traction control, and stability control are included, while lane keeps assist and forward collision indicate warnings to fill in the blanks. The 4 Series offers little for the price, but its occupancy of the #1 slot for TrueCar’s best coupes comes down to driving experience and interior space. The 4 series is also reliable.

2021 Audi A5: Best Luxurious, Affordable, Nimble Coupe

2021-audi-a5-comfortable
2021 Audi A5 | Photo by Guillaume Payen/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In true Audi fashion, the A5 scorches onto the scene with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. TrueCar cites sporty handling and a plush cabin as formidable strengths, featuring high-quality materials and heated leather seats. Its MSRP lands less than the BMW at $42,845 but includes a dual-clutch transmission and 261 horsepower. 

The A5’s curb weight is heftier than the BMW by about 200 pounds, but it includes more modern safety features. It includes brake assist and automatic braking, as well as Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. If it’s like other Audis, the A5 will push forward with unrelenting aggression and frenetic determination. It was one of the top 5 AWD sports cars last year as well.

2021 BMW M4: TrueCar’s Best Real Sports Coupe

2021-bmw-m4-true-coupe
2021 BMW M4 At Bangkok International Motor Show | Guillaume Payen/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

BMW claimed two of the top three spots on TrueCar’s list for best coupes for 2021. BMW’s M class stands for high performance, and nearly every M car has made a mark on automobile performance history. The M4 continues this tradition, with laser-precise handling and sudden acceleration. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six delivers 503 horsepower to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission as standard. 

The M4 satisfies the need for a true sports car, thanks to its horsepower, rear-wheel-drive, and manual transmission, but it comes at a cost. It rockets past the 430i’s MSRP to an astronomical $72,795, which includes mostly the same safety features as the 4 Series. The M4 also comes with pedestrian detection and automatic braking.

TrueCar’s data illuminated some interesting choices as best coupes of 2021, and coupes may be becoming a rare breed. It included facets of the cars that might otherwise be overlooked by enthusiasts, such as comfort level or amenities. Regardless, the best bang for the buck appears to be the Audi, as it’s cheaper and offers more features than either BMW. Enthusiasts, however, might be better suited to the M4.

RELATED: Instant Karma: This Rare Sports Sedan Tops TrueCar’s List of the Best Full-Size Luxury Cars of 2021

The post 3 Best Coupes for 2021 According to TrueCar appeared first on MotorBiscuit.