John Cena on His Favorite ‘Fast and Furious’ Car: ‘Without That, We Don’t Have Any Fast or Furious’

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Unless you live off-grid or have been living under a rock, you’re probably familiar with the fan-favorite movie franchise Fast and Furious. Even if you’re one of the few people who has never seen any iconic movies, you likely know a few things about them. First, you probably recognize some of the considerable star power with the likes of Vin Diesel. Secondly, the edge-of-your-seat adventures in these movies center around some of the fastest and widely respected sports and muscle cars.

In the latest installment, called F9, John Cena joins the cast. In a recent interview promoting the movie, Cena shares what Fast and Furious car he believes is the most important model of all. Without it, he insists, there would be no movie franchise.

‘F9’ is all about family and, yes, fast cars

John Cena at the ‘F9’ premiere | Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

The Fast and Furious franchise launched back in 2001, telling the story of an undercover cop infiltrating street racing culture, falling in love, and joining a kindred family. The latest release, F9, brings back many of the original cast members and introduces a few new faces, including WWE legend John Cena.  According to IMDb, Cena plays Vin Diesel’s brother, keeping the Fast and Furious centered around a family theme. However, while there is always plenty of star power throughout the popular franchise, some fans will tell you what they appreciate most in these films are the cars. 

These movies deliver high-octane adventures, speedy chase scenes, and heroic car stunts. Across all nine movies, you’ll see cars ranging from beefed-up muscle models to elegant luxury performers. However, in John Cena’s recent Variety interview, he believes only one model deserves top props. 

John Cena’s favorite franchise car

In a recent Variety feature, the team asked a few Fast and Furious cast members to share their favorite cars from the series of movies. Cena weighed in with his thoughts, pointing out none may be more iconic than “Dom’s Charger.” He says that the original Dodge Charger Vin Diesel drove might even rival the Aston Martin of “James Bond” fame in terms of iconic cinematic history. 

However, the Charger is not actually Cena’s favorite. In fact, he says the green Mitsubishi Eclipse, featured in the first Fast and Furious film, is his favorite. Without that lime green car, “Brian doesn’t take Dom to the limit,” and ultimately, the duo wouldn’t have bonded without the Eclipse. Without that first bond between an undercover cop and a criminal, there wouldn’t be a Fast and Furious story to tell.

Other sweet ‘Fast and Furious’ rides

Vox suggests the franchise’s success is due to the ability of characters and cars to “level up” with each installation, much like video game characters do. As you can imagine, with nine movies, there is plenty of screen time for some of the world’s finest rides. Some of the most impressive cars featured on-screen include the Toyota Supra and the Honda S2000. Another favorite for many fans is the Dodge Viper.

Actor Jordana Brewster admitted she would love to take “Letty’s red 1965 Corvette for a spin” and enjoyed driving the 1966 Ford GT40 in Fast Five from 2009. Tyrese Gibson said it was “love at first sight” when he laid eyes on the 2004 Bentley GT. Another top pick among fans is the Mazda RX-7 FD.

Fast and Furious fans have another installment in the popular movie franchise to enjoy. Furthermore, the actors seem to be as enthusiastic about the sweet rides as the fans. John Cena may have a point, though: Without that Mitsubishi Eclipse, there might not be a bond worth supporting through nine movies and counting.

RELATED: What Was So Bad About the 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT That ‘Fast & Furious’ Scrapped It?

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The One-of-a-Kind Vintage Dodge Firearrow II Is Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Selling One-of-a-kind cars is a strange thing that can come with a bit of trepidation – the Bubonic plague is also rare, but that doesn’t mean anyone wants it. However, in the case of this insanely cool vintage Dodge Firearrow II concept car, I think we may see a few more takers than a black plague kissing booth. 

1954 Dodge Firearrow II | Patrick Ernzen, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

This vintage Dodge Firearrow II is way too cool

According to Robb Report, RM Sotheby’s is set to host some significant automotive offerings for the Monterey auction on August 13 and 14. As per usual, the Monterey car auction will include dozens of impossibly rare European race cars as well as a true show stopper, a one-of-a-kind vintage Dodge concept car from 1954. 

If you’ve never heard of the 1954 Dodge Firearrow II, you’re not alone. This vintage Dodge is one of the most striking examples of Jet age concept cars. 

What is the Jet age? 

1954 Dodge Firearrow II parked at sunset
1954 Dodge Firearrow II | Patrick Ernzen, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

The “Jet age” is a term used to describe a period of automotive design that dreamed of a streamlined, sleek futurist take on design. Right after World War II, concept cars were coming out left and right. Automakers used these cars as ways to dream and show the public what the designers were up to. 

GM was one of the major proponents of these dream vehicles and built many concept cars between 1946-1961. GM would showcase these fanciful creations at their carnival-esq shows known as the Motorama Auto shows. While GM had America’s gaze, Chrysler was hard at work with their own concept cars. Of all the concept cars that Chrysler built, the 1954 Dodge Firearrow II remains the most beautiful. 

According to Robb Report, The Firearrow II concept car was a hybrid, long before the word suggested gas and electric power-train configurations, but rather, the combination of sleek Italian coachwork and a powerful American V8 engine. This vintage Dodge concept car has remained so beloved and relevant due mostly to its breath-taking design and heritage. 

Virgil Exner was the American Battista Farina, father of the highly praised Pininfarina. Exner was Chrysler’s chief of advanced design and had a very particular signature flair and panache that resulted in many beautiful and truly innovative concept cars. Exner didn’t actually design or fabricate the Dodge Firearrow II; that credit goes to the Italian coachbuilder Ghia. However, as well as many other Italian designers of the time, Ghia references Exner as one of their major influences in design. 

What makes the Firearrow II special?

One-of-a-kind 1954 Dodge Firearrow II concept car from above
1954 Dodge Firearrow II | Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

There were actually four Dodge Firearrows built, each with hand-formed bodies crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin, Italy. But the Firearrow II was the only one that was actually fully finished. Robb Report mentions that the Firearrow I looked like a finished car but was actually a “pushcar,” meaning it had no engine. The vintage Dodge Firearrow II concept car was the first one that was a fully functional concept car. It was shown extensively all around the world, earning it plenty of notoriety. 

What will this vintage Dodge concept car go for? 

Vintage Dodge Firearrow II Concept car in a dark room
1954 Dodge Firearrow II | Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Given the unpredictable nature of auctions, there is no way to guarantee what the Firearrow II will sell for. However, the one-of-a-kind Firearrow II is estimated to sell for somewhere between $900,000-$1.2 million. 

Gord Duff, global head of auctions at RM Sotheby’s, says: “We are thrilled to offer the Dodge Firearrow at the Monterey auction, as this show-stopping example has brought one of the most memorable concept cars to life and is sure to capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts today as much as it did in period while on the show circuit as a concept car.”

RELATED: 10 Great Concept Cars That Fell Short as Production Models

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The Used Ford Expedition With the Most Safety Systems

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Ford Expedition is loaded with advanced safety systems. It’s even Consumer Reports’ top pick for a large three-row SUV. Let’s say a brand new Expedition isn’t in your budget, or you want something tried and true. What is the best year for a Ford Expedition? Let’s look at which used Expedition has the most safety features. 

2021 Ford Expedition | Ford

The safety features Consumer Reports thinks are important

Consumer Reports says that car shoppers should look for some specific safety features in their new vehicles. These include:

Forward collision warning can detect a potential collision and alert the driver. By 2022 twenty car manufacturers have vowed to make it a standard in all of their vehicles. 

Automatic emergency braking can pre-charge the brakes once it detects a potential collision. Some AEB systems even apply the brakes for you if you don’t respond to the warning in time. 

Pedestrian detection can detect pedestrians that are in, or may enter, the path of the vehicle. Some can detect cyclists. 

Lane departure warning uses cameras to monitor the vehicle’s position between road lines. If the cameras determine that the vehicle is straying across the lines and doesn’t have its turn signal on, it alerts the driver. 

Lane-keeping assistance slightly adjusts the car to keep it from crossing into other lanes. 

Blindspot warning alerts a driver if a car is moving into their blind spot. If the driver puts on the car’s directional when there is a car in their blind spot, the vehicle will sometimes send the driver an alert.

Rear cross-traffic warning will alert the driver of cars approaching the side and rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is in reverse. 

Antilock brakes keep the wheels from locking while hard braking. 

Traction control limits how much wheels spin during acceleration so that the driver can retain control. 

Daytime running lights are lights that come on whenever a vehicle is running for maximum visibility. 

So which used Ford Expedition has the most safety features?

As you might imagine, the newer the vehicle, the more safety features it comes standard with. 

The 2018 and 2019 come standard with a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, and traction and stability control. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist are all optional. So are blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, as well as daytime running lights. 

The 2016 has even fewer advanced safety features. It comes standard with a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, and traction and stability control. Blindspot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and daytime running lights are all optional. However, none of the other features are even available in the 2016 Ford Expedition. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. 

The 2020 Ford Expedition is your best bet for safety features

If you want the used Ford Expedition with the most safety features, you should go with a 2020 Ford Expedition. This used SUV comes with nearly all of the safety features mentioned. The only optional feature is daytime running lights. These are optional in the 2020 Ford Expedition. 

You could always go with a 2021 Ford Expedition too, which also comes with the same safety features as the 2020 Ford Expedition. It’s also pretty safe, and with used car prices out of control right now, it might be worth checking out. 

Safety features are an important part of a safe driving experience. If you’re trying to decide between two otherwise equally safe used Ford Expeditions, go with the one with more safety features. 

RELATED: Consumer Reports Top Rated Large Three-Row SUV Is No Surprise

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There’s a Reason Why the 2021 Honda Ridgeline Has Worse Fuel Efficiency Than Its Competition

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Pickup trucks aren’t exactly known for their fuel efficiency. Like the Chevrolet Silverado Duramax, some stand out for above-average numbers (23/33 mpg city/highway; combined: 27 mpg) in the segment. However, generally speaking, you should think about fuel when considering the total ownership cost of a pickup truck you may buy. That’s because, like with the Honda Ridgeline, which has numbers that place it at the bottom of the pack, some trucks will wind up costing you extra over time.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline

2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E | American Honda Motor Co., Inc

Named the number one midsize pickup truck by MotorTrend, the Honda Ridgeline has quite a bit going for it. The 2021’s exterior styling is more aggressive than previous models, especially with the optional HPD package that adds a unique grille, bronze wheels, and wheel arch cladding. It comes equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque and can take drivers and their payloads from 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds. 

All 2021 models come with standard AWD, allowing them to tow 5,000 pounds and haul 1,580 pounds of payload. Its bed provides 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and a lockable storage box provides an additional 7.3 cubic feet. Furthermore, the bed has a lockable storage area and a dual-action tailgate that supports up to 300 pounds, making equipment transportation easier.

However, its relatively minimal towing capacity, compared to others in its class, in addition to other features, has created skepticism among this segment’s enthusiasts that the Ridgeline is a real truck. In particular, the unibody construction and independent suspension make the Ridgeline great for daily commutes – when empty. However, when towing or hauling a payload, those car-like features impair the Ridgeline’s performance.

The Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency

In addition to the Ridgeline’s performance and towing capacity, the 2021 model suffers from below-average fuel efficiency. The Ridgeline gets just 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. With a combined mpg of 21, it’s well below its peers like the Ford Ranger (21/26 mpg city/highway; combined: 23 mpg) and the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel (22/28 mpg city/highway; combined: 24 mpg). The Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency puts it at the bottom of a recent U.S. News and World Report list of fuel-efficient pickup trucks.

So, why is the Ridgeline’s performance so much worse relative to its peers on the U.S. News list? Most trucks in this category have four-cylinder engines, but with the Ridgeline’s V-6, coupled with its lower towing capacity, it’s simply less efficient than a four-cylinder. V-6 engines are typically found in large pickup trucks or vehicles that have to tow or haul even heavier weights. In those kinds of vehicles, a V-6 engine will usually outperform a four-cylinder engine each time.

Still, as per Car and Driver, the Ridgeline’s V-6 is the most fuel-efficient in its class. So, if you are looking for a midsized pickup with a V-6, the 2021 Ridgeline is the model to buy.

Other selling points

While performance and towing/payload capacity are pretty big considerations, the Ridgeline has other features that prospective buyers may find compelling. The truck comes with an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also comes standard with many advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning, and forward-collision warning. These features, coupled with its car-like handling, earned it a Top Safety Pick recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

There are also several attractive trim options, such as the Ridgeline RTL and RTL-E. The RTL adds a sunroof, leather upholstery, and power-adjustable heated front seats, among other amenities, to the base model Ridgeline. The RTL-E adds more tech features, such as built-in navigation, wireless smartphone charging, ambient interior lighting, and an eight-speaker sound system. If you opt for the top-level trim, the Black Edition, you’ll also get black wheels, black exterior trim, black leather upholstery, and red ambient interior lighting.

As a unique midsized pickup truck, there’s a lot to like about the new Honda Ridgeline. It’s quite an attractive ride, and its interior features are enough to help propel it to the top of MotorTrend and Car and Driver’s lists. However, the Ridgeline’s V-6 engine significantly reduces its fuel efficiency, which may be enough to have you give a four-cylinder midsized pickup truck a second look.

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

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