The 2022 Formula 1 Car Has Been Radically Redesigned for Closer Contact on the Track

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Exciting things are happening in the land of Formula 1. Just ahead of one of the most exciting races all year, the British Grand Prix, F1 has released the redesigned cars. So what’s new for the Formula 1 cars, and how will teams like Mercedes and Red Bull react on the track?

The 2022 Formula 1 cars are shiny, new, and ready for racing

The new 2022 Formula 1 Car | Formula 1

The cars have been designed to allow for closer racing on the track, which is a considerable change. But that’s probably the least exciting of all the exciting news released today. The 2022 Formula 1 car has been radically redesigned ahead of the next season. The one thing that stayed the same was the shape of the tires.

“This car is the embodiment of the new regulations,” Nikolas Tombazis noted. The shape of the car improved the airflow. This will also allow drivers to battle wheel-to-wheel. The floor is more straightforward, and the design is a bit more simple to allow for more standardized parts. More standardized parts will help lower the cost and will benefit all of the teams. The cars will use more sustainable fuel and will continue to use the same power unit from 2021.

Tombazis said that the team studied how the fans reacted to races and the actual on-track battles, which influenced the decision to change the cars. Pat Symonds said that the team studied 550 million data points and simulations to create the new design. The team took about five years to change and update the cars to ensure the design was perfect.

Exciting things ahead for the 2022 Formula 1 cars and drivers

The design team said that safety was one of the most critical factors. The front nose can absorb 50% more energy in the case of an impact. The side of the car is more substantial, and the headrest is improved. In the case of an impact, there will be less debris flying off the car and onto the track.

The F1 chief designers said that making the car cheaper and more affordable was an important factor for 2022. This means that the smaller teams will be able to actually compete against the bigger teams like Mercedes-AMG Petronas, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing, which have much bigger budgets.

According to Formula 1, there is one thing preventing closer racing right now. “The effect of the “catastrophic downforce loss” – to quote an engineer centrally involved with the project – resulting from the ‘dirty air’ being churned chaotically off a leading car currently.”

Research showed that the current F1 vehicles lose 35% of the downforce while running about 20 meters behind another car. When within a single car length of another car, these vehicles can lose up to 47% of the downforce.

What the drivers had to say about the new car

Lewis Hamilton said, “if it enables us to follow and race like it’s meant to, I think it will be amazing for the fans and the sport.” Daniel Ricciardo quipped, “The more you stare at it, the more normal it will start to look.” But what most of the drivers echoed was that it should allow the actual races to be closer on the track. More head-to-head battles? Impressive.

Drivers seemed excited to get out and actually drive the car. Lando Norris noted that the drivers were able to try the 2022 Formula 1 car in the simulator, but not on track yet. This year’s car is so wide that it will make for interesting racing once the more narrow vehicles hit the track. One thing is for sure; Formula 1 fans seem excited based on the reactions on social media.

RELATED: Lewis Hamilton’s Winning Formula 1 McLaren Is Being Auctioned Off

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Semiconductor Chips Won’t Help Ford Bronco Delays

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We have some good news and some potentially disappointing news. The good news is that Ford just secured semiconductor chips. This means that they can finish building vehicles. The sad news is that the chips are going to the F-150 instead of the Ford Bronco. 

Semiconductor chips go to the F-150 instead of the Ford Bronco 

2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

The computer chip shortage is finally starting to ease up, meaning auto manufacturers can start working on their backlogs of trucks and SUVs. Ford is using a supply to prepare thousands of unfinished Ford F-150 models to be delivered to dealerships.

You can see a massive amount of unfinished trucks parked at the Kentucky Speedway and lots around Kansas City and Michigan. The trucks were built without the semiconductor chips to keep production rolling until they could be added later. 

But unfortunately, the semiconductor chips won’t help improve Ford Bronco production. Orders that have already been delayed may be pushed back until 2023 because other crucial components are currently hard to find. 

Why is the Bronco delayed? 

2021 Ford Bronco production on the assembly line
2021 Ford Bronco production | Getty Images

The 2021 Ford Bronco serves as the year’s hottest vehicle. Everyone wants to see how the Bronco challenges the Jeep Wrangler, but there might be long waiting times involved as some models are back-ordered until next spring. 

Ford Dealership General Manager, Tim Sander, shared that you will have better luck trying to find a smaller Ford Bronco Sport right now. The delays for the two-door and four-door models have nothing to do with the global semiconductor chip shortage. 

Certain parts, like the painted metal hardtop, are difficult to source. Ford said that the black contrasting white, body-color paired modular, and dual rooftops won’t arrive until the 2023 model year.

But reservation holders can switch to the Carbonized gray Molded in Color or Black Cloth Soft Top options. Also, other rooftop styles will be available later this year. If buyers choose to accept the delivery of a soft-top Bronco, they can purchase a stand-alone hardtop when they become available. Also, reservation holders will have their price locked in at its current level. 

Those waiting for their Ford Bronco models to arrive have been thanked for being patient. Ford shared that it’s been doing everything it possibly can through the pandemic, unprecedented demand, and supply-chain hurdles. 

Ford may not be able to provide clear timelines for Bronco deliveries at the moment. But reservation holders will be updated as soon as their model enters production and when it’s ready for delivery. 

You’ll have better luck with an F-150 

A 2021 Ford F-150 driving
2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

Instead of a Ford Bronco, you might be able to get a brand new Ford F-150 this year. Ford is giving buyers who want an F-150 priority over other orders. If you order an F-150, you will be bumped to the front of the line. 

By having your truck order as the priority over dealer orders, you can get what you want in just a few months. Otherwise, you may have to accept what’s currently available at dealership lots. Aside from the Bronco, the new F-150 models and work vans are the most difficult options to find. 

Hang in there, Bronco fans. Your model will enter production eventually. But Ford did start sending some models to dealerships ahead of reservation holder’s orders. This is something they previously said they wouldn’t do. The timelines are getting skipped and all mixed up, but we will keep you updated as we learn more. 

RELATED: The 2021 Ford Bronco’s Fuel Economy Reveals It’s Thirsty

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5 Good Used SUVs Recommended by Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The modern SUV is a solid buy for many households. It offers more space for passengers and utilitous cargo volume compared to a car. When it comes to finding a good used SUV, there are actually many of them on the market worth buying. Here are five good used SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports.

WASHINGTON, USA 2017 Toyota 4-Runner | Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Is the Hyundai Kona a good used car? 

a lime green 2018 Hyundai Kona on display indoors.
2018 Hyundai Kona | Atilgan Ozdil/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Yes, the Hyundai Kona is a good used compact SUV. Consumer Reports gave the Hyundai Kona a 5/5 reliability rating for every model year since its 2018 market debut. It’s no secret that going back a few model years can save buyers lots of cash. 

For example, buying a used 2018 Hyundai Kona costs between $19,025-$25,100. On the other hand, buying a brand new 2021 model year will set you back $20,500-$45,600. The starting range for each of these model years isn’t vastly different. However, it’s certainly possible to get a used 2018 Hyundai Kona stacked with features for a far lower price than a fully-loaded 2021 Kona. 

The 2017 Lexus GX 460 SUV parked in front of a home
The 2017 Lexus GX 460 | Lexus

Consumer Reports recommends the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Lexus GX model years. The 2014 and 2015 model years are also recommended. For used SUV shoppers that picture themselves in a luxury off-road SUV, look no further than the Lexus GX. 

Due to high depreciation rates, buying used can especially save buyers money when it comes to the luxury segment. Buying a 2021 Lexus GX (also recommended) costs between $53,450-$64,715. Opting for a used Lexus GX from the 2017 or 2018 model years is significantly less costly with an average price range of $39,550-$46,900. 

For the buyer that’s looking for something much smaller––almost car-like––the Honda HR-V also comes with a Consumer Reports recommendation. Released in 2016, Consumer Reports recommends every model year of the Honda HR-V so far except one. The 2017 Honda HR-V did not receive the badge of honor. 

A 2016 or 2018 used Honda HR-V model can save buyers serious cash compared with buying one brand new. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 HR-V costs between $21,220-$29,340. Conversely, a used Honda HR-V from 2016 or 2018 will range in price between $15,600-$23,150. 

The Toyota 4Runner is a reliable used off-road SUV

Consumer Reports also recommends the Toyota 4Runner in nearly every model year. This is one of Toyota’s fan favorites for its adventurous style and off-road appeal. The current 4Runner generation debuted in the 2010 model year. So buying a used Toyota 4Runner from even 10 years ago gets buyers in an SUV that looks strikingly similar to what’s coming straight from the factory today. 

However, a used Toyota 4Runner typically holds its value well. The more money buyers intend to save, the farther back in the model years they’ll need to shop. A 2021 Toyota 4Runner has a price range of $36,765-$50,745. For a 2016 or 2017 used Toyota 4Runner, buyers can expect to pay between $26,425-$41,625. 

A red metallic 2019 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV on display at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show on March 5, 2019
2019 Mazda CX-5 | Robert Hradil/Getty Images

This compact SUV is known for its happy driving dynamics that are fun for the person in the driver’s seat. This is a used SUV that’s recommended in every model year that Consumer Reports has tested thus far. It has strong reliability ratings and consistently earns marks for its agility as well as quality. 

Buying a Mazda CX-5 brand new costs between $25,370-$37,505. Since all of the model years are rated so high, buyers can ultimately just pick a model year when it comes to buying a used Mazda CX-5. For reference, a used Mazda CX-5 from 2017 or 2018 costs between $18,700-$26,800. 

a 2017 Honda HR-V driving on a scenic wooded road
2017 Honda HR-V | Honda

All five of these models are recommended by Consumer Reports. They aren’t all necessarily the best SUVs on the market. However, because of high reliability, they all made it on this list of 5 good used SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports.

RELATED: There Are Definitely Good Used Cars to Buy Under $10,000

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Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro worth an extra $30k?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Kia Telluride has been making the news all summer due to the high prices and various markups. Many dealerships have been marking up prices due to the increased demand for the SUV. However, it seems the 2021 Toyota 4Runner might be taking the crown from the Kia Telluride. Dealerships are marking the Toyota SUV up astronomical amounts to recoup some cash after a dismal 2020.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a good car?

The 4Runner TRD Pro is being marked up at dealerships | Toyota

All over the country, car prices have skyrocketed. Some used cars and SUVs cost more used right now than buyers paid for the new vehicles. The Toyota 4Runner happens to be on that list, but that doesn’t mean the price of a new 4Runner hasn’t been impacted. According to Jalopnik, one user on the Toyota 4Runner subreddit found a New York dealership marking up the SUV by quite a bit.

Millennium Toyota in Long Island has a variety of 2021 4Runners available on the website. A few of the vehicles listed say “Call for Price,” probably because of the markups. One user posted photos of an updated sticker price on two 2021 Toyota 4Runners. One of the vehicles, a 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, had an initial cost of $52,753. Due to “limited availability,” the dealership added $23,000 to the price. This makes the 4Runner price $75,753.

Another 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro in the Lunar Rock color had an MSRP of $52,569. The noted on the window sticker has “+$30,000” due to limited availability. That brings the price up to $82,569. On the paper, it notes that these prices are the “dealer’s asking price (not the manufacturer’s suggested retail price).”

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro worth an extra $30k?

The dealership has some non-TRD Pro models for sale that have not been marked up. According to Good Car Bad Car, Toyota sold about 130,000 4Runners last year. This year so far, just under 70,000 4Runners have sold. In comparison, the Highlander SUV sold 212,276 units in 2021 and 144,380 units in 2021 so far.

Since the market is seriously failing to keep up with the supply part of supply and demand, it isn’t that shocking to see prices go through the roof. Additionally, it wouldn’t be surprising if the dealership raised prices to offer buyers a “deal” to make it seem reasonable.

The Toyota 4Runner is a popular vehicle, and the TRD Pro is an even more popular trim level for the car. However, these prices are bonkers. Toyota has stated in the past that as a company, this kind of egregious markup behavior is discouraged. Things change, though, and that may no longer be the case.

Move over, Telluride. The 4Runner is here

When this happened with the Kia Telluride, the dealership made quite a splash. But what happened after that? The Telluride sold. If someone is in dire need of an SUV and this is the one, someone will come along and buy it. Which only reinforces the ridiculous prices. The 2021 Kia Telluride SX was marked up about $25,000, but someone bought it too.

While the semiconductor chip shortage is slated to cost the industry upwards of $110 billion after all is said and done, that increase is certainly trickling down to consumers. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner has an uncanny ability to not only hold its value well but somehow go up in value when used. It seems that dealerships are trying to take advantage of that, but when will the madness end?

RELATED: Consumer Reports: Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Toyota Cars

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