Each year, the Tractor of the Year awards come around. Tractor of the Year bestows impressive honors upon a few selected winners. This time, Tractor of the Year awarded the Fendt 211 V Vario the No. 1 Specialized tractor of 2021. So what’s so great about the Fendt 211 V Vario?
The logo of the tractor manufacturer AGCO/Fendt | Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/picture alliance via Getty Images
The 2021 Fendt 211 V Vario is the best specialized tractor of the year
After judging several models, the 2021 Fendt V Vario 211 earned the title of “Best of Specialized 2021” from Tractor of the Year. The Fendt 211 V Vario has a completely redesigned cab. This improved the overall experience for the working driver.
In addition, the Fendt V Vario 211 features what’s called ‘Dynamic Performance.’ This extends the power range by controlling 10 hp of extra power. It automatically releases the excess power according to specific needs. Fendt’s system gauges this necessity in line with the specific work or jobs the tractor takes on at any given moment.
Plus farmers know the Fendt 211 V Vario for its high quality. It’s also a tractor with expected reliability. In addition, this specialized tractor of 2021 boasts a “very efficient transmission,” according to Tractor of the Year.
What specialized tractor models made it as finalists for the award?
CARRARO TRACTORS Compact VLB75 | TOTY
This year, the 2021 tractor models that were finalists for the award include the Antonio Carraro SRX 5800 and the Carraro Tractors Compact VLB75. In addition, the Ferrari Vega 85 Dualsteer and the Reform Metrac H75 Pro made the cut. These tractor models stood out as specialized tractors that dominate the rest. But that brings us to another question.
What is a specialized tractor?
Fendt 211 Vario tractor inside the Fendt GmbH agricultural machinery factory | Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A specialized tractor is just that––specialized. But how? A specialized tractor is designed for handling work in less common places. These are mountain tractors that excel in hilly farming situations such as vineyards.
For the purpose of the Tractor of the Year award, these tractor models had to outshine others in a few categories. Transmission, engine, and overall comfort are the obvious judging points for any tractor award. But specialized tractors are also judged on their specialized agility and design.
What is Tractor of the Year?
Quality checks for the 211 Vario inside the Fendt GmbH agricultural machinery factory | Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Tractor of the Year, or TOTY, is an awards organization that awards tractors across Europe according to their performance and versatility. The TOTY awards are European-based. However, there are plenty of tractors in the running for these awards that we also know here in the farmlands of the United States.
Well-known brands in the USA like New Holland, John Deere, and Massey Ferguson all made the list of finalists for various TOTY awards.
Fendt, for example, is a brand that operates under the corporate umbrella that AGCO provides. There are Fendt dealers across the United States. That means this tractor is relatively easy to access here making the Best Specialized Tractor of 2021 award even more relevant for the 2021 Fendt 211 V Vario.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153331136-1024x672-1.jpg6721024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-01 23:59:002021-07-02 00:27:58This Is the Best Specialized Tractor of 2021
There is no denying that buying a real Lamborghini Countach is out of reach for most mere mortals. However, one man decided that the Italian supercar’s price tag wouldn’t stop him from owning one. Ken Imhoff decided he would spend 17 years carefully building his own Lamborghini in his basement. This included utilizing a mix of replica and genuine parts.
In a video by Wonder World covered by Motorious, we even get to see the moment Imhoff decides to break up his home to bring the Countach out of the basement. However, after such a long build time, Imhoff decided to sell the car shortly after it was completed.
How real is this Lamborghini Countach replica?
As you might imagine, there are a few good reasons why this Lamborghini Countach replica took 17 years to build. For starters, Imhoff reportedly utilized a wood frame as his base for the car. From there, Motorious reports that he utilized an English wheel to shape the car’s aluminum body panels. As a result, this car is completely hand-finished.
To ensure that this replica looks somewhat close to the original, Imhoff reportedly decided to employ a mix of genuine parts amongst his fabricated ones. This includes a genuine front bumper and fender extensions. Additionally, these genuine components gave Imhoff good reference points when it came time to shape the rest of the car.
In terms of the rest of the car, it features a tube frame and a Ford V8 in the middle. According to Wonder World, the engine is a Ford Cleveland Boss 351 developing around 514 hp. Performance aside, Imhoff created custom-built wheels and finished the car’s complete paint job by bringing individual pieces out of the basement.
The owner had to break his house to free the car
Lamborghini Countach | Wonder World via Ken Imhoff
As you might imagine, there is no easy way to get a Lamborghini Countach replica out of a basement where it’s been for 17 years. As a result, Imhoff had to break up a huge chunk of his house to free the car. Thankfully, he waited until the car was finished before bringing it out. That way, he could take it on its first test drive.
However, it seems Imhoff fell out of love with his creation a few years after it was finished. That’s because Wonder World reports that he wasn’t taking good care of the car, even letting it begin to corrode in certain areas. In the video by Wonder World, we hear Imhoff stating that he had most of his fun building the car, not owning it.
This Lamborghini Countach sold for more than it cost to build
Lamborghini Countach | Wonder World via Ken Imhoff
In a bit of a surprising twist, Imhoff decided to sell his beloved Lamborghini Countach replica. In total, he claims to have spent around $65,000 over the 17 years to build it from scratch. Had he paid someone else to build it, that price would be significantly higher. However, Wonder World reports that the car may have sold for more than it cost to build. That’s because it reportedly sold for around $89,000. Regardless of the result, it seems Imhoff has all of his fun building the car piece by piece.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-01-at-8.27.08-PM-1024x572-1.png5721024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-01 23:40:002021-07-01 23:57:22This Fake Lamborghini Countach Took 17 Years to Build in a Basement
Even compared to the rest of Tesla’s lineup, the Model S is one of the most impressive. It truly sets the EV performance standard with sky-high horsepower ratings and battery range. However, when Elon Musk promised it could reach 60 mph in under two seconds, even die-hard Tesla fans were skeptical.
According to MotorTrend, Musk’s claim rings true for the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid, but there’s a catch. Here’s how the sedan performed during its test drive and why you might want one for yourself.
How fast is the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid?
Technically, the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid reached 60 mph in 1.98 seconds during MotorTrend’s testing at the launch event. However, the test was only allowed to take place if MotorTrend adhered to Tesla’s specific instructions. Tesla’s test track was VHT-prepped, meaning the track was coated in resin to allow the tested cars to accelerate faster.
Obviously, this kind of scenario doesn’t occur during normal driving conditions. MotorTrend prefers to test vehicles on regular pavement to give drivers a more realistic idea of that car’s performance. After some back and forth, MotorTrend agreed to Tesla’s conditions with the intent to perform separate testing afterward.
The 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid gets its sub-two-second acceleration time only with Drag Strip mode enabled. This starts cooling the battery and motors in preparation for heavy throttle. After it’s ready, enable launch control and hold down the brake until you get the all-clear from the car’s computer.
The sheer speed of the Model S Plaid forces you back in your seat like a roller coaster, only much faster. At 152.6 mph, it travels a quarter-mile in just 9.25 seconds.
At the MotorTrend-approved track, the Model S Plaid reached 60 mph in 2.07 seconds. That’s still impressive, and the launch felt equally thrilling. Reaching 100 mph took only a brisk 8.2 seconds, another record-breaker for MotorTrend’s testing history.
MT was also pleased to report that the Model S is as satisfying to drive off the track. The suspension soaked up bothersome imperfections easily, and the cabin remained quiet throughout the drive. It might’ve occasionally drifted wide and lost momentum, but nobody needs to drive fast all the time.
In addition to a great driving experience, the Tesla Model S also has an impressive electric range. The Model S Plaid offers 390 miles, while the Long Range model provides 412 miles. This Model S also benefits from a refreshed interior, with a redesigned center stack and a display for rear-seat passengers. And it has the new yoke steering wheel, which is either aerodynamic or an eyesore, depending upon whom you ask.
Standard features include a 22-speaker stereo system, ventilated seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and enough charging power for laptops and phones. The infotainment screen measures 17 inches, which might prove distracting for some drivers. Still, it comes with plenty of standard driver’s aids to keep them safe and focused on the road.
So, how much does it cost?
According to MotorTrend, a fully loaded 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid costs $149,190. It usually retails for $131,190. Kelley Blue Book lists the 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range’s starting price at $81,190.
These are high prices for any sports sedan, even with its electric powertrain. Still, MotorTrend says the Plaid model’s speed is an impressive aspect that shouldn’t be ignored. Give it time, and the Model S Plaid might even make good on its promised 0-to-60-mph time during real-world driving.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.png00Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-01 23:36:002021-07-01 23:57:222022 Tesla Model S Plaid Records Unreal 0-60 MPH Time
If you need a high-performance luxury sedan, the BMW M3 has traditionally stood at or near the top of the suggestion list. And 2021 sees BMW bring back the even higher-performance M3 Competition. But over the last few years, the German automaker has seen increased competition from Italy in the form of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. So, which sporty sedan is the one to buy?
What do you get with the 2021 BMW M3 Competition?
2021 BMW M3 Competition | BMW
In the past, the Competition Package merely gave the BMW M3 some suspension and stability control tweaks. But the 2021 M3 Competition gets more than just that.
Like the standard 2021 BMW M3, the M3 Competition has a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. And while optional AWD is coming on the 2022 M3 Competition, for 2021 it’s RWD-only, just like the ‘base’ M3. However, although the latter offers a six-speed manual, the former is only available with an eight-speed automatic. That’s because the manual transmission isn’t rated for the Competition model’s extra power.
Compared to the standard 2021 BMW M3, the M3 Competition has 30 more hp and 73 more lb-ft of torque. That means a total of 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, which BMW claims is good for a 3.8-second 0-60 mph time. And to keep the M3 Competition’s transmission from over-heating, the sedan has a dedicated transmission cooler.
Otherwise, though, the 2021 BMW M3 Competition is the same as the ‘standard’ M3. That means, compared to the regular 3 Series, it has a stiffer chassis, sport seats, upgraded suspension components, and a retuned power-steering system. Plus, an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, ventilated disc brakes, and a carbon-fiber roof. And both M3 models offer the same optional features, such as carbon-fiber bucket seats and carbon-ceramic brakes.
The 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio packs plenty of speed
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio | Alfa Romeo
In the US, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is the sportiest version of the Giulia sedan, as we aren’t getting the Giulia GTAm. However, don’t think of the Quadrifoglio as some kind of consolation prize. It has the specs and features of a genuine luxury sports sedan.
To start, the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has Ferrari power—kind of. Under the Alfa’s hood is a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 based on the Ferrari California T’s V8. And it makes 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic. It’s actually the same eight-speed automatic the BMW M3 Competition uses, MotorTrend notes.
Unlike the M3 Competition, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio doesn’t have optional AWD. But otherwise, it matches the M3 well in terms of performance features. The Giulia Quadrifoglio has adjustable driving modes, dampers, and exhaust settings, Top Gear reports, as well as larger brakes, grippier tires, quicker steering, and sportier suspension than the standard Giulia. Plus, it has not just a carbon-fiber roof, but a carbon-fiber driveshaft and hood, too. And as on the M3 Competition, carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon-fiber bucket seats are optional.
MotorTrend only called one of them “driving ambrosia”
It was tough to choose from among two of the sharpest four-door performance sedans ever created, but one of these scintillating sedans emerged victorious. https://t.co/hXOzjVTGm7
Despite the extra carbon-fiber components, MT found the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio to be slightly heavier than the BMW M3 Competition. So, despite its slight horsepower advantage, the Alfa is slower to 60 mph. Both sedans, though, beat their manufacturers’ 0-60 mph claims. MT recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds in the Giulia Quadrifoglio and 3.5 seconds in the M3 Competition.
But while the M3 Competition eked out more speed, MT preferred driving the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, if only slightly. That’s not to say the BMW is a bad performance car by any means. To quote MT, “if you covet outright capability…mark down the M3 as the winner.” Its transmission shifts quickly and crisply at all times and the “spectacular engine” makes “brutal power.” Plus, the suspension and tires let the M3 Competition put that power down “incredibly well,” MT says.
However, that last point only stands if you’ve set the BMW M3 Competition in the correct mode. Turn off too many aids or put the car in the wrong setting and it’s easy to overdrive those rear tires, MT says. And compared to the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, the M3’s driver settings are more difficult to adjust.
The 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio sparks more joy for MotorTrend
To be fair, MT notes that the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s one-dial adjustment method is arguably too simplistic. And while the M3 Competition’s carbon-ceramic brakes are a bit mushy, the Alfa’s brake-by-wire system is slightly too touchy. Plus, in its most aggressive drive mode, the Giulia Quadrifoglio disables the traction and stability control systems.
But even so, the Alfa Romeo is “simply beautiful to drive,” MT gushes. The steering is light but delivers more feedback than the M3’s steering. Even with the aids off, it’s more neutral and flows more easily down the road than the BMW. The M3 Competition might be enormously capable, but the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is more fun. That’s why MT gave it the win, if only just.
It’s worth noting that Autocar put the M3 Competition ahead of the Giulia Quadrifoglio in part because of the former’s capability and adjustability. But it was also a tough decision for Autocar precisely for the same Alfa qualities MT mentioned.
That’s ultimately what sets these two sports sedans apart. In terms of outright speed and handling, the 2021 BMW M3 Competition stands ahead of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. But the Alfa focuses less on the destination and more on the journey, giving up some capability for sensation. It’s for drivers who care less about how fast they’re going than how much they’re enjoying the drive.
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https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-BMW-M3-Competition-1024x742-1.jpg7421024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-01 23:10:002021-07-02 01:33:082021 BMW M3 Competition vs. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: A Battle of Emotion
