A new NHRA world record was set last weekend by Funny Car driver Bob Tasca III driving an all-electric Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400. It happened at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The 1,500 hp Mustang EV hit 171.97 mph and blazed the quarter-mile in 8.128 seconds.
What does the electric Mustang have for a powertrain?
2021 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 | Ford
Built by Ford Performance, Cascadia Motion handled the inverter and motors. Watson Engineering built the chassis and roll cage, and overall development. Four PN-250-DZR inverters are hooked to two DS-250-115s. These packages can run up to 800 volts and 700 amps.
They can also spin up to 10,000 rpm. Output is 350kW of power per motor. And remember, there are four motors. It’s enough power that an advanced data and control system was built by Ford. The Mustang bangs out three times the horsepower of a traditional Cobra Jet, which needs to be harnessed.
Bob Tasca III is well known in NHRA circles having piloted a Mustang Fuel Funny Car for years. The first NHRA record he broke was in 2007 driving an alcohol Funny Car. His quarter-mile time was 5.451 seconds at 263 mph.
The Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 EV made its debut almost a year ago
2021 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 | Ford
Ford and Tasca embarked on this journey almost a year ago when the Mustang debuted at the US Nationals at Indianapolis. “Since revealing the car, we’ve continued to fine-tune it and now know we’re just scratching the surface of what we may be able to achieve with this much electric horsepower in a drag racing setting,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports.
“It’s been a great but challenging project for all of us at Ford Performance,” said Rushbrook. “The opportunities to learn with the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400, as well as the Mustang Mach-E 1400 we recently introduced, gives us great insight into what may be possible in high-performance all-electric vehicles for Ford going forward. We are very interested in continuing to work with NHRA to determine how electrification can be part of the sport and to show off the Cobra Jet 1400 at max power in due course as regulations develop.”
Will the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 run the quarter in seven seconds?
2021 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 | Ford
Expectations are that with the power exhibited this week the Cobra Jet 1400 will scoot into the seven-second category soon. NHRA is working on a class for these electric racers but it’s not together yet. So exhibition passes are made against Funny Car champion and Fox announcer Tony Pedregon in a gas-powered Cobra Jet.
So a new era is dawning for NHRA competition classes starting with this Ford effort. We expect a few more manufacturers to having electric race cars of their own soon. This will eventually lead to a form of drag racing that will bear some semblance with what is on the road; electric vehicles.
Various production and supply issues delayed it, but the 2021 Bronco is finally here. To call Ford’s reborn SUV ‘in demand’ is almost an understatement, given how quickly potential buyers rushed to reserve it. And that’s without really knowing what the new Ford Bronco was like to drive. Now, though, the first reviews are in—and the consensus is, the wait was worth it.
How much is the 2021 Ford Bronco you want?
2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door Black Diamond with Sasquatch Package and light bar | Ford
Even beyond its accessory catalog, the 2021 Ford Bronco offers a wide selection of trims and options packages. That doesn’t include the Bronco Sport, though, which is a unibody crossover that’s unrelated to the body-on-frame Bronco.
Ignoring the sold-out limited-edition First Edition, the 2021 Ford Bronco has six trim levels to choose from. And all of them are available in two- or four-door trim. In the list below, the two-door price is listed before the four-door one (none include destination):
Base: $28,500; $33,200
Big Bend: $33,385; $35,880
Black Diamond: $36,050; $38,545
Outer Banks: $38,955; $41,450
Badlands: $42,095; $44,590
Wildtrak: $46,980; $49,475
Every 2021 Ford Bronco trim but the Wildtrak comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the Wildtrak gets the otherwise optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6. On premium fuel, the former engine makes 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and the latter makes 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. You can run them on lower-octane gas, but the 2.3-liter engine loses 25 hp and 10 lb-ft while the V6 loses 15 hp and 5 lb-ft, MotorTrend notes.
Regardless of trim, every 2021 Bronco has 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. As for the 10-speed automatic transmission, it’s compatible with both engines and standard with V6 models. However, the four-cylinder base Ford Bronco, Big Bend, Black Diamond, and Badlands come standard with a crawler-gear-equipped six-speed manual.
What kind of features does the 2021 Ford Bronco offer?
2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door Badlands rear 3/4 | Ford
Even in base form, the 2021 Ford Bronco offers features designed for both off-roading and commuting.
In addition to the 4WD, a base 2021 Bronco has a 30” fording depth and over 8” of ground clearance, Autoblog reports. And the top, doors, fender flares, and fenders are all removable. But if you want a soft-top, it’s only available on four-door models, and then as an option.
Both body styles, though, offer the Sasquatch Package, which adds front and rear locking differentials, 37” off-road tires on beadlock-capable wheels, Bilstein shocks, a suspension lift, a different axle ratio, and Trail Turn Assist. And if you get the Bronco Wildtrak, it comes standard with the Sasquatch Package. However, the Badlands also has Bilstein shocks and locking differentials, as well as underbody bash plates, rock rails, and an electronically-disconnecting front sway bar. Also, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, which the Black Diamond also has.
Four-door Broncos have slightly worse ground clearance as well as breakover and departure angles. However, they also have significantly more rear cargo space and slightly more rear legroom, Car and Driver notes. And while neither version offers third-row seating, the four-door Bronco offers a second-row center seating position.
2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door Black Diamond interior | Ford
As far as electronics go, the base 2021 Ford Bronco has an 8” center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an LCD gauge cluster. Plus, multiple 12V and USB outlets and a five-mode version of Ford’s Terrain Management System. It also has automatic emergency braking, trailer sway control, hill-start assist, and if you get the manual, hill-descent control.
If you want all seven available TMS modes, though, you’ll have to go with the Black Diamond, Badlands, or Wildtrak. The Outer Banks model, like the Big Bend, only has six modes. But it comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and heated front seats. And navigation is only standard on the Badlands and Wildtrak. Some features, though, like a 12” touchscreen and Bang&Olufsen audio system, are optional extras.
The 2021 Ford Bronco “absolutely lives up to the hype,” MotorTrend says
Although it aims to be a Jeep Wrangler rival, the 2021 Ford Bronco isn’t “a Wrangler copycat,” Hagerty explains. Nor is it an SUV designed purely for nostalgia bait, though it does draw from the designs of Broncos past. But it “is absolutely the real deal,” MT says.
Compared to the Wrangler, the 2021 Bronco’s steering is significantly more accurate and lets fewer body-on-frame-derived “structural dithers” through, Car and Driver reports. That’s thanks to the independent front suspension, which also delivers a more comfortable ride. And while it’s by no means a sports car, even with off-road tires, it’s decent fun on a curving road.
The Bronco’s interior is also more “spacious and airy compared to the claustrophobic Wrangler’s,” MT notes. Ergonomics are excellent, Hagerty says, and the pedals are positioned well for heel-toe downshifts. Plus, unlike in the Wrangler, the 2021 Bronco has airbags in its roll bar.
Given its heritage, the 2021 Ford Bronco needed to be a solid off-roader. Tackling Hell’s Gate demonstrated some of the SUV’s credentials. And while it lacks a solid front axle, MT found Ford’s SUV “every bit as capable as the Wrangler, and moderately easier to use.” TMS and its G.O.A.T. Modes simplify rock crawling, as does the Bronco’s crawl control and the fenders’ metal brackets, aka ‘Trail Sights.’ That’s something the 4Runner TRD Pro I once drove off-road could’ve used. Plus, there’s also a top-down 360° camera system that makes spotting obstacles a cinch.
Does the off-road SUV have any drawbacks?
Review: As promised, the 2021 Ford Bronco is a capable delight off-road, the kind of sole-purpose vehicle you rarely see anymore. It's average on pavement, but that doesn't matter for a truck aimed squarely at the Jeep Wrangler. It feels like a direct hit.https://t.co/slsfGGk8bl
That being said, the 2021 Ford Bronco isn’t perfect.
For one, it’s not particularly fuel-efficient. And unlike the Wrangler, there’s no plug-in hybrid model. The rear seats also aren’t particularly comfortable over long distances, and in two-door models, they’re harder to access. Plus, while higher-spec trims get some interior upgrades, overall, the 2021 Bronco’s interior is fairly plain, Car and Driver says.
Still, overall, the 2021 Ford Bronco has what it takes to make the Wrangler worry. And it delivers on what its badge promises.
Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-Ford-Bronco-4-Door-Black-Diamond-with-Sasquatch-Package-and-light-bar-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-06-28 16:35:002021-06-28 17:56:42Critics Agree: The 2021 Ford Bronco Is Absolutely the Real Deal
It’s always exciting when a new model year of a beloved vehicle, like the Buick Enclave, comes out. There’s a lot of discussion regarding what new features it will boast and if it will remain the same. Though we don’t have all the juicy details just yet, we know a few things that will become available with the 2022 Buick Enclave.
The 2022 Buick Enclave provides more standard safety features
The biggest complaints from most owners concern the number of standard features. Many automakers reserve the more upscale features for higher trim levels, but that doesn’t make consumers happy. Automakers like Kia, which offer more bang for the buck, have proven their vehicles sell faster than higher-end models that nickel-and-dime car shoppers.
Buick seems to be catching on and is offering more standard features on the entry-level Enclave Preferred. It will now have some highly sought-after safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams, MotorTrend reports.
But Buick isn’t stopping there.
The new Buick Enclave also boasts a few aesthetic changes
The 2022 Enclave’s exterior has gotten a facelift. MotorTrend reports that the headlights are slimmer than those on previous models. Buick also reshaped the grille to offer a modern twist to the brand’s classic good looks.
The taillights got an upgrade, too, thanks to a chrome trim piece connecting them. Further changes include a restyled center console.
Also inside, optional features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. And a 360-degree camera will make pulling in and out of tight parking spaces less of a chore.
For those who plan to travel in the 2022 Buick Enclave, a power-folding third-row seat makes packing much easier. That is as long as you don’t have passengers sitting back there. And a power-folding liftgate with a hands-free functionality will come standard.
The 2021 model can tell us more about what to expect from the new SUV
Because Buick hasn’t released specs or pricing for the 2022 Enclave yet, we can only look at the 2021 model for clues. U.S. News notes the Enclave hasn’t received any notable changes since the 2018 model, so Buick might’ve decided it’s time for an update. Regardless, it’s not a full redesign, so expect some of the 2021 model’s features in the 2022 version.
The 2021 Buick Enclave’s 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission will likely return. This engine earned praise for being energetic and offering a pleasurable ride.
And though the 2021 model’s interior received approval for its spaciousness, it was slammed for its “low-rent” materials. Buick has discussed the updated center console, but the automaker hasn’t mentioned updates to the interior materials.
It’s expected the 2022 model will seat up to seven passengers, but an optional second-row captain’s chair might mean some models will seat only six.
The 2021 Enclave starts at $41,195, which some critics consider too high for what it offers. It’s unclear if Buick will raise the price on the 2022 model, but it’s unlikely it will cut prices.
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 DeSantis2021-06-28 16:04:002021-06-28 16:26:33The 2022 Buick Enclave Is Safer Than It’s Ever Been Before
Cars are depreciating assets, no matter what. However, given the recent car pricing bubble spawned from the Covid-19 pandemic and the global chip shortage, used car values have increased incrementally over the past year. This increase made used car buying tougher – since car prices are higher across the board – but it has also made used car selling easier as many consumers are reaping the benefits of these inflated values. But when is the car pricing bubble going to burst?
Positive equity is the name of the game right now
Used Cars At Dealership | JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
If you have an extra car and are looking to get rid of it, then you’re in luck. It’s currently a seller’s market, which means that you’ll likely be able to get top dollar for your ride now more than ever. Having positive equity in a car is the name of the game right now, but what does it mean for the consumers at the other end of the table who are purchasing these cars?
It means that they are paying thousands of dollars over what they should be for a used car, which could lead to a potential downfall in the near future. For example, Forbes used an anecdote involving a 2019 Toyota Tacoma owner that purchased his car brand new for $35,534 (MSRP: $38,641). The owner owned the truck for two years and put around 30,000 miles on it.
He then ended up selling the truck to Carvana for $32,860, only $2,674 less than he bought it for. Carvana then turn around and sold the truck for $41,900, which means that the new owner paid $6,500 over what the truck originally sold for. As we can see, the used car pricing bubble is working well for sellers, but not so much for buyers.
When will the bubble burst?
The aforementioned used car selling and buying scenario is not uncommon right now as many car buyers are forced to pay higher prices than normal. However, it’s only a matter of time before the market begins to even out and the used prices get adjust back to their normal levels.
Forbes reports that the “absurdity” should level out by next quarter as automaker production levels return to normal. And as the demand for used cars declines, cars like the aforementioned Tacoma could depreciate to half their value in the next 12 months, leaving current owners severely underwater in their loans.
According to Fox Business, used car prices were up by as much as 30% in May year-over-year, but they’re not sure when the bubble is going to burst either.
What’s going to happen if I recently bought a car?
According to Forbes, you should “brace for impact.” But on a more optimistic approach, we would suggest holding on to the car that you just bought and riding out the depreciation for the next few years. Just because you possibly paid more than you should have for a car in these current times, and it’s likely to drop in value soon, it doesn’t mean that you will get nothing for it if you sell it later.
While cars are depreciating assets, there’s a break-even point in every car’s life when its value eventually plateaus. So you’ll get some of your money back no matter what, it’ll just be less than what you would get for it now. But if you’re planning to buy a car, then we suggest waiting until next year. It’s only a matter of time before the bubble inevitably bursts.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1233138884-1024x681-4-1.jpg6811024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-06-28 15:45:002021-06-28 16:26:34Is the Car Pricing Bubble Going to Burst Soon?
