The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Just Outranked The Ford Mustang Convertible

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Edmunds recently revealed its picks for the best convertibles of 2021. While the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata landed the top spot on Edmunds’ list, the 2021 Ford Mustang Convertible did not. Let’s find out why. 

What the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata has going for it

There’s no denying there’s a lot to like about the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata. This year’s new Miata starts at $26,830 and is available in three well-outfitted trim levels: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. Driven by a 181-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that comes teamed with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, Edmunds reports that the Miata is “fun and engaging to drive, even at low speeds.”

That’s not all the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata has going for it either. Edmunds gave this year’s new model pretty high marks and even ranked it as the best convertible of 2021. This year’s model earned a 9.0/10 driving score. Edmunds also gave it a 7.5/10 for its interior. And when it comes to value? According to Edmunds, the Miata justifies its price with its upscale interior and various option packages.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Convertible is an “impressive effort”

Much like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 2021 Ford Mustang Convertible found itself on Edmunds’ list of the best convertibles of 2021. This year’s model rings in at $32,075 and is available in three trim levels: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, and GT Premium. As for what’s under the hood? Standard is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 310-hp and 350 pound-feet of torque.

According to Edmunds, the Ford Mustang Convertible is an “impressive effort from Ford.” It earned a 7.6/10 overall score. Edmunds also gave it a 7.5/10 driving score, adding that the Ford Mustang Convertible can be frustrating to drive when equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. According to Edmunds, it “shifts into high gears too quickly (it upshifts to ninth at 40 mph!), and it’s slow to downshift.” Edmunds also gave it a 7.5/10 for its interior. 

How the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata outranked the Ford Mustang Convertible

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Mazda

While Edmunds included both the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2021 Ford Mustang Convertible among its picks for the best convertibles of 2021, this year’s new Mazda Miata was able to outrank the iconic Ford Mustang. With an 8.0/10 overall score, this year’s Miata found itself in the top spot on Edmund’s list. Meanwhile, with a 7.6/10 overall score, the Mustang Convertible ranked third among the best convertibles of 2021.

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata didn’t just earn a higher overall score than this year’s Mustang Convertible either. The Miata also earned significantly higher driving scores than its Mustang competition. Edmunds also gave it higher scores for how economical it is. The only category the Mustang was able to best the Miata was when it came to storage. While Edmunds gave the Miata a 6.0/10, it gave the Mustang Convertible a 7.0/10.

Does this mean you should avoid the Ford Mustang Convertible?

Not at all. As a matter of fact, while the MX-5 Miata may have outranked the Mustang Convertible, Edmunds claims that the Mustang Convertible is the more practical choice. Unlike the Miata, it boasts seating for up to four passengers. It also offers up significantly more storage space. But if you’re after the best convertible of 2021? You’re going to want to stick with the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 

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The Ferrari 296 GTB Is an 818-Hp Hybrid First for the Supercar Brand

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Recently, rumors swirled that a new hybrid supercar would grace Ferrari dealerships. But at the time, we didn’t know much about its powertrain, its arrival date, or even its exact looks. However, this speculation can now be laid to rest, because that car has finally broken cover. It’s the Ferrari 296 GTB, and it gives the Italian brand something it’s never really had.

Don’t call it a Dino, but the plug-in hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB is the brand’s first V6 supercar

Ferrari 296 GTB | Ferrari

Perhaps the most important aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB is its powertrain. Like the SF90 Stradale, the 296 GTB is a plug-in hybrid supercar, though it only has one electric motor, rather than three. But the electric motor is arguably secondary to what it’s connected to—a mid-mounted 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6.

To be sure, the V6 in the Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t the brand’s first-ever V6. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Dino 206 and 246 both used Ferrari-developed V6s. However, Dino was a Ferrari sub-brand, so the 206 and 246 never bore the Prancing Horse badge, Automobile explains. The later 308 GT4 eventually became a Ferrari, but it had a V8, not a V6. So, the 296 GTB is technically the first Ferrari with a V6.

The rear 3/4 view of a red Ferrari 296 GTB by a white wall
Ferrari 296 GTB rear 3/4 | Ferrari

And it’s not lacking in power. On its own, the 3.0-liter V6 makes 654 hp, Car and Driver reports, and revs to 8500 RPM. But it also works in tandem with the electric motor, which is connected to a 7.45-kWh battery pack. In total, the Ferrari 296 GTB makes 818 hp, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. That’s over 100 more hp than the F8 Tributo makes with its 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8.

As a result, despite weighing roughly 300 pounds more, the 296 GTB is just as fast, Roadshow notes. It goes 0-62 mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds, the same as the F8 Tributo. And Ferrari claims it goes around the company’s test track only two seconds slower than the SF90 Stradale.

What else does it offer?

The red-and-black seats and dashboard of a Ferrari 296 GTB
Ferrari 296 GTB interior | Ferrari

Speaking of the SF90 Stradale, the Ferrari 296 GTB beats it slightly on EV-only driving range. The former can only go 15 miles on battery power; the latter can go 16 miles. It also borrows several of the SF90’s styling cues, as well as its digital instrument cluster, capacitive-touch controls, and driving modes, Road & Track says.

As standard, the Ferrari 296 GTB has adjustable magnetic dampers and an electronic limited-slip differential. It’s also the first Ferrari with an active rear spoiler designed for downforce, rather than drag-reduction, Autoweek explains. The 296 GTB will also likely offer several driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, Roadshow notes.

And for those who want some extra performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB will offer an optional Assetto Fiorano package. This gives the plug-in hybrid supercar adjustable Multimatic shocks, a Lexan rear windscreen, multiple downforce-boosting carbon-fiber trim pieces, and lighter-weight door panels. Altogether, the package sheds 26 pounds from the 296 GTB; 33 with the optional Lexan rear window.

Separate from the Assetto Fiorano package, the 296 GTB will also offer optional Michelin Sport Cup 2R tires, Autoweek reports. Plus, Ferrari plans to offer a special livery based on the 250 Le Mans racer.

How much does the Ferrari 296 GTB cost?

As of this writing, Ferrari hasn’t confirmed a US delivery date for the 296 GTB. But European customers will get their plug-in hybrid supercars in Q1 2022. Prices start at roughly $321K for the base car and $360K for Assetto Fiorano-equipped ones.

That price is roughly $100K dearer than the ‘entry-level’ Ferrari, the 612-hp non-hybrid Roma. That also makes the 296 GTB more than twice as expensive as another V6-powered hybrid supercar, the Acura NSX. But compared to the SF90 Stradale, it’s a relative bargain. And it marks a new stage of Ferrari performance.

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ParkMobile Data Breach: How to Secure Your Information

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you have ever pulled your car into a mobile access parking spot, ParkMobile might have been the service provider. It’s the leading source of mobile parking solutions, available in more than 3,000 locations across North America.

Contactless parking has become popular, with drivers no longer needing to use a kiosk or drop coins into a meter. Instead, paying for a parking space is as easy as entering your name, license plate, and credit card information into a mobile app.

Unfortunately, a recent cybersecurity attack on ParkMobile threatened that data, and current users should change their passwords immediately.

ParkMobile is nationwide

ParkMobile is a mobile parking app that assists drivers in finding and paying for parking spaces. The service allows users to reserve spots and pay the associated fees from the convenience of their smartphones. As a result, accessing on-street and off-street parking has never been easier.

The popular service is available at airports, college campuses, parking lots, and stadiums throughout the country. The free downloadable app is available in Google Play and the App Store. A web version of the app is also available. 

The app is available in major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. There are more than 450 participating cities.

In 2020, ParkMobile reached a record-breaking milestone of 20 million users. Established in 2008, the company reports it has “processed over 334,000,000 transactions totaling 57 billion minutes of parking time and over $1 billion of parking fees.” It’s one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States.

BMW bought the popular parking app in 2018, with plans to integrate the feature into all of its vehicles’ infotainment dashboards. With a minority stake in ParkMobile since 2014, the automaker became the first OEM to use a method of paying for parking in its in-car systems.

Then, in March 2021, EasyPark Group announced its intention to purchase ParkMobile. The European leader in parking technology stated, “The planned acquisition accelerates the global expansion of next-gen digital parking and mobility solutions.”

ParkMobile’s recent cybersecurity breach

ParkMobile recently announced it was the victim of a cybersecurity breach in March 2021, affecting more than 21 million users. The company’s security notification states that the breach affects users of the ParkMobile app and city/operator-branded white-label apps. Those apps include “Go Mobile PGH, Park Columbus, meterUp, MPLS Parking, Park Houston, ParkLouie, MKE Park, FW Park, Park It Charlotte, ParkNYC, 717 Parking, Park 915, and Premier Parking.”

The cybersecurity breach was a “vulnerability in a third-party software” used by the parking app company. In response to the attack, ParkMobile notified law enforcement and hired a “leading cybersecurity firm to address the incident.” As a result, the company quickly eliminated the threat and deemed all systems secure once again.

Investigators determined the hackers accessed basic information such as license plate numbers, vehicle nicknames, phone numbers, email addresses, and a small percentage of physical mailing addresses. 

ParkMobile announced that the criminals did not steal credit card information and specific parking transaction data. Personal information also wasn’t compromised.

How to protect your information from hackers

ParkMobile does not collect driver’s license numbers, social security numbers, or birth dates. In addition, encrypted passwords protected with “advanced hashing and salting technologies” prevented hackers from gaining access.

Patch, a newspaper in Greenwich, Connecticut, reported that “the main recommendation from the Town’s Chief Information Security Officer is for users to change their password.”

ParkMobile agrees, suggesting users update their passwords for an added level of security.

To make the change, go to the ParkMobile app or website and click on “Settings.” New passwords must be eight to 25 characters and include an uppercase or lowercase letter, at least one number, and a special character.

Visit the ParkMobile website for step-by-step instructions.

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This Florida Car Show is a Bucket-List Item for Car Enthusiasts

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There is just something about the sunshine state that makes cars shine a little brighter. Or, perhaps it is the major collection and showing off many rare collector cars, new cars that haven’t hit the market yet, or exotic cars that don’t have to be kept in for the winter months that gives car shows here an extra edge. There is also one car show that is held annually that garners attention from car enthusiasts and connoisseurs everywhere: the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. This yearly car show is held every spring and can feature everything from the rarest collector cars, such as the McLaren F1, and if that piques your interest, it’s definitely an event worth adding to your bucket list.

2017 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance | Mark Elias, Bloomberg, Getty Images

Where is the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance?

Ferrari LaFerrari at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Ferrari LaFerrari at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance | Gabrielle R DeSantis, MotorBiscuit

As the name suggests, the annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is held on Amelia Island, but that is only a portion of the puzzle. Amelia Island is a small key off of the coast of Florida outside of Jacksonville, the most northeast major city in the state. The small island itself become a car show all of its own, with many visitors and enthusiasts staying on the island with their own exciting vehicles, some of which can be seen parked in front of Air BnBs and restaurants from the top of the island, called Fernandina Beach, to the hotel where the event is held. The event itself is officially held at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island.

How long is the show?

Porsche 911 Cayman
Porsche 911 Cayman | Gabrielle R DeSantis, MotorBiscuit

The official event with the highest value, rarest cars is held on the Sunday of the event weekend, but there is still plenty to see on Friday and Saturday, too, and you can even participate in some of the events. The event is typically a long weekend, but preparations begin to surface at the Ritz weeks before. It is held on the beautifully maintained golf greens and the entryway to the Ritz itself. Over the first few days, visitors can enjoy speaking with manufacturer representatives and even take some for a test drive. Saturday usually features a Cars and Coffee event which is more lenient on participants and can feature a wide variety of vehicles worth checking out.

Awards, celebrities, and celebrations

Hennessey Venom F5 at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Hennessey Venom F5 at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance | Gabrielle R DeSantis, MotorBiscuit

As any car show, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance offers awards from a very experienced judging panel, and these awards work as a form of pedigree, sometimes even enhancing the value of higher-end collector vehicles. Along with the judging, showing off the vehicles, and speeches, you can often find many celebrities of the car community walking around the event grounds. This year, the first episode of the YouTube series CarTrek, hosted by Ed Bolian (VinWiki), Freddy Hernandez (Tavarish), and Tyler Hoover (Hoovies Garage), as well as many icons in the automotive industry.

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