These Are the Most Expensive Electric Vehicles You Can Buy in 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

2022 Porsche Taycan | Porsche

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity. In part this is due to the environmentally friendly nature of electric vehicles, and the improvements in accessibility that have been made. Government subsidies have also helped drive the sale of electric vehicles. Yet there’s also the fact that car manufacturers are making electric vehicles more and more attractive, as well as functional. No longer must you sacrifice comfort and luxury in order to be green. If you want a top-notch electric vehicle, you can get everything you’d ever want and more in some of the most expensive electric vehicles out there. 

The Tesla Model S Plaid is super nice, and you’ll pay for it

Tesla is perhaps the most famous luxury electric vehicle maker in the world, so it’s no surprise that one of the most expensive electric vehicles is made by Tesla. The Model S Plaid, whose name was inspired by the movie ‘Spaceballs,’ comes in at an astonishing $129,000. What do you get for over a hundred grand? 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, as well as seating for five and a luxurious interior. 

Electrek notes that while Tesla was going to be coming out with a Tesla Model S Plaid Plus, that car was recently scrapped. According to them, “Elon Musk has since nixed the entire Plaid+ trim claiming that people don’t need more than 400 miles of range, and that the regular Plaid is ‘just too good.’”

The Jaguar I-Pace is one of the most expensive luxury SUVs, and with good reason

You get a whole lot for the roughly $80,000 you’ll spend on the 2021 Jaguar I-Pace. The I-Pace is the kind of luxury electric vehicle that will make you forget that it’s electric – except for when you notice how quiet it is. 

The 2021 Jaguar I-Pace comes with a killer infotainment system, a quicker charger system than ever, and an interior worthy of its hefty price tag. 

The 2022 Porsche Taycan is crazy expensive, but comes in new throwback colors

The 2022 Porsche Taycan is one of the most expensive electric vehicles you can buy, but you’ll love it if you do. The Taycan will charge quickly and have great range. It also has Remote Park Assist, which allows you to park your Taycan via your smartphone, even if you’re not in your car. 

As a bonus, the 2022 Porsche Taycan will be available in 90s throwback colors like Rubystone Red, Moonlight Blue Metallic, Riviera Blue, Viola Metallic, and Acid Green. The newest iteration of the Porsche Taycan also includes Android Auto. Previously it only had Apple CarPlay.

As car manufacturers make more and more electric vehicles, we’re sure to see more appealing electric options. Electric vehicles are currently so expensive in part because of how much it costs to make the batteries. Yet more car companies are partnering with battery makers – or even starting their own plants. This means we’re likely going to see the cost of electric vehicles coming down in the next few years. 

Yet that doesn’t mean that all electric vehicles will still be a bargain. As you can see from these three most expensive electric vehicles, there will always be options at different price points – and luxury levels – available for consumers.

RELATED: The Most High-Tech 2021 SUVs

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New Toyota Land Cruiser-No, Wait, It’s a Chinese Ripoff

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Well, it has happened again. Another Chinese automaker ripoff. This time the victim was Toyota and its new Land Cruiser 300 Series. Great Wall Motors calls their Land Cruiser copy “Tank 500.” Unfortunately, intellectual property theft is alive and well in China. 

The “Tank 500” follows in a long line of Chinese copies

2022 Great Wall Tank 500 | GWM

The Tank 500 follows in a long line of car copies including the Porsche Macan, Hummer, and now the Land Cruiser. Great Wall showed off their new Tank 500 at the recent Chengdu Auto Show in China. And the similarities don’t stop with the design.

The length, width, and wheelbase are all identical to the Toyota Land Cruiser. Imagine that? Departures from the Land Cruiser start at the grille. Even the front bumper has similarities to the Land Cruiser. 

The wheel arches are what separates the Land Cruiser from the Tank 500

2022 Great Wall Tank 500
2022 Great Wall Tank 500 | GWM

From the side, the wheel arches and wheel opening details are more conventional on the Tank 500. The Land Cruiser is going for more of a squared-off fender bulge than the rounded-off openings of the Tank. Traditionally, Land Cruisers have traditionally had squared-off wheel openings. 

And the kickup at the rear of the DLO is more pronounced on the Tank. The overall profile is virtually identical between the two. Looking at the side section, the Land Cruiser has a much taller body section. The top and side DLO is lower giving the Land Cruiser ironically more of a tank proportion. The Tank’s body flanks are more of a traditional proportion.

For a good off-road candidate, body-on-frame is what you need, and the Tank has it. A coil-spring suspension, front and rear locking diffs, 29.6- and 24-degree departure angles, and 8.8-inch ground clearance is also suited for off-roading excursions. Power is from a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. It is tied into a 48-volt hybrid system cranking out 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

Would there have been a better vehicle for Great Wall to copy?

2022 Great Wall Tank 500 interior
2022 Great Wall Tank 500 | GWM

Great Wall chose a good vehicle to copy. What we’d like to see going forward are more original concepts and explorations. Both Japan and Korea have reached far beyond resorting to plagiarism. It makes for a much more healthy fraternity of designers and offers new directions that all designers might explore. 

Chinese designers would be held in much better standing worldwide in the design community were they to explore rather than copy.

RELATED: Dongfeng Warrior M50 is a Kick in the Head to Hummer H1

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Vintage Ferrari – A Look Back at Classic Ferrari Models

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Classic cars remain popular among enthusiasts and collectors. But some say nothing is more impressive than a vintage Ferrari. The Italian automaker might have designed its first Prancing Horse to be a racing legend in the 1940s. But no one could predict the high demand that would ensue for these now-iconic cars.

Vintage Ferraris command a following and are highly desirable in many circles. Here, we look back at several sought-after classic and vintage Ferrari models. You might even decide to become a collector yourself.

How much is a vintage Ferrari?

1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa | Gail Oskin/WireImage

If you’re new to the world of classic Ferraris, there’s one thing you should know first. There’s no such thing as a cheap variation of any of these cars, GQ reports. Even if you have your eye on a not-so-impressive model, any vintage Ferrari price can easily start in the six figures. Even entry-level models come with a $75,000 to $125,000 price tag.

Restoring and maintaining one of these legendary Ferraris will cost a pretty penny, too. Be prepared to spend $1,000 every year on oil changes alone. An engine belt servicing will set you back anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000. And even if you manage to save a little on the vintage Ferrari price at purchase, you can prepare yourself to spend thousands on repairs and upgrades. 

What is the best old Ferrari?

When it comes to crowning one model considered the best classic or vintage Ferrari, it’s really a personal preference and varies by expert. But GQ shares a list of those most sought-after by enthusiasts. And it certainly represents some of the most impressive classic models.

Though not technically vintage, a soon-to-be classic Ferrari model is the LaFerrari. Its inception in 2013 was groundbreaking because it was unlike any other Prancing Horse that came before it. It represents the first hybrid, equipped with a 6.3-liter V12 and an electric energy recovery system. This beautiful beast harnesses 950 bhp, allowing it to hit 124 mph in a mere seven seconds.

Another car considered among the best vintage Ferrari models of all time is the F40. This streamlined stunner was the fastest of its time in 1987, with its 470 hp and Pininfarina-designed body. It was more than just a 40th-anniversary introduction for Ferrari, and this car continues to be highly desirable.

But you can’t have a “best vintage Ferrari” list without honoring the iconic 12-cylinder Testarossa. This ’80s gem is the last Prancing Horse to harness the flat-12 engine configuration, making it extra-special among collectors. It was no slouch either, with 390 bhp.

As GQ points out in its list of the best vintage Ferraris, the 288 GTO was a mighty and magnificent contribution. Having similarities with the 308 GTB, this “featherweight racer” offered 400 bhp from its turbocharged V8. According to Robb Report, the automaker produced only 272 examples, making them even more desirable. 

But some consider the absolute finest ever made and the best vintage Ferrari of all to be the 250 GT. This memorable introduction could be seen racing on the track one minute and pulling up to the neighborhood gas station the next. The V12 under the hood promised performance in any driving scenario.

If you have the budget and the desire, you might be ready to start your own vintage Ferrari collection. In the next segment, we’ll share what collectors say are the best classic Ferrari models to add to your list.

What every collector should have in their vintage Ferrari collection

If you’re ready to start adding vintage Ferrari models to your collection, you can always refer to some Ferrari collectors’ lists. Anyone who seriously considers themselves to be any kind of classic Ferrari aficionado likely has one or more of these in the garage.

Collecting vintage Ferrari models should start with the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. According to Robb Report, this car was Ferrari’s answer to the Lamborghini Miura. Ferrari gave the 365 GTB/4 Daytona a V12 to power through the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967 and branded it with the name it still holds today. Only 1,200 were made, and buying one now will cost you at least $700,000.

Before that, between 1957 and 1961, the automaker unleashed only 34 of the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. And it did not disappoint on the track, with multiple podium wins.

This unicorn of a vintage Ferrari is one with a hefty price tag. In 2011, an unrestored 1957 model rolled through auction and reportedly sold for $39 million.

In addition, any self-respecting vintage Ferrari collector would appreciate owning a Dino 246. Enzo Ferrari‘s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, took the reins on creating a more attainable sports car with a more modest price.

This 2.0-liter V6 achieved his goal, but don’t make the mistake of assuming it’s not up to Ferrari standards. The Pininfarina body design makes this vintage Ferrari one of the brand’s most beautiful.

However, if you want to go really rare, consider finding a Ferrari 330 P4. Only four were ever produced, so you’ll have a challenge ahead of you. But if you’re lucky to have one, you’ll get an exclusive vintage Ferrari model like no other, with its 450-hp V12.

Making things even tougher, one of these race-winning cars was scrapped due to an incident at Le Mans. The remaining three will command a high price from their respective owners in France, Germany, and Canada.

Last, the Ferrari 288 GTO intended to explore an entirely new category of racing from 1984 through 1987. The Group B Circuit Race was the goal, but the 288 GTO went on to be more than just a race car. 

In fact, Magnum, P.I.’s iconic ride was a 288 GTO. And back then, you’d be hard-pressed to find a garage or kid’s bedroom without a photo of this vintage Ferrari.

It came with a turbocharged V8 and harnessed 400 horses for incredible performance. It’s what most call a proper Ferrari supercar and might be the most challenging to add to your classic Ferrari collection.

The ’80s Ferrari Testarossa

There isn’t a classic Ferrari list out there that doesn’t include the legendary Testarossa. Earlier versions were called “Testa Rossa,” others refer to it as the “TR,” and the ’80s iteration was “Testarossa,” but any version of the name means “redhead” in Italian.

The critics at Autoweek spent some quality time with a 1986 Testarossa, which might help shed some light on why this ’80s supercar is such an icon among collectors.

Replacing the Berlinetta Boxer, the Ferrari Testarossa made its grand debut in 1984. It packed a 5.0-liter flat-12 producing 380-hp. Autoweek says seeing one in person looks smaller than in pictures. But you’ll be surprised with its roomy cabin and comfort features. Oh, and stomping on the gas will show you what it feels like to go 180 mph.

Finding a Ferrari Testarossa today is relatively easy because the automaker produced almost 10,000 examples between 1984 and 1991, including the 512 TR and F512 M revision models. But you can expect to still pay around $65,000 to $85,000 for an older model showing its age, Autoweek reports. However, Classic.com auctions show you should expect to pay closer to $120,000 to $160,000.

Diving back in time to find some of the most sought-after vintage Ferraris also means remembering some of the rarest models. And there were a few convertibles along the way, too. In the next section of this classic Ferrari review, we’ll touch on both types worthy of any collection.

The best vintage Ferrari convertible

Ferrari was and is still known for developing race cars with hand-crafted style and high-quality materials. But the Prancing Horse has never overlooked the fun side of driving, either. The top-down variations of several Ferrari models tend to top the must-have lists for enthusiasts. 

One of the most successful convertibles Ferrari brought to life was the 365 California Spyder. Only VIP clients were allowed first dibs on this car, with its V12 engine and Pininfarina body design, Money Inc reports.

Another iconic Ferrari convertible is the 330 GTS. It hit the world stage at the Paris Auto Show in 1966. The automaker produced only 100 examples with V12 engines before switching to a 4.4-liter. 

Also among notable Ferrari convertibles is the California T Hardtop Convertible, the Portofino Hardtop Convertible, and the Ferrari F430 Spider Soft Top Roadster. But many still suggest one of the most legendary models is the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, with its front-engine, V12, and two-seater design. Released in 2000, this limited-edition roadster is a favorite among collectors.

The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M Soft-Top Roadster is one of the more popular later models designed to celebrate Ferrari’s 16th championship victory. It came with a 4.3-liter V8 capable of 503-hp, which is pretty impressive for an open cockpit experience. But Money Inc. says the top three convertibles have to be the Ferrari F8 Spider, the Ferrari 328 GTS, and the Ferrari 812 GTS. 

The rarest vintage Ferrari collections

When it comes to discovering some of the rarest collections of vintage Ferrari models, HotCars did some auction homework. This roster shares some of hardest-to-find Ferraris ever to roll through the auction lane, along with some of those through-the-roof price tags. Like the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, one of only 36 released, sold for $48,405,000 at the Monterey Car Auction.

Other rare vintage Ferraris sold at auction include the 1961 Ferrari 400 SuperAmerica SWB Coupe Aerodinamico, another Pininfarina-designed masterpiece. As one of only 17 in existence, it was even rarer because of its Ferrari Classiche certification. This certification ensures the car has its original gearbox, engine, and rear differential. A 1963 model of the same caliber, with LWB Cabriolet treatments, sold for $2.8 million.

Also on this list of rare auction finds is the Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Tre Posti Speciale, with its ultra-rare three-seater design. It was supposed to sell that day for $23.5 million, but no buyers came through.

In a separate sale, a stylish 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa sold for a whopping $39.8 million. And in 2012, a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale, one of only four, sold for $1.4 million with its Ferrari Classiche paperwork.

And one of the absolute rarest to change hands at auction is the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, sold in 2012. This model was one of 106 examples but also one of only 37 models with the covered headlight design. It sold for $8.5 million.

If you think you’ve been bitten by the vintage Ferrari bug, you might start with this look back at the classics to help create your must-have collector’s list. Just make sure you get your budget ready for some hefty check writing. And whether you start with classics, super-vintage, ultra-rare, or convertibles, Ferrari doesn’t disappoint.

RELATED: The Ultra-Rare Ferrari Monza Is a Street-Legal Formula 1 Car Worth Over $3 Million

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These Cars Have the Best Visibility According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

New age technology has made our cars feel safer than ever before. Cameras and sensors give us the chance to be more aware of the potential hazards around us and, with certain safety features, even helps our car react to potential collisions before we could possibly react. When it comes down to the basics, however, the most important safety features of your vehicle are simple, tried, and true, like your seatbelt, rearview mirrors, and visibility out of the vehicle. When test driving a new vehicle, it’s easy to get distracted by all of the bells and whistles, and luckily for us, Consumer Reports has already compiled a list of which cars have the best visibility — so we can focus on the good stuff.

Luxury cars with the best visibility

Infiniti Q50 luxury sedan
| Sjoerd van der Wal, Getty Images

There were two luxury cars that made the Consumer Reports list of cars with the best visibility: the Infiniti Q50 and the Lexus ES. These sedans do well to outshine the competition in the way of visibility, compared to the notably bad Kia Stinger, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and the Porsche Taycan. Luxury cars seem to always feature the latest and greatest safety tech, and while some manufacturers may have ignored practicality for style, you get a great mix of both with the Infiniti Q50 and Lexus ES.

The underrated 2021 Subaru Impreza has surprisingly great visibility, and more Subaru

The 2021 Subaru Impreza is the underdog year after year, but owners know just how capable this unsuspecting car actually is. Better yet, it is packed with new tech and safety features, a few higher-end quality touches, and it has some of the best visibility among sedans. The large front and rear windshield, as well as the large windows, make the Impreza feel spacious, and you’ll feel confident in your ability to navigate traffic safely as you can see a great majority of what is going on around the vehicle on every side. This is a quality Subaru seems to have stuck to, as many other Subaru cars have made a list for offering excellent visibility. This includes the Legacy, WRX, and several SUVs from the brand.

The 2021 Kia Soul and 2021 Kia Rio both make the list for having great visibility, but that probably isn’t enough to sway buyers. Even on the Consumer Reports website, the Soul has a relatively low rating of 48, with the Rio not far behind with a score of 55. If visibility is your only concern, and you aren’t worried about having a smooth driving experience, the potentially unreliable and unpopular Kia Soul could be the car you’re looking for. It’s worth noting that the Kia Soul isn’t technically a sedan, either, it’s classified as a subcompact SUV.

While new technology can help us drive safer and be more aware of our surroundings, there’s nothing quite the same as being able to see as much around you as possible. Having a car with good visibility is one of the best ways to stay alert and aware of the people, animals, and hazards around you.

RELATED: What Safety Features Should Be Standard in 2022?

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