The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Even Comes as a Plug-In Hybrid

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There aren’t a ton of options when it comes to choosing a minivan, so if you’re in the market, chances are that you’ve narrowed it down to the options that consistently rate well, receive high praise from current owners, and maybe even have a few moderns features. While we used to consider minivans the drab option among vehicles, modern-day minivans have proven to offer just as much as any other vehicle in way of luxuries, technology, and safety features. In fact, you don’t have to make a ton of sacrifices when it comes to choosing a minivan over an SUV, and with plug-in hybrid options, popular choices like the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica get even more modern and desirable.

How much does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid cost?

According to Edmunds, the most popular version of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid is also the most affordable base model, which has a starting MSRP of $44,125. But, you aren’t without options just because you are selecting the hybrid variation, and there are still several higher trim level variations that offer a variety of even more features and luxuries.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan | FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP, Getty Images

What Pacifica trim does Edmunds recommend?

Buying a hybrid minivan doesn’t mean giving up all of the features and luxuries you’re looking for, and you also don’t have to buy the most expensive trim levels and packages just to get them. Luckily, Edmunds has picked out the trim level that works as the happy medium between affordability and features. The website recommends the second-lowest trim level, the Touring L, which has a starting price of $45,035, just a slight bump from the base model cost. With the Touring L, buyers can expect quite a few luxury features, such as heated front seats, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and sunshades for backseat passengers.

A dark gray Chrysler Pacifica hybrid on display
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid a good value?

When it comes down to it, you will be paying a bit more to get the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica as a hybrid, but for some buyers, it’s well worth the difference. Of course, there are some benefits, such as improved fuel economy and the potential for federal tax rebates. But besides that, with hybrids and electric cars gaining popularity, it makes sense that more and more manufacturers would take baby steps, such as making their already popular vehicle options available as hybrids. In doing this, both the manufacturer and the buyer can test the water, while still getting a practical vehicle.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica being offered as a plug-in hybrid only works to expand the market for hybrid vehicles, not just to what we once knew as modest sedans like the Toyota Prius, or even newer hybrid SUVs and even sports cars. With a hybrid version of the Pacifica, minivans now enter a new segment to compete in ways they never have before.

RELATED: Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Worth it?

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Want to Go Karting? It’s Easier Than You Might Think

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Attending a race is certainly fun, but racing participation isn’t limited to being a spectator. With the right prep-work, budget, and attitude, anyone can take part. True, you might not ever be a Formula 1 driver. But you can compete in the same kind of motorsport that many F1 drivers started in: karting.

What makes kart racing different than go-karting?

Kart racing at the 2020 Prince Carl Philip Racing Trophy at GTR Motorpark in Eskilstuna, Sweden | Michael Campanella/Getty Images

You might have already experienced a version of karting in the form of go-karts. But while they’re technically part of the same family, they’re to race karts what cars are to, well, race cars.

A ‘true’ race kart can get up to triple-digit speeds and go from 0-60 mph in under four seconds, Autoblog notes. Racers often experience 3.0g as they come around a corner. As such, this isn’t exactly an amusement park attraction.

Today, kart racing is organized into club, regional, and national levels. And the racers and karts are further split into different classes based on several factors, MotorTrend explains. Engine size and type (two-stroke vs. four-stroke), engine manufacturer, driver and kart weight, and skill level are the main ones. Furthermore, sprint racing doesn’t involve shifting, while shifter karts, as their name implies, have multi-speed gearboxes.

The side view of a white-red-and-black 2021 Ignite K3 racing kart on a racetrack
2021 Ignite K3 racing kart side | Ignite Karting

Despite this seeming complexity, race karts are rather simple—almost deceptively so, Road & Track explains. There’s a steel-tube frame, a seat, a chain-driven engine, some pedals, a steering wheel, and maybe a shifter. Apart from the body panels, wheels, and tires, that’s it. There isn’t even any ‘real’ suspension; instead, the frame is the suspension. And its various tubes have to be tuned to make the kart handle.

That last part explains why many skilled racing drivers, from Lewis Hamilton to Jeff Gordon, started karting as kids. And it’s why, even if you aren’t a kid, it’s a racing activity worth considering.

Kart racing isn’t necessarily dangerous and isn’t only for kids

To be sure, karting has its inherent risks, just like any motorsport. But participants aren’t unprotected.

Whether or adult or child, racers wear helmets, racing suits, gloves, sturdy shoes, as well as neck and rib protection, Sima Racing notes. Although the seat doesn’t have a harness, it’s snug enough that it’s unnecessary, R&T explains. And while racing karts can reach high speeds, racers don’t start with the most extreme ones. Like with autocross racing, you build up to the highest echelons.

Although starting as a kid is practically a requirement for going pro, adults benefit from participating, too. Because racing karts are so simple, they’re easy to work on and use to develop wrenching skills. But that simplicity also means small tweaks can lead to big changes on the track, R&T explains. Change one tube, or reposition the seat slightly, and the handling radically changes.

That leads into one of kart racing’s main lessons: how to drive properly. Driving a racing kart is a full-body experience, literally, R&T muses. You have to manage weight transfer and grip not just by turning the wheel but by moving your body. Sometimes, going around a corner means twisting the wheel and shoving your weight to one side. It’s all about understanding where the grip is and how to exploit it.

All this explains why so many high-tier racers got their start in karting. As racer Memo Gidley explained to R&T, “Once you’re successful in karts, you can race anything.”

How much does it cost to get involved?

Karting has one more positive aspect, though, and that’s cost. Compared to many other forms of motorsport, kart racing is fairly cheap to get into. However, it’s not exactly inexpensive, either.

Before you go shopping, look to see what kind of racing class you’d like to participate in. Some classes have a ‘spec’ build to make the field as level as possible. This also simplifies the process of buying and/or building the kart, which is usually the most expensive investment.

New racing karts can be bought as rollers, sans engines, or in turn-key condition. The exact cost varies based on the racing class, but $5000 is a good rough estimate. But if you’re just starting, buying a used one is fine, as long as it’s no more than five years old, Sima Racing notes. That’s because the forces generated during racing physically change the frame tubes’ material properties. After a few years, the tubes have to be replaced because they’ve lost their ‘snap,’ R&T explains.

Speaking of replacing parts, spare parts and tools are something else to budget for. So is proper safety gear, fuel, and tires, along with transportation for everything and everyone. Then there are race registration and membership fees. All told, the average racer spends about $10,000-$15,000 per year, R&T says.

If you’re not sold on karting or spending that much money on an annual basis, try a lesson at a local school. For a few hundred dollars, you can experience racing speeds without going all in. Though you might walk away wanting more than just a taste.

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RELATED: Planning to Autocross? Here Are Some Helpful Tips to Get You Started

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The 2021 Nissan Armada Has More Than Enough Space for Your Passengers

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There is no better way to get summer 2021 started than cruising around in a brand-new vehicle. If you have a big family or a lot of friends (or all the above), you won’t just be looking to buy any type of vehicle. You’ll likely need something that seats up to eight, can store plenty of stuff, and even tow a 30-foot sailboat. If pickup trucks and minivans aren’t your thing, then a full-size eight-passenger SUV is right up your alley. If you’re a fan of Japanese makes and models, the 2021 Nissan Armada should be on your test-drive list.

The 2021 Nissan Armada is among the best eight-passenger SUVs according to U.S. News

The 2021 Nissan Armada received an overall score of 7.0/10 from U.S. News, earning it a place on the web-based news magazine’s review of “The 14 Best 8-Passenger SUVs of 2021.” It’s not the hottest score a vehicle can get—more or less room temperature—and barely made it, if you ask us.

With an overall score of 7.1/10, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is the only other midsize eight-passenger SUV that scored nearly as low as the Armada. The 2021 GMC Yukon, 2021 Subaru Ascent, and 2021 Chevrolet Suburban all scored between 7.7/10 and 7.9/10.

The Armada comes with a lot of cargo space. With the third-row seats up, you get 16.5 cubic feet; with the third-row seats folded down, you get 49.9 cubic feet; with the third and second-row seats folded, you get 95.4 cubic feet. But, you should keep in mind that a few class competitors provide more.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard across all trims, but you at least have the option to add four-wheel drive (FWD) to every trim as well. And don’t expect any love at the pump, getting only 13 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway. You may as well be driving an M117 Guardian around.

The Armada’s interior is nice but outranked by several competitors

A full review of the 2021 Nissan Armada published by U.S. News states that it “isn’t the most modern SUV in the class.” However, the author wrote that its interior is still attractive and offers plenty of premium materials. For those who have ever driven an Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury vehicle division, they might find the quality of the materials as nearly as good. While all three rows are fairly comfortable, the first and second rows are more suitable for adults.

Second-row bench seats come standard while second-row captain’s chairs are optional. Since a small center console replaces the second-row-middle seat, the latter option decreases seating capacity to seven people.

Other standards include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and synthetic leather upholstery. The driver and front passenger enjoy comfortable captain’s seats while enjoying exceptional visibility.

If you only need seating capacity for seven passengers, the optional second-row captain’s chairs are the finest seats in the 2021 Nissan Armada. If you’re willing to spend the extra money, you can get genuine leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, reclining second-row seats, and heated second-row seats.

While adults can still ride in the third-row seats without feeling too confined, the Armada’s third-row isn’t as spacious as in several rivals. Some examples include the 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe.

A brief overview of the 2021 Nissan Armada’s trims and pricing

The Nissan Armada | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

The 2021 Nissan Armada comes in only four trims: SV, SL (starting MSRP $56,300), Platinum (starting MSRP $65,300), and Midnight Edition (starting MSRP $58,290). If you’re seeking variation, the Armada is definitely not the way to go. Each model is powered by a 5.6-liter 32-valve V8 engine that produces 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

With a starting MSRP of $52,900, the Armada SV 2WD (two-wheel drive) is the base trim. For an additional $2,500, you can add the “SV Appearance Package” for “A Little Something Extra,” per the Nissan website. That “little something extra” includes 20-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, “practical and effective” fog lights, and the power liftgate that can be opened using the Nissan Intelligent Key or by lightly pulling its handle.

As stated by Car and Driver, “It gets a new infotainment system this year, addressing a major shortcoming in previous models. However, this SUV still lacks the all-around quality you get with a few other large SUVs because of its poor gas mileage and uninspiring handling and ride. That’s why it finishes near the bottom of our class rankings.”

RELATED: Is the 2021 Nissan Armada Worth the $1,000 Price Hike?

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The Best 80s Concept Cars That Were Never Made

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Concept cars allow automakers to test new technologies and influence the course of design trends. The 1980s produced some striking and forward-thinking concepts that never made it to production. Technology we take for granted was once an experimental showpiece.

Briggs & Stratton built a hybrid in 1980

Today the name Briggs & Stratton is synonymous with small engines typically used lawnmowers. However, in 1980, the brand branched out quickly and built a hybrid unlike anything previously seen. The 6-wheeled hatchback was built on the chassis and front suspension of the Ford Pinto, but the similarities stopped there.

This car was light years ahead of its time. It was powered by an 18 hp air-cooled twin-cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine and a 13 kW electric motor. Richard Petty pushed the small engine in this one-off concept car to an incredible 68 mph on a closed track.

A series of six 12v batteries were installed in the rear across the rear axle. This parallel hybrid could run on gas alone, on both motors simultaneously, or electric power. On a full charge, this hybrid had an electric-only range of approximately 50 miles.

The Corvette Indy looked like science fiction

The Corvette Indy, so named because it was designed or the Indy 500, is the Corvette that got away. This sleek and powerful machine demonstrated the engineering heights that GM could reach, but it never made it to the production floor. 2.65-L twin-turbo V8 pushed this striking car over 600 hp.

Then GM Design Vice President Chuck Jordan and staff GM designer Tom Peters carved the Corvette Indy’s body down to the sleek minimum leaving little room for a driver. A Lotus suspension, all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-steering, and traction control gripped the track as the Indy reached speeds up to 180 mph.

Touchscreens and digital displays are commonplace in vehicles today. In 1980 the Corvette Indy’s CRT display was revolutionary. The screen displayed GPS navigation, a technology that was not yet available to civilians. This cutting-edge technology, coupled with the striking exterior, gave the Indy a futuristic feel.

Oldsmobile’s futuristic world speed record-setter forged a path

The Oldsmobile Aerotech was single-mindedly built to be as aerodynamic as possible and produce the most speed on a straight stretch. Sources cite its top speed between 275 and 290 mph on a straight-away. Road and Track called the Aerotech a “spaceship for the road,” a fitting description.

Calling the Oldsmobile Aerotech a concept car doesn’t do it justice. This series is a living, evolving engineering lab. This five-year set out to push the limits of speed. On August 27, 1987, Indy 500 winner A.J. Foyt set a track record of 257.123 mph at the Fort Stockton Test Track. This powerhouse pulled 1,000 hp and ran the quarter-mile in 8 seconds.

These concepts pushed design and engineering envelopes. Each one added its influence to the future of the automotive industry. Concept cars make their way to the street in the cars that come after them. These concept cars preserve some pivotal moments in automotive history. The 1980s were a period of fascinating development that is perfectly represented with over-the-top concept cars.

RELATED: A German Firm Reimagines the Legendary Bugatti Type 35

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