Supply chain woes dominated automotive discourse in 2021ŌĆöpass a dealership this month and youŌĆÖll likely notice a bunch of empty spots. ItŌĆÖs all due to a semiconductor shortage that should persist into 2022. ThatŌĆÖs not to say all is doom and gloom in the car world. Just take a look at the best cars and trucks of 2021. In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies
As our favorite test drives of the year reveal, great vehicles abound, whether late pinnacles of internal-combustion machinery ├Ā la the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, or statements pointing towards a greener future such as the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E. You just have to wait in line for themŌĆöat least for now. Read on to find out which vehicles made a mark this year.
Test Drive Year in Review: Hottest Cars and Trucks We Drove in 2021
Courtesy image
- Mustang Mach-E The best SUV of the year? In our opinion itŌĆÖs the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the electric five-seater thatŌĆÖs more polished, fast, and fun than you think it should be. We drove a Premium all-wheel-drive model, at 270 miles a charge, around Austin, Elon MuskŌĆÖs adopted hometown. We felt firsthand that the Tesla chief has formidable competition, especially given its priceŌĆöour relatively loaded model stickered at $55,800. WeŌĆÖre not alone in our high esteem. The Mach-E is a bigger hit than Ford expected. The company plans to make up to 200,000 of them a year by 2023. ThatŌĆÖs the same year, we hope, that car guys may finally stop complaining about Ford using their pony car nameplate on an SUV. Get It
Courtesy image 2. Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle AWD A minivan makes the list? Hell yes it does. If youŌĆÖre a Van Fan, youŌĆÖre already familiar with the greatness of the Pacifica. The PinnacleŌĆöpriced in the mid 50sŌĆöarrives as ChryslerŌĆÖs Alpha minivan, a hilariously luxe man cave on wheels with accents like leather and suede lumbar pillows. Of course this beast offers more real ŌĆ£utilityŌĆØ than what people actually use on the average sport-ute, including seats that vanish into the floor. Our week-long test drive in the Pacifica Pinnacle made us want to drop out and lean into #vanlifeŌĆ” or rather, #minivanlife. Get it
Courtesy image 3. BMW M2 CS Is the M2 CS proof that BMW still has it? Or is this compact coupeŌĆÖs greatness just a reminder of how far its brand has wandered into the SUV wilderness? Wherever you fall, thereŌĆÖs no question the M2 CS is a near-perfect driverŌĆÖs car, right-sized and justly powered (via a 444-hp 3-liter inline six) for spirited driving in real-world conditions. Few cars are as predictable, transparent, lively, and fun on a winding road. Even the retro gold wheels on our $96,545 Misano blue test model seemed just right. Learn More
Courtesy image 4. Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing Rarely is a sedan boasting near 700 horsepower able to stoop to daily driving without plenty of complaining (from either the driver or the car). But the V-Series Blackwing takes on the task with aplomb, thanks to CaddyŌĆÖs magnetorheological-dampened suspension that sorts out dodgy pavement without spilling your coffee. After days of in-town driving, we finally got out to an open, empty tollroad in the $99,635 test modelŌĆ” and that supercharged V8 powertrain took us to another plane. If this is indeed CaddyŌĆÖs last V8-powered car, the CT5 V-Series Blackwing is a fitting farewell. Learn More
Courtesy image 5. Jeep Grand Wagoneer As the pandemic wore on, big vehicles offering big comfort for families heading on big highway drives took on a new shine. Case in point: the Grand Wagoneer, a new Jeep model designed to get your family far outside of Dodge, in comfort. On a spin through Texas Hill Country, the V-8 powered, RAM-derived giant proved a worthy challenger to competitors like the Escalade, with ample power, tons of space, and refreshingly headache-free tech. If youŌĆÖre looking to go bigŌĆöthen get lostŌĆötake a look. Learn More
The Porsche GT3 Is an Absolute MonsterŌĆöin 911 Clothing
Read article
Courtesy image 6. Porsche 911 GT3 Touring The 911 GT3 Touring is a dying breed, a highly adept sports car powered by a naturally aspirated engineŌĆöa four-liter, 502-horsepower, six-cylinder boxer. In a drive though Angeles Crest Highway, we found out the GT3 is a car that forces you to feel. When driving at speed into corners, the car almost seems to lean in (itŌĆÖs eerie)ŌĆöthe result of a suspension derived from one of the brandŌĆÖs Le Mans race cars. The Touring model loses the GT3ŌĆÖs massive rear wing, making it ideal ┬Āfor the guy who likes to drive one of the most exclusive 911 variants around yet doesnŌĆÖt need to advertise it. Get it
Courtesy image 7. Ford Bronco Just a few miles into our drive in an optioned-up $48,450 ŌĆ£Outer BanksŌĆØ model, it became clear that Ford didnŌĆÖt half-ass it with the Bronco. ItŌĆÖs a fully realized machine with driving dynamics that are more fluid on-road than the WranglerŌĆöand a smart, uncluttered interior with ample but unobtrusive tech thatŌĆÖs more akin to the upmarket Land Rover Defender. YouŌĆÖll also find something to like about the BroncoŌĆÖs bucket of high-tech off-roading gadgetry, whether youŌĆÖre a newbie or a pro, such as diffs that are easy to lock or unlock instantly, anytime; a one-pedal drive mode and trail turn assist. Learn More
Courtesy image 8. Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series The sharpest, track-tuned iteration of the GT blew us away while lapping it in Miami. The Black SeriesŌĆÖs hand-built 4-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine uses a flat crank for more torque and a quicker throttle, while its bodywork is heavily (yet incredibly lightly) reworked for the track. Along with the requisite carbon-fiber swapsŌĆöhood, roof, fenders, sills, rear hatchŌĆöthereŌĆÖs a bunch of aero improvements, chief among them a massive, two-piece carbon fiber spoiler sailing off the decklid. The quicker you push the car into a turn, the cleaner your exit. This is courtesy of the aerodynamic work mentioned above: ItŌĆÖs all there to reduce drag and build downforce. At high speeds, that huge double wing essentially sucks the car closer to the road. Instead of losing grip, you seem to gain it. It feels almost counterintuitive. Learn More
Courtesy image 9. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 This year Jeep unleashed the Unlimited Rubicon 4XE plug-in hybrid, an environmentally friendlierŌĆöyet still trail toughŌĆöWrangler that plugs in. The company also released its opposite, in a way: the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392, outfitted with a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, which makes 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and about 470 decibels, give or take (we kid. but this $75K machine truly is loud). ItŌĆÖs a vehicle of extremes: ridiculously quick, hilariously fun, tremendously thirsty. The future no doubt belongs to Jeeps like the 4XE, but the 392 sure is fun right now. Get it
Courtesy image 10. Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition When they have your ear at the bar, some gearheads will bemoan the death of the manual until theyŌĆÖre blue in the face. ThatŌĆÖs not us, promise. Except when weŌĆÖre talking the Civic Type R, which we drove a few months back, and canŌĆÖt stop chattering about. The Type R Limited Edition is a slightly lighter version of HondaŌĆÖs hottest hatch offered in a unique yellow paint; it bears the same powertrain as the ŌĆ£regularŌĆØ Type R: its 2.0-liter turbo I4, suspension hardware, Brembo brakes, and limited-slip diff. Most importantly it has the Type RŌĆÖs brilliant, smooth six-speed manual, which makes flinging the thing around unforgettable. ItŌĆÖs the most fun front-wheel-drive car you can buy. (Or could. The Limited Edition has sold out).
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
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Supply chain woes dominated automotive discourse in 2021ŌĆöpass a dealership this month and youŌĆÖll likely notice a bunch of empty spots. ItŌĆÖs all due to a semiconductor shortage that should persist into 2022. ThatŌĆÖs not to say all is doom and gloom in the car world. Just take a look at the best cars and trucks of 2021.
In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies
As our favorite test drives of the year reveal, great vehicles abound, whether late pinnacles of internal-combustion machinery ├Ā la the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, or statements pointing towards a greener future such as the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E.
You just have to wait in line for themŌĆöat least for now. Read on to find out which vehicles made a mark this year.
Test Drive Year in Review: Hottest Cars and Trucks We Drove in 2021
1. Mustang Mach-E
The best SUV of the year? In our opinion itŌĆÖs the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the electric five-seater thatŌĆÖs more polished, fast, and fun than you think it should be. We drove a Premium all-wheel-drive model, at 270 miles a charge, around Austin, Elon MuskŌĆÖs adopted hometown. We felt firsthand that the Tesla chief has formidable competition, especially given its priceŌĆöour relatively loaded model stickered at $55,800. WeŌĆÖre not alone in our high esteem. The Mach-E is a bigger hit than Ford expected. The company plans to make up to 200,000 of them a year by 2023. ThatŌĆÖs the same year, we hope, that car guys may finally stop complaining about Ford using their pony car nameplate on an SUV.
2. Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle AWD
A minivan makes the list? Hell yes it does. If youŌĆÖre a Van Fan, youŌĆÖre already familiar with the greatness of the Pacifica. The PinnacleŌĆöpriced in the mid 50sŌĆöarrives as ChryslerŌĆÖs Alpha minivan, a hilariously luxe man cave on wheels with accents like leather and suede lumbar pillows. Of course this beast offers more real ŌĆ£utilityŌĆØ than what people actually use on the average sport-ute, including seats that vanish into the floor. Our week-long test drive in the Pacifica Pinnacle made us want to drop out and lean into #vanlifeŌĆ” or rather, #minivanlife.
3. BMW M2 CS
Is the M2 CS proof that BMW still has it? Or is this compact coupeŌĆÖs greatness just a reminder of how far its brand has wandered into the SUV wilderness? Wherever you fall, thereŌĆÖs no question the M2 CS is a near-perfect driverŌĆÖs car, right-sized and justly powered (via a 444-hp 3-liter inline six) for spirited driving in real-world conditions. Few cars are as predictable, transparent, lively, and fun on a winding road. Even the retro gold wheels on our $96,545 Misano blue test model seemed just right.
4. Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing
Rarely is a sedan boasting near 700 horsepower able to stoop to daily driving without plenty of complaining (from either the driver or the car). But the V-Series Blackwing takes on the task with aplomb, thanks to CaddyŌĆÖs magnetorheological-dampened suspension that sorts out dodgy pavement without spilling your coffee. After days of in-town driving, we finally got out to an open, empty tollroad in the $99,635 test modelŌĆ” and that supercharged V8 powertrain took us to another plane. If this is indeed CaddyŌĆÖs last V8-powered car, the CT5 V-Series Blackwing is a fitting farewell.
5. Jeep Grand Wagoneer
As the pandemic wore on, big vehicles offering big comfort for families heading on big highway drives took on a new shine. Case in point: the Grand Wagoneer, a new Jeep model designed to get your family far outside of Dodge, in comfort. On a spin through Texas Hill Country, the V-8 powered, RAM-derived giant proved a worthy challenger to competitors like the Escalade, with ample power, tons of space, and refreshingly headache-free tech. If youŌĆÖre looking to go bigŌĆöthen get lostŌĆötake a look.
The Porsche GT3 Is an Absolute MonsterŌĆöin 911 Clothing
Read article
6. Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
The 911 GT3 Touring is a dying breed, a highly adept sports car powered by a naturally aspirated engineŌĆöa four-liter, 502-horsepower, six-cylinder boxer. In a drive though Angeles Crest Highway, we found out the GT3 is a car that forces you to feel. When driving at speed into corners, the car almost seems to lean in (itŌĆÖs eerie)ŌĆöthe result of a suspension derived from one of the brandŌĆÖs Le Mans race cars. The Touring model loses the GT3ŌĆÖs massive rear wing, making it ideal ┬Āfor the guy who likes to drive one of the most exclusive 911 variants around yet doesnŌĆÖt need to advertise it.
The Porsche GT3 Is an Absolute MonsterŌĆöin 911 Clothing
Read article
The Porsche GT3 Is an Absolute MonsterŌĆöin 911 Clothing
7. Ford Bronco
Just a few miles into our drive in an optioned-up $48,450 ŌĆ£Outer BanksŌĆØ model, it became clear that Ford didnŌĆÖt half-ass it with the Bronco. ItŌĆÖs a fully realized machine with driving dynamics that are more fluid on-road than the WranglerŌĆöand a smart, uncluttered interior with ample but unobtrusive tech thatŌĆÖs more akin to the upmarket Land Rover Defender. YouŌĆÖll also find something to like about the BroncoŌĆÖs bucket of high-tech off-roading gadgetry, whether youŌĆÖre a newbie or a pro, such as diffs that are easy to lock or unlock instantly, anytime; a one-pedal drive mode and trail turn assist.
8. Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
The sharpest, track-tuned iteration of the GT blew us away while lapping it in Miami. The Black SeriesŌĆÖs hand-built 4-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine uses a flat crank for more torque and a quicker throttle, while its bodywork is heavily (yet incredibly lightly) reworked for the track. Along with the requisite carbon-fiber swapsŌĆöhood, roof, fenders, sills, rear hatchŌĆöthereŌĆÖs a bunch of aero improvements, chief among them a massive, two-piece carbon fiber spoiler sailing off the decklid. The quicker you push the car into a turn, the cleaner your exit. This is courtesy of the aerodynamic work mentioned above: ItŌĆÖs all there to reduce drag and build downforce. At high speeds, that huge double wing essentially sucks the car closer to the road. Instead of losing grip, you seem to gain it. It feels almost counterintuitive.
9. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
This year Jeep unleashed the Unlimited Rubicon 4XE plug-in hybrid, an environmentally friendlierŌĆöyet still trail toughŌĆöWrangler that plugs in. The company also released its opposite, in a way: the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392, outfitted with a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, which makes 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and about 470 decibels, give or take (we kid. but this $75K machine truly is loud). ItŌĆÖs a vehicle of extremes: ridiculously quick, hilariously fun, tremendously thirsty. The future no doubt belongs to Jeeps like the 4XE, but the 392 sure is fun right now.
10. Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition
When they have your ear at the bar, some gearheads will bemoan the death of the manual until theyŌĆÖre blue in the face. ThatŌĆÖs not us, promise. Except when weŌĆÖre talking the Civic Type R, which we drove a few months back, and canŌĆÖt stop chattering about. The Type R Limited Edition is a slightly lighter version of HondaŌĆÖs hottest hatch offered in a unique yellow paint; it bears the same powertrain as the ŌĆ£regularŌĆØ Type R: its 2.0-liter turbo I4, suspension hardware, Brembo brakes, and limited-slip diff. Most importantly it has the Type RŌĆÖs brilliant, smooth six-speed manual, which makes flinging the thing around unforgettable. ItŌĆÖs the most fun front-wheel-drive car you can buy. (Or could. The Limited Edition has sold out).
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
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