Wiley Watson made several great dirt bike videos, with one of his favorites featuring Kurt Caselli. “What !f” showcases Kurt, along with Kyle Redmond, Kailub Russell, Taylor Robert, and Russell Bobbitt, and looks at their athleticism in their chosen dirt bike path. “Caselli 66 – Ride the Dream” pays tribute to Kurt after his untimely death in 2013. It’s an excellent tribute to an American off-road legend. The photo above, taken by Wiley, captures Kurt riding at extraordinary speeds in the desert.
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My friend Dan Dawson was an amazing rider. He had great skills, a tough mentality, and a compassionate heart. We were neighbors and rode together frequently. This photo, taken in 2012, shows Dan testing a Dicks Racing Beta 350 dual sport machine. Unfortunately, we lost Dan a few years later, and I miss him every day. He was a true rebel!
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A stunning shot taken by Mark Kiel of Heikki Mikkola, the reigning World Champion, on a factory Yamaha. Heikki won the 500cc World Championship in 1977 with 12 victories (DeCoster finished second) and followed it up with another dominant season in 1978, winning his 5th World Championship (Brad Lackey finished second).
In 2012, I had the chance to test a Pro Circuit Husaberg 300. Equipped with Showa suspension, PC clamps, and Flexx Bars, this bike was a beast in tight and difficult terrain. The photo, taken by my friend Karel Kramer, shows me riding through a rugged high desert canyon.
Yamaha’s European press agency announced today that the company plans to exit the snowmobile market worldwide. The official press release is as follows:
YMC Building
Yamaha Motor has announced its plans to eventually withdraw from the snowmobile business. The company intends to stop selling snowmobiles in Japan by the 2022 model year, in Europe by the 2024 model year, and in North America by the 2025 model year.
1. History of the Business and Reasons for Withdrawal
In 1968, Yamaha introduced its first snowmobile, the SL350, using small engine technology developed in the motorcycle business. Over the past 55 years, Yamaha has developed snowmobiles for various purposes, including sports, leisure, and transportation in snowy areas of North America and Europe. Yamaha has also focused on environmentally-friendly 4-stroke models and partnerships with other companies to expand the business. However, the company has concluded that maintaining a sustainable business in the snowmobile market will be challenging. Yamaha will now concentrate its management resources on current business activities and new growth markets.
2. Future Actions
Yamaha will ensure that parts availability, service, and customer satisfaction related to snowmobiles are maintained even after the final production run of snowmobiles.
Production of the newly introduced 2024 models is already underway and scheduled for delivery in the fall. Yamaha distributors will collaborate closely with dealers to minimize the impact and optimize their business over the next 12 to 36 months.
3. Impact on Business Performance
The outlined schedule for exiting the snowmobile market will have a minor effect on Yamaha’s consolidated business results.
Yamaha sincerely thanks and values its snowmobile dealers and customers worldwide for their passionate support and shared enjoyment of this special winter activity.
*The Japanese market currently continues to sell only in stock
Also, let’s not forget Toyota’s reputation and history. Toyota trucks are well-known for their reliability which is a big selling point within the off-road community. Buyers look for something that can take them out in nature or around the country reliably for years to come. And, in many cases, the first choice is Toyota simply because of past reliability scores and reputation.
Now, the new Tundra, although more modern, keeps the underpinnings that make a true 4×4. It still features a body-on-frame design with a solid rear axle and independent front. Now, that solid rear axle is coil-sprung rather than leaf sprung making the new model more comfortable and more capable than before.
Since this is such a good base to build upon, it would only make sense to create a list with the 10 best modifications one could do to their Tundra. This will make an already capable truck, even more capable.
A detail shot of the Toyota Tundra Trailhunter’s front bumper
The new Tundra is a great truck, however, there is one area Toyota could have done much better. Aside from the fact that the front bumper hangs down low, the new truck also doesn’t offer front recovery hooks. This is true even on the TRD Pro models and is rather disappointing from a company such as Toyota.
That being said, this issue can be addressed by going for an aftermarket front bumper. To suit the front, you can also upgrade the rear. Upgraded bumpers will provide better approach and departure angles, body protection, and a solid recovery point to easily snatch a vehicle when it gets stuck. Furthermore, most upgraded bumpers will provide a spot for a winch which can be invaluable in certain situations.
Pros
Off Road Protection
Recovery Points
Better Off-Road Angles
Cons
More Weight
Revised appearance might not vibe with everyone
9A Winch Can Get You Out Of Very Sticky Situations
Toyota
Side view of the Toyota Tundra
One of the main reasons people love off-roading is the challenge involved with the activity. Because of this, people can sometimes push their selves and their truck a bit too far which can result in getting stuck. Now, recovering a stuck vehicle with a snatch strap works in many instances. However, if you are alone or have gotten stuck in a dangerous or very boggy location, your only option is the winch.
A winch can be hooked up to any solid object and through the power of a motor paired with low gearing, can pull out a truck from most situations with relative ease. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the winch can be an invaluable addition to your off-road vehicle – especially if you travel alone.
Pros
Will Get You Out Of Most Situations
Allows you to easily help others
Cons
It Adds Weight
It Needs An Aftermarket Bumper To Be Mounted
8Off-Road Suspension Will Drastically Increase Your Tundra’s Abilities
Toyota
A detail shot of the suspension on the Toyota Tundra Trailhunter
Upgrading the suspension on a 4×4 is one of the most common upgrades people do. This modification would also work wonders for the Tundra. Because this is a full-sized truck, it is designed with quite a long wheelbase. The longer wheelbase means that its break-over angles aren’t the best which can lead to getting hung up on the belly of the vehicle.
One of the best ways to minimize this issue is to go for a suspension lift. As you can imagine, this will provide the truck with more ground clearance but will also improve its payload capacity and off-road durability. Suspension upgrades come with a verity of stiffness levels enabling you to choose the perfect setup according to the weight you are carrying (like a winch with steel bumpers and a bed rack with a rooftop tent). Furthermore, aftermarket suspension provides more articulation and better damper cooling to ensure your suspension doesn’t overheat over rough terrain.
Good tires are important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they provide more grip, meaning that you will be able to drive over tougher obstacles. Secondly, off-road tires are made from tougher materials that reduce the possibility of punctures. The last thing you want is a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Now, depending on your intended usage, you can go either for an all-terrain or mud terrain tire. If you will be doing a lot of off-roading, especially in mud, then the mud terrain is the more aggressive and more capable tire. If on the other hand, you will be going for easier trails, then the all-terrain is perfectly suited.
Pros
More Grip
Better Puncture Resistance
Cons
Decreased Fuel Consumption
More Road Noise
6Off-Road Wheels Are Important
Off-road wheels aren’t a must, but they can have a significant impact on your truck’s abilities. Good quality wheels can be lighter than factory units, which will make your Tundra more responsive while also putting less stress on the suspension. Also, you can choose the design of your liking, which will help personalize your truck.
Now, if you want to take your Tundra to the extreme, you can go for beadlock wheels. Beadlock wheels do exactly what they say – they lock the bead in place. This prevents the tire from slipping off when off-roading with low tire pressures. Keep in mind that beadlock wheels aren’t road legal in all states. Therefore, it is a good idea to do some local regulation research before you spend your money on them.
Pros
Less Weight
Better Economy
Less Wear
More Grip
Cons
They Can Be Pricey
5A Set Of Rock Sliders Will Keep Your Sills Straight
As mentioned before, the Tundra is a long beast. Even with a suspension lift and larger tires, there is a big possibility that you may run out of clearance on some obstacles. The last thing you want is to put some big dents in your brand-new Tundra’s sills. To avoid this, you can get a set of rock sliders that will act as sill protectors.
Rock sliders are made from steel and act both as protection but also as side steps. Therefore, getting in your truck won’t get any harder when you install them. Make sure that the rock sliders you go for mount on the frame of the truck not on the body, as frame-mounted sliders are much tougher.
Many would argue that a snorkel doesn’t really improve a car’s water-wading ability and is only there to help the truck breathe cleaner and colder air. This, however, isn’t true. There are many instances in which water can go over the bonnet when off-roading, and if your Tundra doesn’t have a snorkel you will end up with an eye-wateringly expensive bill thanks to a hydro-locked engine. It goes without saying that if you are planning on hitting deep river crossings, a snorkel, and water-sealed airbox are a must.
However, the statement that snorkels help your truck breath cleaner air is also true. The fact that the intake is mounted higher up leads to less dust intake which prolongs the life of your engine.
Pros
Helps your engine make it through deep rivers.
Provides cleaner intake air.
Acts as a cold air intake.
Cons
Requires drilling into your fenders.
Can break off-road as it is mostly made from plastic.
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3Take Extra Camping Gear With A Bed Rack
Toyota
A Toyota Tundra Trailhunter in the snowy mountains
A rack system will increase your Tundra’s off-road and adventure abilities even further. In many cases, off-roading goes hand in hand with camping, and camping means taking a lot of stuff with you. A bed rack can help you organize all your gear by providing more space to mount things. Throwing everything inside the bed simply won’t work as after a long day of wheeling, nothing will be in the same spot.
A bed rack simply mounts on your Tundra’s bed and extends roughly to the same height as your roof. This means that the truck won’t become much taller than it already is. Also, the fact that the rack goes all the way to the roof means that you can still use your bed to haul items.
Pros
Increased Storage Space
Tent accessories allow you to camp right on your truck
convenience
Cons
More Weight On Board
Worse Aerodynamics
Decreased Fuel Economy
2A Drawer System Will Further Organize Your Tundra
If you want to organize your off-road gear even further, it is a good idea to go for a truck bed drawer system. This is essentially a box with a drawer that is made to fit the Tundra’s bed, providing you with tidy storage areas to keep all your gear organized. Furthermore, most bed drawer systems are lockable, making everything a bit safer. One of the biggest downfalls of truck beds is the fact that your gear can get stolen easily.
Keep in mind that this is a modification for people who mostly use their Tundra for off-road purposes. Once the drawer is in, you will lose quite a bit of depth in the bed; therefore, storage space will be reduced.
Since the Tundra is such a great adventure machine, it would only make sense to equip it with a rooftop tent to ensure baby-like sleep in nature. A rooftop tent mounts on your bed rack and provides elevated sleeping space. This means that you are safer from animal strikes but can also enjoy nature from a higher perspective. In most cases, rooftop tents also come with great-quality mattresses that are extremely comfortable.
Rooftop tents are expensive; therefore, when shopping, it can be tempting to go for the cheaper ones. However, it is better to spend the additional cash and get one that is lightweight, comfortable, and tough. Cheap rooftop tents tend to be noisy when nights get windy; they are heavier and don’t last as long.
An electric car’s range has always been a major concern for consumers. Until recently, EV battery technology was limited, with most models offering a maximum range of 200 miles. However, Tesla was able to produce electric cars with ranges of 300–400 miles, becoming a leader in the industry. Lucid Motors, a California-based startup founded in 2014, quickly emerged as a strong competitor to Tesla by offering luxurious EV vehicles with similar technology. To gain an edge over Tesla, Lucid launched the Lucid Air in 2021, which became the longest-range electric vehicle (EV) with an EPA rating of 520 miles. With this achievement, the Lucid Air has pushed the boundaries of battery technology by driving over 100 miles longer than any other EV on the market.
Lucid Motors, initially known as Atieva, was a startup focused on battery technology development in 2007. Over the years, it shifted its focus to producing electric cars and hired former Tesla executives. Lucid Motors aimed to create a luxury electric vehicle that could outperform its competitors in multiple aspects. The company partnered with Formula E to supply batteries for electric race cars, gaining expertise in making more efficient electric batteries. Lucid’s batteries lasted the entire duration of Formula E races, setting a new standard at the time.
The knowledge gained from partnerships with McLaren and Formula E was then applied to the development of the Lucid Air. Unveiled in 2016, the Lucid Air initially grabbed attention by defeating the Tesla Model S in a quarter-mile race and setting a track record at Laguna Seca. Although Tesla eventually reclaimed the title for the fastest production EV, the Lucid Air showcased impressive performance capabilities that could not be ignored. However, the most remarkable feature was its long range. In the fall of 2021, the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range received an official EPA rating of 520 miles, making it the first EV to surpass the 500-mile mark.
EVs With The Best Range In The U.S.
Model
Range
Lucid Air
516 miles
Chevrolet Silverado EV
450 miles
Tesla Model S
405 miles
Hyundai Ioniq 6
361 miles
Tesla Model 3
358 miles
The Lucid Air Dream Edition came in two trims, the Dream Edition R and Dream Edition P. The Dream Edition P focused on speed and performance, boasting 1,111 hp, while the Dream Edition R emphasized maximum range. With 933 hp, the Dream Edition R showcased the impressive 520-mile range compared to the Dream Edition P’s 471-mile range. Both trims were released with a starting price of $169,900, and the limited 520 units produced in honor of the record range sold out immediately. So, how did Lucid achieve this impressive range in its EV? It all comes down to the in-house technology used by Lucid Motors.
Rear shot of the Lucid Air Sapphire racing on the track.
EVs are generally heavier than gas-powered vehicles due to their electric batteries, which can weigh anywhere from 1000 to 3000 pounds in larger vehicles. To tackle this weight issue, Lucid Motors focused on making everything else in its car as light as possible. Taking inspiration from the D-Type Jaguar, the automaker constructed the Lucid Air like an airplane. The aluminum body is formed through casting and extrusion, resulting in a rigid yet lightweight frame. Lucid packages its batteries in lightweight composite material, and their placement underneath the shell optimizes control and efficiency for both the driver and car.
Jean-Charles Monnet, Lucid Motors’ head aerodynamicist, designed the car’s aerodynamics to maximize its range. With past experience working on Red Bull’s Formula 1 car, Monnet brought F1 technology to the Lucid Air. Twin passages were added to the outside of the hood to direct airflow over the car, while small end plates beneath the car funnel air to the rear diffuser. The company’s claim of being “the most aerodynamically efficient luxury car” was confirmed through testing at Windshear’s rolling-road wind tunnel, where the Air achieved a drag coefficient of 0.21. The Air features a 900-volt electrical system, compared to the industry-standard 400 volts, allowing for smaller and lighter electrical components. By combining the motor, inverter, gears, and differential into a single unit, Lucid reduces the overall weight pushed around by the motors. This increased efficiency also provides more interior space for passengers and larger cargo space compared to Tesla models.
Lucid also enhanced the power generation capabilities of the Lucid Air’s motor. By optimizing the placement of rotor magnets, the Lucid Air generates more power with a motor that is 30 percent smaller than the one in the Tesla Model 3. This allows for more efficient transfer of energy from the battery to the powertrain, using only 27 kilowatt-hours of power per 100 miles. To improve efficiency further, Lucid streamlined the heating and cooling systems in the car. The higher voltage battery reduces heat output, leading to less power required for cooling.
The battery packaging in the Lucid Air differs from that of its competitors. While other automakers cool their batteries from the side, Lucid employs bottom cooling. This simplified battery packaging process prevents overheating and allows for better cooling throughout the entire vehicle. Additionally, the Air has front air inlets designed in-house that distribute air evenly over the radiator for maximum cooling. By integrating all of these innovative technologies, Lucid Motors has produced the most efficient and longest-range EV to date with the Lucid Air.
Front shot of Lucid Motor’s first SUV—the Lucid Gravity.
Although Lucid Motors delivered more Lucid Air models than originally promised in 2022, the company still faces obstacles in the near future. The entire EV industry is grappling with supply chain and logistics issues, leading to rising material costs. Battery production costs increased by seven percent in 2022, resulting in a price increase for the Lucid Air model. In contrast, Tesla managed to lower prices for most of its models.
In order to remain competitive, Lucid Motors needs to find ways to decrease expenses. The company had to reduce production in 2021 and 2022 and also delayed the release of its new all-electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity. While specific details about the Lucid Gravity are still unknown, many anticipate it to have similar capabilities to the Lucid Air, with impressive range and performance ratings. As inflation and interest rates continue to rise, it remains to be seen how Lucid Motors will address these challenges and continue to compete with Tesla and other EV automakers.
An electric car’s range has always been a major turnoff for automobile consumers. Until recently, EV battery technology wasn’t capable of long-range driving with models maxing out at 200 miles. Tesla was the forerunner in mass-producing electric cars, reaching ranges of 300–400 miles. Lucid Motors, a startup also founded in California back in 2014, quickly became one of Tesla’s main competitors. Offering luxurious EV vehicles with technology similar to Tesla, Lucid needed a feature to gain the upper hand. Back in 2021, Lucid launched the Lucid Air to compete with the Tesla Model S and boasted an EV record 520-mile EPA range. Able to drive over 100 miles longer than any other EV on the market, the Lucid Air is pushing the boundaries for battery technology.
Lucid Motors was originally a startup under the alternative name, Atieva, and focused on developing battery technology back in 2007. Over the years, they transitioned their focus to producing electric cars and added more employees including ex-Tesla executives. Lucid Motors’ goal was to develop a luxury electric vehicle that could outperform its competition in several facets. The CEO, Peter Rawlinson, made a deal with Formula E to supply batteries for the electric race cars. The partnership allowed Lucid Motors to gain expertise in making more efficient electric batteries. Lucid produced batteries that lasted the entire duration of Formula E races which was unheard of at the time.
Lucid Motors translated the new knowledge learned from its partnership with McLaren and Formula E into its flagship model—the Lucid Air. Originally unveiled in 2016, the prototype turned heads in the EV world when it beat the Tesla Model S in a quarter-mile race and later went on to beat the Tesla Model S Plaid’s track record at Laguna Seca. Although Tesla eventually took back the crown for the fastest production EV, the Lucid Air showed off impressive performance capabilities that could not be ignored. However, the most impressive feature was the Air’s long range. In the Fall of 2021, the official EPA rating was released for two of the four Lucid Air trims. The Dream Edition Range was given an official range of 520 miles, the first EV to ever pass the 500-mile mark.
EVs With The Best Range In The U.S.
Model
Range
Lucid Air
516 miles
Chevrolet Silverado EV
450 miles
Tesla Model S
405 miles
Hyundai Ioniq 6
361 miles
Tesla Model 3
358 miles
The Lucid Air Dream Edition came in two trims, the Dream Edition R and Dream Edition P. The Dream Edition P was geared more towards speed and performance boasting 1,111 hp whereas the Dream Edition R was optimized for maximum range. Although the Dream Edition R “only” had 933 hp, it showed off the infamous 520-mile range compared to the Dream Edition P’s range of 471 miles. Both were released with a starting price of $169,900 and the limited 520 units produced in honor of the 520-mile record range immediately sold out. But how exactly was Lucid able to achieve the impressive range with its EV? It’s all behind the in-house technology at Lucid Motors.
Rear shot of the Lucid Air Sapphire racing on the track.
It’s a known fact that EVs are distinctly heavier than gas-powered vehicles due to the electric battery. EV batteries alone weigh anything from 1000 pounds up to 3000 pounds in larger vehicles. With this in mind, Lucid Motors had to make everything else besides the battery in its car as light as possible. Using a technique seen in cars like the D-Type Jaguar, the automakers constructed the Lucid Air like an airplane. The aluminum body is formed by casting and extrusion, a process that makes the frame very rigid while also extremely light. Lucid packages its batteries in lightweight composite material and its rigid placement underneath the shell optimizes its control and efficiency for both the driver and car.
Lucid Motors’ head aerodynamicist, Jean-Charles Monnet, designed the car’s aerodynamics to maximize its range potential. Having worked previously with Red Bull’s Formula 1 car, Monnet brought F1 technology to the Lucid Air. Twin passages were added to the outside of the hood pushing the air up and over the car while small end plates are placed on the side underneath the car to funnel air to the rear diffuser. The company’s claims of being “the most aerodynamically efficient luxury car” were put to the test at Windshear’s rolling-road wind tunnel where the Air achieved a drag coefficient of 0.21. The Air features a 900-volt electrical system, compared to the industry standard 400 volts, which allows the automakers to reduce the size and weight of a number of other electrical components. Lucid was able to combine the motor, inverter, gears, and differential into a single small unit, reducing the amount of weight needed to be pushed around by the motors. This increased efficiency also allows more room for passengers inside and larger cargo space than Tesla models.
Shrinking the drive unit produces a denser magnetic field, and by optimizing the rotor magnets’ placement, the Lucid Air is able to generate more power in a motor 30 percent smaller than the Tesla Model 3’s. Lucid then is able to transfer the energy generated from its battery to its powertrain more efficiently than any other EV on the market, using 27 kilowatt-hours of power per 100 miles. An additional feature that Lucid cut inefficiencies from was the heating and cooling systems in the car. The higher voltage battery already reduces the amount of heat usually present by decreasing the power output necessary to run the cooling systems.
The battery packaging in the Lucid Air is quite different from that of its competitors. While automakers like Tesla cool their batteries from the side, requiring additional complex processes, the Lucid cools its cell from the bottom. The automakers then apply a heat-conducting adhesive when closing the module and use low resistance (in turn lower heat) wires to solder the cells to the bus bars. This simplified battery packaging process prevents the EV from overheating and allows for better cooling throughout the entire vehicle. The Air also has front air inlets designed in-house that funnel air into twin cortexes. There the air is distributed evenly over the radiator to ensure maximum cooling. Combine all of Lucid Motors’ innovative technology together, and you get the most efficient and longest-range EV ever produced with the Lucid Aid.
Front shot of Lucid Motor’s first SUV—the Lucid Gravity.
While the company actually over-delivered its Lucid Air models producing 7,180 of the originally promised 7,000 vehicles in 2022, the increasingly popular EV company still has some obstacles to overcome in the near future. The EV industry as a whole is experiencing supply chain and logistic issues with the constant rise of material costs. Battery production costs rose by seven-percent in 2022 and it doesn’t look like it’s falling anytime soon with the current trends. The Lucid Air already saw a price increase in the middle of 2022, partly due to this problem. In spite of this, Lucid Motors’ main competitor Tesla was able to decrease prices on almost all of its models.
To remain competitive, Lucid needs to figure out how to decrease expenses as they already had to cut production in half in 2021 and 2022. Lucid also had to push back the release date of its new all-electric SUV—the Lucid Gravity. While much of its specifications are still unannounced, many expect the SUV to feature similar capabilities as the sedan boasting impressive range and performance ratings. As inflation and interest rates continue to rise, only time will tell how the popular Lucid brand will be able to combat these issues and continue to compete with the likes of Tesla and other EV automakers.
Leading up to the global debut of the MC20 GT2 on June 30, Maserati has decided to give us a glimpse with an enticing video. Unlike typical teaser videos that only reveal a small part of the car or hide it in smoke and dim lighting, this video showcases closeups of the Nettuno V6 engine as it roars at full throttle.
We have already seen images of the Maserati MC20 GT2, which the automaker unveiled in March prior to its shakedown at Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari. The racing version of the MC20 retains the same engine as the road car, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that incorporates twin-combustion technology similar to that of a Formula 1 engine. The road-going version generates an impressive 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. Combined with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 2.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 201 mph.
NFL running back Leonard Fournette had a frightening experience when his car caught fire. Fournette was driving his Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat on I-275 in Tampa when the fire started. He was able to pull over and exit the vehicle safely, but the Durango was severely damaged.
The Florida Highway Patrol determined that the fire was caused by a mechanical issue with the Dodge Durango and was not the result of a crash or accident. Fournette shared a video of the incident on his Instagram account, expressing gratitude that he escaped unharmed, captioning it, “Man it was one of those days today, but I would like thank God, my car caught on fire while I was driving, But I’am still blessed.”
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is the most powerful stock gasoline-powered SUV in the world. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 mph. Production of the Durango SRT Hellcat was limited to 3,000 units in 2021, but it resumed this year.
Recall Notices
Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, recently issued recalls for fire risks on some of its other vehicles, such as the Ram diesel and the Jeep Cherokee. However, the Dodge Durango, including the Durango SRT Hellcat, has never been subjected to a recall for a fire risk.
Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March of this year. During his time with the Buccaneers, he played in three seasons and started 25 of 43 regular season games. He scored 17 rushing touchdowns and played a significant role in the team’s victory in Super Bowl LV, rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Other Cars Owned by Fournette
In addition to his Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Leonard Fournette also owns a Polestar 1, which he shared on his Instagram account with the caption “@polestar cars are made for stars.”
In recent years, the cost of buying a car has significantly increased, especially since the start of COVID. This has made it more challenging for new buyers to consider the financial implications of purchasing a vehicle. One significant expense to consider when buying a car is the cost of maintenance over the first ten years.
While many people focus on the initial cost and value of a car, it is crucial to consider the maintenance fees as well. Choosing a car known for its quality and reliability can save you a lot of money and give you peace of mind knowing that the car won’t break down constantly.
This list of the top 10 cheapest cars to maintain was compiled using data from CarEdge, Edmunds, NHTSA, and Car and Driver. All information is based on the newest model year for each car.
102023 Honda Civic
Honda
Front 3/4 of the 2023 Honda Civic Sedan in the desert
The Honda Civic has a storied history, and the 2023 model continues to live up to its name. It is an excellent compact car that offers great gas mileage and is fun to drive.
Reliability
Honda is synonymous with reliability, and the Honda Civic upholds this reputation. It has low maintenance costs, affordable price tag, and is known for its fun driving experience. In the 90s, the Civic was popular among teens as their first car due to its reliability and low cost of ownership.
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $525
Total Est. Yearly Costs: $4,846
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,245
Total Recalls: 0
Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 15.57%
Worst Year To Buy Used: 2016 Honda Civic
92023 Toyota Supra
Toyota
A 2023 Toyota GR Supra parked on a racetrack.
The Toyota Supra is an incredible sports car, representing the best of old-school sports cars. It is quick, looks good, and features a six-speed manual transmission.
Reliability
While sports cars aren’t usually associated with cheap maintenance costs, the Toyota Supra breaks that stereotype. Despite being a sports car, it offers low maintenance costs and affordable ownership:
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $495
Total Est. Yearly Costs: $9,687
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,950
Total Recalls: 0
Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 12.57%
Worst Year To Buy Used: Any MK4 Supra
82023 Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi
Side shot of the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is an affordable and practical car. It offers low costs for buying and repairing, as well as excellent fuel efficiency. However, it doesn’t come with any luxury features or high performance.
Reliability
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the cheapest cars available, even among entry-level hatchbacks. It is perfect for those who want a reliable vehicle that gets them from point A to point B without any frills:
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $493.90
Total Est. Yearly Costs: $4,488.40
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,939
Total Recalls: 0
Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 15.09%
The Honda Fit is an excellent entry-level car, offering practicality, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior. While it lacks fancy features, it is perfect for those looking for an affordable, reliable vehicle.
Reliability
The Honda Fit is an entry-level car with basic features. It is known for its fuel efficiency and spacious interior:
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $491.50
Total Est. Yearly Costs: $5,522
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,915
Total Recalls: 1
Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 14.86%
Worst Year To Buy Used: 2008 Honda Fit
62022 Toyota Avalon
Toyota
3/4 action shot of the 2022 Toyota Avalon Touring
The Toyota Avalon is a flagship sedan known for its spaciousness, practicality, and V-6 engine. Although it may not be the newest model, it still offers excellent reliability and can be purchased at a fair price.
Reliability
The Avalon is Toyota’s near-luxury sedan, offering a spacious interior and well-equipped entry-level trims:
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $440.70
Total Est. Yearly Costs: $6,732
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,407
Total Recalls: 0
Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 11.89%
Worst Year To Buy Used: 2006 Toyota Avalon
52023 Toyota Camry
Toyota
Front action shot of a silver 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE
The Toyota Camry is a standout in the midsize sedan class. It continues to top sales charts due to its reliability, fuel economy, and range of trim levels to suit different preferences.
Reliability
The Camry is renowned for its reliability, fuel economy, and availability in multiple trim levels:
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $420.30
Total Est. Yearly Costs: $5,362
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,203
Total Recalls: 1
Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 11.89%
The Toyota Prius Prime is a hybrid version of the popular Prius model. It offers a blend of performance, practicality, and fuel efficiency. Despite being more exciting than ever, it remains affordable and environmentally friendly.
Reliability
The Prius Prime is reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable to maintain. It is environmentally friendly and offers low maintenance costs:
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $409.80
Total Est. Yearly Costs: $7,022
Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,098
Total Recalls: 0
Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 11.22%
During the late 1960s, NASCAR was a hotbed of fierce competition among automakers. These were the days of the aero wars, with manufacturers pushing the limits of vehicle design to gain an edge on the racetrack. It was during this time that road cars closely resembled their race car counterparts. Recently, an exciting barn find uncovered a collection of high-performance race cars from this era.
This impressive collection includes several American-made models from the late 1960s. One standout is a 1969 Charger Daytona, painted in the iconic B5 Blue with a white stripe and blue interior. This vehicle is already undergoing restoration, along with several others in the collection. However, the barn also houses some rarer gems for enthusiasts to discover. Among them are several Plymouth Superbirds, known for their distinct big wings and aerodynamic noses. Some of these Superbirds are already being worked on, with one having its vinyl roof and nose removed. Additionally, one of the Superbirds featured a four-speed gearbox, while the rest were equipped with a 440-cubic-inch V8 engine and automatic gearboxes.
Also present in the collection are several 1969 Ford Torino Talladegas, which were a more aerodynamic version of the car. The Mercury variant, known as the Cyclone Spoiler, is also part of this barn find. These Torino Talladegas were produced in limited numbers, with rumors suggesting that less than 800 were made in the first few months of 1969. As a result, these cars are quite rare and highly sought after. They came in three different colors and featured power steering, power brakes, and an AM radio.
While not every car in the collection is destined for restoration, many of them are in decent enough condition to be revitalized. Unfortunately, there is a burnt-out Superbird that is beyond repair. Nevertheless, it’s exciting to think that there could be more NASCAR-related treasures hiding in barns across the country. It’s incredible how many forgotten or abandoned vehicles are out there, waiting to be appreciated by new owners. Though they may require some work, few of these cars are beyond salvage.
The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator share many similarities. The 2024 Wrangler has already unveiled its refreshed appearance, and now it’s the Gladiator’s turn. While the changes are minimal, the recent spy shots reveal that Jeep has not tried to keep them a secret, as there is no camouflage visible anywhere.
This includes the interior as well. Previous spy shots of the Gladiator showed the exterior design, but the dash and center touchscreen were covered, concealing any changes. Although we don’t get an up-close look here, a glimpse through the passenger window of this white Jeep reveals all we need to know. The screen is definitely larger, and there are no visible climate vents next to it.
If the Gladiator follows the 2024 Wrangler’s interior upgrades, we can expect a new 12.3-inch center screen. In order to make room for it on the existing dash, the iconic round climate vents on both sides have been removed. Instead, rectangular vents are now positioned directly below the screen. However, the center stack of tactile controls remains the same. The center console also remains unchanged, but there are some minor trim changes on the passenger side of the dash and the driver instrument cluster, bringing a sense of rectangular symmetry to the entire panel. Nevertheless, round climate vents can still be found at the corners.
In addition to the visual changes, it is likely that the Gladiator will receive tech upgrades, including the latest Uconnect 5 software. It would also make sense for Jeep to add the Trails Offroad guide, which is available on the Wrangler. And while we’re discussing unseen upgrades, the 2024 Gladiator might also share the Wrangler’s upgraded Dana 44 HD Full Float rear axle on Rubicon trims.
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