2021 MINI Cooper

What kind of vehicle is the 2021 Mini Cooper? What does it compare to?

The 2021 Mini Cooper small hatchback can be had as a two- or four-door hardtop, or in two-door form as a convertible, electric SE, or performance-oriented John Cooper Works (JCW). It doesn’t have many natural competitors left, but parent company BMW offers an X1 small crossover without the charm of the Mini Cooper.

Is the 2021 Mini Cooper a good car?Review continues below

The 2021 Mini Cooper is a stylish, fun-to-drive small hatchback that makes up for its cramped space and middling safety ratings with oodles of charm. It earns a TCC Rating of 6.0 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

What’s new for the 2021 Mini Cooper?

The welcome return of a 6-speed manual transmission across most of the lineup headlines the biggest developments for the smallest Mini for 2021. The Sidewalk Edition returns exclusively to the Cooper S convertible, the Oxford Edition can now be had with any hardtop, and the SE electric model is available to order.   

More info: thecarconnection.com

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Tesla Model Y earns 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA

The Tesla Model Y compact crossover SUV aced crash tests performed by the NHTSA, the federal automotive safety agency reported Tuesday. 

The Model Y electric crossover earned top marks of five stars in every single crash test, including frontal, side, and rollover protection. Most crossover SUVs earn four stars in the rollover rating because the taller ride height makes them more likely to tip.

The NHTSA also acknowledged standard driver assist systems in helping the Model Y avoid a crash, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. The Model Y also comes standard with active lane control, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and its driver-assist system, Autopilot, that can maintain a lane and stop and go with periodic driver intervention. 

More info: thecarconnection.com

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Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Mach-E has the styling cues of its pony car namesake, the roominess of a crossover SUV, and the performance that bridges the gap between them.

The similarities mostly end there. It lacks the whip-crack rear end that rotates like so many V-8 Mustangs, but it can still cook with a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds with the larger 88-kwh battery pack and a second motor mounted up front for all-wheel drive. A forthcoming GT model can do it in 3.5 seconds.

More info: thecarconnection.com

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Acura TLX: Best Car To Buy 2021 Nominee

Sedans still sell in large numbers, and the redesigned 2021 Acura TLX gives shoppers plenty of reasons to look away from crossovers to something fun to drive. 

The mid-size premium sedan evolves from the Honda Accord’s shadow with its own platform, a racier design, two potent turbocharged engines, and a more refined interior that dons luxury car status.

Even though it grows longer and wider and gets lower, those changes don’t increase interior space, which is still roomy enough to fit five passengers even though their gear might not all fit in the 13.5 cubic-foot trunk. The longer, wider proportions reflect best on the outside, with a long nose and short tail, a long wheelbase, and a low stance that all give the TLX the profile of a German sport sedan.

More info: thecarconnection.com

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2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

For 2021, Mercedes adds a base 43 model to the lineup that isn’t as powerful as the 53 model but still packs plenty of punch. All versions also adopt the MBUX infotainment system that incorporates augmented reality and eliminates the center rotary dial in favor of a touchpad and voice controls.

More info: thecarconnection.com

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Bullet Cluster Sonification

This image of the Bullet Cluster (officially known as 1E 0657-56) provided the first direct proof of dark matter, the mysterious unseen substance that makes up the vast majority of matter in the Universe. X-rays from Chandra (pink) show where the hot gas in two merging galaxy clusters has been wrenched away from dark matter, seen through a process known as “gravitational lensing” in data from Hubble Space Telescope (blue) and ground-based telescopes. In converting this into sound, the data pan left to right, and each layer of data was limited to a specific frequency range.

Data showing dark matter are represented by the lowest frequencies, while X-rays are assigned to the highest frequencies. The galaxies in the image revealed by Hubble data, many of which are in the cluster, are in mid-range frequencies. Then, within each layer, the pitch is set to increase from the bottom of the image to the top so that objects towards the top produce higher tones. (Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/K.Arcand, SYSTEM Sounds (M. Russo, A. Santaguida))

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2021 Genesis G80

The 2021 Genesis G80 puts to rest any doubts about whether Hyundai’s luxury brand deserves to sit alongside Germany’s heritage brands. Like Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi built their reputations for performance and refinement on the backs of their sedans, and carried it over into more diluted pools teeming with crossover SUVs.

The redesigned mid-size sedan shares a platform and many parts with the winning 2021 Genesis GV80, the brand’s first SUV. It evolves from an impressive but cautious sedan that helped launch the luxury brand from Hyundai in 2016 into a gorgeous fastback sedan with a supremely refined interior loaded with advanced technology.

More info: thecarconnection.com

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2021 Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra compact sedan has traditionally stood out for its value and not much else. Previous generations of the car were among the most understated vehicles on the road, devoid of style or clear identifying details. I tried to picture an Elantra from before 2010 and I drew a big blank, but to my surprise the car has been around for almost 30 years.

But the redesigned 2021 Elantra is anything but anonymous, with a flashy new bod and cutting-edge technology that stands out in a competitive but diminishing field. Along with that, the seventh generation Elantra maintains its excellent value proposition. On top of the expanded set of features, there is improved fuel economy (with and without the hybrid model), and that killer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance.

Source: thecarconnection.com

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2021 Toyota Sienna

The Sienna is a passenger-oriented minivan, with seating for 7 or 8. A hybrid powertrain on all models in the lineup assures EPA ratings of up to 36 mpg, and equipment spans from sensible and durable in base LE and XLE models to more lavish, tech-focused and leather-upholstered Limited and Platinum models. Its rival set includes the Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, and Kia Sedona.

More info: thecarconnection.com

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2020 Kia Forte GT

Get the manual. Three-word reviews don’t justify my job, but if you’re considering the 2020 Kia Forte GT, the manual can make the difference between enjoyment and aggravation. 

The 2020 Kia Forte GT is a sporty addition to the affordable compact sedan segment, which is diminishing as much as the manual transmission.

More info: thecarconnection.com

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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV aced crash tests and can be optioned with safety equipment that mitigates crashes, earning it a coveted Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. 

Refreshed for 2020, the luxury compact crossover SUV comes equipped with plenty of standard safety equipment, but the optional packages earned it the award. The standard automatic emergency braking pales in comparison to the stopping power of the system called “Active brake assist with cross-traffic function.” It’s part of the Driver Assistance 2 package, and it earned a “Superior” rating from the IIHS for its ability to avoid a crash entirely in the 12-mph test and to significantly reduce speed to lessen the impact with vehicles and pedestrians in the 25-mph test.

More info: thecarconnection.com

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New: Mars In 4K

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2021 Volkswagen Atlas shrugged off fuel economy

Atlas the Titan was condemned by Zeus to carry the weight of the heavens on his shoulders. Atlas the SUV carries the weight of families in its spacious confines, but is condemned by poor fuel economy.  

Updated for 2021 with a rugged Basecamp appearance package, a bolder design, and a turbo-4 now available with all-wheel drive, the Volkswagen Atlas three-row crossover SUV seats up to seven people and plenty of gear.

More info: thecarconnection.com

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2021 Mazda CX-30

Mazda’s small but robust lineup reaches higher into the premium segment this year with a new Carbon Edition and fully loaded Signature trims on select models. There are no new models for 2021, but some of the smaller Mazdas have some of the largest changes. 

The CX-3 small crossover marches on despite the CX-30, and a turbocharged engine finally returns to the 2021 Mazda 3 compact sedan and hatchback. The MX-5 Miata remains the same. 

More info – What’s New for 2021: Mazda – thecarconnection.com

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Airports

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2021 Subaru Forester SUV

The best-selling Subaru model already had safety at the forefront, with standard all-wheel drive, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. For 2021, Subaru adds adaptive LED headlights and automatic high beams to increase visibility at night, and a rear seat belt reminder so all passengers are buckled in or subjected to chimes and message alerts. Competitors such as the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and 2021 Honda CR-V offer similar safety suites. 

Source: thecarconnection.com

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2021 Lexus LX 570 brings back blacked-out Inspiration Series

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 full-size SUV available with three rows gets minor updates to the Sport package, compared to last year, but a major upgrade with the return of the limited edition Inspiration Series. 

Last offered for 2019, the LX 570 Inspiration Series adds black exterior parts and black leather inside.

The large-but-luxe SUV based on the Toyota Land Cruiser has off-road capability and a truck-like 383-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 with an 8-speed automatic in four-wheel drive that includes an electronic locking center differential. Available with a third row that can carry up to seven passengers, the truck-based 2021 LX 570 can tow up to 7,000 pounds on 20-inch wheels.

The well-equipped luxe truck comes with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, a surround-view camera system; convenience features include leather upholstery and wood trim, heated and cooled front seats, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Amazon Alexa compatibility. Sorry, Apple and Android users, Lexus isn’t having it. 

Source: thecarconnection.com

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Cirrus Creates Turnkey Vision Jet Ownership System

VisionAir participants don’t even need to be pilots themselves. Cirrus Aircraft

Cirrus Aircraft’s new VisionAir program plans to make the ownership of a new single-engine Vision Jet a complete turnkey operation designed especially for people who might be new to owning a turbine aircraft, or might not even be pilots. But VisionAir is more than simply covering the tricky parts of aircraft ownership like maintenance and hangar issues. With VisionAir, Cirrus Aircraft promises to take care of all the details, from preparing the aircraft for flight to rolling out the red carpet for passengers and even stocking the owner’s favorite refreshments onboard. Cirrus says it delivered its 200th Vision Jet last month.

More info: flyingmag.com

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Embraer Debuts Phenom 300MED for Medevac

The Phenom 300MED is the latest mission-specific iteration of the 300 series. Embraer Executive Jets

In a week of updates for the company, Embraer unveiled a medevac version of the Phenom 300 series—aptly called the Phenom 300MED—on August 4, and it presented its second-quarter financial results on August 5.

Embraer talked to Flying about the proposed medevac model during our flight test of the newest 300E back in March—and the latest announcement brings this effort to fruition. The version had Embraer joining forces with umlaut and Aerolite to develop a series of configurations that allow for use of one or two stretchers, as well as the capability to carry an incubator and additional medical equipment on board. The custom, hospital-grade interior fittings will be installed by Embraer’s Services & Support group. With an aircraft pressurization level that features a 6,600-ft maximum cabin altitude, the 300 series looks to be well-positioned to keep patients more comfortable. The STC will be available for existing Phenom 300s as well.

More info: flyingmag.com

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Autoland Emergency Landing System Certified on TBM 940

Daher’s HomeSafe uses an iteration of Garmin’s Autoland system. Daher/Airborne Films

French aircraft maker Daher says new TBM 940s rolling off the assembly line in Tarbes, France, will now be equipped with the HomeSafe system, which allows the aircraft to automatically locate a suitable airport and conduct an instrument approach to a safe landing should the pilot become incapacitated. The new HomeSafe system—that simultaneously received both FAA and EASA certification last week—is an iteration of Garmin’s Autoland emergency landing system. The company says new 940s already delivered this year will be upgraded at TBM service centers. HomeSafe is also available as a retrofit to earlier 940 aircraft at a cost of $85,000.

Daher says, “The system is activated manually by an easily recognizable orange button atop the cockpit instrument panel, or semi-automatically if the Emergency Descent Mode has been engaged. The [HomeSafe] software integrates weather and terrain information to select the best airport for landing taking into account aircraft fuel range and runway length. During the landing rollout, HomeSafe will simultaneously activate the landing gear and brakes and shut down the engine.”

Source: flyingmag.com

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