Automotive

Monday, September 21, 2020

2021 Audi S6 Review

 

2021 Audi S6

Overview


Packaged in a soberly styled four-door body, the 2021 Audi S6 is a stealthy sport sedan that won't be immediately noticed for its performance potential. 

Based on the 2021 A6 luxury sedan, the S6 heats things up with a 444-hp twin-turbocharged V-6, a performance-tuned suspension, and standard all-wheel drive. 

2021 Audi S6


It will keep up with the rivals such as the BMW M550i and the Mercedes-AMG E53 on a twisty road and also looks quite handsome pulling up to the valet stand on date night. 

Inside, the S6 offers the same space and features as the A6, so passengers will find plenty of space and amenities to make them comfy on long trips. Not slick looking enough for you? 

Audi also offers the mechanically similar S7, which features a racier fastback roofline—and the bonkers RS6 Avant station wagon, which is pumped up with even more power to go along with its increased utility.

2021 Audi S6

What's New for 2021?

The 2021 S6 now comes standard with 21-inch wheels with summer tires, Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, and carbon fiber trim. The Premium Plus model's optional Executive package now includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

2021 Audi S6

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Upgrading to the Prestige model costs a little more but it unlocks a lot of the S6's best features, including a semi-autonomous driving mode, a head-up display, matrix-design LED headlamps, automatic high-beams, soft-close doors, a power-operated trunk lid, a leather-wrapped dashboard and center console, an in-cabin fragrance diffuser, and heated rear seats. 

I'd add the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system and the cool night vision feature that helps identify animals and pedestrians in the dark.

2021 Audi S6

Engine, Transmission, and Performance


While the last-generation S6 was powered by a throaty 450-hp 4.0-liter V-8, the 2020 model comes with a more complex power-train. 

The standard 2.9-liter V-6 is twin-turbocharged and uses a 48-volt hybrid system to power an electric supercharger for additional boost. Altogether, the system pumps out a robust 444 horsepower. 

2021 Audi S6

An eight-speed automatic and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard. Audi claims the car can leap to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds but I think that number is fairly conservative 

The S7—the S6's shapelier counterpart—manages to blast to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. On curvy roads, the S6 is a lovely partner especially with the optional rear-wheel-steering system.

2021 Audi S6

Fuel Economy

As expected, the S6's fuel economy has improved over the outgoing model's. 

The new car earned EPA estimated ratings of 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined—an increase of 2 mpg, 4 mpg, and 4 mpg, respectively, over the old V-8-powered S6.

2021 Audi S6

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like that of the A6, the S6's interior serves to highlight Audi's tech-driven luxury ethos. The design is sleek and modern, highlighted by fine materials, soft leather, and genuine wood trim. 

2021 Audi S6

Four-zone automatic climate control is standard, as are a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, adjustable ambient lighting, diamond-stitched leather upholstery, and 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats.

2021 Audi S6

Going with the top-spec Prestige model adds the Extended Leather package, which wraps the dashboard, armrests, and center console in supple leather. 

I expect it will hold the same amount of stuff as the 2021 A6—that is, six carry-on suitcases inside the trunk and a total of 20 cases with the rear seats folded.

2021 Audi S6

Infotainment and Connectivity


The S6's dashboard is dominated by digital displays. The main 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen rests above a secondary 8.6-inch display. 

The upper screen handles functions such as navigation, audio controls, and other entertainment features while the lower one provides access to vehicle settings, climate control, and the like. 

All S6 models come standard with Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also included.

2021 Audi S6

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

While neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have tested the 2020 S6 at the time of writing this post but they both have tested the A6, and it passed with flying colors. 

In fact, IIHS named the A6 to its Top Safety Pick+ list for 2020 because of its available driver-assistance features. Those same features are offered on the S6, too. 

2021 Audi S6

Key safety features include:

  •  Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  •  Standard lane-departure warning
  •  Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
  • 2021 Audi S6

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage


If Audi's standard warranty seems a little basic, that's because is it. Rivals such as the BMW 8-series Gran Coupe and the two-door Lexus LC offer more value in the form of a longer complimentary scheduled maintenance program or power-train warranty.

  •  Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
  •  Power-train warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
  •  Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles.
  • 2021 Audi S6




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Sunday, September 20, 2020

2021 Dodge Challenger Review

2021 Dodge Challenger

Overview


History tells us the 2021 Dodge Challenger competes with the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang, but reality tells me it has a totally different personality. 

While all three American muscle cars are headlined by high-powered V-8s, there's a big discrepancy in how they drive. 

Compared with the Chevy's and the Ford's razor-sharp handling, the Dodge is better suited for relaxed cruising, with a V-8 exhaust note always ready on command. 

2021 Dodge Challenger

Those who desire the mightiest version will want the SRT Hellcat (reviewed separately), which makes up to 807 horsepower. 

The Challenger's interior isn't always easy to look at or see out of, but it has comfier seats and more passenger space than its rivals'. 

2021 Dodge Challenger

Its capacious trunk, segment-exclusive all-wheel-drive option (available on V-6 models only), and roster of colorful paint options and retro-themed appearance packages also make it stand out from the Camaro and Mustang.

2021 Dodge Challenger

What's New for 2021?

The Challenger lineup receives several minor updates for 2021. Dodge now offers a memory feature for models with a power-adjustable steering column, driver's seat, and side mirrors as well as for the radio presets. 

A set of 20-inch wheels are newly optional on the all-wheel-drive SXT and standard on the all-wheel-drive GT. And R/T Scat Pack buyers can now add SRT branding to their Brembo brake calipers.

2021 Dodge Challenger

Pricing and Which One to Buy


Despite my preference for the V-8-powered Camaro and Mustang, there's a lot of nostalgia and value offered by the Challenger. So I'd maximize both of those attributes, selecting the R/T Scat Pack model. 

It comes standard with the 485-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 (versus the 375-hp 5.7-liter on the regular R/T) and the choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. 

Believe it or not, I'd opt for the $1595 automatic because it's much more responsive than the slushy-feeling stick-shift. 

2021 Dodge Challenger

I'd also add the adaptive dampers for adjustable ride quality and the Dynamics package for its wide 20-inch wheels, six-piston Brembo front brakes, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

The Plus package improves the interior with ambient lighting, faux-suede seat inserts, and much nicer materials on the dashboard and doors. 

It requires the Driver Convenience Group, too, which brings blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, power mirrors, and high-intensity-discharge headlights.

2021 Dodge Challenger


Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Challenger's base 305-hp V-6 won't satisfy thrill seekers. The modest engine mates exclusively to the eight-speed automatic, but in the heavy Challenger, it lacks the acceleration and excitement of rivals. 

The Dodge's Hemi V-8 engines are another story. The 375-hp 5.7-liter has plenty of juice to power-slide on demand, and its guttural growl is gratifying. 

2021 Dodge Challenger

Those looking to maximize the Challenger's potential will want the 6.4-liter V-8, which produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. 

The ZF automatic is incredibly responsive to throttle inputs, with quick power-on downshifts. 

2021 Dodge Challenger

The Challenger hustles through corners like a raging bull seeing red, snorting aggressively and swaying threateningly. 

The burly Dodge is a muscle car in the truest sense: It's better on the street and the drag strip than on two-lanes and road courses. 

2021 Dodge Challenger

Since the lineup's redesign in 2015, Compared with the sharper and stickier handling of the Camaro and Mustang, however, the Challenger is too soft in tight turns and its steering is too numb. 

The slow-to-react helm is well suited to leisurely drives and easily controlled power-induced tail slides.

2021 Dodge Challenger

Fuel Economy

The Dodge's 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter V-8s improve fuel efficiency by seamlessly deactivating four cylinders when they're not needed, such as when maintaining steady highway speeds.

2021 Dodge Challenger

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Challenger has a classic muscle-car interior, with a simple design inspired by its 1970s-era predecessors and comfortable accommodations. 

Compared with its pony-car rivals, the Dodge is far roomier inside, and adults can actually use the back seat.

2021 Dodge Challenger

2021 Dodge Challenger


Unfortunately, its rubberized materials resemble old vinyl rather than premium plastic, and rear visibility is lousy. 

The Challenger's broad front seats are comfortable for cruising, but even the optional seats, which have added bolstering, don't hug their occupants the way those in the Camaro or Mustang do. 

2021 Dodge Challenger

Dodge's pony car has an extra seven cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk versus the Camaro. 

This allows the Challenger to swallow two more bags of luggage than the Camaro. 

Fold the back seats down and that advantage grows to six. The Challenger has a big center-console bin and a useful spot for a smartphone.

2021 Dodge Challenger


Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Challenger has a version of Dodge's easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment system. The feature-filled unit includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard equipment. Looking to get the Led out? 

Listen to Jimmy Page's spine-tingling guitar riffs with one of two optional Alpine audio systems or the crème-de-la-crème 900-watt, 18-speaker Harman/Kardon setup.

2021 Dodge Challenger


Safety and Driver-Assistance Features


The 2021 Challenger earned a four-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found the 2020 model to be Marginal overall. 

This old-school coupe is available with desirable driver-assistance technology

Key safety features:

  •  Available blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
  •  Available adaptive cruise control
  •  Available automatic high-beams
  • 2021 Dodge Challenger
  • Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Challenger has average limited and power-train warranties. Unlike BMW and Chevrolet, Dodge doesn't provide any complimentary scheduled maintenance.

  •  Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
  •  Power-train warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
  •  No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
  • 2021 Dodge Challenger





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Saturday, September 19, 2020

2021 Dodge Charger Review

 

2021 Dodge Charger

Overview


The 2021 Dodge Charger recalls the days when most full-size sedans had rear-wheel drive and rumbly V-8 engines. But the big Dodge sedan also caters to modern society with popular options such as all-wheel drive and contemporary technology. 

The latter consists of extensive driver assists as well as an excellent infotainment system. Of course, the Charger's broad appeal also stems from its cool appearance packages, alluring performance equipment, and largely affordable pricing. 

2021 Dodge Charger

While its interior suffers from some low-quality materials, and models rolling on the largest wheels have a harsher ride, its roomy cabin and large trunk essentially make it a practical muscle car.

Sure, there's nothing too muscular about the standard V-6, but either of the optional Hemi V-8s have the sound and power to tug.

2021 Dodge Charger


What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the Charger lineup receives the smallest of updates. The GT AWD model now comes standard with 20-inch wheels, which are also newly optional on the SXT AWD.

2021 Dodge Charger 

Pricing and Which One to Buy


I think the Charger R/T, with its 370-hp 5.7-liter V-8, has the perfect mix of power and features. Those who want all-wheel drive are limited to the V-6 versions. 

The bigger 485-hp V-8 that comes with the Scat Pack makes accelerating great again but costs about $5000 more than the R/T. 

2021 Dodge Charger

Along with a standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, My choice includes a throbbing dual-mode exhaust, a leather-wrapped performance steering wheel, and 20-inch rims. 

I'd also add the Driver Convenience Group (blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, heated exterior mirrors, and upgraded headlights) and the Performance Handling Group (20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires, Brembo brakes, and sport-tuned suspension).

2021 Dodge Charger

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Charger channels its NASCAR roots with big V-8 power and rowdy sounds. However, not every Charger has a mighty Hemi V-8 under the hood—what a pity—but they do all share an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. 

In contrast, the V-6 is subdued but does add the availability of all-wheel drive. Dodge doesn't build a Charger with a manual gearbox, but it would be so much cooler if it did. The standard V-6 is no slouch, yet it lacks the giddy-up of front-drivers such as the Nissan Maxima. 

2021 Dodge Charger


The more powerful versions excel at the strip, where the 485-hp Charger R/T Scat Pack posts an impressive 3.8-second to 60 mph. The 370-hp Charger has enough HPs to outrun most family sedans. The big-bodied sedan is remarkably balanced when cornering, too. 

Although the V-6 version has nearly identical cornering grip, the Daytona's hefty horsepower advantage amplified the fun. The electrically assisted power steering contributes to the Charger's purposeful control, but its feedback is too heavy and slow to be engaging.

2021 Dodge Charger

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Charger's interior is highly functional yet the opposite of luxurious, with more rubberized materials than the set of an adult film. 

2021 Dodge Charger

Apart from excellent rear-seat legroom, its passenger space is slightly below average. The cabin's simplistic design is classic muscle car, but options are plentiful. 

2021 Dodge Charger

Although its trunk volume is similar to those of most rivals, the Charger is able to fit an extra carry-on box than its rivals. It holds 18 total with the rear seat stowed, beating the Maxima and the fastback-hatchback Kia Stinger by three. 

2021 Dodge Charger

Its center console features plenty of spots for small items and a slot alongside the shifter that is perfect for storing your smartphone.

2021 Dodge Charger

2021 Dodge Charger

Infotainment and Connectivity


Every Challenger has a version of the excellent Uconnect infotainment system. 

That means standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen. Some optional controls can only be accessed via the touchscreen; a Wi-Fi hotspot also is unavailable.

2021 Dodge Charger


Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Charger earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the last version evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had only average scores.

2021 Dodge Charger

The Dodge sedan does offer a host of driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. 

However, these features cost extra, and base models are excluded from the most advanced options. 

Key safety features include:

  •  Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
  •  Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
  •  Available forward collision warning
  • 2021 Dodge Charger

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage


Dodge provides an average limited and power-train warranty set that aligns with the Maxima's coverage, but the Kia Cadenza has a significantly longer power-train warranty and the Toyota Avalon offers complimentary maintenance.

  •  Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
  •  Power-train warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
  •  No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
  • 2021 Dodge Charger




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