Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC: Mustang GTD goodness in an affordable package

The Coolest McDonald’s in the World

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January 15, 2026

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Our Americanism is perhaps never more evident than when we are on a road trip and inevitably stop at McDonald’s for food. It’s like a shot of nostalgia for childhood! And while we don’t normally eat fast food, we had to add this particular McDonald’s to our New Zealand road trip because it is literally the coolest McDonald’s in the world.

Check it out in our latest video:

Biking in Taupo

After visiting Taupo during our first visit to New Zealand, I hadn’t added it to our North Island itinerary. I wanted to focus on new places! But our first visit was rainy and we didn’t get to do much in the city other than eat pizza and go to the movies.

As we entered town, we saw billboards for mountain bike rentals and I instantly begged Heath to bike around the landscape. Rolling green hills surround the outstretched lake and looking at the photos on the billboards, the whole family would have a great time.

We found bikes for rent at Torpedo 7 and loaded up the kids for their first ever bikes rides. I hadn’t ridden since pre-kids, over five years ago, though Heath has ridden the Tuscany Trail. We asked the bike rental employees for recommendations. They assured us that the trails were easy, knowing that I was rusty on the bike and that we had young kids…

I’ll let you watch the video above to see how that easy trail worked out!

Coolest McDonald’s?

After *spoiler alert* crashing more than once on a particularly steep, rocky point on the trail, we turned around and made our way off the mountain biking trails and back toward town. Everyone was much more comfortable—especially baby Eli—on the smooth concrete paths!

We biked back down to Lake Taupo to visit what the internet called the “coolest McDonald’s in the world.” We expected to be a little overwhelmed by a McDonald’s, but this was actually really cool. Apparently McDonald’s bought the property a few decades ago with the plane still on the land. The previous owner had planned to turn it into a home office.

Instead, McDonald’s turned it into a dining area, leaving the cockpit intact but blocked off. As travelers, we of course loved getting to eat this unique old plane. (Heath shares some of the plane’s story in the video!)

But if you ask the kids, the real highlight of this McDonald’s was the playplace. I wish more rrestaurants in the States still had these! The kids had a blast and a McFlurry never tasted so good.

Visiting New Zealand

The best way to see New Zealand is by campervan and the best campervan is from Wilderness Motorhomes. We’ve rented from them twice now and have nothing but amazing things to say (and we’ve rented a lot of RVs!).

You can get their help planning your own New Zealand road trip here 🙂 We use their road trip itineraries to help us plan our own adventures.

What Do I Need to Know Before Signing a BMW Lease?

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January 15, 2026

What Do I Need to Know Before Signing a BMW Lease?

A BMW lease is a wonderful way to get behind the wheel of a brand-new luxury vehicle. Leasing is often less expensive than purchasing with a loan, and it lets you drive the latest models every few years. Here’s what to know before signing your paperwork with the financing experts at Fields BMW Northfield.

How Your Credit Score Affects Your BMW Lease

Your credit score will affect the terms of your BMW lease. The higher your score, the more favorable terms you’ll get in your lease offer. So before you sign, try to boost your credit score by practicing some good financial habits. For example, pay down your existing loans, pay all of your bills on time (especially credit cards and utilities), and try not to open any new accounts or loans. Every step you take toward raising your credit rating will help you save money during the years of your lease.

Understanding Your Lease Terms

Our finance center will create a custom BMW lease for you. As you get ready to pick out the model you want to take home, you’ll need to understand what your lease will include. Here are a few terms to familiarize yourself with:

Lease life (usually two to three years)
Upfront costs like security deposit, taxes, and registration fees
Monthly payments
The vehicle’s anticipated depreciation
Inspection terms when you return the vehicle to our dealership at the end of the lease

To help you budget during your lease, there are a few additional costs. Be sure to account for fuel expenses, auto insurance, and routine maintenance, so your financial expectations are managed.

Drive Your Favorite Luxury Vehicle With a BMW Lease Near Chicago, IL

For many drivers, a BMW lease is the best way to drive the newest luxury models. Stop by our BMW dealership near Chicago, IL, today. We’ll craft a custom lease offer for you!

MotoGP 2026: Pertamina VR46 unveils racing colours

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January 15, 2026

MotoGP 2026: Pertamina VR46 unveils racing colours

Heading into the 2026 MotoGP season, Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team has unveiled its racing colours. As one of the Ducati privateer teams, Pertamina VR46 will see its campaign led by Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli.

In last year’s MotoGP, Di Giannantonio, known to fans as “Diggia”, finished the 2026 season sixth, while Morbidelli came in just behind in seventh. The VR46 team, with famed motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi as team owner, first started racing in MotoGP in 2022, with Marco Bezzechi winning “Rookie of the Year” in their maiden season.

For 2026, VR46 Racing Team will again be mounting their challenge riding Ducatis, the Desmosedici GP. Displacing 1,000 cc with the engine in a V-four configuration, the Desmosedici uses Ducati’s Desmodromic valve actuation to open and close the intake and exhaust valves.

MotoGP 2026: Pertamina VR46 unveils racing colours

Producing over 250 hp, the Desmosedici GP is capable of a maximum speed of over 350 km/h. Braking is supplied by Brembo, with twin 340 mm diameter carbon-fibre discs stopped by four-piston callipers, while the rear gets a single stainless steel disc with two-piston calliper.

Suspension is doe by Ohlins, with the front forks using carbon-fibre outer tubes and an Ohlins monoshock, adjustable for sprig preload ad rebound damping. Weight for the Desmosedici GP is listed at 157 kg dry.

Billion Dollar Cars: How Likely Are They?

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January 15, 2026

Billion Dollar Cars: How Likely Are They?

When Mercedes-Benz and RM Sotheby’s confirmed the rumors about a one-of-two 300 SLR Uhlenhaut coupé being auctioned off on May 5th 2022 for a staggering sum of €135 million, equaling to $143 million, it single handedly became the hottest news in the automotive world. The legendary 300 SLR obliterated the 2018 record of the Ferrari 250, becoming the first nine-figure car in history.

With top-tier collector cars becoming as valuable as the greatest works of art, one can’t help but wonder what the next big milestone will be and when the automotive world will witness it.

Will we ever see a billion dollar car? If not sold to an individual or an institution, then will it at least be appraised? Let’s explore the possibilities that might lead to that, as well as cars most likely to reach that mythical sum.

Automobiles as Art: How a Car Could Sell for a Billion Dollars

Artistic value is one of the main factors worth considering when talking about a potential billion dollar car, yet, the art world itself is only halfway there. The most valuable painting ever sold is Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, which crossed the Christie’s auction block at $450.3 million in 2017.

When it comes to unbelievable paintings though, the Renaissance master’s Mona Lisa is certainly the most valuable piece of art in the world, setting the official Guinness world record for the highest insurance value in 1962. The original sum was $100 million and adjusted for inflation, it’s the equivalent of $980 million. The insured sum might be even greater today, though it’s not publicly disclosed, and speculations mention sums exceeding $1 billion.

Interestingly enough, the most expensive sculpture ever sold at an auction went off for a lower nominal price than the 300 SLR. In 2015, Alberto Giacometti’s The Pointing Man sold at $141.3 million. In 2022 money, that’s around $176.6 million. This comparison seems more appropriate (as automobiles are interactive dynamic sculptures, after all).

Billion-Dollar Car Candidates

The Ferrari 250 GTO was on a straight course to reach $100 million in the next few years, but the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé topped it, forever altering the way we look at the world’s most expensive cars.

To start with, it wasn’t a 250 GTO, a car we all got used to seeing changing hands between collectors, smashing records from 1986 when they first broke the $1 million milestone to this day. The Uhlenhaut’s sale wasn’t heralded by the press either. On the contrary, it came out of the blue, it was private and organized straight by the original custodian, the Mercedes-Benz museum itself.

The secretive nature of this sale made its final result seem even bigger, opening new horizons in the collector car world. So, to surpass the record holder, the future most expensive car will have to meet very strict criteria.

Ideally, a prospective billion dollar car, or at least the next record breaker, is a unique creation, with an elaborate or otherwise intriguing origin story, an exceptional and well-documented history, and a museum-worthy pedigree.

As such, that car will have to be a globally-recognized piece of automotive heritage, and one that seems highly unlikely to ever end up at an auction. It will either be a part of a highly regarded private collection or, like the Uhlenhaut was, a manufacturer’s archive itself.

Not many historic cars tick all these boxes though, which narrows down the choice to this exclusive group. So, let’s go!

Bugatti 57SC Atlantic

Starting off with what’s perhaps the most astonishing automotive creation of all time and potentially the most valuable car in the world, the Bugatti 57SC Atlantic has all it takes to reach a billion dollar appraisal at one point in the future.

The last time one of these changed hands was in 2010 when Gooding Co. brokered a deal between Bugatti collector Dr. Peter D. Williamson’s estate and Mullin Automotive museum at somewhere between $30 and $40 million for the 57 374 “Rothschild Atlantic”, but a lot has changed since then and now that price seems like a bargain.

The second surviving car out of just four built Atlantics, the 57 591 “Pope Atlantic” has been in Ralph Lauren’s private collection since 1988, and it’s the very car we would place our bets on. Though it is highly improbable that this iconic Bugatti will leave the collection, at least in Mr. Lauren’s lifetime, it will certainly go for much more than $40 million, a sum that has usually been closely associated with it.

Finally, there’s the long lost 57SC Atlantic, the 57 453 La Voiture Noire. Jean Bugatti’s personal 57SC hasn’t been seen since 1938 and it could be the greatest automotive discovery should it ever emerge from the shadows. Bugatti’s official website still states the $100 million appraisal, but with the Uhlenhaut auction taken in consideration, the bar should be set considerably higher.

Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi

Perhaps more mysterious than the 57SC, our next candidate is another car from the Ralph Lauren collection. It’s the Mercedes-Benz SSK with a chassis number 36038 and a dramatic body that still sparks debate. What we do know is that Count Carlo Felice Trossi sketched the design which was eventually carried out in 1933 by either an American named Willy White, Jacques Saoutchik, or even Zagato or Park Ward (as suspected by some automotive historians).

Whoever created it did the world a favor by sculpting a unique piece of automotive art built around one of the most pedigreed pre-WW2 cars. With a presence both sinister and stately, the SSK Count Trossi feels at home in Ralph Lauren’s elite collection where it came in 1988, having been bought from Tom Perkins. Upon acquisition, Lauren had the car restored by Paul Russell and Company and the fabled Mercedes-Benz went on to win Best of Show accolades at 1993 Pebble Beach Concours and 2007 Villa d’Este.

Appraising the Count Trossi seems impossible as of now, as it’s the only one of its kind and a handful of surviving SSKs seldom end up on auctions. Still, in 2004 a regular-bodied Mercedes-Benz SSK sold for the equivalent of $7.4 million at a Bonhams auction, which then made it the second most expensive car in the world. Judging by today’s state of the market, an SSK might sell for ten times its 2004 price. Still, as is the case with Mr. Lauren’s 57SC Atlantic, SSK Count Trossi’s sale is very unlikely to take place, but if it does, hundreds of millions is the least we expect.

Bertone Stratos Zero

Marcello Gandini’s bold and hostile wedge design not only caused a shockwave when first publicly exhibited at the Turin Motor Show in 1970, but it forever changed how we looked at sports cars. Measuring just 33 inches in height, the alien-like concept car is still one of the most radical automotive forms ever created, and it’s an inspiration for automotive designers even today.

In 2011, the Bertone Stratos Zero sold at RM Sotheby’s Villa D’Este Auction for a mere €761,600, or around $800,000 in today’s money, so giving it a one billion appraisal is a major stretch. However, the car’s sculptural beauty could multiply its value anytime in the future if the collector world moves towards perceiving and appreciating cars as legitimate works of high art.

Ferrari 512 Modulo

Spiritually close to the previous car, Paolo Martin’s 1970s design was hugely influenced by Syd Mead’s futuristic designs and was built on a Ferrari 512S chassis. Low-slung, sculptural and extraterrestrial in appearance, the Modulo was Pininfarina’s most extraordinary concept car built during the great design war with Bertone.

In 2014 Pininfarina eventually sold the 512 Modulo to James Glickenhaus, a Le Mans hero and an avid Ferrari collector who put all efforts into firing up its track proven V12 and making the car roadworthy. Now sporting New York plates, this spaceship on wheels travels around the world, landing at the most prestigious events.

Just like the Stratos Zero, the 512S Modulo has all the potential to transcend the automotive collector appeal and move towards high art, in which case its value could drastically go upwards if it leaves the Glickenhaus collection.

BMW M1 Andy Warhol Art Car

Conceived by gentleman racer and art collector Hervé Poulain, BMW’s Art Car project connected automobiles and high art, making one particular race car an interesting proposition. It’s the BMW M1 hand painted by pop art trailblazer Andy Warhol. Far from the artist’s recognizable style, this wedge-shaped race car was covered in thick layers of paint and Warhol himself commented: “I attempted to show speed as a visual image. When an automobile is really traveling fast, all the lines and colors are transformed into a blur.”

This was his way of explaining his approach to creating an iconic livery. The car went on to win sixth overall and second in-class at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The M1 was built in 453 copies, and it commands prices of around $600,000, whereas the racing Procar variants can come close to a million, with one sold in 2020 for $913,000. On the other hand, Andy Warhol’s priciest art piece is Shot Sage Blue Marilyn that sold for $195 million in May 2022 at the Christie’s “The Collection of Thomas and Doris Ammann” auction.

The Andy Warhol M1 Art Car resides in the BMW Welt museum and should BMW ever decide to auction it, it would inevitably become the most expensive BMW ever. Still, could this car’s origin story be enough for a ten figure sum? We’d like to hear your opinion in the comments below!

The Wild Cards: Unlikely Billion Dollar Car Contenders

With all the Mona Lisas, the Old Masters, and the literal Andy Warhols of the automotive industry all covered, the prospective billion dollar car might not be any of the above mentioned. In 20 years’ time, the collector scene is likely to witness a huge paradigm shift and the new generation will splurge big on a late 20th or a 21st Century car.

The car in question could range anywhere between a movie or a celebrity-owned car to more traditional prospects, like one-offs of recent vintage: Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, Bugatti La Voiture Noire, one of Ferrari Special Projects cars, Aston Martin Victor or Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Pininfarina.

From the current perspective, it’s easy to dismiss collector potential in these cars as they obviously lack mystique of their historic counterparts, but a few decades from now, automobiles like these will be auction highlights, and could possibly be record breaking ones, taking the throne from the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut or whichever car eventually succeeds it.

How the Inflation Factor Could Drive a Car’s Value Over a Billion Dollars

Another factor that could contribute to a car reaching the billion dollar threshold is inflation. As of now, it is hard to forecast the average inflation in the following years or decades, so let’s compare some prices from the past to their today’s equivalents.

When the 250 GTO was new, it cost $18,500—which was the equivalent of $180,000 at the time of this writing. The first $1 million 250 GTO sale that happened in 1986 now equals $2.7 million, almost trifold in 36 years’ time. In 1989, a 250 GTO broke the $10 million mark, equaling to $23.9 million in today’s money.

With money losing value even further in the future, a car now worth tens of millions could end up selling for hundreds of millions instead, and the same could happen with any of the above-mentioned automobiles.

Our Final Thoughts on the Potential for Billion Dollar Cars

Regardless of the fact that various collector markets seem to be on a neverending ascend, a billion dollar car is still an uncertainty. Should they come up for sale in the next couple of years, the world’s most exceptional automobiles would certainly attract attention from the one percent’s one percent, and while the prospective sums could easily break the current record, they are more likely to be close to the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut’s auction result than to a billion dollar mark.

In the distant future though, a billion dollar car is bound to happen—since petrol burning cars will eventually be a part of history and its prime examples will inevitably evolve into pure pieces of art.

What are your thoughts on this one? Make sure to give us your opinion below!

Tesla Full Self-Driving pricing strategy eliminates one recurring complaint

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January 14, 2026

Tesla Full Self-Driving pricing strategy eliminates one recurring complaint

Tesla’s new Full Self-Driving pricing strategy will eliminate one recurring complaint that many owners have had in the past: FSD transfers.

In the past, if a Tesla owner purchased the Full Self-Driving suite outright, the company did not allow them to transfer the purchase to a new vehicle, essentially requiring them to buy it all over again, which could obviously get pretty pricey.

This was until Q3 2023, when Tesla allowed a one-time amnesty to transfer Full Self-Driving to a new vehicle, and then again last year.

Tesla is now allowing it to happen again ahead of the February 14th deadline.

The program has given people the opportunity to upgrade to new vehicles with newer Hardware and AI versions, especially those with Hardware 3 who wish to transfer to AI4, without feeling the drastic cost impact of having to buy the $8,000 suite outright on several occasions.

Now, that issue will never be presented again.

Last night, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on X that the Full Self-Driving suite would only be available in a subscription platform, which is the other purchase option it currently offers for FSD use, priced at just $99 per month.

Tesla is shifting FSD to a subscription-only model, confirms Elon Musk

Having it available in a subscription-only platform boasts several advantages, including the potential for a tiered system that would potentially offer less expensive options, a pay-per-mile platform, and even coupling the program with other benefits, like Supercharging and vehicle protection programs.

While none of that is confirmed and is purely speculative, the one thing that does appear to be a major advantage is that this will completely eliminate any questions about transferring the Full Self-Driving suite to a new vehicle. This has been a particular point of contention for owners, and it is now completely eliminated, as everyone, apart from those who have purchased the suite on their current vehicle.

Now, everyone will pay month-to-month, and it could make things much easier for those who want to try the suite, justifying it from a financial perspective.

The important thing to note is that Tesla would benefit from a higher take rate, as more drivers using it would result in more data, which would help the company reach its recently-revealed 10 billion-mile threshold to reach an Unsupervised level. It does not cost Tesla anything to run FSD, only to develop it. If it could slice the price significantly, more people would buy it, and more data would be made available.

Honda response to Nexperia highlights changing supply chains

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January 14, 2026

Honda response to Nexperia highlights changing supply chains | Automotive World

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Honda announced several production halts across its manufacturing network since problems with sourcing chips from Nexperia emerged last year. By Ian Henry

In early January 2026, after confirming a delay to its production restart in China until the middle of the month, Honda announced that it would diversify its semiconductor supply chains. The company, like a number of its competitors, had found its manufacturing plans disrupted amid the international dispute over Nexperia.

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Honda response to Nexperia highlights changing supply chains

Top 10 New Supercars Under $100K

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January 14, 2026

Yes, it is possible to drive a supercar with $100K or less now. As I have said before, you do not have to be a millionaire to be able to afford a fast and luxury car. Everyone loves to own a supercar, some for the driving experience and some to feel superior to their neighbours who own a Toyota Camry with an aftermarket exhaust. Even if you do not have $100K or less, it is not a problem now. A lot of financing institutions are ready to make your dream come true. There are two well-known types of car finance: Car Financing and Car Leasing. Last week, I wrote about car finance as well as all the things you need to consider when buying a new supercar. Read about it here.

Let’s take a look at the new supercars available on the market for less than $100K:

1.Porsche 718 Cayman

The Porsche 718 Cayman is a mid-engined two-passengers sports car. The rear-wheel-drive hatchback or convertible is powered by a turbocharged flat-4 engine with direct fuel injection. The lightweight supercar makes 295 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.

The car will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1s if you go with the six-speed manual transmission and it will do so in 4.7s if you choose seven-speed dual-clutch automatic PDK with manual shifting mode. The Porsche 718 Cayman will reach a top speed of 275 km/h which is very impressive for its price range.

The fuel consumption of the Porsche 718 Cayman is as impressive as its price. The car has a combined fuel consumption of about 7.4L per 100 km for the manual and around 6.9L per 100 km for the PDK.

The Porsche 718 Cayman, being a lightweight supercar, is very nimble on the track and its steering wheel is precise. You can easily have fun with this one as it is packed with performance without going broke. Enjoy 2 years without mileage limit warranty on your purchase to give you peace of mind. The price of this little beauty starts at only $55,300.

2. Porsche 718 Boxster

The Porsche 718 Boxster is another mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive and two-passengers supercar from Porsche. Under the hood lies 2.0L turbocharged flat-4 with direct fuel injection engine, making 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.

The Porsche 718 Boxster will reach 60 mph in 4.4s. It will do a quarter mile in 13.0s at 109 mph. The car will reach up to a top speed of 170 mph (274 km/h). You can get it either with a manual transmission or a PDK. In fact, it has a lot of similarity with the Porsche 718 Cayman. Maybe, the most obvious difference between these two is the fact that the 718 Boxster is only available as a convertible.

Porsche said that this car has a fuel consumption of 24-28 mpg but around 19 mpg was recorded during testing. Enjoy the same warranty also as the Porsche 718 Cayman. However, the Porsche 718 Boxster has a starting price of $57,400.

Porsche 718 Boxster - Top 10 new supercars that cost less than $100K

3. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the newest addition to the Camaro family. The muscle car or pony car are some of the ways people categorise the Camaro. This new ZL1 is powered by a 6.2L supercharged V8. The engine makes 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Impressive, uhm!

You have the choice between a six-speed manual gearbox with Active Rev Matching and an all-new paddle-shift ten-speed automatic transmission. There has been a great increase of aerodynamics around the car and it also broke a record at the famous Nurburgring.

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will do 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5s and it will do a quarter mile in 11.4s. The rear-wheel-drive supercar has a top speed of 200 mph. The car is packed with features and performance that will make you want it more and more.

A full in-depth review of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has been written previously. If you want more details about it, click here.

With all the numbers in mind, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 seems like an expensive supercar but it is completely the contrary. The price for this beast starts at only $62,000, which is a great bargain according to me.

4. Porsche 718 GTS

The Porsche 718 GTS is another mid-engined and rear-wheel-drive supercar from Porsche. The car uses a 2.5L turbocharged boxer-four engine that revs up to 6500 rpm. The 718 GTS is very light and its handling is impeccable. The car responds fast to your inputs and it gives you the feeling that it wants to go faster and further each time you change gear.

The engine makes 365 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque with the manual transmission and 317 lb-ft of torque with the PDK. The Porsche 718 GTS will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.4s with the manual transmission and 3.9s with the PDK. The car has a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).

The Porsche 718 GTS has a combined fuel consumption of 21 mpg for the manual and 22 mpg for the PDK. Also, you have a 4 years or 50,000 miles warranty including 24-hour roadside assistance program.

The price of the Porsche 718 GTS starts at only $79,800.

5. Chevy Corvette Z06

The Chevy Corvette Z06 is one of the high-performance sports car produced by General Motors. This car is very capable on the track. Every time, you get into one, it will always impress you, both with its amazing handling capabilities and its performance. It was designed to be the driver’s car as Chevrolet says.

The Chevy Corvette Z06 is equipped with a 6.2L supercharged V8. The massive engine has 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The rear-wheel-drive car will reach 60 mph in only 2.95s. Now tell me that is not impressive! The car will achieve a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

Inside the Corvette Z06, expect to find carbon-fibre and leather mostly everything. The car is also packed with crazy features and technologies not only to make you go faster but to give you the luxury feeling at the same time.

The Chevy Corvette Z06 has a combined fuel consumption of 16 mpg, which is very good considering the engine on this car. And yes, this insane supercar costs less than $100K. In fact, prices start at around $80,000.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - cheap supercars

6. Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper is another amazing piece of automotive. This rear-wheel-drive monster is undeniably one of the most loved sports cars on the market.

The Dodge Viper is powered by an 8.4L V10. The engine makes a shockingly high amount of power. 645 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque to be exact. Good news also for manual lovers. You can get this car only with a six-speed manual transmission. The Dodge Viper will reach 60 mph in 3.5s. The car has a top speed of 208 mph (332 km/h).

The fuel consumption combined is about 16.3 mpg, which is great again for such a powerful car. The average asking price for one of these is around $87,895.

7. Porsche 911 Carrera

The Porsche 911 Carrera is not only a rear-wheel-drive car but it is also rear-engined. Being a Porsche means that the handling is on another level and the car has very few body rolls. On an overall, the 911 Carrera can be a track weapon.

The rear-mounted engine makes 370 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. You can get yours either with a seven-speed manual or a seven-speed PDK. The manual will reach 60 mph in 4.6s while the PDK version will do so in 4.2s. A top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h) was recorded on the Porsche 911 Carrera while testing.

The Porsche 911 Carrera has a combined fuel consumption of 8.3L per 100 km for the manual and 7.4L per 100 km for the PDK. The car also comes with a 2 years no mileage limit warranty like the other 718 models.

While hearing 911 Carrera, what comes to your mind, is a very expensive Porsche only the very rich can afford. But this is not the case here. The Porsche 911 Carrera starts at only $90,395.

Porsche 911 Carrera - Cheap new supercars

8. Jaguar F-Type SVR

The Jaguar F-Type SVR is one of the best car Jaguar has ever made and also it is the most powerful car in the Jaguar World. This car is simply beautiful at every angle and we can say that Jaguar has succeeded in creating a sports car. It is a front-engined and rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive car.

The Jaguar F-Type uses a 3.0L supercharged V6 that makes 375 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The car will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8s. The car that fits the list here is fitted with a six-speed manual transmission. The Jaguar F-Type can reach up to a top speed of 171 mph (275 km/h).

The car has a combined fuel consumption of about 11.9L per 100 km. If you decide to go for this option, prices start at $95,810.

Jaguar F-Type - New supercars under $100K

9. Aston Martin Vantage GT

The Aston Martin Vantage GT is inspired by racing cars. It is the most dramatic supercar that Aston Martin V8 has ever created. The Vantage GT is based on the same chassis as the GT4 Challenge race cars and there is no doubt that the car will have a thrilling performance.

The Aston Martin Vantage GT is powered by a 4.7L V8. This engine makes a whopping 430 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. This helps the car to reach 60 mph in 4.6s. The front mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel-drive car has a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). The Aston Martin Vantage GT comes equipped with either a seven-speed automated manual transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.

Aston Martin is not reserved for only James Bond now. You can also afford one. The Aston Martin Vantage GT has a starting price of $99,900.

Aston Martin Vantage GT - Cheap new supercars

10. Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car produced by Nissan. We all know how impressive of a car the GT-R is and it needs no introduction.

Under the hood lies a 3.8L twin-turbo V6 that produces 600 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque at 6500 rpm. This will skyrocket the car to 60 mph in just 2.9s. The Nissan GT-R has a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h). The all-wheel-drive Godzilla (as it is widely known as) has a six-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode transmission.

The Nissan GT-R has a combined fuel consumption of around 19 mpg. The Godzilla made it to the list of cheap new supercars and how? Well, the starting price of a brand new Nissan GT-R is just under $100,000. So, with less than $100K, you can literally get a Godzilla in your driveway.

Well, there you have it, the top 10 new supercars that cost less than $100K. You can own a supercar without being a millionaire. But make sure to take into consideration all the other costs associated with a supercar. I have previously written a blog about 10 things that you need to consider when buying your first supercar, you can check it out to get a better understanding of the whole buying process. Also, there is another major thing you need to understand well before your purchase and that is insurance. Supercar insurance in some ways differs from normal car insurance. To get an overview of how the whole insurance process works, check out Supercar Insurance | How much it costs, types of insurance.

If you know someone who will be interested in this blog, please do share it. If you have any questions, tips, recommendation or something else, feel sure to write down in the comments section and I will try my best to reply to them.

Hidden Gem National Parks to Visit on Your Next Road Trip

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January 13, 2026

Hidden Gem National Parks to Visit on Your Next Road Trip

Most RVers have a dream of visiting at least a few of our nation’s stunning national parks, and for good reason. Each of the 63 designated U.S. national parks offers its own beautiful landscape and incredible history to go with it — but only the most dedicated explorers will get to visit these hidden gems.

Lesser-known national parks offer the perfect opportunity for RV travelers, who get to set their own pace and enjoy all the comforts of home while they experience parts of the country so many miss out on. Below, we’ve listed our favorite hidden gem national parks for your next RV road trip, focusing on off-the-beaten-path parks with fewer visitors and breathtaking views. (And, of course, along with peer-to-peer RV rentals, we’ve got all the deets you need to make it a perfectly unforgettable RV camping trip.)

Hidden Gem National Parks to Explore: RV Road Trip Edition

Get out your jeweler’s loupe — because without further ado, we’re going to give you an up-close and personal glimpse at these hidden gem national parks!

1. Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)

In a state chock-a-block full of national parks (most of which are similarly full of visitors — we’re looking at you, Yosemite), Lassen Volcanic National Park offers the twin benefits of being one of the least-visited national parks in the roster and offering a unique, dynamic landscape. Whether you’re looking for an excuse to set your inner geologist loose or simply on the market for some forested hiking trails, Lassen Volcanic truly has it all.

Why It’s a Hidden Gem

With its acres of bubbling mud pots and serene views of snowed peaks over blue lakes, Lassen Volcanic National Park is the kind of destination that feels like several destinations in one. It also usually sees less than half a million visitors each year, compared to the four million or more visitors that descend upon a park like Yosemite. That means you’ll be able to fully sink into and enjoy your peace and quiet.

RV Route + Drive Tips

This park is best approached from the cities of Redding or Chico; it’ll take you about an hour or an hour-and-a-half of driving from each of those towns, respectively. It’s also located along the CA-89 scenic byway, which winds through several stunning volcanic and mountain vistas. (Be sure your rig can handle those narrow, winding roads!)

You can access the park via several major highways, all of which offer standard-width bridges safe for Class C rigs and fifth-wheels. If you’re flying in, the closest major airports are Sacramento International (SMF) and Reno-Tahoe (RNO).

Campgrounds and RV Parking

Lassen Volcanic National Park features two on-site campgrounds that are RV-friendly:

You can also explore some other private and public campgrounds in the area of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Must-See Nearby Attractions

While an NPS park ranger will be happy to walk you through all of the park’s can’t-miss attractions, be sure not to skip out on Bumpass Hell, the largest hydrothermal area in the park. The hike through it is just three round-trip miles and relatively flat, making it a workable option for many different campers.

Kings Creek Falls is another classic feature, offering expansive views as well as the tranquility of meadows and waterfalls. It does, however, feature a bit more of an incline, so be sure to check in with park staff to ensure your party is up for it.

2. North Cascades National Park (Washington)

Ask anyone who’s done a good job of exploring the Pacific Northwest what their favorite national park is, and the odds are pretty good they’ll say North Cascades. (I say that as someone who lives in Portland and knows several local hikers who swear it’s the most beautiful place on earth.)

It’s also, however, a bit off the beaten track — and not quite as well-known as some of Washington’s other (admittedly also stunning) landscapes. That’s why it’s the perfect opportunity for your hidden-gem national park RV road trip.

Why It’s a Hidden Gem

While everyone else will be (literally) lining up to do Paradise Park at Rainier or Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest, if you visit North Cascades, chances are you’ll have vast swaths of this epic, rugged landscape all to yourself. Bonus: North Cascades is the most heavily glaciated area in the U.S. outside of Alaska, which has earned it its esteemed reputation as the “American Alps.” To be there is a truly unforgettable experience.

RV Route + Drive Tips

The easiest way in is via North Cascades Highway (Washington SR-20), which comes due east out of Burlington or involves getting off on SR-530 just a few miles north of Seattle on I-5. (Seattle is, of course, home to one of the west coast’s biggest airports, and the total drive time from the airport itself to the national park is about two-and-a-half hours, depending on traffic.

Note that there are often seasonal closures in the winter and spring due to snowfall and other inclement weather, and at any time of year, be prepared for winding mountain roads — take it slow and steady if you’re driving a bigger rig.

Campgrounds and RV Parking

Along with other area campgrounds, North Cascades offers one on-site camping option that is RV friendly:

Colonial Creek Campground offers coveted RV sites with lake views — we recommend reserving early
For a private option just outside the park, head to Skagit River Campground, which offers spacious spots near the river it’s named after and amenities including a laundry facility and playground

Highlights

North Cascades is so beautiful, the truth is, you kind of can’t go wrong, even if all you do is drive in and look around. But two of our personal favorite highlights include:

Diablo Lake Overlook, where the lake whose shimmering surface you’ll gaze into gets its otherworldly turquoise color from the pure glacier waters that feed it
Cascade PassTrail, which, in a park geared towards backpacking, gives day-hikers all the rugged mountain views they could ask for — and more

3. Congaree National Park (South Carolina)

It’s just plain true that most of America’s national parks are clustered on the west side of the Mississippi River. But don’t make the mistake of thinking there aren’t epic landscapes to be experienced on the east side, too.

Congaree National Park — one of the newer ones in the roster, officially designated as a national park in 2003 — also has the distinction of being an international biosphere reserve. And that’s for good reason: the park preserves the largest intact tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the entire U.S., along with featuring some of the tallest trees in Eastern North America.

Why It’s a Hidden Gem

Despite the old-growth accolades we named above, Congaree remains one of the least-visited national parks in the country. In 2023, just over 250,000 people made their way into this one-of-a-kind landscape, compared to the millions that visit the better-known national parks out west.

RV Route + Drive Tips

We recommend driving in from Columbia, SC via I-26 and I-77 — a route that offers flat, paved roads, standard bridge overpasses, wide shoulders and no steep climbs. (In short, the drive is extremely RV-friendly.)

Campgrounds and RV Parking

Along with several private campgrounds in the area surrounding Congaree National Park, you can also look into onsite camping options:

Longleaf Campground, located just off the entrance road, offers RV sites with electric and water hookups — a luxury in the national park system
If you’re open to a more rugged adventure, Congaree also offers backcountry camping options; permits are required, but they’re also free

Activities

Congaree National Park is well-known for its one-of-a-kind boardwalk trails, which serve to protect the sensitive wetland ecosystem in which those hardwoods have rooted themselves. (It’s also a floodplain, so the boardwalk keeps you from getting your feet wet!)

If you’re willing to be a little closer to the water, however, check out the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, which winds its way along an easy, six-mile journey through the heart of the park.

4. Big Bend National Park (Texas)

I’ll come clean: Big Bend National Park is on the top of my to-visit list. Why, you ask? Well, if massive canyon walls surrounding a winding Rio Grande and top-class dark sky stargazing views weren’t enough, its range, the Chisos Mountains, is the only one that is situated entirely within the bounds of a U.S. national park.

It’s also way down deep in south Texas, right across the border from Mexico, making for relatively mild weather year round (though nighttime temperatures can drop in the winter — it is a desert, after all!) Plus, it’s so out-of-the-way, only a few people who live on planet earth will ever get to see it.

Why It’s a Hidden Gem

Vast desert landscapes, Rio Grande views, and truly some of the most wide-open spaces in the entire U.S. — when it comes to hidden gem national parks, Big Bend is basically the definition. (Oh, and there’s also nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park to explore while you’re down there, too.)

RV Route + Drive Tips

There’s no way around it: Big Bend is hard to get to. (That’s part of why so few people do each year; it averages fewer than half a million annual visitors.) You’ll likely end up taking either TX-118 or US-385 south from the Marfa area (also well worth carving out time to explore). Keep in mind that this is the deep desert with long, desolate stretches without cell signal. Fuel up ahead of time, never let your tank get more than half empty, carry food and water and ideally an emergency satellite radio, just in case.

Campgrounds and RV Parking

Good news for our readership: Two of Big Bend’s onsite campgrounds are RV-friendly, and at least one is accessible to bigger rigs like fifth wheels. Take a look:

Rio Grande Village RV Campground is your move if you’re driving a bigger RV. Along with its riverside views, it also offers full hookups — a rarity!
Those in smaller RVs can consider Chisos Basin Campground, but with tight turns and major elevation changes, the park recommends no trailers over 20 feet or RVs over 24

Must-Do’s

Perhaps the park’s most famous feature, Santa Elena Canyon is 1,500 feet deep, run through by the Rio Grande, and marks the border between the U.S. and Mexico. There are several different paddling routes you can choose from, although a short nature trail also allows on-foot access.

We mentioned this above, but it bears repeating: be sure to give yourself some nighttime flexibility for stargazing. Big Bend National Park is part of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest dark sky certified place in the world.

5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)

Another often-overlooked Texas stunner, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a land of extremes. Along with serving to protect the world’s most extensive exposed Permian fossil reef, the park also features endless-looking sand dunes and is home to Guadalupe Mountain, “flat” Texas’s highest peak (which is quite impressive at more than 8,700 feet).

Why It’s a Hidden Gem

Like Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains is located in the desert landscape of west Texas, though this one is on the northern border with New Mexico rather than the southern border with… well, old Mexico. Dramatic limestone peaks and low desert scrub combine to offer a totally unique travel experience, and since fewer than 250,000 visitors appear each year, you’ll have many of those wide-open spaces all to yourself.

RV Route + Drive Tips

The best routes for RVers will be from El Paso or Carlsbad, New Mexico. (While you’re in the area, be sure to save time to visit Carlsbad Caverns!) US-62 offers a scenic route, but be aware of the elevation changes you’ll see along the way. These are mostly rural highways, and are safe for most tow vehicles, but again, watch your fuel meter and be sure to carry excess food and water

Campgrounds and RV Parking

There are three developed campgrounds inside Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and all of them offer RV spots — but some are more limited than others.

Pine Springs Campground has 13 RV sites available, though there are no hookups or dump stations
Dog Canyon Campground offers four RV sites, while Frijole Horse Corral Campground has just one — but is the only option for those traveling with horses

You can also check out nearby private RV parks with full hookups and other amenities.

Don’t Miss

Fit, adventurous travelers won’t want to miss the opportunity to hike to the top of the park’s eponymous peak, especially since it also comes with bragging rights for having been to the highest spot in Texas. And McKittrick Canyon’s unique geology is worthwhile any time of year, but in the fall, it’s also home to some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the entire American southwest.

Planning Your RV Road Trip

Now that you know where you’re going, let’s dive into the details of how to do it right — that is, in an RVshare rental rig.

Best Times to Visit These Parks

While each of these parks has its own unique weather patterns (thanks to their locations all across the country), it’s important to understand that, especially in extreme terrains like those in North Cascades National Park, seasonal weather can have a major impact on your travels. Snow closures are common in the northerly climes in the winter, while summer heat could foil your hiking plans if you head to west Texas at the heart of summer. Be sure to check the monthly weather ahead of time to understand the best time to visit the specific park you’re interested in.

Note also, though, that the seasons with the very best weather are also likely to be the most crowded. That’s why the shoulder seasons — which offer decent weather but relatively fewer travelers — can offer the best of both worlds. (Of course, in parks that are already hidden gems, you’ll likely have less trouble as far as competing with other visitors.)

Fuel & Supplies Planning

Especially in remote-area parks like Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, be sure you have a sense of the filling stations, propane refill points, and dump stations you’ll use upfront. (Apps like Roadtrippers can make this process a lot easier.)

The last thing you want is to get stuck without fuel in the middle of nowhere, so we recommend treating a half tank like empty and prioritizing refilling at every chance you get. After all, one of your pre-planned gas stations might run out of fuel — so you always want a backup plan on hand. (Carrying a gas can is another solid option!)

Why Visit Hidden Gem National Parks by RV

Just in case our descriptions above haven’t quite convinced you…

Benefits of RV Road Trips

RV road trips offer you the flexibility and freedom to explore remote areas without having to give up the comforts of home. Say goodbye to cramped car camping or wind-flapping tents — you can bring literally everything, including the kitchen sink, along for the ride.

RV travel can also be a lot more cost-effective compared to hotels and car rentals, not to mention less hassle. Who wants to unpack and repack every time you pick up and drive to the next location? In an RV, it’s all ready, all the time. That’s probably why 87% of respondents in our latest Travel Trend Report say they’re more likely to pick an RV over other accommodation options on a national park trip.

Why Rent Your RV from RVshare

RVshare offers a large selection of peer-to-peer RV rentals for any group size and budget, and our renters enjoy nationwide pickup locations near major cities and travel hubs. (We’ve also recently introduced one-way options for those hoping to get the most out of their journeys, since you won’t have to worry about saving time and resources for the return.)

Each RVshare rental comes with insurance and roadside assistance included, and we offer personalized route-planning support. It’s stress-free travel, without owning an RV — the best of both worlds!

Exploring less-crowded national parks by RV is more than worthwhile. In fact, it can be downright magical, especially with your favorite people by your side. (And yes, you, yourself count — we see you, solo travelers!)

RVshare will be here for all the planning and prepping, and any ups and downs along the way. Start your road trip adventure today!

EPA Cooks The Books On Industrial Pollution Costs

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January 13, 2026

EPA Cooks The Books On Industrial Pollution Costs

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Question: How can you tell people in the current US administration are lying? Answer: Their lips are moving. That’s what is happening this week as the Environmental Destruction Agency begins the next phase of kowtowing to the nation’s biggest polluters.

A report by Maxine Joselow of the New York Times points out that ~~officials~~ hyper-partisan lap dogs at the agency have announced they will no longer compute the economic toll of air pollution on actual human beings — the ones the theoretically are supposed to be protecting — when calculating the economic cost of industrial pollution.

Instead, they will henceforth consider only the economic cost of the regulations to corporations, and if they are deemed to be too burdensome, those regulations will be softened in order to avoid undue economic harm to the polluters. If you think this sounds like criminals being able to determine their own punishment, you are not far wrong.

Fine Particulates & Ozone

What sort of pollution are we talking about here? Fine particulates, for one. Those are the microscopically small — 2.5 microns or less — that form whenever fossil fuels are burned. Particles that small can cross directly into the blood stream in the lungs, contributing to cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, lower cognitive functioning, and a variety of other health ailments. The young and the old are particularly vulnerable, as are people who live in the immediate vicinity of extraction operations, refineries, industrial facilities, and chemical factories.

The other pollutant that will no longer be assigned a monetary value is ozone, a smog-causing gas that forms when nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds are emitted from power plants, factories, and vehicles and then mix in the air on hot, sunny days. Some scientists describe ozone as giving a sunburn to the inside of human lungs. Long term exposure to both pollutants is linked to asthma, heart and lung disease, and premature death. Even moderate exposure to fine particulates can damage the lungs as much as smoking does.

“We don’t appreciate that air pollution is an invisible killer,” Neelu Tummala, an ear, nose and throat physician at George Washington University School of Medicine, told The Guardian. “The air we breathe impacts everyone’s health but particularly children, older individuals, those on low incomes and people of color. Usually people in urban areas have the worst impacts.”

Do you think this administration cares a flying fig leaf about children, the elderly, the working poor, or people or color? Not hardly. It cares about corporations that make enormous campaign contributions and little else.

Fossil Fuel Crud Kills Millions Every Year

A study by researchers at Harvard, the University of Birmingham, the University of Leicester, and University College London and published in the journal Environmental Research found that exposure to fine particulate matter from fossil fuel emissions accounted for 18% of total global deaths in 2018.

That amounts to about 8.7 million deaths — nearly double the number suggested by previous studies. That is more deaths worldwide than from smoking and malaria combined. Regions with the highest concentrations of fossil fuel related air pollution — Eastern North America, Europe, and South East Asia — have the highest rates of mortality.

In an email to the New York Times, EPA spokesperson Carolyn Holran said the agency is still weighing the health effects of fine particulates and ozone, but won’t be assigning them a dollar value in its cost-benefit analyses. “Not monetizing does not equal not considering or not valuing the human health impact,” she said.

Well, actually, Carolyn, it kinda does. As Al Gore told us years ago, things in this life that have no assigned monetary value are assumed to have no value and that’s exactly the point of this change. The MAGAnistas want to devalue human life any way they can in order to keep those corporate donations flowing. It’s pretty straightforward, when you think about it. It’s enough to make Don Corleone proud.

A Proper Cost-Benefit Analysis

According to Emily Atkin at HEATED, “In regulatory cost-benefit analysis, monetization is how harms are weighed, compared, and justified. If the EPA refuses to assign a dollar value to the illnesses and deaths caused by air pollution, those harms cannot influence the outcome of the rule. And if they cannot influence the outcome, they may as well not exist for policy purposes.”

“Make no mistake — this is air pollution denial, a phenomenon the Trump administration has been advancing since 2017. It has taken different forms over the years — Attacking the science linking particulate pollution to premature death, minimizing the harms, arguing the evidence was too uncertain to justify federal policy. But the goal was always the same: to stop regulatory agencies from treating air pollution as a public health problem. The [agency] has now reached that endpoint.”

Atkin adds that Republicans have argued for decades that Democrats overvalue health benefits to justify regulation, while Democrats have argued that Republicans undervalue health benefits to make regulation look unnecessary. “But both sides have always agreed the EPA has to make some calculation of health benefits. In the past, there has had to be some semblance of adhering to that mission, no matter which party held power.”

“That is what makes the Trump administration’s approach so stark. Rather than argue over how to calculate the health benefits of reducing pollution, it has chosen not to calculate them at all. In a way, it’s almost refreshing; at least they’re not pretending the EPA works for anyone but the industries who funded Trump’s campaign.”

“The idea that EPA would not consider the public health benefits of its regulations is anathema to the very mission of EPA,” Richard Revesz of the Institute for Policy Integrity at New York University School of Law told Joselow.

“If you’re only considering the costs to industry and you’re ignoring the benefits, then you can’t justify any regulations that protect public health, which is the very reason that EPA was set up,” he said.

Legal Precedent

James Goodwin, the policy director at the Center for Progressive Reform, said the move seemed to ignore the 2015 Supreme Court case Michigan v. EPA. Justice Scalia wrote the majority opinion in that case, in which he said that if an agency considers the benefits of a regulation, it must also consider the costs, and vice versa. “Scalia was making the point that you can’t judge a regulation’s reasonableness just by looking at one side of the ledger,” he said.

Antonin Scalia is a god in conservative circles, so it will be interesting to see how the new three horsemen of the MAGA apocolyse — Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Bryant — will honor him in spirit while overturning the Michigan Vs EPA decision. Alito and Thomas have already reached their decision and Chief Justice John Roberts will bend himself into a pretzel to honor his old mentor while stabbing him in the back.

Whether it is clean air, clean water, access to affordable health insurance, or equal opportunities for all, this administration is running roughshod over the people of the United States and it will not stop until it has subjugated every one of them for the greater glory of the corporate kleptocracy. “We the people” is now an irrelevant concept and the corporate takeover of America is very nearly complete.

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