Fitness
The Hottest Cars and Trucks We Drove in 2021
Supply chain woes dominated automotive discourse in 2021—pass a dealership this month and you’ll likely notice a bunch of empty spots. It’s all due to a semiconductor shortage that should persist into 2022. That’s not to say all is doom and gloom in the car world. Just take a look at the best cars and trucks of 2021.
As our favorite test drives of the year reveal, great vehicles abound, whether late pinnacles of internal-combustion machinery à la the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, or statements pointing towards a greener future such as the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E.
You just have to wait in line for them—at least for now. Read on to find out which vehicles made a mark this year.
Test Drive Year in Review: Hottest Cars and Trucks We Drove in 2021
1. Mustang Mach-E
The best SUV of the year? In our opinion it’s the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the electric five-seater that’s more polished, fast, and fun than you think it should be. We drove a Premium all-wheel-drive model, at 270 miles a charge, around Austin, Elon Musk’s adopted hometown. We felt firsthand that the Tesla chief has formidable competition, especially given its price—our relatively loaded model stickered at $55,800. We’re not alone in our high esteem. The Mach-E is a bigger hit than Ford expected. The company plans to make up to 200,000 of them a year by 2023. That’s the same year, we hope, that car guys may finally stop complaining about Ford using their pony car nameplate on an SUV.
2. Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle AWD
A minivan makes the list? Hell yes it does. If you’re a Van Fan, you’re already familiar with the greatness of the Pacifica. The Pinnacle—priced in the mid 50s—arrives as Chrysler’s Alpha minivan, a hilariously luxe man cave on wheels with accents like leather and suede lumbar pillows. Of course this beast offers more real “utility” than what people actually use on the average sport-ute, including seats that vanish into the floor. Our week-long test drive in the Pacifica Pinnacle made us want to drop out and lean into #vanlife… or rather, #minivanlife.
3. BMW M2 CS
Is the M2 CS proof that BMW still has it? Or is this compact coupe’s greatness just a reminder of how far its brand has wandered into the SUV wilderness? Wherever you fall, there’s no question the M2 CS is a near-perfect driver’s car, right-sized and justly powered (via a 444-hp 3-liter inline six) for spirited driving in real-world conditions. Few cars are as predictable, transparent, lively, and fun on a winding road. Even the retro gold wheels on our $96,545 Misano blue test model seemed just right.
4. Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing
Rarely is a sedan boasting near 700 horsepower able to stoop to daily driving without plenty of complaining (from either the driver or the car). But the V-Series Blackwing takes on the task with aplomb, thanks to Caddy’s magnetorheological-dampened suspension that sorts out dodgy pavement without spilling your coffee. After days of in-town driving, we finally got out to an open, empty tollroad in the $99,635 test model… and that supercharged V8 powertrain took us to another plane. If this is indeed Caddy’s last V8-powered car, the CT5 V-Series Blackwing is a fitting farewell.
5. Jeep Grand Wagoneer
As the pandemic wore on, big vehicles offering big comfort for families heading on big highway drives took on a new shine. Case in point: the Grand Wagoneer, a new Jeep model designed to get your family far outside of Dodge, in comfort. On a spin through Texas Hill Country, the V-8 powered, RAM-derived giant proved a worthy challenger to competitors like the Escalade, with ample power, tons of space, and refreshingly headache-free tech. If you’re looking to go big—then get lost—take a look.
6. Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
The 911 GT3 Touring is a dying breed, a highly adept sports car powered by a naturally aspirated engine—a four-liter, 502-horsepower, six-cylinder boxer. In a drive though Angeles Crest Highway, we found out the GT3 is a car that forces you to feel. When driving at speed into corners, the car almost seems to lean in (it’s eerie)—the result of a suspension derived from one of the brand’s Le Mans race cars. The Touring model loses the GT3’s massive rear wing, making it ideal for the guy who likes to drive one of the most exclusive 911 variants around yet doesn’t need to advertise it.
7. Ford Bronco
Just a few miles into our drive in an optioned-up $48,450 “Outer Banks” model, it became clear that Ford didn’t half-ass it with the Bronco. It’s a fully realized machine with driving dynamics that are more fluid on-road than the Wrangler—and a smart, uncluttered interior with ample but unobtrusive tech that’s more akin to the upmarket Land Rover Defender. You’ll also find something to like about the Bronco’s bucket of high-tech off-roading gadgetry, whether you’re a newbie or a pro, such as diffs that are easy to lock or unlock instantly, anytime; a one-pedal drive mode and trail turn assist.
8. Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
The sharpest, track-tuned iteration of the GT blew us away while lapping it in Miami. The Black Series’s hand-built 4-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine uses a flat crank for more torque and a quicker throttle, while its bodywork is heavily (yet incredibly lightly) reworked for the track. Along with the requisite carbon-fiber swaps—hood, roof, fenders, sills, rear hatch—there’s a bunch of aero improvements, chief among them a massive, two-piece carbon fiber spoiler sailing off the decklid. The quicker you push the car into a turn, the cleaner your exit. This is courtesy of the aerodynamic work mentioned above: It’s all there to reduce drag and build downforce. At high speeds, that huge double wing essentially sucks the car closer to the road. Instead of losing grip, you seem to gain it. It feels almost counterintuitive.
9. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
This year Jeep unleashed the Unlimited Rubicon 4XE plug-in hybrid, an environmentally friendlier—yet still trail tough—Wrangler that plugs in. The company also released its opposite, in a way: the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392, outfitted with a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, which makes 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and about 470 decibels, give or take (we kid. but this $75K machine truly is loud). It’s a vehicle of extremes: ridiculously quick, hilariously fun, tremendously thirsty. The future no doubt belongs to Jeeps like the 4XE, but the 392 sure is fun right now.
10. Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition
When they have your ear at the bar, some gearheads will bemoan the death of the manual until they’re blue in the face. That’s not us, promise. Except when we’re talking the Civic Type R, which we drove a few months back, and can’t stop chattering about. The Type R Limited Edition is a slightly lighter version of Honda’s hottest hatch offered in a unique yellow paint; it bears the same powertrain as the “regular” Type R: its 2.0-liter turbo I4, suspension hardware, Brembo brakes, and limited-slip diff. Most importantly it has the Type R’s brilliant, smooth six-speed manual, which makes flinging the thing around unforgettable. It’s the most fun front-wheel-drive car you can buy. (Or could. The Limited Edition has sold out).
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The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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