A Twitter user with the handle discovered something interesting at a dealer in Miami and thankfully shared pictures of this unusual Two window sticker. Remember, , and the upgraded Two trim normally starts at $19,900. With the options that dealer Al Hendrickson has added to the car, it should cost $20,839, but then someone at the dealer added a “Market Value Adjustment,” which comes in at an astonishing $6,995. Total cost for the “cheap” Prius at ? $27,834. We agree with what you just thought: that’s completely absurd.
Or is it? We called Al Hendrickson Toyota with some questions for the general manager – why so much? and are people still interested at this price? – but were asked to leave a message and have not yet heard back. But think about it. This is one of the most popular high-efficiency vehicles in the U.S. right now, , and Toyota is (both here and in Japan).
We admit that the market values this car, but does it do so enough to tack on an extra 33 percent? We doubt it – especially when you can get a regular or for around that much – but maybe someone down in Florida thinks so. Either way, Toyota representatives wouldn’t comment and we know that dealers are independent and . Still, $7,000 extra? C’mon, man.
While China is still the big dog when it comes to growth markets for automakers, Iraq looks to be heating up. As the country slowly stabilizes, the country’s 30 million citizens find themselves with a growing income and a need for more reliable transportation.
But, according to , the biggest factor in the resurgence of Iraqi car-buying is a decrease in violence by insurgents. Last year only (?!) about 1,500 Iraqis were killed by roadside bombs, snipers or other violence. That’s compared to more than 34,000 in 2006. As you might imagine, safer streets lead to much greater satisfaction derived from Sunday drives.
Ready to cash in on the auto-buying-boom are , and . All three see huge potential in a country still driving thousands of procured via an oil trade with Brazil in the 1980s.
Apparently, one popular car in Iraq is the – nicknamed “Obama” by Iraqis. Then again, the last year that the was known as “the Obama,” so maybe the term goes for any large American sedan.
Automotive News reports is hard at work on a plug-inhybrid version of its . According to unnamed sources, the vehicle is likely to begin production in 2014 and will be destined for the U.S. market. The move is part of a larger plug-in offensive from . VW owns 49.9 percent of Porsche and plans to debut electrified versions of its and as well as the European . Those vehicles will reportedly trickle to market between 2014 and 2015. An is also .
Volkswagen has already made it clear the company believes the future of green driving lies in diesels and plug-in hybrids, saying the latter combines the best elements of electric propulsion and internal combustion without the compromises of a hybrid. So, why introduce plug-ins in the automaker’s luxury brands? Volkswagen claims high-end buyers are more likely to take long trips, and thus need the range-extending capability of an internal combustion engine as well. Us? We think it’s easier for well-heeled buyers to absorb the technology’s cost premium in their already higher MSRPs.
Nearly two weeks ago, we with the 2012 that was holding up deliveries and further production. We checked in with spokesman Monte Doran today to get some clarification on where things stand with the 580-horsepower coupe after being alerted by a reader that Camaro5 forum members with the car on order are growing increasingly frustrated with the delay, seemingly unable to get a clear status update on the fate of their vehicles.
General Motors is declining to say what the nature of the problem is, but Doran says the automaker is confident they are close to a fix that will enable deliveries “in the weeks, not months.”
Doran estimates that GM has built “a couple of hundred” 2012 ZL1 models, but only one was delivered to a customer, and that example was handed over due to a dealer error and subsequently reclaimed pending the update. Any ZL1s that were delivered to dealers are back at Chevrolet’s Oshawa, Ontario plant awaiting the fix.
Given that the ZL1 was to launch in spring, the high-performance coupe was already looking at an unusually short model year. This stoppage could mean that the 2012 model year run will be even shorter. Doran says GM hopes and expects that when production does resume that it will do so with 2012 models, but he admits that depending on timing, it’s possible that Oshawa could transition directly to 2013 model year builds. Either way, , ZL1 models already built will be delivered as 2012 models. Doran also indicates that GM has instructed its dealers to not accept further orders for 2012 models at this time.
GM acknowledges that this is an unfortunate situation – particularly because the ZL1 is a hotly anticipated model where some eager customers have had their deposits in for six months or more – but Doran says Chevy wants to focus on “getting the car right” so that customers are satisfied in the end.
While the delay is no doubt frustrating for those who have been waiting months for their cars, we couldn’t help but wonder aloud to Doran if the very abbreviated 2012 model year production may result in their increased collectability down the road. He paused and replied, “You’re not the first person to suggest that.”
Remember that new 36-mpg 2012 , the 328i that got better fuel economy in EPA testing than even the ? Well, those early estimates haven’t held up.
has confirmed to Autoblog that the EPA has issued revised numbers for the eight-speed automatic-equipped F30 328i, with highway fuel economy taking a 3-mile-per-gallon hit to 33 mpg and the city number dropping by a single digit to 23 mpg. BMW is investigating the discrepancy but says the 2012 figure will stay at 33. Spokesman Tom Plucinsky: “Unfortunately, there is no provision in the EPA rules for a re-test this year. Therefore regardless of the results of our investigation, the new rating will stand for this model year.”
Though BMW says its testing showed the car capable of 36 mpg on the highway, the EPA decided to validate BMW’s numbers and came away with different results. As we type this, the government’s website has not yet been updated, though BMW’s consumer website reflects the new numbers. According to Plucinsky, buyers of the six-speed manual 328i can expect to see a 34 mpg highway figure on their window sticker, which fueleconomy.gov corroborates at 23/34.
What’s surprising about this situation is that , BMW told our Matt Davis it was estimating only 32 mpg highway. Plucinsky suggests that perhaps the 32-mpg figure was an “early estimate was based on the previous version of the 328i.”
While the efficiency hit is disappointing, even with the downgrade to 33-to-34 miles per gallon, the 3 Series’ fuel economy figures are still class-leading, besting competitors including the and , , , , and .
With all of that said, we can’t help but wonder if this development will add fuel to the fire of those who have been in the wake of owner complaints?
Click to read BMW’s email explanation to us in full.
Formula One may be headed toward an initial public offering worth a staggering $10 billion, according to Bloomberg. CVC Capital Partners Ltd., the majority owner of the Formula One Group, has hired Godlman Sachs Group to look into the motorsports empire’s value. The deal would involve selling a portion of CVC’s 63.4 percent stake in F1, likely with an IPO in Singapore. The news comes courtesy of an unnamed source familiar with the discussions.
Meanwhile, F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone has said that he will remain in his position regardless of CVC’s course of action. He is not expected to sell his 5.3-percent stake in the Formula One Group. The CEO is reportedly in talks with current F1 teams over contracts that expire this year, offering big names like and Red Bull up to $45 million to stay on. Currently, it’s unclear whether any teams have agreed to the new terms, but Ecclestone says those talks won’t need to be concluded for the IPO to progress.
When we caught sight of this heavily-cloaked last summer, with a cosmetic facelift and maybe a new engine. New reports seem to indicate that may be launching an all-new, second-generation GL for 2013, however.
According to Car and Driver, the new GL will be based on the . A diesel V6 is said to be in the mix, along with the twin-turbo, 402-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 also found in the ML550. The new model will debut at the in April, and should hit dealers later in the year.
Episode #274 of the is here, and this week, Chris, Zach, Dan, and Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert cover our recent drive of the (as well as some other Ford products), the , the outselling the and combined yearly total in three days, and the forthcoming . Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #274:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , , ,
Runtime: 01:21:01
Get the podcast
[] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[] Download the MP3 directly
A local television news report on a so-called “death wobble” has led two members of the House of Representatives to write a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requesting more information about the situation, which they describe as a “serious safety issue.” The three-page letter does not demand an investigation or recall, but asks the agency numerous questions regarding the problem and what is known about it. The original report aired on KGO-TV in San Francisco in February.
The two members of Congress describe the problem as “a powerful shaking of the steering wheel and front wheels after a driver hits road bumps at speed,” affecting 2005-2010 model year . The news report says NHTSA has received over 600 complaints about wobbling and vibrating in Jeep vehicles since 1995, “mostly Wranglers.” Indeed, YouTube is rife with videos of shaking Wranglers, some of which we’ve gathered .
issued the following statement regarding the accusations:
Chrysler Group vehicles meet or exceed every applicable government safety standard and have excellent safety records. All manufacturer vehicles equipped with a solid axle are susceptible to vibration and, if experienced, it can be corrected by performing minor maintenance items, such as properly balancing or changing the tires, or a front end alignment, installing a new steering dampener, or by tightening or replacing other loose or worn parts. In fact, most reported incidents – in all manufacturer vehicles equipped with or without a solid axle – are often linked to poorly installed or maintained after-market equipment, such as lift kits, oversized tires, etc. This is not a safety issue, and there are no injuries involving Chrysler Group vehicles related to this allegation. Indeed, the name you’ve given to this condition has no basis in fact.
While we’re not so sure blaming the customer for improper maintenance is the right response, we will say that Wranglers and their antecedents are unique beasts, what with their solid axles and high centers of gravity. This is why they’re so wonderful off road, and why those that choose to use them as daily drivers shouldn’t expect them to behave exactly like every other vehicle they encounter on their commute. And of course if there is, indeed, a “serious safety issue” with the Wrangler, we would expect Chrysler to address it.
Click to read the full letter, watch the most recent news report, and see videos of Jeeps exhibiting the symptoms.
Anyone who has ever set up a Hot Wheels track knows that there is no more awesome an automotive stunt than the loop-the-loop. While some would argue that a good old fashioned Duke Boys jump takes the prize, we feel that the case for driving upside down is just irrefutable. That there are apparently people actively setting new world records for driving around loop-the-loops only makes us more convinced.
A new Guinness World Record for circling the largest loop-the-loop was set just a few months ago by Li Yatao, who drove a Youngman Lotus L5 around a loop with a diameter of 42 feet, 2.69 inches. The car appears to have had both front and rear bumpers removed to improve ground clearance during the run, and of course, a full roll cage was fitted. Yatao is a driver on a Youngman factory team – yes, that Youngman, the would-be suitor for .
Go ahead and watch this amazing video for yourself, .
has a lot of proof that its Detroit-centric brand ads are a big hit, including the potentially of the name. Chrysler and clothing company Pure Detroit have been locked in a legal battle over the use of “Imported From Detroit,” but it appears the two sides may be willing to settle out of court.
The Detroit News reports that the parties involved have agreed to a March 27 mediation to settle the dispute. An out-of-court settlement might make sense for Chrysler, since the multi-national automaker is dropping the legal hammer on a local Detroit company that is living the “Imported From Detroit” mantra.
The Pure Detroit team has also hit hard with criticisms that the three vehicles featured in the ads were not built in Detroit, though the is built in nearby Sterling Heights. Still, Chrysler has every right to defend its marketing turf, and the automaker is selling its own merchandise, with proceeds going to charity.
If the two sides cannot agree to settle out of court, a trial reportedly won’t take place until August.
This week, our sister site heads off to Paris to check out the and programs.
Vélib’ boasts 20,000 bikes and 1,800 stations throughout the city, where anyone with a credit card can check out a bike on the fly. More exciting is the EV-sharing program, which uses Pininfarina-built that are available to subscribers for rental at rates ranging between €9 (around $12 USD) and €16 per hour (@ $21). The program was launched in December 2011, with 250 cars and 250 stations, and though , the number of cars is expected to increase to 3,000 by next year.
When we last asked representatives about the production capacity of the , we were told the company’s Iwate, Japan plant could make up to 30,000 units each month. That sounds like a lot, but Toyota is currently sending just 20 percent – 6,000 a month – to the United States.
Back in December, when the car went on sale in Japan, the company received . As we , Toyota also sold 1,200 Prius C units in the first three days it was on sale in the States. The baby may not be as popular here as it is at home, but 6,000 a month sure doesn’t seem like it’s enough.
The C is made at just one plant, run by Toyota’s Kanto Auto Works Ltd. affiliate in northern Japan. A strong yen and all those Japanese orders means that the C models that do get made are mostly delivered to the home country instead of be placed on a boat to be exported. Toyota originally planned to produce just 20,000 C models a month, and is now looking at how to go over even the 30,000-unit level.
By increasing efficiencies at the plant and moving production of non-Prius C models (specifically, the not-available-in-the-U.S. Toyota Ractis) from Iwate to other plants, the unspecified increase should be in place by the middle of 2012. Thus far, there is no official talk about making the C at other plants.
have proven true. has officially signed Jeremy Lin to a global endorsement deal, and the New York Knicks point guard will serve as the new Volvo brand ambassador worldwide. Lin will also participate in the company’s marketing activities for the next two years. Lin, who holds a degree from Harvard, has risen to international stardom in only his second year in the NBA. Volvo says the athlete’s character, intelligence and perseverance all dovetail with the brand’s ethos. The Swedish automaker didn’t disclose the terms of the agreement.
According to Automotive News, Volvo aims to increase the company’s global sales to 800,000 units by 2020, with much of that increase aimed at the Chinese market. Last year, the company sold around 47,000 vehicles in China. Given Lin’s popularity in the People’s Republic, the point guard’s endorsement should be a boon for Volvo. He also has a staggering 664,000 Twitter followers, which jibes nicely with the automaker’s renewed focus on social media as a marketing tool. Click for the full press release.
From what we know today, pretty much everything about the all-electric is getting bigger and/or better in 2012. From to and , it’s clear is planning big things for its EV this year. Now, Nissan’s Mark Perry has told the The Detroit News that the 2013 Leaf will get serious improvements when it launches later this year, including a better heater, a darker interior color choice and leather seats. The new Leaf will be made in Smyrna, TN.
The Leaf’s new heater is going to help with range, even if it wasn’t designed to beat the government’s mileage test, as it were. Perry tells the Detroit newspaper, “You may not see much change on the EPA rating, but in cold-weather conditions you may see 20 to 25 miles of improvements.”
This brings us to the big question: will Leaf sales also increase in 2012? Thus far, the trend hasn’t been great, dropping to 676 sales in January and then 478 in February. In some months of 2011, Nissan sold over 1,000 Leafs. There are annual variations in sales patterns, and Perry tells The Detroit News that he expects Leaf sales to cross 2,000 a month in the U.S. some time this summer, a prediction that sounds reasonable given that the model will now be available in all 50 states.
In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re now actively using your suggestions for new episodes of . We started the series with a few of our own, but have been flooding our inbox since the first episode. ? That was your idea. ? Your idea. And so is today’s episode: Drive the PCH.
California’s Pacific Coast Highway is known as much for its amazing views as it is for the enjoyable cruising that can be had along its asphalt. It’s the type of drive where the destination is less meaningful than the trip that got you there and people you met along the way. In this episode of The List, Jessi and Patrick are given the keys to a suitably ostentatious droptop and sent north from Los Angeles to discover what the PCH has in store for them.
While the PCH is arguably one of the best roads in the country for cruising, every state has a similar road that shows off their unique, natural beauty. What’s the best cruising road in your state? Let us know in Comments so we can try it out the next time we’re in the neighborhood.
to watch The List #0567: Drive the PCH.
Have an RSS feed? to add The List.
Have an idea for The List? to tell us what would be on yours.
Put your money away, people. Chairman Luca di Montezemolo has told a German newspaper his company will not be going public anytime soon, saying, “No, there is nothing on the agenda,” according to Automotive News Europe. According to the executive, Ferrari parent company doesn’t need the cash that would be generated by an IPO, and that while he can’t know what will happen in the far-off future, right now the automaker will continue with business as usual.
Rumor of a Ferrari IPO first hit the internet back in September after sources told Reuters that Fiat had been approached by multiple investment banks offering to list the exotic Italian supercar manufacturer on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
This isn’t the first time word of a Ferrari IPO has hit the web. Long before Fiat bought Chrysler, rumors whipped around over the possibility of an or a to drum up cash. Then, a little over a year ago, Montezemolo the plans all together after the dust settled.
We hope you like the look of the new . The Japanese luxury automaker has made it clear it aims to spread the new “spindle” grille found on the sedan across the brand. During an interview with Takayuki Katsuda, chief engineer for the line, four teaser images were splashed across the screen, including what looks to be the next-generation . If that’s true, the model will wear a heavily accented version of the Predator maw, complete with a chrome or brushed metal accent frame. Likewise, the headlamps will boast metal (or metal-effect) trim work of their own, complete with a dual-projector array.
Other reports have indicated the teaser may hint to what buyers can expect to see from the LS 600h F Sport when the model arrives.
In addition to the LS teaser, the video also flashes a brief glimpse at vehicles like the GS 450h, and the upcoming . to take a look for yourself.
It turns out the rumors were true: CEO Carlos Ghosn has officially announced the resurrection of the company’s storied Datsun nameplate. The company will use the brand to strengthen its foothold in emerging markets from Indonesia to India and Russia, offering buyers inexpensive, fuel-efficient vehicles with loads of content ride out of the box. Last year, Nissan sold 60,000 units in the quickly growing Indonesian market, and the company aims to see that number swell to 250,000 units by 2014. That may seem ambitious, but total industry volume is set to balloon to nearly double its current size 890,000 units per year by 2017 according to analysts.
Datsun now marks the third brand in the Nissan stable alongside Infiniti. The automaker retired the Datsun nameplate in 1981 after reestablishing itself in the States as Nissan. With a new focus on low cost, small-displacement hardware geared toward emerging markets, we sadly don’t expect to see the Datsun name reemerging on our shores any time soon. for the brief press release.
Strategic Vision has announced its 2011 Total Value Index (TVI) awards, and has earned its position at the top of the podium. placed second, with taking third place overall. According to Strategic Vision, its Total Value award is calculated based on explicit owner statements on hundreds of (weighted) attributes with regards to immediate and expected (long-term) economic factors such as warranty, technical innovation, standard equipment, fuel economy, and so on. The company says that the current economic crisis, rising fuel costs and affordability concerns make its TVI very relevant to today’s consumers.
“An important ‘time marker’ in this year’s study is that for the first time in over ten years, American manufacturers lead the number of Total Value winners, with eleven segment leaders. This is an important milestone toward the ‘domestic comeback,’” says Chris Chaney, the company’s vice president and head of automotive research. He also notes that consumers find perceived value in alternative fueled vehicles, pointing out that the , , and all led their respective segments.
The Total Value Awards have been presented by Strategic Vision annually since 1995. The 2011 TVI was calculated from 68,088 buyers (of the 325,000 total who responded during 2011) who purchased models during September 2010 to June 2011. The (an updated 2013 model of which is shown above) earned the Total Value award in its Large Car segment.
