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Some bits of good news come with a head scratcher. At the New York Auto Show today, Mitsubishi announced that the all-electric i will start at just $27,990 in the U.S. Once you take off the $7,500 federal tax credit, this drops the i’s price to an eye-catching $20,490. That’s the price for the entry-level ES trim. If you swap those letters around and get the SE version, which comes with a better sound system, fog lamps, special interior design touches and more, you’ll have to pony up $2,000 more. There will also be an SE Premium version available for another $2,790 that will offer DC fast charging (get an 80 percent charge in half an hour – a key selling point for some people), an HDD nav system and even better entertainment/audio options. On any model, an extra $150 also gets you the Cold Zone package, made up of a battery warming system and headed outside mirrors.

So, what’s the head scratcher? To place an order, you have to visit the i reservation site starting tomorrow (Earth Day) and pay two deposits: $299 for the car and $99.99 for a required home inspection. Mitsubishi will waive the $100 fee for the first 2,000 people who place an order and then buy the car. Granted, this isn’t all that strange. The bizarre thing is, according to the press release, Mitsubishi is only accepting one type of payment for this transaction: PayPal. Thanks, Elon.

Mistubishi is already selling the global version of the i – the i-MiEV – around the world, in places like Costa Rica, Japan and Europe. Prices vary (and the North American i is larger and has better “highway manners”), but $20,490 is the lowest out there.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

New York 2011: Mitsubishi sets price of all-electric i at $27,990, accepting deposits via PayPal

Chrysler has injected a dash of menace into the 200 convertible, and the result is the 2011 200 S droptop. It’s not outright evil, since it still packs the same 283-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and the same suspension. However, the S version trends a bit toward the dark side thanks to a host of exterior changes designed to bring a dose of cool to Chrysler’s rental lot standby. Naturally, if you prefer your cars with fixed roofs, Auburn Hills will be happy to sell you a 200 S sedan, as well.

The shined-up silver paintwork looks resplendent under the New York Auto Show lights. A Chrysler wing badge sits prominently in the mesh of the black grille, while the headlights also get the black background treatment. The dark theme continues on the S-badged 18-inch aluminum wheels and then winds its way into the cabin.

The front leather seats are heated and the driver can also warm up his or her hands on the heated steering wheel. The S logo is stitched into the headrests, along with a line of contrasting silver accent along the seams.

The 200 S convertible should hit your local dealer later this spring, and will arrive carrying an as-delivered price tag of $32,490, while the sedan rings up at 26,790. You can eyeball the 2011 Chrysler 200 S Convertible in the galleries below, and be sure to click past the jump to read the full press release.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading New York 2011: Chrysler’s 200 S Convertible is the emo cousin to standard droptop

New York 2011: Chrysler’s 200 S Convertible is the emo cousin to standard droptop

Yesterday, we revealed the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu to you here at the New York Auto Show, and we were pleasantly surprised by the announcement of the 38 mile-per-gallon Malibu Eco model. Today, we bring you live shots of both cars now that the flashbulbs have dimmed enough to allow us a better look at both models.

As stated earlier, the new Malibu now rides on General Motors‘ Epsilon II architecture, and in this application, it’s at once shorter and wider than the departing model. It’s also a good bit more handsome than the already well-sculpted outgoing car. While the front-end is evolutionary, with its twin port grille and similar headlamps, it’s the rear end that gains the most definition. Many felt the previous-gen model looked great until it got to the rear-end, which sort of felt like the designers ran out of inspiration when they got past the rear window. The new car remedies this with three-dimensional taillamps inspired by the Camaro (and looking more than a bit like the Lexus GS from certain angles).

The eAssist mild-hybrid Eco model doesn’t look appreciably different from the standard 2.5-liter range, despite registering 26 mpg in the city and 38 out on the highway. Alterations include 17-inch wheels on low rolling-resistance tires, four underbody shields that cover about 50 percent of the vehicle’s dirty bits, as well as model-specific side mirrors and the expected badging.

Inside, more Camaro influence can be seen thanks to items like the ’squircle’ gauges. Materials are noticeably richer than before, and high-end detailing like contrasting ice blue stitching on the LTZ’s leather seats and increased ambient lighting lend the cabin a more premium aura.

Additionally, we’re looking forward to getting some time with Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system, as well, but it looks promising, with a crisp high-resolution screen (with integrated storage beneath for phones and such) and the ability to link-in to online music services like Pandora and Stitcher.

Check both models out for yourself in our high-res galleries below.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

New York 2011: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Eco get live

When BMW unveils a new sports coupe, it’s an exciting development. If not in its own right, then because you know it’s going to lead to a new M model. And so the new 6 Series will lead to a new M6, but not just yet.

That’s where the M-Sport package comes in. Though the trim pack for the new 6 Series has yet to be released, this solitary (grainy) image has apparently leaked out via an ad in a Dutch newspaper.

As with other models, this new M-Sport pack serves a dual purpose. Ostensibly it gives buyers of the standard model a little extra in the cosmetic department for a sportier look. But it may also give us a little heads-up on how the full-on M6 will look whenever it’s finally released. So take a good long look at the bigger wheels and the new front bumper with integrated LED running lights, and bide your time until the new M6 comes along.

[Source: 6post.com via TopSpeed]

Leaked? 2012 BMW 6 Series M-Sport package rears its sporty head

Toyota will continue its three-days-a-week schedule at North American plants for the rest of April and May, due to continued parts shortages as a result of the March 11 Japan earthquake. Toyota’s original production suspension halted lines on Mondays and Fridays from April 15 to April 25, but will be extended to include April 26 to June 3.

When Toyota’s U.S. plants are building cars during that period, it will be at 50-percent capacity. Added to the weekly Monday and Friday stoppages, Toyota is suspending production entirely for the week after Memorial Day in the U.S. and the week of May 23rd in Canada, in recognition of Victoria Day. Toyota hasn’t said what its plans are for production stoppages past June 3rd.

Despite the enormous production cuts and work stoppages, Toyota has promised there will be no layoffs just yet. According to the company, workers will spend time during production stoppages doing training exercises and “plant improvement activities.” By keeping some production going and maintaining its workforce, Toyota is hoping it can make it back to a full production schedule as soon as parts supplies allow. Click past the jump to read the official release from Toyota.

[Source: Toyota Image: Toshifumi Kitamura]

Continue reading Toyota drastically cuts North American production through May

Toyota drastically cuts North American production through May

The SixTen Sabre is just one of a seemingly endless supply of oddball kit cars available online. The Sabre, however, is unique among its bizarre brethren, with styling heavily derived from the Morgan Aero 8, with splashes of the Chrysler Atlantic concept and MG TC thrown in for good measure. With underpinnings from the SN95 Ford Mustang, the Sabre is a rolling identity crisis.

The result of this amalgamation of classic lines atop modern Ford architecture can only be described as odd. From the Morgan-style headlights and grille to the deeply strange custom taillights, this thing never seems to figure out exactly what it wants to be.

The good news is, all its mechanicals are from the Mustang, so its structure is infinitely upgradable, easily repaired and should be stone-cold reliable. SixTen claims the Sabre is available with anywhere from 215 to 550 horsepower. Keeping all that grunt moving in the desired direction is a fully-adjustable coilover suspension featuring unequal-length control arms.

The Sabre is designed to be assembled by the buyer, and includes all the epoxy and most of the fasteners you’ll need to get the job done. To make the kit as DIY-friendly as possible, SixTen says the build doesn’t require any cutting or welding, and comes with extensive documentation.

While SixTen’s website doesn’t have pricing info, the eBay Motors listing has a $10,900 Buy-It-Now option, not including the donor Mustang. To see more images of the SixTen Sabre and follow its build, check out SixTen’s website.

[Source: SixTen via eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: SixTen Sabre is part Morgan, part Mustang, and all head-scratcher

Europe’s longest ice road stretches 16 miles across the Baltic sea and connects mainland Estonia with the island of Hiiumaa. This may be the only road on the planet where seat belts aren’t just a bad idea, they’re illegal. If the ice gives way here, you need to be out of your car so quickly that removing a seat belt could be a potentially lethal waste of time.

The BBC decided to see for itself what kind of crazy you have to be to willingly accept commuting on a surface like the ice road. Apparently, Estonians love it for being much cheaper than the available ferries, which sometimes get jealous and run in to the frozen road. Still, Jeep Grand Cherokee at the ready, the BBC’s intrepid journalists set off on a journey into the frozen unknown.

Not only are safety restraints against the law on the ice road, it’s illegal to go any slower than 25 mph, which seems somewhat counter intuitive. Most of the time, the slower you can go on a slick, unpredictable surface the better, despite what Bentley may tell you. On frozen water, though, tires create dangerous vibrations between 16 and 25 mph that could crack the ice, leaving you up to your neck in the deadly cold Baltic. Thus, the recommended speed on the ice road is a pretty brisk 43 mph.

That may not seem like much, until you learn that the road is full of potholes and bumps, as well as being laced with wide gashes in the ice bridged by rough-hewn lumber. Between the dips, potholes, bumps, gashes and shaky bridges, the road is a fairly sensitive beast, which means cars over 2.5 metric tons are also banned.

Despite all its follies and hidden dangers, the route is widely traveled during Estonia’s long winter, and sometimes stays open as late as March. Even with a relatively high traffic volume, there were no accidents on the road during the 2010-2011 season, which came to a close at the end of last month.

[Source: BBC News Image: Raigo Pajula/AFP/Getty Images]

The BBC drives the one road where seat belts are illegal

Day One of the 2011 New York Auto Show has come and gone, bringing with it a whole slew of new cars, trucks and concept vehicles for us to obsess over. We’ve gone ahead and sorted through the day’s unveilings and put them all together in one handy-dandy spot. And of course, tomorrow will be more of the same. Stay tuned!

Nissan Leaf NISMO RC	MB SLS AMG Gulf Livery	Scion FR-S Concept
2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8	2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave	2012 VW Beetle
2012MB C63 AMG	2012 Nissan Versa	2011 Subaru Impreza
2012 Ford Taurus SHO	2012 Chrysler 300S	2012 Jeep SRT8
2011 Panamera Turbo S	2012 Hyundai Accent	Lexus LF-Gh Concept
MB Concept A-Class	2012 MB E63 AMG	2013 Chevrolet Malibu

2011 New York Auto Show: Day 1 Round Up

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Countless auto industry pundits have suggested that there would be no better way to accelerate the development of EV technologies than for someone with the wherewithal to organize a racing series just for electric cars.

Nissan appears to agree with that strategy, having just unveiled its Leaf Nismo RC (Racing Competition) concept here at the New York Auto Show. The juiced-up hatchback has lost a couple of doors and nearly four inches out of its wheelbase in the transition to competition spec, but it’s a whopping 6.7-inches wider and nearly an inch longer – proportions that are exaggerated by its minimal ground clearance of 2.4 inches. With its carbon fiber body shot in special white paint, the Nismo RC ends up looking a bit like a really, really angry vacuum cleaner, and that’s just fine by us. All-in, Nissan says the motorsports special weighs just 2,068 pounds – around 40 percent lighter than your garden-variety Leaf.

The Nismo RC rolls up to the starting line packing 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, and its lithium-ion pack can reach an 80 percent charge state in just 30 minutes. Still, if the Leaf is ever to be raced, we’re thinking that some sort of swappable battery solution will have to be developed; otherwise pit stops are going to be rather leisurely.

Despite its menacing appearance and real racecar engineering, Nissan says its top speed is just 93 mph and its battery would likely only last about 20 minutes in competition. In other words, while this is a promising start, we don’t see the Nismo RC spawning its own race series just yet.

High-res galleries below, official press release after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading New York 2011: Nissan’s Leaf Nismo RC ready to jolt motorsports world?

New York 2011: Nissan’s Leaf Nismo RC ready to jolt motorsports world?

Revealed “simultaneously” as the new Tiida in Shanghai, the 2012 Nissan Versa drove onto the stage here at the 2011 New York Auto Show spouting some impressive numbers: 33 miles per gallon (combined, and 30 city/37 highway) for the low, low price of $10,990. Sure, 33 ain’t nothing compared to a Toyota Prius, but you could buy two Versas for the price of a Prius, and $10k buys a lot of gas at 33 mpg.

This is exactly the kind of thinking that Nissan wants car buyers to do, and the company is encouraging this train of thought by branding the Versa with its Pure Drive efficiency label – first applied to cars in Europe in 2008. The 2012 Versa, sporting a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and weighing 150 fewer pounds than the previous generation model, will be the first Pure Drive vehicle in the U.S. Speaking at the show, Nissan’s executive vice-president of the America, Carlos Tavares, said that this “is a real car, complete with air conditioning, vehicle dynamic control, CD/radio with aux in, electric-assisted steering and 15-inch wheels and tires.” You want more features, like satellite radio or “Fine Vision instrumentation?” They’re available of course, but they’ll cost you a bit more.

Tavares said the Versa is already the best selling car in it’s segment, and we can see Nissan selling quite a few of these if the numbers talked about today bear themselves out on the road. Check out the details in our gallery below and read plenty more in the press release after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading New York 2011: 2012 Nissan Versa offers 33 mpg for $10,990

New York 2011: 2012 Nissan Versa offers 33 mpg for $10,990

If you watched auto racing in the 1960s and 70s, your eyes likely caught sight of baby blue and orange streaks roaring to victory on tracks around the world. Gulf livery has since become an iconic paint scheme for everything from the ratty street cars of wide-eyed boy racers to expensive watches and clothing for those looking to embrace their inner McQueen. Hell, there’s even a drift-happy Freightliner wearing the oil company’s famous colors. Mercedes-Benz has decided to bring a touch of those famous colors in the form of a tarted-up SLS AMG.

It’s no Porsche 917… but it’s still pretty cool looking, and we’ve got a full gallery for you to look through below.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips/ AOL

New York 2011: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG springs forward with Gulf’s iconic blue and orange

The current Ford Taurus may only be two years old, but the Blue Oval folks haven’t wasted any time enhancing its design, powertrains and levels of content. The 2013 model year mid-cycle refresh encompasses more aggressive styling tweaks for both the base Taurus and high-end SHO, and Ford’s executives aren’t afraid to admit that they’ve used the Audi A6 as the benchmark car in the Taurus’ segment.

Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four is available in the non-SHO Taurus, and the powertrain is estimated to achieve up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The standard 3.5-liter V6 now has bigger stones as well, ringing up at 290 hp (+27). The disappointing news in all of this, however, is that the SHO’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 has not been enhanced in any way – it still produces 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Sorry, folks – no 400-horsepower SHO for now.

Ford says it has fitted an upsized master cylinder to the brake system for improved response and feel, and the brake pads are new as well. From our vantage point, the SHO’s brakes have been its weak link, so we’re hoping these alterations result in a meaningful bump in performance.

The updated 2013 Taurus range is making its official debut here at the New York Auto Show, and we’ve just returned from seeing the cars live in the metal. Click through our high-res image galleries below to see Ford’s refreshed flagship for yourself.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Continue reading New York 2011: 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO bow in the Big Apple

New York 2011: 2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO bow in the Big Apple

The age of the Ford Crown Victoria cop car is almost at an end, but law enforcement in Austin, Texas wants one more crack at the old standby. Actually, the police are asking city council for $4.5 million to buy 176 Police Interceptor squad cars at an average price of $25,568.

Why the mad rush to buy 176 vehicles when all the new cop cars are on the way? Police officials tell the Austin Statesman that the department already has parts like computer mounts and light bars that fit on the Crown Vic, and a new model would call for a fresh batch of parts. Further, automakers haven’t yet set official prices for the new models, and new models like the Taurus-based 2012 Police Interceptor and Chevrolet Caprice haven’t been extensively tested in the streets. And the department has already determined that the Dodge Charger isn’t the answer, saying that the back seat is too cramped for passengers and the trunk too small for computer equipment.

Assistant Police Chief Sean Mannix says that the department typically buys vehicles every year, but this allotment should last five years, adding “this will last us while we are determining what the next model will be.” We’re sure Ford will be more than happy to fill the order, and we’d also wager that the Austin police department won’t be the only municipality to ask for one more big order of Crown Vics. Hat tip to Marcus!

[Source: Austin Statesman]

Report: Austin police looking to stockpile Crown Vics ahead of model’s phase-out

Last week we gave you the first look at the Lexus’ new hybrid concept car, the LF-Gh, and now we have live photos from the car’s official unveiling a day ahead of the New York Auto Show. The LF-Gh debuts Lexus‘ future direction in style that includes an “aggressive and bold spindle-shaped front grille” accented by LED lighting both front and rear. The look is a departure from the brand’s generally conservative styling, and it should be interesting to see how this new fascia integrates into future Lexus production cars.

Lexus didn’t open up the doors or the hood, but says that a hybrid powerplant provides the LF-Gh’s motivation and that the interior will provide a look at future designs highlighted by a three-dimensional analog clock. You can read the full Lexus PR after the jump, or get a better look at the car in the high-res gallery below.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips/ AOL

Continue reading New York 2011: Lexus LF-Gh Concept shows off the new face of the brand

New York 2011: Lexus LF-Gh Concept shows off the new face of the brand

Audi had no problem selling its entire allocation of R8 GTs after the car debuted at the Paris Auto Show. It shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, the GT is Audi’s ultimate version of the R8 with a 560-horsepower V10 engine and extensive use of carbon fiber components. The Four Ringed Automaker claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of a touch under 200 mph. Only a limited number will be produced as well, with a scant 333 available worldwide.

Those lucky few customers will soon be getting their hands on the cars, as Audi has announced it has recently started deliveries of the R8 GT. The very first customer, a UK resident, took possession of his new car painted in Phantom Black. Color us jealous. Audi’s PR on the delivery of the first R8 GT is after the jump. Feel free to ignore that entirely, though, if you find yourself caught up in the high-res image gallery below… we understand.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading First Audi R8 GT delivered to customer

First Audi R8 GT delivered to customer

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is still outselling the Ford Mustang, netting 19,972 sales through March compared to the Mustang’s 15,419. Both cars handily outsold the Dodge Challenger, which itself is selling fairly well with 9,742 units through the same period. This is the second year running (well, so far this year at least) that the Camaro has managed stronger sales figures than the Mustang, having overtaken it last year for the first time since 1985.

GM figures the Camaro’s success could be attributable to its relative newness in the pony car stable, having debuted in 2009. The Mustang has only undergone slight changes to its outward appearance since its 2004 redesign, though it’s been kept well freshened in the engine bay. To help boost Camaro sales, Chevrolet says the V6 will get an 11-horsepower bump by this summer, taking the base Camaro to a total of 323 horsepower.

With such a big sales head start, it seems unlikely the Camaro will be caught before the end of the year, despite Ford’s revised powertrain options for 2011 and the limited-production Mustang Boss 302 hitting dealerships soon.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Chevrolet Camaro sales still outpacing rival Ford Mustang

God’s Own Engine Wrapped In The Most Appropriate Package

Though it’s cleverly disguised as an automobile, don’t be fooled. The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is the world’s ultimate portable smoke generator. The fact that it can pull double-duty as a method of transportation is nothing but a quirky side benefit to its purpose in life. Consider it a value-added feature that helps justify its seemingly high $45,000 price tag.

It’s really quite ingenious. All that’s required to create your own massive plume of thick white smoke is premium-grade gasoline and two 245/45ZR20 tires, both of which are readily available, and both of which are consumed in roughly equal quantities. The actual process of making the smoke-screen is so simple even a caveman could do it. One step: Mash the throttle pedal to the floorboard. Done.

Strangely enough, during our First Drive of the beast, we found out that it’s possible to do other things with the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. For instance, with a modicum of restraint at the specific point at which your right foot comes into contact with the throttle pedal, you can drive the 392 in a straight line. Equally as surprising, at least to those who know anything about classic muscle cars, the Challenger is even capable of traveling in directions other than forward, and for more than 1,320 feet at a time.

We’re just as shocked as you.

We decided to borrow one of these weapons of mass (tire) destruction for a week with two goals in mind: to see both how much smoke can be created from one set of tires (or one tank of gasoline, whichever comes first…) and how the most powerful Challenger fulfills the unlikely role of an everyday driver.

Continue Reading Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392…

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 [w/video]

Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 [w/video]

God’s Own Engine Wrapped In The Most Appropriate Package

Though it’s cleverly disguised as an automobile, don’t be fooled. The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is the world’s ultimate portable smoke generator. The fact that it can pull double-duty as a method of transportation is nothing but a quirky side benefit to its purpose in life. Consider it a value-added feature that helps justify its seemingly high $45,000 price tag.

It’s really quite ingenious. All that’s required to create your own massive plume of thick white smoke is premium-grade gasoline and two 245/45ZR20 tires, both of which are readily available, and both of which are consumed in roughly equal quantities. The actual process of making the smoke-screen is so simple even a caveman could do it. One step: Mash the throttle pedal to the floorboard. Done.

Strangely enough, during our First Drive of the beast, we found out that it’s possible to do other things with the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. For instance, with a modicum of restraint at the specific point at which your right foot comes into contact with the throttle pedal, you can drive the 392 in a straight line. Equally as surprising, at least to those who know anything about classic muscle cars, the Challenger is even capable of traveling in directions other than forward, and for more than 1,320 feet at a time.

We’re just as shocked as you.

We decided to borrow one of these weapons of mass (tire) destruction for a week with two goals in mind: to see both how much smoke can be created from one set of tires (or one tank of gasoline, whichever comes first…) and how the most powerful Challenger fulfills the unlikely role of an everyday driver.

Continue Reading Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392…

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

California lawmakers will soon be on the hunt for cheaper wheels thanks to new legislation. A perk of their job was a publicly-funded ride, costing taxpayers an average of $7,300 per year per vehicle. Now, the lawmakers will have to make do with a $300 monthly transportation allowance.

California is a state that’s looking to drastically cut its spending. According to the California Citizens Compensation Commission, this move will save $2.3 million over the next five years. Prior to the legislative change, taxpayers were shelling out for the vehicle lease, gas and insurance. The most expensive vehicle serving as a state-funded ride? Senator Ron Calderon’s Cadillac STS, which was slurping down fuel at an average rate of $83 weekly.

The lawmakers have a few months left to enjoy their vehicles. The new rule takes effect in December of 2011.

[Source: Los Angeles Times]

Report: California lawmakers lose their state-owned cars

General Motors has joined the list of automakers who are hiking prices this year, thanks to increased oil and steel costs. Thanks to escalating prices worldwide, Toyota and Ford have both already implemented similar MSRP hikes.

On average, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models will receive a price bump of $123 when the spike goes into effect May 2. According to the Detroit Free Press, General Motors’ brass notes that increased oil prices affect the cost of interior plastics, tires and filling the cars with fuel before delivery. Steel and other metals have gone up, too, making the price uptick a necessity.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

GM announces price hike on all 2011 models, blames cost of oil and metal