Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 163,381 units, a 34 percent increase compared with sales in March 2011 (121,730 units), and the group’s best monthly sales in four years.
The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck, and Fiat brands each posted sales increases in March versus the same month a year ago. The Fiat brand led the charge with a 642 percent year-over-year increase, setting a monthly sales record. The brand bested its previous high established in February. The brand’s Fiat 500 was launched in the U.S. in March last year. Chrysler Group recorded its 24th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its 10th-consecutive month of sales increases of at least 20 percent. Every Chrysler Group model in production for more than 12 months recorded a year-over-year sales increase in March. Chrysler Group also logged its best first quarter since 2008.
By John Heilig
Model: 2013 Scion FR-S
Engine: 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4
Horsepower/Torque: 200 hp @ 7,000 rpm/151 lb.-ft. @ 6,400-6,600
Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic with paddle shifters
Wheelbase: 101.2 in.
Length x Width x Height: 166.7 x 69.9 x 50.6 in.
Tires: P215/45R17 Michelin summer tires
Cargo: 6.9 cu. ft.
Economy: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway (manual), 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway (automatic)
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gal.
Curb Weight: 2,578 lbs. (manual), 2,806 (automatic)
Sticker: $24,200 (manual transmission), $25,300 (automatic transmission)
Five reasons to buy this car:
1. Great sports coupe
2.Excellent performance
3. …
By Don Hammonds
We auto writers are a fortunate few.
We drive all sorts of wonderful cars and trucks with all kinds of whiz bang gadgets, out of this world styling and performance that makes your head spin.
But every so often, you get tired of that, and all you want is a normal car, with normal features, normal controls and predictable handling. Or at least that’s true for me.
And that’s pretty much what the 2012 Dodge Avenger is. A normal car. No …
By Don Hammonds
Take a look at the 2012 Kia Sorento–a good look.
So what price class would you say the Sorento competes in among SUVs and crossovers? Entry level luxury? Mid level luxury?
If you’re looking at a really loaded one painted in a nice dark color like Dark Cherry with chrome wheels, would you even venture that the Sorento competes at the top end of the crossover market?
Take your time. Guess. Oops, there’s the buzzer. And we bet you guessed wrong!
The Sorento …
By John Heilig
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 2012 Mazdaspeed3
Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged I4
Horsepower/Torque: 263 hp @ 5,000 rpm/280 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Wheelbase: 103.9 in.
Length/Width/Height: 177.6 x 69.7 x 57.5 in.
Tires: P225/40R18
Cargo volume: 13 cu. ft. (est.)
Fuel economy: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway/26.8 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gal.
Curb weight: 3,281 lbs.
Sticker: $27,545 (includes $795 delivery charge, $3,050 in options, mostly for the Mazdaspeed tech package)
Five reasons to buy this car
1. Street racer
2. Economical
3. Surprise your friends
4. Impress the teenagers in your neighborhood
5. Have a …
By Don Hammonds
What’s your idea of luxury in a car?
Is it flash and bling? Aggressive-looking beauty? Understated elegance?
How about architectural drama, subtlety and contemporary flair?
If you have an eye for Scandanavian modernity, striking profile, and a complete absence of bling, we have your next luxury crossover: Volvo’s 2012 XC60 T6 All-Wheel Drive.
With lines and styling elements that would be just as at home in a contemporary art museum as on the road, stunning acceleration and muscle, along with plenty of practicality …
