Ford Focus ST Priced At $23,700

The Ford Focus ST can be yours for $23,700, plus a $795 destination charge. Out the door, the ST will run $24,495 without any options. Two option packages will be available, although specifics haven't been announced. One will cost $2,505 while the other will retail for $4,840. The packages will presumably include some form of MyFord Touch system, while individual options include a moonroof and a navigation system. So far, there's nothing to go beyond aside from the leaked spec sheet above, but pricing seems competitive with cars like the Volkswagen GTI and Mini Cooper S. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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2013 Ford F-150 Spy Photos: A Mild Cosmetic Update is Coming; Don’t Expect Any Powertrain Changes

What It Is: A lightly face-lifted 2013 Ford F-150 caught while testing. The current F-150 generation was introduced for 2009, and although it has received a few powertrain updates along the way, 2013 brings the first major cosmetic changes. (more…) from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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41-mpg Dodge Dart Aero: Same Great Taste, Less Filling

This is a regular Dodge Dart. On a bridge. In an effort to reach or surpass the vaunted 40-mpg mark that manufacturers have been paying lip service to for months now, Dodge will release the Dodge Dart Aero in the third quarter of this year. Although still undergoing final engineering, a Chrysler spokesperson told us today that the Dart Aero will receive an EPA highway rating of 41 mpg, up from the standard model's 39. According to Chrysler, the Aero will be based on the Dart's 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four (which we thoroughly enjoyed in our first drive of the Dart), employ low-rolling-resistance tires with specially designed aerodynamic wheel covers, and use aluminum in place of heavier materials. The package will be available only with a manual transmission. The Aero's features and infotainment content will be on par with that of the Dart SXT. That 41-mpg number puts the Dart square in the middle of the fight for the ultra-eco-combustion-only tiara. Chevy's Cruze Eco leads the efficiency race at 42 mpg on the highway, while the Ford Focus SFE, the Hyundai Elantra, and the Mazda 3 Skyactiv all tie at 40 mpg. Comparison Test: Chevrolet Cruze Eco vs. Chevrolet Volt Comparison Test: Chevy Cruze vs. 2012 Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, VW Jetta Instrumented Test: 2012 Mazda 3 i Touring Skyactiv Because the Dart Aero is still undergoing final tweaks and testing, further details and pricing will be released closer to the model's debut later this year. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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Volkswagen Golf/Jetta CC Not Destined for U.S.

Remember that theoretical Golf/Jetta CC four-door-coupe-type substance we reported on last month? Yeah, don't get your hopes up. We've learned from European sources that while approval for the car still looks good—a final decision has yet to be made—it is highly unlikely that the car will make it to U.S. dealers. The reason is simple: The thing would be really expensive, and is expected to cost more to build than our Passat. VW China is hot for this car and was originally hoping Volkswagen of America could add volume and bolster the business case. But beyond U.S. sales being unnecessary—the car appears to be on track for China and Europe anyway—China's hopes were a bit misguided: Sales numbers here would be tiny, especially at a theoretical $30K-plus price point. If the Golf-based CC does indeed get a green light, it should appear elsewhere in about three years. Comparison Test: Volkswagen CC 2.0T vs. Acura TSX V6 and Buick Regal Turbo Comparison Test: VW Passat vs. Malibu, Accord, Sonata, Camry, and Optima First Drive: 2013 Volkswagen CC 2.0T Our sources say that things may change based on currency fluctuations, and that it could—could—be fiscally feasible to bring the car here a few years down the line. It is possible, too, that the MQB-based car could be built in a North American plant once VW has installed tooling for the modular architecture. In closing, however, we'll just repeat ourselves: Don't get your hopes up. Rendering by Christian Schulte from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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2012 Audi A8L W12 Instrumented Test: 0 to 60 mph in 4.1

Ease is among the chief differentiators between the obnoxiously wealthy and those who are merely ultra-rich. Ease of buying your way into finer polo clubs, out of lesser felonies, into better key parties, that sort of thing. When it comes to the Audi A8L W-12, the only thing that isn't easy is saying A8L W-12. When your flagship vehicle's designation reads like a license plate, maybe it's time to rethink vehicle names. We've got a suggestion for this one: Autobahn King. (more…) from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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Name That Shifter, No. 74

It's Monday, and that means it's time to present this week's shifter. You'll have until mid-day Wednesday to identify the make and model of the vehicle from whence this shifter came. The first person to respond correctly in the Backfires section below will win a Save the Manuals button and sticker.* Good luck! (* Offer open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.) from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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This Is The Analysis Of The Video That Jalopnik Also Just Showed You

Click here to view the embedded video. The nice people at BEST Motoring have produced another one of their entertaining pseudo-races. This one features the GT86/BRZ twins vs. the current Miata. It can be watched and enjoyed solely on its own merits. If that isn't enough, and you want to hear some thoughts regarding the setup of the race, the performance of the respective vehicles, and the showmanship involved, click the jump. The finishing order and best laps: Toyota GT-86 – 1:46.0 Subaru BR-Z – 1:47.1 MX-5 Fabric Top – 1:48.6 Now for the observations: This test was rigged to favor the Miata. Not in the obvious sense of putting the Miata P1 on the grid, although that was done, but in the sense of having the Miata driver turning the fastest, most careful laps. The guys driving the twins (one of which is noted drifter Keiichi Tsuchiya) are goofing around and throwing time away — most obviously in Lap 3 where Tsuchiya is screwing around to make the finish closer. The Miata driver is putting his head down and hitting his marks. It's safe to assume that the true gap between the twins and the MX-5 is more than the 2.6 seconds per lap shown in the video. The Jalopnik commenters who are frantically typing "OMFG TEH MIATA IS LIKE SO CLOSE DESPITE HAVING NO POWER LOL ITZ TEH BEST" are failing to understand this. Obviously the twins are identical. Tsuchiya had the inside line and never gives up the advantage from there. Don't freak out. The lap time differences are entirely due to showboating and the fact that the BR-Z had to make the pass on the Miata in a tougher spot. The twins won't drift. Yes, they will slide a bit, but when the Drift King himself can't get the GT-86 more than a bit sideways despite having an open track and a free hand to do so, that doesn't augur well for suburban hoons. Luckily, it doesn't really matter. Nor are they particularly quick. Those digital speedometers are in kph, which means that these cars can barely break 100mph around the track. Raw speed isn't the focus, obviously. Still, it's worth remembering that these cars will be easy meat for V-6 ponycars… even on a racetrack. Understand? I want to go race in Japan. Obviously these guys are goofing around, but… they drive around with their hands on the shifter like they are in a reboot of the American Graffiti franchise, they steer approximately, they wander back and forth on the track, they coast 100 feet on neutral throttle on every entry… I remind you that Ralf Schumacher won a lot of Formula events in Japan. Watching this video doesn't do a single thing to dull my desire to own a Scion FR-S. If anything, the sheer fun everyone is having is quite infectious. My application to be one of the "First 86″ was denied, but maybe I should go have it out with the local Toyota dealer anyway. It's what Gan-San, who is sadly missing from this video and who would have given all these pups a solid thrashing, would do. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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2013 Ford Focus ST Wagon Spied; Still Not Coming Here

This past weekend we stumbled across a 2013 Ford Focus ST wagon prototype, and so naturally our love of wagons—especially of the hot, turbocharged variety—kicked in and we snapped us some photos. The ST wagon debuted last year alongside the five-door hatchback that we'll be getting here in the U.S. Unfortunately, the ST wagon's inherent coolness doesn't change the fact that we won't be getting it—only Europeans will be able to taste this forbidden fruit. This tired wagon test mule sports a menagerie of assorted Focus parts, including non-ST "Titanium" badging and 18-inch wheels. However, the ST-specific front fascia, body kit, six-speed manual shifter, and center-exit rear exhaust betray its true identity. If you're holding out hope that this ST wagon potentially has a future in our market because it was spotted in Michigan, allow us to drop the proverbial wet blanket on that idea. Automakers routinely test models destined for other markets in the States, so spotting this long-roofed ST on Midwestern pavement isn't earth-shattering stuff. That's a shame, because as much as we look forward to driving the ST hatch that goes on sale this fall, we'd love to have a crack at the wagon version. We were recently taken for a ride in a pre-production ST prototype in Europe and determined that it should match up nicely with Volkswagen's GTI, the hot-hatch segment benchmark. The production ST wagon will be nearly identical to the turbocharged ST five-door, save for being slightly longer and able to carry more stuff. It will be powered by the same 247-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four as the hatch, and will be available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission at launch. Comparison Test: 2012 Ford Focus SE vs. 2012 Honda Civic EX Instrumented Test: 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback Manual First Ride: 2013 Ford Focus ST We only wish Ford wouldn't tease us with stuff like this—although we may weep gently if the company decides to give the ST wagon the full-race ST-R treatment. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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2013 Acura ILX vs. 2012 Honda Civic: Which Would You Buy?

The Acura ILX is in a unique position in the marketplace. With a starting price of around $25,000, the premium compact sedan competes with a small set of vehicles that includes the Buick Verano and Volvo C30. These types of vehicles are a growing niche in the market, but is there a big enough difference in sophistication and luxury to choose a premium-brand model over the mainstream car on which it's based? The 2013 Acura ILX is based off a heavily modified Honda Civic. It features different shock absorbers, a faster steering ratio, a larger-diameter steering shaft, thicker windows and more insulation. Of course, the exterior and interior are completely unique to the Acura. As for marketing, Honda did a judicious job of making sure the ILX and Civic don't compete on price. A top-of-the-line 2012 Civic EX-L sedan with navigation costs $23,605 and doesn't come with features like automatic climate control or push-button start. These features are included on the $25,900 ILX. So if you're not attached to leather upholstery or Honda's not-so-helpful navigation system (both come on the Civic EX-L), should you spend the extra $2,295 to trade up to a base ILX? I've driven an ILX 2.0 automatic and the 2012 Civic, and I can tell you there's a legitimate, tangible reason for the price increase of the ILX over the Civic, other than upgrading to Acura's more exclusive marque. Whereas the Civic felt coarse, loud and unrefined, the ILX had a sophisticated-sounding engine note, an overall quieter ride and a more refined suspension. The ILX feels more powerful at launch, exterior wind noise was more subdued, and the steering was indeed snappier than the Civic's. Still, some of the Civic's flaws carry over to the ILX, including pronounced tire noise, which is a deal breaker during my commute. The standard power moonroof also encroached on headroom — my head often touched the ceiling from my desired seating position. Despite those flaws, the more refined-feeling cabin — still replete with hard-to-the-touch materials, though — and the better driving experience are worth the extra $2,295 to me, especially if you're considering one of these two as your daily driver. Which sedan would you rather buy? Read Joe Wiesenfelder's First Drive for more driving details. 2013 Acura ILX 2012 Honda Civic sedan Base price: $25,900 $15,955 Fully loaded price: $34,400 $26,900 (Hybrid with Technology Package) (Hybrid with leather and navigation) Exclusive, standard, ILX features, over Civic: Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights Speed-sensing windshield wipers Pandora internet radio interface SMS text messaging feature Rear view camera Push-button start Passive keyless entry system from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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VW Polo R Line Adds Show Without the Go

Having an R badge on your car typically means that the car is quick, or at least quicker than its plebeian, non-R counterpart. However, the new European Polo R Line offers no such improvement. All of the "upgrades" for this trim are cosmetic. In other words, it looks fast, but it isn't. The Polo R Line differs visually from the standard Polo with sporty-looking front and rear bumpers, 16-inch aluminum wheels, tinted rear windows, and a black grille with R Line badging. Sport seats with cloth and a leather-trimmed steering wheel are added, letting the driver feel like he's driving a sports car, while aluminum pedals and doorsills make it look like he is. A six-speaker, iPod-compatible audio system also comes standard in the R Line. Under the Polo R Line's sporty makeup is the 105-hp, 1.2-liter turbo four found in the Polo SEL, mated to a six-speed manual. VW says this combo is good for a 0-to-62-mph stroll of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph. If the highest of performance is highest on your list of needs from a Polo, we'd suggest looking to the Polo GTI. The 1.4-liter turbo four found under that hood will make 75 more horses than what you get from the R Line. Which makes us wonder why it's designated as an R at all. Comparison Test: 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 vs. 2010 Volkswagen GTI First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R U.S.-Spec Instrumented Test: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV: Car Seat Check

With the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV and its battery-electric drivetrain, the Japanese automaker has its sights set on the Nissan Leaf. The four-door sedan, which is also marketed as the Mitsubishi i, can go 80 to 100 miles on a single charge, much like the Leaf. Unlike the Leaf, the four-seat i starts at a lower price at $29,125; the 2012 Leaf starts at $35,200. Both vehicles qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat. The front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position for a 6-foot driver and a 5-foot-8 passenger. The three child seats are installed in the second row. The booster seat sits behind the driver's seat, and the infant seat and convertible seats are installed behind the passenger seat. We also install the infant seat in the second row's middle seat with the booster and convertible in the outboard seats to see if three car seats will fit. If there's a third row, we install the booster seat and a forward-facing convertible. Here's how the 2012 i did in Cars.com's Car Seat Check: Latch system: The i has just two rear seats, and it has a set of lower Latch anchors in both seating positions. The anchors aren't visible, but they're easy to use because they don't sit too deeply between the back and bottom seat cushions. Two top tether anchors can be found in the cargo area's floor under large plastic covers. The tethers sit about an inch below the cargo floor. They were easy to use, though they look like an afterthought. Booster seat: Our high-back booster seat fit well in the second row. The seat belt buckles are floppy, which can make it difficult for young children to buckle up independently. Convertible seat: The forward-facing convertible fit well in the backseat, though there wasn't a lot of legroom for a child. To fit the rear-facing convertible, we had to move the front passenger seat all the way forward. There was so little legroom that our 5-foot-8 tester couldn't even fit into the front passenger seat. Infant-safety seat: We had the same fit problems with the rear-facing infant-safety seat. The front passenger seat had to be moved all the way forward so the car seat could fit behind it, leaving the front passenger out in the cold. How many car seats fit in the second row? Two Editor's note: For three car seats — infant-safety seat, convertible and booster seats — to fit in a car, our criterion is that a child sitting in the booster seat must be able to reach the seat belt buckle. Parents should also remember that they can use the Latch system or a seat belt to install a car seat. from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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Toyota RAV4 EV to Debut May 7

It's been nearly two years since Toyota announced its collaboration with Tesla Motors to bring electric variants of the RAV4 to market in 2012. We first got a glimpse of what that model might look like through a demonstration prototype unveiled at the 2010 L.A. Auto Show. Toyota is now preparing to show the public its fully engineered RAV4 EV at the 26th World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS) on May 7. The one glimpse we have of the new electric vehicle is the badge decal on the front doorsill (shown above). Starting later this year, the jointly developed EV will be built by Toyota at its Woodstock plant in Ontario, where the current RAV4 is built. Toyota paid Tesla about $100 million to supply the RAV4 EV's powertrain, including the battery, motor, gearbox and power electronics. Toyota says the RAV4 EV's range could reach about 100 miles, which is what most carmakers quote for their EVs before EPA testing. There's no word yet if the RAV4 EV is based off a new RAV4 design or the current vehicle, which has been on the market for nearly six years now. from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Crowned World's Most Powerful V-8

The most powerful production V-8 in the world sits under the hood of the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, According to the Society of Automotive Engineers. The 5.8-liter supercharged power plant in the high-performance Mustang is SAE-certified at 662 horsepower and 631 pounds-feet of torque. The previous version produced "only" 550 hp and 510 pounds-feet of torque from its supercharged 5.4-liter V-8. Ford says the 2013 model isn't as much of a gas hog as you'd expect. Compared with the previous model, the revised front fascia and splitter help manage airflow and make the car more aerodynamic, also helping gas mileage. The 2013 Shelby GT500 is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment and is "the most fuel-efficient car with over 550 horsepower in any segment available in America," Ford said in a statement. The GT500 achieves an EPA- estimated 15/24 mpg city/highway and does not require a gas guzzler tax. Competitors include the 580-hp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the 470-hp Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. The former is EPA-rated at 14/19 mpg, and the latter is rated at 14/23 mpg. The 2013 Shelby GT500 will be built at Ford's Flat Rock, Mich., facility and goes on sale later this year. from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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Daily News Briefs: April 30, 2012

Here's what we have our eye on today: After overcoming "unspecified part" issues, the Dodge Dart will begin rolling off the line in Chrysler's Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant May 3, Bloomberg News reports. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said in a conference call last week that "if I told you the preparation for the launch has been a walk on the park, I'd be lying through my teeth," Bloomberg notes. An Aero package, which includes aerodynamic enhancements to push the car's EPA highway mileage to 41 mpg, will come only on the base SE trim. The Aero goes on sale this fall. The auto industry's benchmark Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate, or SAAR, could face some doubt over the next few months, Bloomberg News reports. Why? Last year's earthquake and tsunami in Japan cut inventory for most Japanese automakers, reducing the SAAR to less than 12.5 million through most of the summer. SAARs typically are calculated using recent sales history. Analysts expect April sales to hit 14.3 million SAAR, keeping even with 2012's sales rate but outpacing any figure in 2011. Nissan and Chrysler may post the biggest gains, while GM and Honda may decline, analysts told Bloomberg. Nissan's Infiniti luxury division expects to sell 200,000 cars globally in its next fiscal year ending March 31, Automotive News reports. That would be up 50,000 cars from the prior year. The brand expects much of the growth to come from China, where Infiniti plans to build more cars beginning in 2014. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn told us earlier this month that the automaker wants to move more Infiniti production to the U.S. and China to reduce exposure to a surging yen, but the next-generation Infiniti G — the brand's biggest U.S. seller, built in Japan — will stay there, Infiniti chief Andy Palmer told Automotive News. GM and Isuzu could re-enter an alliance, Reuters reports via LeftLane News. GM is interested in buying a 10% stake in the Japanese automaker, which left the U.S. market after the 2008 model year. Toyota and Mitsubishi are among Isuzu's current stakeholders, and VW has an alliance as well. from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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Next-Gen Toyota Prius Targeted For Stateside Production In 2015

With a rising yen and forecasted sales of 200,000 units, Toyota is looking to kick Prius production into high gear on North American shores. The challenge for Toyota appears to be sourcing all the components needed to build hybrid drivetrains in the United States. According to Automotive News "Toyota already is scouting suppliers capable of delivering inverters, electric motors and batteries from the United States in anticipation of the move, said Koei Saga, senior managing officer in charge of drivetrain r&d at Toyota." Currently, most of those parts have to come from Japan or South Korea. Initially, they may have to be imported to the future North American Prius plant, but the goal is for a local supply base. Toyota currently builds the Camry Hybrid stateside, but with imported components. Aside from cost factors, a big advantage of a local parts base is for the sake of "resiliency" – any natural disasters in Japan would not affect inventories like the 2011 tsunami/earthquakes did. Also of note is the North American emphasis on lithium-ion equipped versions of the Prius. While only the plug-in uses a lithium-ion battery, (and base versions will continue to use a Nickel-metal unit), this would suggest that Stateside production would focus on more advanced versions of the Prius, or more plug-in versions. Presumably, the Prius c and "base" versions of the standard car would continue with the less advanced battery. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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There’s a “Huracan” Coming To Your “Urus”

Click here to view the embedded video. TTAC alum Justin Berkowitz has been checking out the trademark applications lately, and he's uncovered what looks like a change in name for Lamborghini's ridiculous shopping trolley for Russian May-September rent-a-rides. According to Mr. Berkowitz, Lamborghini recently registered the Spanish name "Huracan". This is, apparently, Spanish for "hurricane", or vice versa. The name "Deimos" has also been floated about. Although TorqueNews called the name "Huracan" a move away from bullfighting, it turns out that couldn't be less true. One of the C/D blog commenters noted this morning in what looked like authentically broken English that "Huracan" was "the bull of the century"… and, indeed, he's correct. Let's meet the real Huracan (warning: I didn't watch this all the way through but it almost certainly has animals being stabbed with sharp objects at some point): Click here to view the embedded video. And here's a stunning tribute to the death of Huracan, mixed in with some music which will be somewhat familiar to anyone who has ever visited the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT: Click here to view the embedded video. Look for the deaths of actual production Huracans to be accompanied by drunken squealing, the crunching of guardrails, and the incessant beat of DJ Tiesto throughout what will no doubt be a luxury-branded, state-of-the-art, audio experience system. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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