PriceWheels Blog

Ford has announced that the 2011 Mustang Shelby GT500 will receive several upgrades that make it faster, better handling, more efficient and cheaper than the 2010 model. The most important upgrade on the 2010 Shelby GT500 is the introduction of an aluminum engine block replacing the current model’s iron one, according to Autoblog.

The 2011 Mustang Shelby GT500`s aluminum engine, which adds 10-horsepower to bring the car’s total to 550, weighs 125 lbs less than the existing engine. That weight loss allows the 2011 Shelby GT500 to accelerate and corner better, while getting better gas mileage. The 2010 Shelby GT500’s gas mileage was just low enough to qualify the Mustang for a $1,000 gas guzzler tax. The 2011 model will get 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, and avoids the tax.

The 2011 Mustang Shelby GT500 will also receive suspension modifications and wheels 15-lbs lighter than the outgoing model`s designed to improve the car’s handling. Ford engineers told Autoblog that around one road course, the 2011 GT500 was three seconds faster than the 2010 model.

The bottom line is that if you’re in the market for a high-end sports car and considering the Mustang Shelby GT500, it’s well worth your time to wait until the 2011 model is available.

Picture via Autoblog.

In addition to their world-class speed and astounding beauty, Ferrari cars have a reputation for being unreliable. The complex engines and suspension setups found in Ferrari cars combined with their low production mean that only specially trained mechanics are able to maintain the supercars, and replacement parts are never cheap. Now the Italian supercar company has decided to address the worries of any potential used car buyers by offering a 24-month warranty on certified pre-owned Ferraris.

The two-year warranty will be available on most certified pre-owned Ferraris up to eight years old, including the F430, Challenge Stradale and Superamerica, according to LeftLane News.

Ferraris covered by the warranty will need to be properly maintained by a dealership or an authorized mechanic, and will need to be inspected one year after purchase in order for the warranty to be valid.

With Ferrari’s main competitor Lamborghini making well publicized strides in reliability under new owner Volkswagen, Ferrari needs to convince buyers its cars are well made. The new two-year warranty on used cars should help Ferrari’s reputation. Maybe now supercar buyers looking for a ten-year car will seriously consider Ferraris, rather than just deciding between the Porsche 911 and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

Picture via talkingbritain.com.

Toyota vehicles, even those not affected by the unintended acceleration problem, will likely lose some of their famously high resale value thanks to Toyota`s recent quality problems. According to USA Today, both Kelley Blue Book and ALG, agree that Toyota vehicles will depreciate 4% to 5% more thanks to the unintended acceleration recall.

Toyota cars and trucks have had high resale values for a long time thanks to their reputation for reliability and quality. With that quality reputation marred by the current recall, Toyotas are expected to become less desirable in the used car market, which will cause prices to drop.

In addition to a drop in demand, more used Toyotas are expected to hit the market as leases end and owners decide not to buy their cars. Toyota models have also enjoyed high resale values thanks to the company`s ability to sell cars without discounts. The unintended acceleration problems may have put an end to Toyotas selling at MSRP, and discounts on new models hurt resale values on used ones.

Audi is offering special lease deals this month. The Audi A4 is available to lease for $399 per month for 36 months. The A5 is $479 to lease for 36 months. The Audi A6 is available for $599 per month on a 3 year lease.

BMW is offering 2.9% APR financing car loans on most of its models. The 135i, as well as 3-Series, 5-Series and 6-Series cars are all available at the low rate. The sporty Z4 and M6 also come with the 2.9% interest rate car loans. The BMW 335d diesel sedan is being offered with a 3.9% car loan, and comes with a $4,500 government Eco credit.

The 2010 Jaguar XF is available for $699 per month on a 36 month lease during February.

Land Rover has much better incentives than the other luxury brands this month. The Range Rover and LR4 are both available with 0.9% financing car loans for 36 months. The Range Rover Sport and LR2 both come with 1.9% financing for 36 months.

During February, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available with 1.9% financing. The Mercedes GLK-Class comes with a 2.9% APR car loan.

All 2010 MINI Cooper models are available with 1.9% financing for up to 60 months.

For February, Volkswagen is the only European company offering 0% interest car loans. The 2010 Passat and Routan both come with no interest loans for up to 60 months during February. The Golf, GTI, Jetta and CC are all available with 1.9% financing for up to 60 months.

The 2010 VW Passat is available with a no interest car loan this month.

February car shoppers will find continued record-low auto loan interest rates and more attractive leasing incentives across the foreign brands.

Honda – Honda continues its focus on leasing incentives in February. Only the 2009 and 2010 Odyssey and Pilot have car loan incentives in February. You can get an auto loan with 1.9% to 2.9% APR financing for those two models, depending on the length of the car loan. Honda’s February lease specials feature monthly lease payments ranging from $159 to $429 per month. Honda has four different lease incentives for its new Accord Crosstour CUV in February.

Toyota – Toyota is offering 0% interest auto loans on a lot of its models in February. The 0% loans are for 36 months and the interest rate increases as the length of the loan increases. The automaker is still offering $1,000 cash back only on its Yaris. The Prius, Corolla, Camry, Matrix, Venza, Rav4, Highlander, Sienna and Tacoma double cab all have lease incentives in January. You’ll need about $3,000 due at lease signing and monthly payments range from $149 to $319.

Scion is offering only lease incentives in February. The xB, tC and xD can be leased for $217 to $266 per month for 36 months. You’ll need about $900 at lease signing, which is less than what was required the past few months at about $1,000.

Mitsubishi is offering qualified buyers a 0%, 72-month auto loan on its 2009 Eclipse and Eclipse Sypder in February.

Nissan – Nissan is offering buyers no interest car loans in February on most of its models or cash back incentives. For example, the 2010 Nissan Titan full-size truck can be purchased with 0% financing for up to 60 months, or buyers can choose $5,000 in cash back incentives. The popular Altima sedan has the same 0% auto loan incentive for up to 60 months in February or $1,000 cash back. Cash back offers range from $500 to $5,000.

Hyundai – Hyundai has extended its $1,000 Toyota trade-in incentive through March 1 for Toyota owners who buy a 2009 or 2010 Elantra or Sonata. The Toyota incentive is in addition to Hyundai’s cash back or low auto loan rate incentives. Hyundai has lease specials on its 2010 Veracruz, 2010 Tucson, 2011 Sonata, 2010 Genesis and Genesis Coupe and 2010 Elantra and Elantra Touring in February. Hyundai is also offering low auto loan rates and bonus cash on several models.

Suzuki – All remaining 2009 Suzuki models have 0% auto loans for 60 months in February. Shoppers can also receive $2,000 to $4,000 in factory customer cash on 2009 models. On Suzuki’s 2010 models, factory customer cash ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. Suzuki’s 2010 models can be purchased with 1.9% financing for 60 months on every model except the new Kizashi, which has a 3.9% auto loan offer. Suzuki is also offering owner loyalty, military and graduate incentives as well in February.

Kia – Kia is offering $500 to $3,000 in cash back incentives on select models in February. Buyers can take advantage of 36-month, 0% auto loans on the 2010 Forte, Forte Koup and Soul and the 2011 Sorento. Kia also has lease specials on its 2009 Borrego, 2010 Forte, Forte Koup and Soul and its 2011 Sorento. Kia is also offering competitive bonus, owner loyalty, college and military incentives as well.

Mazda – Mazda is promoting its leases in February with no money due at signing, no first month’s payment, no security deposit and no down payment. Mazda has 0% car loan incentives on all its models except the 2010 MX-5 Miata and RX-8. Mazda also has loyalty bonus incentives and customer cash incentives in February.

Mitsubishi – Mitsubishi is giving buyers $500 in trade-in assistance cash for qualifying vehicles in February. Qualifying trade-in vehicles include Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Isuzu, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota. Mitsubishi is also offering factory rebates up to $3,500 on select models. Every Mitsubishi vehicle has a 0% auto loan incentive in February. The 2009 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder can be purchased with a 0% interest car loan for a whopping 72 months. The 2010 Lancer ES CVT, 2010 Lancer Evolution GSR 5MT and 2010 Outlander 2.4 ES 2WD have lease specials in February. Mitsubishi is also offering military and customer loyalty incentives in February.

Subaru – Subaru hasn’t posted its February incentives yet. We’ll post them as soon as they’re available.

*Some incentives listed are for the Southeast region. Check the automaker’s Web site to search for incentives in your area, as they may be different depending on where you live.

Ford Incentives for February 2010
Ford Focus, Fusion, Mustang GT, Edge, Escape – $2,500 off or $1,000 off and 0% financing for 36 months
Ford Mustang V6, Taurus – $1,000 off and 0% financing for 36 months
Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ranger – $2,000 off or 0% financing for 36 months
Ford Explorer – $3,000 off or 0% financing for 60 months
Ford Expedition – $3,000 off or 0% financing for 36 months
Ford F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew, F250 and F350 Super Duty Diesel Pickups – $4,500 off or $1,000 off and 0% financing for 36 months

Lincoln Incentives for February 2010
Lincoln MKS – $1,500 off or $500 off and 0% financing for 36 months
Lincoln MKZ – $2,000 off or $1,000 off and 0% financing for 36 months
Lincoln MKT – 0% financing for 36 months
Lincoln Navigator – $4,000 off or $1,000 off and 0% financing for 36 months
Lincoln Town Car – $3,000 off or $1,000 off and 0% financing for 36 months

Mercury Incentives for February 2010
Mercury Grand Marquis – $4,000 off or $1,000 off and 0% financing for 36 months
Mercury Milan – $2,000 off or $500 and 0% financing for 36 months
Mercury Mountaineer – $3,000 off or $1,000 off and 0% financing for 36 months
Mercury Mariner – $2,500 off or $2,000 off and 0% financing for 36 months

Chevrolet Incentives for February 2010
Chevy Cobalt, Impala, Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe, – $2,000 off or 2.9% financing for 60 months
Chevy HHR, Colorado – $1,00 off or 4.9% financing for 60 months
Chevy Malibu – $500 off and 0% financing for 48 months
Chevy Silverado $2,000 off or 3.9% financing for 60 months
Chevy Traverse – $1,500 off or 2.9% financing for up to 60 months

Buick Incentives for February 2010
Buick Enclave – $2,500 off or $1,000 off and 1.9% financing for 60 months
Buick Lucerne – $3,000 off or $1,000 off and 2.9% financing for 60 months

GMC Incentives for February 2010
GMC Acadia – $2,500 off or $1,000 off and 1.9% financing for 60 months
GMC Canyon – $2,000 off or $1,000 off and 2.9% financing for 60 months
GMC Sierra – $3,000 or $1,000 off and 3.9% financing for 60 months
GMC Yukon – $3,000 or $1,000 off and 2.9% financing for 60 months

Cadillac Incentives for February 2010
Cadillac CTS, DTS, Escalade, STS – 1.9% financing for 36 months

Dodge Incentives for February 2010
Dodge Avenger, Nitro – $2,000 off or 0% financing for 60 months
Dodge Charger – $3,000 off or 0% financing for 60 months
Dodge Dakota – $2,500 off or 0% financing for 60 months
Dodge Grand Caravan – 0% financing for 60 months
Dodge Journey – $1,500 off or 0% financing for 36 months
Dodge Ram – $2,500 off or 0% financing for 36 months
Dodge Viper – 0% financing for 48 months
Chrysler Incentives for February 2010
Chrysler 300 – $3,000 off or 0% financing for 60 months
Chrysler PT Cruiser – $3,000 off or 0% financing for 36 months
Chrysler Sebring – $2,000 off or 0% financing for 60 months
Chrysler Town & Country – $1,500 off or 0% financing for 60 months

Jeep Incentives for February 2010
Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee- $4,000 off or 0% financing for 60 months
Jeep Compass, Patriot – $1,500 off or 0% financing for 36 months
Jeep Liberty – $2,000 off or 0% financing for 60 months
Jeep Wrangler – $750 off or 0% financing for 36 months

Toyota has announced that replacement gas pedals for its recalled cars have begun shipping to dealers, according to Autoblog. The solution to the stuck pedal recall still needs to be approved by the NHTSA before it can be implemented. Toyota has not said when dealers will be equipped to replace the pedals on customer cars.

About 4.2 million Toyota vehicles worldwide are equipped with accelerator pedals that can reportedly become stuck, causing unintended and unstoppable acceleration. The problem gained nationwide notoriety when a family was killed in an accident that may have been caused by a suck accelerator.

Toyota was forced to stop selling any vehicle that may be equipped with the problematic accelerator pedal, so dealer lots are filled with RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, Camry, Avalon, Tundra and Sequoia models that can not legally be sold. Toyota is waiting for the NHTSA to approve its proposed solution to the problem before it can begin repairing the affected vehicles and sell them again.

The Toyota Corolla, famous for its reliability, is included in the recall.

Porsche has been teasing the world with the idea of a small, four-cylinder powered sports car similar to the 914 it built in the 1970s for a while now. The most recent news in the saga of the potential new Porsche 914 comes from an interview with Autocar in which VW CEO Martin Winterkorn said that the company is investigating a smaller sportscar for the Porsche brand.

According to MotorAuthority, the entry level Porsche will be closely related to the Audi R4, which has already been confirmed, and a likely Volkswagen model that will be built on the same platform. That puts parent company Volkswagen a bit of a pickle. The Audi R4 is expected to come with a 250-hp six cylinder engine, so the Porsche 914 will need to beat that in order to justify it`s inevitably higher cost. But the baby Porsche will also need to be less car than the Boxster, Porsche`s current entry level model, to justify the Boxster`s higher price. That means that the new Porsche 914 can`t beat the Boxster`s 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds, or the Boxster won`t sell.

The new Porsche 914, if it is deemed feasible by Volkswagen, will likely come equipped with a mid-mounted boxer style four-cylinder engine coupled with a turbocharger for power. MotorAuthority says that the new Porsche 914 will probably make around 250-hp, but that would put it very close to the base Boxster`s 255-hp. Expect the new entry level Porsche be focused on being as light as possible to compete with the Lotus Elise rather than it`s stablemate the Boxster.

A rendering of the new entry level Porsche by MotorAuthority.

Volkswagen has announced that it will create a performance group which will build high performance versions of many Volkswagen cars, similar to the Mercedes AMG models. The group will be called R GmbH, and will offer special edition models as well as aftermarket performance and styling pieces that can be used to personalize VW cars and SUVs. Volkswagen will officially announce the R performance group at the Geneva Auto Show in March, but informed Inside Line of the plans early.

“BMW has its M, Mercedes has AMG, and our sibling Audi has Quattro. This new R division will be our Quattro,” a VW executive told Inside Line.

The R group will build on the already impressive VW R offerings, which started with the R32 in 2004 and more recently include the 265-hp Golf R with 4Motion and the 261-hp Scirocco R. Volkswagen plans to bring the Golf R to America in 2011.

Volkwagen’s decision to create an R group means that Volkwagen is planning to match the BMW, Mercedes and Audi strategy of building high performance versions of every car it makes. Rather than having to buy a daily driver and a separate sports car, VW buyers looking for performance will be able to buy a performance version of the Jetta, Passat, Eos or CC.

The Justice Department is almost ready to roll out a database of car titles that will help consumers and dealers spot stolen or salvaged cars that have been fraudulently retitled. Congress created the database, called the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, in 1992. Now the database includes 77 percent of all motor vehicle title records, according to The Detroit News.

The database will be searchable by consumers and will allow potential car buyers to see if the car they are interested in was previously registered in another state and designated salvage, rebuilt, flood or stolen on its title.

Some states do not issue flooded cars a salvage title, while others do. Because of this, many cars flooded after hurricane Katrina were repaired and moved around the country to be sold to consumers who had no idea about the car`s past.

Four states and Washington D.C. Have not contributed title record data to the federal government for the title database. Once the entire country is participating in the program, it is expected to save Americans between $4 billion and $11 billion per year that would have been lost to fraud.

The database will also be available to law enforcement agencies to help track down stolen vehicles. According to Experian in the first six months of 2008 alone, 185,000 vehicles were retitled in a different state and received a clean title.