(Ford)
Top selling cars that are hardest to find
NADAguides has complied a list of the most in-demand vehicles -- cars that have had high sales but have limited availability on dealer lots. The most in-demand vehicles are six 2011 models: Ford Explorer (shown), Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Sorento and Toyota Prius.
NADAguides also offered six 2011 vehicles with comparable pricing, options and fuel-efficiency -- but with higher inventory. They are: GMC Acadia, Mitsubishi Lancer, Suzuki SX4, Nissan Altima, Mazda CX-7 and Honda CR-Z.
--NWautos staff
(General Motors)
GM prices new Sonic in middle of the pack
General Motors has announced it will sell its upcoming Chevrolet Sonic subcompact car at a starting price of $14,495 for the sedan version and $15,395 for the hatchback. That places the 2012 Sonic sedan, the only subcompact built in the U.S., $500 above the starting price of the Ford Fiesta and $1,375 below the Honda Fit. GM expects the Sonic to get 40 mpg on the highway when it goes on sale this fall. The car will come with standard features that include 10 air bags, air-conditioning, power door locks and remote keyless entry.
--The Associated Press
Gran Turismo driver wins chance to go pro
A California man is going from video-game driver to race-car driver. Gran Turismo 5 player Brian Heitkotter, of Fresno, Calif., has won the first GT Academy competition to find a player who could transfer his or her skills to the real world of racing. As the winner of the gaming and driving competition, Heitkotter gets to attend the GT Academy race camp at the Silverstone racing circuit in the U.K. He will train with a team of elite drivers and coaches, compete in training races, and be part of a professional endurance racing team in early 2012. Heitkotter's path to professional racing will be followed in a reality show airing on the Speed channel in September. For more on gamers and professional racing, see http://blog.nwautos.com/2010/11/online_gaming_service_iracingcom_is_so_realistic_even_pro_drivers_play.html
--NWautos staff
Leave a comment