(Ford)
New Ford C-Max van will be hybrid only
Ford will sell a hybrid-only minivan in the U.S. next year in a bid to challenge Toyota's hybrid dominance. The five-passenger van will come in two versions: A gas-electric hybrid that gets more than 41 mpg, and a plug-in hybrid, which will run on electric power but have a backup gas engine. Gas and diesel versions of the minivan, called the C-Max, went on sale late last year in Europe and have been a hit. But the company decided to make the C-Max a hybrid-only vehicle in the U.S. after seeing buyer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles spike in the last few months.
--The Associated Press
(The Associated Press)
Royal Rolls-Royce hitting auction block
A Rolls-Royce limousine made to the specifications of the late Princess Margaret and also owned by Hollywood star Burt Reynolds will be auctioned in London Saturday. Auction officials at Bonhams say the 1975 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is expected to sell for more than $32,800. The limousine boasts red coachwork with contrasting gold details and a special black leather interior requested by Margaret.
--The Associated Press
(The Associated Press)
VW isn't raising price of 2012 Beetle
Hoping to continue sales gains it began with the redesigned Jetta this year, Volkswagen says the bigger, more powerful 2012 Beetle will start at the same $19,765 as the outgoing model. When the redesigned compact goes on sale this fall, VW expects improved mileage ratings, too, forecasting a best of 22 mpg in town and 31 highway for the gasoline model vs. 20/29 for the old one. The 2012 Beetle base model has a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder rated 170 horsepower. The sport version, $24,165 TSI, has a 2-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder rated 200 hp. A diesel, not yet priced, is planned for 2013 and will be rated 40 mpg highway. A 2013 convertible also is due.
--The Associated Press
(The Associated Press)
TV show makes sweet work of 'Transformers'
Like Transformers? Like cake? They're coming together June 20 on "Cake Boss," a TLC television show that features Buddy Valastro's custom cake business. The team will be building a cake to promote "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," which opens July 1. The cake features Autobot Bumblebee straddling a Chevy Camaro.
--NW autos staff
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