We are still in that inter-car-show period, so things are kind of slow, but there are a few things to talk about, so let’s get right to it.
Mazda is recalling 52000 Tributes because brake fluid is leaking and causing fires. The real story here is that Mazda apparently sold at least 52000 Tributes.
Mini has announced that the upcoming roadster will be priced just over 23k. Not bad.
Hyundai sold 186k Elantras last year and would like to sell even more this year, but, because they can’t keep up with production, they won’t. What bizzaro world is this, where the Elantra is in such demand, that they can’t build them fast enough?
The Honda Crosstour 4 banger is going to have a base price of more than 27k. It’s basically the ugliest car currently produced, and it’s also more proof that cars are overpriced today. Maybe a drive of the Crosstour will change my mind, but man it’s ugly. Honda definitely thought the Crosstour would sell better than it has, but I have a feeling consumers just aren’t interested in an ugly, basically 30k dollar car. The new four cylinder makes 196hp, which is quite a bit less than the already available 276hp V6, which is $2500 more.
Ford had their best year, profit-wise, since the late 90s. Congrats!
This year’s Daytona 24 wrapped up this morning and it was a classic. Some really great racing right up to the end. The overall winner was the #60 Michael Shank Racing team piloted by Almandinger, Negri, Wilson, and Pew.
The #44 Magnus Racing Porsche took home the GT class title. The team of Andy Lally, John Potter, Richard Lietz and Rene Rast brought the Porsche around for the win.