William Maley

Porsche Reports Best January Sales Ever; 32 percent increase over last year ATLANTA, Feb. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars, Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera four-door sports sedan line-up in the United States, today announced record January sales of 3,358 vehicles. This compares to 2,550 vehicles sold in January 2012, an increase of 32 percent. The successful month follows Porsche's record-setting year in the U.S., with 35,043 vehicles sold in 2012. The Cayenne SUV and 911 models contributed to the record January, with 1,500 Cayenne units sold (+51% over January 2012) and 877 units of the 911 sold (+28%). The Boxster/Cayman line also enjoyed an impressive performance with 393 units sold, for an increase of 127 percent over last year. "After our best year ever, January's sales record bodes well for 2013," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. "Not only did we deliver our first new 911 Carrera 4 models in January, but we will also launch the new Cayman and Cayenne Turbo S this spring. We'll continue with a robust product rollout during the rest of the year." Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 857 for January 2013, an increase of 5.5 percent over January 2012 (812).

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Audi starts the year off strong with record January sales 25th consecutive month of chart-topping sales; premium category vehicles (A8, A7, A6, and Q7) represents 33.3% of January demand Audi today reported January sales of 10,056 vehicles, accounting for a 7.5% increase over the previous mark last year. The month also stands as the 25th consecutive month of record sales for Audi of America. Coming off a record 2012, Audi is showing no signs of slowing down for 2013. Sales of Audi premium category vehicles (Audi A8, Audi A7, Audi A6, and Audi Q7) increased 13% to represent 33.3% share of total Audi sales in January. That compares to a 19% mix for the most luxurious Audi models in 2008. Consumers continue to demand the Audi A8 flagship sedan, as sales soared 56% over the year earlier. Audi A5 sales also performed well, posting a 37% gain from January 2012 sales. “January served as the perfect catalyst for 2013,” said Mark Del Rosso, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “As we continue to increase the footprint of our brand, we will also continue to deliver more record-breaking numbers throughout this year.” Highlights: Sales mix for Audi S models finished the month at 16.2% for the S4, 38.7% for the S5/ RS 5, 11.9% for the S6, 20.7% for the S7, 23% for the S8 and 55.9% for the TT-S/ TT-RS. Audi A5 sales up 37% compared to January 2012. Sales of Audi A6 increased 11% compared to January 2012. Sales of the Audi A8 increased 56% compared to January 2012. Sales of the Audi Q5 increased 18% compared to January 2012. Sales mix for Audi TDI clean diesel models finish the month at 38.9% for the A3 TDI and 21.5% for Q7 TDI. For the record-setting month of January 2013, two Audi models recorded year-over-year sales increases of 20% or more, including the Audi A5 and Audi A8. Audi Certified pre-owned sales of 2,843 vehicles marks a new record for January CPO sales, surpassing the previous record from January 2009.

Subaru of America, Inc. Reports 21 Percent Growth In January Sales January 2013 sales of 27,663 represent a 21 percent increase over January 2012 CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 27,663 vehicle sales for January 2013, which represents a 21 percent increase over January 2012. These results build on strong sales from 2012 where Subaru achieved four consecutive years of sales increases and exceeded 300,000 annual sales in 2012 – a first in company history. Forester and Outback sales for January 2013 increased 28 and 16 percent respectively, over January 2012. Outback and Legacy models were recently named Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. XV Crosstrek, the new small SUV also added 2,764 sales to the month's total. "We are excited to see strong sales across our entire model line," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. America. "It is a positive start for the year and we expect strong demand for the all-new 2014 Forester when it arrives in showrooms this spring." "Car shoppers are looking for value, safety and performance. Our vehicles deliver on that promise and that is evident in our strong January sales," said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc.

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS 6.7 PERCENT INCREASE IN JANUARY January sales total 29,018, best January since 1974 Much-anticipated Game Day ad released Best January since 1974 with 29,018 units delivered and a 6.7 percent increase over the prior year Chattanooga-built Passat had its best January ever with 8,856 units delivered Best January for Golf since 2000 with 1,532 units delivered Jetta sedan achieved 9,089 units in January Sport utility vehicles, the Tiguan and Touareg, reported sales of 2,114 and 962, respectively High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models accounted for 19 percent of sales in January Herndon, VA, Feb 1, 2013 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 29,018 units sold in January, a 6.7 percent increase over prior year sales. The company achieved 29 consecutive months of year-over-year growth and the best January since 1974. Over the last three years, the company has more than doubled its annual sales volume, demonstrating its long-term growth strategy, Mach 18, is gaining momentum in the U.S. market. “With all the buzz that comes with the North American International Auto Show, the release of our Super Bowl advertisement, “Get Happy,” and a full line-up of new and refreshed vehicles, Volkswagen is off to a solid start in 2013,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “While the economic conditions continue to be somewhat uncertain, we expect Volkswagen to achieve continued growth and to outpace the industry this year.” Volkswagen’s 60-second Super Bowl XLVII advertisement stays true to the brand’s storytelling heritage of “human stories, told simply.” It builds on the upbeat themes of recent ads, “Smiles”, released in September 2012, and last year’s Super Bowl spot, “The Dog Strikes Back,” named a leading 2012 ad on YouTube by Google. In 2011, VW released “The Force” Super Bowl ad, which received more than 56 million YouTube hits to date, and was recently named one of the best ads in the past 24 years by USA Today. Last week, Volkswagen teased its 2013 Game Day spot with “Sunny Side,” featuring well-known YouTube sensations, and renowned reggae artist Jimmy Cliff singing “The Partridge Family’s” theme, “C’mon, Get Happy.” The Chattanooga-built Passat continues to deliver strong results with 8,856 units sold, marking its best January ever. Jetta sedan remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 9,089. With the addition of the Jetta Turbo Hybrid, Volkswagen now offers seven cars that can deliver more than 40 mpg on the highway – a feat no other automaker can match in the United States. Recently recognized as “best in class vehicle in the $20,000 – $25,000 price range” in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 2013 buyer’s guide, the Jetta TDI demonstrates its strong consumer appeal and class-leading fuel economy in the compact sedan segment. The Beetle and Beetle Convertible sold a combined 2,232 units. The Golf saw a 24.9 percent increase in January sales with 1,532 units delivered. A new North American produced Golf will soon be added to line up. Production of the seventh generation Golf “A7”will commence the first quarter of 2014 at the Volkswagen de México manufacturing facility in Puebla, Mexico. This latest move reinforces the Volkswagen’s commitment to the North American market, where it will invest more than $5 billion in the next three years. Sport Utility Vehicles, Tiguan and Touareg reported sales of 2,114 and 962 units, respectively. Volkswagen’s high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 19 percent of sales in January, a 14.7 percent increase over the prior year.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 1, 2013 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 32% Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 24.8 Ford Motor Company - Up 21.8% Toyota Motor Sales - Up 21.6% Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 21.3% Chrysler Group LLC - Up 16% General Motors - Up 15.9% American Honda - Up 12.8% Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 10.7% Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Up 9.3% Audi of America - Up 7.5% Volkswagen of America - Up 6.7% Hyundai Motor America - Up 2.4% BMW Group U.S. - Up 2.3% Kia Motors America - Up 2.2% Nissan North America, Inc. - Up 2.0% Mitsubishi Motors North America - Down 1% American Suzuki Motor Corporation - Down 1% Mazda North American Operations - Down 11.2% William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

GM’s U.S. Sales Increase 16 Percent in January DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) announced today that it sold 194,699 vehicles in the United States in January, up 16 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales were up 24 percent. Fleet sales were down 2 percent. “The year is off to a very good start for General Motors,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of U.S. sales operations. “There’s a sense of optimism among our dealers that only comes when you pair a growing economy with great new products. We started to see the benefits in 2012 with vehicles like the Chevrolet Sonic, Cadillac ATS and Buick Verano. Now in 2013, we’re entering the sweet spot of our product plan in a growing economy.” Over the course of 2013, Chevrolet will launch the all-new Impala, SS, Silverado and Corvette, as well as the Cruze diesel and Spark EV. Buick is launching the Encore small crossover, followed by redesigns of the Regal and LaCrosse. GMC will launch an all-new Sierra. Cadillac will launch an all-new CTS. January Highlights Total Cadillac sales were up 47 percent, the brand had its highest January retail sales in 23 years and the ATS was named 2013 North American Car of the Year. Year-over-year sales were up 32 percent at Buick, 23 percent at GMC and 11 percent at Chevrolet. Car sales were up 12 percent compared with a year ago. Truck sales were up 13 percent and crossover sales were up 27 percent. Sales of GM’s full-size pickups were up 32 percent to 50,230 units and inventories are in-line with the company’s sales and production plans for 2013. Buick’s best-selling vehicles in January were the redesigned Enclave crossover, up 57 percent, and the all-new Verano. Combined sales of Chevrolet’s mini, small and compact cars surpassed 25,000 units and were up 18 percent. Chevrolet Malibu sales have increased each month since November, and were up 8 percent year over year in both total and retail sales.

Ford Motor Company January Sales up 22 Percent, Best since 2006; Fusion, Escape Post Record January Sales Ford Motor Company’s January U.S. sales increase 22 percent, with gains across the lineup – cars up 34 percent, utilities up 23 percent, and trucks up 11 percent Fusion up 65 percent versus year-ago levels – a record January sales month Escape has best January sales ever – sales increase 16 percent, topping last year’s January record Explorer sales up 46 percent – best January sales since 2005 America’s best-selling pickup for 36 years running, F-Series posts a 22 percent gain DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 1, 2013 – Ford Motor Company’s January U.S. sales of 166,501 grew 22 percent year-over-year – with retail sales up 24 percent. Gains were made across the product lineup, with cars up 34 percent, utilities up 23 percent, and trucks up 11 percent for the month. “Ford is off to a strong start this year, with Fusion and Escape delivering January sales records and F-Series seeing a particularly strong reception this early in the year,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Our investment in fuel-efficient new vehicles – including EcoBoost engines and hybrid technology – continues to pay off.” Sales of all-new Ford Fusion totaled 22,399 vehicles in January, 65 percent increase versus a year ago and Fusion’s best January sales ever. Fusion broke its January 2011 sales record by 56 percent. In addition, Ford’s small car sales were up 29 percent in January versus a year ago, with 23,171 Fiesta, Focus and C-MAX hybrid models sold, marking Ford’s best January small car sales since 2000. Escape established a January record, as well, with sales totaling 19,939, exceeding January 2012’s record by 16 percent. Explorer sales of 14,554 increased 46 percent versus a year ago, marking Explorer’s best January sales since 2005. America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, begins 2013 with a 22 percent increase versus last January. With 46,841 pickups sold, F-Series marks its 18th consecutive month of monthly sales increases. Transit Connect and E-Series also had strong starts to the year. Transit Connect sales were up 47 percent, marking record January sales total of 3,161 vehicles, while E-Series sales were up 18 percent, with 7,987 vehicles sold.

Chrysler Group LLC Reports January 2013 U.S. Sales Increased 16 Percent; Strongest January Sales in Five Years Best January sales since 2008 34th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in January compared with same month a year ago Ram 1500 pickup truck wins 2013 North American Truck/Utility of the Year award at North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit Dodge brand sales up 37 percent; best January sales since 2008 and largest year-over-year percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand Dodge Dart sales increase 17 percent month over month; best sales month since June launch last year New Dodge Dart GT model debuts at NAIAS Dodge Journey full-size crossover sets all-time record with 94 percent sales increase Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and Dodge Challenger muscle car each set sales record for month of January Dodge Challenger wins second-consecutive Cars.com ‘Shopper’s Choice Award’ Fiat 500 sets sales record for month of January with 31 percent sales gain FIAT brand unveils two Fiat 500 design concepts at NAIAS Chrysler brand sales up 18 percent; best January sales since 2008 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan sets sales record for the month of January with 26 percent increase Chrysler 300 flagship sedan sales up 7 percent; best January since 2008 Chrysler Town & Country wins Polk Automotive Loyalty Award in minivan category for a record 12th-consecutive time Chrysler Town & Country sales up 16 percent compared with same month a year ago Ram Truck brand sales up 14 percent, best January sales since 2008 Ram pickup truck sales up 14 percent; best January sales since 2007 Four Wheeler Magazine names Ram 1500 its Pickup Truck of the Year Jeep® Patriot compact SUV sets sales record for month of January with 32 percent sales gain Jeep Compass sales up 33 percent; best January sales since 2007 Jeep Wrangler posts best January sales since 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee records best January sales since 2006 Jeep brand unveils the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, and Jeep Compass at the NAIAS February 1, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 117,731 units, a 16 percent increase compared with sales in January 2012 (101,149 units), and the group’s best January sales since 2008. The Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in January compared with the same month last year. The Dodge brand’s 37 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in January. Chrysler Group extended its streak in January to 34-consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains. “It’s been a good week for the Chrysler Group. On Wednesday we announced full year 2012 profits of $1.7 billion and followed that today with our January sales, up 16 percent, marking our 34th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Entering 2013 our product portfolio has never been stronger with our new Ram truck picking up both the 2013 Motor Trend and the North American ‘Truck of the Year’ awards, and the introduction of our new 30 mpg highway Jeep® Grand Cherokee equipped with our new EcoDiesel engine.” The all-new Dodge Dart continued on its upward sales trend with an 17 percent month-over-month increase in January, the compact car’s best monthly sales performance since it was launched in June last year. In addition, the Dodge Journey full-size crossover, America’s most versatile crossover, recorded its best sales month ever in January. Five Chrysler Group vehicles recorded their best January sales. Setting a sales record for the month of January were the Fiat 500, the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 mid-size sedans, the Dodge Challenger muscle car, and the Jeep Patriot compact SUV. Sales of the Ram pickup truck, the volume leader in January, were up 14 percent compared to the same month a year ago. Chrysler Group finished the month with an 87-days supply of inventory (411,349 units). U.S. industry sales figures for January are projected at an estimated 15.5 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). January 2013 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up 37 percent in January, the brand’s best January sales in five years and its 20th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Dodge brand’s 37 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand last month. Sales of the all-new Dodge Dart were up 17 percent month-over-month in January, the compact car’s best monthly sales since Dodge dealers began selling the model in June last year. In addition to the Dart, the Dodge Journey, America’s most versatile and affordable crossover, had its best sales month ever in January, the eighth-consecutive month that the Journey has set a sales record. The Dodge Avenger sedan and Dodge Challenger sports car each set sales records for the month of January. All three vehicles are coming off their all-time best annual sales year in 2012. For the second-consecutive year, the Challenger won the Cars.com “Shopper’s Choice Award” in January. Representing the voice of millions of shoppers who visit Cars.com, the Challenger beat out nine other domestic and import finalists, ranging from small cars to large SUVs, to become their favorite car of 2013. The award was announced at the website’s annual “Best of 2013” event during the NAIAS in Detroit. The Dodge brand unveiled the Dodge Dart GT model at the NAIAS in January, the newest addition to the Dart family. The Dart GT hits the mark with 184 horsepower, premium Nappa leather seats and a sport-tuned suspension that caters to the driving enthusiast for a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of only $20,995. Dart GT production will begin in the second quarter 2013. The sporty Dart GT model originally made its debut 50 years ago offering drivers enhanced performance and style. FIAT Brand Fiat 500 sales were up 31 percent last month, a sales record for the month of January. It was the 11th-consecutive month in which the Fiat 500 has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in September last year. The FIAT brand unveiled two Fiat 500 design concepts at the NAIAS in January. The models are based on the successful high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and the recently launched Fiat 500 Turbo, and they showcase how unique, sporty and personal the 500s can look. The Fiat 500 Abarth “Tenebra” design concept displays unique Matte Grigio (gray) paint and special appointments including a roof-size Abarth scorpion logo, while the Fiat 500 “Cattiva” design concept highlights the 500 Turbo’s sophisticated appearance featuring sporty bi-color look and blacked-out appearance. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 18 percent in January, the brand’s best January sales in five years and its 19th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan set a sales record for the month of January with its 26 percent sales gain. The 200 had its best sales year ever in 2012. Sales of the flagship Chrysler 300 full-size sedan were up 7 percent compared with the same month last year. January was the 300 sedan’s 15th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Chrysler brand expanded the 300 series sedan lineup in January with the new Chrysler 300 Glacier and Chrysler 300 Motown editions. The 300 Glacier combines the segment’s most advanced all-wheel-drive system with best-in-class AWD fuel economy, unique design appointments, world-class technologies, and a fresh look to the stylish and sophisticated 300 series sedan lineup. The limited-edition 300 Motown pays tribute to the Motor City’s resurgence and determination through unique style and sounds from original Motown recording artists. The Chrysler Town & Country won the Polk Automotive Loyalty Award in the minivan category for a record 12th-consecutive time in January. The creators of the minivan, Chrysler has been receiving this award since 2002. For 2012, 31 percent of all returning Town & Country minivan owners bought another Town & Country, according to Polk analysis. The award recognizes manufacturers for superior owner loyalty performance, which is determined when a household that owns a new vehicle returns to market and purchases or leases another new vehicle of the same model or make. In addition, for the eighth year in a row, a panel of consumer-minded Detroit News reader-judges selected the Town & Country the Detroit News Readers’ Choice “Best Family Hauler” at the NAIAS. The Town & Country is the most awarded minivan ever. Ram Truck Brand The new Ram pickup truck – Motor Trend’s 2013 Truck of the Year – extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 33-consecutive months. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 14 percent in January, the pickup truck’s best January sales in six years. Sales of the Light Duty Ram pickup increased 23 percent while Heavy Duty Ram sales were up 11 percent. On the heels of the significant Motor Trend award, the Ram 1500 was named 2013 North American Truck/Utility of the Year by a panel of automotive experts at the NAIAS in January. The award is unique and considered by many to be one of the world’s most prestigious based on its diverse mix of 49 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada who serve as the voting jurors. In addition, the Ram 1500 was named Pickup Truck of the Year by Four Wheeler Magazine, a major off-road enthusiast publication, and by Autobytel.com in January. The Ram 1500 also was named by an independent panel of journalists representing multicultural and mainstream media as the Urban Truck of the Year at the 17th Annual Urban Wheel Awards in January. In addition, the Ram 1500 HFE received the Greener Choices designation for 2013 from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Ram Truck brand sales were up 14 percent in January compared with the same month a year ago. Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales were down 4 percent in January in the U.S. due to Jeep Liberty production ending in August. All other Jeep brand vehicles recorded sales gains during January compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep Patriot compact SUV set a sales record for the month of January with its 32 percent sales gain. The Patriot’s sales record comes on the heels of the model’s best ever sales year in 2012. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 4 percent in January, the model’s best January sales performance in seven years, while the Jeep Compass compact SUV posted a 33 percent sales gain, its best January sales in six years. The Jeep brand unveiled the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, and Jeep Compass at the NAIAS in January. The new Grand Cherokee delivers a best-in-class 30 mpg highway courtesy of a new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine for North America and a new eight-speed transmission. The EcoDiesel V-6 boasts an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles. The 2014 Compass delivers a new six-speed PowerTech automatic transmission, refreshed exterior and interior design, unsurpassed 4x4 off-road capabilities in the compact-SUV segment, and fuel economy of up to 30 mpg highway. Enhancements for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT include an all-new, fully electronic eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers improved fuel economy, significantly improved towing capacity, and hardware and software revisions that further heighten Grand Cherokee SRT’s fun-to-drive factor during a daily commute or for more spirited driving on the race track.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 1, 2013 October 2009 was a monumental month for Toyota. It was at the Tokyo Motor Show where the company revealed a very interesting concept called the FT-86; a small, lightweight two-door coupe that was jointly worked on by Toyota and Subaru. This sent shockwaves across the automotive landscape. Had Toyota rediscovered its sporty side it once had during the eighties and nineties? Or was it fluke? When the company announced that a production model would be coming along with a Subaru version, it seemed the answer was yes, they have discovered their sporty side once more. Speculation, rumors, and a number of concepts from Toyota, Scion, and Subaru would come out over the next couple years before the official introductions in late 2011 and early 2012. There would be the Toyota GT86 which was a callback to the mid-eighties RWD Corolla AE86. Next was the Subaru BRZ which differed from the rest of the Subaru lineup by being a RWD model, not AWD. Finally for North America was the Scion FR-S, providing a unique product for Toyota’s youth brand. Its been a long wait for these coupes, but was it worth it? To answer this question, I got a 2013 Scion FR-S for the holidays. The Look The FR-S’ exterior design is what you expect out of a sporting car; a small, low slung body mounted on top of a short wheelbase. Key design cues to take note are the embellished front and rear fenders, a distinct character line running along the door, rear diffuser with reverse lights, and on the front fenders, a little 86 badge paying homage to the mid-eighties Corolla AE86. Inside the FR-S, its a simple and clean layout. Materials are hard plastics of varying quality which will annoy some people. I had no problems with it since the money was wisely spent elsewhere in the vehicle. The controls are logically laid out and easy to reach. Scion fitted a set of sport seats for the driver and front passenger. The seats provide good bolstering and support when you’re driving aggressively. However I couldn’t fit into the seats comfortably due to my shoulders being a bit too wide for the seats. I know I happen to be an odd case on this, but its worth noting if you’re looking into this. The back seat area is only really usable for storing stuff or putting small kids. All Part of a Balanced Diet Underneath the Scion FR-S’ skin is a recipe for balance. Power comes from 2.0L Subaru Boxer-four that’s fitted with Toyota's D-4S direct injection system. Horsepower is rated at 200 (@ 7,000 RPM) and torque is at 151 lb-ft (@ 5,100 RPM). The reason for going with the boxer engine is due to how low the engine can be set in a vehicle. The lower the engine, the lower center of gravity a vehicle has. For transmissions, you have the choice of either a six-speed manual or my test FR-S’ six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. With the automatic, you choice of three different drive modes (Normal, Sport and Snow) that changes the behavior of the transmission. The FR-S also features a limited-slip differential as standard equipment. Suspension duties are taken care by a set up MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone in the rear. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Primacy HP summer tires. Driving the FR-S down a nice twisty backroad is a very rewarding experience. The engine does have to be worked to reach its sweet spot, but the reward is a nice growl from the exhaust and the knowledge that the engine doesn't mind being pushed. The six-speed automatic is surprisingly quick and smooth, especially when you put the vehicle into sport mode as the transmission holds onto the gears through the corners and blips the throttle. You can also do the shifting yourself via the paddle shifters whether the transmission is in Drive or in the manual mode. While its fun to play with paddles, I found leaving the vehicle in Drive with the Sport mode on did a better job than me. I also found myself wishing the paddles were on the steering column than the wheel, so I wouldn't be playing the game of ‘where are the paddles now?’ The suspension does an excellent job of keeping FR-S level and balanced when going from corner to corner. Steering is very quick and precise, and provides a very good amount of a road feel. A bit surprising when you find out the FR-S steering is a electric power system, not hydraulic. Also surprising was a VSC Sport button which dials back the stability control up to a point to allow you to explore the limits of the FR-S. It’s A Double Edge Sword Now all those things I have listed above really do make the FR-S a great back road car, but it doesn’t make it a great daily driver for a good amount of people. For starters, I wished the engine had a bit more power, especially in the mid-range. Trying to make a pass or merge with traffic meant I had essentially step on it to perform. Also the suspension which is great in the corners is horrid on Metro Detroit roads. The suspension doesn’t have enough give whenever you drive over potholes or road imperfections and you will feel it very clearly. One thing I wasn't complaining about the FR-S was fuel economy. The EPA rates the FR-S at 25 City/34 Highway/28 Combined. During the week, I averaged 30.4 MPG. On the freeway I saw 34.2 MPG. The Time Has Come The Scion FR-S is a very special and impressive coupe. From the very unique looks to the way it drives, Scion has a alternative to the sport compacts and sports cars in the price bracket. The base price of $24,500 for a six-speed manual and $25,300 for a six-speed automatic makes it a steal. Its not for everyone though. The rough ride brought on by firm suspension, spartan interior, and engine not having enough power will scare some people away. But for those who can put up with these faults will bask in knowledge of having one of best driving vehicles on sale today. Disclaimer: Scion provided the vehicle, insurance, and one tank of gasoline. Album: 2013 Scion FR-S 16 images 0 comments Year - 2013 Make – Scion Model – FR-S Trim – N/A Engine – 2.0L Direct and Port-Injected Boxer-Four Driveline – Rear-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM – 200 HP (@ 7,000 RPM) Torque @ RPM – 151 lb-ft (@ 5,400 RPM) Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 25/34/28 Curb Weight – 2,806 lbs Location of Manufacture - Ōta, Gunma, Japan Base Price - $25,300.00 As Tested Price - $26,099.00* (Includes $730.00 Destination Charge) Options: Rear Bumper Applique - $69.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

They're considering making 12.. I'm thinking the count includes variations of the base FWD models (1-Series, 2-Series)