Ford Set to Release New Focus ST

2013 Ford Focus is set to be priced just under $25K.  Photo courtesy of Ford.

 If the Scion FR-S doesn't pack enough straight line punch to satisfy your need for speed, then Ford may have your answer. 

Scion Announces FR-S Pricing

Scion has released the pricing for their new FR-S sports coupe.  The 2 door car is slated to have a base price of $24,930.  This puts the FR-S squarely in competition with the Mazda Miata MX-5 and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.  The Scion will be powered by a 200 horsepower flat 4 engine, and drivers will have their choice of a 6 speed manual transmission or 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters. 

The suspension setup will have the typical MacPherson struts up front, while the rear will have a double wishbone setup. 

Photos and additional specifications can be viewed here:  Scion FR-S

Fiat + Maserati = Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati

The Fiat Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati.  Photo courtesy Fiat.

Have you ever wanted to own an exotic Italian car like a Ferrari, Maserati or Lamborghini but the prices always seemed too high?  Well, fear no more, as Fiat has collaborated with Maserati to produce the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati (try saying that 5 times fast!)  The vehicle is based on the Fiat 500, but has increased power to 180 hp from the 1.4 liter engine, along with a unique interior.

Chevy vs. Ford: Mustang GT500 will go head-to-head with the Camaro ZL1.

580 hp ZL1. Photo courtesy of Chevrolet.

650 hp GT500. Photo courtesy of Ford.

Chevrolet Camaro versus Ford Mustang.  The battle between the two cars has gone on ever since the first '67 Camaro rolled off the dealership lots.  Countless grudge races at the dragstrip, race track and on the streets has never ended the debate of which is better, and both the Mustang and Camaro have their die-hard fans. 

Forbes Magazine 10 safest small cars

Driving a smaller car is becoming a reality for many drivers due to the rising cost of fuel.  Courtesy of Isaac Newton, we know that larger cars will fair better than smaller cars in the event one of them meets the other.  Forbes Magazine released their 10 best list of safe small cars.  The cars listed have excellent safety standings, and although we can't say they are all considered to be affordable to everyone, they do have excellent safety features. 

Here's the link:  10 Safest Small Cars

Toyota Annouces Prius c Pricing

Toyota's Prius c is priced under $19K.  Photo courtesy Toyota

There is no doubt that hybrids are becoming more mainstream in America each day.  While we here at Car and Writer prefer vehicles with an emphasis on maximum cornering and driving enjoyment, we do recognize that others prefer vehicles with mpg numbers that are well above the nation's current combined average of 27.2 mpg. 

Nissan 370Z receives updates for 2013

2013 Nissan 370Z receives updates.

Nissan has debuted the 2013 370Z at the Chicago Auto Show.  The 370Z's most notable updates are a new front and rear fascia, with vertical daytime running lights on the front bumper.  On the lower part of the rear bumper, sharp eyed observers will notice the black plastic square in the middle has been replaced by a red reflector. 

New Car Prices Up, Incentives Down

A recent article by the Wall Street Journal stated the sales of automobiles in the U.S. increased by 11% last month versus the same time frame last year which was published in a report from J.D. Power and Associates.  The firm also noted that the average price of an automobile rose from $25,505 in 2008 to $28,341, an 11.1% increase. 

Surprisingly, the amount of discounts and rebates being offered by manufactures has decreased.  The average amount of incentives for new cars has dropped by $338. 

The article can be viewed here:  WSJ

San Diego Auto Show 2012 Coverage

Happy new year motorists and enthusiasts!  The new year has started, and the San Diego Auto Show has ended.  While nothing new was unveiled at the show, there was plenty to see.  The venue was very crowded too, with show goers, vendors, and manufacturers crowding the floor.  Click below to view the photos from the show!