Woman dies in 20-car pile-up on A40 as cold weather alert issued A acute drop in temperatures has prompted Public Health England to send outs its most serious cold weather alert of the winter so far, warning conditions are severe enough to endanger the elderly. Forecasters have also issued a severe weather warning as the […]
This Week in Car Buying: Dodge Demon priced; Ford Apple
CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit; Dealer offers car subscriptions; Brainy EV prices
With the big car shopping weekend up ahead, Dodge is looking to build some showroom traffic with its two thousand eighteen Demon, an 840-horsepower haul disrobe ready street car it recently launched at the Fresh York Auto Demonstrate. To build on that curiosity, the division has eventually announced pricing that it said would be “well below six figures.”
True to its word, the two thousand eighteen Dodge Demon will commence at $84,995 including a $1,700 gas guzzler tax. A $1,095 destination charge is extra. “Eighty-five thousand dollars is not just a number in a business case to Dodge; we know it’s a lot of money and a significant up-charge over a Challenger Hellcat,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of passengers cars at Dodge. “We worked hard to build as much value into the Challenger SRT Demon as possible—features, spectacle and exclusivity that simply can’t be duplicated with a purpose of maintaining and possibly even growing as much future value as possible.”
Part of the marketing thrust for the car, Dodge is suggesting a bunch of extras at just $1 for the car that comes basically stripped down and ready for the track. In stock form, it is powered by a 770-horsepower Hellcat engine, but for $1, the software is remapped to make use of the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8’s total 840-horsepower potential. In addition, for an extra buck you can get a passenger side seat, and for another one, a rear seat in either leather or cloth. A trunk carpet kit is also suggested for a dollar.
The Demon promises stellar spectacle, 0-60 mph acceleration of Two.Trio seconds, the capability to run the quarter mile in 9.65 seconds at one hundred forty mph and pull 1.8 g in the process. Only Trio,000 two thousand eighteen Dodge Demon models will be sold in the U.S., with another three hundred slated for Canada.
Along with the Demon pricing, Dodge is also suggesting up to $Two,750 in incentives on V8-equipped two thousand seventeen Dodge Challengers.
Ford offers Apple CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit
If you’re looking for a deal on a two thousand sixteen Ford, but are hesitant because those vehicles lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, the automaker has some good news in the form of an update that solves the problem. This is not only good news for shoppers looking to cash in on some of the big rebates available on two thousand sixteen models, but also current owners.
The update is designed to work with Ford’s Sync three software and is lightly ended by downloading version Two.Two to a USB drive, visiting a dealership or completing the refresh through a Wi-Fi connection. This is the very first time that Ford has implemented a Sync software update through Wi-Fi since it began issuing upgrades for the system since 2009.
“Our Sync three software platform was designed to be effortless to update so we can get our customers the latest and greatest features, functionality and security enhancements,” said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. “With over-the-air updates, we can supply fresh features to customers in the background while they proceed using their vehicles.”
Sync three current supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all two thousand seventeen model year Fords including Fiesta, Concentrate, Fusion and Mustang, SUVs including the Escape, Explorer and Expedition, F-Series trucks and Ford’s electrified vehicles.
Dealer offers car subscriptions
Holman Automotive Group, a Fresh Jersey-based dealer chain with thirty eight franchises, has developed a fresh app in conjunction with Cox Automotive (parent company to Kelley Blue Book) that will permits consumers to look through the organization’s pre-owned vehicle inventory and book a car to use. The program permits consumers to use the cars for weeks at a time with no down payment, mileage limit or long-term contract. Holman believes this is a way to establish a long term relationship with customers who may not consider shopping or buying vehicles from the chain.
Called Flexdrive, the program includes insurance and maintenance, while the dealer group retains the title to the vehicle. It also permits the dealerships to generate a revenue stream from older vehicles that are simply sitting on the lot. Sample offerings at Homan’s Atlanta dealership include weekly use of a two thousand thirteen Ford Fusion for $219 a week, a two thousand fourteen Acura TL for four thousand two hundred fifty nine and a two thousand thirteen Toyota Avalon for $279.
App users can switch models at any time, which permits maximum plasticity in matching vehicle use with their needs at relatively affordable rates. Cadillac recently launched its subscription program Book in Fresh York with a $1,500 per month fee for use of fresh models. The Holman Group sees broad application of its Flexdrive program outside its own stores, looking to expand the brand to as many as five hundred other dealerships nationwide by early 2018.
Clever EV prices
Mercedes-Benz city car division, Brainy, has released pricing on its fresh electrical Wise Fortwo EV coupe and cabrio. The Brainy Electrified Coupe will begin at just $23,800 plus $750 destination. The Electrified Cabrio is $28,000 plus delivery. The open top Wise is the only convertible EV on the market today.
The fresh pricing reflects a $1,200 decrease over the previous version while boasting improved range of sixty eight to eighty miles depending on model, more power, more space and extra standard features. The 2-passenger Brainy is made even more affordable when the $7,500 federal tax credit is factored in. Other state and local incentives may also apply.
Check out the This Week in Car Buying Podcast here.
Shelby American is putting its high spectacle spin on more than Mustangs as it introduces the 2017 Shelby F-150 Super Snake. Only one hundred fifty of these 750-horsepower trucks will be built.
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Get the lowdown on the 2017 Honda Civic, Mazda3, Chevrolet Cruze and Subaru Impreza in our latest Compact Hatchback Comparison.
In the market for a fresh car? Explore these useful tips on how to get the best deal:
