Showing posts with label best cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best cars. Show all posts
Friday, April 17, 2015
Thursday, March 5, 2015
9 Performance Cars Sporting the Best Resale Value for 2015
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Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
Cars with high resale value should matter to consumers
on both sides of an automotive transaction. If you are buying a new
vehicle and hope to take less of a hit when you resell, the cars that
retain their value more than the competition should be in your sights.
On the other hand, consumers looking for a great buy on a used
automobile should probably look elsewhere: these cars cost a pretty
penny even after they age.
As the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) analysis
of top resale values proves, there are performance cars that sell at
50% their original purchase price five years down the road. The new wave
of American muscle cars (especially the crop from General Motors factories) is proving to be worth the investment.
Following our look at KBB.com’s top 10 vehicles in resale value,
here are the nine performance cars that will retain the most of their
original purchase price from the 2015 model-year lineup, according to
Kelley Blue Book.
9. 2015 Porsche Cayman
At $52,600 with manual transmission, the base Porsche Cayman
delivers serious performance (60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds) for the
buck, but that’s retail value. On the resale market, you may get 58.0%
of that price after 36 months of ownership. After 60 months, the 2015
Cayman will return 42.5% of its original price for owners who want to
sell. KBB.com ranked it third in resale value among all sports cars
on the U.S. market. With a top speed of 165 miles per hour using only
275 horsepower, it might be hard to part with a Cayman after such a
short time in your garage.
8. 2015 Dodge Challenger
Maybe the most retro of the bunch in the American muscle car revival, the base Dodge Challenger ($26,995)
is also the priciest model of the Detroit Three offerings. You can
factor in the fifth seat if you want to rationalize the higher price,
but either way the V6 edition (305 horsepower) delivers on the value
front. According to the KBB.com projections, a 2015 Challenger will
retain 57.8% of its original value after 36 months. In five years’ time,
it should retain 45.8% of its value.
7. 2015 Honda Civic Si
The sporty Civic variant
boasts 205 horsepower and 175 pounds-feet of torque while returning 31
highway miles per gallon. Many would consider the $22,890 MSRP fair on
today’s market, but it stays a wise investment over time. After 36
months, Kelley Blue Book projects a 2015 Civic Si will retain 59.0% of
it value. In 60 months’ time, owner could see a return near 45.0% of the
original purchase price. It placed third for best resale value in the
sporty compact car division.
Source: General Motors
6. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro V6
There are plenty of track-obliterating Camaros to choose from these days, but the V6 model
($23,705) gets you considerable muscle (323 horsepower) and impressive
performance (60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds) in a package that retains
its value. Hitting the resale market, owners can expect 55.7% of the
original purchase price after 36 months, according to KBB.com
projections. Even after 60 months of styling and engine-revving, Camaro
V6 owners can part with their rides for up to 46.3% of the original
price. It topped the sports car class in Kelley Blue Book resale rankings for 2015 cars.
Source: Volkswagen
5. 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The 2015 Golf was Motor Trend’s Car of the Year and was named one of Car and Driver’s “10 Best” of 2015,
so we don’t blink when we see Volkswagen racking up more awards. For
its part, the GTI performance model ($24,785) placed second among sporty
compact cars in resale value by Kelley Blue Book. You get 210
horsepower courtesy of the turbocharged engine with your upgrade to the
VW compact hot hatch. After 36 months, expect a return of 59.0% on the
car’s original purchase price. Its value only projects to drop to 46.2%
after 60 months of ownership.
4. 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
In a most violent era for muscle cars, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat ($59,995) casts quite a shadow. By Dodge’s book, you should consider it “end of discussion” upon learning of the 707 horsepower
and 645 pounds-feet of torque on tap. Performance stats pop off the
screen: zero to 60 in “low 3-second” range; 10.8 seconds for the quarter
mile; and a top speed of 199 miles per hour. KBB.com says that power
will make it a valuable car long after you thunder off the lot. After 36
months, your old Hellcat should retain 59.5% of its value. That number
holds at 46.5% after 60 months of ownership.
3. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro V8
Did we mention it was a great time for muscle car
enthusiasts? The 2015 Chevy Camaro’s several V8 editions ranked second
on KBB.com’s list of performance cars that retain their value better than the rest. That means whether you choose the 2015 Camaro SS
with 426 horsepower ($30,200), the ZL1 with 580 horses ($55,505), or
the Z/28 with 505 horsepower ($72,305), you are going to see an
excellent resale value down the road. These V8 models retain 57.0% of
their value after 36 months and 48.0% after five years of ownership.
2. 2015 Subaru WRX
This car can hardly win more popularity contests, and at $26,295 for 268 horses and all-wheel drive, you can see where the love for the Subaru WRX
originates. It’s the first stop on many people’s list when they want
performance value at retail, but studies show that value holds down the
road. WRX received an ALG award for high residual value, while KBB.com
ranked it as the top sporty compact car for resale value. After 36
months, expect it to snag 64.2% on the resale market. Even after five
years of ownership, you can expect about half your investment with the
WRX retaining 49.4% of its value.
1. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette
Few buyers of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette
are complaining about value for the money. Exquisite performance and
455 horsepower come standard in the base Stingray edition ($54,000),
which has unanimous rave reviews and was named 2014 North American Car of the Year.
Kelley Blue Book love the ‘Vette’s value enough to name it one of the
site’s “Best Buys of 2015,” but the 2015 Stingray also topped the list
of best resale value for any performance car. KBB.com projects this
Corvete will return 64.3% in resale value after three years of
ownership. After 60 months in your hands, you are likely to get 49.5%
back on your investment.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
The 17 Best New Cars of 2015
If You Like Cars and Trucks, You're Going To Love 2015
Get excited. Because if you like cool cars and trucks, the next 18 months are going to be a good time to be alive.
Below is a list of cars that make us remember why we got into this business. These are cars and trucks that show promise in their respective segments. Some — like Jaguar's XS sedan — are all-new. And some — like the Ford F-150 — are mainstays that show promise in concept form. Others (like just about everything from GM on this list) deserve acknowledgement for either risk-taking or simple segment leadership.
In no particular order, then, we present 17 groundbreaking, silly-fast or simply cool machines hitting the market in or around 2015.
Acura NSX
Though it will likely be a 2016 model, Acura's NSX will go on sale in 2015 and that's good enough for us. Acura promises that the NSX will be a dynamic demon in spite of its hybrid powertrain. That shouldn't be a problem, as it will combine a twin-turbo V6 with three additional electric motors, two of which will drive the front wheels individually. It should fill the original's shoes in spirit if not in execution.
Though it will likely be a 2016 model, Acura's NSX will go on sale in 2015 and that's good enough for us. Acura promises that the NSX will be a dynamic demon in spite of its hybrid powertrain. That shouldn't be a problem, as it will combine a twin-turbo V6 with three additional electric motors, two of which will drive the front wheels individually. It should fill the original's shoes in spirit if not in execution.
2015 Audi S3 Sedan
With nearly 300 hp, Quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed transmission, the S3 is the small sporty sedan most of us here would choose. Its perfect balance of performance, comfort and technology acknowledges that not everyone wants their driving machine to be one-dimensional.
With nearly 300 hp, Quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed transmission, the S3 is the small sporty sedan most of us here would choose. Its perfect balance of performance, comfort and technology acknowledges that not everyone wants their driving machine to be one-dimensional.
2015 Cadillac ATS-V
Don't mess with Cadillac. Because it plans to jam the 420-hp V6 from its CTS Vsport sedan into the compact ATS in order to make the smaller sedan a genuine V model. This is serious business. The ATS is small and light, so it will haul ass with this much power. And that's really, really cool.
Don't mess with Cadillac. Because it plans to jam the 420-hp V6 from its CTS Vsport sedan into the compact ATS in order to make the smaller sedan a genuine V model. This is serious business. The ATS is small and light, so it will haul ass with this much power. And that's really, really cool.
2015 Cadillac Escalade
It's all about the interior with the 2015 Cadillac Escalade. Stitched, perforated leather and real wood trim take center stage in an upgrade that significantly departs from the Suburban-Yukon twins on which it's based. Expect 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque from the Escalade's 6.2-liter direct-injected V8. Two- or four-wheel-drive models will be available.
It's all about the interior with the 2015 Cadillac Escalade. Stitched, perforated leather and real wood trim take center stage in an upgrade that significantly departs from the Suburban-Yukon twins on which it's based. Expect 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque from the Escalade's 6.2-liter direct-injected V8. Two- or four-wheel-drive models will be available.
2015 Chevrolet Colorado
The combination of a stagnant midsize segment and the fact that many truck buyers want to buy domestic leaves Chevy in a position to strike while the iron is hot with its all-new Colorado. This truck's good looks, three powertrain options (including a turbodiesel for 2016) and three body configurations won't hurt, either. If there was ever a sure thing in truck sales, this appears to be it.
The combination of a stagnant midsize segment and the fact that many truck buyers want to buy domestic leaves Chevy in a position to strike while the iron is hot with its all-new Colorado. This truck's good looks, three powertrain options (including a turbodiesel for 2016) and three body configurations won't hurt, either. If there was ever a sure thing in truck sales, this appears to be it.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Very little is known about the first performance model based on the C7 platform. Even its name remains unconfirmed. What we know for sure is that the car will be shown at the Detroit auto show in January 2014, which means it will likely go on sale later in the year as a 2015 model. Expect all the C7's goodness to carry over into a car that actually fills its fenders with huge rubber and big brakes. We think it will be powered by a normally aspirated direct-injected V8 displacing more than 6.2 liters and generating between 530 and 570 horsepower.
Very little is known about the first performance model based on the C7 platform. Even its name remains unconfirmed. What we know for sure is that the car will be shown at the Detroit auto show in January 2014, which means it will likely go on sale later in the year as a 2015 model. Expect all the C7's goodness to carry over into a car that actually fills its fenders with huge rubber and big brakes. We think it will be powered by a normally aspirated direct-injected V8 displacing more than 6.2 liters and generating between 530 and 570 horsepower.
2015 Ford F-150
New styling, a broad range of engine options and better fuel economy should help the 2015 F-150 retain its position as America's best-selling truck. When it comes to trucks there's a fine line between groundbreaking and bank breaking, and Ford appears to be walking that line carefully with the new F-150. Expect a truck that's better in every way. Don't expect one that's new in every way.
New styling, a broad range of engine options and better fuel economy should help the 2015 F-150 retain its position as America's best-selling truck. When it comes to trucks there's a fine line between groundbreaking and bank breaking, and Ford appears to be walking that line carefully with the new F-150. Expect a truck that's better in every way. Don't expect one that's new in every way.
2015 Ford Mustang
Fully redesigned for 2015, all Mustang styles will get independent rear suspension. The big news, however, is the likely addition of a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder to the lineup, possibly to replace the V6. The 5.0 V8 will, of course, remain the iconic engine of the brand.
Fully redesigned for 2015, all Mustang styles will get independent rear suspension. The big news, however, is the likely addition of a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder to the lineup, possibly to replace the V6. The 5.0 V8 will, of course, remain the iconic engine of the brand.
2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
All-wheel drive will be an option for this popular sedan when it hits showrooms next year as a 2015 model. Otherwise, the news is mostly about styling, which is striking and makes the previous-generation Genesis sedan look conservative by comparison. Both the 3.8-liter V6 and the 5.0-liter V8 will remain — at least in the first year.
All-wheel drive will be an option for this popular sedan when it hits showrooms next year as a 2015 model. Otherwise, the news is mostly about styling, which is striking and makes the previous-generation Genesis sedan look conservative by comparison. Both the 3.8-liter V6 and the 5.0-liter V8 will remain — at least in the first year.
2015 Jaguar XS Sedan
Though it's unclear exactly when this car will be unveiled, it's certain that Jaguar intends to go toe to toe with the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Expect a rear-drive-based powertrain with at least two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Both engines will almost certainly be backed by a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
Though it's unclear exactly when this car will be unveiled, it's certain that Jaguar intends to go toe to toe with the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Expect a rear-drive-based powertrain with at least two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Both engines will almost certainly be backed by a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe
Jaguar's F-Type convertible is a strikingly beautiful car. And it only gets better with a hardtop. Base supercharged V6 engines will retain 340- and 380-hp ratings, while the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 bumps from 495 to roughly 550 hp in the F-Type R Coupe. ZF's eight-speed automatic is still paired with every engine. Expect to see the coupe at dealers in the spring of 2014.
Jaguar's F-Type convertible is a strikingly beautiful car. And it only gets better with a hardtop. Base supercharged V6 engines will retain 340- and 380-hp ratings, while the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 bumps from 495 to roughly 550 hp in the F-Type R Coupe. ZF's eight-speed automatic is still paired with every engine. Expect to see the coupe at dealers in the spring of 2014.
2015 Lexus RC Coupe
This is what's called a no-brainer in the car industry. Lexus shaves two doors and the roof line off the IS 350 sedan and calls it the RC 350 Coupe for 2015. Expect power to come initially from the IS 350's 3.5-liter 306-hp V6 followed by a 2.0-liter turbo-4. A 450-plus hp V8 will come later, allowing the RC Coupe to go head to head with BMW's M4.
This is what's called a no-brainer in the car industry. Lexus shaves two doors and the roof line off the IS 350 sedan and calls it the RC 350 Coupe for 2015. Expect power to come initially from the IS 350's 3.5-liter 306-hp V6 followed by a 2.0-liter turbo-4. A 450-plus hp V8 will come later, allowing the RC Coupe to go head to head with BMW's M4.
2015 Lincoln MKC
There are piles of money to be made in the compact luxury crossover segment. Ask BMW. Or Mercedes. And that's exactly what Lincoln would like to do with the Ford Escape-based MKC. Because its fundamentals are already in place, Lincoln will have to rely on striking styling, an outstanding interior and flexible chassis tuning to make the MKC a hit. But it's been done before. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost four coupled to a six-speed automatic is the most likely powertrain. All-wheel drive will be optional.
There are piles of money to be made in the compact luxury crossover segment. Ask BMW. Or Mercedes. And that's exactly what Lincoln would like to do with the Ford Escape-based MKC. Because its fundamentals are already in place, Lincoln will have to rely on striking styling, an outstanding interior and flexible chassis tuning to make the MKC a hit. But it's been done before. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost four coupled to a six-speed automatic is the most likely powertrain. All-wheel drive will be optional.
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
With the wildly popular CLA-Class taking the C-Class' spot as entry-level Benz, the priorities have changed for Benz's breadwinner. First, it's getting bigger. Five inches will be added to the C-Class' total length, which will noticeably increase rear-seat legroom. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged four will be the base engine, while a 2.1-liter diesel remains a very real possibility as the upgrade engine. An eight-speed automatic will be the go-to transmission and all-wheel drive will be optional.
With the wildly popular CLA-Class taking the C-Class' spot as entry-level Benz, the priorities have changed for Benz's breadwinner. First, it's getting bigger. Five inches will be added to the C-Class' total length, which will noticeably increase rear-seat legroom. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged four will be the base engine, while a 2.1-liter diesel remains a very real possibility as the upgrade engine. An eight-speed automatic will be the go-to transmission and all-wheel drive will be optional.
2015 Nissan Titan
Expect the 2015 Nissan Titan to come out swinging, because it needs to. This truck has, since its introduction, been an also-ran. Unlike Ford, which can rely on a solid reputation for building serious trucks, Nissan has an image to build. And the first-generation Titan didn't get the job done. Expect a new V6 to join the once-standard V8 along with an all-new 5.0-liter Cummins diesel V8 engine. That kind of powertrain portfolio might get truck buyers talking. And that's exactly what Titan needs.
Expect the 2015 Nissan Titan to come out swinging, because it needs to. This truck has, since its introduction, been an also-ran. Unlike Ford, which can rely on a solid reputation for building serious trucks, Nissan has an image to build. And the first-generation Titan didn't get the job done. Expect a new V6 to join the once-standard V8 along with an all-new 5.0-liter Cummins diesel V8 engine. That kind of powertrain portfolio might get truck buyers talking. And that's exactly what Titan needs.
2015 Subaru WRX
Subaru's new WRX is stiffer, lower, longer (in wheelbase) and more powerful than the car it replaces. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and a performance-tuned CVT (no, seriously) is optional. Though its styling is far more conservative than that of the concept shown earlier this year, a new WRX is always a good thing. Expect the STI to follow shortly.
Subaru's new WRX is stiffer, lower, longer (in wheelbase) and more powerful than the car it replaces. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and a performance-tuned CVT (no, seriously) is optional. Though its styling is far more conservative than that of the concept shown earlier this year, a new WRX is always a good thing. Expect the STI to follow shortly.
2015 Tesla Model X
Tesla's Model X will (according to Tesla) go on sale in 2014. All-wheel drive will be optional and Tesla claims it will enable sub-5.0-second 0-60 times. After our experience with the Model S, we expect the Model X to be more of the same: groundbreaking, innovative, fraught with technology and remarkably refined. Also, it's an SUV with really cool doors. Like the Model S it will be available with either a 60 or 85 kWh battery.
Tesla's Model X will (according to Tesla) go on sale in 2014. All-wheel drive will be optional and Tesla claims it will enable sub-5.0-second 0-60 times. After our experience with the Model S, we expect the Model X to be more of the same: groundbreaking, innovative, fraught with technology and remarkably refined. Also, it's an SUV with really cool doors. Like the Model S it will be available with either a 60 or 85 kWh battery.
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