Hunting for Ferraris and Porsches

v

This is what happens when a childhood car obsession continues into adulthood.

From a young age, Joe Frazar has been obsessed by cars. That boyhood passion turned into an adulthood hobby and he is now the owner of several old Ferraris and Porsches. More specifically, he owns a Ferrari 328 GTS and a very special hot rod Porsche 914-6, to name just a couple. Late at night he can wile away the hours in his garage admiring the intrinsic beauty of his cars. But nothing compares to getting behind the wheel and experiencing what he calls "a total escape" from the shackles of life.

Like any true gearhead, Joe firmly believes cars, especially ones that are as wonderful as these, are meant to be driven regularly. Judging by his enthusiasm and broad grin, this car obsession will forever be a part of him.

2013 Porsche Boxster S review notes: Expensive, but so good

ASSOCIATE WEST COAST EDITOR BLAKE Z. RONG: Another day, another Porsche, another entirely predictable opinion from us. And yet, it's almost always well-deserved. Just take away the large options list and ludicrous base price as Porsches have always been historically overpriced. However, we did pick it as our winner for the Best of the Best car award for 2013, which is excellent because the 2013 Porsche Boxster S earned it. And who am I to argue against my colleagues?

It's almost exactly the same length of the original Boxster, this one only happens to look longer, lower, wider, and less gawky than its predecessors. A beautiful tromp l'oeil if there ever was one. With the top up it no longer looks like it's wearing a cafeteria lady's hairnet. With the top down it looks ever so slightly aggressive -- it's not confused anymore, it's assertive, and yes, those are 20-inch wheels on a sports car; want to fight about it?

The Boxster derives its unfair comparison from its overshadowing older brother, the 911, the Peyton to its Eli. (That's a metaphor I heard somewhere. Rearrange at will, sports fans.) “The Porsche for those who haven't made it in life,” say the jokesters.

Indeed it is because compared to the 911, the Boxster actually has a sense of humor. Step on the power and the rear end will walk away from you -- first with fair warning, then a bit more as if to tell you, “Welp, you've earned it, pal.” The traction control system is a willing accomplice and will let you get away with everything short of tax evasion. Lively, dead-accurate steering commands the rear back to attention like a world-weary police chief who's done with playing games. Steer, gas, rinse, repeat. The 911 is a “Stepford Wife” in its eerie purity, but the Boxster? A fellow conspirator.

The 3.4-liter, 315-horsepower flat-six engine barks attentively all the way to a 7,500 rpm redline, delivering acceleration far greater than the sum of its horsepower figures. It is, in a word, intoxicating. The PDK seven-speed transmission isn't a manual, to the dismay of so-called “purists,” and there are enough cheap gags at its unyieldingly German name, but it is damn near telepathic: it will read your mind at every shift, blip the throttle accordingly, nail the perfect rev, and more importantly it will do so every single time without fail, with the utmost precision. Like most modern sports cars, the Boxster will outdrive you and everybody you know. More importantly, it'll make you look good.

Looking good, with the top down, weather be damned -- there's actually some joy to be found in the blustery New England cold. Joy is what you make of it, friend, and nowhere is there more joy than wringing that beautifully resonant engine nestled behind your shoulder blades, flicking the solid metal paddles for that perfect downshift, directing the Boxster along a winding New Hampshire road, the sunlight flickering off the lake and through the trees.

There are niggles, as always. The exhaust sounds great when it's snap, crackle and popping but drones on the highway. The suspension is stiff for Boston's weathered roads; the difference between its Normal and Sport modes is, like the label “artisan”: useless. And of course, if driving a Porsche is less than egalitarian, must it be a reminder at every intersection?

Then, there's the price. Our Boxster S starts at $61,850. But this one costs $90,175 -- or half its base price in options. That's right. Such niceties as the PDK transmission and the sport chrono package are worth it, but the full-leather interior can be skipped. Or can it? That's how Porsche gets your proverbial goat, after all, through an options list as long as the owner's manual.

2013 Porsche Boxster S

Base Price: $61,850

As-Tested Price: $90,175

Drivetrain: 3.4-liter H6; RWD, seven-speed dual-clutch sequential manual

Output: 315 hp @ 6,700 rpm, 266 lb-ft @ 4,500-5,800 rpm

Curb Weight: 2,910 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 21/30/24 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 19.9 mpg

Options: Premium package adaptive Sport Seats ($5,265); infotainment package with Bose surround sound system including navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio receiver, HD radio receiver, online services, Bose surround sound system ($3,860); espresso natural leather interior ($3,535); Porsche Doppelkupplung PDK ($3,200); 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels ($2,730); sport chrono package including dynamic engine mounts, analog and digital stopwatch ($2,370); Porsche active suspension management ($1,790); Porsche torque vectoring ($1,320); ParkAssist ($860); ventilated seats ($730); platinum silver metallic paint ($710); six-disc CD changer ($670); SportDesign steering wheel ($490); light design package including LED ambient lighting on overhead console, door handles, door storage compartments, front footwells, vanity mirrors, luggage compartments ($340); power steering plus ($270); colored wheel caps in Porsche crest ($185)

VW Golf Named World Car of the Year

The industry experts have picked their winners, with the Jaguar F-Type collecting the annual World Car Design award.

The sought-after World Car of the Year award for 2013 has gone to the seventh-generation VW Golf, the second year in a row Volkswagen has collected the hardware with its Up! supermini taking top honors in 2012. Sixty-six leading auto journalists from around the world make up the panel that selects and votes for the best cars of the year. Along with selecting the WCOTY, the World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year awards have also been announced.

Picking up the 2013 World Performance Car award was the Porsche Boxster/Cayman, which was chosen over the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BR-Z. The World Green Car award, unsurprisingly, went to the Tesla Model S, which easily beat competition from the Renault Zoe and Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid. The annual World Car Design award for 2013 quite rightly went to the stunning Jaguar F-Type, besting other pretty finalists, the Aston Martin Vanquish and Mazda6.

Official: Mitsubishi prices 2014 Outlander from $22,995*

Mitsubishi will gladly sell you a 2014 Outlander ES for $22,995, excluding an $835 destination fee. Buyers can step up to the middle-tier Outlander SE for $23,795, or around $200 less than last year. That stack of cash will net you 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 6.1-inch LCD information display, dual-zone climate control and other goodies. Somewhat more impressively, Mitsubishi has cut the price tag for the Outlander GT by $800. That machine will run you $27,795, and throws in a more potent V6 engine, the company's Super All-Wheel Control system and HID headlamps.

The 2014 Outlander bows with an all-new exterior design, and base models receive a 166-horsepowr 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. That driveline is good for 24 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway.

New 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Pricing

Expected to be one of the most fuel-efficient CUVs with standard 7-passenger seating in the North American marketplace with a manufacturer-estimated 31 mpg highway (ES and SE FWD models; pending EPA fuel mileage rating), the well-equipped entry-level 2014 Outlander ES has a starting net MSRP* of only $22,995.

The mid-grade 2014 Outlander SE will have a starting net MSRP* of only $23,795 – priced $200 less than the outgoing previous-generation comparable model. Along with the expansive standard equipment package of the Outlander ES, the SE trim level adds welcome features including stylish 18-in. alloy wheels, 6.1-in. touch panel display CD/MP3 with HD Radio audio® system, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Mitsubishi's FUSE Handsfree Link System™ with USB port, FAST Key passive entry system with push-button engine ignition on/off switch, plus much more.

The top-flight Outlander GT model has a starting net MSRP* of only $27,795 – a remarkable $800 less than last year's comparable Outlander GT model. Powered by a potent yet fuel efficient V-6 engine, the Outlander GT builds upon the SE trim level features with welcome amenities like Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), SiriusXM™ satellite radio, sporty steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, super wide-beam high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, and a wood grain appearance trim to name but a few of the upscale additions.

Along with its fresh design, vastly upgraded interior and exceptional fuel efficiency, the new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is now available with an electric power tailgate (available as part of the Premium Package on SE and GT models), and highly advanced safety technologies including radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Mitigation systems and a camera-based Lane Departure Warning system (available as part of the Touring Package on SE and GT models).

*Before delivery charge of $825 for 48 U.S. states, $950 for Alaska and Hawaii.

Upcoming High-Tech Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Additionally, Mitsubishi Motors showcased the company's upcoming energy-efficient and eco-friendly new Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) at the 2013 New York International Auto Show with a unique full-scale cutaway model of this highly advanced and sustainable new vehicle.

Expected to land in Mitsubishi Motors showrooms in 2014, the new Outlander PHEV is powered by a unique hybrid drivetrain that combines the innovative 100% electric-powered componentry including a pair of reliable 60 kW (80-bhp) electric motors that have been reconfigured for the Outlander application as well as a proven lithium-ion drive battery pack along with a highly fuel-efficient gasoline-powered engine.

All 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models come equipped as standard with a truly innovative and advanced new form of the auto manufacturer's venerable Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system that takes advantage of the vehicle's primary motive force through the use of the front and rear electric motors, making the system a 100% electric-powered, EV-based full-time all-wheel drive. These electric-powered motors produce instantaneous, virtually lag-free power that ensures more precise control of the 4WD as this configuration requires no propeller shaft, clutch plate or hydraulic system to connect the front and rear axles in a conventional internal combustion engine/hydraulic-powered 4WD system.

What's more, the twin electric motor/Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system provides outstanding instantaneous off-the-line acceleration, thanks to the inherent torque characteristics of electric motors.

For more information on the new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5-door and the advanced Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Report: 2014 Toyota Corolla to bow before LA

We've sort of been wondering when Toyota would finally debut the next-generation Corolla sedan, especially since the current car is getting very, very long in the tooth. We got a glimpse of the new compact's design at this year's Detroit Auto Show in the form of the Furia concept seen above, but we figured we'd see the production car by now.

According to Edmunds, Toyota will be unveiling the new Corolla sometime soon, and it won't wait until theLos Angeles Auto Show in November. Officials from the Japanese automaker did not state a specific location or date for the new car's unveiling, but said that the 2014 Corolla is expected to be on sale before the LA expo later this year and that it will be revealed "somewhere in the US."

Toyota did not divulge any details about the new Corolla, and we're willing to bet that the aggressive lines of the Furia concept will be dulled down quite a bit for the production model. Still, news that the new car is coming sooner rather than later is indeed a good thing.

Specs Check: 2014 Cadillac CTS Against the Competition

How Does the New Guy Rank Statistically Against the Segment's Best?

When the dust from the 2013 New York International Auto Show settles, a few new vehicle debuts will stand out as stars — and the 2014 Cadillac CTS will definitely be one of those cars.

We’ll contribute to the time-honored tradition of bench racing by laying out some specs for the newly enlarged 2014 CTS and its competitors. With the new CTS currently on our list of must-drive cars, we’re looking forward to comparing the Caddy against its midsize luxury sedan competitive set. Driving the CTS is still a ways out, but how do the numbers stack up so far?

Cadillac CTS

Fresh off the NYIAS floor, the new CTS no longer needs to straddle the compact and midsize luxury segments. The exterior and interior designs have been pulled closer to what we’ve been seeing in Caddy’s modern stable, and there’s a bevy of new technology at play, including a hot twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6.

Cadillac CTS
Engines	Horse power	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Fuel economy (mpg, city/highway)
Turbocharged 2.0L I-4	272	295	6A	RWD – 19/30*, AWD – 18/28*
3.6L V-6	321	275	6A, 8A	RWD – 19/28 (8A)*, AWD – 18/27 (6A)*
Twin-turbocharged 3.6L V-6	420	430	8A	RWD – 17/25*
Interior dimensions	Front (inches)		Rear (inches)
Headroom	39.2		37.5
Legroom	42.6		35.4
Shoulder room	56.9		54.8
Cargo volume (cubic feet)	13.7
*estimated

The Competition

Audi A6/S6

New for 2012, you know the drill for the A6. Quattro all-wheel drive is a rewarding feature, unless you’re behind the wheel of the front-drive A6 2.0T with the CVT.

Audi A6/S6
Engines	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Fuel economy (mpg, city/highway)
Turbocharged 2.0L I-4	211	258	CVT, 8A	FWD – 25/33 (CVT), AWD – 20/30 (8A)
Supercharged 3.0L V-6	310	325	8A	AWD – 18/27
Twin-turbocharged 4.0L V-8	420	406	7DCT	AWD – 17/27
Interior dimensions	Front (inches)		Rear (inches)
Headroom	37.2		37.8
Legroom	41.3		37.4
Shoulder room	57.5		56.3
Cargo volume (cubic feet)	14.1

BMW 5 Series

Looking for a manual transmission? You’ll need to turn to BMW, which offers six-speed sticks on the I-6 and V-8. Now if only there were a way to hide the Gran Turismo models.

BMW 5 Series
Engines	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Fuel economy (mpg, city/highway)
Turbocharged 2.0L I-4	240	255	8A	RWD – 24/34, AWD – 22/33
Turbocharged 3.0L I-6	300	300	6M, 8A	RWD – 20/30 (6M, 8A), AWD – 21/30 (8A)
Twin-turbocharged 4.4L V-8	400-560	450-500	6M, 7DCT, 8A	RWD – 15/22 (6M), RWD – 14/20 (7DCT), RWD – 17/25 (8A), AWD – 16/24 (8A)
Interior dimensions	Front (inches)		Rear (inches)
Headroom	40.5		38.3
Legroom	41.4		36.1
Shoulder room	58.3		56.2
Cargo volume (cubic feet)	14

Infiniti M/Q70

The Q70, as it’s now known, will surely be on the receiving end of some sprucing up soon, if Sebastian Vettel has any say in the matter. For now, we use the M37/M56/M35h specs.

Infiniti M
Engines	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Fuel economy (mpg, city/highway)
3.7L V-6	330	270	7A	RWD – 18/26, AWD – 17/24
5.6L V-8	420	417	7A	RWD – 16/24, AWD – 16/23
3.5L V-6 + electric motor	360	N/A	7A	RWD – 27/32
Interior dimensions	Front (inches)		Rear (inches)
Headroom	39.1		37.7
Legroom	44.4		36.2
Shoulder room	58.4		56.7
Cargo volume (cubic feet)	14.9 (M37, M56), 11.3 (M35h)

Jaguar XF

The group’s elder statesman was given a face-lift for 2012. Like the CTS of yore, the XF doesn’t have a dedicated compact sibling. But it’s coming.

Jaguar XF
Engines	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Fuel economy (mpg, city/highway)
Turbocharged 2.0L I-4	240	251	8A	RWD – 19/30
Supercharged 3.0L V-6	340	332	8A	RWD – 17/28, AWD – 16/26
Supercharged 5.0L V-8	470-550	424-502	8A	RWD – 15/23
Interior dimensions	Front (inches)		Rear (inches)
Headroom	37.1		37.6
Legroom	41.5		36.6
Shoulder room	56.8		56.3
Cargo volume (cubic feet)	17.7

Lexus GS

After winning the last six-cylinder midsize luxury sedan comparison, the Lexus GS is the bogey to beat. Can the 2014 CTS topple the tantalizingly fun GS 350 from its throne?

Lexus GS
Engines	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Fuel economy (mpg, city/highway)
3.5L V-6	306	274	6A	RWD – 19/28, AWD – 19/26
3.5L V-6 + electric motor	338	N/A	CVT	RWD – 29/34
Interior dimensions	Front (inches)		Rear (inches)
Headroom	38		37.8
Legroom	42.3		36.3
Shoulder room	57.3		55.7
Cargo volume (cubic feet)	14.3 (GS 350), 13.2 (GS 450h)

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Updated for 2014, the auto industry perennially expects only the best from the E-Class, and there are plenty of engines here.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Engines	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Fuel economy (mpg, city/highway)
3.5L V-6	302	273	7A	RWD – 20/30*, AWD – 19/28*
Twin-turbocharged 3.0L V-6	329	354	7A	TBD – 2015MY launch
Twin-turbocharged 4.7L V-8	402	443	7A	AWD – 16/26* (one year only)
Twin-turbocharged 5.5L V-8	550-577	531-590	7A	AWD – TBD
3.5L V-6 + electric motor	329	N/A	7A	RWD – 24/30*
Turbodiesel 2.1L I-4	195	369	7A	AWD – TBD
Interior dimensions	Front (inches)		Rear (inches)
Headroom	37.9		38.2
Legroom	41.3		35.8
Shoulder room	57.8		56.9
Cargo volume (cubic feet)	16.4
*estimated

Which brings us to this hypothetical comparison story:

Six-Cylinder Midsize Luxury Sedan Dream Matchup

Audi A6 3.0T vs. Cadillac CTS V-6 vs. BMW 535i vs. Infiniti M37/Q70 vs. Jaguar XF 3.0 vs. Lexus GS 350 vs. Mercedes-Benz E350

Horsepower ranking

1)      Jaguar XF 3.0 – 340

2)      Infiniti M37/Q70 – 330

3)      Cadillac CTS V-6 – 321

4)      Audi A6 3.0T – 310

5)      Lexus GS 350 – 306

6)      Mercedes-Benz E350 – 302

7)      BMW 535i – 300

Torque ranking

1)      Jaguar XF 3.0 – 332

2)      Audi A6 3.0T – 325

3)      BMW 535i – 300

4)      Cadillac CTS V-6 – 275

5)      Lexus GS 350 – 274

6)      Mercedes-Benz E350 – 273

7)      Infiniti M37/Q70 – 270

Sounds fun, but here’s the potential story that’ll really get the blood boiling:

Performance Midsize Luxury Sedan Dream Matchup

Audi S6 vs. Cadillac CTS Vsport vs. BMW 550i vs. Infiniti M56/Q70 vs. Jaguar XF Supercharged vs. Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic

Combined hp: 2532, combined torque: 2570

Horsepower ranking

1)      Jaguar XF Supercharged – 470

2)      Audi S6 – 420

2)      Cadillac CTS Vsport – 420

2)      Infiniti M56/Q70 – 420

5)      Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic – 402

6)      BMW 550i – 400

Torque ranking

1)      BMW 550i – 450

2)      Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic – 443

3)      Cadillac CTS Vsport – 430

4)      Jaguar XF Supercharged – 424

5)      Infiniti M56/Q70 – 417

6)      Audi S6 – 406

Headroom ranking

Front

1)      BMW 550i – 40.5

2)      Cadillac CTS Vsport – 39.2

3)      Infiniti M56/Q70 – 39.1

4)      Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic – 37.9

5)      Audi S6 – 37.2

6)      Jaguar XF Supercharged – 37.1

Rear

1)      BMW 550i – 38.3

2)      Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic – 38.2

3)      Audi S6 – 37.8

4)      Infiniti M56/Q70 – 37.7

5)      Jaguar XF Supercharged – 37.6

6)      Cadillac CTS Vsport – 37.5

Legroom ranking

Front

1)      Infiniti M56/Q70 – 44.4

2)      Cadillac CTS Vsport – 42.6

3)      Jaguar XF Supercharged – 41.5

4)      BMW 550i – 41.4

5)      Audi S6 – 41.3

5)      Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic – 41.3

Rear

1)      Audi S6 – 37.4

2)      Jaguar XF Supercharged – 36.6

3)      Infiniti M56/Q70 – 36.2

4)      BMW 550i – 36.1

5)      Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic – 35.8

6)      Cadillac CTS Vsport – 35.4

Shoulder room ranking

Front

1)      Infiniti M56/Q70 – 58.4

2)      BMW 550i – 58.3

3)      Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic – 57.8

4)      Audi S6 – 57.5

5)      Cadillac CTS Vsport – 56.9

6)      Jaguar XF Supercharged – 56.8

Rear

1)      Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic – 56.9

2)      Infiniti M56/Q70 – 56.7

3)      Audi S6 – 56.3

3)      Jaguar XF Supercharged – 56.3

5)      BMW 550i – 56.2

6)      Cadillac CTS Vsport – 54.8

Cargo volume ranking

1)      Jaguar XF Supercharged – 17.7

2)      Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic – 16.4

3)      Infiniti M56/Q70 – 14.9

4)      Audi S6 – 14.1

5)      BMW 550i – 14.0

6)      Cadillac CTS Vsport – 13.7

Which comparison including the 2014 Cadillac CTS would you like to see?

New Bentley Continental Supersports to Boast 650+ HP

When the new BentleyContinental Supersports debuts next year, it’ll be the British automaker’s new high-performance flagship coupe sporting at least 650 hp.

In addition to the more powerful twin-turbo W12 engine, the Continental Supersports will shed some weight thanks to carbon fiber panels and possibly some stripped-out luxury amenities from the interior. Plus, a stiffer suspension will give it a sportier drive.

The Continental Supersports originally debuted in 2009 and the new model will become a long-term part of the Continental’s lineup. The new Supersports will bridge the gap between the 616-hp Speed and the Continental GT3 that Bentley plans on releasing in 2015.

Though the Supersports is expected to only have around 30 hp more than the Speed model, it’s lighter weight body and sharper steering and handling will differentiate it from the rest of the lineup.

Alfa Romeo Sale Part of Fiat-Audi Talks: Report

Sources close to both FiatCEO Sergio Marchionne and AudiCEO Rupert Stadler have confirmed that the automakers are in discussion on a major deal that could see Alfa Romeo being sold to the German automaker.

The sale wouldn’t just be for Alfa Romeo, however, as discussions are reportedly to include Fiat’s Pomigliano assembly plant which currently makes the Fiat Panda. If the sale was to go through, it would return to producing Alfa Romeo models under Audi. The sale of Fiat’s Magneti Marelli parts unit is also on the table.

Marchionne has mentioned that he would be willing to part with the parts arm in order to raise cash to help complete its takeover of Chrysler. Audi is interested in Magneti Marelli in order to have a components manufacturer in Italy, along with a new research-and-development facility.

Both automakers declined to make comments on the speculative rumors.

Unique of the Week: 1972 Ford Ranchero GT

Ford's Ranchero was on the market for over 20 years. By the time it was discontinued it had become a land yacht.

We’ve been longtime fans of the old Chevrolet El Camino but automotive history proves thatFord beat GM in building and introducing a compact ute to the North American market. The Ford Ranchero, like the El Camino, combined the utility of a pickup truck with a large coupe body style. While not to everyone's taste, it offered plenty of practical conveniences for owners who didn’t necessarily want a pickup but that wanted some useful loading space.

First launched in 1957, two years ahead of the El Camino, the first-gen Ranchero was based on Ford’s then-new full-size car platform that also underpinned the Custom sedan, but that Ford sold through its truck division. A bare bones base version was geared towards farmers while the more upscale Custom spec received trimmings from the Fairlane lineup such as two-tone paint and stainless-steel body side moldings. Interestingly, both of these early Ranchero trim levels could be had with any engine in the Ford lineup, including the big 5.8-liter V8. A smaller second-gen Ranchero appeared in 1960, based off Ford’s immensely popular Falcon.

It came with a range of engines that included inline-sixes as well as V8s. By the late Sixties, Ford had merged the Fairlane and Falcon platforms into one and the Ranchero became even larger, as did its engine options. This was the time of real muscle so Ford offered a variety of V8s, ranging from 4.7- to 7.0-liters. And unlike the first-gen farmer’s Ranchero, Ford didn’t hold back in offering this latest version with plenty of modern luxuries such as a/c, bucket seats, front power disc brakes and a vinyl top. The Ranchero was once again redesigned for 1970 which saw it move to a somewhat boxier body, just like its Torino cousin.

It was only on the market for two model years before Ford ditched the angular look, giving the Ranchero an even more squared off design, as well as moving it to a body-on-frame construction. A V8 range remained as did the Cobra Jet-powered GT. By 1977, however, the Torino was discontinued, leaving the Ranchero without a platform. So until 1979, Ford built the Ranchero on the Thunderbird’s platform. Yes, it was quite the land yacht but that’s how the story of the Ford Ranchero ended. This particular 1972 Ranchero GT that’s up for sale on eBay is in absolutely remarkable condition with just 57,000 miles on its odometer.

Power comes from a 6.6-liter V8 mated to its original C-6 automatic transmission. It received a major overhaul in the early Nineties including a dual stage repaint in its original Medium Brown Poly Metallic with correct orange and black GT striping. The interior is also all original with the exception of the seat covers and carpeting. As of writing it has a top bid of $10,000 but the reserve has yet to be met.

Lexus Exec Hints LF-LC Concept is Production-Bound

Rumors that the stunning Lexus LF-LC concept would head to production have been stirring for some time now, and now a quote from a Lexus executive provides further evidence that the sports coupe will indeed hit showrooms.

“[The LF-LC] was [intended as] a concept car, and I think it surprised everybody, including us, when Japan said due to overwhelming response they decided to do it,” Lexus vice president of marketing Brian Smith told WardsAuto. “It’s a huge win.”

It’s unknown if the production version will utilize a hybrid powertrain, or when it will start production. Styled by Toyota’s Calty design studio in California, the sexy coupe has a good chance of retaining styling cues such as the LED lights that are separately located underneath the headlights, as seen on the IS F. We may also see LFA influences such as its swept-back headlights and rear end. Futuristic details featured in the concept such as the camera-lens technology in the headlights,  spiraling center console, and the glass-to-glass roof pillar are not likely to make it. We’ve also previously reported that a production LF-LC could be built on a shortened version of the Lexus LS chassis.

WardsAuto also reports Lexus is also looking into switching one of its two large body-on-frame SUVs, the GX and LX, to a unibody structure. This appears to be the trend among automakers as of late, since the market for truck-based SUVs has declined.

Officially, Lexus won’t confirm that the LF-LC will make it to production. We reached out to a Lexus spokeswoman, who told us, “The LF-LC is being studied, but there are no official announcements to make.”

If Smith’s comments are any indication, however, those in the market for a large, sporty luxury coupe can likely add the Lexus LF-LC production model to their lists.