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Driving the 2021 Genesis G80 and Toyota Sienna | Autoblog Podcast #652

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder. They kick things off by talking about driving the all-new, 2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid minivan and Genesis G80 luxury sedan. Next, they talk about what of GM vehicles Autoblog staff members would like to restomod with the new Connect and Cruise eCrate motor and battery package. They also discuss the pros and cons of Ford CEO Jim Farley's decision to continue racing. Finally, they reach into the mailbag and help a listener pick a new car to replace a 2016 Mazda Miata. Autoblog Podcast #652 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we're driving 2021 Toyota Sienna 2021 Genesis G80 We really want to use an eCrate to restomod an old GM car. Here's what we'd build Jim Farley allowed to continue racing his 1966 GT40 even as Ford CEO Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video:

Here's how much the new Ford Mustang will cost in Germany

While you can find Ford Mustangs across Europe, they were brought over there courtesy of importers, rather than Ford itself. That's changing with the 2015 pony car, as Ford will be selling it directly through its overseas dealers. Now, we know how much German customers will be shelling out for the muscle car, courtesy of the maniacs at Mustang6G. Not surprisingly, there's a fairly hefty premium compared to US prices. The base Mustang, with its 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder and six-speed manual transmission will start at 34,000 euros ($40,214, at today's rates), while the 5.0-liter V8/six-speed-manual model starts at 39,000 euros ($46,127). The Mustang Convertible demands an extra 4,000 euros ($4,731) while the optional six-speed automatic elevates the price by 2,000 euros ($2,365), regardless, in both cases, of whether there are four or eight cylinders under that long hood. While those prices are certainly pretty dear compared to what we pay in the US, the Mustang is a genuine bargain compared to some of Europe's other sports coupes. The German market BMW 4 Series starts at 36,050 euros ($42,638), while a base 435i calls for 48,100 euros ($56,891). It's a similar story with the Audi A5/S5. As for the Mustang's arch-nemesis, the Chevrolet Camaro, which is only available with the SS model's 6.2-liter V8, starts at 39,990 euros ($47,298), comparing quite evenly with the 5.0-liter GT.

New car market raining on convertibles' parade

Whether fitted with soft or hard folding lids, today's droptops are better than ever for year-round motoring. Advancements in power top mechanisms, sealing, aerodynamics, structural rigidity, rollover safety and creature comforts like heated and cooled seats mean that modern convertibles are more versatile and better to drive than ever before. Yet the segment's sales took a dive during the recession and haven't come back, Automotive News reports.
Part of that is because automakers are looking at today's more sensible buyers and simply not developing as many new models, and that lack of fresh iron is curbing sales. AN cites R.L. Polk data which notes that only about one percent of new vehicles registered in the US last year had tops that folded. Back in 2009, it was 1.4 percent, and it was 2 percent in 2006. All-in, some 151,636 convertibles were registered in 2012. That's more units more than were registered in each of the past three years, but the market has also grown as the economy has picked up speed, and as a percentage of new vehicles purchased, convertible sales are lagging.
Thus far in 2013, the Ford Mustang is America's top-selling convertible, with 6,421 units registered through the end of April, followed by its rival, the Chevrolet Camaro, at 4,751 units. The Volkswagen Beetle isn't far behind, with 4,305, but from that point, it's a steep drop off to the fourth-place Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and its 2,380 sales.