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Pony-car sales war: Mustang vs. Camaro vs. Challenger [UPDATE]

Update: An earlier version of this story misstated the 2015 Mustang's weight when compared with previous models. Additionally, we have added comments from Chevrolet in the text. The Ford Mustang has blown past the Chevy Camaro as America's best-selling pony car, and in June, it wasn't even close. The 'Stang outsold the Camaro 11,719 to 8,611 cars. The Camaro remained ahead of the Dodge Challenger, which sold 6,845 units. Even though the Camaro did post an 11.5-percent sales improvement in June, the competition is arguably stronger than at anytime since the 1970s muscle-car era. The Mustang's sales leapt a whopping 53.6 percent, while the Challenger saw a gain of 56 percent. Several factors are weighing down Camaro sales, including its lame duck status. Chevy is launching a new generation of the Camaro this year that's more than 200 pounds lighter, offers a new turbo four-cylinder engine option, and has a nicer interior than the outgoing model. Put simply: wait a few months and you can get a better car. It's also unlikely Chevy will jack up the price much, as it's historically kept the Camaro within reach of everyday enthusiasts. While Chevy fans wait in anticipation for their new sports car, Ford and Dodge have downshifted. The new Mustang, which went on sale last year, is faster and more sophisticated than its predecessor. It also offers a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which Ford has credited for the Mustang's recent uptick and makes up 36 percent of the car's sales, Ford analyst Erich Merkle said. View 17 Photos June's performance allowed the Mustang to widen its sales gap with the Camaro this year. Through the first five months, Ford sold 68,290 Mustangs, a 54.4-percent increased compared with 2014. Chevy sold 42,593 Camaros, an 8.7-percent decrease. The Challenger – long the No. 3 pony car in sales volume – has seen its sales surge 41 percent this year to 37,011 units. Spokesman Monte Doran said Chevy expected that 2015 would be a "relatively soft year" for the Camaro. "Mustang is taking advantage of years' worth of pent-up demand for an independent rear suspension," he said. "When Camaro introduced an IRS, in 2009, it helped make us the best-selling performance car in America.

Chevy prices new 2016 Cruze from $17,495

Chevy has released pricing information for the new 2016 Cruze. As you might expect, the MSRP on the new model has gone up a little over the model it replaces, but it remains competitive with its rivals. The new 2016 Chevy Cruze comes in four trim levels and with either a manual or automatic transmission. Though not every trim can be had with either gearbox, they are all powered by the same 1.4-liter turbo four, good for 153 horsepower. The list starts in L trim level with the manual, which goes for $17,495 - including the $875 destination charge. The automaker points out that the price of admission is lower than those of the base models of the Toyota Corolla ($18,065), Honda Civic ($19,475), and Hyundai Elantra ($18,075) – all prices verified and including delivery. The Ford Focus ($18,100), Subaru Impreza ($18,295), Mazda3 ($18,695), and Volkswagen Jetta ($19,600) also start at higher prices, with the Nissan Sentra ($17,355) and Dodge Dart ($17,990) listing for similar money. However the Kia Forte ($16,715) still comes in cheaper. Of course those prices are just for the base models. Step up to the Cruze LS and you'll be looking at $18,995 with the manual or $19,995 with the automatic. The higher-end LT and Premium models are only sold with the slushbox and retail for $21,995 and $23,995, respectively. Deliveries start in the spring. ALL-NEW 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE PRICED FROM $17,495 Redesigned, re-engineered compact sedan is roomier and better connected DETROIT – Chevrolet announced pricing for the all-new 2016 Cruze will start at $17,495 when it goes on sale next spring. The Cruze's base price is almost $2,000 less than the 2016 Honda Civic LX ($19,475), while offering features such as the standard Chevrolet MyLink radio with a 7-inch-diagonal screen, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility – subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates as well as a compatible smartphone. OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot and a standard rear-vision camera are also available. Larger, lighter and roomier than the 2015 model – including two inches more rear knee room – the all-new Cruze is offered in L, LS, LT and Premier models. An all-new, direct-injected 1.4L turbo engine generates a General Motors-estimated 153 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. Cruze LS with an automatic transmission starts at $19,995 with GM-estimated highway fuel economy of 40 mpg. Environmental Protection Agency estimates are not yet available.

GM's European Opel division may eventually go all-electric

General Motors' Opel division in Europe may transform itself into an all-electric vehicle maker by 2030. Granted, a lot can happen between now and then, including a potential buyout by French automaker PSA Group. Regardless, Opel appears to view its electric future beyond the Ampera-e, which is the sister vehicle to the Chevrolet Bolt, and more like Tesla. Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann indicated that focusing on electric drivetrains would be a superior strategy to expanding its EV technology while pushing forward with conventional drivetrains, says Automotive News Europe, citing comments Neumann made to German publication Manager Magazin. General Motors could make the decision to move towards an all-electric vehicle line for Opel as soon as May. Of course, that depends on whether Opel is bought out by PSA, the parent country to Peugeot and Citroen. PSA is in talks to buy General Motors' Opel and Vauxhall divisions, though government and labor representatives in Germany have expressed concerns over potential job losses from the proposed buyout, Reuters says. Regardless, GM has hinted at expanding its electric-vehicle line far beyond the Bolt, which has a 238-mile single-charge range and debuted late last year. Mary Barra, in an interview with CNET, said the Bolt's all-electric platform could be applied to a "huge range of vehicles," though wasn't specific about additional EV models. Opel first showed off its Ampera-e at the Paris Motor Show last fall. The name of the model raised some eyebrows because the Ampera badge had been previously used by Opel for the sister version of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in. Either way, Opel is looking to take on Renault for electric-vehicle sales supremacy across the Pond. Related Video: