Tag: Sedans & Coupes

Jul 12

The Suzuki Cappuccino: How a Tiny Engine Powers a Fun Driving Experience

Compact Design and Kei Car Regulations

The Suzuki Cappuccino, produced from 1991 to 1998, was a delightful alternative to the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Designed to adhere to Kei car regulations in Japan, it featured a compact 657 cc turbocharged inline-three engine. Although it was not available in the U.S., this quirky roadster made waves in European markets with its unique blend of style and performance.

Lightweight and Agile Performance

What makes the Suzuki Cappuccino thrilling despite its modest 63 horsepower is its incredibly light weight. At just 1,543 lbs, it is roughly 29% lighter than the early Mazda MX-5 Miata. This low curb weight, combined with its balanced design, enhances the driving experience, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the roadster’s nimbleness and responsiveness without breaking speed limits.

Engineering Innovations and Enthusiast Appeal

The Cappuccino incorporated several engineering techniques to maximize performance from its small engine. It featured a turbocharged and intercooled setup, and its dual overhead cam (DOHC) design improved engine efficiency. Although the horsepower may seem modest, the combination of these features, along with an optional limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel disc brakes, contributes to a driving experience that remains exciting and engaging.

Fans of the Suzuki Cappuccino appreciate its dynamic handling and the joy of driving a lightweight sports car. As imports have become more accessible since 2016, the Cappuccino has developed a devoted following among enthusiasts, with its appeal continuing to grow among younger generations.

Jul 11

Mazda MX-5 Miata Sales Surge in 2023: Here’s Why

The Miata’s Unstoppable Sales Momentum

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, a sports car with a devoted following, is experiencing an extraordinary boost in sales this year. Despite economic challenges that typically dampen sports car sales, the Miata’s popularity has soared in 2023, with sales nearly doubling compared to 2022. Mazda reports 5,513 units sold this year, a striking increase from last year’s 2,800 units, showcasing the MX-5’s remarkable resurgence.

Impressive Sales Growth and Market Appeal

The sales surge is even more pronounced when considering recent monthly data. In June alone, Mazda dealers sold 866 MX-5s, a dramatic 556% increase from May’s 132 units. This spike far outpaces competitors like the Subaru BRZ, which saw a 97% rise but only sold 382 units, highlighting the Miata’s exceptional appeal in the sports car market.

What’s Driving the Miata’s Popularity?

The 2023 Mazda Miata continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless formula, refined over years of production. Its 2.0-liter engine delivers 181 horsepower, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. Although modern competitors like the Nissan Z and BMW 2 Series offer more luxury, the Miata’s combination of simplicity and performance, along with its value retention—showing just a 10% depreciation in the first three years—makes it a standout choice.

The Miata’s appeal may also be tied to a growing desire among drivers for more analog, engaging driving experiences, which are rare in today’s market. For under $30,000, the Miata provides an unmatched blend of driving joy and affordability, contributing to its impressive sales figures.

Jul 11

Why Did the Chrysler 300 SRT8 Get Discontinued?

The Chrysler 300 SRT8 took the sleepy, casual presence of the 300 sedan and added a big, snarling Mopar V8. The result? It was a sleeper sedan with lots of horsepower and even more character. So, why did Chrysler put the posh monster out to pasture? Also, is a used model like a 2014 Chrysler 300 SRT8 worth consideration compared to its sibling, the Dodge Charger?

When did Chrysler discontinue the 300 SRT8?

The last Chrysler 300 SRT8s rolled off the line for the 2014 model year. At that point, the LD-platform sleeper sedan had graduated from the 6.1L mill to the tire-roasting 470-horsepower 6.4L Apache V8.

Believe it or not, Chrysler produced a 2015 model, but not for the North American market. Instead, the posh V8 sleeper car and its upgraded ZF transmission headed to over 16 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

As a result of the 300 SRT8’s trip to the chopping block, the only way to get your big-motor Mopar sedan fix was to opt for the Dodge Charger. The Charger, which also rode on the LD platform after 2011, offered an SRT8 with the 6.4L mill for the 2012 model year. Moreover, the Charger has continued to pack the 6.4L V8 in the R/T Scat Pack trims since 2015.

Why did Chrysler discontinue the 300 SRT8?

Chrysler discontinued its power-mad SRT sedan due to lackluster North American sales, model redundancy with the Dodge Charger, and a five-year plan to change the brands. As a result, the largest mill fans could get in the 300 between 2014 and 2022 was the optional 363-horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8.

Unfortunately, the only time after 2014 that a factory Chrysler 300 packed anything more muscular than the 5.7L V8 was the latest 300C, a swan-song sleeper sedan. Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis, announced it would discontinue the 300 and Dodge Charger sedans after the 2023 model year, but not before the marque celebrated with the 300C special edition.

Moreover, the 300C marked the return of the 6.4L V8, albeit with 485 horsepower instead of 470. Still, the special edition is limited to just 2,000 copies for the American market and 200 in Canada, per Car and Driver.

How much is the Chrysler 300 SRT8?

Depending on the generation and model year, a used Chrysler 300 SRT8 with average mileage could cost well under $10,000. For instance, Kelley Blue Book says the 2005 model has a fair purchase price of around $7,836. Of course, later models demand a higher amount.

The last U.S. model, the 2014 Chrysler 300 SRT8, has a fair value of about $25,837. Still, with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque on tap, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better sleeper sedan.