All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

Porsche confirms smaller four-cylinder engines

Porsche has confirmed it will reduce its CO2 emissions by introducing four-cylinder engines in the next Boxster and Cayman models. CEO Matthias Müller told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport magazine that road cars will follow the lead set by the Le Mans Porsche 919 we first saw at Geneva, by being fitted with smaller, turbocharged engines. 2014 Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS revealed Porsche 919 Hybrid at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show Although Porsche hasn’t officially given any performance figures for the new four-cylinder petrol engine, Müller reportedly said it would boast up to 400hp – making it more powerful than the outgoing six-cylinder models, including the range-topping GTS unveiled last week.

Ford Mustang (2014) first official pictures

By Damion Smy First Official Pictures 05 December 2013 05:00 It’s taken fifty years, but the Ford Mustang will be officially on sale in the UK for the first time next year, sporting V8 and – gulp – four-cylinder engines. Crucially, though, the Flying Ford will be offered in right-hand drive and will come with proper, grown-up independent rear suspension. ‘In Europe we want it to be seen as a credible sports car, and second, that the Mustang and the rest of our range be held in higher opinion,’ says Ford COO Mark Fields.