Yamaha Xl800 Exhaust Outlet 67a-14752-00-00 on 2040-parts.com

Ram heavy-duty pickup gets higher towing rating

Ram has fired the latest salvo in the ongoing pickup war between the domestic automakers, releasing what the brand claims is now best-in-class towing capacity for its 2013 heavy-duty pickups. The 2013 Ram 3500 is rated to tow a 30,000-pound trailer, up from a maximum towing capacity of 22,750 pounds for the same vehicle and powertrain setup in 2012. According to their respective Web sites, similarly equipped heavy-duty 3500 pickups from General Motors are rated at a towing capacity of 23,100 pounds, while Ford's F-350 similarly equipped is rated at 22,800 pounds.

2012 Ford Explorer gets 28 mpg with EcoBoost power

The 2012 Ford Explorer--the first vehicle in North America to get the company's four-cylinder EcoBoost engine--is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, it was announced on Thursday morning. The 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost Explorer engine pushes out 240 hp at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm. The four-cylinder is a significant part of the Explorer's dramatic makeover, which has seen the family-hauler transition from a body-on-frame SUV to unibody underpinnings.

2014 Nissan Versa priced at $12,780

The 2014 Nissan Versa with a five-speed manual transmission -- at dealerships today -- will set you back $12,780, including $790 for destination. Stepping down to a four-cog automatic will cost a grand more. For that price -- the lowest in America, by the way, more on that later -- buyers get a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, available air conditioning, six-way adjustable driver's seat, and a radio with an auxiliary input.