– Motor Trend magazine has named the Chrysler 300 its 2005 car of the year. The 300 beat Ford’s revamped Mustang and new Five Hundred flagship; General Motors’ new premium midsize Buick LaCrosse sedan; and the new gas/electric version of the Honda Accord.
– Base price on the 2005 Lexus GX470 sport-utility vehicle is $45,775, not including the $650 freight charge. Horsepower from the 4.7-liter V-8 increases by 35, to 270, for 2005. Among other changes, the front air bags inflate based on crash severity and the optional navigation system includes Bluetooth wireless technology.
– A redesigned Volkswagen Jetta that goes on sale in the U.S. in March will have significant styling changes, larger dimensions and several new features. VW has released photos of the car, which will debut Jan. 5 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The base engine will be a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder, and a 6-speed automatic transmission will be a new option. Side head curtains and thorax air bags will be standard.
