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Top horsepower-per-dollar cars in 2017

Bang for the buck. That quasi-scientific statistic is bandied about by motor heads everywhere from classrooms to barrooms, though the truth of the matter is that it's exceedingly complex to measure. A fair performance-per-dollar index would include something like cross-referencing MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) with point-to-point times on a track or driving route, which is obviously hard to do comprehensively. But, for the sheer joy of talking about cars and playing with a big spreadsheet, there's always the horsepower-per-dollar index, which is more straightforward, albeit hilariously flawed. There are vagaries even with this simple formula, of course: MSRP for vehicles can change at a moment's notice, to say nothing of the bottom-line shifting that happens with local deals or showroom negotiation. For this list we're running with the straight MSRP wherever possible, and as recently reported as we can get it. All the vehicles on this list are 2017 models, and all trims are reported where the lowest price and differing power levels intersect. Some choices were made for personal preference and some for sanity, avoiding things like all 48 trim levels of the Ford Transit, all with the same horsepower). If this list were a simple top ten, or even a top fifty, you'd be bored to tears with all the red, white and blue that is represented. Following perfectly with conventional wisdom, American cars really do lead the world where hp/$ is concerned. So, for the sake of variety (and the sheer joy of seeing a minivan 'win' one round of this thing) I've sorted out some top five and bottom five lists for broad power categories. Let's dive in. Less Than 100 Horsepower Okay, okay, this is hardly a category we'll grant you. But we've often tried to click off all the sub-100-hp cars on sale in the US, and making this list gave us an excuse. It also illustrates that none of these smallish vehicles bring cheap horsepower to the table - for that you'll need a motorcycle. The segment-leading Chevy Spark (above) asks just over $139 for each hp, and that Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has hp on sale for about the same price as its very distant family cousin, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (insert your favorite Smart joke here... we know you want to).

FCA fibbed on sales according to internal report

Following last week's news that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is under investigation by the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission for allegedly fudging sales figures, a new report in Automotive News says an internal investigation at FCA uncovered misreported sales. According to the AN story, 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles from various FCA brands were reported sold by dealers, but no customers existed for those cars. FCA sales chief Reid Bigland has already put a stop to the practice. One potential reason for the practice was to maintain the company's month-to-month sales increase streak, currently at 75 months. In April, FCA added a lengthy disclaimer to its sales announcements: "FCA US reported vehicle sales represent sales of its vehicles to retail and fleet customers, as well as limited deliveries of vehicles to its officers, directors, employees and retirees. Sales from dealers to customers are reported to FCA US by dealers as sales are made on an ongoing basis through a new vehicle delivery reporting system that then compiles the reported data as of the end of each month. "Sales through dealers do not necessarily correspond to reported revenues, which are based on the sale and delivery of vehicles to the dealers. In certain limited circumstances where sales are made directly by FCA US, such sales are reported through its management reporting system." FCA did not provide comment to Automotive News. Click through for the full story and more details. Related Video: Earnings/Financials Government/Legal Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM sales Sergio Marchionne FCA USDOJ reid bigland

Bid on the incredible George Barris Supervan in Scottsdale

Barrett-Jackson's upcoming Scottsdale, AZ, auction features the groovy Barris SuperVan, which came from the mind of car customizing legend George Barris. He even autographed the interior. Passengers enter the SuperVan through the hinged windshield, and once inside they can party in style thanks to the roof-mounted disco ball. However, occupants can't get too wild because the massive side windows don't leave much room for privacy. Barris built the van around a 1966 Dodge Tradesman A-100 with a three-speed manual gearbox and a 318-cubic-inch V8. Barris originally called the van the "The Love Machine," and it later had quite a Hollywood career. Its on-screen appearances included the '70s movie SuperVan, and a repainted version served as a Hill Valley Transit bus in Back to the Future II. After his passing at age 89 last year, Barris' creation might see a further boost in value. Barrett-Jackson doesn't offer a price estimate for the SuperVan, but we can't wait to see what this groovy vehicle sells for with no reserve. Collectors already valued Barris' work before his death. For example, his 1960s Batmobile, which was likely Barris' most famous creation, went for $4.62 million at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2013. Related Video: Lot #1306 1966 DODGE TRADESMAN A-100 BARRIS CUSTOM SUPERVAN Auction Scottsdale 2016 Reserve NO RESERVE Status Available Price Request Bidder Info Lot 1306 Location Tent 7 B - 1 Year 1966 Make DODGE Model TRADESMAN A-100 Style BARRIS CUSTOM SUPERVAN *Includes Buyer Commission Details VIN 24653301 Exterior Color RED/BLUE/SILVER Interior Color RED/BLUE Cylinders 8 Engine Size 318 Transmission 3-SPEED MANUAL Description Lot #1306 - Originally designed by George Barris as "The Love Machine" and reincarnated by Barris for the movie "SuperVan." It was used for many movies and TV shows after that, such as the Hill Valley Transit bus in "Back to the Future II," "Sea Quest" and the 1970 movie "Solar Crisis." The van has been completely restored to its "SuperVan" look and has since been signed by George Barris. Manual transmission. Featured Gallery Barris SuperVan Auction News Source: Barrett-Jackson Dodge Auctions Minivan/Van Special and Limited Editions Classics george barris barris