Electric Cars

A 2012 Bentley Mulsanne, a beacon of handcrafted luxury, is currently available on the 'Bring a Trailer' auction site at an astonishingly low price, making it comparable to a brand-new Mercedes C-Class. Originally exceeding $280,000, this opulent vehicle, with just 25,000 miles on its odometer, embodies an extraordinary value proposition for those seeking ultimate luxury without the prohibitive new car cost. While a new Mercedes C-Class offers contemporary technology and practicality, the Mulsanne provides an unmatched sense of occasion and artisanal quality, powered by a legendary twin-turbo V8 engine.

Luxury Redefined: The 2012 Bentley Mulsanne's Unprecedented Value

In a striking turn of events for the luxury automotive market, a 2012 Bentley Mulsanne, a vehicle synonymous with bespoke craftsmanship and British automotive heritage, is being offered at an auction price hovering around $58,000. This places the former flagship sedan, which once commanded upwards of $280,000, in direct financial competition with a moderately equipped 2025 Mercedes C-Class. This particular Mulsanne, having traveled a mere 25,000 miles, hails from the esteemed Bentley facility in Crewe, where each unit undergoes approximately 400 hours of meticulous hand-assembly by skilled artisans. Its interior is a sanctuary of beige leather, elegantly contrasted with black piping and delicate embroidery. The cabin is further adorned with dual-tone Piano Lacquer trim and a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel that frames traditional analog instrumentation. Rear passengers are treated to an indulgent experience, featuring power-operated picnic tables, dual entertainment screens, and seats equipped with both heating and massage functions, affirming the vehicle's commitment to regal comfort.

Underneath its distinguished exterior lies Bentley's iconic twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 engine, generating an impressive 505 horsepower and a formidable 752 lb-ft of torque. This immense power is seamlessly managed by a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The Mulsanne's ride quality remains unparalleled, largely due to its advanced air suspension and electronic dampers, which collectively deliver a ride so smooth and quiet, it evokes the sensation of gliding effortlessly above the road. In stark contrast, a new Mercedes C-Class, starting around $49,000 and easily escalating to $65,000-$70,000 with premium options, offers a competent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, modern MBUX infotainment, and state-of-the-art safety features. While the C-Class excels in efficiency and technological integration, the Mulsanne offers an experience steeped in presence and luxury, providing Naim audio, ventilated massage seats for all occupants, and the profound satisfaction of owning a vehicle painstakingly built by master craftsmen.

The current market presents a fascinating dichotomy for prospective luxury car buyers. The acquisition of a used Bentley Mulsanne at such a reduced price, while potentially entailing higher maintenance costs, offers an unparalleled entry into the world of ultra-luxury. It's a choice between the practical, tech-laden daily driver and a bold statement piece—a powerful twin-turbo V8 luxury sedan that, despite its age, continues to exude an aura of exclusivity and grandeur, now available for what many would consider an ordinary investment for an extraordinary driving experience.

Stellantis Charts a Course: New Durango, Major Investments, and Chrysler's Evolving Role

The Prolonged Wait for the Next Dodge Durango: A 2029 Unveil

The current iteration of the Dodge Durango, a consistent presence since 2010, is set for a substantial refresh, with its successor projected to hit the market in 2029. This means the existing model will have seen nearly two decades of production before its replacement arrives. Stellantis, the parent corporation, has committed $130 million to modernize the Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson in preparation for the fourth-generation Durango.

Stellantis's Ambitious Investment in American Manufacturing

The $130 million allocated for the Durango's production facility is a fraction of Stellantis's colossal $13 billion investment plan for its US operations through the end of the decade. This represents the most significant financial commitment since Chrysler's inception a century ago, aiming to boost annual production capacity by 50 percent. This comprehensive investment also includes revitalizing the Belvidere Assembly Plant, where $600 million will be spent and 3,300 new positions created by 2027 to manufacture the Jeep Cherokee and Compass.

Strategic Production Shifts and New Product Development

Further demonstrating its commitment to the US market, Stellantis is directing nearly $400 million to the Toledo Assembly Complex. This investment will add over 900 jobs to facilitate the production of a new Ram mid-size truck, commencing in 2028. Initially, production for this truck was slated for Belvidere, but the company has since opted to relocate it to Ohio. Additionally, the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan is undergoing a $100 million retooling for a large gas-powered SUV and a range-extended electric vehicle set for 2028, creating more than 900 employment opportunities. A new four-cylinder combustion engine, codenamed \u201cGMET4 EVO,\u201d will also be produced in Indiana starting in 2026, backed by a $100 million investment and generating over 100 new jobs.

Chrysler's Ambiguous but Promising Future

Amidst these announcements for Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, the future of the Chrysler brand remains somewhat vague. Despite the lack of specific new model details, Chrysler is not being sidelined. It now boasts a dedicated design studio, and Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles suggests the brand is \u201cripe for a new chapter.\u201d The strategy for Chrysler involves \u201cexperimenting\u201d to fill market gaps within Stellantis's diverse portfolio and attract entirely new customer segments. While an earlier plan for Chrysler to go fully electric by 2028 has been revised, future products will utilize the flexible STLA Medium and STLA Large platforms, accommodating both traditional combustion engines and electric powertrains. Stellantis has pledged to introduce five new vehicles and 19 \u201crefreshed products\u201d across its brands by the close of 2029, with hopes that a portion of the substantial investment will contribute to Chrysler's resurgenc