Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Chrysler 300 (LD). 2011–23 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan. F/R, F/A, 2987 cm³ diesel, 3605 cm³ oetrol (V6 DOHC), 5654, 6430 cm³ (V8 OHV). Rebodied 300, launched after Fiat takeover, and an attempt to keep the car fresh after sales lagged in the late 2000s. New Pentastar V6, already in Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), and hugely improved interior. Launched at Detroit Auto Show in January 2011, though previewed in government submissions years before when Chrysler was trying to get bail-out money from the US taxpayer. New grille, similar to that of newly launched Chrysler 200 (2011–14), and taking some hints from Lancia. Optional 4WD. Facelifted in 2014. Badge-engineered as Lancia Thema, which included a diesel model, until 2015. Cancelled in 2023 after years of dwindling sales.
Manufacturing locations: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Marque: Chrysler | Model: Chrysler 300 | Predecessors: Chrysler 300 (2005–10), Lancia Thesis
Lusitano 3000R. 2018 to date (prod. n/a). 2-door convertible. F/R, 2922 cm³ (I6 DOHC). Development of JC Indigo 3000, after Lusitano acquired the tooling. Developed between 2014 and 2018, improving the chassis and lowering the centre of gravity. Still a Volvo 2·9 straight six, but with biturbos added, taking power to 306 PS. Fitted with a five-speed manual. Styling by Hans Philip Zachau, who also worked on the Indigo. Available as a roadster, convertible, or a convertible with a removable hardtop.
Manufacturing location: Sweden
Marque: JC | Predecessor: JC Indigo 3000
Saab Sonett II/Saab Sonett III. 1966–74 (prod. 10,236). 2-door coupé. F/F, 841 cm³ (I2 2-str.), 1699 cm³ (V4 OHV). Björn Karlström penned this unusual looking two-seater coupé, which was originally designed to be powered by the Saab 96’s two-stroke motor, but then, after 252 units, received Ford’s V4 power unit also found in the Ford Capri Mk I and Transit. This gave the pretty car increased performance at the expense of smoothness. The Sonett II made way for the heavily revised, Sergio Coggiola-styled Sonett III in 1970, which was immediately identifiable for its impact-absorbing bumpers. It retained the same centre section as its predecessor and, despite a more powerful 1.7-litre V4, delivered near-identical performance due to its additional weight. The Sonett I moniker is reserved for the original super sports cars, sometimes collectively known as the Saab 94.
Manufacturing locations: Trollhättan, Sweden
Marque: Saab | Model: Saab Sonett | Predecessor: Saab Sonett Super Sport
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