{also piping hot}

Anyone looking to buy a 2017 Buick Verano or Chrysler 200 sedan had better act quickly. Both four-door models have quietly ended production, although they will still be around for a bit longer, until supplies are exhausted. Preceding their retirement is the Dodge Dart that failed to answer the bell for the 2017 model year, however unsold 2016 remainders might still be available on dealer lots. Along with this trio, The Spy Guy is hearing that there could be other sedans circling the drain. The main reason for their apparent demise is a shift in buyer preference toward utility vehicles, which are more versatile in their passenger and cargo capabilities and, when equipped with all-wheel-drive, more capable in bad weather and over rough and slippery roads. Big changes in store for the Buick Regal: The Sleuth’s sources claim that the next-generation of Buick’s mid-size model that’s scheduled to arrive for the 2018 model year will be available in two formats. The sedan version will be based on the Australian Holden Commodore, but it won’t be built in “Oz” since parent General Motors is ending all vehicle production there in 2017. Also slated to receive a Regal badge is an all-new wagon model that will be called the Opel Insignia in Europe. Apparently the official name here will be the Regal Tourx, which indicates that it will be equipped with standard all-wheel-drive and compete with the Audi A4 Allroad, Jaguar F-Pace and Subaru Outback wagons plus similar body styles from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Dodge to discuss a return to NASCAR: From comments made by Sergio Marchionne, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles head honcho, it would appear that the automaker is at least considering a return to NASCAR competition. The company has not participated in the series for the last seven years. Economic constraints were the primary cause of Dodge’s departure, but now with the automaker in relatively good financial health, Marchionne is on record as wanting to discuss a return to NASCAR “in short order”.