William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 17, 2012 You would think with rumors of the Ford debating whether would do a Fiesta or Focus RS, that would cause the rumor well for the possible next generation Focus RS to dry up. Nope, in fact the rumors are intensifying. Auto Express had the chance to speak with chief program engineer for the Focus ST and other global performance cars, Matthias Ton. Ton said the 2.0L EcoBoost used in the Focus ST is close to its power limit without significantly upgrading the fuel system and turbocharger. Ton went onto say that if a Focus RS is given the green light, that it would a new 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder that's currently under development for the Mustang (something we reported back in February). In the Focus RS, the 2.3L could be produce 330 HP, an increase of 29 from the last generation RS. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

I thought it was always the Escalade Platinum

Formatting I think.. Those are supposed to be in tables..

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 15, 2012 Hyundai: once considered the bad joke of the automotive world is now one of the big players, taking names and kicking some serious a** with their lineup,and it doesn't look like they're going to stop. This week, the company released pricing for the two newest members of the Elantra lineup, the GT and Coupe. Starting with the Elantra GT, the new five-door hatchback starts at $18,395 (excluding a $775 destination charge) for a six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed automatic transmission model starts at $19,395. For the price, the Elantra GT comes well equipped. Standard equipment includes heated power side mirrors, heated front seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioned glove box, driver's knee airbag, and an adaptable steering system, which tunes the steering feel to three modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport. Two option packages are available for the Elantra GT. The Style Package adds a panoramic sunroof, sport-tuned suspension, and leather upholstery. A Tech Package features a backup camera, automatic headlamps and a touch-screen navigation system. How Much For The Elantra Coupe? As for the Elantra Coupe, prices start $17,445 (excluding a $775 destination charge) for the base GS six-speed manual coupe. An GS automatic coupe starts at $18,445. With the GS model, you get air conditioning, heated seats, a stereo system with satellite radio and steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, keyless entry, 16-inch alloys, and a 1.8L four cylinder delivering 148 HP. If you want a bit more sport in your Elantra coupe, you'll need to step up to the SE model which begins at $19,745 for a six-speed manual. The SE gives you sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloys, leather, a sunroof, and other niceties. A tech package which includes navigation and a better audio system is available on the SE, but only on the SE automatic which begins at $20,745. Press Releases are on Page 3 & 4 HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2013 ELANTRA GT Unsurpassed Fuel Economy and Five-Door Versatility Starting at $18,395 COSTA MESA, Calif., June 13, 2012 – Hyundai Motor America has announced prices for the new 2013 Elantra GT. The fun-to-drive, functional, five-door compact hatchback will have a starting price of $18,395 and be extraordinarily well-equipped. At $18,395 shoppers will discover 39 highway miles per gallon, more interior space than Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf and Hyundai's Driver Selectable Steering Mode. The 2013 Elantra GT will begin arriving in dealerships later this month. 2013 Elantra GT Pricing Elantra GT 1.8L I4 6-speed M/T $18,395 Elantra GT 1.8L I4 6-speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC® $19,395 Freight Charges for the 2013 MY Elantra Coupe are $775. HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2013 ELANTRA GT Fluidic Sculpture design Powered by an advanced 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and in-house six-speed automatic or manual transmission Horsepower: 148 at 6,500 rpm (ULEV) Best-in-class standard fuel economy 39 mpg highway Best-in-class specific output at 82.2 horsepower per liter Lightest five-door hatchback in the compact segment Sport-tuned suspension More passenger and maximum cargo volume than Focus, Mazda3, Golf and Matrix Standard heated front seats Driver knee airbag – an Elantra first Hidden rear camera More aerodynamic than Impreza, Matrix or Golf The new Elantra GT represents the evolution of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language. Elantra GT's design gives it a slippery 0.30 coefficient of drag. Up front, Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille with chrome accents flows into the hood. The bodyside graphic features a chrome beltline molding to keep up with the sleek character lines. Sharp projection headlamps, fog lights and available panoramic sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome spears complete the modern design. Maximizing interior volume and delighting customers with various seating layouts are hallmarks of Hyundai engineering and translate into more cabin room, cargo space and versatility. The Elantra GT features seating layouts that can comfortably seat five people or accommodate four passengers, plus long items like golf clubs or snowboards. Fold all of the back seats to get CUV-sized cargo space. These options allow customers to discover that Elantra GT has more interior volume than Matrix, Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover, thanks to split-fold-down rear seats and rear seat cushions than can flip upward. Like its stablemate the Elantra Coupe, heated front seats are standard. With gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon in many areas of the U.S., compact car buyers are downsizing for better fuel efficiency, but these buyers expect premium features. The Elantra GT offers the following optional premium features: power driver's seat including power lumbar support, dual automatic temperature control with clean air ionizer and auto defog system, leather seating surfaces, navigation with hidden rearview camera and proximity key with push button start. Elantra GT comes in three flavors, mirroring the packaging simplicity of the popular Hyundai Veloster: an extremely well-equipped base model, a Style package offering panoramic sunroof, upgraded wheels, and more, and a Tech package offering navigation system and more. Elantra GT is tuned for added feel, responsiveness and control, while the Elantra sedan is tuned for comfort. Modifications to the GT include higher rear spring rates, a V-Beam rear suspension design with an integrated stabilizer bar and Sachs dampers for improved body motion control. These changes create driving dynamics which are sporty and comfortable. In addition, two suspension packages were developed to optimize tuning for the two different tire sizes. The Elantra GT's Style package offers a sportier suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire. Behind the wheel, drivers benefit from Hyundai's all-new Driver Selectable Steering Mode. With three operating modes to select – Comfort, Normal and Sport – this innovative system allows drivers to adapt Elantra GT steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions any time they choose. Comfort level offers the greatest ease of steering and is ideal for city and parking environments. Sport is optimized for higher-speed highways or winding roads, while Normal is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode not only adjusts power assistance levels in each mode, but also on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, for a very natural, progressive feel. The 2013 Elantra GT delivers an EPA estimated 39 mpg highway with either a six speed manual or automatic transmission. Under the hood, Elantra GT is powered by a 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, the same as found in the Elantra sedan. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®. Elantra GT is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) or Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV). The PZEV Elantra GT is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles, helping Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Standard and Optional Features GT Manual Transmission The Elantra GT M/T has an MSRP of $18,395, excluding $775 freight, and includes the following standard features: 1.8L four-cylinder Dual CVVT engine Six-speed manual transmission Driver Selectable Steering Mode 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires Seven airbags (driver's knee airbag, front, side & curtain airbags) ABS, EBD, four-wheel disc brakes, VSM, ESC and TCS Daytime running lights Air conditioning with cooled glove box AM/FM/SiriusXM®/CD/MP3 audio system w/ six speakers, iPod®/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks Power windows, heated mirrors and door locks Remote keyless entry system with alarm Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls Cruise control Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System with voice recognition Blue Link Telematics System Premium cloth interior w/ cloth door trim Dual front illuminated vanity mirrors with sunvisor extensions Sliding center armrest Heated front seats Driver's seat height adjustment Tilt & telescopic steering wheel Outside temperature display Trip computer Metallic inside door handles One-touch triple turn signal Luggage net hooks and outlet Sunglass holder & map lights Front and rear map pockets, front seatback pockets 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback Rear-seat center armrest with cupholders Chrome grille Front fog lights Front variable intermittent wipers Bodycolor door handles & mirrors Solar glass with windshield shade band Rear window wiper and spoiler GT M/T Style Package - $2,750 Option Package MSRP 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires Sport-tuned suspension Panoramic sunroof Side mirrors with integrated turn signals Leather seating surfaces Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Power driver's seat with power lumbar support Aluminum pedals Driver-side auto/up window GT M/T Technology Package - $2,350 Option Package MSRP REQUIRES STYLE PACKAGE Navigation system with seven-inch screen Rearview camera Automatic headlamps Dual automatic temperature control GT Automatic Transmission The Elantra GT A/T has an MSRP of $19,395, excluding $775 freight, and includes all of the GT M/T equipment plus the following features: Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® Active ECO System GT A/T Style Package - $2,750 Option Package MSRP 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires Sport-tuned suspension Panoramic sunroof Side mirrors with integrated turn signals Leather seating surfaces Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Power driver's seat with power lumbar support Aluminum pedals Driver-side auto/up window GT A/T Technology Package - $2,350 Option Package MSRP REQUIRES STYLE PACKAGE Navigation system with seven-inch screen Rearview camera Automatic headlamps Dual automatic temperature control HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA ANNOUNCES 2013 ELANTRA COUPE PRICING Sporty Coupe Design and Up to 40 MPG Highway Starting at $17,445 More Horsepower, Interior Room and Better Fuel Economy than Honda Civic Coupe Elantra Coupe also has a remarkable content advantage over Civic Coupe. For example, Elantra comes standard with a six-speed transmission and four-wheel disc brakes, features not found on any Civic Coupe. The entry to the Elantra Coupe lineup is the well-equipped GS, which comes standard with air conditioning, heated front seats, AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system, steering wheel audio controls, illuminated vanity mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth®, external temperature gauge, fog lights, power locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with alarm, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Honda Civic DX lacks all of these standard features. The Elantra Coupe will begin arriving in Hyundai dealerships later this month. 2013 Elantra Coupe Pricing Elantra Coupe GS, 1.8L I4, 6-speed M/T, $17,445 Elantra Coupe GS, 1.8L I4, 6-speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC®, $18,445 Elantra Coupe SE, 1.8L I4, 6-speed M/T, $19,745 Elantra Coupe SE, 1.8L I4, 6-speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC®, $20,745 Freight Charges for the 2013 MY Elantra Coupe are $775. HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2013 ELANTRA COUPE Unique Fluidic Sculpture two-door coupe design language 1.8-liter Nu Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) engine In-house-developed and manufactured six-speed manual and automatic transmissions 40-mpg EPA estimated highway rating on M/T model Eleven percent more fuel efficient than Honda Civic Coupe M/T [*]Longer wheelbase, overall length and width than Civic Coupe for a more comfortable, roomy interior cabin [*]More interior volume than Civic Coupe, Accord Coupe and Altima Coupe [*]Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD [*]Available seven-inch touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod®/USB inputs [*]Standard Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition [*]Available proximity-key entry with electronic push-button start The two-door sport coupe model of the Elantra sedan will attract even more buyers to the Elantra line-up, further expanding its appeal to savvy consumers. It offers many of the same attributes that made the sedan version a sales success, while broadening its market reach to youthful, sporty buyers willing to forgo a bit of four-door versatility for coupe design appeal. The 2013 Elantra Coupe marks the continuing evolution of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design theme with sporty design language, while assuming a compact coupe segment leadership position with an eco-efficient powertrain, generous convenience features, exceptional roominess and abundant safety features. The Elantra Coupe is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a lightweight V-beam design with an integrated 22 mm stabilizer bar for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort and control. A substantial 22.0-mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll and turn-in response when cornering. Steering knuckle design and damper tuning have all been recalibrated for sportier handling and steering responsiveness compared with Elantra sedan. In addition, Elantra Coupe offers a sportier SE model suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire. Standard and Optional Features GS Manual Transmission The Elantra Coupe GS M/T has an MSRP of $17,445, excluding $775 freight, and includes the following standard features: 1.8L four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower Six-speed manual transmission Six airbags: Advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System (OCS), front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Four-wheel disc brakes, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 16-inch alloy wheels and P205/55R16 tires Front fog lights Daytime running lights Dual heated power outside mirrors Air conditioning AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers with steering wheel audio controls iPod®/USB auxiliary input jacks Steering wheel mounted cruise control Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with Voice Recognition Remote keyless entry system with alarm Power windows with driver's auto-down and power door locks Tilt-and-Telescopic steering wheel Heated front seats Cloth insert door trim Trip computer Illuminated vanity mirrors with extensions and illuminated ignition Front door map pockets and sliding center armrest 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback Rear center armrest with cupholders Solar glass with windshield shade band glass Bodycolor door handles and mirrors GS Automatic Transmission The Elantra Coupe GS A/T has an MSRP of $18,445, excluding $775 freight, and includes all of the GS M/T equipment plus the following features: Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® and Active ECO System SE Manual Transmission The Elantra Coupe SE M/T has an MSRP of $19,745, excluding $775 freight, and includes all of the GS M/T equipment plus the following features: 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires Sport-tuned suspension Power tilt-and-slide sunroof Leather seating surfaces Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob One touch up drivers window Aluminum pedals Side mirror with integrated turn signals Unique grille Rear spoiler Hood Insulator SE Automatic Transmission The Elantra Coupe SE A/T has an MSRP of $20,745, excluding $775 freight, and includes all of the SE M/T equipment plus the following features: Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® and Active ECO System SE A/T Technology Package - $2,350 Option Package MSRP Navigation system with seven-inch screen Rearview camera 360-watt premium audio with digital external amplifier Automatic headlamps Dual automatic temperature control Proximity key entry with push button start View full article

Yes. And it appears the engine in question is a 2.5L V6 thats in the GS250 (Sold in Europe and other places.)

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 14, 2012 Acura is in the middle of giving their lineup a bit of a refresh. Motor Authority got their hands on some spy shots of the next model undergoing some changes, the MDX. The MDX appears to be keeping the seven-seat layout and will share a good amount of styling cues previewed by the recent 2013 RLX Concept, including the bread-slicer grille and a sharper bumper. The next MDX could also be sharing powertrains with production RLX. The base engine would be a a direct-injected 3.5L V6 coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Horsepower and torque are expected to eclipse the current MDX's 300 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque. The other powertrain would be the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD delivering 370 HP thanks to three electric motors combined with the 3.5L V6. The next MDX is expected to be introduced next year. Source: Motor Authority View full article