William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 12, 2012 GMC has announced pricing for the newest member of the Denali family, the Terrain. For $34,525 (excluding a $825 destination charge), you get a 2.4L inline-four, FWD, GMC's Intellilink infotainment system, a programmable power liftgate, an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-flow dampers for the front suspension, and eighteen-inch wheels. If you want a bit more power, a 3,6L DI V6 producing 301 HP will be available for an extra $1,500. The price includes nineteen-inch wheels taking the place of the eighteens. All-wheel-drive will be available for both powertrains for an additional $1,750. Press Release is on Page 2 Related: New York 2012: GMC Terrain Denali Spied: GMC Terrain Denali 2013 GMC Terrain Denali Priced from $35,350 Suite of advanced safety and technology features standard on luxury small SUV DETROIT – GMC today announced pricing for the Terrain Denali, a luxury small SUV that goes on sale in the third quarter of this year. With the longest list of advanced safety features ever for a GMC, a fuel-efficient 2.4L I-4 and front-wheel drive, the Terrain Denali will cost $35,350, including an $825 destination charge. Optional all-wheel drive raises the base price to $37,100, while a V-6 can be paired with either drivetrain for an additional $1,500. New for 2013, Terrain’s 3.6L V-6 uses direct injection and continuously variable valve timing to produce a class-leading 301 horsepower, as well as improved torque for stronger passing and towing performance. The cost of the V-6 also includes an upgrade from 18- to 19-inch chrome-clad wheels. Terrain Denali’s standard safety systems include forward collision alert and lane departure warning, as well as Denali-exclusive side blind zone and rear cross traffic alert. Forward collision alert and lane departure warning use the industry’s first single-camera crash-avoidance system to visually and audibly warn drivers when a collision is imminent or the vehicle crosses a lane marker without a turn signal engaged. Side blind zone and rear cross traffic alert help avoid collisions by using radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see – and provide visible and audible warnings. When another vehicle is in the Terrain’s blind zone, a yellow icon is illuminated on either side view mirror. Rear cross traffic alert displays warnings on the in-cabin connectivity screen, which also displays footage from Terrain’s standard rear view camera. Along with unique exterior and interior styling, the Denali model’s standard features include luxuries not offered on any other Terrain model, including an eight-way power front passenger seat and the added comfort of dual-flow dampers for the front suspension. Other standard technology and convenience features include Intellilink, GMC’s voice-controlled infotainment system with Bluetooth smartphone integration and apps like Pandora and Stitcher Smart Radio, a programmable power lift gate, and Homelink integrated garage door opener controls. With so many standard features, Terrain Denali’s options list is short. A trailering package, the aforementioned 3.6L V-6, Color Touch Navigation, and organization accessories like a rear cargo cover, a cargo convenience net and luggage crossbars are available at additional cost. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 12, 2012 Most of the reporting we have done on Alfa Romeo for the past year mostly falls into one single category, delays. But a new report from Autocar says a new Alfa Romeo vehicle is actually running ahead of schedule. The new 4C sports car is reportedly running ahead of schedule and will make its appearance next summer, a year and a half sooner then was previously reported. Also back on track is the Guila sedan which was delayed to due to design problems. Source: Autocar View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 12, 2012 The next Cadillac CTS is just around the corner and Inside Line has gotten their hands on new spy shots that reveal some key parts that will appear when the it arrives in the 2014 model year. Starting with the exterior, the front end appears to have some Ciel infulence with its flat and wide grille. Other items that we can pick out include aggressive wheels/tires and large brakes. Inside, the CTS will get Cadillac's CUE infotainment system, a stitched dash, and paddle shifters. The big news lies under the hood. This CTS mule appears to be packing a twin-turbo V6 and the way we can tell that is due to the engine cover saying that. Speculation is the cover controls the unpleasant sounds of direct-injection system and is needed during the testing phase. Now, we're not sure if this the 3.0L TT, 3.6L TT, or if its a turbocharged engine at all. We'll find out in due time. Source: Inside Line View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 12, 2012 The Buick Verano. A compact that has left many (including your's truly) very smitten with it. The only real complaint that has been brought up is a more powerful engine. Well, Buick has answered the call with the new 2013 Verano Turbo. Under the hood lies a potent 2.0L DI turbocharged Ecotec inline-four delivering 250 HP and 260 lb-ft torque going through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This is second exciting Buick following the Regal GS introduced earlier this year. Think of the last time there was two exciting Buicks, let alone one. That 2.0L turbo can give a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds and 90% of torque is available at 1,700 RPM. The Verano Turbo is packed with loads of standard equipment, including all of the goodies found in the Leather and Convenience packages. That includes a heated leather seats and steering wheel, a premium nine-speaker Bose audio system, Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system, sport pedals, dual exhaust and a rear spoiler. Pricing will be announced later this year. Press Release is on Page 2 2013 Buick Verano Turbo Debuts with 250 Horsepower Award-winning engine at the heart of luxury sedan's effortless performance DETROIT – Buick today announced the 2013 Verano Turbo luxury sedan will be powered by an Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing that produces an SAE-certified 250 horsepower (187 kW) at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque at 2000 rpm. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is an estimated 6.2 seconds. The Verano Turbo goes on sale later this year. More than 90 percent of the Verano Turbo's peak torque – more than 234 lb.-ft. – is available between 1700 to 5500 rpm. Its closest competitor, the 2013 Acura ILX 2.4L, offers a peak of 170 lb.-ft. of torque. "The 2.0L turbo engine was designed for refinement, higher output capabilities and reduced noise," said Amy Joss, Ecotec 2.0L assistant chief engineer. "The way it sounds, the power delivery and the refined character are all fitting of a luxury sedan with a fun side." In December, Buick's 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine was named one of WardsAuto World's 2012 10Best Engines for North America. At the time, the publication's editor-in-chief, Drew Winter, said: "This engine delivers a level of power and sophistication that redefines Buick." The choice to use a small-displacement turbocharged engine for a more powerful Verano model is consistent with Buick's effort to downsize its powertrains without sacrificing performance. Verano and the Regal luxury sport sedan are available exclusively with four-cylinder engines, while the LaCrosse luxury sedan comes standard with a four-cylinder engine paired with eAssist technology, which uses an electric motor and battery to boost both performance and fuel economy. The standard 2013 Regal four-cylinder engine also is equipped with eAssist. "Buick's engine strategy continues to be driven by intelligent performance," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. "Four-cylinder engines, turbocharging and eAssist are all the right solutions for today's market. With these advanced technologies, Buicks are more efficient without sacrificing their smooth, quiet character." According to IHS Automotive, use of four-cylinder engines in North American vehicles will grow 74 percent from 6.9 million to 12.2 million units over the next 10 years. The Verano Turbo will be available with a choice of a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. Including Regal Turbo and Regal GS, the Buick brand offers more manual transmissions than Ferrari and Lamborghini combined. Acceleration performance is expected to be consistent between the two transmissions. Fuel economy numbers are not final, but the Verano Turbo is expected to be in line with Buick's other turbocharged models. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production in late 2012. View full article