William Maley

I don't know.. But I Really, Really, Really hope they have a better name

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 16, 2012 There is a new report from Australia saying Holden will be announcing a new export program to bring the next generation of the Commodore sedan codenamed VF to America as the new Chevrolet SS sedan. If and when this announcement, this could end the long running speculation, ranging from a U.S. trademark filling to an OnStar leak. The report from News.com.au also ties the announcement to it being the replacement for the current NASCAR Impala. Also, the report brings up Holden doing tests of left-hand drive models of the Commodore and comparing it to the Dodge Charger. Source: News.com.au View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 16, 2012 When Lamborghini introduced the new Urus at the at the Beijing Motor Show last month, we were wondering what would be powering it. Automotive News had the chance to talk with Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini's Development chief about what could lie under the Urus' hood. Reggiani said that Lamborghini hasn't decided on an engine, but a V8 is a strong possibility. "Such a car needs huge torque at low revolutions rather than high peak power, therefore a V-8 twin-turbo is an interesting possibility," Reggiani said. The engine that could be used is the 4.2L 450 HP V8 unit Audi uses in their RS models. Lamborghini's version will likely produce somewhere in the range of 600 HP. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 16, 2012 As the Chevrolet Malibu Eco leaves the Cheers and Gears Detroit garage, another vehicle arrives to take its place. The vehicle is the smallest Buick of them all, the new Verano. The Verano is equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder producing 180 HP and 171 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed automatic. First impressions so far: The Verano is very, very quiet. Something I appreciate very much. Also, I'm finding the 2.4L to be an ok powertrain in the short time I had it. I will be updating with my thoughts about the Verano throughout this week. In the meantime, send your questions in. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 15, 2012 Tesla announced this week they will begin to pay back their loans from the U.S. Government later this year. Tesla chief financial officer Deepak Ahuja told Bloomberg this week, "We are delivering on the milestones, what we're committed to...once we are delivering customer cars, that signifies completion of the project". This suggests once Tesla begins delivering the new Model S sedan out to customers, they will begin paying back the Department of Energy loans. Tesla also announced this week that the first Model S sedans will begin flowing out to customers in June, a month ahead when they originally put it. “We are pleased that Tesla continues to make progress and look forward to working with them as clean, electric vehicles play an important role in our energy future,” said Damien LaVera, an Energy Department spokesman. Source: Bloomberg View full article

After reading this, I think the Malibu's alarm went off I got about 26 to 26.5 MPG in mostly urban driving, which many reviews have been getting. My own problem with this is I could get the same fuel economy in a regular sedan. I believe it could, but I couldn't tell you

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 15, 2012 Porsche has just completed the initial prototypes of the new 918 Spyder, complete with a black-and-white livery that pays homage to the 917 race cars. Production is set to begin next September with the pricetag starting at a whopping $845,000 per model. But with that price, you do get a 570 HP, 4.6L V8 and two electric motors delivering a peak output of 770 HP. That powertrain should be good a 0-60 run of 3.1 seconds, a top speed of 199 MPH, run on electricity alone up 94 MPH, and return around 78 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. Press Release is on Page 2 918 Spyder prototypes commence trials Stuttgart. The Porsche 918 Spyder is on the road: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has taken the driving trials of the super sports car of the future a step further with completion of the initial prototypes. The 918 Spyder will go into production at the end of September 2013 as planned, with the first customers receiving their vehicles before 2013 is out. "What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance," said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG. The prototypes, their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the interplay between the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. "They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation," said Wolfgang Hatz. These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of Porsche's core competences. Both of them have a major influence on the extreme driving fun to be had with the 918 Spyder and they make possible a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder. The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 kilometres. Moreover, Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting "top pipes" exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 15, 2012 Its been working its way through the halls of congress, but according to Car and Driver, the "black box" mandate for cars could be in the books. The Senate has already voted to adopt a transportation bill that has a provision mandating event data recorders to be equipped into new vehicles starting in 2015. The House of Representatives is considering a version with slightly different language. The current state of the bills are "vague". In the Senate version, the bill states that devices must “capture and store data related to motor vehicle safety” and release this information to an “interoperable data access port.” Changes are expected if this does go into law. Of course, when you bring up government regulations and "black boxes", the tin foil hats come out. Currently in the Senate version, there's a provision that the data contained in the little electronic box is actually owned by the owner of the vehicle. If the law wants access to the data, they will likely have to get a court order. But there is a caveat: first responders such as paramedics would also have access to the data, without a court order, if it would help them in an emergency. Source: Car & Driver, GovTrack.us (To see the Senate version of the bill) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 14, 2012 The current Infiniti G Sedan, Coupe, and Convertible has been around since 2007 battling against the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class to name a few. But with the competition in the compact luxury sedan market heating up once more with the new BMW 3-Series, Cadillac ATS, and a refreshed Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class, Infiniti is readying a new G. Inside Line sat down with Nissan and Infiniti's Global Business Unit Excutive Vice President, Andy Palmer to talk about various Infiniti productions. During the chat, Palmer revealed the next G will come out next year as a 2014 model. Palmer didn’t reveal any other details about the next G. But we do Infiniti could be using a mix of Mercedes-Benz and their own powertrains. Also, there is talk about a hybrid model coming. Source: Inside Line View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 14, 2012 Chevrolet is introducing a new global-market crossover called the Trax. The Trax will serve as the brand's only global crossover. The Trax appears to be closely related to the Opel Mokka and Buick Encore crossover. The only change appears to be the Trax getting its own fascia. Chevrolet is being quiet on specific details about the new Trax. Our guess that it will likely share the same engine lineup as the Mokka and Encore, and come in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive. Chevrolet says the the Trax will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, with sales beginning in the forth quarter in Mexico and Canada. The U.S. won't be getting the Trax "because of the strong position of the Equinox." Press Release is on Page 2 Chevrolet Will Add New Small SUV to Global Lineup Trax will debut at Paris Motor Show and be sold in more than 140 countries DETROIT – The Chevrolet Trax, an all-new small sport utility vehicle, will join the Chevrolet global portfolio and make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. With room for five passengers and class-leading cargo space, Trax will meet the needs of customers in more than 140 markets. Mexico and Canada will be the first markets to launch the crossover in the fourth quarter of this year. Because of the strong position of the Equinox, there are no plans to introduce the Trax in the U.S. market. “The Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers around the world require,” said Mary Barra, GM senior vice president of Product Development. “After a record sales year in 2011 and a record first quarter, Chevrolet continues to meet customer needs by expanding its portfolio with strong new entries.” Chevrolet has recently introduced a new Malibu mid-sized sedan, Colorado pickup, TrailBlazer mid-sized SUV and Cruze station wagon. When it joins its siblings in the showroom, Trax will possess the same pioneering spirit and expressive design that defines each new Chevrolet. Trax exhibits its SUV toughness and capability in a small package through a muscular exterior design and wide athletic stance. While its contemporary form evolves the global Chevrolet design aesthetic, Trax’s interior and details will be executed to standards usually found in more expensive vehicles. View full article

Any more questions for the Malibu Eco before it heads back tomorrow?

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 14, 2012 With the introduction of the new 3-Series sedan earlier this year, we knew that it would be followed by the new wagon, coupe, and convertible. Well, BMW has introduced the second 3-Series model, the 3-Series wagon. The new 3-Series wagon is larger and boasts 10% more space than the outgoing model. As with the 3-Series sedan, the wagon will come in Sport, Luxury, Modern, and M Sport lines; each providing their own twist on the exterior and interior design. Inside, the back seats split 40:20:40. There's also a hidden storage compartment, a standard partition net, and an automatic tailgate with separate rear window opening that with an optional package, can become hands free. Engine lineup for Europe includes the 328i (245 HP), 320d (184 HP), and 330d (258 HP). All engines will have the option of xDrive AWD. The new 3-Series wagon arrives at European dealers later this year. As for North America, BMW says the wagon will arrive next year. Powertrains and other details for the N.A. spec will come out sometime later. Press Release is on Page 2 All-New BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon The favorite wagon of enthusiasts will again be available in the US Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 12, 2012 6:00pm EDT... BMW today released the first images and information on the next generation BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon and announced that, as with the two previous generations, this model will be offered in the US. Unlike anything else on the market, the all-new 3 Series Sports Wagon will again offer the flexibility and utility one would expect from a premium wagon combined with the driving dynamics of the quintessential sport sedan, the BMW 3 Series. The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon will launch in Europe later this year and is set to arrive in US showrooms in Spring 2013. Powertrain details for the US as well as pricing, specifications and standard/optional equipment will be announced at a later date. Like its Sedan sibling, the new 3 Series Sports Wagon is slightly larger than its predecessor, most notably its wider track (front + 37 mm/1.46 in., rear + 48 mm/1.85 in.). The car's length (+ 97 mm/3.66 in.) and wheelbase (+ 50 mm/1.96 in.) also accentuate its sporting promise. Inside the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon, rear passengers will appreciate the noticeable increase in space made possible by the larger dimensions. These larger dimensions also pay dividends in utility with nearly ten percent more cargo volume both with the rear seats up and when folded. The new 3 Series Sports Wagon will be the next model to offer BMW Lines as a way to tailor the car to individual tastes, just as with the Sedan, by choosing from a trio of trim and equipment variants – the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. Each presents its own individual take on the character of the Sports wagon, with exclusive, high-quality trim and material combinations. For the enthusiast who wants to go beyond even the Sport Line, the M Sport Line will also be offered because it is, after all, a BMW 3 Series at its heart. Striking face with precise contours and multi-faceted surfaces. Characteristically, the sporting nature of the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon is made apparent to the eye by its wide track. By accentuating the width of the car, the multi-faceted surfaces of the expressive front fascia give the 3 Series Sports Wagon a more athletic face than ever. A three-dimensional interpretation of the upright, slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille emphasizes an assured presence. LED accent lights positioned like eyebrows above the traditional four round headlights with corona rings (if Adaptive Xenon headlights are specified) lend an extra intensity to the classic BMW focused look. Clearly defined headlight surrounds now extend up to the frame of the kidney grille, merging the headlights and grille into a single stylistic element and adding further emphasis to the car's broad-set stance. The 3 Series Sports Wagon replaces the central air intake of its predecessor with two larger intakes, which are positioned underneath the headlights to the outer edges of the front fascia and add extra depth to the car's sporty look. On the left and right edges of the main ducts are small vertical intakes which help create the "Air Curtain". This new technology improves air flow around the front wheels, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel consumption at higher speeds. The closely spaced, squat openings of the kidney grille, with their eye-catching surrounds, form the most prominent element of the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon's front design. It is also where the precise lines of the dynamically contoured hood begin at the base of the A pillars and flow over the full length of the hood. The result is a front that appears lower-slung, giving 3 Series Sports Wagon a clear sporting edge when viewed head-on. Precise lines produce a silhouette that enhances the car's dynamic impact. Powerfully taut surfaces with sweeping lines dominate the side view of the BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon, stretching the car visually and lending extra verve to its dynamic stance. The flanks of the car are shaped by an eye-catching double character line running alongside each other. The higher character line emerges out of the low-slung nose and flows over the front wheel with an understated sweep, in a nod to the wagon's fleetness of foot. The second character line develops lower down behind the front wheel and follows a delicately arching path towards the rear. Together, they reinforce the dynamic wedge shape of the car's flanks. As well as providing a discreet increase in muscularity in the rear section below the character line, these styling cues also create vivid light and shade effects, which draw further attention to the car's wide track. The car's athletic overall impression is emphasized by the steeply raked D-pillars, the angle of the rear window and the subtly wedge-shaped geometry of the window surfaces. The roofline – which slopes downwards slightly to the rear and is extended visually by a spoiler – and the "Hofmeister kink" at the foot of the D-pillar also generate a sense of dynamic tension. The finely balance between the greenhouse and the body lends the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon a sporty, elegant and nimble look, while the rear lights extend well into the sides of the body and combine with its flowing lines to create a harmonious transition between the flanks and rear section. The rear of the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon also boasts a blend of sporting elegance and modern practicality. The horizontal lines and L-shaped lights set far to the outer edges accentuate the subtly flared fenders and the wider track. Two integrated bars of LEDs allow a slim light design and ensure they maintain an appearance that is instantly recognizable as a BMW both day and night. The positioning of the lights at the outer edges of the rear underline the car's hunkered-down stance on the road. The large tailgate opening and low sill make loading and unloading bulky items that much easier. The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon again features a rear window that opens separately from the tailgate. The window is unlocked electrically via a button on the rear window wiper arm and opened by hand. This practical function makes it easier to load and unload smaller items – especially when space is tight, as the rear window opens up rather than out. In order to make access to its generous cargo area easier, a power tailgate will be offered for the first time on a 3 Series Sports Wagon. Getting into the cargo area can be done at the touch of a button, either on the remote key or from inside the interior. Access is made even easier when Comfort Access is ordered, which will include the Hands Free Opening Tailgate. If one approaches the new 3 Series Sports Wagon with hands full, one need only stick a foot under the rear bumper and the tailgate automatically swings open. Practicality and versatility: Hallmarks for the new 3 Series Sports Wagon The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon offers remarkable flexibility. A net as well as an additional strap along the right side panel can be used to help secure cargo. Four tie-downs are integrated into the cargo floor. A net along the left-hand panel will also be available. A pair of coat hooks and an addition 12-volt outlet add an extra measure of flexibility. A storage tray under the load compartment floor and a deep stowage compartment on the left-hand side of the cargo area can accommodate smaller items. Another neat twist, the luggage compartment cover can be stowed away under the load compartment floor, allowing it to be kept in the car even when not in use. Also standard is a separate partition net, which can be employed in a variety of ways even when the rear seat backrests are folded down. The rear seats can be folded down in three sections in a 40:20:40 split. The large through-loading facility allows the new 3 Series Sports Wagon to carry four adults and longer items, such as skis or snowboards, at the same time. In addition to the flexibility and utility offered by the interior of the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon, other features unique to this model includes roof-rails to accommodate all manner of storage racks for everything from bicycles and skis to cargo boxes. It will also be available with a full glass panoramic sunroof. BMW ConnectedDrive: The latest in safety and infotainment With its broad range of driver assistance systems and mobility services, all offered as part of BMW ConnectedDrive, the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon sets a new benchmark when it comes to safety, convenience and infotainment. To ensure that the available features deliver the maximum benefit, the exchange of information between the passengers, the vehicle and the outside world is managed by BMW ConnectedDrive. The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon is available with a full-color Head-Up Display. It projects key information in sharp resolution onto the windshield in the driver's direct field of vision. Depending on the vehicle specification the speed limit is noted in addition to the car's speed. The driver can also see navigation instructions and various alerts in the Head-Up Display. Thanks to the wide variety of driver assistance systems available in the new BMW 3 Series range, more information can be placed in the driver's direct line-of-sight while their eyes remain squarely on the road. State-of-the-art camera technology provides the potential for new levels of safety and convenience. Active Safety options include Lane Departure Warning as well as Blind Spot Detection. Backing up and parking both are made easier with the available Rear-view Camera with Top View which provides a bird's-eye view of the car. Another convenience-enhancing assistance system is the BMW Parking Assistant, which takes charge of maneuvering into parking spaces making parallel-parking a breeze. BMW Assist, a globally unique mobility service, comprises among other features a telephone information service and BMW's industry-leading enhanced Automatic Collision Notification function with automatic detection of the vehicle location. BMW Assist also includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Other innovative technologies allow the integration of the Apple iPhone and other smartphones as well as music players, including the use of Internet-based services. The Apps option enables iPhone users, among other things, to receive Internet radio stations and to display Facebook and Twitter posts on the onboard monitor. With BMW Apps, iPhone users can access and listen to music streaming services like Pandora and MOG today with Stitcher coming soon. The all-new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon again brings the versatility of a wagon with the driving dynamics of the quintessential sport sedan. The new 3 Series Sports wagon will be arriving in US showrooms in spring 2013. Powertrain details for the US as well as pricing, specifications and standard/optional equipment will be announced at a later date. View full article

I would say it has improved over the past ten years. The last generation Malibu showed GM was going in the right direction and it appears the new one follows it as well. This is a tough question since we only have the Eco to base it on. For now, I think its somewhere in between the middle and top. It has the interior design and quality down, though it sacrifices some of it on space. The Eco brings an interesting twist on how to save fuel, though I'm not sure if the mild-hybrid idea GM has is a good one or not. Ask me again in a year or so. The 2.5L four and turbo will be out then.

Not at the moment.. Would like to get my hands on a Regal sometime

I don't know how my review will differ, if at all, from the others. The only way I'll know is when I finish writing the review up.

I found the foot and leg room to be ok.. though, I'm about 5'6, 5'7. Headroom, I will say could be tight for tall people. Haven't tried that yet.. Will get back to you tommrow