William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 20, 2012 Acura has announced pricing on their smallest vehicle, the ILX. The base price starts at $25,900 (Excludes $895 destination fee) when it goes on sale next month. For that amount, you get a 2.0L four-cylinder producing 150 HP, six-speed automatic, cloth seats, a proximity key, Pandora and text message functionality for the audio system, Bluetooth, alloy wheels and a power moonroof. For an extra $3,000 ($29,200), you can add the premium package which includes leather heated seats, power adjustment for the driver’s throne, an uprated 360-watt stereo with SiriusXM and active noise cancellation, fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels and a rearview camera. For another $2,200 ($31,400) is the technology package which adds ELS surround sound audio, AcuraLink multimedia functionality with voice recognition, and a navigation system with a 60-gigabyte hard drive. There are also two other engine choices; for $29,200 you can get the ILX with a 2.4L four producing 201 HP, a six-speed manual transmission, and the premium package. The tech package isn't available on the 2.4L. Then there is the ILX Hybrid which comes with a 1.5L hybrid powertrain and CVT. The base ILX hybrid starts at $28,900. The only option is the Technology Package which adds $5,500 ($34,400). View full article

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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 20, 2012 The bad news is solidering on at Fisker Automotive. A few weeks after showing the new Atlantic concept, the company let go twelve people at their Delaware plant. This is second time this year that Fisker has laid off people at the plant. Back in February, Fisker laid off twenty-six employees due to the company not meeting the Department of Energy’s contractual milestones for their loans. Today, Fisker employs only a small maintenance team at the site "protecting plant assets and maintaining the facility," said Fisker spokesman Russell Datz to The News Journal. "We have always had a flexible business model that allows us to scale up and down as work demands. As we ramp up the project again, we will add a new headcount. We've accomplished a lot at the plant, using more than 40 local contract firms to recycle old material and equipment. The plant is now ready for the next phase of installing new production equipment." One of the people laid off, Jeffrey Garland told The News Journal that the plant is "absolutely empty." Fisker has hauled used equipment away from the site but hasn’t installed the new equipment needed to build a vehicle. "All of us who were there hoped we were still adding value. I think what happened was the budget numbers are so tight right now and they're working so hard to preserve as much cash as they can that something had to give,” said Garland Source: The Daily Journal View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 19, 2012 When you think of Chevrolet, one of the first things that comes up is the SS. The nameplate that signifies added performance on a Chevrolet model has found more than a million homes since the first SS model, the 1961 Impala SS was introduced. So it seems a bit odd that General Motors decided to trademark the SS name this year. Someone uncovered a application filled by GM on April 13 trademarking SS. So what does this mean? Well, most everyone thinks that reason why GM trademarked SS is due to it being using as a designator, and there have been rumors that a civilian version of the Caprice PPV will hit the market and simply be called the SS. Source: US Patent Office via GM Inside News View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 19, 2012 The Lamborghini SUV that we been hearing for the longest time will make its debut shortly at next week's Beijing Auto Show will have a name. Chinese Media is reporting the name of the SUV will be the Urus. We'll save you the trip to Google: a "urus" is an extinct European ox, Bos primigenius, a forebearer of domestic cattle whose last example roamed the Polish forests until 1627. So, the name somehow keeps up with Lamborghini's tradition with naming their cars after oxen. The Urus is rumored to have a a reworked ten-cylinder powerplant from the Gallardo producing 584 HP, and a $200,000 price tag. Expect the Lamborghini Urus to arrive sometime in 2017. Source: China Car Times View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 19, 2012 The diesel car, once considered the dirtiest and worst powertrain in America, is making a large comeback. According to statistics gathered by the Diesel Technology Forum, diesel vehicles sales are up 35% in the first quarter of 2012. A trend since diesel sales were up 27% the year before. By comparison, the overall U.S. auto market is up 13.% in the same time, and hybrid sales increased 37.2%. In the big picture, diesels captured 3% of the total U.S. market. That might not seem like a lot, but when compared to hybrids which has seen their total drop from 2.7% to 2.1% in three years, its a lot. So why the increase in diesels? Partly its due to rising cost of gasoline. But, also its due to the constant improvements that automakers have been doing over the course of thirty years. “With higher fuel prices, Americans are seeking more fuel efficient cars so it’s understandable that diesel and hybrid cars are showing such impressive sales increases,” says Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, in a statement. ”In addition, the new federal fuel efficiency standards that will required a 54.5 mpg average by 2025 will also boost clean diesel auto sales, as diesel cars are 20 to 40 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline versions.” Press Release is on Page 2 U.S. Clean Diesel Auto Sales Increase 35 Percent in 1st Quarter of 2012 Hybrid and Electric Car Sales Also Jump Dramatically Washington, D.C. – Clean diesel automobile sales in the United States increased an impressive 35 percent during the first quarter of 2012 continuing the strong gains in diesel car purchases in 2011, according to new sales information compiled by HybridCars.Com and Baum and Associates. The U.S. sales of clean diesel autos increased 39.6 percent in March 2012 over March 2011, 42.9 percent in February, and 21.2 percent in January. During the first quarter, U.S. hybrid car sales increased 37.2 percent and the emerging plug-in electric car market saw a sales increase of 323 percent. The overall automobile market increased 13.4 percent in 2012, according to the new sales information. Month (2012 v. 2011) Clean Diesel +/- Hybrids +/- Overall Market +/- March 2012 +39.6% +39.6% +12.7% February 2012 +42.9% +55.4% +13.8% January 2012 +21.2% +11.4% +11.5% (Source: HybridCars.Com and Baum and Associates) Higher Fuel Prices Have Americans Seeking More Fuel Efficient Cars "This 35 percent increase in clean diesel auto sales during the first quarter of 2012 is a continuation of the 27 percent sales jump in 2011," said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "With higher fuel prices, Americans are seeking more fuel efficient cars so it's understandable that diesel and hybrid cars are showing such impressive sales increases. In addition, the new federal fuel efficiency standards that will required a 54.5 mpg average by 2025 will also boost clean diesel auto sales, as diesel cars are 20 to 40 more fuel efficient than gasoline versions. Clean Diesel Autos Are Among the Most Environmentally Friendly Available "American drivers are also recognizing the environmental benefits of the new clean diesel technology," Schaeffer said. "Earlier this month, the Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY clean diesel received the prestigious '2012 World Green Car' award during the New York International Auto Show. This followed the January announcement that the Volkswagen Passat TDI clean diesel had been selected the '2012 Earth, Wind & Power Car of the Year for Most Earth Friendly' automobile. "I expect clean diesel auto sales to increase further as several new diesel cars are introduced in the U.S. market in the next year," Schaeffer said. Numerous New Clean Diesel Autos to Soon Be Available In U.S. The 2012 Porsche Cayenne clean diesel has just been introduced into the U.S. market and the following auto makers have announced plans to sell additional new clean diesel autos in the U.S.: Audi announced that it would be selling an Audi A6, A8 and Q5 TDI diesel in the U.S. in 2013. The A4 may still see a diesel version in 2014 or even as early as 2013. Chrysler announced that it will be introducing a Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel in 2013 or 2014, and possibly other Jeep diesels later. They also plan a new version of the discontinued Dakota pickup that will include a diesel, but timing is uncertain. Ford will offer diesel and gasoline engines in the new Transit full-size commercial van that goes on sale in the U.S. next year. General Motors announced that a diesel version of the Cadillac ATS would available in the U.S. in the near future. A diesel version of the hot-selling Chevrolet Cruze will begin sales in the U.S. in 2013. Mazda will become the first Asian car manufacturer to sell diesel cars in the U.S. when it introduces its SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine here. The Mercedes S350 BlueTEC marks the return of the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz S-Class to the United States in 2012 after a 17-year absence. Mercedes also still plans to bring a diesel in the GLK and C-class for a total of eight diesel models by 2014. The newly redesigned 2012 VW Beetle will once again feature a TDI diesel version with the possible introduction of a Tiguan diesel later. See a list of all the Clean Diesel Vehicles Currently Available in the U.S. ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org. View full article

Yeah, its a bug with IPBoard software.. We know about it and we're waiting on a fix..

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 18, 2012 For the longest time, we been reporting about a small, FWD sedan from Mercedes-Benz that would look like a CLS that has been run through the dryer a bit too long. Well, thanks to Autoblog.rs, we have gotten our first look at the "baby CLS" in its concept form. The Concept Style Coupe (CSC) as its called shares the same design ideas as the larger CLS mixed with some cues from the F800 concept from 2010. Mercedes-Benz's new MFA platform, which debuted on the new A-Class, is underpinning the CSC. The CSC will make its world debut at next week's Beijing motor show. Source: Autoblog.rs View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 18, 2012 It only seemed liked a month ago when the rumor of Audi would buy Italian motorcycle maker, Ducati came out. Well, the rumor is true as Audi announced today that it has bought Ducati. In their statement, Audi points to Ducati's technologies, which include control systems, combustion chamber process and lightweight construction as particular assets that "offer great potential for AUDI AG and the Volkswagen Group." Ducati becomes the third company under Audi's umbrella. The other two are Lamborghini and ItalDesign-Giugiaro. Press Release is on Page 2 AUDI AG acquires sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. - Chairman Rupert Stadler: “As a sporty, global premium brand, Ducati is an excellent fit for Audi.” - Third pillar for AUDI AG in Italy - Ducati a leading player in engine technology and lightweight construction INGOLSTADT, Germany, Apr 17, 2012 - AUDI AG is acquiring from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., which has its registered office in Bologna. The transaction will be completed as quickly as possible once authorized by the competition authorities. The Supervisory Boards of AUDI AG and Volkswagen AG approved the acquisition today in Hamburg. Ducati is known worldwide as a leading brand in motorcycle manufacture, with outstanding expertise in engine development and lightweight construction. Alongside the traditional Italian brands Lamborghini and Italdesign, Ducati is now a third pillar for AUDI AG in Northern Italy. Another building block in the Company’s growth strategy thus falls into place. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, declared: “Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world’s most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi.” The progressive control systems and special combustion chamber process of Ducati engines, their resulting sporty character, and Ducati’s extensive know-how in lightweight construction thus offer great potential for AUDI AG and the Volkswagen Group. Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG, explains that the employee representatives of AUDI AG support the Company’s sustainable, co-determined growth strategy. “We must use the opportunities offered by globalization for Audi – and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Everyone at Audi is looking forward to working with our new colleagues from Ducati,” commented Mosch. Ducati is a globally active company and has manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Bologna and at its own factory in Thailand. It maintains a series of importer companies in strategic markets. Experts predict that the motorcycle market will enjoy strong growth over the next few years, especially in Asia. In 2011, Ducati sold around 42,000 motorcycles and generated revenue of some €480 million, employing around 1,100 people. The company was founded by Adriano and Marcello Ducati in Bologna in 1926. Known originally as Società Scientifica Radiobrevetti Ducati, it initially built parts for radios. It ventured into the manufacture of motorcycles in 1949. Ducati has been actively involved in motorcycle racing for many decades through its racing division Ducati Corse. Its racing activities are currently focused on the Ducati official factory team in the MotoGP class of the Motorcycle World Championship and in the Superbike World Championship, supporting competitive private teams. Ducati won the manufacturers’ championship in this latter class 17 times in 21 championships and the pilots’ 14 times. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 18, 2012 New analysis from TrueCar, an online research firm, shows the average transaction price of new cars are on the rise. TrueCar looked at sales data from last month and found that the average price was 30,748, a rise 6.9% over the previous year. So why the increase in average price? The answer lies in the options list. Consumers are ticking more boxes on the list like never before, with the average new car being very close to “fully loaded.” For example, Ford’s president of the Americas, Mark Fields recently told investors that the Focus is selling for an average of $3,100 more per car than the previous model year. Aside from the option list, the other factor is automakers cutting back on the incentives. This is due to automakers, especially the big three changing their business model to focus more on forecasting and producing vehicles at a proper volume than flooding dealers with too many vehicles. TrueCar predicts that the average price will begin to level out, sometime when the average price hits $31,000. Source: USA Today View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 18, 2012 Shelby has been synonymous with the Mustang since the late sixties with the GT350 and GT500. Since the two got back together in 2007 with GT500, Shelby has been reestablishing itself as the halo car producer for Ford. But Shelby is looking to expand. Autoblog talked with Shelby president John Luft about what the future holds for the company. Luft said the company is looking at whether to branch out to other vehicles in the Ford stable. "Our plans include everything from the Mustang to looking at future development of the EcoBoost motor. There could be a Focus or Fusion development in our future." Luft also revealed that Shelby considering doing another halo sports car like the Series 1 in 1999. "We always pose the 'what if'. If you remember when the Series 1 was developed, that was a purpose-built halo sports car for the Shelby brand. We always put those things in the plan because maybe down the road we would want to readdress a purpose-built Shelby sports car. It doesn't mean we'll build it, but we always want to challenge ourselves to put it on the table and talk about the practicality of it." However, Luft said the conditions have to be right before Shelby decides to go forward. "All the variables have to come into play – what's the economy like and what the industry is doing – but I've learned to never-say-never. It could very well be that we could collaborate with Ford and create a new one-off Shelby halo vehicle. Who knows? But we always add things like that into our product plans because it causes us to pause and look at things beyond the Mustang in the Ford lineup." And if you're wondering what will happen with the Mustang, Luft says they have a product plan through 2020. Source: Autoblog View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 17, 2012 Car & Driver recently spoke with Robert Davis, Mazda’s senior vice president of U.S. Operations about the future of the rotary engine, V6, and the Miata. With the Rotary engine, Davis said to expect the technologies seen on the Skyactiv Mazda3 and CX-5 for a revived rotary. Those technologies include reduced internal friction, reduced rotating mass, and more-efficient transmissions. Mazda is also looking at using the Rotary as a way to drive an electric motor. Davis also talked about the future of the V6 at the Mazda. Currently, two vehicles have a V6, the Mazda6 and CX-9 crossover. When the two vehicles enter their next generation, both will likely go with four-cylinders only, which means the V6 engine has a murky future. Car & Driver also pressed Davis about the next Miata. Davis didn't say much we didn't already know. When asked whether or not Mazda would build anything like the Miata Spyder and Super20 concepts, Davis responded, “We would love to. Pay attention: There are some special editions coming that I think your readers will like.” Source: Car & Driver View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 17, 2012 What is the lowest cylinder engine that you can buy in a Volvo currently? If you said four, you would be wrong. Volvo hasn't sold a four-cylinder model since 2004. But that will be changing next year. Automotive News has found out that come 2013, Volvo will offer a 2.0L four-cylinder in the front-wheel-drive versions of the S60 and S80 sedans, the XC60 crossover and the XC70 wagon. The engine is part of Volvo's new Environmental Architecture family of four-cylinder engines. The family will replace all of the automaker's five- and six-cylinder engines. "The whole reason to do this is high fuel efficiency, high performance, good torque and reduced weight. This will give us a leap ahead," said Volvo Cars of North America CEO John Maloney. The engine will range in horsepower from 150 to 300 thanks to turbocharging. Gas engines will come first with diesel possibly coming along later. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 17, 2012 We last saw a next-generation CTS mule running around the frozen tundras of Canada undergoing some cold-winter testing back in February. Fast forward two months and two CTS mules are roaming the streets in a new set of spy shots. As we reported back in February, the new CTS will use an extended version of the "Alpha" platform to help it better compete with the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6. On this test mule, you can make out a large grill with two bold bars, projector headlamps with LED daytime runners, lots of radar sensors, and dual exhaust tips around the back. The engine lineup will likely include 2.0T as the base engine, the 3.6L DI V6, and a turbocharged V6. The next CTS is due sometime in late 2013 as a 2014 model. Source: Automobile Magazine View full article