William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 17, 2012 The usual recipe for an AMG vehicle is to take one Mercedes-Benz vehicle, add gobs of horsepower via turbocharging, tune the suspension and brakes, add new body bits and wheels, and then do a smoky burnout out of the factory. However, the rumored A-Class AMG model will be changing the recipe a bit because it's a front-wheel drive model. Some new spy shots of an AMG A-Class mule running around AMG's HQ in Germany came out and gives us a good look of what to expect of this hot hatch. The A25 AMG as its rumored to be called will sport new bumpers and more aggressive side skirts. Up front, a new grill and larger air-intakes to help cool the upgraded brakes will come. Under the hood will be a 2.0L turbocharged four-banger producing 350 HP going through a seven speed dual-clutch gearbox to all four wheels. The A25 AMG will debut sometime later this year. Source: CarScoop View full article

So here are the base prices of the Focus, Cruze, Civic, and Corolla with their destination charges added on. Honda Civic DX: $16,785 ($16,085 + $790) Dodge Dart SE: $16,790 ($15,995 + $795) Toyota Corolla L: $16,890 ($16,130 + $760) Ford Focus S: $17,295 ($16,500 + $795) Chevrolet Cruze LS: $17,595 ($16,800 + $795) Only the Civic beats the Dart by only $5.00.

No, in the article I listed the $795 destination charge. Add that into the Dart SE's price tag and you're actually $16,790

Yeah, I'm thinking Impala Eco model or like Chris said, an export model. Also, I think it was reported earlier this year the 3.0L TT was canned, leaving the 3.6 TT as the sole engine.

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 16, 2012 The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the next Ford Mustang, due out in 2014, will ditch the retro styling and go with the styling seen on the new Fusion. Sources tell the Journal, the new Mustang will keep shark-nosed grill and headlights. Why drop the retro styling? Ford wants to attract younger buyers. The group of people who usually purchase a Mustang is beginning to shrink. Also, Ford wants to take back the sales lead from the Chevrolet Camaro. For the first three months of this year, the Camaro outsold the Mustang by by 1,791 vehicles. Last year, the Camaro outsold the Mustang by 17,811 vehicles - 88,249 Camaros to 70,438 Mustangs. Source: Wall Street Journal View full article

Dodge has announced pricing on the new Dart compact sedan. Base price starts at $15,995 (before a $795 delivery charge), which undercuts the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, and Toyota Corolla. For $15,995, that gets you a Dart SE which comes equipped with a 2.0L Tigershark four-cylinder producing 160 HP and a six-speed manual. Standard features include 10 airbags, "denim" cloth seats, power windows, LED taillights, a CD player with MP3 hookup, and projector headlights. Next up is the Dart SXT, which is priced at $17,995. The SXT comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power door locks, keyless entry, split rear seat, security system, and upgraded sound system. Options include navigation, backup camera, sunroof, and a 506-watt sound system. For $18,995, you can get a Dart Rallye which brings the option of the 1.4L MultiAir Turbo four engine. The 1.4L delivers 160 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque. Standard equipment includes black front fascia accents, black headlamp bezels, projector fog lamps, a class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, and a trip computer. The $19,995 Limited level adds a seven-inch "reconfigurable instrument cluster display," fog lamps, active grille shutters, and premium accent stitching. Leather seats are optional. Finally, we get to the R/T which begins at $22,495. When the R/T appears sometime in the third quarter of 2012, it will have the 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder with 184 HP and 171 lb-ft mated to either a six-speed manual or Autostick automatic. The R/T comes with all the equipment on the Limited but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, more aggressive front fascia, dual exhaust, unique seat leather, and a heated steering wheel. The Dart arrives at your local Dodge dealer in June. Press Release is on Page 2 Dodge Announces Pricing for the All-new 2013 Dodge Dart With a Starting U.S. MSRP of $15,995 Groundbreaking Car delivers on Style, Innovative Features, Great Driving Experience and Value 2013 Dodge Dart delivers exceptional value with a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of just $15,995 MSRP All-new Dart hits the mark with features and benefits never before seen in a compact car Five well-equipped trim levels offer class-leading safety features, unparalleled customization, breakthrough technology and amenities typically found in more expensive vehicle segments Built on a world-class architecture, Dodge Dart offers three technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and powerful engines including the 1.4L MultiAir® Turbo The 2013 Dodge Dart competes in the largest retail automotive segment in the United States, the compact car segment, which represents approximately 15 percent of the new car market Auburn Hills, Mich. , Apr 16, 2012 - The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart leverages the world-class architecture and DNA of Alfa Romeo and then infuses it with Dodge passion and design, creating an agile, fun-to-drive compact car with mid-size levels of interior roominess and unmatched style, technology, safety and customization. The Dodge Dart brings this style and technology to market starting at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $15,995 (excluding destination), delivering a thoroughly modern vehicle that’s beautifully designed and crafted with high-quality materials, attention to detail and precision craftsmanship. “The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking car, offering features and benefits never before found in a compact car,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “With class-leading style, customization, safety, technology, and interior levels of roominess, the all-new Dart perfectly blends Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge passion and style into one all-new car that customers will be proud to own and look forward to driving.” Loaded with innovative technology, class-leading safety features and clever functionality, the 2013 Dodge Dart sets a new standard in the compact car segment by offering unmatched personalization, roominess, style, functionality and fun-to-drive dynamics. The 2013 Dodge Dart is available in five different trim levels in the United States. Customers can choose from the SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. The starting U.S. MSRP for the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart (all prices exclude$795 destination): Dodge Dart SE $15,995 Dodge Dart SXT $17,995 Dodge Dart Rallye $18,995 Dodge Dart Limited $19,995 Dodge Dart R/T $22,495 (available Q3 2012) 2013 Dodge Dart SE – $15,995 starting U.S. MSRP The Dodge Dart SE offers customers a stylish new car that breaks the mold of the typical compact car, while delivering great value. It’s powered by the new 2.0-liter 16-valve Tigershark I-4 engine, which produces a best-in-class standard 160 horsepower (hp) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or available six-speed automatic. Select standard equipment includes class-leading safety features, such as 10 standard air bags, four wheel disc anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control. Dart separates itself from the competition with world-class aerodynamics and distinctive style with standard projector headlamps, LED taillamps, body-color crosshair grille and laminated windshield. The interior features a premium soft-touch instrument panel with bright accents, six-way manual driver seat with height adjuster, unique ‘Denim’ cloth seats, power windows, AM/FM CD with MP3 and much more. All 2013 Dodge Dart models feature the security of a 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 2013 Dodge Dart SXT – $17,995 starting U.S. MSRP The 2013 Dodge Dart SXT model includes the standard equipment of the SE model, as well as 17-inch aluminum wheels; power body-color mirrors and door locks; remote keyless entry; six-speakers; security alarm, 60/40 split folding rear seat, sliding armrest; air conditioning with micron filter and more. Owners can customize their SXT with a wide array of options, including the class-exclusive 8.4-inch touch screen, Garmin navigation, in-seat storage, rear backup camera, power sunroof and a 506-watt sound system. 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye – $18,995 starting U.S. MSRP The Dodge Dart Rallye adds a customized look to the Dodge Dart with distinctive performance front and rear fascias and a choice of four interior colors – Black with Light Diesel Grey, Diesel with Light Diesel Grey, Black with Ruby Red or Diesel Grey with Citrus Peel. Rallye includes the standard equipment of the SXT model and also adds the following to create a one-of-a-kind look: unique black front fascia accents; black headlamp bezels; projector fog lamps; class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust with bright exhaust tips; leather-wrapped steering wheel; speed control; steering wheel audio controls; trip computer and more. Rallye customers can further express themselves with class-exclusive Hyper Black wheels or the powerful efficiency of the 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo delivering 160 horsepower and an impressive 184 lb.-ft. of torque. 2013 Dodge Dart Limited – $19,995 starting U.S. MSRP The all-new Dodge Dart Limited represents the ultimate in luxury with mid-size levels of interior roominess, class-leading safety and technology, all for less than $20,000 MSRP. The Dodge Dart Limited includes the standard equipment of the Dart SXT and adds the following impressive list of equipment, including unique bright grille and door handles; 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen with rear backup camera; class-exclusive 7-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) reconfigurable instrument cluster display; floating island bezel; projector fog lamps; 10-way power driver seat; automatic headlamps; active grille shutters; premium accent stitching on the instrument panel; and much more. Limited customers can indulge in a variety of class-exclusive features, including premium Nappa leather with heated steering wheel, Garmin navigation, rear cross path detection and polished aluminum wheels. 2013 Dodge Dart R/T: $22,495 starting U.S. MSRP (3rd quarter 2012 availability): The Dodge Dart R/T pays homage to the heritage of the R/T badge with distinctive styling and performance attributes that cater to the performance enthusiast with discriminating taste. The Dodge Dart R/T is powered by the new 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 4-cylinder that produces an impressive 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or available six-speed automatic with AutoStick. The R/T features the standard content of the Limited and adds the following distinctive equipment: 18-inch aluminum wheels; sport suspension with frequency-sensing damping shocks; unique performance front fascia with black accents and Hyper Black grille; black headlamp bezels; integrated dual exhaust with bright exhaust tips; R/T-unique premium Nappa perforated leather seats; dual- zone automatic temperature control; heated seats; class-exclusive heated steering wheel;and more. Customers can also enhance their R/T with class-exclusive Hyper Black aluminum wheels, Keyless Enter ‘n Go, HID Headlamps and a 506-watt sound system, to name just a few features. Production of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart begins at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant in the second quarter 2012 and will begin arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms in June 2012. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 16, 2012 To say Suzuki is hurting would be a large understatement. The brand is showing many signs of trouble which include, Suzuki's first quarter sales totaled 6,561 vehicles, a drop of 2% over last year. Meanwhile, in the same quarter, the market rose 13%. Suzuki skipped the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Show Suspended their social media activity (i.e. Facebook & Twitter) two months ago Steve Younan, the top U.S. product planning and marketing executive, left in January and will not be replaced. Suzuki hasn't aired a ad nationally since 2009 In January, Suzuki stopped getting data from J.D. Power and Associates Since 2005, Suzuki has been losing dealers. Last year, 32 Suzuki dealers closed (about 12%) A Suzuki dealer told Automotive News that about 60% of Suzuki's remaining dealers sell five or less vehicles per month Now, a report from Automotive News says Suzuki is focused on short-term profitability than investment. "They seem to be more interested in controlling expenses than increasing revenue," a source said. The brand has been cutting costs wherever possible. A good amount of those cuts have effected the promotional aspect of the business. Not a good thing since Suzuki has refreshed versions of the SX4 subcompact and Grand Vitara SUV coming out later this year. "The strange thing to me is, even at this bare minimum, when the opportunity is presented to make some news and provide something positive for customers and the dealers, they avoid it," said another source. The question being asked now is whether Suzuki is planning to rebuild their U.S. operations or make an exit out of the U.S.? Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 16, 2012 Two words you wouldn’t think that would go together are Toyota and excitement. But there was time when Toyota meant excitement; cars like the Celica, Supra, and MR2 cemented the brand as building some of best sports cars before hanging it up and building appliances. However, the tide at Toyota seems to be changing. The RWD GT86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ coupes are beginning to roll out, and Toyota is introducing a new development and manufacturing framework designed to aid in producing more exciting vehicles. "The feeling at the time was, 'If we build it, they will come. Instead of developing what customers would want next, we were making cars that would rake in sales," said Toyota CEO, Akio Toyoda. The new framework, called Toyota New Global Architecture, or TNGA, allows the company to design multiple models at the same time to reduce costs. The new framework will also slash the number of executives involved in the design review process to help streamline decisions. "Toyota's problem was that it had too many filters. When you have that many people weighing in, you end up developing cars by eliminating the negatives, not by creating something positive, by taking risks," said Tokuo Fukuichi, Toyota’s chief designer. Added cooperation between Toyota's planning and design groups could bring forth more innovative styling, including models with lower centers of gravity and better aerodynamics. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Got back from a 100 mile round trip in the Denali HD and the average fuel economy was 15.8 MPG Not bad for a truck that weighs close to 7400 lbs

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 15, 2012 And the award for the oldest truck lineup goes to Nissan. Their current lineup, the mid-size Frontier and full-size Titan stand at six and seven years respectively. Car & Driver says their replacements are going to be awhile. Starting with Titan, a source tells Car & Driver we’re still “a couple of years” away from seeing the finished product. This corroborates our story last November saying the Titan could be released by 2014. As for the Frontier, development is further behind the Titan. Sources say the Frontier will remain a body-on-frame vehicle, most likely sharing the frame with the Xterra. Source: Car & Driver View full article

Can't say for Avalanche since I haven't driven one. As for the 1500, I would say the 2500 is a little bit stiffer.

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 14, 2012 April is turning out to be truck month here at Cheers & Gears. So far black-knight did a review on the 2012 Ram 1500 Express, I did an interactive review on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab (Review is incoming), and now I have a 2012 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD Crew Cab for this week. Originally, this was actually going to be another Denali model, the Acadia. However, a certain part for the vehicle wasn't able to make it time and the Sierra Denali took its place. We did an interactive review and comparison test with Ford F-350 back in 2010 and some minor changes have happened since then. Those changes include a rise in how much the Sierra HD can tow and handle in payload, cooled leather seats, heated steering wheel, and an updated optional navigation system. First impressions so far, Loving the Duramax so far, power comes very strong and fast Steering is heavier than the Silverado 1500 I had last week Complants about the interior I have about the Silverado carry over to the Sierra Denali I'll be updating with more thoughts and observations throughout its stay. Send in your questions in the meantime. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 13, 2012 2013 will mark the end of an era for Chevrolet trucks as the Chevrolet Avalanche will bid adieu. Launched in 2002 as a new type of pickup with actual space for five and the ability to carry long loads thanks to a clever midgate design. However, sales of the Avalanche have tumbled down from 90,000 vehicles sold in 2003 to around 20,000 units within the past few years. To mark the end of the road for the Avalanche, Chevrolet will introduce a special trim level known as the Black Diamond. The Black Diamond will body-colored bed surrounds, a unique badge, and added features. LS models will get a rear backup camera, rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lamps and remote start will be added as standard equipment. LT models gain a standard rear camera. Also, the base price has been cut by $2,500, which means buyers can take one home for $35,980. Press Release is on Page 2 Chevrolet Avalanche to End its Trendsetting Run 2013 Black Diamond Avalanche offers unique final-year model Following Avalanche’s lead, crew-cab pickups now dominate light-duty segment DETROIT – The Chevrolet Avalanche, which won buyers with trendsetting design and unique features – and helped launch the boom in crew cab pickups – celebrates its final year in production with the 2013 Black Diamond Avalanche. Black Diamond Avalanches will feature body-colored bed surrounds, a unique badge on the sail panel, additional features on LS and LT models, and lower prices across the lineup. “More than 580,000 Avalanches have been sold since its introduction in 2001, and Avalanche has won major awards and recognitions throughout its run,” said Mark Clawson, Avalanche marketing manager. “So it is only fitting that Avalanche retires on a high note.” “The Chevrolet Avalanche was one of the earliest forays into re-inventing the traditional pickup truck, said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst, Edmunds.com. “It was a vehicle that maintained the traditional truck image and capability but was more versatile for the person buying it for personal use more than work – a lifestyle truck more than a work truck. Other variations on the theme from competitors followed the Avalanche's debut.” For 2013, a rear camera, rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lamps and remote start will be added as standard equipment on LS models, while LT models have added a standard rear camera. Base prices have been reduced $2,500 (after equipment adjustments) with the 2WD Avalanche LS now starting at $ 35,980, plus $995 dealer freight charge. “Although Avalanche sales have tapered off in recent years, as crew cabs have grown to dominate Silverado sales, we know there are many Avalanche enthusiasts among Chevy customers,” said Clawson. “The Black Diamond Avalanche is our way of saying ‘Thank you’ and making it just a little more attractive to own one more Avalanche.” Avalanche reshaped the pickup market When introduced for the 2002 model year, Avalanche offered unique styling and innovative features like a midgate that extended the bed into the cab. Perhaps more important, its overall design proved to be one of those rare ideas that change a segment – a light-duty pickup with comfortable accommodations for five people. This concept of a well-equipped light-duty pickup that could tow, haul, and carry the family attracted enough interest to generate 93,482 sales in 2003, its third full year of production. Recognizing the appeal of the Avalanche, Chevrolet and other truck makers began developing light-duty crew cab pickups. By 2011, crew cabs accounted for more than 65 percent of light-duty pickup sales, and helped transform the pickup from a workhorse into a true multipurpose family vehicle. Through it all, Avalanche retained a core of passionate fans who loved its style, comfort, and versatility. Avalanche was named 2002 Motor Trend Truck of the Year upon its introduction, and 2007 Truck of the Year by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada. Avalanche also has been top choice in a number of consumer publications. Avalanche at a glance The Chevrolet Avalanche is one of the industry’s more-flexible utility vehicles, combining the passenger-comfort attributes of a SUV with the cargo capability of a truck, thanks to the exclusive Midgate. It opens to extend the cargo-area from 5-foot-3-inch-long (1.6 m) length to 8 feet 2 inches (2.5 m). It is available in LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD and 4WD. Storage compartments alongside the cargo box provide ample and lockable storage with pluggable drains that can be filled with ice and used as coolers. The Avalanche is based on GM’s full-size SUV platform, offering a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 pounds (3,674 kg). It is powered by an efficient combination that includes the Vortec 5.3L V-8 with cylinder-deactivating Active Fuel Management technology and a fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic. Avalanche also delivers useful technology and comprehensive safety features, including Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity with specific steering wheel controls, standard rear camera system, head curtain side-impact air bags and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Avalanche offers an integrated brake controller that works with the ABS system to provide immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems; there is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems. Avalanche milestones The Avalanche was introduced at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a concept and was described as a no- compromise Chevy Truck with a unique combination of configurable passenger and cargo space. The production Avalanche was positioned as an Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV) when it went on sale in 2001 as a 2002 model A special Avalanche was equipped to protect and transport the Olympic Flame during the Torch Relay prior to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City; the relay covered more than 13,500 miles and passed through 46 states on its way to the Olympic Stadium for the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 8, 2002 In addition to receiving Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year for 2002, the Avalanche received the Design and Engineering award from Popular Mechanics. Both recognized the vehicle’s revolutionary innovation Chevrolet teamed up with outdoor outfitter North Face and offered a special edition Avalanche in 2002 that was used to transport a team of kayakers through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas to the Tsangpo Gorge in Tibet, where they successfully accomplished first descent of the most-feared whitewater on the planet In 2006, Chevrolet introduced an all-new Avalanche with a fully boxed frame and redesigned suspension to deliver more refined ride and handling; a new Z71 off-road package was introduced and front featured special off-road tires, unique grille and fascia, an integrated front bumper winch and oversize tow hooks A 2007 Avalanche was presented to the 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game MVP Michael Young of the Texas Rangers View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 13, 2012 Hyundai could reach 700,000 vehicles sold by the end of the year, despite tight vehicle supplies due to Hyundai's cap on global production. Hyundai Chairman Chung Mong-koo has been on crusade for better quality vehicles. One of his moves to improve it was to put a cap on production. On one hand, that's a good move to have better quality. On the other hand, Hyundai is “literally selling cars off the transporters” to meet demand. In early March, Hyundai had 55,000 vehicles in dealer inventory. "What (Chung) wants to do is assure we're all focused on quality." said Hyundai’s North American operations, John Krafcik. "When he is satisfied that we've achieved this steady state from which we can grow, then we'll have some opportunity" for adding capacity. For now, Hyundai will slash fleet sales from 10% to 5%. Krafcik said that should free up about 100,000 vehicles. Last year, Hyundai sold 645,691 vehicles in the U.S., up 20% from 2010. Source: Reuters View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 13, 2012 The long-rumored Lamborghini SUV concept will make its debut at next week’s Beijing Motor Show, but it will be few years before we see a production version. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann told German Newspaper Handelsblatt, the SUV could become the third vehicle in the lineup by 2017 to help the brand become profitable. "We definitely need a third line in the mid- and long term. An SUV would be the first Lamborghini for everyday use, not just for the race track or weekends. We would have the opportunity to win new customers." Lamborghini has been in the red since 2009 and is under pressure from parent company Volkswagen to become profitable. Volkswagen hasn't made a decision on whether a production model will see the light of day. Winkelmann told the paper he hopes Volkswagen makes a decsion sometime this year. "It usually takes 48 months until an all-new vehicle arrives at dealers, so the new Lamborghini would not be available to buy before 2017." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article