William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 22, 2012 As we reported last week, Mazda isn’t doing so well. The company posted a $1.29 loss for 2011. To sure up its finances, Mazda is looking to raise 100 billion yen ($1.3 billion) through a public share offering, which would dilute the current share value by a massive 38.7%. Mazda will also seek loans of 70 billion yen from a number of Japanese banks. The monies would be used to bolster Mazda's overseas production facilities. Currently, 70% of Mazda vehicles are produced in Japan and 90% of those are exported. To fight back at rising yen (which is causing many problems for Mazda), they looking to renovate a plant in Thailand and build a new one on Mexico. The question remains if these moves will help Mazda keep its independence. Source: Reuters View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 21, 2012 Lexus is having a problem with their new vehicles showing up before their official showing. The first one being the new RX crossover. Now, the new ES has been revealed. Caught by someone on the XCar fourms, the new ES follows Lexus' new design language. The front end gets the new predator front end grill treatment and LED strips running along the headlights. Around the back, a new set of sculpted side fenders and the trunk lid closely resembling the flagship LS. Inside, the GS influence continues. A large screen displaying navigation, radio, and climate takes center stage.Also, simpler surfaces and conservative colors keep it very tame. Source: XCar Forums via Lexus Enthusiast View full article

Sometime late this year or next year..

Some new details about the new 2013 Cruze diesel has been released. Kicking Tires has found out from GM Powertrain spokesman Tom Read, the new engine will be a 2.0L and come turbocharged. In Europe, a turbocharged 2.0L VCDi diesel inline-four that makes 161 HP and 266 lb-ft of torque is found under the hood of the Cruze. This engine could make its way to the U.S., albeit with a few changes. In a press release, GM says the diesel engine is currently undergoing rigorous testing in Michigan, Italy and Germany. The automaker says wants to make sure the engine can operate under a wide range of conditions - including extreme temperatures between minus 40 degrees and 158 degrees. GM says in the press release the engine will come direct injection and a particulate-capturing filtration system to reduce emissions. GM goes on to say the diesel engine will ill offer outstanding fuel efficiency, torque figures and a quiet ride. No word yet on the fuel economy numbers for the diesel. Source: Kicking Tires Press Release is on Page 2 Cruze Diesel Will Build on GM’s Euro Expertise U.S. engine being co-developed with diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy DETROIT – When it comes to developing a diesel-powered Chevrolet Cruze for the U.S. market to be introduced in 2013, General Motors powertrain engineers have been there and done that – half a million times last year alone. The Cruze diesel will leverage global powertrain expertise that has helped make GM’s fuel-efficient diesel engines popular options around the world. GM sold more than half a million diesel-powered cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including 33,000 Cruzes. The introduction of a diesel option for Cruze – one of the top-selling gasoline-powered cars in the United States in 2011 – is expected to fuel GM’s diesel car sales success. Diesel engines have long been known for their fuel efficiency and power. Due to a higher compression rate in the engine cylinders and greater density of energy in diesel fuel itself, diesel-powered engines are able to produce more power per gallon than gasoline-powered engines. For Cruze, powertrain engineers at GM’s diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy, are working daily with counterparts in Pontiac, Mich., to develop a world-class engine that delivers outstanding fuel efficiency and torque while providing a smooth, quiet ride. In addition, GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany, are supporting the program by developing the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components. “The market for diesel cars in the U.S. is small at present, but is expected to grow due to Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements and expected increases in gas prices,” said Mike Omotoso, powertrain analyst at LMC Automotive. “So far, the German automakers haven’t had any diesel car competition in North America. GM could do well with it, particularly with younger buyers who don’t have the old prejudices against diesel.” Future Cruze diesel engine development will benefit from GM’s recent commitment to invest 20 million Euros ($26.5 million) to add five new dynamic benches at its Torino facility for climatic, noise and vibration and chassis dynamometer testing. These additions will speed development time. “U.S. customers are going to be pleasantly surprised when they get a chance to drive the Chevrolet Cruze diesel,” said Mike Siegrist, 2.0L diesel assistant chief engineer. “Our global team is providing diesel engineering expertise that will give U.S. Cruze customers great quality, torque and fuel economy in a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.” Climatic tests simulate temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) up to (158 F) (70 C) and altitudes as high as 10,000 feet (3000 meters). Noise and vibration tests help minimize engine vibro-acoustic response. Chassis dynamometer tests measure emissions. “We’re able to put the diesel engines through rigorous testing to ensure they operate optimally under a wide range of conditions and also can be integrated seamlessly into the production vehicle,” said Pierpaolo Antonioli, managing director of the Torino Powertrain and Engineering Center. “We’ve pushed these engines in the labs so that the customer can depend on them in real-world driving situations.” The latest generation of GM diesels has resolved drawbacks associated with the previous engines. Precisely controlled direct-injection fuel systems create a smooth-running engine. Particulate-capturing filtration systems dramatically reduce tailpipe emissions. “In terms of outward appearances, the difference between the diesel and gasoline engine is going to be difficult to discern,” Siegrist said. “GM’s advanced technologies provide a seamless transition from a gasoline to a diesel car. You get the benefits of the fuel economy and power while preserving a smooth, quiet ride.” View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 21, 2012 The Hyundai Elantra has been seeing its sales go up and up; 40% to be exact. But that isn't the only thing to go up. USA Today asked Edmunds.com to analyze transaction prices of compact cars. Their analysis brought forth a surprise. The average transaction price for Elantra in 2011 was $19,711. That's about $1,500 more than for a Toyota Corolla and $300 above a Honda Civic. The same holds true for the mid-size Sonata; average transaction price in 2011 was $23,259. That's about $860 below the Honda Accord and $500 below the Toyota Camry. The previous Sonata was $2,000 below the average price of the Accord and Camry. So what does this tell us? Hyundai is now able to sell vehicles based on merit, content and design, not being the cheaper alternative to other brands. With news like this, its not a big surprise that Hyundai is raising the prices on certain vehicles. Case in point, the new Azera costs $6,000 more than the outgoing model. Source: USA Today View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 21, 2012 Mercedes-Benz has got some big changes in store for E-Class for its mid-cycle refresh in 2014. Autobild reports the E-Class will look dramatically different than the current model. The current look of sharp and edgy will be dropped in favor softer lines and a more elegant appearance. Only the doors, windows, and roof will remain. One of the major differences between the current and refreshed E-Class will be the headlights. The current model uses dual headlights, the refreshed model will use a single unit. Of course this being a Mercedes-Benz, there is some-sort of new technology. In this case, its a new camera system mounted in the front bumper that scans the road for undulations and adjust the suspension accordingly. A similar system will appear in the next generation S-Class in 2013. Source: AutoBild View full article

No, General Motors is sticking with Opel. I think Stracke wants to move Opel to higher end point.. Not stepping on Cadillac at all

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 20, 2012 Motor Trend is reporting that Chrysler may say farewell to the Dodge Challenger and in its place, bring back the Barracuda. Sources tell the magazine the car will ride on a new RWD platform that will be smaller and lighter than the current Challenger. Design will take cues from the Barracuda's three separate body styles from 1964 to 1974. Expect to see the new Barracuda sometime in 2014 or 2015. Source: Motor Trend View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 20, 2012 Opel/Vauxhall are trying to position themselves as premium car brand for Europe. One problem; their only “flagship” model is the Insignia. CEO Karl-Friedrich Stracke said the brand needs more of them. “I believe we need a top of the line car, to be positioned in the luxury segment. The Insignia car has done a great job of showing we can make premium-like products, but establishing ourselves properly in this territory will be a long journey.” Stracke went onto say, “We would also benefit from launching a large crossover, something to fight the BMW X5 and Mercedes ML, and possibly another roadster — a car with a deeper connection into the company than the Opel-Vauxhall VX220 (which everyone knows was a Lotus underneath) and the Opel Speedster that came from the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.” If Stracke was to get his wish, the flagship would have to wait until four new models were introduced. Source: Autocar View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 20, 2012 Earlier this month we reported that Hyundai was considering doing a sub-brand for their upscale models. Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of sales for Hyundai Motor America told Automotive News the brand was talking about it. “There's a conversation going on within the company that says, Does having the Hyundai badge on the premium vehicles sell more vehicles, or does it restrict us from selling more vehicles?” said Zuchowski. However, Hyundai Motor America’s CEO John Krafcik they are no plans in place to do a Genesis sub-brand. “We have no plan to change our Equus and Genesis retail approach – it’s working,” Krafcik tells Ward’s Auto. Source: Ward’s Auto Related: Hyundai Thinking About Creating Genesis Subbrand View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 19, 2012 Back in January, we reported that Bentley was considering a new SUV for their lineup and that decision would be made sometime in the first quarter. Well it seems a decision has been made since Automotive News Europe is reporting the SUV could be making an appearance at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The Bentley SUV will use the platform that underpins the current Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. Power will come from twelve-cylinder powerplant. The SUV will go on sale sometime in 2014. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) View full article

Walking out of a restaurant today and caught a Jaguar S-Type R (My personal favorite) Also, Alfa Romeo Giulietta while on the interstate

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 18, 2012 One automaker you wouldn't quite expect to go into the commerical vehicle market is Mini. And yet their showing at next month's Geneva Motor Show will just be that. Called the Clubvan concept, the car is a Clubman minus the rear seats. Mini puts in its place a flat, carpeted load floor, which stretches from the split rear doors to an aluminum bulkhead just behind the front seats. The regular windows are taken out and replaced with polycarbonate panels. And yes, the third door on the passenger side is still there. So why is Mini doing this? Mini says the Clubvan "combines the driving fun for that Mini is renowned with increased load-carrying capability," and that, "The Mini experience will therefore find its way into new areas of life, the brand's distinctive character gaining new popularity among target groups not previously on the Mini radar." Press Release is on Page 2 MORE SPACE FOR STYLE: THE MINI CLUBVAN CONCEPT. Compact lifestyle van for business and leisure First concept of its kind in the premium segment World premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012 Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 18, 2012 – Stand-out-from-the-crowd style can also be amazingly practical – and practicality can be surprisingly attractive. The MINI Clubvan Concept paves the way for an innovative vehicle concept without parallel in the premium small car segment. The MINI Clubman-based concept car, scheduled for its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012, combines the driving fun for which MINI is renowned with increased load-carrying capability. The MINI experience will therefore find its way into new areas of life, the brand's distinctive character gaining new popularity among target groups not previously on the MINI radar. The closed-off load area behind the front seats and the opaque rear side windows of the new concept set it apart most strikingly from the MINI Clubman, the platform used as its base. The MINI Clubvan Concept uses its broader skill-set to open up new usage possibilities – both business and leisure. Where a business's customers, product range or operating environment demand a particular style for its vehicles, this premium model can make the perfect delivery solution. For example, a car in the mould of the MINI Clubvan Concept would fit excellently into the fleet of a fashion designer, art gallery owner or catering service. And its abilities as an all-rounder also tick the right boxes for a photographer with a stack of camera, tripod and lighting equipment to ferry around during the week – and bulky sports and leisure gear to pile on board at the weekend. The MINI Clubvan Concept pulls off the trick of blending enhanced practicality and a well-judged lifestyle focus with natural ease. This ability is based on the impressive adaptability that goes to the heart of the MINI brand's heritage. Calls for maximizing the load capacity of the classic Mini began as early as 1960, just a year after the car's birth; and they were soon heeded. With its 10-centimeter-longer wheelbase (3.94 inches), separate load compartment and split rear doors, the Morris Mini Van was perfectly equipped for commercial use. It also provided the basis for the fully glazed, four-seat Morris Mini Traveller, one of the precursors of today's successful MINI Clubman. And so, more than 50 years on, the MINI Clubvan Concept sees history repeating itself – albeit in a slightly different order. Two seats, five doors, endless usage potential. Limiting the car to two seats creates the capacity its owners will need on a day-to-day basis, as well as opening up a whole new world of customization potential. The load compartment of the MINI Clubvan Concept embodies the car's fresh and rigorous interpretation of the principle used in the classic Mini – of providing the maximum amount of interior space on the smallest possible footprint. The load area reaches from the split rear doors right up to the partition grille behind the two seats. The totally level floor makes full use of the interior's depth, and that allows the concept car's load capacity to exceed the maximum achieved by the MINI Clubman. Six attachment loops recessed into the load compartment floor use elasticized straps to hold items of varying lengths, heights and widths in place – without the risk of them sliding around. The partition grille, which is fixed securely to the car body, ensures that items stowed in the load compartment are kept safely away from the front seats. The lower section of the partition is made from solid aluminum, while the upper section consists of a silver-colored stainless steel honeycomb grating. The side walls and floor of the load compartment are trimmed in high-quality anthracite-colored cloth. The anthracite roof liner, meanwhile, extends along the full length of the interior. This uniform color scheme emphasizes the pure-bred, practicality-oriented character of the MINI Clubvan Concept. Like the MINI Clubman, the MINI Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two side-hinged doors at the rear and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side create comfortable access to the interior. The Clubdoor gives owners the option of loading or unloading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear. The generous levels of space on board the concept car can be exploited in a variety of ways. Commercial users will be particularly pleased to discover the scope for configuring the load compartment to personal requirements. For example, tools and goods can be stored neatly and securely in made-to-measure drawers or shelving units. 12-volt plug sockets in the rear area of the load compartment provide additional practicality. Exterior design: shields from prying eyes, cuts a distinctive figure. Impressive practicality and the brand's time-honored style lend the MINI Clubvan Concept its unmistakable character. Sharing the exterior dimensions of the MINI Clubman and boasting cleverly increased storage capacity, the concept car is the first premium model in the small-car-based van segment. The exterior appearance of the MINI Clubvan Concept marks it out immediately as a MINI – and therefore as a premium product. The function-led design modifications have no impact on the car's proportions and hallmark MINI design language, but they do give customers the opportunity to combine the demands of commercial use with an appreciation of individual style. The MINI Clubvan Concept comes with British Racing Green exterior paintwork, which extends to the roof, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps. As is usual for vehicles charged with transportation tasks, the rear side windows of the MINI Clubvan Concept are opaque. Polycarbonate sections – their outer surfaces painted in the car's body color – and heavily tinted glass for the rear doors make it difficult to see into the load compartment. The unbroken paintwork along the car's flanks offers extensive scope for individualization, which the MINI Clubvan Concept highlights to eye-catching effect. The sealed side windows bear the logo of a sign design company based in the MINI's native Great Britain. The hand-applied graphics lend the vehicle a personal look. Indeed, the ultra-versatile MINI carries both its cargo and the company's promotional message with a uniquely stylish verve. The MINI Clubvan Concept presented in Geneva lends this form of customization a piquant authenticity – on two fronts. The British company that has literally left its stamp on the MINI Clubvan Concept creates similar vehicle graphics for its customers. And the MINI Clubvan Concept showcases how these might look when applied to a MINI van. View full article