William Maley

Japanese only model.. Uses a four-cylinder engine

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 16, 2012 Today, General Motors announced their results for 2011 and forth quarter. The company announced a profit of $7.6 billion for 2011, a large increase from the $4.7 billion profit in 2010. However, forth quarter results were not as impressive. Net income for the forth quarter was only $472 million, or about the same as Q4 2010. While this makes it eight straight quarters of positive growth, the earnings were weighed down by losses of $562 million in Europe. There were also a number of one-time events that affected earnings in the fourth quarter. Take those events out and GM says the profit would have been around $900 million. Press Release is on Page 2 GM Reports 2011 Net Income of $7.6 Billion Full-year EBIT-adjusted of $8.3 billion, up $1.3 billion from 2010 Fourth quarter net income of $0.5 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $1.1 billion DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced 2011 calendar-year net income attributable to common stockholders of $7.6 billion, or $4.58 per fully diluted share, up from $4.7 billion, or $2.89 per fully diluted share, in 2010. Revenue increased 11 percent to $150.3 billion, compared with $135.6 billion in 2010. Full-year earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted was $8.3 billion, compared with $7.0 billion in 2010. “In our first full year as a public company, we grew the top and bottom lines, advanced our global market share and made strategic investments in our brands around the world,” said Dan Akerson, chairman and CEO. “We will build on these results as we bring more new cars, crossovers and trucks to market, and make GM a far more efficient global team. This includes reducing our break-even level in Europe and South America and driving higher revenues around the world.” Overview (in billions except for per share amounts) Q4 2010 Q4 2011 Full-year 2010 Full-year 2011 Revenue $36.9 $38.0 $135.6 $150.3 Net income attributable to common stockholders $0.5 $0.5 $4.7 $7.6 Earnings per share (EPS) fully diluted $0.31 $0.28 $2.89 $4.58 Impact of special items on EPS fully diluted $(0.21) $(0.11) $(0.14) $0.70 EBIT-adjusted $1.0 $1.1 $7.0 $8.3 Automotive net cash flow from operating activities ($1.7) $1.2 $6.6 $7.4 Automotive free cash flow ($2. ($0.9) $2.4 $1.2 Fourth Quarter Results Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2011 increased 3 percent to $38.0 billion, compared with the fourth quarter of 2010. GM’s fourth quarter 2011 net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.5 billion, or $0.28 per fully diluted share, including a net loss from special items of $0.2 billion or $0.11 per fully diluted share. In the fourth quarter of 2010, GM’s net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.5 billion, or $0.31 per fully diluted share, including a net loss from special items of $0.4 billion or $0.21 per fully diluted share. EBIT-adjusted was $1.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared with $1.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010. Fourth quarter EBIT-adjusted for 2011 includes the impact of restructuring charges of $0.3 billion. GM’s fourth quarter 2011 special items include impairment charges related to goodwill and GM’s investment in Ally Financial, and gains related to the Canadian Health Care Trust (HCT) settlement, the reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowances in Australia and the extinguishment of debt. Regional Results GM North America (GMNA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with $0.8 billion in 2010. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $7.2 billion in 2011 compared with $5.7 billion in 2010. Based on GMNA’s 2011 financial performance, the company will pay profit sharing of up to $7,000 to approximately 47,500 eligible GM U.S. hourly employees. The full payout will be paid to employees who had 1,850 or more compensated hours in 2011. GM Europe (GME) reported an EBIT-adjusted loss of $0.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, including $0.2 billion of restructuring costs, matching last year’s results. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was a loss of $0.7 billion in 2011, an improvement of $1.3 billion over 2010. GM International Operations (GMIO) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with $0.3 billion in 2010. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $1.9 billion in 2011 compared with $2.3 billion in 2010. GM South America (GMSA) reported an EBIT-adjusted loss of $0.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, including $0.1 billion in restructuring costs, compared with EBIT-adjusted of $0.2 billion in 2010. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was a loss of $0.1 billion in 2011 compared with EBIT-adjusted of $0.8 billion in 2010. Cash Flow and Liquidity For the fourth quarter of 2011, automotive cash flow from operating activities was $1.2 billion and automotive free cash flow was $(0.9) billion, which includes the previously announced $0.8 billion contribution to the HCT. GM ended the year with strong total automotive liquidity of $37.5 billion compared with $33.5 billion in 2010. Automotive cash and marketable securities was $31.6 billion compared with $27.6 billion at the end of 2010. U.S. Pension Update GM’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans earned asset returns of 11.1 percent in 2011. They ended the year 88 percent funded, largely unchanged from 89 percent funded a year ago. The company also announced today that it is taking further steps toward its goals of de-risking and fully funding its U.S. pension plans. Effective Sept. 30, 2012, GM will freeze its defined benefit pension plan for U.S. salaried employees, who instead will receive contributions to a defined contribution plan, or 401(k). This initiative will affect GM's U.S. salaried employees hired prior to Jan. 1, 2001. Salaried employees hired after that date are already covered by a defined contribution plan. 2012 Outlook Looking forward, GM expects to increase its top-line revenue year-over-year in an expanding global automotive industry. In addition, GM expects continued pricing improvement with cost inflation well contained, while product mix and pension expense are expected to be unfavorable. Capital spending in 2012 is expected to be in the range of $8 billion as the company continues to aggressively invest in new products and technologies. “We are executing an aggressive product plan that will give customers around the world even more reasons to purchase a General Motors vehicle,” said Dan Ammann, senior vice president and CFO. “Behind the scenes, we are working hard to eliminate complexity and cost throughout the organization to increase margins in all of our regions, and return Europe and South America to profitability. Overall, we have made good progress and we have more work to do.” View full article

I'm guessing either 4WD or AWD are on the table. Price wise, I'll give you that. But I think Porsche is aiming this more at the BMW X3, Mercedes GLK, Audi Q5 (What the Macan will be based on), and Range Rover Evoque arena.

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 16, 2012 Last year, we reported on Mini growing their lineup to ten vehicles within the next few years. Mini currently has six vehicles on sale; the hardtop, convertible, Clubman, Countryman, coupe, and now arriving Roadster. A seventh model, a production version of the Paceman concept will be shown sometime in 2013. Now, Automotive News has learned about three new Minis that could reach the goal of ten. First up is a Mini station wagon (think a longer version of the Clubman). The wagon will use BMW’s new FWD platform and premiere alongside the new second-generation MINI Cooper hardtop in 2014. Next up is the Mini van; that will use the Countryman’s platform and come out sometime after the wagon. Finally, there is talk about a Mini sedan. The sedan is being considered for the Chinese market. This is causing a commotion at Mini HQ. "The Mini sedan is now being hotly debated," a source said. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

yeah.. It's driving us so crazy XD

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 16, 2012 The new small Porsche SUV that will go on sale in 2013 has got a name. No, its not Cajun as we have been calling since first hearing about the small SUV. What it will be called is the Porsche Macan (mah•khahn). Porsche says the name "Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics – core characteristics of this new all-terrain car." Okay.. The Macan will use the Audi Q5's platform and will be built at the Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany, where the Cayenne is built. Press Release is on Page 2 NEW PORSCHE MODEL TO BE NAMED MACAN New Porsche sports car in the sports utility segment has been given the name Macan The Macan will be built at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Germany Production due to start in 2013 Porsche today confirms the name for its forthcoming new sports car in the SUV segment is Macan. The name Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics – core characteristics of this new all-terrain car. "The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of an SUV and is a genuine Porsche", said Bernhard Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG. "The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations." As a new addition to the Porsche model range, the Macan is a key pillar of the company's Strategy 2018, by which the sports car manufacturer wishes to expand its model portfolio. Porsche intends the Macan to emulate the success of the Cayenne. The new car will start coming off the production lines at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Saxony, in 2013. The site is currently being expanded into a fully-fledged production plant including body assembly line and paint shop; with 500 million euro of investment, it is one of the biggest building projects in the corporate history of Porsche. In the medium-term, the sports car manufacturer will be creating more than 1,000 new jobs. Porsche names have an indelible connection with the corresponding model and its characteristics: the name Boxster describes the combination of 'boxer' engine and 'roadster', Cayenne stands for sharpness, the Cayman is snappy and agile and a Panamera is more than a Gran Turismo, capable also of winning the Carrera Panamericana long-distance race. Click here to view the article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 16, 2012 President Obama has a goal of getting a million plug-in vehicles on U.S. roads by 2015. Last year during his State of the Union address, Obama talked about changing the current $7,500 tax credit into a point-of-purchase rebate. That hasn’t happen at the moment, but in the President's proposed budget that was released this week, Obama is trying another way to reach his goal; raising the tax credit to $10,000. To go along with this push, the budget calls for cutting more subsidies that Big Oil currently enjoys. Opponents of the President disagree with this move, calling it a "campaign document" that would divide America. Others have pushed the PHEV credit to be removed. Source: Washington Post View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 15, 2012 Cadillac is in the process of revamping the sedan lineup. So far, the brand has shown the new XTS and ATS. The only one that hasn't been touched is the CTS, until now. Today, the first spy shots of the new CTS were caught in the Northern Territories of Canada. Wearing the codename of A1LL, the next-generation CTS will ride on an extended version of the ATS’ Alpha platform to compete with the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, and Audi A6. Cadillac's Art & Science design language will continue on the next CTS with a sharp C-pillar, angular exhaust cutouts, and a front end likely having some resemblance to the ATS. But we're not sure this is the Alpha version of the CTS that everyone is reporting. To our eyes, this looks mid-cycle refresh of the current CTS. Which means that it's still using Sigma. The next CTS is due out sometime in late 2013 as a 2014 model. Hopefully before then, we find out what the CTS is riding on. Source: Left Lane News View full article

This week, Hyundai has released pricing on the new Azera and Genesis Coupe. The new Azera starts at $32,000 (excluding a $875 destination a charge), a $6,000 increase from the outgoing model. But that extra $6,000 does bring a lot of standard features, which include, 3.3L GDI DOHC V6 (293 HP, 255 lb-ft of torque) 18-inch alloy wheels Automatic headlights Fog lights Dual exhaust Heated side mirrors with turn signals Electronically tinted windshield and glass Keyless entry and push-button start 10-way power driver’s seat; eight-way power passenger seat Leather upholstery Front and rear heated seats Navigation with 7-inch touch display Bluetooth connectivity Cruise control Review-back up camera Blue Link telematics system The only option on the Azera is the $4,000 Technology Package which adds xenon headlights, sunroof, infinity premium audio package, a power adjustable steering column, side window shades, interior ambient lighting and rear parking assistance sensors. The new Azera goes on sale in April. Then there's the new Genesis Coupe. The coupe when it goes on sale next month will carry a price tag of $24,250 for the base 2.0T with 274 HP. Want the V6? That starts at $28,750 for the 3.8 R-Spec with 348 HP. Press Releases are on Page 2 & 3 HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA ANNOUNCES 2012 AZERA PRICING Fluidic Sculpture Design, Smart Technology, Performance and Safety Hit the Mark Standard Leather Interior, Navigation and Blue Link Telematics System COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 14, 2012 – Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the completely redesigned 2012 Azera, starting at $32,000 for the extraordinarily well-equipped Azera and $36,000 for the range-topping Azera with Technology Package. In fact, the all-new 2012 Azera has so many new standard features – that it is better equipped than the outgoing, fully-loaded, previous generation 2011 Azera Limited. These new 2012 standard features include: Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine technology Best-in-class combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon 293 horsepower Blue Link telematics system Proximity key with push-button start Heated rear seats 18-inch alloy wheels SACHS Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) for improved ride comfort without compromising handling The second-generation Azera is a bold interpretation of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design language – sleek, sophisticated style that creates the illusion of constant motion. Azera represents a modern approach to the traditional, large sedan segment by offering an advanced powertrain, bold design, premium features and class-leading safety features. In keeping with Hyundai’s strategy of delighting its customer the 2012 Azera will be offered in just two simple equipment levels. The 2012 Azera goes on sale in April. Model Engine Transmission MSRP Azera 3.3-liter GDI V6 Six-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® $32,000 *Does not include $875 freight charge More modern and youthful looking than its predecessor, the 2012 Azera is ready to defy traditional large sedan sales leaders such as Maxima, LaCrosse, Avalon and Taurus. Azera’s standard premium features raise the bar for the large sedan segment - navigation with rearview backup camera, heated front and rear seats and LED headlight accents. The 2012 Azera offers first-class seating and comfort for all passengers with standard leather interior, power front passenger seats, optional rear side window, rear sunshade and ventilated front seats. Just like its smaller sibling – Sonata – Azera offers best-in-class total interior volume and leads the segment in front head room and front leg room. The 2012 Azera is powered by the new, more efficient Lambda II 3.3L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The powertrain is rated at 293 horsepower, while delivering best-in-class fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. Azera’s powertrain also has an Active Eco system, which modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy that translates into more than five percent improvement in real-world fuel economy. Technology isn’t forgotten in addition to the array of interior premium features. Premium sedan consumers can stay connected with the standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, which combines safety, service and infotainment. Hyundai’s commitment to safety continues with the new Azera, offering best-in-class standard safety features, including nine airbags and impact-absorbing front seats. The Vehicle Stability Management system links safety features such as ESC, TCS, EBD, and Brake Assist to maximize their effectiveness in potential collision situations. The all-new 2012 Azera is a premium large sedan positioned between the midsize Sonata and the mid-luxury Genesis, in regards to vehicle dimensions, powertrain and features content. Azera comprehensively delivers on customers’ stylistic and functional needs and will serve as an aspirational product for move-up sedan buyers within Hyundai’s model lineup. Standard and Optional Features The Azera MSRP is $32,000, excluding $875 freight, and includes the following standard equipment: 3.3L GDI DOHC V6 with 293 horsepower 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® Active ECO system 18-inch alloy wheels and tires (P245/45VR) Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist Impact-absorbing front seats Advanced front airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and driver’s knee airbag Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) SACHS ASD suspension Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Automatic headlight control with delay off feature Front fog lights Integrated dual exhaust Chrome insert body side moldings and exterior door handles Heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators Solar control windshield and glass Proximity entry with push-button start Leather seating with heated front and rear seats Power driver seat and front passenger seat Manual tilt and telescopic steering column Leather steering wheel and shift knob AM/FM/HD Radio/XM/CD/MP3 audio with iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks Dimension premium speakers with subwoofer and external amplifier Navigation system with touchscreen display Rearview backup camera Blue Link Telematics Dual Automatic Temperature Control Floor console-mounted rear vents Cruise control Bluetooth hands-free phone system with phonebook transfer Electrochromic mirror with compass and HomeLink® Power windows with front auto up/down Interior door panels with bottle holders in all four doors Technology Package ($4,000 MSRP): 19-inch alloy wheels and tires(P245/40VR) Panoramic Sunroof HID Xenon headlights Power rear sunshade Manual side window sunshades Infinity premium speakers with subwoofer and external amplifier Power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column Integrated Memory System (IMS): Power driver's seat, exterior mirrors, and steering column Driver’s seat cushion extension Ventilated front seats Rear parking assistance sensors Interior ambient lighting HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA ANNOUNCES 2013 GENESIS COUPE PRICING Powertrain Upgrades, More Aggressive Design and Blue Link® Telematics Add Even More Appeal to Hyundai’s Rear-drive Sport Coupe COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 14, 2012 – Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the refreshed 2013 Genesis Coupe, starting at $24,250 for the 2.0T model and $28,750 for the 3.8-liter R-Spec model. The Genesis Coupe now sports more aggressive coupe styling, striking a more menacing demeanor from every angle. Inside, the 2013 Genesis Coupe interior has been enhanced with distinctive, upscale features and design cues. To match more aggressive design, both 4-cylinder and V6 engines benefit from significant technology enhancements. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine adds sophisticated direct-injection technology, with peak horsepower rising to 348 at 6,400 RPM, and peak torque increasing to 295 lb.-ft. on premium fuel. The 2.0-liter turbo now generates 274 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque on premium fuel. Automatic transmissions for these two models now have 8-speeds, with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC® manual-shifting capability. The 2013 Genesis Coupe goes on sale in March. Model Engine Transmission MSRP 2.0T 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl 6-Speed M/T $24,250 2.0T 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl 8-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC® $25,500 2.0T R-Spec 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl 6-Speed M/T $26,500 2.0T Premium 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl 8-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC® $28,750 3.8 R-Spec 3.8L GDI V6 6-Speed M/T $28,750 3.8 Grand Touring 3.8L GDI V6 8-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC® $32,000 3.8 Track 3.8L GDI V6 6-Speed M/T $33,000 3.8 Track 3.8L GDI V6 8-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC® $34,250 *Does not include $875 freight charge. In addition to powertrain and styling enhancements, Hyundai’s proprietary telematics platform, Blue Link®, is now available, providing Genesis Coupe owners with a variety of infotainment services to meet their individual connectivity needs. GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS Refreshed, more aggressive exterior design with new front fascia, grille, headlight, fog light, hood designs, available LED daytime running lights (DRLs), new LED-enhanced taillight design, new 18- and 19-inch wheels New GDI 3.8-liter V6 producing 348 horsepower, 295 lb.-ft. torque (premium fuel)and 344 horsepower, 292 lb.-ft. torque (regular fuel) 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine receives new twin-scroll turbocharger and larger, more thermally-efficient intercooler 274 horsepower, 275 lb.-ft. torque (premium fuel)and 260 horsepower, 260 lb.-ft. torque (regular fuel) New, in-house-developed 8-speed automatic transmissions with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC® capability New, retuned low-velocity-control suspension dampers Redesigned center stack appearance with premium stitching on upper instrument panel, armrest and center console cover Electroluminescent gauge cluster with information display Telescopic steering wheel (added to tilt function) New 7” Navigation System, HD Radio®, Blue Link® telematics available on 3.8 Grand Touring/Track and 2.0T Premium Driver seat power lumbar adjustment available on 3.8 Grand Touring/Track and 2.0T Premium View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 15, 2012 The current Audi TT has been around with us since 2006 and it’s hiding its age very well. That doesn’t mean Audi is hard at work with the next generation TT. Autocar has learned some interesting information dealing with the next generation model. Audi officials say the goal of the next TT is to be “more driver orientated” than the current model. Audi’s plan to reach this goal factors on many things. One of those factors is a slight weight reduction from the current base car’s mass of 3,150 pounds. The new TT will be built around a inner structure that uses more of aluminium in the bulkheads and floorpan, and the bodyshell will use more aluminium. Underpinning the next TT will be Volkswagen’s MQB platform, which will make its debut at next month’s Geneva show under the sheetmetal of the new Audi A3. Styling will be more technical according to sources. Also, details like larger fender flares, stronger shoulder lines and the latest version of Audi’s large corporate grille will be featured. The current engine lineup of of turbocharged four and five-cylinder engines are expected to return with more power, while front- and all-wheel-drive will continue to be offered. The next TT will arrive sometime in 2014, with the droptop following a year later. Source: Autocar View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 15, 2012 Mazda is hurting. The brand posted this week a net loss in 2011 of about $1.29 billion, its forth year of losses and the largest loss since 2011. There are two reasons; Mazda builds and exports more vehicles from Japan by percentage of total volume than any other automaker, which means it has been hurting the most due the Yen getting stronger. Also, with Ford reducing its stake in Mazda from 33% to less than 4% means Mazda doesn't have any deep pockets to help out. Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi said the company is "actively" seeking partners and that "every option" is being considered. Naturally, considering "every option" would include Mazda licensing their Skyactiv technology to other automakers. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 14, 2012 The Ford Focus RS and Mustang. One is a high horsepower FWD hot hatch, the other is a RWD muscle. Not much in common besides coming from the same company. But if a new report from Top Gear is believed, they’re could be more in common with the two. According to Top Gear’s report, engineers working at Ford’s RS team know what they want in the next generation Focus RS; a 320 HP 2.3L turbocharged inline-four engine. There’s one problem though, Ford hasn’t signed off on the project. Ford Global Performance Vehicle chief Jost Capito said back in 2010 on the return of the Focus RS, “depends on a lot of factors;” the big one being a business case. Hence the Mustang. For the past few years, rumors have been flying around of a turbo-four engine making its way into the Mustang as way to compete with like the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, without stepping on the toes of the V-6 and V-8 models. Something akin to the mid-eighties Mustang SVO. If Ford was to have both vehicles share the same engine, then the Focus RS could come to fruition. Other rumor bits with Focus RS include the RS sticking with its FWD layout and using the RevoKnuckle front suspension (Ford’s version of the GM Hi-Per Strut suspension) to cut back on torque steer. Source: Top Gear View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 14, 2012 Tesla’s first car, the Roadster had to bow out last year due to Lotus choosing to end production of its own Elise and Exige sports cars, which the Roadster was based on. Since then, Tesla has promised a sequel to the Roadster, but it might be a long wait. Inside Line spoke with Tesla Chairman and CEO Elon Musk about the next Roadster. Musk said he's decided to hold up on a replacement roadster for now. The reason isn’t technical, but business. Musk said the company is going to put their focus on launching the "Gen 3" electric car, a smaller, less-expensive EV for the mass market. Musk says he hopes to have the “Gen 3” out sometime in 2015. Source: Inside Line View full article