William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 2, 2012 GM’s Arlington, Texas plant, the place where the current Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL is going under some renovations. GM announced a new $200 million stamping facility that will produce large stamping components for GM’s next-generation full-size SUVs. The facility will save the company $40 million in logistics and will come online in 2013. Since we’re talking about Arlington and next generation SUVs, Motor Trend has uncovered some information about the next generation. All of the SUVs will stick with the underpinnings from Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. GM will use more high-strength steel as well as other alloys to keep weight down. Also being talked about for the next generation SUVs are direct-injected small-block engines, eight-speed transmissions, and a updated two-mode hybrid system. The new SUVs are due out sometime in late 2013. Source: Motor Trend Press Release is on Page 2 GM Will Build $200 Million Stamping Facility in Texas 2012-01-31 ARLINGTON, Tex. – General Motors will start construction next week on a new $200 million stamping facility that will create approximately 180 jobs. The new facility, part of the company’s Arlington manufacturing complex, will produce large stamping components for the next generation of full-size Chevrolet Tahoes, Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades. "Our investment in GM's Arlington plant is one more example of GM strengthening the economy and creating jobs throughout the many U.S. communities where GM does business," said GM Manufacturing Manager Larry Zahner. Currently, Arlington receives stamped components from several GM plants, with some parts coming from more than 1,000 miles away. The new facility, which comes on line in 2013, will save about $40 million a year in logistics cost. The new facility is in addition to a $331 million investment to purchase tooling and equipment and expand the Arlington Assembly Plant that was announced along with 110 additional jobs in May 2011. “Today’s announcement is further evidence that the U.S. auto industry is back. An important goal for the UAW is to increase the number of manufacturing jobs in the United States and we are pleased that General Motors has decided to make this investment in Arlington,” said Joe Ashton, vice president of the UAW representing the GM department. “We look forward to more good news in 2012 as our workers continue to build the world’s best vehicles.” Tuesday’s announcement is the first manufacturing investment by GM in 2012. Since June 2009, the company has announced more than $6.9 billion of investment to upgrade or expand operations in 12 states, creating or retaining more than 17,600 jobs. “This investment is possible because of the teamwork among GM, the UAW, the Arlington community and the great State of Texas,” said Zahner. “We truly appreciate the support we have enjoyed from the Arlington community over the years.” View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 1, 2012 Volkswagen showed their most important new platform, named MQB (a German acronym for “Modular Transverse Matrix”) today at their Wolfsburg HQ. MQB will underpin as many as 60 different vehicles of all different shapes and sizes. MQB brings forth many advantages for the next generation of Volkswagen vehicles. First, MQB brings a uniform mounting position for all available engines. MQB also allows current alternative fuels to work as well. MQB also allows Volkswagen to tailor vehicles to specific markets in a more cost effective manner. The cost reduction will help grow Volkswagen market share in emerging markets. MQB will make its debut in the new Audi A3 and Volkswagen Mk.7 Golf. Source: Motor Authority View full article

I don't know at moment. Trying to think if the Dart's platform can fit an AWD system. For now, I think its safe to assume the Dart SRT4 will be FWD.

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com Feburary 1, 2012 Mopar is celebrating their 75th Anniversary of providing parts and performance to Chrysler by introducing four special models that will make their debut at next month’s Chicago Auto Show. The four models are the Mopar '12 Chrysler 300, Dodge Dart GTS 210 Tribute, Fiat 500 Stinger, and Jeep Compass True North. The Mopar ‘12 Chrysler 300 uses a Chrysler 300S as a base and adds blue A-line body stripes and interior accents, blacked-out 20-inch wheels, 75th-anniversary badging, new brakes, and a 3.91:1 rear axle ratio borrowed from the manual Challenger that is said to reduce 0-60 times by one second. Mopar says the 12s will be built this summer in limited numbers. Next is the Dodge Dart GTS 210 Tribute, which as the name says, pays tribute to the high performance GTS variants of the Dart during the sixties. The 210 Trubute will be offered in two stages. Stage 1 is an appearance pack that adds a matte black spoiler, side sills and rear diffuser. It also includes a carbon-fiber hood with an air scoop and 18 inch wheels. Stage 2 brings forth an improved air intake and exhaust, boosting horsepower from 184 to 210 in this. The suspension is lower by an inch and cross-drilled rotors. Number three is the Fiat 500 Stinger which like the GTS 210 Tribute is offered in two stages. Stage 1 brings yellow paint, 17 inch wheels, tinted lights and an upgraded interior. Stage 2 adds a new intake, exhaust, brembo brakes, and a stut brace. The final vehicle is the Jeep Compass True North which gets a 2-inch lift kit with rock-rails, tow hooks, front and rear brush guards, 16 inch wheels, new intake and exhaust system, matte paint job, and a new sound system. Press Release is on Page 2 Mopar® Marks 75th Anniversary: Unveils Four Custom Vehicles Mopar Mods Headed for 2012 Chicago Auto Show Mopar® ’12 300, a custom Chrysler 300 that goes from 0 to 60 mph in the low 5-second range, is third factory-built Mopar-badged vehicle from Chrysler Group LLC All-new 2013 Dodge Dart ‘GTS 210 Tribute’ and 2012 Fiat 500 ‘Stinger’ get two Mopar stage kits, highlighting appearance and performance 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass ‘True North’ gets a 2-inch lift, aggressive look and extreme personalization Mopar hints at future with new dealership experience, retail program, tuning station, owner centers and technology to enhance connecting with customers Center Line, Mich. , Jan 31, 2012 - For its 75th anniversary, Mopar® continues to work its magic. Today at its engineering lab in Center Line, Mich., Mopar revealed four custom vehicles, including the Mopar ’12 300, Fiat 500 “Stinger,” Mopar Jeep® Compass “True North” and Dodge Dart “GTS 210 Tribute.” Mopar ’12 will be available this summer straight from the factory, while components of the Fiat 500, Jeep Compass and Dodge Dart custom configurations will be available in the fall as stage kits or á la carte from the Mopar catalog. “Customization is king,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “These head-turning ‘Moparized’ vehicles show how we can go to the next level of personalization. With our best-in-class offerings of parts and accessories, we give our customers every opportunity to further enhance the appearance and performance of their vehicles.” Earlier this month, at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the brand kicked off its year-long 75th anniversary celebration with the introduction of the Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar and the Dodge Charger Redline. Mopar, a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts, was trademarked in 1937. The following “Moparized” vehicles were revealed today and will be on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show from Feb. 10-19. Mopar ’12 300 Building on the success of Mopar versions of the 2010 Dodge Challenger and 2011 Dodge Charger, the new Mopar ’12 300 transforms the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan into a performance tribute to celebrate Mopar’s 75th anniversary with unique appointments, select high-performance parts and appearance items straight from the Mopar parts catalog. Power and performance Mopar earned its factory-designed performance reputation with enthusiasts and the most discerning racing drivers for the past 75 years – and the new Mopar ’12 is designed to showcase the brand’s prowess. When looking under the hood of the Mopar ’12 300, an exclusive Mopar engine cover hints at the 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with innovative four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology beneath. Backed with a proven five-speed W5A580 automatic transmission, Mopar aficionados will appreciate the unique Mopar shifter combined with Auto Stick. With Auto Stick, drivers may select a higher or lower gear while the transmission controller helps prevent the possibility of an over-rev condition. At the rear, the differential has been boosted from 3.06:1 to a 3.91:1 final-drive ratio for enhanced acceleration – unique to the Mopar ’12 – enabling 0-to-60 mph blasts in the low 5-second range. Track-tuned suspension delivers precision handling The new Mopar ’12 300 features the second-generation E-segment architecture’s performance-tuned suspension with 42 percent stiffer front and 23 percent stiffer rear spring rates compared to the Chrysler 300 models with touring-tuned suspension. For improved grip and braking, stickier P245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 three-season tires replace all-season radials, and high-performance brake linings mounted to dual-piston front and single-piston rear calipers deliver fade-resistant stopping performance. Unique Mopar 300 ‘Street Machine’ Similar to the new Chrysler 300S models, Mopar ’12 300 adds even more street credibility with its blacked-out appearance and unique Mopar appointments. A Mopar Black Chrome seven-bar grille and grille-surround matches the black-accented headlamp bezels and fascia accents for a low-key presence. Highlighting the Gloss Black exterior contours of the Mopar ’12 300 are a Mopar Blue A-line body-side stripes. Large 20-inch by 8-inch Mopar forged-aluminum wheels are painted in Gloss Black and include Mopar center caps. Commemorating the brand’s 75th year, “Mopar 75” fender badges feature the Mopar Blue “omega” logo. On the deck lid, a “Mopar Design” badge hints at the select Mopar parts and accessories that have been infused to enhance performance and distinguish the Mopar ’12 300 from any other Chrysler 300. Inside, Mopar ’12 300 features a monotone black interior environment with Mopar Blue accents throughout. Mopar’s Katzkin perforated leather wraps the large-bolstered 12-way power driver and passenger heated-front sport seats, and includes Mopar Blue accent stitching on the seating surface, along with French-seamed stitching at the perimeter and a black/blue two-tone leather combination. Rear heated seats feature the same perforated leather and corresponding Mopar Blue stitching treatment. A thick-rimmed steering wheel with die-cast paddle shifters (for Auto Stick) and a unique Mopar shifter handle are wrapped in black leather and stitched with matching Mopar Blue thread. Mopar sill plates and a serialized “Mopar ’12 Limited Edition” badge complete the list of unique appointments. The enthusiast-designed interior of the Mopar ’12 300 is enhanced further with matte carbon hydrographic accents on the instrument panel and center console areas, while Piano Black is used on the interior center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel elements to provide a unique lacquered appearance. World-class connectivity with segment’s largest touchscreen display State-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch 8.4 provides Mopar ’12 300 passengers with the segment’s largest touchscreen display (8.4-inches) and next-generation mobile infotainment, connectivity and multimedia features. In addition, the Mopar ’12 300 features a unique “Mopar” start-up screen. Uconnect Touch also controls Mopar ’12’s 506-watt Alpine nine-speaker premium audio system with subwoofer 12-channel amplifier with 506 watts of power and digital signal processing (DSP) for 7.1-adapted surround sound. SafetyTec Group: Advanced Active-safety features for 360-degree perspective The new Mopar ’12 300 provides customers the latest in accident-avoidance features with its standard SafetyTec Group, combining advanced active- and passive-safety technologies for enhanced driver confidence. The SafetyTec Group includes adaptive-forward lighting (AFL), high-intensity discharge (HID) projector high and low-beams with automatic headlamp leveling, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with adaptive-cruise control (ACC), Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, ParkSense® front and rear park assist system, LED-illuminated rear fog lamps, exterior mirrors with supplemental turn signals and approach lamp. Additional safety features include a HomeLink universal transceiver, rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam® headlamps. Available this summer The Mopar ’12 300 will be built in Brampton, Ontario. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the limited-edition Mopar ’12 300 is $49,700, which includes $825 for destination. Customers who purchase one of these 500 limited-edition Chrysler 300 models will receive a personalized owner kit in a customized Mopar ’12 300 box, Mopar-branded key fobs and Mopar ’12 300 merchandise. The kit will include a certificate with the vehicle identification number (VIN), exact date of manufacture and the number of the vehicle. The kit also will include an original sketch of the car signed by the designer and a brochure highlighting the unique features of the vehicle. 2013 Dodge Dart ‘GTS 210 Tribute’ For the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, Mopar will offer more than 150 accessories, the most in the compact-car segment. Hot off the heels of its worldwide production debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, Mopar wasted no time giving the 2013 Dodge Dart even more sporting pretensions both inside and out. The all-new Dodge Dart embodies class-leading and class-exclusive features in many areas including aerodynamics, technology and safety, and the stage kits by Mopar enhance these attributes. The Alfa Romeo-based Dodge Dart already has sporty driving dynamics baked into its DNA, and Team Mopar added even more distinction to reinforce the car’s fun-to-drive nature. Stage 1 appearance package The exterior picks up several matte-black trim pieces, including a lower chin spoiler, side sills, rear spoiler and rear-diffuser panel. A lightweight carbon-fiber hood with large air scoop and 18-inch, 10-spoke forged alloy titanium-colored wheels finish off exterior modifications. Red and black is carried over into the interior, which has been refined beyond the 14 interior color and trim options available in the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart. Ruby Red is the dominant color used on Katzkin leather seat fronts, door panels, center armrest and map-pocket inserts. Black accent stitching is used in the seats and armrest, as well. Piano Black trim is used on the shifter bezel, cup holder bezel and the dash-vent bezels. Final interior touches include a black suede instrument cluster brow with red accent stitching, a Piano Black accented floating island bezel and a Ruby Red and black leather-wrapped steering wheel with red accent stitching. Stage 2 performance package The Dodge Dart GTS 210 Tribute performance calibration has been employed maximizing fuel/air mix and spark advance, with an improved air-flow intake and low back-pressure exhaust to achieve 210 horsepower from a base engine of 184 horsepower. 2012 Fiat 500 ‘Stinger’ Building on the Fiat 500’s “Hottest Sports Compact Car” award by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) this past November, the new Fiat 500 “Stinger” integrates two Mopar stage kits that deliver bold styling appointments and select high-performance parts from the Mopar catalog. Adding even more style to the new 2012 Fiat 500 Sport, the Fiat 500 Stinger features Giallo (yellow) exterior paint combined with unique blackened exterior and interior appointments – all designed to amplify the hatchback’s athletic Italian styling. Stage 1: athletic and purposeful styling enhancements For a more aggressive appearance, the Fiat 500 Stinger’s signature “whiskers and logo” face and circular projector headlamps are finished in Black Chrome. Accenting the Giallo bodyside are exterior door handles and mirror caps finished in Black Chrome, while larger 17-inch by 7-inch Abarth Hyper Black aluminum wheels with wider 205/40 R 17 performance tires provide the hatchback with a menacing stance below. Tinted head and taillamps and license-plate brow, and Mopar’s vinyl bodyside and roof graphics in black checker add to the Fiat 500 Stinger’s serious look. The interior of the Fiat 500 Stinger continues the duality of Giallo and black with Mopar’s Katzkin leather seats. Based on the Fiat 500 Sport’s athletic-styled seats, the 500 Stinger’s seats feature Alcantara seat centers sandwiched by smooth and Giallo black leather bolsters and Giallo accent stitching. Below, a Mopar carbon-fiber instrument panel decal provides this Cinquecento’s interior with a technical appearance. A Mopar shifter ball is finished in Gloss Black completes the appearance. Stage 2: track-tested performance upgrades Delivering factory-designed performance, Mopar’s new Stage 2 kit ensures that the Fiat 500 Stinger delivers improved power and braking capabilities to match its aggressive styling upgrades. Mopar’s cold-air intake and free-flowing cat-back exhaust enable the Fiat 500 Stinger’s fuel-efficient 1.4-liter 16-valve MultiAir™ engine to deliver even more power and torque. And to make sure this Cinquecento delivers track-ready brake performance, the Fiat 500 Stinger features performance brakes with cross-drilled rotors for additional surface-heat dissipation. 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass ‘True North’ Like all Trail Rated® Jeep models, the Jeep Compass is a capable off-road machine. With the Mopar Jeep Compass “True North” model, Mopar further improves its off-road form and function. The exterior features a matte black finish on the roof, wheel flares, lower fascia, door cladding and black grille with body color inserts. Other exterior touches include black-headlamp and fog-lamp surrounds, rear fog lights, custom front and rear brush bars and custom rock rails. Matte black 16-inch alloy wheels with BF Goodrich All Terrain tires and a 2-inch lift kit from Rocky Road Suspensions add some additional off-road go. The interior received lots of attention from Mopar and renowned audio component manufacturer Kicker. The entire audio system, including front and rear speakers, amplifier, sub-woofer and lift gate speakers are provided by Kicker, and transform Jeep Compass into a rolling high-end sound studio. A custom center stack gauge pod that houses pitch and roll inclinometer gauges, add to the vehicle’s off-road credentials. A Mopar bright pedal kit, door-sill guards, rear-cargo tray, shift knob and neoprene seats complement each other while enhancing the quality feel of the cabin. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 1, 2012 2011 was a good year for the domestics. Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors saw their market share grow. But, a new report from Bloomberg says the Big Three could see a drop in 2012. Sales for 2012 are expected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, but competition from the Koreans and a recovery of the Japanese automakers mean those sales sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three. Bloomberg asked five analysts to predict market share for automakers in 2012 and their predictions put the U.S automakers losing 1.3% for 2012. Analysts see GM dropping 0.6%, Ford dropping 0.5%, and Chrysler dropping 0.2%. Analysts also see Toyota growing 0.9%, Honda gaining 0.5%, and Hyundai and Kia growing 0.01%. Source: Bloomberg View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 31, 2012 The Dodge Dart has been getting rave reviews since being shown earlier this month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Since then, rumors of an SRT version of the Dart have been floating around and Motor Trend has put together some information for this possible model. Powertrain wise, the Dart SRT4 could use a turbocharged version of the Tigershark 2.0-liter four-cylinder or Alfa Romeo's upcoming all-aluminum 1.8L turbo-4. Horsepower rating for the Dart should be over the Caliber SRT4's 285 HP. A upgraded six-speed dual-clutch transmission from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf is expected. The Dart SRT4's chassis will get stiffer springs and dampers, larger wheels, and upgraded rubber. Also, the Dart SRT4 will get a new aggressive aero pack to help it out. Source: Motor Trend View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 31, 2012 The Hyundai Elantra has been a success for the Korean brand, seeing a 41% sales increase this past year. The Elantra also picked up the North American Car of the Year in January, and the icing on the cake will be a new coupe and five-door joing the Elantra. However, all isn’t well for the Elantra according to a report to Bloomberg. Hyundai says they’ve hit their production capacity at the the company's Montgomery, Alabama plant. Last year, the plant churned out 338,000 vehicles, 10% above the plant’s capacity. About 55% of those vehicles built were new Elantras. “The growth will be capped only because of production capacity,” said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America’s executive vice president of national sales. “We’re going to sell what we did last year but our growth curve will plateau just because of capacity.” With Hyundai posting 20% overall sales growth in the U.S. in 2011, the brand needs to solve this problem. Rumors floating around say the company could announce another North America plant. Source: Bloomberg View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 30, 2012 The U.S. Treasury Department revealed in a new report to Congress that it will lose more money than expected on the 2009 bailout loans given to Chrysler and General Motors. The Treasury now expects to lose $23.77 billion on the $85 billion bailouts, up from the $23.6 billion losses estimated last fall. Most of the increase in the projected loss is due to GM's stock price declining over the past six months. GM's stock price at the end of trading stands at $24.37; a drop of 35% from the 52-week-high of $37.23. The Treasury currently owns 26.5%, or 500 million shares in GM. At the current price, the Treasury stands to lose more than $14 billion. To break even, shares of GM would need to go up to an average of $53 per share. As for Chrysler, the Treasury noted a $1.3 billion loss on the $12.5 billion bailout. The loss is due to "Old Chrysler" being dissolved. Source: The Detroit News View full article