William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 30, 2012 Just as we got to the point of everyone agreeing that 54.5 MPG was an attainable goal for 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has decided to change things up. CARB has ruled to enforce the 54.5 MPG rule and to will also require at least 15.4% of all cars sold by any major automaker in the state to either be fully electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell by 2025. Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board said she viewed the 15.4% “a relatively modest goal, but that’s all that we’re mandating. Probably the most heartening aspect of this whole rulemaking was the level of cooperation that we received from the industry… Overall, the degree of support for the package was just extraordinary.” Eventhough the automakers are on board, the question is will consumers be on board with this plan.. The California New Car Dealers Association estimates CARB's plan would add about $3,200 to the average price of a new car or truck. Appropriately, Mary Nichols said, “direct incentives to people who buy these cars (like) rebates and credits” are being worked out. At least ten more states will follow California’s lead, upping the projected total of advanced green vehicles near three million vehicles by 2025, 1.4 million of which would be in California. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 30, 2012 Audi has a bit of a problem on their hands. The German automaker is in the middle of launching new hybrid vehicles, the technology loved by Americans - but is also introducing a range of diesel powered vehicles, which are actually more efficient. Rather than begin changing the mind of American buyers that diesels make more sense than hybrids, Audi is changing course and altering their green plans; making hybrids the green option and diesel the performance option. The move has caused Audi to make decisions on models will and will not come to the U.S.. For example, Audi has shelved the 2.0L diesel option for the U.S. Q5 due to the option being 3% more efficient than the hybrid option. Instead, Audi will the 3.0L diesel for the Q5. Its also why Audi decided to shelve the hybrid A8 for the U.S. The diesel A8 which has been confirmed for the U.S. gets better fuel economy than the hybrid, 39.2 vs. 36.8. “We therefore have decided not to do the hybrid in the A8 for the U.S.,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. de Nysschen said Audi will continue to grow their hybrid lineup for the U.S., but that “the mainstay is going to be diesel technology.” Source: Ward’s Auto View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 29, 2012 Fiat has finally come up with a name for their new five-door 500 - the 500L. The new 500L will make its official debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show. The 500L will be wider and about 2.4 inches longer than the regular the 500. That’s due to the 500L being based on Fiat’s Punto subcompact.. The 500L will be offered in two models; a five-seat and seven-seat model. The U.S. will get the five-seat model only. Fiat will begin sales of the 500L in Europe beginning in July. The U.S. sales will begin sometime next year. Source: Autoweek View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 28, 2012 Back in November, we reported on Volkswagen was planning on dropping the 2.5L for a 1.8T due to the company simplifying their manufacturing and to increase fuel economy. Now, there is another engine in play. Volkswagen executives told Car & Driver the Jetta could drop its 2.5L for a 1.4T engine. The 1.4T made its first appearance in the Jetta Hybrid shown at the North American International Auto Show in January. The 1.4T produces 150 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque, both of which would be reasonable numbers in the Jetta’s segment. Plus, the 1.4T should deliver better MPG than the 2.5L. Plans for the swap haven’t been finalized, but executives seem confident in the plan being approved. And if the 1.4T is approved for Jetta, expect it to find a place in the Beetle and Golf. Source: Car & Driver Related: Rumorpile: Volkswagen Dropping 2.5 Inline-5, In It’s Place A Smaller Turbo-4 View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 27, 2012 The Chevrolet Volt has been getting a lot of negative press over the past few months dealing with the fire that happened a month after a NHTSA crash test and ensuing investigation. Because of this, General Motors has launched a new ad campaign talking about how the safe the Volt is. The campaign will include full-page ads in nineteen different U.S. newspapers including The New York Times, touting the safety of the Volt. Also, GM has a new television ad that calls the Volt "the car America had to build." The launch of the ad campaign coincides with Wednesday's Volt Hearing in D.C. Source: Bloomberg View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 27, 2012 Mini Boss Kay Segler has revealed some interesting information to Car & Driver this week. First, Segler talked about Mini’s John Cooper Works possibly becoming something like BMW’s M performance brand. This idea comes with good and bad news - if it was implemented, that would mean JCW models would be positioned as stand-alone models, which means more power to differentiate them. Unfortunately, Selger said that AWD was currently too expensive to implement in Minis unless the brand sees a large sales volume increase. Executives and engineers know they’re almost hitting the wall on how much power can be sent to the front wheels with the JCW models. The question of how power will be added is up in the air at the moment. Segler also talked about diesels. He said that the most common request American customers is diesel engines. “We’re delighted to hear it. We are looking into this not for the short term, but for the medium term,” Segler said. In other words, expect a diesel option after the third generation Mini is launched. Source: Car & Driver View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 27, 2012 Acura has confirmed that the next generation RL will be shown at April’s New York Auto Show. The RL will stick with a V6, but gains a hybrid component and direct injection. The RL also gains an optional all-wheel drive system known as Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, which is similar as the system shown on Acura NSX Concept in Detroit. Sport Hybrid SH-AWD uses the V6 hybrid to power the front wheels and two electric motors in the rear, individually powering each wheel. Sport Hybrid SH-AWD takes the current RL’s AWD mechanical setup and transforms it into an electronic system. Mated to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the promise is provide the power of a V8 while returning the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder. Acura says the next generation RL will essentially share dimensions with the current RL, but will grow in the interior. Styling will share cues from the new ILX, with a more rear-drive design and large rear fenders. More details will be revealed when the RL is shown in April. Source: Auto Guide View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 26, 2012 Previously, if you wanted a top of the line Ram truck, you had to to take the Longhorn edition, cowboy hat and all. Now, Ram is offering a slight-toned down version of Ram called the Ram Laramie Limited. Outside, the Laramie Limited gets body-color front fascia with fog lamps and a matching rear bumper, while the heavy-duty models stick with chrome. Chrome accents adorn mirrors, door handles and side steps. The Limited also drops the usual Hemi, Cummins and Ram badges. Ram 1500 models get 20-inch wheels, while heavy-duty models get 17-inch wheels. Inside, the Laramie Limited gets leather seats with contrasting piping, piano-black trim, LED ambient lighting, unique gauges, and deep berber carpet floor mats.Other features for the Laramie Limited include navigation, remote start, a backup camera, power adjustable pedals, a heated steering wheel, and heated front and back seats. Ram will show the Laramie Limited at next month's Chicago Auto Show, with sales beginning in next quarter. Press Release is on Page 2 Ram Truck Launches New Luxury Model: Laramie Limited Auburn Hills , Jan 26, 2012 - For 2012, Ram Truck will expand its model lineup by adding the new, top-of-the-line Ram Laramie Limited. “The Ram Truck brand’s greatest strengths are our commitment to listen to customers and to understand what motivates them,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. “We’ve successfully added Ram truck models designed for outdoorsmen, tradesmen, first-time buyers and ranchers. Laramie Limited is designed to meet the high expectations of affluent pickup truck buyers looking to combine capability with elegance.” Featuring premium materials, such as full-leather seating, piano-black interior components and under-stated exterior badging, Ram Laramie Limited offers a refined luxury alternative to the popular southwestern-themed Ram Laramie Longhorn edition pickup. “The launch of the Ram Laramie Longhorn edition gave us a boost in the ultra-premium pickup segment and exceeded our expectations,” added Diaz. “Ram Laramie Limited offers customers an even wider selection of luxury models. We expect a lot of interest in the Laramie Limited. “The Ram Laramie Limited customer is going to be involved in some sort of motor-sport activity. Whether they’re towing a ski boat, a race-car hauler, motorcycles or snowmobiles, they’re looking for comfort and class and an expressive way to carry their crew and their gear.” The new Ram will make its debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, which opens to the media on Wed., Feb. 8. Exterior Ram Laramie Limited gets a body-color front fascia with fog lamps and a matching, painted rear bumper. (Ram Laramie Limited 2500 and 3500 models in white and silver exterior colors get chrome front and rear bumpers.) The Laramie Limited’s chrome grille surrounds billet inserts that are featured on Ram Sport models. Understated chrome accents include body-side molding, mirrors, door handles and tubular side steps. The Laramie Limited’s body side has a clean, “street truck” look and eliminates the traditional HEMI®, Cummins and Ram model line badges. Tailgate badging includes the chrome Ram’s Head logo and a small italicized block-letter “Limited.” Ram 1500 Laramie Limited shares 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with the Ram Laramie Longhorn. Polished surfaces are accented with painted silver pockets. Heavy Duty models feature 17-inch fully polished aluminum wheels. Wheel centers are embossed with the Ram brand name. The Ram 1500 Laramie Limited is available in six exterior color choices, including: black, bright silver metallic, bright white, deep cherry red pearl, mineral gray metallic and true blue. Ram Heavy Duty models are available in black, bright silver metallic, bright white and mineral gray metallic. Interior The 2012 Ram Laramie Limited Edition features a modern, luxurious interior. A full-leather cockpit with dark slate Natura Plus leather seats and engraved details lend the Ram Laramie Limited an unmatched level of sophistication and style. Contrasting medium graystone leather piping provides seat-edge emphasis. Additional accents are created along either side of the piping by medium graystone deck-seam stitching. The Ram Laramie Limited’s cavernous double-stacked center console is topped with a soft, double French-stitched full-leather lid. In addition to 100 percent leather seat coverings, Ram Laramie Limited gets a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter -- console mounted on 1500, column mounted on 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty models. Accent medium graystone X-stitch detailing sets off both the steering wheel and shifter. Door trim front and rear also is wrapped in premium leather. Leather armrest uppers are further accented with the same dual French stitch used on the center console lid and instrument panel. Ram Laramie Limited editions receive remote LED lighting at the inside door handles and a full-length light that illuminates the truck’s multi-function lower map pockets, front and rear. The dash features a center stack trimmed in high-gloss piano-black. Liquid graphite side bezels and bright chrome vent rings complete the center stack’s detailing. Piano-black finishes also are used in the door panels and are trimmed in bright chrome. Ram Laramie Limited’s gauge cluster is accented with pad-print chrome rings that share the high-end appearance of a gentleman’s watch and include the imprinted message: “Designed in Detroit.” Gauge needles are finished in liquid graphite. A liquid graphite glovebox spear with pinstriped details and black and chrome “Limited” badge complete the dash. Beneath the dash is soft foot-well lighting, providing both a functional and aesthetic interior enhancement. Passengers also enjoy solid dark slate premium berber carpet floor mats with medium graystone accent stitching. Rear flap-closure seatback map pockets with modern chrome Ram-lettered detailed metal buckles also are unique to Ram Laramie Limited. For entry and exit, brushed-silver Ram-branded door sill plates resist scuffs and add visual appeal. Other Features Ram Laramie Limited also is equipped with a navigational radio, remote start, back-up camera, power adjustable pedals with memory, heated steering wheel, front ventilated and heated seats and rear heated seats. Ram Laramie Limited will be available in 1500 (1/2-ton), 2500 HD (3/4-ton) and 3500 HD single- and dual-rear-wheel (1-ton); Crew Cab and Mega Cab; four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive; and short- and long-wheelbase models. Laramie Limited will join the other Ram trim levels, which include: ST, Tradesman, Tradesman HD, Express, SLT, Outdoorsman, Mossy Oak edition, Sport, R/T, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Power Wagon (2500 only). Laramie Limited will be available Q2 2012. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 26, 2012 Hyundai hasn't applied their magic to all of their crossover lineup; Santa Fe and Veracruz, but that will be changing. Two images of what is belived to be the new Santa Fe have hit the web before it's offical unveiling at April's New York Auto Show. The pictures show the new Santa Fe gets a new trapezoidal grille and tapered-back headlight design across its lineup, giving the vehicle a more recognizable look. The back end of the new Santa Fe gives the impression of the Audi Q7. Powertrains for the new Santa Fe are unknown, but a V6 and Turbo-4 are being rumored. Source: Hyundai-Blog.com View full article