William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 26, 2012 Mazda is busy doing tests for the upcoming 6, due sometime next year and a spy photographer happened to catch one. The photos show a current generation Mazda6 with larger fenders, lower nose, and a modifed wheelbase. That shows underneath the body, Mazda is testing the 6’s brand new platform. The 6's platform is based on the new CX-5's platform and will feature a number of innovative design elements and with be compatible with many of the SkyActiv technologies. One of the elements that will be implemented will be "ultra-high tensile steel" in its construction. The "ultra-high tensile steel" is stronger than regular steel, it's also much lighter. The new Mazda6 will make it's world debut next fall at the Paris Motor Show, though some are saying we could see at April's New York Auto Show. Source: Motor Authority View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 26, 2012 Volvo is searching for a new partner to develop new small cars. CEO Stefan Jacoby told the Financial Times the company is open to any partners to help in development of compact models in an effort to drive down production costs. "We are open for partners. We are open for collaboration in a win-win situation for sharing platforms, for sharing engines, and for a general higher scale of economics," Jacoby said. Jacoby added that "no decision has been made" by Volvo regarding a potential partner. Volvo's current compact lineup includes the C30 hatchback, S40, and V50. All of those vehicles are based on technologies from their former parent company Ford. Source: Inside Line View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 25, 2012 Jeep is using the Houston Auto Show and upcoming Washington D.C. Auto Show to show off a new production-intent Grand Cherokee concept. The concept is based on a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X. The concept gains blacked-out trim, a mesh grille and 20-inch aluminum wheels painted in gloss black. If you were hoping for any changes to powertrain, then you will be disapointed. You might be wondering why it's called the production-intent Grand Cherokee concept. Well, is running a "Name My Ride" contest for the concept. Anyone can send in a name and Jeep will pick three finalists, with an online vote to decide to a winner. The person who submitted the winning name will win a Grand Cherokee. Press Release is on Page 2 Jeep® Introduces New Production-intent Concept Grand Cherokee at Houston Auto Show New production-intent vehicle boasts stunning exterior with distinct, aggressive flair Jeep® connects with consumers to name model via online Jeep “Name My Ride” contest Vehicle also on display at Washington (D.C.) Auto Show tomorrow Jeep Grand Cherokee sales reach 127,744 units in the U.S. in 2011, up 51 percent vs. 2010 Jeep brand sales increase 153 percent in Texas in 2011; Grand Cherokee up 226 percent in Texas Grand Cherokee most awarded SUV ever; named “SUV of Texas” in 2011 and 2010 Houston, Texas , Jan 25, 2012 - The Jeep® brand has introduced a new, production-intent concept version of its award-winning Grand Cherokee, a unique model with distinctive yet stealthy exterior cues designed to attract new Jeep Grand Cherokee enthusiasts and customers. Showing the vehicle publicly for the first time this morning at the Houston Auto Show, Jeep also announced that it has created an online contest for consumers to name the new production-intent Grand Cherokee concept. The person who chooses the winning name will have an opportunity to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. “Highlighted by a unique platinum-chrome front-end appearance and distinctive black-gloss 20-inch wheels and exterior treatments, our new Grand Cherokee concept provides a completely new look – one that is edgy and aggressive, and certainly different than any Grand Cherokee on the road today,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Jeep enthusiasts have always appreciated limited-edition models and the ability to customize their vehicles. This new Grand Cherokee comes with a unique, ‘factory-customized’ stealth appearance directly from Jeep, and is certain to attract interest from an array of potential customers. “We plan to garner feedback from consumers at the Houston Auto Show, and via our online Jeep ‘Name My Ride’ contest,” Manley added. “If the level of excitement is what we anticipate, this new Grand Cherokee will be in Jeep showrooms this spring.” In the U.S., Grand Cherokee sales increased 51 percent in 2011 vs. 2010. In Texas, sales increased 226 percent. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was named “SUV of Texas” the past two years by the Texas Auto Writers Association. Jeep Grand Cherokee Production-intent Concept With the Laredo X package as its starting point, the new production-intent concept Jeep Grand Cherokee combines a variety of exterior design changes to create a unique model with an aggressive, chrome and “blacked-out” look. The vehicle’s grille surround appears in Black, and mesh grille texture in Platinum Chrome. A Platinum Chrome lower fascia applique´ completes the unique front-end appearance. Black headlamp bezels and a Black liftgate light-bar continues the “blacked-out” theme throughout the vehicle’s exterior. The production-intent concept rides on 20-inch tires that surround one-of-a-kind Black-gloss aluminum wheels for Jeep. Based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X package, the production-intent concept model includes standard leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506 watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview™ rear back-up camera, ParkSense® rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free communications system, and more than 50 advanced safety and security features. Shown in Houston as a Brilliant Black 4x4 model, a Deep Cherry Red 4x4 version will be on display tomorrow at the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show. Jeep “Name My Ride” Contest Also announced at the Houston Auto Show, consumers now have the opportunity to name the Jeep Grand Cherokee concept vehicle, via Jeep.com/namemyride or m.jeep.com/namemyride (mobile site). The Jeep “Name My Ride” contest begins today. The Jeep brand will compile entries and narrow them down to three favored choices. Consumers will then have the opportunity to vote online for the winning name, to be announced in May. The person who submits the chosen, official vehicle name will have a chance to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Customers can visit Jeep.com/namemyride to submit a name for consideration, and for more information and complete contest rules. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 25, 2012 Today, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending (gesundheit!) held its hearing on the Chevrolet Volt and investigation done by NHTSA. The hearing titled - "Volt Vehicle Fire: What did NHTSA Know and When Did They Know It?" showed the committee led by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., wasn't here to mess around. First to testify was NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. Strickland defended the agency's decision not to talk about the fire in a crash-tested Volt for more than five months, saying that it would have been "irresponsible" to disclose the fire before the agency had determined whether the Volt posed a risk to safety. Strickland also said replicating the initial fire was "difficult" and took a "tremendous amount of engineering" to produce a second fire in laboratory conditions. Next to testify was General Motors CEO and chairman Dan Akerson testified to the committee that the Volt is a safe vehicle and it has become "political punching bag." "We engineered the Volt to show the world the great vehicles we make at General Motors. Although we loaded the Volt with state of the art safety features, we did not engineer the Volt to be a political punching bag. Sadly that is what it's become." Akerson said. Akerson also told the comittee that GM never asked the White House to keep the Volt Fire that happen in June a secret and never had disscussions with the White House about the Volt. When asked how he got to hearings, Akerson said he drove a Volt. Issa said after the hearings he's satisfied with GM's response but now plans to focus on NHTSA. "We are disappointed. NHTSA could have been a much better job both in transparency and speed. When you have a new vehicle, it's better to take a pause," said Issa. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Detroit News View full article

No, because Audi already used the A2 moniker for a model sold in europe and A2 is rumored to be making a comeback sometime in the next few years

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 25, 2012 Inside Line reports that Cadillac is looking at building a two-seat roadster to compete with the likes of the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Sources inside Cadillac say the vehicle will use the Alpha platform, like in the new ATS.. It will likely share powertrain options with the ATS as well. No other details have been released and its unknown if this will see the light of day. Source: Inside Line View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 25, 2012 Last year at the Geneva Motor Show, Audi pulled the covers off an A3 Sedan concept, complete with an 408 HP five-cylinder engine. Well, Audi is putting forth an A3 Sedan for the U.S. minus the 408 HP engine. Renderings from Road & Track show the A3 carrying a family resemblance to other Audis, with a large front grill, flared out fenders, and sculpted sides. The A3 Sedan will be about six inches longer than the current A3 five-door. Power will come from 2.0L four-cylinder gas and diesel engines. Hybrid and electric models are expected. Base A3s will come with FWD and a six-speed manual, while quattro and 7-speed S-tronic transmission will be available. The A3 sedan will arrive at U.S. dealers sometime in 2013. Source: Road & Track View full article