William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 2, 2011 If there is one thing Fiat needs in the US besides sales is another model. And if a report from Inside Line is to be believed, we could be seeing a new model next year. Inside Line reports that Fiat is readying a new small crossover code-named Ellezero. Ellezero will be based on Fiat's SUSW (Small U.S. Wide) platform, which also will underpin a new compact Jeep crossover. Design will borrow from the 500 with it's rounded look. Power will come from the 1.4L engine found in the 500. The new crossover will make it's debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Source: Inside Line View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 2, 2012 At next weeks Detroit Auto Show, Mopar will introduce two performance packages for the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 200. First up is the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline which will be offered in the three stages. Stage 1 brings forth many dress-up items, including a carbon fiber front splitter, a three-piece carbon fiber decklid spoiler, a black vinyl roof graphic, a two-piece grille insert that blends a body-colored surround with a black crosshair insert, faux door scoops, and 20-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels. Inside, an aluminum instrument panel bezel with a red accent, a matching aluminum shifter bezel, and stainless steel pedals is added. Stage 2 is where we begin to see some performance upgrades for the Redline; a cat-back exhaust system, a front strut tower cross brace, and high-performance brake pads. Stage 3 is where the major performance comes in. The regular 5.7L HEMI V8 is swapped for Mopar's aluminum-block 426ci HEMI crate motor producing 590 HP. The downside is the the 590 HP engine is only for track use. Then there's the Chrysler 200 Super S which will be offered in two stages. As is the case with the Charger Redline, Stage 1 for the Super S is cosmetic. Using the 200 S as a base, Stage 1 adds recessed mesh grill with a floating Chrysler logo, large chin spoiler, flared side sills, a matte black rear diffuser, satin chrome accents, rear decklid spoiler, and 10-spoke, 18-inch wheels painted either black or gray. Stage 2 adds a cat-back exhaust system, lowered coil-over suspension, and a cold-air intake. Pricing for the two packages hasn't been announced and are expected to come out sometime later this year. Press Release is on Page 2 Mopar® Introduces Dodge Charger Redline Infused With New High Output 426 HEMI® Aluminum Crate Engine and More Aggressive Style New 2012 Dodge Charger Redline features three available Mopar® stage kits for factory-tuned performance Stage One features aerodynamic exterior components and interior accents Stage Two features bolt-on performance parts for improved power, handling and braking Stage Three features new high-output version of the powerful aluminum-block Gen III 426 HEMI® V-8 crate engine, delivers 590 horsepower Dodge Charger Redline will debut at 2012 North American International Auto Show Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 2, 2012 - Delivering performance and an even more aggressive look, the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline is a 426 HEMI®-powered showcase of new Mopar® performance kits that will arrive later this year. The Dodge Charger Redline vehicle with all three Mopar performance stage kits will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. “Since the 1960s, the Mopar Brand has built a long history of adding power and performance to the Dodge Charger – and with the Redline, we Moparized the new Charger with modern-day performance and style while giving a nod to our storied past,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “With three kits, Mopar offers a tailored choice for every customer.” Stage I: Aerodynamic Carbon Fiber Exterior Components and Interior Accents Based on the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T model, Mopar’s list of Stage I modifications includes a full-width Mopar carbon fiber chin spoiler to give the Charger Redline a more aggressive appearance. Matching the Redline Tri-coat paint, the two-piece grille features a body-color painted-grille surround with black signature “crosshair” insert. Large 20 x 8-inch Mopar Black Envy Wheels feature a Pitch Black-painted wheel face with polished accents. Mopar carbon fiber door scoops highlight Dodge Charger Redline’s signature body-side scallops and include heritage “R/T” badging to pay homage to the historic 1970 Charger model. A three-piece Mopar carbon fiber rear spoiler adds additional down force and provides an even more dynamic look. Emphasizing Dodge Charger Redline’s fastback silhouette is Mopar’s vinyl roof graphic in matte black. The Dodge Charger Redline’s cockpit design features premium materials and is further enhanced with a Mopar aluminum shift bezel and aluminum instrument panel bezel with Redline perimeter accent. For a more enthusiast-desired look, Mopar pedal covers are made from stainless steel and feature a rubberized pattern for improved traction. Stage II: Mopar Bolt-on Performance Parts Deliver Improved Power, Handling and Braking Designed and tested straight from the factory, the Dodge Charger Redline features Mopar’s Stage II performance kit to enhance its already world-class power, handling and braking. Allowing the Dodge Charger Redline’s legendary HEMI® V-8 engine to perform at its optimal level, Mopar’s cat-back performance exhaust system delivers an increase in horsepower and a menacing “throaty” sound. Under the hood, a front-tower cross-brace and front tower brace caps provide increased structural stability for improved handling dynamics. For ultimate braking capabilty, high-performance Mopar brake linings are track tested and deliver fade-resistance during hard braking use. Stage III: Mopar’s Gen III High Output 426 HEMI V-8 engine, with 590 Horsepower on Tap Delivering 220 more horsepower than the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T, the Charger Redline features the new high-output version of the powerful and lightweight Gen III 426 HEMI V-8 crate engine (for race/off-road use only). With its legendary 426 cubic-inch “Elephant Motor,” the Dodge Charger Redline delivers 590 horsepower via a lightweight aluminum V-8 engine block that shaves more than 100 lbs. from the traditional cast-iron crate version. The new Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine is professionally built and includes a stout, balanced lower reciprocating assembly that features a forged-steel crankshaft with six-bolt mains at 2, 3 and 4, and cross-bolted 4-bolt mains at 1 and 5. H-beam style rods are made from forged steel and coupled to forged 11:1 compression ratio aluminum pistons. Included is a revised windage tray to provide excellent oil dispersion and prevents oil aeration by the crankshaft. The Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine’s valvetrain starts with a more aggressive roller camshaft with .639 intake and .628 exhaust lift and cylinder heads that feature the latest designs for exceptional flow characteristics. To help stabilize the valvetrain at high engine rpm, tie bars are available. Mopar cast-aluminum valve covers and billet fuel rails are also included in the Dodge Charger Redline’s Stage III performance kit. Chrysler Group LLC Introduces Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan modified using Mopar parts and accessories Stage One appearance package amplifies refined styling of Chrysler 200 Stage Two amplifies performance with coil-over suspension, cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust Mopar package will be available on Chrysler 200S sedans in 2012 Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 2, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC’s Mopar brand set its sights on the 2012 Chrysler 200. The Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar is a rolling showcase for the latest Mopar exterior parts that will be available for the 200 sedan in 2012. The Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. “The Super S is Mopar’s interpretation of the Chrysler 200,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “The extensive list of high-quality Mopar parts enhances the performance and appearance of our Chrysler 200.” For Stage One, Mopar’s long list of modifications starts at the front of the car with a large chin spoiler, satin chrome fog light trim, satin chrome grille surround and mesh in the upper and lower grilles. The upper grille is gloss black with a recessed Chrysler wing badge. Body sides feature new side sills, satin chrome belt molding, black chrome “200” badges and gray or hyper black 18-inch “S” alloy wheels. From the rear view, the new look is capped off by a new trunk lid spoiler, satin chrome light bar and a matte black lower diffuser with attached exhaust openings. Stage Two adds performance with a coil-over suspension, which also lowers the center of gravity for the vehicle. In addition, Stage Two includes a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust. This Mopar package on the Chrysler 200 Super S will be available on Chrysler 200S later in 2012. Mopar’s Chrysler 200 Super S will be one many Mopar-modified vehicles that will debut during the 2012 auto show season. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 30, 2011 The UAW isn't giving up on their effort to organize plants in the south, rather they're changing their main focus. Originally, the UAW was going to target Japanese automakers. However, the UAW is now going after the German automakers. Reuters report that the UAW believes given Germany’s history of dealing with its strong IG Metall union, executives at the German automakers would be more to let UAW reps to talk workers. Given the UAW's track record with trying to unionize transplants have failed miserably, this latest attempt seems to be a hail Mary. The UAW has seen it's membership drop more than 75 percent over the last three decades. Source: Reuters Related: UAW Drops Plan To Organize A Foreign Automaker Plant View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 30, 2011 Today, General Motors issued a recall for 4,873 Chevrolet Sonics due to missing front brake pads. The Sonics in question were built between June 2 and November 21 at GM's Orion Township plant. GM says that out of the 4,873 Sonics, only 20 to 30 have no brake pads. Having no brake pads on your car doesn't mean you can't stop, it means the braking performance will suffer and could cause damage to other parts of the braking system. GM says they will notify all potentially affected Sonic owners and install any missing pads and, if necessary, replace any calipers or rotors free of charge. Source: NHTSA View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 30, 2011 Saab's bankruptcy is attracting a lot of companies wanting to buy up pieces of the Swedish automaker. Last week, we reported that Youngman Automotive got their hands on Saab's new Phoenix platform. Now, an Indian automaker wants a piece of the griffin. Bloomberg reports that Mahindra & Mahindra, an Indian SUV manufacturer, is looking into buying up pieces of Saab. Two people familiar with the situation say the company is trying to set up meetings with the two court-appointed administrators who are overseeing Saab’s bankruptcy. Neither Mahindra & Mahindra or the two court-appointed administrators could be reached for comment. Source: Bloomberg View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 29, 2011 2012 is bring forth some significant changes for automakers that were planning to invest in China. The National Development and Reform Commission (NRDC) and the Ministry of Commerce announced that January 30, 2012, the country will stop encouraging foreign investment in the auto industry. The NRDC states the decision was made to help nurture their domestic brands. Jenny Gu, a senior market analyst at LMC Automotive in Shanghai tells Bloomberg the decision will end seven years of foreign-investor benefits including reduced tariffs on imported plant equipment. Recently, China has slapped new duties on U.S.-made cars that are imported into the country. “It might be more difficult for carmakers to get approval for new plants in the future unless they have an investment in new-energy vehicles,” Gu said. China isn't cutting all foreign investments. In NRDC's press statement, it says the government will "open more sectors to foreign investors and encourage investment into energy-saving and environmentally-friendly technologies, new-generation information technology, biotechnology, high-end equipment manufacturing, alternative energy, advanced materials, and alternative-fuel cars." Source: Bloomberg View full article

I think handling is going to be their trump car with this NSX.

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 29, 2011 BMW is serious with their upcoming i lineup with the i3 and i8 due out in 2014. The i series will utilize BMW’s LifeDrive architecture, which essentially is a composite body/passenger cell mated to a powertrain unit (or units). BMW is busy doing testing on both models to get them ready and an i8 was recently caught by a spy photographer. Designwise, the i8 mule stays true to the concept except for the doors. The pictures show the mule dropping the long glass doors for carbon fiber for better protection in crashes. The front end reveals that i8 will come with active aerodynamics; shutters in upper and/or lower grilles to help control airflow. Other design cues on this mule include the roofline separating from the vehicle and then coming back at the rear end and cooling ducts for the gas engine. Speaking of the gas engine, the i8 will use a three-cylinder combined with a electric motor. A long, lithium-polymer battery pack residing in what would normally be the transmission tunnel completes the powertrain. Source: Car & Driver View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 29, 2011 In a couple weeks time, Acura will reveal the NSX concept at Detroit Auto Show. Auto Express has gotten some images of what the car could actually look like. The pictures show the NSX sharing many things to a Acura concept car featured in new The Avengers movie. Sources inside Acura say the company will offer both a coupe and convertible version. Power will come from Acura's 3.5L V6 driving one axle and a pair of in-wheel electric motors driving the other axle. This gives the NSX 400 HP and power going to all four wheels. 0-60 time will be under 5 seconds. Source: Auto Express View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 29, 2011 Ford wowed crowds at November's LA Auto Show with their 650 HP Shelby GT500 coupe. Now, Ford could be readying a second act with the Shelby GT500. Topspeed reports Ford could show a Shelby GT500 Convertible at next month's Detroit Auto Show. The convertible will use the 5.8L supercharged V8 found in the coupe producing 650 HP. The convertible will not hit the same 200 MPH top speed as the coupe. We'll see if this pans out. Source: TopSpeed View full article