William Maley

Chrysler is moving on up with their new 300 by offering a new Luxury Series trim level that brings forth more plushness and luxury. The outside of the 300 Luxury Series differs from other 300s with a unique platinum-chrome finish applied to the mesh grille in addition to the door handles, mirror caps and other various trim pieces. Nineteen or twenty-inch wheels complete the look. Inside, the seats, dashboard, door panels and center console are wrapped in Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather upholstery. The steering wheel is also wrapped in the same upholstery and is featured with metal paddle shifters and a unique chrome accent ring. The floor is lined with 18-ounce Berber mats. Topping it all off is matte natural pore mocha wood trim. Pricing for the 300 Luxury Series begins at $40,970 for the Pentastar V6 and $43,720 for the HEMI V8. Want AWD? That raises prices to $43,320 for the V6 and $46,070 the V8. (All prices include an $825 destination charge.) Press Release is on Page 2 All-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Sedan: The Most Luxurious and Fuel-efficient Chrysler Flagship Ever All-new 300 Luxury Series expands the 2012 Chrysler 300 lineup with more personality, style and efficiency Exclusive Luxury Series appointments include ultra-premium leather, hand-sanded matte wood, world-class craftsmanship and refinement – all to deliver the most luxurious Chrysler sedan ever Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature a state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission Best-in-class 31 highway miles per gallon (mpg) and best-in-class all-wheel-drive fuel economy with eight-speed automatic transmission and award-winning 292 horsepower, 3.6-liter aluminum Pentastar® V-6 engine Chrysler 300 Luxury Series models start at $40,145 and arrive in the first-quarter of 2012 Auburn Hills, Mich. , Dec 27, 2011 - Designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series combines ultra-premium leather – once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars – with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features and eight-speed automatic transmission with Pentastar® V-6 engine for 31 best-in-class highway mpg. "The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition is more than just our flagship car, it's the trophy for the tireless majority, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations,” said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “It's fitted with a paddle shifting eight-speed transmission found only on cars twice its cost, dressed with the highest grade Italian Poltrona Frau leather and finished with hand sanded real wood found only in exotic cars – all to deliver a surprising combination of hyper craftsmanship, style, technology and ‘uber’ best-in-class fuel economy at 31 mpg.” The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series expands the Chrysler flagship sedan lineup further with a fuel-efficient V-6 engine option, in addition to the top-of-the-range Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedan with its powerful 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology. World-class luxury with expressive styling details The all-new Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series are the most highly appointed sedans the brand has ever offered. Exclusive interior features found on the Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans include either Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau® “Foligno” leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and center console armrest. Black or two-tone Mochachino seats are wrapped exclusively in supple Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Black or two-tone Mochachino leather-wrapped steering wheel — with all-new die-cast paddle shifters — features a unique chrome accent ring to highlight the segment-exclusive 360-degree heated rim. Completing the interior environment is specially selected Natural Pore Mocha wood trim featuring a matte finish to enhance the beauty of the real wood. On the exterior, large 20-inch polished face (rear-wheel drive (RWD) only, 19-inch with all-wheel drive (AWD) and painted pocket aluminum wheels, provide the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans with an even more planted and road-holding look. Platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents provide an even more upscale look. Topping off the unique exterior is a platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome mesh grille for a truly distinctive appearance. Premium amenities include the segment’s largest touchscreen infotainment system (8.4-inch) Uconnect® Touch 8.4N with Garmin® navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable color EVIC, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory, power-adjustable pedals with memory, power backlight sunshade, premium 18-ounce Berber floor mats satin chrome lower door sills with “Chrysler” logo, dual heated/cooled cup holders, ambient lit foot well lighting, LED illuminated interior door handles and front and rear map pockets, premium carpeted trunk mat, HomeLink universal transceiver and power exterior mirrors with memory, driver mirror auto-dimming and auto-tilt in Reverse. Available in RWD or with the segment’s most advanced AWD system, the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series models arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the first-quarter of 2012. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (including $825 destination) of these Chrysler 300 models is: Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD) $40,145 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD) $42,495 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD) $42,895 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD) $45,245 Democratization of technology: segment-first eight-speed automatic transmission Once available only on premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the 2012 Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series and delivers class-leading fuel efficiency with respect to: Best-in-class highway fuel economy (31 highway mpg) Best-in-class V-6 AWD fuel economy (18 city and 27 highway mpg) Best-in-class combined fuel economy (23 with RWD, 21 with AWD) Unsurpassed city fuel economy (19 city mpg RWD, 18 mpg AWD) Overall unsurpassed fuel economy in its class (19 city and 31 highway mpg with RWD) The addition of three more gear ratios in the proven ZF eight-speed automatic transmission design help to reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting. Combined with the award-winning 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, passengers will experience world-class levels of refinement due to small, evenly spaced ratios that provide quicker acceleration and smoother shifts. Delivering up to a 17 percent fuel economy improvement compared with the previous generation six-cylinder Chrysler 300 AWD models, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series AWD combines the new eight-speed automatic transmission, fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the segment’s most advanced AWD system for maximum all-weather traction and efficiency. Chrysler 300’s AWD system (both V-6 and V-8 engines) features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Chrysler 300’s innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in RWD sedans.

The US government is pulling back on some of their financial support for electric vehicles. Coming this Saturday, a tax credit which allows taxpayers to deduct 30% of the cost an electric vehicle charger (good for up to $30,000 in commercial cases) will be discontinued. If you're thinking the 30% deduction is a bit high, last year the deduction was set at 50%. "The timing of this couldn't be more unfortunate," coming just as more electric cars are on the way." said Genevieve Cullen, vice president of the Electric Drive Transportation Association, a trade group for the electric-vehicle industry. Cullen and other proponents have been begging congress to extend the tax deduction, possibly even retroactively if passed in early 2012. Source: USA Today

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 27, 2011 Mahindra, the company who promised to bring small diesel powered pickups to the US has been having their share of problems. Fallout between them and their importer, Global Vehicles USA and lawsuits from dealers have delayed the introduction. A couple of weeks ago, Mahindra Planet, "The Unofficial Mahindra U.S. News Source," reported that Mahindra and Navistar, the international truck and bus builder had worked out a deal to build Mahindra trucks at a new plant in Alabama starting in 2012. Mahindra and Navistar? Yes, the two companies have been working together since 1963 and have a joint operation in India. The move would allow Mahindra to bypass an importer and get their trucks on the road. However, Mahindra has said this week the rumor is false. “There have been reports in certain quarters of media and online space stating that Navistar USA will produce Mahindra’s T20 and T40 pickups in Alabama, USA in 2012, which are completely baseless & incorrect. If and when there are any material developments, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited will communicate them directly and transparently.” Mahindra didn't say when or if they would be arriving in the US. Source: Mahindra Planet, Left Lane News

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 26, 2011 On Christmas Eve, Chrysler made the announcement that production of the Dodge Caliber has ended to make way for the new Dart. Introduced back in 2006, the Caliber would replace the long running Neon. But the Caliber got a lot of negative press due to lack-luster driving dynamics and a cheap plastic interior. The Caliber's replacement, Dart will makes it's first appearance at next month's Detroit Auto Show. Analysts believe the Dart will be more successful than the Caliber. Source: The Detroit News

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 23, 2011 Kia's stunning GT concept, shown at this years Frankfurt Motor Show has been given the green light for production. But that's not all; sources inside Kia tell Inside Line that the company is mulling over a coupe and wagon. But why is Kia sending the GT into production? Well a comment from Kia's Chief Designer, Peter Schreyer gives us a clue. “Every company needs a halo car... The coupe market is dominated by German brands, and the GT is Kia’s first step. It’s like putting a foot in the door of the club.” The GT would be presented as a less expensive alternative to the German counterparts, much like Kia's sister company, Hyundai does with their Genesis and Equus sedans. Source: Inside Line

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 23, 2011 Earlier this week, we reported on which companies were going after Saab's assets, including Youngman Automotive and possibly Turkey. Well, one of Saab's biggest assets has been sold to Youngman. Youngman said yesterday, they had purchased Saab’s “Phoenix” vehicle architecture. Phoenix was a homegrown architecture that would begin underpinning new Saab vehicle, beginning with the new 9-3. The architecture is said not have any relation to any GM based architecture. Rachel Pang, a Youngman Spokesperson told Automotive News China that the firm has already gone through the motions of setting up a firm in Sweden to develop new cars on Phoenix. Source: Automotive News China via Left Lane News

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 22, 2011 When the US Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood thinks the NTSB’s recommendation of banning mobile electronics is a bad idea, you know it’s a bad idea. Speaking with the Detroit News, LaHood states he doesn’t supports the NTSB’s recommendation. "The problem is not hands-free. That is not the big problem in America." LaHood has been banging the drum on distracted driving in the U.S. for awhile, with him prodding states to crack down on distracted driving, especially texting or making calls behind the wheel. However, banning cell phone use in a car outright is going over the line. However, LaHood did extend an olive branch to the NTSB stating, Anybody that wants to join the chorus against distracted driving, welcome aboard. IIf other people want to work on hands-free, so be it." Source: The Detroit News

Lexus announced pricing for the 2013 Lexus GS350 this week, with pricing starting at $46,900 and the AWD model beginning at $49,450. For a quick refresh, the GS350 uses a 3.5L V6 producing 306 HP and achieves 19 City/28 Highway. Power goes through a six-speed automatic with four driving modes: ECO, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+ (only on F Sport model). Lexus will offer two packages on the GS; Premium and Luxury. Premium will add $1,400 to the price and come with rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, and power rear sunshade. Luxury adds Adaptable Variable Suspension, Adaptive Front Lighting, unique high gloss linear espresso wood accents, semi-aniline leather, 18-way power front driver and passenger seats with articulated back, side bolster and thigh support controls, four-way lumbar, butterfly headrests, driver and passenger seat memory, rear HVAC and audio controls, rear manual side sunshades, 18-inch wheels and wood and leather steering wheel for $5,750. For those who want a bit more sport in their new GS can step up to the F-Sport which gives you redesigned fascias, 19-inch wheels, larger brakes, perforated-leather interior, aluminum trim and pedals, and dynamic handling packing with variable-gear-ratio steering . Navigation is a separate option for all models, carrying a $1,735 pricetag. Lexus hasn’t announced pricing for the GS450h but say it’s coming. Press Release is on Page 2 Lexus Announces Pricing for All-New 2013 GS 350 TORRANCE, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2011) – Lexus today announced a zero increase on the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2013 GS 350, which will arrive at dealerships in early February with bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology and a spacious interior. “With all of the enhancements to the all-new GS, the base price remains the same at $46,900,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “We expect the GS will suit the needs of many drivers and compete well in the segment.” The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. Prices for the new GS 450h hybrid will be announced at a later date. The new GS conveys an enhanced sense of confidence to the driver with a redesigned chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver participation with crisp and precise handling. Engineers developed a more spacious interior environment while leaving exterior dimensions virtually unchanged to ensure excellent maneuverability. Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new GS is supported by advanced, performance technology that makes it more than just a luxury car. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a base MSRP of $46,900 or all-wheel drive (AWD) with a base MSRP of $49,450. The configurations are available as F SPORT models or can be equipped with the available Premium or Luxury packages for greater personalization. The new GS powertrains have been elevated for 2013 to provide better fuel economy and more responsive performance. The GS 350 is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, four cams, and four valves per cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). At 306 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful base engines in the segment, as well as the only one with both port and direct injection. It propels the GS 350 from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and at the same time, boosts its fuel economy to projected EPA-estimated ratings of 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission comes with paddle shifters and sport driving functions for enhanced driving pleasure. The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan — including faster shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes (ECO, Normal, Sport S and available Sport S+) that can be operated by toggling the new Lexus Drive Mode selector. To suit the needs of many drivers, the all-new GS 350 will offer unique packages, Premium Package, or Luxury Package. The new GS will be equipped with many standard features such as bi-xenon HID headlamps, L-shaped LED daytime running lights, Drive Mode Selector, paddle shifters, a new energy-saving auto climate control system, S-Flow, that uses the occupant-detection system to focus air-flow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated. Next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation that allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls and optional navigation, synthetic leather instrument panel with contrast stitching, LED interior lighting, a new multimedia system (with available next-generation Lexus Enform) and color TFT multi-information display. For $1,400, the Premium Package includes rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats and power rear sunshade. The Luxury Package, priced at $5,750, includes those features plus Adaptive Variable Suspension; an Adaptive Front Lighting System; unique high gloss linear espresso wood ornamentation; semi-aniline leather, 18-way power front driver and passenger seats with articulated back, side bolster and thigh support controls; four-way lumbar; butterfly headrests; driver and passenger seat memory; rear HVAC and audio controls; rear manual side sunshades; 18-inch alloy wheels; and wood and leather steering wheel. The all-new GS F SPORT will offer customers more agility and an aggressive appearance. The GS F SPORT will be outfitted with a sport bumper, and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique mesh grille inserts and F SPORT badging. Unique to the F SPORT are 19-inch wheels, and F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension. In addition, rear-wheel drive models will be equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and new larger front brakes with high friction pads. The GS F SPORT interior features a new 16-way power driver’s sport seat and a unique interior design treatment. The F SPORT Sport S+ mode engages handling enhancements via a sport setting of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system, and vehicle stability control (VSC) together with the powertrain enhancements of Sport S mode, all this for $5,690. By adding the optional navigation system ($1,735), GS owners can enjoy an industry-first 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display. The split-screen ultra-large display enhances visibility through the use of advanced, high-definition graphics that are easy to read and easy to use. The 12.3-inch screen is large enough to support simultaneous, split-screen viewing of a large map display, plus audio, climate or other vehicle information. GS models equipped with the optional navigation system will also have access to the next-generation Lexus Enform® Application Suite, the system that leverages the customers’ mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. Users can conduct local searches through Bing, or utilize voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations through OpenTable, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com or tap into internet radio, including Pandora® or iHeartRadio. They will also appreciate the ability to check-in on Facebook, and search for various business reviews including restaurants on Yelp. SiriusXM data services offer information on stocks, traffic, weather, sports and fuel prices. Enform® is supported on iPhone, Android and Blackberry.