William Maley

After finishing contract negotiations with the big three, the UAW is turning it’s focus back onto president Bob King’s goal of organizing at least one non-union plant by the end of the year. Foreign automakers have so far resisted the idea of unionizing. But the UAW believes they have a shot. King said to reporters on a conference call that the union has set aside $60 million to achieve their goal. The plan is for the UAW to have organizers at dealers hand out leaflets and other informational material, praising the benefits of union membership. The UAW hasn’t said which automaker or automakers it will target, when the push will begin or what exactly it will involved. The one thing the union is pushing is the push will “not be a picket in any way,” said Mark Gevaar, president of UAW Local 2209 in Roanoke, Indiana, where member training for the campaign took place on November 19. However the UAW’s track record with foreign automakers is poor. Toyota, VW, Honda, and Hyundai have all rejected the UAW before. “The UAW has got a really tough chore in front of them to organize these plants.They probably are going to try every tactic they can. This is important, especially to Bob,” said Schwartz, a former GM labor negotiator. Source: Bloomberg View full article

They were. There is a lot of evidence, pictures, and documents of Cadillac working on a RWD Platform (Zeta) vehicle for a true flagship that most of us of us WANT. But then there this little thing called BANKRUPTCY which wiped the slate clean and cause many GM projects to be canned or revised. One of those projects canned was the RWD Cadillac flagship. The bankruptcy put GM back a few years in their product cycle and caused them to take a closer look at what they're doing. Is the XTS the true savior of Cadillac? No. The XTS does give GM/Cadillac something they desperately need: TIME. Time to get the the rumored RWD Flagship ready by mid-decade. Time to figure out what other models Cadillac needs to build up. The bankruptcy really screwed up GM's product plans. The RWD nirvana that a good amount of people want is coming, but not soon as we think.

Today, Porsche unveiled the Cabriolet version of the 911. Porsche says the 911 Cabriolet is lighter than it's predecessor thanks to use of lightweight materials, including canvas, magnesium, and advanced high-strength steel. The Cabriolet is also wider and longer than it's predecessor. Porsche points out the 911 Cabriolet “preserves the typically sleek 911 coupe roof line.” due to a unique roof mechanism. Power for the 911 Cabriolet comes in the forms of a 3.4L direct-injection flat-six engine making 350 HP, 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph for the base Carrera and a 3.8L boxer six making 400 HP, 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph for the Carrera S. A seven speed manual and seven speed PDK dual-clutch transmission are available for both. Prices for the 911 Cabriolet start at $98,250 for the base Carrera and $108,950 for the Carrera S. Press Release is on Page 2 All-New Porsche 911 Cabriolet Features Innovative Roof Design Next-generation open-air 911 launches next spring, silhouette matches coupe ATLANTA – November 22, 2011 – Porsche is introducing two new cabriolet versions of the recently unveiled seventh-generation 911 Carrera. These new models, the 911 Carrera Cabriolet and 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, will go on sale in the United States in the spring of 2012. Like the coupe, the 2012 911 Carrera cabriolet features innovative aluminum-steel construction with the addition of an all-new convertible top design, which preserves the typically sleek 911 coupe roof line. Intelligent lightweight design that includes extensive use of aluminum, magnesium and advanced high strength steel ensures lower vehicle mass and lower fuel consumption while offering improved driving dynamics and additional comfort. As with the 911 coupe models, the new Porsche open-top models are significantly lighter than their predecessors. The new 911 Carrera cabriolet can accelerate from 0-60 in as little as 4.4 seconds and achieve a top-track-speed of 177 mph, while the 911 Carrera S cabriolet can reach 60 mph in as little as 4.1 seconds and has a top-track-speed of 187 mph. Each of the two new cabriolets uses the same engine as their coupe equivalents. The rear of the 911 Carrera houses a 3.4 liter boxer six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection (DFI) generating 350 horsepower (hp), driving the rear wheels through a standard seven speed manual transmission or an optional PDK dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The open-top Carrera S comes with a 3.8- liter boxer six-cylinder DFI engine developing 400 hp. The open-top 911s are significantly more efficient than their predecessors; both models consume less than 10 L/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) figures will be available closer to the on-sale date. With the longer wheelbase, wider front track and host of new features just introduced on the 911 Carrera and Carrera S models, the new cabriolet variants offer sportier driving characteristics, greater precision and agility and increased efficiency. On sale in the spring of 2012, the 911 Carrera Cabriolet MSRP is $93,700, while the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet MSRP begins at $108,000. View full article

Chevrolet has announced pricing for the new Malibu ECO due out in the first quarter of next year. The 26 City/38 Highway MPG Malibu will carry a base price of $25,995 including a $760 destination charge. The Malibu ECO is Chevrolet's first vehicle equipped with GM's eAssist mild hybrid system. The system uses a lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. The system is coupled with a 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder producing 180 HP and a six-speed automatic. Other changes to the Malibu ECO include active grille shutters, aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, lower final drive ratio, and low-rolling resistance tires help the Malibu get 550 miles on a single tank of gasoline. The Malibu ECO is generous in standard features which include Chevrolet MyLink, CD/MP3 stereo with seven-inch touch screen, USB, SiriusXM satellite radio, dual zone automatic climate control,cruise control, power windows and locks, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with built-in audio controls, projector-beam headlamps, heated and power adjustable exterior mirrors, acoustic-laminated glass to reduced wind noise, and 17-inch wheels. Press Release is on Page 2 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Priced Under $26,000 Hybrid-like fuel efficiency for a non-hybrid-like price DETROIT – The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995 when it arrives in dealerships in the first quarter next year, reinforcing the value proposition of the midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate. The suggested retail price includes a $760 destination charge but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. The 2013 Malibu Eco is Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient Malibu ever. It is the first Chevrolet to feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. That helps deliver a GM-estimated 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway. Malibu Eco’s highway efficiency is comparable the segment’s popular full hybrids and diesels, but delivered at a lower price: 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid – $29,395 / 36 mpg 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE Diesel (with automatic) – $27,895 / 40 mpg 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid – $26,660 / 39 mpg 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $26,545 / 40 mpg Malibu Eco is part of the all-new, 2013 Malibu lineup – Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan – designed to give customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, along with the craftsmanship and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans. It has a more powerful engine – 182 hp / 134 kW – than the Fusion (156 hp / 116 kW), Camry (178 hp / 132 kW) or Passat (140 hp / 104 kW). Product highlights for North American models include: Expressive exterior designed to stand out, with a wide, athletic stance Aerodynamically optimized exterior, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment First Chevrolet car to offer new Chevrolet MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® European-influenced ride and handling traits More safety features and technologies, including eight standard air bags, ultra-high-strength steel and rearview camera system. Additional fuel-saving features include: Eco-specific lightweight components and systems, including an aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, low-mass carpet and dash mat and more, which save approximately 130 pounds (58 kg) over a comparably equipped non-ECO model An Eco gauge in the cluster that continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving. An Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode Seventeen-inch low-rolling-resistance all-season Goodyear tires The eAssist system mated to a fuel-efficient 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine, a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward's Ten Best Engines in 2010, is lightweight and features dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control. It also has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. A five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is standard on the Malibu Eco. Certain eAssist components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, including the electric motor generator, three-phase electric power cables and high-voltage lithium-ion battery. The Malibu Eco is offered with cloth or leather seats in eight exterior and three interior color choices. It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four equipment packages: Package 1 – Power Convenience; Package 2 – Premium Audio; Package 3 – Leather; and Package 4 – Navigation. Standard powertrain and chassis content: Ecotec 2.4L direct injection with continuously variable valve timing and eAssist technology, rated at 182 horsepower (135 kW) Six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control 2.64:1 axle ratio Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS Regenerative braking Grade braking control Panic brake assist Electronic park brake with push button StabiliTrak electronic stability control system Electric power steering (rack-mounted) MacPherson strut front suspension Four-link rear suspension Seventeen-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels P225/55R17 all-season low-rolling-resistance Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires Standard exterior content: Active front lower grille aero shutters and aerodynamic underbody panels Projector-beam headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors (body color) Fin-type combined OnStar/SiriusXM Satellite Radio antenna (body color) Acoustic-laminated, solar-absorbing glass Intermittent windshield wipers with structureless blades Standard interior content: Chevrolet MyLink Six-inch-deep illuminated (when headlamps are on) hidden storage behind articulating touch screen radio face Air conditioning – dual zone automatic climate control with odor filter Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD with MP3 playback and auxiliary input jack Seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen for the audio system USB port for the audio system SiriusXM Satellite Radio Six-speaker sound system Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity Cruise control Remote keyless entry Power windows with express down feature Power door and window locks Driver information center Tilt and telescopic steering column Steering wheel audio and cruise controls Ice blue ambient lighting Driver’s footrest Overhead console Compass display Two auxiliary power outlets Rear center armrest with storage Standard safety content: OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections plan, including Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, and more. Dual-stage frontal air bags Driver and front passenger thorax side-impact air bags Driver and front passenger knee air bags Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seating positions) Safety belt pretensioners Tire pressure monitoring system Package 1 – Power Convenience includes all standard equipment plus: Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control Rearview backup camera system Remote start Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror Universal garage door opener Package 2 – Premium Audio includes all content in Package 1 plus: Pioneer nine-speaker audio system with high-output amplifier Fog lamps Leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel Package 3 – Leather includes all content in Package 2 plus: Leather-trimmed seating Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar control Heated front seats Package 4 – Navigation includes all content in Package 3 plus: Navigation system Memory seats and mirrors Auto-up driver’s window A power-operated sunroof is available on Packages 1, 2, 3 and 4. Exterior Color Choices: Silver Ice Metallic Black Granite Metallic Summit White Crystal Red Tintcoat White Diamond Tricoat Taupe Gray Metallic Steel Blue Metallic (late availability) Champagne Silver Metallic (late availability) Interior Color/Trim Choices: Jet Black Jet Black/Titanium Cocoa/Light Neutral The Eco is the first trim level of an all-new Malibu lineup to launch in the United States. Other Malibu trim levels including LS, LT and LTZ are scheduled to begin production next summer in Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck. The 2013 Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. The Malibu is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea. View full article

Hyundai is looking towards more turbocharging for their engines. Speaking at Hyundai’s product preview and engineering tech session, powertrain boss John Juriga said a turbocharged version of the company’s 3.8-liter V6 (offered in both the Genesis coupe and sedan) is a possibility for the future. “The 3.8 is a contender for turbocharging for some high-output applications.” Juriga went on to say that such an engine already exists and is undergoing testing. However, speaking with AutoGuide, Jurega said that the Hyundai engineering team is constantly exploring new engine options and that the existence of a prototype is no guarantee that such an engine will make it into production. Expanding on Juriga’s comments, HMA CEO John Krafcik said the automaker is currently at a crossroad with future engine plans for its high-performance and premium models. Krafcik referenced the two Genesis coupe concepts; one with a 5.0L V8 and one with a supercharged 3.8L V6. The two vehicles were built to generate feedback to see what people preferred. Source: AutoGuide View full article