William Maley

Electric Concept Car Comes to Life as Cadillac ELR Luxury touring coupe gets extended-range electric vehicle technology Cadillac ELR Related: Rumorpile: GM Resurrects The Cadillac Converj DETROIT – The innovative Cadillac Converj Concept, a dramatic luxury coupe with extended-range electric vehicle technology, is moving forward as a production car that will be called the Cadillac ELR. Development of the ELR is just underway, so details on performance, price and timing will be announced later. The Cadillac ELR will feature an electric propulsion system made up of a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the battery’s energy is low, the ELR seamlessly switches to extended-range mode to enable driving for hundreds of additional miles. “The concept generated instant enthusiasm,” said Don Butler, vice president-Cadillac Marketing. “Like other milestone Cadillac models of the past, the ELR will offer something not otherwise present – the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving.” Cadillac selected the name ELR to indicate the car’s electric propulsion technology, in keeping with the brand’s 3-letter international model naming convention. The Converj Concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification, said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design. “There’s no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2,” Welburn said. Cadillac will reveal another new concept car on Thursday, Aug. 18, at a special event prior to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Cadillac also recently announced it will add two new vehicles to its product lineup in 2012, the XTS large luxury sedan and an all-new luxury compact sedan codenamed ATS.

Cruze Diesel Has 50 MPG Target On Its Back William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 17, 2011 GM is busy working on getting the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel for its launch in 2013 and some tidbits about the diesel are beginning to come out. Ward's Auto reports that "sources" are saying the Cruze Diesel has a target of 50 MPG on the highway. “If we’re getting 42 (mpg) on the Eco, we’ll do better on the diesel. You could envision 50 mpg,” said one of the sources. And, according to Charlie Klein, GM's director of global mass, energy and aerodynamics, the Cruze diesel will be fuel sipper no matter what transmission is installed. The diesel engine for the Cruze is a turbocharged 2.0L 4-Cylinder which produces 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque in the European model. Fuel economy for the turbocharged 2.0L 4-Cylinder diesel on the European combined test cycle is 35 MPG with the 6-speed automatic and 42 MPG with a 5-speed manual. Source: Ward's Auto

Saab's Sad Story Part 39 - Is The End Nigh? William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 16, 2011 If you're heading out to the Frankfurt show this year, one automaker you will not see is Saab. Saab said today the company will not be attending next month's Frankfurt show. The reason, to pay off creditors. Saab has more than 100 outstanding claims filed with Sweden's Debt Enforcement Agency, with some companies filing more than one claim, and eight asking for the regulator’s involvement. The agency has announced they might begin the debt collection process on Wednesday and freeze assets unless Saab pays $620,000 to Kongsberg Automotive AB, a seat manufacturer, and Infotiv AB, an advanced electronics consultant by tomorrow. “The collection process that may start tomorrow would include investigating Saab’s bank accounts and potentially also other assets,” which could mean freezing them pending payment, said Hans Ryberg, a division chief at the state agency. Ryberg says if Saab makes this payment, there's another $792,000 payment due the week after. Saab knows how much hot water they're in but they're not commenting on the proceedings. “We’re of course totally aware of this situation with the collection agency, but I can’t comment on what we’re going to do,” said Eric Geers, spokesman for Saab Auto. Saab has been busy raising money to help pay off their deby; yesterday their parent company, Swedish Automobile NV sold 4 Million shares to Global Emerging Markets Global Yield Fund, an alternative investment firm in Geneva. Source: Bloomburg Businessweek

Chevrolet Volt Losing Interest With Consumers William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 16, 2011 Chevrolet's Volt, one of the most hyped vehicles in recent time is beginning to show signs of losing interest. According to CNW Marketing Research, interest in the Volt by buyers has been dropping. In March, more than 21% of ‘early adopters,’ said they would consider a Volt. When asked the same question in July, the number dropped to 14.6%. It's a similar story with "EV enthusiasts". Back in March, 25% said they would consider a Volt. Now, only 17% would consider one. Most alarming; CNW says "In fact, all categories of new-car intenders are reporting less likelihood of even considering the vehicle." Why? CNW says the steep price tag of the Volt is causing people to lost interest in the Volt. But there is also the question of whether people's interest is waning due to the lack of Volts at dealers and decreased amount of marketing while GM is readying the 2012 Volt. Source: USA Today

Mustard

Rumorpile: GM Resurrects The Cadillac Converj William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 11, 2011 The Cadillac Converj concept received many acclaims when it was shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, which caused GM to pursue development a few months later. However the Converj project was given the ax in 2010 due to two reasons: GM couldn't make a profit on the small volume of Converjs being built and the worry of the of enginners the range and performance of the electric powertrain. However, a source close to project at GM says the project has been revived. The source says executives at GM gave the project a green light. Why? Apparently the fears GM had before are now being washed away. If GM could price the production Converj at a starting price of $60,000, they could actually make some money or more realisticly, lose less money on the technology. The source says the production version will get the Volt's current powertrain and possibly have a name change (pick any three letters). The production model is expected to come out in 2013 as a 2014 model. Source: GreenCarReports.com

In Goes One Fiat; Out Comes Three Jeeps William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 9, 2011 Jeep's lineup has been going under a massive transformation since Fiat has taken over; the new Grand Cherokee and revised interiors and powertrains for the Compass, Patriot, and Wrangler. That doesn't mean Fiat is all finished with Jeep. Fiat will be providing three platforms for three upcoming Jeep products due out in 2013 or 2014. The first product is a subcompact model that will be designed for use in North and Latin America. The model is expected to be built alongside the Dodge Journey and Fiat 500 at at the automaker's plant in Toluca, Mexico. The second product will be the replacement for the Jeep Compass and Patriot. The vehicle will use Fiat's new CUSW compact crossover platform and will be built for global markets. The vehicle is expected to go on sale either in late 2013 or early 2014 and have the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel-drive. The last product using a Fiat platform will be the Liberty replacement. That will get a version of Fiat's new compact crossover platform known as CUSW Plus, and will likely remain all-wheel-drive. There is also fourth product in the pipeline which is destined to become Jeep's flagship. It will use the Durango platform as a base and is expected in to come out in 2013. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Next Toyota Avalon Rumored To Have Looks Of A7, XJ (Stop Laughing) William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 5, 2011 The Toyota Avalon; the official car of AARP. Ok, not really, but the Avalon has become the Japanese Buick and Toyota isn't happy about it. At gathering of Toyota dealers in June, Toyota showed off the next gen Avalon due out next fall. Toyota says the Avalon's design borrows from the Audi A7, Jaguar XJ, and upcoming Lexus models. The Avalon will keep its 3.5L V6 and FWD layout but Toyota says the handling will be improved. We'll be holding our breath to see if this comes to any fruition. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Chevrolet Spark Makes Its US Appearance In 2012 William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 4, 2011 If you're looking for something smaller than Chevrolet Sonic subcompact in the US, General Motors has the answer coming to you soon. Jason Laird, GM's executive director of North American product communications told Green Car Reports today, the Chevrolet Spark minicar will be coming to the US market next year as a 2013 model. The Spark was originally planned to come to the US in 2011, but with GM declaring bankruptcy in 2009, the date was pushed back a year. Laird tweeted from the Management Briefing Seminar conference in Traverse City, Michigan, that GM product chief Mark Reuss said the "Spark minicar will give #Chevrolet A-B-C-D-E segment coverage for first time in US #MBS2011" If you're wondering what the letters of the alphabet have to deal with vehicles, its a way in the automotive industry of classifying sizes for different vehicles. A = Minicar - Chevrolet Spark B = Subcompact - Chevrolet Sonic C = Compact - Chevrolet Cruze D = Mid-size - Chevrolet Malibu E = Full-size - Chevrolet Impala Source: Green Car Reports, Twitter

Budget Rent-A-Car Tries Ad-Covered Rental Cars With Big Discounts William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 3, 2011 A car rental place in Atlanta is asking the question; would you drive a rental car covered in ads to save some dough? Budget Rent A Car of Atlanta has teamed up with Wrap Media Group to wrap a group rental vehicles with big, bright advertising on the sides. Why? To provide another form of advertising for companies and give consumers a lower rate on a rental. So how low of a rate are we talking about? According to USA Today, one customer secured a weekly rental that regularly costs $400 for only $88. "Our mission is to always provide the best value for our customers and this is another example of that. We expect a very positive reaction from our customers given that the vehicles are wrapped in good taste," said Heather Etzler, vice president of Budget Rent a Car of Atlanta. Source: USA Today

Fixed.. this is what happens when you write without being fully awake

General Motor's Rumorpile Reveals Some Future Truck Engine Plans William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com August 1, 2011 GM's full-size pickups; the Chevrolet Sliverado and GMC Sierra are getting ready for a redesign for the 2014 model year and rumors are coming out dealing with the engines that will be available. Sources at GM say that all of the gas engines will have direct-injection and come with six speed automatics. For the light duty pickups, the 5.3L V8 will stick around while a new turbocharged V6 to compete with Ford's EcoBoost V6 will be available. Also coming to the light duty trucks is a 6.0L V8 thats currently in the Silverado and Sierra HD. Heavy Duty Pickups will keep the 6.6L Duramax diesel and 6.0L V8. GM will also offer an exclusive 6.2L V8 that is optional on the light duty Sliverado and Sierra will be available. Source: PickupTrucks.com

Prius Family Growing Larger? William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 30, 2011 Toyota hasn't hidden the face they are looking to expand the Prius family. Back at the North American International Auto Show in January, the company showed off three models; a Prius plug-in, a five seat Prius minivan , and a compact Prius concept. But it looks like more models will be coming as well. One of the models Toyota is looking at is building a Prius sports coupe, which will compete with Honda's CR-Z hybrid. The coupe will use the RWD platform from the upcoming Lexus GS. The coupe will also get a new plug-in setup which featuring lithium-ion batteries and have a six-speed manual. The coupe is expected to arrive in showrooms by 2014. Toyota is also looking at adding a Prius SUV based on the RAV4. This model has been in the rumor piles since Toyota showed off the Hybrid X Concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. Sources claim the SUV will either use a new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive or the Coupe's powertrain. Source: Auto Express

Maserati & Chrysler Become Best Buds Once Again William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com July 29, 2011 Maserati and Chrysler are once again coming together to work on some new vehicles. The last time the two companies worked together on a project, the Chrysler TC, a LeBaron with trident shield was the end result. But Fiat and Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne believes if the two companies work together, Maserati sales will be on the up and up. Sales of Maserati vehicles have been on a decline since the financial crisis, only reaching 5,675 last year. Marchionne wants to see sales of 50,000 vehicles annually. To do that, more vehicles will be joining Maserati's lineup. Three new vehicles are expected which will use platforms and parts from the Chrysler family. The first two models will be sedans that will replace the current Quattroporte sedan and using Chrysler's 300 architecture. Sedan #1 will be a small version of Quattroporte, codenamed M157. The car will use a smaller displacement version of Chrysler's Pentastar V6, producing 400 HP thanks to twin turbochargers and direct injection. The small sedan will also have the option of a diesel motor. Both engines will use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Maserati's small sedan is expected to compete with the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes E-Class. Pricing is expected to be around $78,000 to $99,000. Sedan #2 will be the competitor to the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, and Mercedes S-Class. Codenamed M156, the sedan is expected to have an overall length of 203.5 in, an increase of 2.6 in from the Quattroporte. Power will come in the form a 4.7L V8 from Ferrari which is expected to produce 475 HP and a 25% increase in fuel economy. A eight-speed transmission from ZF will handle shifting duties, with all-wheel drive set to join the option page. Prices are expected to range from $180,000 and $215,000. Car #3 is a SUV. Maserati has toyed with the idea of offering a SUV before, showing off the Kubang concept at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. Maserati's SUV will be using the Grand Cherokee's platform with unique styling and interior. The powertrain will be Maserati's own 4.7L V8 producing 450 HP with a 3.0L diesel V6 option. Maserati is expected to show a concept version at the Frankfurt Show in September, with sales possibly beginning in 2013. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

*UPDATED* White House Drops CAFE Standard To 54.5 MPG William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com July 27, 2011 After weeks of intense negotiations between the US Government and automakers, the Obama administration has announced a slight reduction in their proposed CAFE standard. The new proposal calls for a 54.5 MPG average for an automaker's fleet by 2025. Passenger cars will see a efficiency hike of 5% annually from 2017-2025 to meet the standard, while light trucks will have a efficiency hike of 3.5% annually from 2017-2021 then hiked up to 5% from 2022-2025. Regulations for heavier duty “work trucks” and other vehicles are still being worked out. "A lot of our people are (at the White House) banging away, but hopefully we'll get this done soon. The automakers are showing a hard commitment to try to work with this administration to find a pathway forward for long-term fuel economy and C02 emissions and we're going to keep at that until we achieve that goal," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. So far, five companies have backed the Obama administration's plan; General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, and Hyundai. Other automakers like Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes are debating whether to accept the deal. Mazda so far is the only company that has said no to the government's standards. A person briefed on this said Mazda wouldn't support the proposal because of requires the steepest increases from passenger cars. Both Mazda and the White House declined to comment. Source: The Detroit News, 2 UPDATE Mazda Motor Co., the only holdout on the US Government's proposed CAFE standard has recanted and has backed the plan. "We have done a further evaluation of the CAFE proposal and this morning informed the White House that we can now support the proposal," said Barbara Nocera, Mazda's director of government affairs. Mazda joins Toyota and Nissan as the latest backers to the Obama administration's plan, making a total of eight car companies. President Barack Obama will unveil the plan tomorrow at an event with auto executives and United Auto Workers President Bob King at the Washington, D.C., convention center. Source: The Detroit News

What Does GM's Future Compact Lineup Look Like? William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com July 26, 2011 GM's assault on the compact car market is in full swing with the Chevrolet Cruze, being the top selling passenger vehicle for the month of June. GM hopes to continue the compact craze with the new Buick Verano, due out later this year. But, what are GM’s plans for their compact cars in the future? Motor Trend has unearthed some information about the Verano and Cruze. First is the Buick Verano. The long standing rumor of bringing over the Astra GTC as a Buick is still a rumor. Apparently, the idea is sitting on desks at GM with some issues need to be worked out. The biggest one deals with where GM will build the Verano. Buick could consider importing the model from Germany and then begin building the model somewhere in the US; most likely in Lake Orion. Then there's the Cruze. The Cruze coupe which has been talked about for awhile could be making its way into production, sometime in 2013. The Cruze Hatchback, which has been talked about possibly coming to the US isn't coming. GM has decided to bring over the next generation Cruze hatch to the US. The hatchback is expected to arrive onto our shores when Cruze gets a facelift sometime in 2014 or 2015 according to a source. Source: Motor Trend

What?! Two-Door Trooper II w/o any signs of rust

4-Cylinders Becoming The Dominant Choice William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com July 26, 2011 US consumers are buying up more 4-Cylinders than before. According to research by IHS Automotive, 43% of vehicles sold in the first half of 2011 were equipped with a 4-Cylinder engines. In 2005, only 26% of vehicles were equipped with a 4-Cylinder, while 6-Cylinders took 43% during the same year. And what about 8-Cylinders? Well, they have been falling as well. In 2005, one of every three new cars was powered by a 8-Cylinder. Fast forward to 2011 and only one out of six new vehicles is powered by 8-Cylinder. While fuel economy is becoming a top priority when consumers buy new cars, they're also getting more for their money. A 2.0L 4-cylinder in a compact Ford Contour in 1999 produced 120-hp while getting 19/28 city/highway mpg. By contrast, the 2011 Ford Focus 160-hp and gets as much as 40 mpg on the highway. Source: Automotive News