William Maley

“It’s an interesting question because there is a lot of passion people this vehicle. This vehicle is still very alive but at the same time it is in a segment that is gradually declining, so that is making the [business] case more difficult," said Philippe Klein, Nissan's chief planning officer when asked about a successor to the 370Z back in October. “We have also the GT-R, with which we still believe there is some good potential from this, and we are in the same category starting to make a lot of effort on the Nismo side. Which is another way to offer excitement to our customers leveraging the more conventional side. We have no intention to quit excitement but we’re going to make it happen in different ways.” This sparked speculation that either the 370Z would be going the way of the dodo bird or go a completely different route. It seems death isn't on the table for the Z car. "The Z is a difficult market. It is rather shrinking worldwide. But we still believe there is a place for the Z and we want to keep it alive, and that's what we're working on," said Klein to Automotive News at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month. "That's for the midterm. For the long term, there are other considerations. If we do a complete new vehicle, what should it be to keep the passion alive? And we're working very seriously on this — how we can keep the Z alive and refreshing and what would be the next generation?" Those are very good questions to be asking considering how many people are taken with the likes of SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. Not helping are government regulations on safety and fuel economy that has required automakers to add more equipment, which in turn causes vehicle weight to increase. Not a good thing for a model that is marketed as a lightweight and affordable sports car. "The passion is there," said Klein. "The question is how can we refresh it and what will be the breakthrough for the long term?" Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

The New York Times dropped a bombshell of a report last week saying that German automakers funded an experiment that had 10 monkeys in airtight chambers, inhaling diesel fumes from a Volkswagen Beetle TDI. The experiment took place back at an Albuquerque, New Mexico laboratory in an effort to prove newer diesel vehicles were cleaner than older models. But researchers were unaware that the Beetle used in the experiment was equipped with a defeat device that allowed it produce fewer emissions in the lab than on the road. This experiment was brought to light via a lawsuit against Volkswagen in the U.S. The European Research Group on Environment and Health in the Transport Sector (E.U.G.T) commissioned the experiment. Funding for the group was provided by Volkswagen, BMW, and Daimler. The group did not do any research itself, instead commissioning scientists to conduct studies that could be used to defend the fuel. Last year, the group was shut down amid controversy over its work. The three automakers told the Times "the research group did legitimate scientific work." "All of the research work commissioned with the E.U.G.T. was accompanied and reviewed by a research advisory committee consisting of scientists from renowned universities and research institutes,” Diamler said in a statement. Both BMW and Diamler told the publication "they were unaware that the Volkswagen used in the Albuquerque monkey tests had been set up to produce false data." Volkswagen said at the time of original story that researchers involved in the study did not publish a complete report. Since then, Volkswagen has issued an apology. “We apologize for the misconduct and the lack of judgment of individuals. We’re convinced the scientific methods chosen then were wrong. It would have been better to do without such a study in the first place,” the German automaker said in a statement obtained by Bloomberg. But there is another twist to this story. German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung reported yesterday about a study done by the University of Aachen in Germany that had 25 people breath in diesel exhaust as part of a clinic. The study was funded by the E.U.G.T. and was referenced in annual reports from the group. The University said that it "had followed typical procedures, such as approval by an independent ethics commission as well as written consent from each participant." It is unclear whether or not participants were told what the experiment would entail. Nevertheless, it is another black eye for German automakers and diesel. Source: New York Times, Bloomberg, (2), Stuttgarter Zeitung, Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Genesis is wanting to distance itself from its Hyundai stablemate by its own dealer network. Currently, if you want to buy or service a Genesis model, you'll need to visit a Hyundai dealership with a discrete Genesis showroom. According to Automotive News, Genesis is planning to cut down from the 350 dealers eligible to sell Genesis vehicles to just 100 across the U.S. "The distribution network model where we're selling luxury cars through 840 Hyundai dealerships that are mainstream dealerships just doesn't work. Luxury customers are looking for a different experience. That's really the driving force," said Erwin Raphael, Genesis general manager. The 100 dealerships will be in 48 markets across the U.S. including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C. Dealers in these markets will have the first chance to apply for a franchise. If chosen, dealers will need to have facilities ready by Jan 1, 2021. Dealers who don't apply or not chosen will get a compensation package to reimburse various costs for training, equipment, and inventory. "Some of these dealers have spent hard costs in the last year. We would reimburse them those costs. If they request us to buy the vehicles back for whatever, we'll buy those back and make them whole. Same with parts and accessories, special tools. We're not going to leave the dealers with any baggage," said Raphael. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

BMW appears to be making a number of changes to future plans once again. According to a report from Automobile Magazine, a number of BMW i models have been canned. They include a proposed i9 flagship sedan (replaced by a slightly smaller i7 sedan), the i5 which was supposed to arrive in 2023, and an even larger version of the i3. Other plans that reportedly been canceled include a supercar plan with McLaren and new vehicle architecture with Diamler. The situation is somewhat worse at Mini. Automobile said plans for a joint development of a new small car platform with Toyota have fallen through. It was expected this platform would have underpin the next-generation Mini Cooper. According to some sources, BMW is working a deal with Chinese automaker Great Wall about developing a new platform for Mini. Other details from Automobile's report, The follow-up to the i3 will be renamed the iX1 Plans are being drawn up for an electric version of the next Rolls-Royce Ghost There is talk about a new model that "defines the BMW brand in the 21st century." It could be a reskin of the i8 with bigger batteries and a turbo-four; keeping the i8's central structure and adding new front and rear ends, along with a four-cylinder; or designing a new model that will feature the choice of three different electric motors and either 3.0L inline-six or a V8 engine with 600 horsepower Source: Automobile Magazine View full article

We've known for some time that Volvo was working on updating their 60 Series models, but haven't seen either one pop up in spy photos. But this week, a spy photographer has given us our first look at the new V60 wagon. Volvo's typical camouflage treatment is on show with a swirly covering and plastic pieces fitted to various body panels. We can tell that the new V60 looks to follow in the footsteps of the larger V90 with a similar profile and front end. It appears this model is a T8 Plug-in Hybrid due to the opening on the left front fender. Some reports say Volvo could debut the new V60 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. We'll keep you posted. Source: Autoblog, Autocar, Motor1 View full article

Drew will be heading to Chicago while I'll hold down the fort here in Detroit.

Audi of America President Scott Keogh has been pushing the mothership to bring over more of the high-performance RS models to the U.S. His efforts have been paying off as we currently have the TT RS, RS 3 sedan, RS 7 sportback, and soon the RS 5 coupe. In an interview with Roadshow, Keogh said two more RS models are incoming. The first is the RS 5 Sportback. Like the coupe, the sportback will get a biturbo 2.9L V6 with 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. The second model is a surprise. "We have one other surprise we're working on, but I'll hold that one. There's a cool European model that we haven't brought in yet, and it has been the number 1 car on my list. So maybe we'll get it," said Keogh. A number of people believe that mystery model is the RS 4 Avant which has the same powertrain as the RS 5. We're not sure about this considering how allergic Americans are to wagons, unless Audi somehow creates a RS 4 Allroad. There could also be a new RS 6 Avant or even an RS version of the Q5. Source: Roadshow on YouTube View full article

Toyota appears to be taking the 'long-view' with their teaser for the Chicago Auto Show. You can barely make out the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra in the picture provided. "Toyota will unleash its next batch of trail-ready four-wheelers on February 8th, 9 a.m. CST, at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show," the company wrote in a very short press release. It appears all three are TRD Pro models which may hint Toyota is planning some updates to their off-road models. We'll have more details and hopefully some clearer pictures in a few weeks. Source: Toyota View full article

Since last year, we've been hearing various rumors of Ford cutting a number of passenger cars. In October, Ford CEO Jim Hackett said various cuts were incoming, including ones for the vehicle lineup. This would be part of a $7 billion shift of development funds from passenger cars to SUVs/Trucks. At the time, Ford wouldn't say what vehicles would be cut. During Ford's fourth-quarter and 2017 earnings call, Hackett said details about which models would be cut would finally be revealed later this year. Analysts hoping to get an answer were frustrated by this news. Ford has already ended production of the C-Max Energi late last year and is planning to end production of the C-Max Hybrid sometime later this year. Other models that have been rumored to be cut include the Fiesta, Taurus, and recently the Fusion. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) View full article

Audi finds itself in hot water once again with Germany's federal transport authority over illegal emission software fitted to TDI vehicles. According to Reuters, the KBA has found illegal emission-control software in Audi’s latest Euro-6 diesel engines. The authority has ordered Audi to recall 127,000 vehicles fitted with these engines (the majority in Germany) or face punishment which may include the withdrawal of an approval for the new A8. In a statement sent to Reuters, Audi said the vehicles were part of "a voluntary recall of 850,000 diesel vehicles with V6 and V8 TDI engines" back in July. “The engine control software for the vehicles in question will be completely revised, tested and submitted to the KBA for approval,” the company said in the statement. Audi did not comment further on the KBA's request. Source: Motor1, Reuters View full article

@dfelt having driven and sat in the CT6, there is no way in hell that I would have anyone sit in the middle seat. It is way too uncomfortable.

Jeep's boss Mike Manley told reporters at the Detroit Auto Show that the brand is looking 'very closely' at building a crossover smaller than the Renegade. The model would be targeted at markets like Europe where small cars are dominate. If given the go-ahead, the new Jeep would be based on FCA’s Mini platform that underpins the Fiat 500 and Panda. Production could take place in Pomigliano, Italy. One issue that needs to be addressed before a decision is made is making sure the model is capable off-road like other Jeep models. According to supplier sources, FCA has been talking about possibly producing this model. However, the project has suffered many stop and starts. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

When Land Rover first introduced the Range Rover back in 1970, it was only available as a two-door model. The last two-door model would roll off the assembly in 1994, never to be seen again. But Land Rover is planning to bring back the two-door Range Rover as a limited-run model. Yesterday, Land Rover dropped a teaser picture of the upcoming Range Rover SV Coupe. The picture is an overhead shot of the SV Coupe's interior which looks like what you'll find in a highly-spec Range Rover. The front seats are upholstered in white leather, while the back seats come in blue. The dash appears to be from the new Velar with a similar center stack layout. “The Range Rover SV Coupé is a highly compelling design with peerless refinement and uncompromised sophistication from its breathtaking exterior proportions to its sumptuous, beautifully appointed, interior. This is a vehicle that will resonate on an emotional level,” said Land Rover lead designer Gerry McGovern. Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) will be tasked with building the SV Coupe. The plan is to only build 999 models for worldwide distribution. We'll have more information when Land Rover debuts the SV Coupe at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th. Source: Land Rover Press Release is on Page 2 LIMITED EDITION RANGE ROVER SV COUPE SET FOR WORLD DEBUT AT 2018 GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW Land Rover announces the introduction of a new addition to the Range Rover portfolio – the Range Rover SV Coupe Coupe design pays homage to the original Range Rover during the Land Rover brand’s 70th Anniversary year Limited to 999 units, the Range Rover SV Coupe will be offered to buyers worldwide, each hand-assembled by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations in Warwickshire, UK The all-new model will make its world premiere at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show as part of the Jaguar Land Rover press conference at 11:45 CET, live streamed on www.landroverusa.com (MAHWAH, N.J.) - January 23, 2018 – Today, Land Rover announces the introduction of an all-new full-size luxury SUV coupe. The Range Rover SV Coupe will be a dramatic and desirable addition to the Range Rover model portfolio featuring a seductive body design and a supremely refined interior. “The Range Rover SV Coupe is a highly compelling design with peerless refinement and uncompromised sophistication from its breathtaking exterior proportions to its sumptuous, beautifully appointed, interior. This is a vehicle that will resonate on an emotional level,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer. The SV Coupe is a celebration of the Range Rover bloodline, with a dramatic two- door silhouette which alludes to its unique heritage – the Range Rover launched as a two-door in 1970 – while being thoroughly modern and contemporary. The interior image released today illustrates that traditional skills have combined with the latest technologies throughout the cabin to exquisite effect. Stunning to the eye, sumptuous to the touch, it is a light, contemporary space where attention to detail has been paramount. Land Rover Design and Special Vehicle Operations have created the Range Rover SV Coupe, which will be hand-assembled at the SV Technical Center in Ryton-on- Dunsmore in Warwickshire, UK. Production will be limited to no more than 999 vehicles for worldwide distribution. “Land Rover created the luxury SUV sector with Range Rover almost 50 years ago. In launching the new Range Rover SV Coupe, we will offer clients an alluring combination of peerless luxury and rarity,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director. “Unveiling this special vehicle at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, during Land Rover’s 70th Anniversary year, will be a defining moment for Land Rover, the Range Rover portfolio and Special Vehicle Operations.” View full article