William Maley

Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz are working on a new vehicle architecture that will underpin four new vehicles, including a new crossover. This information comes courtesy of Johan de Nysschen, the head of Infiniti who was speaking to Bloomberg at the Detroit Auto Show. de Nysschen did not talk about whether the new architecture will be front/all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and how many of those new vehicles would be Infiniti and/or Mercedes-Benz. de Nysschen did say is that first model with this new architecture will appear in 2017. Source: Bloomberg via Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

GMC is working towards differentiating itself from Chevrolet with products. The new Canyon and full-size SUVs show this with different designs and more upscale interior appointments. But General Motors is considering giving GMC its own product. GM global product chief Mark Reuss tells Automotive News that the company is working on a model that will be for GMC only. Reuss didn't give any details about the new model, but did cite the brand's potential to appeal to appeal to non-GM customers and the strong prices that GMC models carry. So what could this new model be? A car? Most likely not. GM global design chief Ed Welburn says the GMC's design studio is "as busy as it's ever been," with a number of concepts being worked on. All of those happen to be trucks however. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

See if you can follow this logic: Mercedes-Benz creates an ultra-luxury brand called Maybach to compete with the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The company really doesn't do much with the brand aside from introducing a number of special editions, showing off the Exelero concept, and having Jay-Z and Kayne West cut one up in a music in a music video. After ten years, Mercedes decides to kill of the brand due to lackluster sales. In its place will be a super S-Class wearing the Maybach nameplate?! According to Autoweek, this could happen. The new super S-Class could be wearing the Maybach nameplate when it is shown sometime this year. The model will be stretched out a foot and feature such amenities like reclining rear seats and folding tables. Still, bringing back a nameplate that failed... is that a good idea? Why not use something like Pullman or Grosser? We'll be keeping an eye on this. Source: Autoweek William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

It seems with every passing moment, the rumorpile churns more information out on the upcoming Cadillac ATS-V. Case in point is a report from Motor Trend this week which says the ATS-V will utilize the 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 engine with 425 horsepower under the hood. Even better is that the ATS-V will also come with a a seven-speed manual gearbox option. Now this is very different from our last report in November when it was said that the ATS-V would be packing a turbocharged 3.2L V6, capable of 500 plus horsepower. There is more to Motor Trend's ATS rumor as well. There is plans for a more extreme version of the ATS-V possibly named ATS-V+. The V+ is expected to get a much powerful V8 engine of some kind (Z06 maybe?) and come out around 2017 at the earliest. There is also talk of an eight-speed automatic and a dual-clutch gearbox coming in the future. Source: Motor Trend William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Despite countless studies and reports that say Gen Y (AKA millienals) aren't interested in cars, a new study released this week says this key group are interested in cars. Deloitte LLP, a financial consulting firm published their Global Automotive Consumer Study which showed that Gen Y is very much interested in getting their own vehicle, despite not having the same love affair as their parents and grandparents. "Well over half (61 percent) of Gen Y consumers in the Deloitte report expect to buy or lease a car within the next three years," said Craig Giffi, vice chairman of Deloitte. Giffi went onto say that "almost a quarter (23 percent) expect to purchase or lease in the next 12 months – and a mere 8 percent do not expect to ever purchase or lease a vehicle." The big stumbling block for Gen Y with purchasing a vehicle is cost. 80 percent of the Gen Y surveyed said that cost was a big factor. "Affordability is the mantra for Gen Y consumers who don't already own or lease a vehicle. When asked what purchasing criteria matter most to them, a majority cited cost-related items such as the vehicle's price tag, fuel efficiency and payment options," said Giffi. So what is Gen Y looking for in a vehicle? More than half want technology that entertains them while they are driving and wish that it was easier to customize the technology after a purchase or lease. A majority also believes that they will be driving an alternative engine vehicle within the next five years and that safety tech is a top priority. "While Gen Y may not necessarily scrutinize horsepower, acceleration times or engine size, they do have clear needs, wants and desires, especially when it comes to remaining connected to all of their lifestyle technology while on the road. This is good news for car makers, who already offer – or are bringing to market – many of the features Gen Y consumers most want in a vehicle," said Deloitte's Massa Hasegawa. Source: Deloitte LLP Press Release is on Page 2 Dude, Here's My Car: Gen Y Shows Interest in Vehicle Ownership Deloitte Report - Young drivers want affordable technology-enabled hybrids DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Gen Y consumers are showing a clear interest in vehicle ownership and have specific ideas of what they want in a car, according to Craig Giffi, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP, and automotive practice leader. Citing data from a Deloitte report on global mobility, Giffi said that while young consumers view car ownership as less important for mobility than previous generations, they are, nonetheless, excited about affordable, technology-enabled vehicles – especially hybrid electric cars. Deloitte's soon-to-be-released report is based on survey responses from more than 23,000 consumers across 19 countries, including more than 2,000 United States consumers – 677 of whom were from the Gen Y demographic (born between 1977 and 1994). The results indicate that while America's romance with the car does not extend to Gen Y, the nearly 80 million Gen Y consumers in the United States are not giving up on car ownership. "Well over half (61 percent) of Gen Y consumers in the Deloitte report expect to buy or lease a car within the next three years," says Giffi, who adds that "almost a quarter (23 percent) expect to purchase or lease in the next 12 months – and a mere 8 percent do not expect to ever purchase or lease a vehicle." Further, only 29 percent of Gen Y consumers would be willing to give up their personal cars, even as non-traditional mobility options like car-sharing and car-pooling services proliferate. Among Gen Y consumers who do not currently own or lease a vehicle, cost seems to be the main barrier – with most (80 percent) saying it is because they cannot afford it and three quarters citing high operational and maintenance costs. In addition, 67 percent said their lifestyle needs are met by walking or public transportation, while 40 percent said their lifestyle needs are met by car borrowing and car sharing. "Affordability is the mantra for Gen Y consumers who don't already own or lease a vehicle," says Giffi. "When asked what purchasing criteria matter most to them, a majority cited cost-related items such as the vehicle's price tag, fuel efficiency and payment options." So what does Gen Y want in a car? Most Gen Y consumers – whether they currently own a vehicle or not – demonstrate a clear affinity for cars and trucks with alternative powertrains. More than half (59 percent) think they will be driving an alternative engine vehicle five years from now, with more than a quarter (27 percent) naming hybrid electrics as their single most preferred type of alternative engine – far ahead of plug-in hybrids (8 percent), all-battery electric vehicles (7 percent), and fuel-cell vehicles (4 percent). What is more, they would like the government to help defray the higher costs of alternative powertrains, with 58 percent saying they would support government programs that reward consumers for choosing alternative/high-efficiency engines. "Gen Y consumers across the board also want safety technology, especially features that mitigate the risks of distracted driving," says Masa Hasegawa, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP. "Almost three quarters (72 percent) want technology that recognizes the presence of other vehicles on the road and 63 percent want technology that lets them know when they have exceeded the speed limit." Plus, more than half (56 percent) want technology that entertains them while they are driving and 57 percent wish it were easier to customize a vehicle's technology after purchase or lease. And more than half would like to connect their smart phone to use all its applications from the vehicle's dashboard interface. "While Gen Y may not necessarily scrutinize horsepower, acceleration times or engine size, they do have clear needs, wants and desires, especially when it comes to remaining connected to all of their lifestyle technology while on the road," says Hasegawa. "This is good news for car makers, who already offer – or are bringing to market – many of the features Gen Y consumers most want in a vehicle." View full article

The theme of this year's Detroit Auto Show was all about performance. A number of the showings from BMW to Subaru were high performance models of varying degrees. But there were some other surprises to make their way into the show. Which ones made the honor roll and which ones need to see me after the show? Its time for a Cheers & Gears' Report Card. Acura TLX Concept: B- This was a model I was excited for because I wanted to see how Acura would combine the TL and TSX. The results as shown in this thinly-veiled concept have me worried. Most of this comes down to design as it reminds of the ILX in a bigger package. Not sure if that what's Acura had in mind with design. On the plus side, two new engines and the company learning that transmissions came come with more than six gears shows that Acura is heading on the right track. Audi Allroad Shooting Brake: C Meh. Should be said this could be a preview for what the next TT could look like. 2015 Audi Q3: B+ Finally! The Q3 is coming to the U.S. very soon. I'll admit that out of all the compact luxury crossovers, this is the one that I have been looking the most forward to. Hopefully the RS Q3 will make the journey to the U.S. as well. 2015 BMW M3/M4: B+ I'm not quite sold on BMW making the M series of vehicles more the 'look at me!' personality. But I do have to say I like what the company did with going back to their roots in a way with the inline-six and weight-loss measures. Wonder what Mercedes and for that matter Cadillac have up their sleeves? 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe: B Not quite as polarizing as the CTS coupe, which is a good and bad thing if you ask me. Good on Cadillac having the 2.0T and 3.6L as the engines. Not so good is the new emblem. It looks awful. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: A+ Lets see, a supercharged V8 with "at least" 625 horsepower and 635 pound-feet of torque. Check. A choice between a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. Check. Three different packages to keep the Z06 planted to the ground. Check. Tadge Juechter saying "“if you could afford the old Z06, you’ll be able to afford the new Z06.” Check. 2015 Chrysler 200: A+ Yes, the design of the 200 is mashup of about 15 different vehicles. But you have to admit that the new 200 is far beyond the current 200 and the vehicle that we dare not speak its name of. Throw in the Alfa-derived platform, unique all-wheel drive system, and the availability of the 3.6L V6, Chrysler could have a winner here. 2015 Ford F-150: See Me After The Show Ford, I like that you're taking a big risk with the F-150 by using aluminum. I also like that you announced a smaller EcoBoost engine to join alongside the 3.5 EcoBoost. But the design of it is well... ugly. I'm not sure if having the new F-150 look like a Tonka truck that has take a lot of steroids is what you're trying to go after here. 2015 GMC Canyon: A- Finally, we get to see GMC midsize truck. I think it looks a little bit better than the Chevrolet Colorado. My only concern is, will GM's new midsize trucks jumpstart the market again? 2015 Honda Fit: B While not the most exciting subcompact to look at, Honda focused on improving some of the key things that make the Fit a compelling choice in the class. Cannot wait to get my hands on one. 2015 Hyundai Genesis: C+ One of the comments really summed up my thoughts on the new Genesis: "Nice car, but leaves me with an empty expectation that there should be something more. Not sure what, but it is missing something." Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept: Incomplete It might pack 500 to 600 horsepower under the hood. It might have some clever changes. It could go into production within the next few years. But other than that, the Eau Rouge is just a fancy body kit and some nice interior pieces. Hence why it doesn't get a grade. Kia GT4 Stinger Concept: A+ Best Concept at Detroit Auto Show? Yes. Possibly could see something like this going into production in the future. 2015 Lexus RC-F: A- Still quite not sold on the styling of the high-performance RC coupe. However with the 5.0L V8 engine making more than 450 horsepower does draw me back in. Also, I want to shake the hand of person who decided to swap the joystick controller to a touchpad for the infotainment system. 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: A- I can't believe that I'm writing this, but the C-Class has to be my dark horse of the show. I wasn't expecting much out of Mercedes' other compact sedan, but the introduction of the CLA has given the luxury maker some breathing room to do some interesting things. Only concern: How much is it going to cost? 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG: B+ Why would anyone buy this? Why wouldn't anyone buy this? Very excited for this model since it will be the closest we get the A45 AMG for awhile (maybe ever). Nissan Sport Sedan Concept: A If this is what Nissan has in mind for the next Maxima, sign me up. Also Nissan, would you please consider all-wheel drive if you're planning to have that 300 horsepower or so. 2015 Porsche 911 Targa: C- Another 911 model, this time with a convertible top that isn't a top! Yeah... Moving on. 2015 Subaru WRX STI: B- Has the same problem as the standard WRX: design isn't as aggressive as the concept shown at New York last year. Hope the drivetrain can help this one out. Toyota FT-1 Concept: A+ Still cannot believe this is a Toyota at all. Maybe the beige-ness is beginning to slowly wear away from the brand. Also big props to Toyota's CALTY Design center in California for getting the chance to do this concept. Well done. Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept: D More Dune, Less Beetle Volkswagen. Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept: C This would have received a lower grade were it not for the clever tricks and technologies Volkswagen used in this concept. I wouldn't be surprised if future Volkswagen vehicles have some these features and that the BlueMotion nameplate comes to North America. William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Holden's high-performance sedans could live after their operations are shut down in 2017. According to Drive.com.au, General Motors is currently evaluating a new program that would utilize the Alpha platform for a number high performance applications of varying sizes and shapes for different brands. One of those vehicles is likely to be a rear-drive performance version of the Commodore and next Chevrolet SS. Alpha brings a couple things to the table. One is that Alpha can be scaled up or down to fit various wheelbases, tracks, and engine configurations. Alpha also has been engineered be right-hand drive as well. “If you’re a performance enthusiast then rear-wheel-drive is the way to go and that’s the place it will play [within General Motors future models], so you guys connect the dots as to where else you might use it,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer for luxury and rear-drive vehicles. The high performance Commodore plays into rumors from last year which said Holden could sell two versions of the Commodore. One would be a mainstream model that would likely be a front-wheel drive model of shorts, possibly the Chevrolet Impala or a previous rumor of a Buick model from China. The other would be this rear-drive model with a different body. There is one thing that is holding up this project and that is cost. Alpha is classified as being a "premium" platform due to lightweight materials used in its construction. Trying to get to a point to where this proposed model is competitively priced is a sticking point. But Motoring.com.au says a savior could come in the form the next-generation Camaro which is expected to use a less-expensive version of Alpha. Source: Drive.com.au, Motoring.com.au William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Nothing ever seems to come easy for Fisker. Back in November, we reported that Hybrid Tech Holdings, LLC, a company founded by Hong Kong investor Richard Li, had purchased Fisker's assets from the Department of Energy for $25 million. It seemed that this chapter in Fisker's turbulent life had come to close. But this past week, the chapter was ripped opened. In a hearing last week, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross rejected the planned sale and instead has favored putting the assets back up on the auction block in February. This opens the door for Wanxiang Group, the Chinese auto parts supplier who owns A123 Systems, to bid on Fisker's assets as well. "I think that, for me, at the end of the case, whether or not the price paid was fair or reasonable, I think an auction will provide that mechanism. That is the most favored method," said Gross at the hearing. In a statement, Hybrid Tech Holdings said they were "deeply disappointed" with the ruling. "Despite the court's decision, Hybrid will participate in the auction, as we still feel Hybrid represents the most competitive and viable bid for Fisker's future," the company said. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

With Ram offering a small diesel and Ford announcing that next F-150 will be considerably lighter, GM is considering all options with their pickups to raise fuel economy. One of those options happens to be a 4.5L Diesel V8 that was planned to go into their pickups five years ago. Steve Kiefer, GM's vice president of global powertrain tells Automotive News that GM is considering dusting off that engine and slip it into their new trucks. "We are looking closely at diesel entrees in that segment. In fact, I heard the terms 'dust off' that 4½-liter at one point. That is certainly one of the options. Clearly, we have a portfolio of diesel engines," said Kiefer. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article