William Maley

Come back and ask me that question in late January as I'll have an Altima in for review.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 16, 2013 Lincoln has announced pricing for the new MKC compact crossover that will be arriving at dealers starting next summer. For $33,995* (includes destination), that will net you the base MKC Premiere with the 2.0L EcoBoost, six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. Standard features include remote start, backup sensors and camera, eighteen-inch aluminum wheels, nine-speaker sound system, MyLincolnTouch, and much more. Next up is the Select which begins at $37,225 and comes with upgraded eighteen-inch wheels, side-mirror turn signals, power folding mirrors, and Wollsdorf leather on the steering wheel. Wrapping up the trims is the Reserve which starts at $40,930 and includes a 'Vista roof' with powered shade, navigation, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, and cooled seats. The option list includes such items as the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder for the Select and Reserve models that carries a $1,140 price tag and all-wheel drive with continuously controlled damping (CCD) suspension for $2,495. Source: Lincoln William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Lincoln Announces Pricing for All-New Small Premium MKC Compelling content, supreme craftsmanship available in 2014 Suggested retail pricing for 2015 Lincoln MKC starts at $33,995, including destination and delivery Three trim levels available when Lincoln MKC goes on sale next year Lincoln MKC introduces Lincoln Experiences with Approach Detection and an embedded modem that enables the MyLincoln Mobile App. Available features include a 275-horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost® engine, park out assist, Deepsoft Bridge of Weir leather, Vista Roof®, 19-inch wheels, voice-activated navigation, hands-free liftgate and a host of driver-assist technologies DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 16, 2013 – The 2015 Lincoln MKC, the brand's first entry in the small premium utility segment, will go on sale next year with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $33,995, including destination and delivery charges. This is the most accessible starting price point in the segment. Three trim levels will be available when the vehicle goes on sale: Premiere, Select and Reserve, each offering an array of luxury content and amenities so owners can select features best suited to their needs. "As the newest entrant in small premium utility, which is the fastest-growing luxury segment, we have to offer our clients a fresh and compelling proposition," said Matt VanDyke, Director, Global Lincoln. "The Lincoln MKC offers the lowest base entry price in the segment as well as a host of first-to-segment features." The Lincoln MKC debuts with a fully turbocharged lineup featuring EcoBoost® engines. It also introduces Approach Detection, which senses when an owner is near and responds by illuminating "welcome mats" on the ground next to both front doors. Simultaneously, headlamps, taillamps and door handles glow with soft lighting tuned to complement the vehicle's exterior color. Also standard is Lincoln signature push-button gear shift that controls the automatic transmission. The 2015 Lincoln MKC with the Reserve package, 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engine ($1,140) and optional all-wheel drive and continuously controlled damping (CCD) suspension ($2,495 MSRP) offers a lower MSRP than similarly equipped entries from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. 2015 Lincoln MKC standard equipment MECHANICAL -Active Noise Control (ANC) -Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) -Electronic parking brake -15.5-gallon fuel tank -Hill Start Assist -Push-button shift -SelectShift® automatic transmission with paddle shifters -Torque Vectoring Control EXTERIOR -Anodized roof rails without cross-bars -Body-colored bumpers/fascias, door handles and spoiler -Bright beltline molding -Color-keyed exterior antenna -Dual exhausts with chrome exhaust tips -Front license-plate brackets -Front solar-tinted and privacy glass -Auto on/off HID headlamps with LED signature lighting -Body-colored, dual-power heated mirrors with memory; integrated spotter mirrors -Smoked Chrome front grille -LED signature taillamps -18-inch painted aluminum wheels -P235/50R18 tires Steel mini spare wheel – tire T165/70R17 INTERIOR / COMFORT -Four-way manual adjustable front/rear headrests -Aluminum trim on door panel, console and instrument panel -Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC) climate control -Power door locks -Driver and passenger dual illuminated visors with ticket clip -Driver and passenger seatback coat hooks and map pockets -Driver and passenger power windows with one-touch up/down -Enhanced particulate air filter -First- and second-row floor mats -Front floor console with storage with two cupholders -Electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror -Overhead console with sunglasses holder -First-row seats: 10-way power driver's seat with two-way power lumbar and memory; four-way power front-passenger seat with power recline; heated first-row seats; Lincoln Luxury Soft Touch seating surfaces -Second-row seats: 60/40 fold-flat split bench with recline -Leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed and redundant audio controls; manual tilt and telescoping -Touch LED map lights -Lincoln Experiences welcome/farewell elements: Lincoln Logo welcome mat; door-handle illumination; Approach Detection; signature lighting fade up SAFETY / SECURITY -Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes -Dual-stage front airbags -Driver knee airbag -Side airbags -Side air curtains -Emergency brake assist -Interactive vehicle dynamics with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®) -Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) -Perimeter alarm -Rear camera -SecuriCode™ keypad -SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system -SOS Post Crash Alert -Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -Traction control FUNCTIONAL -Two-speed rear wipers with washer -Active Grille Shutters -Lincoln Premium Sound System with nine speakers and subwoofer with single-CD/MP3 player; auxiliary input jack; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (48 contiguous states; service not available in Alaska and Hawaii) -Cruise control -Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler -Front driver and passenger grab handle -Intelligent Access with push-button start -Intermittent speed-sensitive front wipers -Message center with compass -MyKey® -Outside temperature gauge -Four powerpoints: two in front, one in rear, auxiliary in luggage compartment -Rear-window defroster -Remote start -Reverse sensing system -SYNC® with MyLincoln Touch®: 8-inch touch screen in center stack; media hub with two USB ports, SD card reader and RCA video input jacks; five-way controls on steering wheel; voice-activated communication and entertainment system View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 16, 2013 We've been hearing a number of rumors concerning of the next the Commodore, most pertaining that it would switch from rear-wheel to front-wheel drive. It seems with Holden shutting down production in 2017, that rumor could become reality. News.com.au has learned from sources and documents that next Commodore will become a large front-wheel drive sedan that will be sold in Australia as a Holden and China as a Buick. The report says Holden won the contact to design the new model. From there, it would be built in Australia and China. But with the announcement of Holden closing up production in 2017, China will become the sole builder of the new model. Sources say the new model will be about 16.5 feet long, as wide as the current model, and take some styling cues from the Europeans such a lower roofline. "It's about making sedans look cool again. Audi's done it, Mercedes has done, now we're going to do it. It's the only way to bring customers back to sedans," said an insider. Don't expect a new ute or wagon to appear alongside. As for power, the new model will utilize a four-cylinder engine. Holden is currently trying to fight for a V6 as an option. The new model will retain the Commodore nameplate. An insider explained the reasoning for this. "It's easier to explain to buyers that something has changed about a car they know, than to say 'Here's the new Holden XYZ'." Source: News.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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 16, 2013 Author's Note: With 2013 coming to a close in a couple of weeks, we've decided to clear out the remaining 2013 vehicle reviews this week. Everyday a new review will appear on the front page. If you miss one day, don't worry, we'll have links to the previous reviews just below. -WM Tuesday: Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD Wednesday: Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD Thursday: Toyota Land Cruiser Friday: Lexus LS 600h L During the life of the third-generation Nissan Maxima, the automaker created a new SE model that featured a 160 horsepower V6 engine (up to 190 later in its life), five-speed manual, stiffer suspension setup, and other changes to differentiate it from the standard model. Nissan dubbed it the four-door sports car and placed a sticker on the rear window denoting its status. Jump ahead to 2009 and the introduction of the seventh-generation Maxima, Nissan resurrected the four-door sports car moniker. With sleek styling, a 290 horsepower V6 under its hood, and sport tuned suspension, is the Maxima worthy of the 'four-door sports car' moniker? More importantly, where does the Maxima stack up in the full-size sedan class? Even though the current Maxima is going on five years, it still looks very fresh on the outside. The front is very familiar to the Infiniti M Hybrid I drove last year with a long front end and grille. You also have a flowing hood shape and distinguishing headlights. The back is reminiscent of the last-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class and there is a set of dual exhaust pipes peeking out from the bumper.Stepping inside, you can tell very much the Maxima is not aging very well. The design is very minimal with a lot of black plastic, leather, and dark wood trim on the center stack and console. The only contrast inside is the silver trim around the vents and on the steering wheel. I have to give Nissan credit for making that black dash soft-touch and padded. You'll also find soft-touch materials along the door panels and center armrest. Despite the claims that the Maxima is a full-size sedan, it really doesn't feel like it inside. You only have 95 Cubic Feet of Passenger space, much smaller than Toyota Avalon (103.6 Cubic Feet of Passenger space), Chevrolet Impala (105 Cubic Feet of Passenger space), and Kia Cadenza (106.8 Cubic Feet of Passenger space). This means the Maxima really doesn't have space for someone stretch out in the back seat. Yes, there is plenty of headroom and a decent amount of legroom. But sitting in the Maxima's back seat, I felt like I was sitting in a mid-size, not full-size sedan.My test Maxima came equipped with the optional nine-speaker Bose audio system and Nissan's infotainment system with a hard-drive based navigation system. The Bose system did an excellent job of pumping out sound from XM or my iPod. As for the infotainment system, the graphics are starting look relatively dated when compared to competitors. Blame the color choices and somewhat low-res screen. Performance-wise, Nissan's infotainment system is up there with Kia's UVO system by moving from one function to another in a second or so. Pairing my phone with the Maxima was easy since there was an option in the infotainment system to pair it, not the clumsy voice-command system from the Pathfinder. For powertrain and ride impressions, see page two. Powering the Maxima is a 3.5L VQ V6 with 290 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The V6 has the same ferocity in its power delivery as you'll see in some V8 engines when you floor the go pedal. You'll also notice a fair bit of torque steer through the steering wheel as well. But when you decide to calm down, you'll find the V6 has a strong pull at the low end. NVH for the 3.5 is excellent. The Xtronic CVT is still one of the best CVTs on the marketplace with its ability to not exhibit the common traits of CVTs. In the Maxima, the Xtronic CVT has a special Ds mode which mimics a six-speed automatic. It's very a clever solution since it can trick anyone thinking you have a standard automatic and not a CVT. Fuel economy wise, the EPA rates the 2013 Maxima 3.5 SV at 19 City/26 Highway/22 Combined. My week saw an average of 23.2 MPG on premium gas. The Maxima's trump card in the full-size sedan class is how much fun it is to drive. The suspension is setup in a way that where it minimizes body roll and keeps you planted, without sacrificing a lot of the ride comfort. Steering provides very good feel and is quick to your inputs. As for ride comfort, the Maxima smoothed over bumps and imperfections with no problem. What is disappointing is the amount of road and wind noise that comes into the cabin. Out of all the full-size sedans I have driven, I can safely say the Maxima was the noisiest. On one hand, the Maxima is a really fun full-size sedan. A smart suspension setup and excellent steering make it very much worthy of the 'four-door sports car' moniker. But, the Maxima has been leap-frogged by everyone in the full-size sedan class. They have nicer interiors, more space, and quieter cabins. The 2013 Nissan Maxima is a very special car, but it's time for this 'four-door sports car' to take its final curtain call and have a new model ready in the wings. Disclaimer: Nissan Provided the Maxima, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2013 Make: Nissan Model: Maxima Trim: 3.5 SV Engine: 3.5L DOHC 24-Valve V6 Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 290 @ 6,400 Torque @ RPM: 261 @ 4,400 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 19/26/22 Curb Weight: 3,568 lbs Location of Manufacture: Smyrna, Tennessee Base Price: $35,080 As Tested Price: $40,385 (Includes $780.00 Destination Charge) Options: SV Technology Package - $1,850.00 SV Value Package - $1,000.00 Monitor Package - $700.00 HID Xenon Headlights - $400.00 Rear Spoiler - $380.00 Floor Mats & Trunk Mat - $195.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article