William Maley

Two reasons. S40/V50 really didn't sell well here Last-generation S40 was based on Ford's C1 platform and when two broke up, S40 was left without a paddle. The best hope we got is the Volvo V40, which is currently not coming to the U.S. at the moment. As I wrote back in August, Volvo's U.S. executives and dealers want that to change. Volvo's U.S. Dealers and Executives Want The V40

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 14, 2013 General Motors' current CEO, Dan Akerson, could be stepping down as early as next year, according to a report from Reuters. Sources tells Reuters that Akerson hasn't formally notified GM's board of directors of any plan to step down, but could come to fruition some next year. "I assume at some point he (Akerson) will decide he has done what he has wanted to do and will step down, but no one has a date for that," said a source. Now the board has a succession plan in place if Akerson makes a decision to step down. But according to sources, the board hasn't set a timeframe to begin a search for a new CEO. This will most likely change when Akerson makes a decision. Who are the possible contenders for GM CEO? Well the running favorite is GM's North American President, Mark Reuss. Also in the running are Mary Barra, GM's product development lead; Steve Girsky, GM's vice chairman; and Dan Ammann, GM's CFO. 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 14, 2013 Automotive News is reporting that Mercedes-Benz could be getting more vans for the U.S. At the moment, Mercedes-Benz currently sells the Sprinter van in the U.S. Insiders tell AN that Mercedes-Benz debating whether or not to send their next-generation Vito and V-Class to the U.S. sometime after their introduction into the European market in 2014. The Vito is about the same size as the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV 200. This is offered in Europe as a commercial and passenger van. Then there is the new V-Class which is slightly larger than most minivans on sale in the U.S. It would also be one of the more luxurious models available with wood trim, panoramic sunroof, and loads of electronics. Both models are rear-wheel drive and come available with either four or six-cylinder engines. We'll be keeping an eye on this and see if anything comes to fruition. 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

I think you mean Escape. Lincoln MKX is a Ford Edge in dress.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 13, 2013 Volvo has been seeing its sales double around the world except in one market; the U.S. The Swedish automaker has seen sales in the U.S. tumbling down during the past decade. In 2004, Volvo moved 139,000 vehicles. For this year, the automaker is projecting that they will only sell 60,000 vehicles. Volvo wants to change that and has announced a new plan that will hopefully reverse this trend. CEO Hakan Samuelsson told dealers the plan for the new Volvo will be an attractive “Scandinavian” design, leadership in safety and environmental issues, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems that feature "clever functionality.” "We are definitely not even thinking of reducing our presence in the U.S. Volvo would not be Volvo without the U.S," said Samuelsson. Nearly all aspects of Volvo's U.S. business will be seeing major changes. To start, Volvo is in the process of finding a new ad agency who will be tasked to create a new global campaign and use social media in creative ways. The company will also focus on lease promotions to help boost volume. At the moment, Volvo's lease volume stands at 35 percent. Down the line, Volvo is hard at work with a new powertrain lineup that will comprise of three and four-cylinder engines that will be naturally-aspirated and turbocharged. In addition, Volvo is creating hybrid powertrains that will use electric rear axles. Also coming soon will be a number of new models including the V60 wagon and XC90 crossover. When asked by reporters if Volvo has a set sales goal, executives wouldn't commit to anything higher than 100,000 vehicles in the next three years, 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 13, 2013 Earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, Lincoln unveiled the MKC Concept. The concept was a preview of a new Lincoln model that would come sometime later this year. Many of us praised the MKC Concept since it didn't look like a carbon copy of a Ford vehicle. But there was concern that the production model would not look like the concept at all. Well, take a deep breath as Lincoln has unveiled the 2015 MKC before its official debut at the LA Auto Show next week and it looks pretty close to the concept. The MKC Concept and production model are almost identical in design. Up front is Lincoln's spit-wing grille which has been tapered back. Along the side, designers added some sculpting to give the MKC a bit more presence. A set of nineteen-inch split five-spoke wheels help add to presence. The back end features a wrap-around tailgate and a wide taillight. Inside, the MKC will feature a blend of leather, wood, and what Lincoln describes as “natural-look” materials. The center stack is almost reminiscent to the MKZ with a push-button transmission and a eight-inch touchscreen housing MyLincolnTouch. What's different on the MKC is there are actual buttons on the center stack, not capacitive touch buttons. As for power, the MKC will be available with two EcoBoost engines: 2.0L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder: 240 Horsepower, 270 Pound-Feet of Torque 2.3L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder: 275 Horsepower, 300 Pound-Feet of Torque Lincoln didn't say what transmission will be available in the MKC, but its a safe guess to say a six-speed automatic. Front-Wheel Drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option. Also optional on the MKC is a new adaptive suspension system called Continuously Controlled Damping. The Lincoln MKC goes on sale starting next summer. 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 All-New 2015 Lincoln MKC Provides Fresh Choice for Small Premium Utility Customers - The Lincoln Motor Company introduces the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility vehicle, the second of four all-new Lincoln vehicles to fuel the brand's reinvention - MKC will introduce the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque - Designed with driver comforts in mind and featuring an array of premium amenities, MKC targets a growing audience of luxury customers who demand a more personal car-buying and car-owning experience The Lincoln Motor Company's reinvention takes a major step forward today with the unveiling of the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility vehicle. The Lincoln MKC is a unique creation from the ground up with an assortment of first-in-class features. Its all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine offers excellent performance while its ingeniously implemented wraparound liftgate is an example of masterful customer convenience. The luxurious interior embraces driver and passengers alike, and its new and innovative technology personalizes the MKC ownership experience. Lincoln MKC follows the MKZ sedan to become the second all-new Lincoln in as many years as the brand continues its reinvention. "Lincoln MKC is a perfect blend of inspired automotive design and dynamic driving performance in a segment that has grown in popularity in recent years," said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. "As a challenger luxury brand, entering this segment is a natural next step for us. MKC will do more than just compete – it will change the way people think about Lincoln." Building the right vehicle at the right time Lincoln MKC – first introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit – represents a critical milestone in the company's plan to expand its lineup. Arriving on the heels of the all-new and successful 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedan, MKC becomes the second new vehicle in the brand's plans to introduce four new luxury vehicles by 2016. MKC gives Lincoln a compelling offering in the small premium utility vehicle segment, the fastest-growing part of the luxury market. The segment has grown by 25 percent since 2012 and by more than 200 percent since 2009. The segment growth is being driven by new luxury buyers who are coming into affluence, as well as by current luxury owners who are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones as their life desires change. With MKC, Lincoln continues its move toward targeting a younger, more diverse customer. The vehicle also positions Lincoln to resonate with drivers in desirable markets on the East and West coasts. Designed to inspire inside and out The Lincoln design team faced the dual challenge of creating a standout vehicle in a competitive field, while further refining the Lincoln design DNA that started with the 2013 MKZ. From its signature split-wing grille to its uniquely crafted, hands-free wraparound liftgate, the Lincoln DNA is evident. "Our design team worked tirelessly to create a vehicle that attracts new customers to the brand while meeting the expectations of longtime Lincoln drivers," said Max Wolff, director, Lincoln Design. "The execution of the new liftgate is a prime example of how a premium design element can create a better customer experience." MKC presents a sleek, sculpted body that helps it stand out among peers. Its high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy, athletic presence, while features such as soft exterior lighting, pedestal side-view mirrors and an available panoramic, all-glass Vista Roof® give the vehicle a luxurious, sophisticated personality. The unique design also carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship and high-tech combine to offer a warm, luxurious environment. An architecturally unique instrument panel showcases Lincoln's signature push-button gear shifter, which provides an open, inviting interior space. Plush leathers with French stitching, and available Bridge of Weir leather and real wood trim accentuate MKC's elegance and grace. "We gave attention to every detail to convey a stylish, fashion-oriented vehicle," said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief. "Our use of colors, materials, stitching – every detail was considered to create an overall luxurious experience." To be more consistent with the Lincoln driving experience, an all-new Lincoln steering wheel debuts on MKC and will be available on all future Lincoln vehicles. This highly tactile leather-wrapped wheel provides better feeling and control and puts the brand's new design DNA in the driver's hands. The enhanced THX® II Certified Audio System, an industry-first featuring THX-distributed bass technology and 14 right-, center- and left-slot speaker assemblies, is available. The state-of-the-art audio system delivers a rich, immersive surround sound experience that reproduces music as it was mixed in the studio. SYNC® with MyLincoln Touch™ enables drivers to personalize MKC by using voice-activated commands or simple touch controls on the class-exclusive 8-inch touch screen. Knobs and buttons on the center console provide additional and easy access to control the air conditioning and sound system. Lincoln luxury meets dynamic performance When equipped with the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, MKC offers a projected 275 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data. Class-exclusive Active Grille Shutters are designed to help improve MKC fuel efficiency at highway speeds. MKC comes standard with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, projected to produce 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data. This makes Lincoln MKC an all-EcoBoost vehicle. MKC comes standard with front-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels. Drivers can upgrade to Lincoln's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and 19-inch wheels for enhanced cornering and handling and an even sportier look. The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system also includes Continuously Controlled Damping. Drivers can use Lincoln Drive Control to select from sport, comfort and normal drive modes to cater to their driving mood. CCD constantly monitors the road; the suspension reacts on average within 20 milliseconds, providing a smooth ride with enhanced handling. CCD also is available in the standard front-wheel drive configuration of MKC. "The width of MKC's track has been set to allow the designers the freedom to create a planted stance for the vehicle, and it provided engineers the opportunity to minimize body roll and give the vehicle a more sporty feel," said Lisa Drake, MKC chief engineer. Technology provides protection, confidence MKC offers advanced technology such as collision warning with brake support, a Lane-Keeping System and driver assist to help drivers avoid common accidents. The collision warning system is designed to alert the driver if it detects a potential front-end crash. The system issues an audible alert in the cabin, a visual alert on the windshield and automatic brake assist sensitivity. MKC introduces available park-out assist technology, a class-exclusive feature that enhances the vehicle's active park assist capabilities. Where active park assist helps guide drivers into tight parallel parking situations, park-out assist steers drivers out of tight parking spots. The vehicle's Lane-Keeping System uses rearview mirror-mounted cameras to identify lane markers and help drivers avoid unintentionally straying from their lane. Dashboard-mounted cameras monitor driver alertness. If the system detects a driver's alertness level dropping below a given threshold, a warning is issued via a chime and a pop-up message appears on the left-hand cluster screen. MKC also offers a Blind Spot Information System, which continuously monitors the vehicle's blind spots with radar sensors, and class-exclusive cross-traffic alert, which detects traffic as the vehicle backs from a parking space. Driver confidence and safety is furthered by the inclusion of seven standard airbags, including a class-exclusive driver's knee airbag. In preparing MKC for the road, the vehicle was subjected to 5,000 virtual and real-world crash tests and a variety of conditions. Experience Lincoln's uniquely warm reception MKC will greet owners with exclusive 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. MKC will be the first Lincoln to have always-on built-in connectivity, allowing owners to utilize a smartphone app to control the vehicle. With the MyLincoln Mobile™ app, MKC owners can start, lock, unlock and locate the vehicle, as well as schedule a remote start event for a set time. Drivers also can use the app to place a call for roadside assistance, monitor the vehicle's fuel level, check tire pressure and battery status, and program engine start times to allow the vehicle to heat or cool to comfortable levels. Lincoln MKC production is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2014 at Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Ky. Vehicles are due in showrooms next summer. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 13, 2013 We know that Cadillac is hard at work on an ATS-V, but no one has been able to nail down what will be under the hood of it. Reports say it could either be a twin-turbo V6, possibly the new TT 3.6 found in the CTS and XTS VSport, or a V8 engine. According to a new report from Automobile, the ATS-V will likely have a twin-turbo V6, but not the 3.6. The report says the twin-turbo V6 will be a 3.2L and will be capable of producing of more than 500 horsepower. This TT 3.2 V6 has a bit of interesting story to it. The engine is based on GMs’ High Feature V6 engine architecture which was supplied to Alfa Romeo in the later half of the 2000's. Alfa Romeo fitted its own set of twin turbos and direct-injection system, thus creating the 3.2 JTS engine which was available on the 159, Brera, and Spider. Source: Automobile 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 November 13, 2013 The past few years has seen Hyundai rise as a dominant player in automotive marketplace. Vehicles like the Sonata, Elantra, and the Accent have shown how far the Korean automaker has come and being rewarded for their efforts. There is one segment that Hyundai hasn't quite cracked yet; crossovers. It's not for the lack of trying. Hyundai has been trying its darndest since the first-generation Santa Fe rolled off in 2002. Some of their efforts have included making the second-generation Santa Fe larger and introducing a smaller and larger crossover to complement it. That didn't quite work, so Hyundai went back to the drawing board and came up with a new idea. Last year, they introduced the next-generation Santa Fes; a large seven-seat model called the Santa Fe and a new midsize model called the Santa Fe Sport. Is this idea working? To find out, I spent some time with the 2013 Santa Fe Sport. The Santa Fe Sport is one the first Hyundai vehicles to introduce their new 'Fluidic Precision' design language. The new design language gives the Sport a very muscular and expressive presence. The front end has a comically large chrome grille and sharp looking headlight units. Along the side profile is a strong character line that starts from the front wheel well and extends all of the way to rear taillights. Hyundai's designers raked the rear windows to add a nice stylish touch. This also means rear visibility becomes limited. Finishing the Santa Fe Sport off is a set of seventeen-inch alloy wheels in a graphite finish.Heading inside, the Santa Fe Sport is a very pleasant and comfortable place to be. The dash and door panels comes with lot of soft-touch materials and leather. The center stack layout is simple and the controls are well-placed for easy reach. As for comfort, my test Santa Fe Sport came equipped powered and heated front seats for the front passengers. You can easily find a comfortable position with no sweat. The back seat passengers also have it good with more than enough head and legroom. Also, you can get the Santa Fe Sport equipped with the rear seats that adjust forward and back, recline, and provide heat. My test Santa Fe Sport was also equipped with the optional navigation system and I have to say I was impressed. Hyundai installed their latest system which introduces a number of small changes such as improved maps and performance. The system is very easy to use and snappy. A number of automakers should take a look at Hyundai's system if they want to produce a quick and smooth infotainment system. Now that I have talked about the exterior and interior of the Santa Fe Sport, it's time for a look under the hood. The Santa Fe Sport is available with two engines. The one I had is the base 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder with 190 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an option as is the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 264 horsepower and 269 pound-feet torque. The 2.4L does get the Santa Fe Sport moving, but you feel like it's under a lot of stress. Getting up to speed takes a few seconds longer than expected. Plus, the engine quickly runs out of breath as you try to make a pass or merge onto a freeway until the next gear hits. This surprised me a bit since this is the almost the same engine you'll find under the hood of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. I praised the Optima's 2.4L for being peppy and smooth. While the 2.4L in the Santa Fe is smooth, it is not peppy. There is an Active Eco button that helps improve fuel economy, but it reduces the engine's power. The six-speed automatic does a good job when you're leaving a stop gently or moving along smoothly. Hammer the throttle and the automatic is somewhat confused before figuring out what it should do. EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport FWD 2.4 at 21 City/29 Highway/24 Combined. During my week with it, I averaged 25.2 MPG.The Santa Fe Sport's ride is very comprised and quiet. Driving along the interstate for brief trip, the Santa Fe Sport exhibited minimal road and wind noise. The suspension is able to smooth out bumps and road imperfections with no problem. Here's lookin at you kid... Click Image to Enlarge If you are expecting any driving fun since it's named the Santa Fe Sport, then I need to explain the Sport is more of differentiation about the vehicle's size, not the fun-to-drive-ness. Much like the other crossovers in the class, the Santa Fe Sport has a bit of lean when turning due to its suspension tuning. The Santa Fe Sport also features Hyundai's Flex Steer which allows a driver to choose how much weight they want in their steering. In my review of the Elantra GT, I found myself leaving the system in Normal since the other two options were on the extreme. The same holds true for the Santa Fe Sport. Using the flex-steer system, I found myself using the Normal setting more than Comfort (too light) and Sport (too heavy). At the end of the week, I found the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to be a very competent crossover. Hyundai focused on the areas that are important to buyers in this class; comfort, value for money, and styling. The only real concern I have is with the base engine as I found it to be somewhat stressed. For a fair number of buyers, the 2.4 will be ok if you equip it with front-wheel drive. If you are considering all-wheel drive, I would push for the 2.0T engine. Otherwise, Hyundai seems to be going in the right direction with the Santa Fe Sport. It could be the breakout hit they are looking for. Disclaimer: Hyundai Provided the Santa Fe Sport, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas. Year: 2013 Make: Hyundai Model: Santa Fe Sport Trim: FWD 2.4 Engine: 2.4L GDI DOHC 16-Valve Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 190 @ 6,300 Torque @ RPM: 181 @ 4,250 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 21/29/24 Curb Weight: 3,459 lbs Location of Manufacture: West Point, Georgia Base Price: $24,450.00 As Tested Price: $32,175.00 (Includes $825.00 Destination Charge) Options: Leather & Premium Equipment Package - $2,950.00 Technology Package - $2,700.00 Popular Equipment Package - $950.00 Cargo Cover - $150.00 Carpeted Floor Mats - $100.00 Cargo Net - $50.00 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 12, 2013 We have a date! November 20 is when General Motors will reveal the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickup. The debut will take place at the LA Auto Show and to commemorate this announcement, Chevrolet has released a teaser shot of the Colorado under a cover and standing next to the 2014 Silverado and Silverado HD. Now as we have reported previously, the new Colorado will be different looking than model sold elsewhere. This is in part to keep a family resemblance with the larger trucks. We also hear that a diesel could end up in the Colorado in the near future. The Colorado and its sister model, the GMC Canyon will go into production at GM's Wentzville, Missouri sometime next year or 2015. Source: Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet Colorado to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show DETROIT – In less than a year, Chevrolet has reengineered its entire full-sized truck portfolio with an all-new Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500. On November 20 during media days at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the final piece of Chevrolet's pickup truck portfolio will be revealed. The all-new Chevrolet Colorado will reinvent what a midsized pickup should be. The Colorado is engineered to be the most capable, most versatile and technologically advanced midsized truck in the market. Watch it revealed live from Los Angeles on November 20 here: http://youtu.be/-XkUGs-OEE4 View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 12, 2013 The Chevrolet SS when it becomes available later this year will be available with one engine (6.2L V8 with 415 horsepower), six-speed automatic, five colors, two options, and that's about it. A lot of us should be happy that GM decided to give the Holden Commodore in the U.S. idea another shot. But a good amount of people are wondering why GM isn't doing more with SS. Automotive.com got to the bottom of this and chatted with Chevrolet Performance Cars Marketing Manager John Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick explained that the reason for the simple SS offering comes down to volume. When Pontiac was selling the G8 in the V6, GT V8, and GXP V8 trims; it was expected to sell upwards of 30,000 units per year. As we all know, the G8 didn't get close to that. With the new SS, GM is only expecting to sell 3,000 models due to shipping constraints from Australia. Fitzpatrick also said GM is keeping the variations down to keep profits up, at least for the time being. But what if the SS proves to be successful with the modest goals? According to Fitzpatrick, Chevrolet could look into offering a manual transmission and more powerful versions. Source: Automotive.com 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