William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 8, 2013 Two years ago, a rumor began flying that Mercedes-Benz would produce a competitor to BMW's X6 crossover supposedly called the MLC. Now it seems we have a possible confirmation of this. Car and Driver has learned from two high-level executives at Mercedes-Benz that they will be producing a competitor to the X6. Asked why, one of the executives said there was a business case for it. "There’s ample demand (relatively speaking), the engineering work and costs are low, and the profit margins will be high. Crossovers can appeal to customers in the U.S., Europe, and China; other vehicle types tend to be regionally limited," said the report. The new crossover will essentially be the Mercedes-Benz ML in a sleeker shape. Engines will be the same with a turbocharged V6, V8, and a AMG V8. No date on when Mercedes-Benz's competitor to the X6 will arrive. Source: Car and Driver 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 October 8, 2013 Cadillac has been considering adding a large, unibody crossover to their lineup for awhile now. Now it seems that it could wear the Escalade nameplate. "I think there's a lot of equity in Escalade. I'd like to explore the notion of other vehicles that would carry that brand name," said senior vice president of global Cadillac, Bob Ferguson. Ferguson tells Automotive News that he believes there are distinct customers for the SUV and crossover. "There are a number of individuals who just love this vehicle," said Ferguson, but there are others who would say 'I would love something that would give me a different ride and a different experience.'" Ferguson expressed GM's product planners "are still looking at" this and decision hasn't been made. 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 October 8, 2013 Fiat dealers have been feeling the strain since the brand started selling vehicles in 2011 and it appears that it is only going to get worse. Automotive News reports that only 45 percent of the 2010 Fiat dealers in the U.S. are making a profit. Moreover, the majority of those dealers happen to be tied in with other Chrysler dealerships. This means other dealers are losing their shirts if they don't have any other storefronts. "I think most dealers have been disappointed in the performance of their Fiat dealerships," said Alan Haig, president of automotive services for Presidio Group. Making the matters even worse is the large 24 percent decline in sales Fiat saw in September sales. This means sales so far for the year stand around 33,000 units, the same number as last year. Most of decline can be attributed to 500. As for the 500L, it still is too early to tell as it went on sale back in the summer. "It's sad to say, but it's become a stepchild. Chrysler doesn't want to hear that, but that's the reality," said an unnamed Chrysler dealer. Many Fiat dealers were counting on Alfa Romeo to help bring more people in. But a recent report says that the Alfa Romeo 4C will will instead be sold in Maserati stores. Add in the fair number of delays for other Alfa Romeo models, and many dealers are left wondering if they'll ever see the brand. Now Fiat has said there is a new model that will help dealers "take the next step", but that will not happen till 2015. 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

Yup. Wondering when the eight-speeds are coming... Also: Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz called and they want their front end for the GLK back.

I have a feeling that it relates to CAFE

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 7, 2013 It has been about two years since Audi announced that the Q3 Crossover would be coming to the U.S. Since that time, no word has come out of Audi HQ about when the Q3 would be arriving on our shores. We have a answer and a possible timeframe. According to Car and Driver, Audi is planning to launch the Q3 in the U.S. within the next eighteen to twenty-four months. The reason is due to the way the U.S. classifies vehicles. Audi wants the Q3 to be classified as a 'light truck', however it doesn't meet certain criteria such as the vehicle's approach angle. Audi will be addressing this with a mid-cycle refresh. Source: Car & Driver 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 October 7, 2013 Audi has done it since the start of their S and RS lineup; Mercedes-Benz has begun to do it with AMG, and now it appears BMW is thinking about adding it to their M cars again. What am I referring to is the addition of all-wheel drive. Motoring spoke with BMW M's president Friedrich Nitschke who revealed that the next-generation M5 and M6 could come with the option of all-wheel drive. “On our cars we are thinking of all-wheel drive, but it won’t come before we get the successor of the M5 and M6. That’s the timing and it’s not practical to react in the current life cycles. It would also be an additional option, not the only available model, because a lot of M buyers prefer rear-wheel drive," said Nitschke. When asked this question earlier in the year, Nitschke said there was no plans for all-wheel drive models in the M lineup. What changed his tune? “I’ve looked at the numbers and 70 to 80 percent of E63 AMGs are all-wheel drive in the US now.” There is also a performance angle to this as well. A BMW M5 hits 60 MPH in 4.2 seconds. However, the Audi RS7, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (w/AWD), and Porsche Panamera Turbo can do it in 4 seconds. However, don't expect M to go crazy with all-wheel drive in their lineup. “The M5 and M6, maybe in the next generation they could get AWD, but not with the M3 or M4. Never,” said Nitschke. Source: 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

Yeah, I think there is a 2014 IS C, but after that... Its gone.