William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 8, 2013 Automotive News Europe has learned from a source that Lexus is planning to build a compact luxury hybrid crossover to compete with the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. The crossover will debut as a concept at the Tokyo motor show later this year, with a production model being shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The new crossover will be based on the Toyota RAV4 and use a 2.5L four-cylinder mated to an electric motor. When the model goes on sale, it will be available in Europe and the U.S. Source: Automotive News Europe (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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 8, 2013 Car and Driver recently checked in with their sources on what the future holds for certain Cadillac models. We'll start with the current generation CTS Coupe and Wagon. These two models will likely stick around for one more year and be built alongside the new CTS. After this, both models will be shown the door. Don't expect a next-gen CTS Wagon to appear though. Sales of the CTS Wagon were only 7% of sales last year (about 3500 wagons) and the brand just doesn't see a reason to do another one. (Quick sidebar: out of those 3500 CTS Wagons, 1 out of every 3 were the V model.) As for the CTS Coupe, that's a bit murky. C&D says the CTS Coupe will not return for a second performance. Instead, an ATS Coupe will be introduced. Not so fast though... This past week, Edmunds wrote that a next-generation CTS Coupe is a possibility. This comes from an interview with Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac global marketing director who said this, "We will see where we go (the current CTS coupe) was the No. 1 selling luxury coupe in the industry. It is a good segment for us." Source: Car and Driver, Edmunds 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 5, 2013 The string of bad news continues for Fisker Automotive. The struggling automaker announced today in a statement that the company let go 75% of its staff (about 160 people) during a meeting this morning. "Today, Fisker met with a group of employees in our Southern California office to inform them that this is their last day with the company," the company said in a statement today. Source tells Reuters the reason for the lay offs is a last ditch effort to help conserve cash and stay off a potential bankruptcy filing. Fisker will be retaining about 53 employees, mostly senior managers and executives to help pursue buyers for the company's assets a source says. This news follows on the heels on a story this past week where Fisker was furloughing employees as a way to conserve cash. The company also hired law firm Kirkland & Ellis to advise on a possible bankruptcy filling. Source: Fisker, Reuters 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 Statement of Fisker Automotive Inc., Friday, April 5, 2013 Over the last several months, Fisker Automotive Inc. has been considering strategic alternatives that would allow the Company work through its current financial challenges. Throughout this process our primary goal has been to maximize the core value of the Fisker technology and the business that we have created. Our efforts to secure a strategic alliance or partnership are continuing in earnest, but unfortunately we have reached a point where a significant reduction in our workforce has become necessary. Today, Fisker met with a group of employees in our Southern California office to inform them that this is their last day with the company. Yesterday, we met with a core group of employees in Southern California to express our desire that they remain with the company while we continue to address the challenges before us. We expect that at the end of the day we will have retained approximately 25 percent of our workforce. The Company regrets having to terminate any of its hardworking and talented people. But this was a necessary strategic step in our efforts to maximize the value of Fisker's core assets. View full article

Thanks dfelt.. I added the missing word

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 5, 2013 Chew on this for a moment: "One in four new BMW cars is now a BMW SAV." SAV for those who don't know BMW lingo is for sport activity vehicle, or what we could call a crossover. Its one reason why BMW's X lineup has grown from the lowly X5 to a family of vehicles including the X1, X3, X5, and X6. Its also why at the Shanghai Motor Show BMW will be showing smaller crossover coupe called the X4 Concept. The X4 Concept's design can best be explained as a X6 left in the washing machine a bit too long. In other words, its a polarizing design in a smaller package. We don't know any details on the interior or what's under the hood. We do hear that a production model of the X4 is likely to appear in 2014 and will be built at BMW's Spartanburg, SC plant. Source: BMW 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 The All-New BMW Concept X4. The latest chapter in the Sports Activity Coupe story. Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 4th, 2013, 6:00 PM EDT... Every BMW SAV has been a trailblazer. The world premiere of the first BMW SAV (the BMW X5) in 1999 saw the BMW Group create the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment – one in which BMW SAVs remain the market leaders. The BMW X3 and BMW X1 were likewise the first SAVs in their classes, and continue to define these types of vehicles today. The story of BMW light trucks took on a new dimension in May 2008 with the introduction of the BMW X6 – the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). This unique concept brought together the rugged looks of a BMW SAV with the emotional aura and sporting character of a BMW Coupe for the first time. The enduring popularity of BMW's first SAC is borne out by its consistently high sales figures. The short history of the BMW X range is already a successful one. Since the first BMW SAV took to the stage, average sales across the BMW X line-up have progressed on a constant upward curve: one in four new BMW cars is now a BMW SAV. With the BMW Concept X4, the BMW Group offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. It takes no more than a first glance to see how smoothly the qualities of a BMW SAV can blend with the genes of a BMW Coupe. The new Sports Activity Coupe concept from BMW is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class. Eyecatching proportions, tight contours and numerous high-quality details produce an unrivalled product character brimming with emotional appeal, dynamism and the sturdiness you would expect from a BMW SAV, while at the same time holding out the promise of out-standing performance and driving dynamics. All of this can be experienced when the BMW X4 production model rolls out of the factory for its market launch, scheduled for 2014. The second Sporty Activity Coupe in the brand´s model range will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the competence center for BMW SAVs which also produces the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X3. The sporting character of the BMW Concept X4 is articulated by its dynamic line work as well as its proportions. With a body length of 183 inches (4,648 mm), a width of 75.4 inches (1,915 mm) and a height of 63.9 inches (1,622 mm), its exterior dimensions signal sporting elegance and powerful robustness. In addition to a long bonnet, short overhangs and set back passenger cell, its signature BMW features include a wheelbase measuring 110.6 inches (2,810 mm), while 21 inch light alloy wheels lend an added flourish to the athletic bearing of this Sports Activity Coupe. A face with an urban sporting presence. The front-end styling of the BMW Concept X4 exudes hallmark BMW dynamics and the rugged purpose and presence of a BMW SAV in equal measure. Classic BMW features such as the kidney grille and stylized twin circular head-lights give the nose a clear identity and ensure it shines out as a BMW the first time you set eyes on it. The BMW Concept X4 lavishes both these front end design icons with meticulous detail and three-dimensional depth. The large kidney grille stretches out within a solid looking surround. The high gloss frame is open to the sides and at its lower extreme, lending it an almost "floating" appearance in the center of the nose. The grille features prominently sculptured bars with ultra-stylish detailing. The hollowed out, high-gloss black bars have a milled lower third with a matt finishing, which lends the kidney structure extra visual depth. And the grille also comprises additional air apertures to ensure an increased supply of cooling air to the engine. The kidney grille is flanked by dynamically contoured full LED headlights. Inside the light units, a flowing, hexagonal interpretation of the familiar BMW twin circular appearance points to an unwavering focus on the road ahead. The horizontal continuation of the inner light elements creates a visual connection with the grille, accentuating once again the width of the nose. This dynamic impression extends to the front apron. In keeping with BMW Coupe tradition, the side air intakes are larger than the inner horizontal bars and make a visual feature of the increased cooling air requirement, while satisfying that need. Together with the car's wide track and low center of gravity, the in-takes represent a promise of exceptional performance capability. The side air intakes pick up on a stylistic theme from the kidney grille; their black horizontal bars are, like the grille's, partly milled out but boast gleaming chrome edges. It all makes for an enticing contrast of materials, a fusion of high-end quality with the characteristic robustness of BMW X vehicles. This design theme concludes in the underside protection element, where three milled out, gleaming chrome elements present a high-quality take on the modern preference for minimalist solidity. Side view with an extrovert edge. The qualities of a BMW SAV merge with the values of a BMW Coupe in the muscular silhouette of the BMW Concept X4. Its proportions present a persuasive case for the BMW Concept X4 as the most dynamic vehicle in its segment. In hallmark BMW style, a longer wheelbase, relatively long bonnet, short over-hangs and a set-back greenhouse lend the car an undeniable dynamism even when standing still. The striking interplay of surfaces creates a vibrant contrast of light and shadow that exudes a feeling of agility and power. Prominently rising lines mould the flanks into a wedge shape and give the car as a whole a forwardsurging momentum. The coupe style roofline sweeps elegantly downwards and makes the car appear longer. Below, the windows extend well to the rear, where they are bordered by a dynamic interpretation of BMW's signature Hofmeister kink. The stretched and shallow band of glass creates a persuasively dynamic link between the greenhouse and vehicle body, the slim glass surface giving the body an impressively powerful appearance. At the same time the visual center of gravity is lowered, underlining the sporting mission statement summed up by the car's flanks. The BMW Concept X4's contours include a new interpretation of the familiar BMW swage line, a pair of dynamic lines defining the eye-catching impact of the side view. A concave area under each swage line lends the flanks an almost sculptural expression – at once robust and dynamic. The surface volumes and definition of the contours deepen as they extend towards the tail and imbue the rear end with added stature. Here, the powerfully flared wheel arches team up with the concave surface below the rear swage line to visualize the power rippling through the rear wheels. The radiant exterior paint shade Long Beach Blue is a perfect match for the elaborately structured volumes and contours, and brings particular depth to the expressive design language. Fitting the BMW X template, the wheel arches of the BMW Concept X4 are large and almost square in design. This prominent emphasis on the wheels draws further attention to the car's planted stance and long wheelbase, while at the same time providing a visual showcase for the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The pared back, matt black protective cladding provides the final element of bodywork before the BMW Concept X4 meets the road. Expressive 21 inch bi-color light alloy wheels round off the car's appearance when viewed from the side. Intricate, high-gloss polished spokes provide visual allure, while behind them dark-colored flame surfaces contribute an impressive feeling of depth. Cutting-edge presence for the rear. The rear of the BMW Concept X4 takes the sporting, width-accentuating elements of the front-end design and reproduces them with an emphatically horizontal flavor. The body's lines and the slim LED tail lights positioned at the outer edges of the rear emphasize the muscular wheel arches and wide track. Below, horizontal lines split the rear visually into sections, while light surfaces reduce the car's visual height and underline its width. The shallow rear window gives the vehicle body an even more powerful impression and its broad shoulders a show-stealing presence. Looking further down, the L-shaped rear lights of the BMW Concept X4 underscore its consummate stance on the road. A full sized inner element in the tail lights, meanwhile, replicates the signature BMW "L" shape in three-dimensional form and with impressive depth. The most striking element at the back of the car is the rear apron, which provides a wide, full length interpretation of the front apron's large outer air intakes. The apron's cut out picks up the two exhaust tailpipes in a dynamic sweep before diverting the gaze to the wheels. Body color elements reaching well down towards the road surface provide a high quality border for the rear end and re emphasize the road focused proposition of the BMW Concept X4. The underside protection acts as the body's lowest edge. Matte black surfaces lower the car's perceived height and accentuate the robust BMW X character of the rear. As at the front of the car, three milled elements in gleaming chrome add a sophisticated touch to the underside protection. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 4, 2013 Jim McDowell, vice president of Mini USA told Edmunds that Mini's lineup could be experiencing a shake-up. "When we start to replace models, I think you will see that we won't replace every model exactly," McDowell said. Currently, Mini has seven models on sale: Cooper Hardtop, Convertible, Coupe, Roadster, Clubman, Paceman, and Countryman. Two of those models, the Countryman and Cooper Hardtop make up account for about 75 percent of Mini sales. "When I joined Mini, we knew that we would have two models. Ultimately, we (now) have seven. We are starting the next generation a year from now. We know that we will have a pretty broad lineup. You may actually put your chess pieces on the board differently if you know that you can have seven," said McDowell. Source: Edmunds 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 4, 2013 General Motors announced today a new investment of $331.8 million in four manufacturing sites to produce more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions. GM said in a press release today that some parts of the investment will help prepare its factories to produce a new eight-speed automatic transmission and increase capacity for an existing six-speed gearbox. Other parts will go towards support the production of a new V6 engine (no details given in the release) and a new EcoTec engine that will be part of a new family of 3- and 4-cylinder variants with displacements ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 liters.. Here is a breakdown of the investments: $215 million in Flint Engine Operations $55.7 million in Toledo Transmission Operations $31.7 million in Bay City Powertrain $29.4 million in Bedford Castings GM will also increase a previous $600 million investment in its Saginaw Metal Castings Operations and Romulus Engine Operations by $46 million. Source: General Motors Press Release is on Page 2 GM Invests $332 Million for New Fuel-Efficient Powertrains Brings to $1.2 billion amount of U.S. facility investment announced this year DETROIT – General Motors Co. will invest nearly $332 million in four manufacturing sites to produce more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions, demonstrating GM's commitment to deliver what customers want: technology-driven performance and fewer trips to the pump. The investments – announced today at GM plants in Flint and Bay City, Mich.; Toledo, Ohio, and Bedford, Ind. – will support production of a new Ecotec small gas engine, a new V6 engine, 8-speed transmission, and tooling for an existing 6-speed transmission. GM also is increasing previously announced powertrain investment in plants in Romulus and Saginaw, Mich., to $646 million – an increase of $46 million – to support production of the new V6 engine. Since 2009, GM has announced nearly $1.8 billion of investments for the six Powertrain facilities. “We are investing in technologies and manufacturing capabilities that produce high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles and components for our customers,” said Diana Tremblay, vice president of GM North American Manufacturing. “Today’s announcement demonstrates GM’s commitment to growing the business and strengthening the plant communities where we receive so much support.” Combined, the two investments will retain about 1,650 jobs at the six facilities. “The selection of these plants and the opportunity for the United Auto Workers to build the next generation of engines and transmissions reflects the great efforts of our work force,” said UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, who directs the union’s GM department. “This investment goes a long way to ensuring GM remains a marketplace leader and our members can continue to support and share in the company’s growth.” GM’s newly announced $331.8 million investment includes: $215 million in Flint Engine Operations for a new small Ecotec gasoline engine, which is part of a new family of engines that includes 3- and 4-cylinder variants with displacements ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 liters. Details of what variants the plant will build will be announced later. The plant will also upgrade tooling for its current V6 engine. $55.7 million in Toledo Transmission Operations for increased capacity and tooling to produce an all-new, advanced 8-speed automatic transmission and an existing 6-speed transmission. The Toledo-based 8-speed will be used in numerous GM vehicles by the end of 2016. $31.7 million in Bay City Powertrain including $19.2 million to produce components for a new V6 engine and $12.5 million to produce components for the small Ecotec gasoline engine. $29.4 million in Bedford Castings including $19 million to produce components for the small gas engine and $10.4 million to produce components for the new 8-speed and existing 6-speed transmissions. The additional $46 million brings the total to $646 million for the V6 project including: A $41 million increase to $256 million for Saginaw Metal Castings Operations to produce castings for the new V6 engine. A $5 million increase to $390 million for Romulus Engine Operations to build the new V6 engines. The new small Ecotec gasoline engine is part of a global engine family that could top 2 million engines a year by the end of the decade, based on production in Flint and other locations around the world. The new engines will offer improved fuel economy, higher quality, better performance and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The 8-speed automatic transmission will assist in improved fuel economy and performance. Details about the new V6 engine program will be announced later. Since 2009, GM has announced investments of more than $8.5 billion in its U.S. operations - $1.2 billion so far in 2013 – creating or retaining more than 24,700 jobs. View full article

184 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 4, 2013 Dodge President and CEO, Reid Bigland said to Automotive News that he believes the new 2.4L four-cylinder engine will boost sales and become the dominant choice for the Dart. The new 2.4L four-cylinder will be appearing in the Dart GT, due out this spring. "I can see it as a very popular engine at this time next year," Bigland said. The reason? Bigland says the 2.4L with six-speed automatic provides the "sweet spot" for the nameplate and will spread to other Dart models. 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

Not to produce, but to equip. Its $4,500 for the engine, but then you have add another $3,000 for the Luxury Group II. No, you cannot get just the diesel alone (I've tried on Jeep's configurator).

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 3, 2013 Chrysler is on a bit of a diesel kick by introducing three different vehicles with the choice of a diesel engine: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500, and the new Ram ProMaster. But there could be a forth model getting a diesel engine. Chrysler president and CEO Saad Chehab told Wards Auto that the company is investigating the possibility of a diesel powered Chrysler 300, but a decision is way off. In Europe, the Chrysler 300 is sold as the Lancia Thema and comes with the option of a 3.0L Diesel V6 built by VM Motori, the same company that will be building the diesel engine for the Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500. “I think that we are in talks about the diesels because the Thema has a diesel in Europe anyway. It’s a matter of how much the customer is willing to pay for that premium. That’s the only issue with it,” said Chehab. The 2014 Grand Cherokee will use a 3.0L Turbodiesel V6 making 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic. This engine adds about $7,500 to the price of a Grand Cherokee. Source: Wards Auto 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 3, 2013 Porsche has unveiled the refreshed 2014 Panamera before its showing at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month and the big news isn't the exterior, its what's underneath the skin. Let's get the minor changes out of the way before we fully dive in. The 2014 Panamera gets minor changes in the exterior with new headlights, a liftgate with a wider rear window, more steeply angled rear window, and a more rounded rear end. Now onto what's under the skin. The 2014 Panamera S and 4S models say farewell to the 4.8L V8 engine and hello to a new 3.0L twin-turbo V6 that produces 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the 4.8L V8, the new V6 makes 20 horsepower and 15 pound-feet more. Fuel economy is also expected to rise with the new V6. Next is the most intriguing powertrain choice in the Panamera lineup, the new S E-Hybrid model. Taking the place of the Panamera S Hybrid for 2014, the new Panamera S E-Hybrid builds on top of the technology of the S Hybrid by installing a larger lithium-ion battery pack and more powerful electric motor. Porsche says the battery pack can recharge in under three hours from a 240-volt charger and cam travel about 20 miles on electrical power alone. Total output of the Panamera S E-Hybrid stands at 416 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Performance figures stand at 5.2 seconds to get up to 60 MPH and a top speed of 167 MPH. Porsche isn't revealing fuel economy numbers at this time. Finishing off the the new 2014 Panamera is the new Executive model. Available on the 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S trim levels, the Executive adds 5.9 inches to the length of the wheelbase and get more standard equipment such as air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management. Porsche says the new Panamera arrives in showrooms in late 2013. Pricing is as followed, Panamera -- $78,100 Panamera 4 -- $82,800 Panamera S -- $93,200 Panamera 4S -- $98,300 Panamera S E-Hybrid -- $99,000 Panamera GTS -- $113,400 Panamera 4S Executive -- $125,600 Panamera Turbo -- $141,300 Panamera Turbo Executive -- $161,100 *Note: Prices don't include $975 destination charge. Source: Porsche 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 The new Porsche Panamera New Plug-in Hybrid and Extended Wheelbase Variants Added to Revised Panamera Range Atlanta. Porsche is introducing its first plug-in hybrid and two new extended wheelbase variants with the second generation of the Panamera. The new Panamera S E-Hybrid produces 416 total system horsepower and is joined by Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive models in the revised Panamera lineup. Further, S models are now powered by an entirely new 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers. The broadest model range in its class has been further expanded, now consisting of nine models for the U.S. market. New and further-developed technologies offer improved performance while also enhancing fuel efficiency and comfort. The new Panamera is characterized by tighter lines, more pronounced contours and newly shaped body elements. The refreshed Panamera celebrates its world debut at Auto China in Shanghai, which opens on April 21, where further details on the new models will be revealed. Panamera S E-Hybrid sets new standards in performance, efficiency, and convenience in everyday use. The new Panamera S E-Hybrid improves upon the concept offered by the previous Panamera S Hybrid with a more powerful electric motor, a higher-performance battery that supplies more energy and is able be recharged from home or public vehicle charging stations. The electric drive produces 95 hp, more than double the power of the previous model's electric motor (47 hp). Electricity is stored in a newly developed lithium-ion battery, which at 9.4 kWh has increased capacity over the previous battery (1.7 kWh). Via the integrated on-board charging componentry and the standard Porsche Universal Charger (AC), the battery can reach full charge within approximately two and a half hours when connected to a 240V power source. The Panamera S E-Hybrid expands upon the driving performance of the previous generation, while fuel consumption is reduced when compared to the previous Panamera S Hybrid. Final U.S. EPA fuel economy ratings will be available closer to launch. Simultaneously, its electric-only driving performance is substantially improved, enhancing acceleration, range, and top speed. Electric-only driving is possible without any fuel consumption or local emissions, which is especially advantageous in city driving. The electric driving range of the Panamera S E-Hybrid is estimated to be greater than 20 miles based upon current NEDC testing. Driving range may vary in real world operation, due to the effects of environmental conditions, terrain, air conditioning and heating use, driving style and other factors. The Panamera S E-Hybrid can reach up to 84 mph in all-electric operation. The Panamera S E-hybrid is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, an improvement of a half second when compared to the Panamera S Hybrid. An electric boost function helps in instances where maximum acceleration is desired, when the electric motor works in tandem with the combustion engine during acceleration. Electric boost is also available when a kick-down switch in the throttle pedal is activated by the driver during acceleration. The car's top track speed is 167 mph. The parallel full hybrid system developed by Porsche also offers "coasting" at higher speeds, a mode wherein the internal combustion engine is turned off and the electric motors use vehicle momentum to generate electricity that is stored in the lithium-ion battery. The Panamera S E-Hybrid also includes an entirely new range of convenience functions which can be activated and operated by Porsche Car Connect, a mobile app available for Android and iOS-powered devices. These functions include a charge status indicator and the ability to control the vehicle's new auxiliary climate control option, which enables vehicle preheating or cooling via the Porsche Car Connect app. These functions can also be programmed from inside the vehicle. A mobile device may also be used for remote access to vehicle information, such as remaining driving range or vehicle location. Other functions not specific to the hybrid drive will also be available as options for other Panamera models via the Porsche Car Connect mobile app. Long wheelbase, spacious rear seating area: Executive models feature extra comfort The two full-sized rear bucket seats offered in the Panamera have proven so successful that Porsche is expanding this generous rear passenger compartment room with two new Panamera Executive models. The new Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive models feature a wheelbase extended by 5.9 inches, enabling even more rear seating comfort and come with an extensive range of standard features. For example, all Executive models are equipped with Adaptive air-suspension featuring Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which combines superior performance and enhanced ride comfort. More performance and efficiency in a smaller powerplant: the new twin-turbo V6 engine Increasing both performance and efficiency has long been a core Porsche philosophy. In the new Panamera, this approach takes form in a 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers. The twin-turbo V6 replaces the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine in the previous-generation Panamera S and Panamera 4S. The new bi-turbo engine is also used in the Executive version of the Panamera 4S. The engine's figures themselves are indicators of progress: increases of 20 hp and 15 lb-ft torque when compared to the outgoing V8 engine. Carefully-managed turbocharging ensures that the maximum 384 lb-ft torque is available across most of the twin-turbo V6's operating range. With the exception of the Panamera S E-Hybrid, all Panamera models are equipped with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); the Panamera S E-Hybrid uses the eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic. The PDK transmission works in tandem with other vehicle systems to enhance fuel savings in the new generation Panamera. For example, the optimized engine Auto Start Stop feature now turns the engine off earlier while coasting to a stop. With the exception of the Panamera GTS, models with PDK also offer a coasting function in which the clutches open in overrun allowing the engine to idle and the vehicle to coast freely. This function can significantly improve fuel economy, especially when traveling on the highway. Revised exterior with a new option: LED headlights Exterior design changes of the new Panamera are extensive. The tighter and more prominent lines up front are especially apparent in the larger air intakes and the transition to the headlights. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the new generation Panamera is a new trunk lid; its laterally stretched glass emphasizes the vehicle's width and makes for a more aggressive stance. Rear body proportions were also changed. A larger automatically deploying spoiler and a tighter transition to the rear lights complement the treatment at the front of the vehicle noted above. The new Panamera continues the tradition of multiple options that enable owners to customize the look and function of their vehicles. Full-LED headlights, which lend the new generation a striking appearance, are now an option. In addition, an expanded lineup of assistance systems is available for safety and convenience. The revised adaptive cruise control system is now offered with Porsche Active Safe (PAS). This system visually and audibly alerts the driver in the event of a sudden decrease in following distance and briefly tugs on the brakes. It can also intervene in the braking process and apply increased braking pressure in an emergency braking situation, if required. Another new feature, camera-based lane departure warning, offers greater convenience and safety in city and highway travel. The new generation of Panamera models will be available starting late in 2013. Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Turbo S Executive variants will be available in 2014. Pricing details are as follows: Panamera -- $78,100 Panamera 4 -- $82,800 Panamera S -- $93,200 Panamera 4S -- $98,300 Panamera S E-Hybrid -- $99,000 Panamera GTS -- $113,400 Panamera 4S Executive -- $125,600 Panamera Turbo -- $141,300 Panamera Turbo Executive -- $161,100 *Base pricing does not include options, taxes, dealer charges, and a destination fee of $975. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 3, 2013 Yesterday, Tesla announced a new, more affordable way to get behind the wheel of a Model S. Its what Tesla calls a "revolutionary new finance product" that combine the "best aspects of car leasing and ownership." How affordable are we talking about? Tesla was throwing a cost of less than $500 per month*. How does this product work? From Tesla's press release, Note a key phase in that quote. "When considering the savings from using electricity instead of gasoline, depreciation benefits and other factors, the true net out of pocket cost to own a mid-range Model S drops to less than $500 per month." In other words, they're factoring cost of ownership into the payment. Tesla has a calculator on their site that shows Effective Monthly Cost and the actual payment you'll be making. Using myself as an example, here are the Effective Monthly Costs and payments for the three Model S models. 60 kWh: $866 (effective), $1,051 (payment) 85 kWh: $1,042 (effective), $1,199 (payment) 85 kWh Performance: $1,305 (effective), $1,421 (payment) *Note: Payments are based a 2.95% APR, 10% down payment, and 66-month term loan, excluding sales tax and registration. The big question of course is will anyone get that magical $500 per month payment or not. I've only scratched the surface on this. Motor Authority has an in-depth article on Tesla's math that I recommend you check out. In the meantime, you can check out Tesla's press release on the next page. Source: Tesla 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 Tesla Unveils Revolutionary New Finance Product Combines Best Aspects of Car Leasing and Ownership PALO ALTO, Calif. – April 2, 2013 – Tesla Motors announced today that, in partnership with Wells Fargo and US Bank, it has created a revolutionary automotive financing product that provides the best elements of ownership and leasing to Model S customers. Most people throughout the world prefer to own their belongings, rather than rent what is essentially someone else's property via a lease. However, leases do provide some key benefits, particularly a low initial payment, tax deductions, lower risk on resale value and the convenience of returning a car without the hassle of reselling it personally. Working with some of the largest and most respected banks in the country, Tesla has been able to create a new kind of financing product that combines the surety and comfort of ownership with all the advantages of a traditional lease. Like the Model S, this product was created from the ground up to provide maximum benefit to consumers, rather than simply duplicating other financing programs that tend to favor companies at the expense of the individual. How does it work? US Bank and Wells Fargo have agreed to provide 10% down financing for purchase of a Model S (on approved credit) The 10% down payment is covered or more than covered by US Federal and state tax credits ranging from $7,500 to $15,000. New Jersey, Washington and DC also have no sales tax for electric vehicles. These advantages are not available when leasing. When considering the savings from using electricity instead of gasoline, depreciation benefits and other factors, the true net out of pocket cost to own a mid-range Model S drops to less than $500 per month. After 36 months, you have the right, but not the obligation to sell your Model S to Tesla for the same residual value percentage as the iconic Mercedes S Class, one of the finest premium sedans in the world, made by Daimler (also a Tesla partner and investor). Not only is Tesla guaranteeing that resale value, but Tesla CEO Elon Musk is personally standing behind that guarantee to give customers absolute peace of mind about the value of the asset they are purchasing. View full article