William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 25, 2013 This morning, Buick pulled back the curtain on the new 2014 LaCrosse that will be shown at the New York Auto Show later this week. Outside, Buick designers put a lot of focus on the LaCrosse's front and rear ends. The front features a new oversized waterfall grille, LED-trimmed headlights, and Buick's signature hood vents being moved from the top to the side of the hood. The rear end sees reshaped LED taillights, full-width chrome trim on the decklid, and a new fascia design. LaCrosse V6 models get revised exhaust finishers. Moving inside, the 2014 LaCrosse gets new seats, updated materials, and a redesigned center console that features less buttons (down from 17 buttons to 7). The latest version of Buick's IntellLink IntelliLink system graces the center stack's 8-inch touchscreen, and a set capacitive-touch climate controls are used to keep the interior simple and elegant. There is another 8-inch screen in the gauge cluster which is reconfigurable. New for the 2014 LaCrosse is the Ultra Luxury Interior Package, which adds Sangria and Ebony colors to the interior as well as semi-aniline leather seating, a faux suede headliner, and real wood trim. Also available are a number of safety features including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, lane change alert, side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, collision preparation (with collision mitigation braking), full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. Powertrains for the 2014 LaCrosse are carried over from the previous model. Base models come equipped with the 2.4L eAssist mild-hybrid system, while the 3.6L V6 is optional. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive can be optioned. The new LaCrosse arrives at dealers later this summer. Source: Buick 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 Buick Introduces the New 2014 LaCrosse -Elegant sedan featuring refreshed exterior with wing-shape LED lighting -New interior design with new seats and available Ultra Luxury Interior Package -New advanced technologies: next-gen IntelliLink, standard eight-inch color display instrument panel, camera- and radar-based safety features that work with General Motors-patented Safety Alert Seat NEW YORK – Buick today introduced the new 2014 LaCrosse, the evolution of the landmark luxury sedan that established the brand's modern sedan lineup with design leadership and technological innovation. The full-size LaCrosse offers new interior and exterior design cues, advanced safety technologies and enhanced in-vehicle connectivity. New front and rear styling, featuring signature wing-shape LED daytime running lamps and LED wraparound tail lamps, complements its sculpted exterior design. The interior is more contemporary, with new seats, enhanced materials, redesigned central instrument panel and console – and an all-new, available Ultra Luxury Interior Package. The cabin also incorporates Buick's next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system, with intuitive controls and natural voice recognition. New radar- and camera-based safety features help surround the new LaCrosse with protection. They include Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. GM's patented Safety Alert Seat works with these features, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat. Adaptive Cruise Control is also offered. It senses traffic in front of the LaCrosse to adjust vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again. "We evolved the interior and exterior design, increased luxury amenities and materials, and enhanced the safety and personal technologies to give customers more reasons than ever to rediscover Buick," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. Globally, LaCrosse sales have exceeded 500,000 since its 2009 introduction and U.S. sales topped 57,000 in 2012, making it more popular than many other full-size luxury sedans, including Lexus ES, Acura TL and Lincoln MKS. The 2014 LaCrosse is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models and offers two powertrains: a 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology or a 3.6L direct-injected V-6. Each is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. All models feature Buick's QuietTuning engineering process that reduces, blocks and absorbs unwanted noise from the LaCrosse's cabin, making it one of the quietest in the segment. The new LaCrosse makes its public debut at the New York International Auto Show, where it will be on display March 29-April 7. It goes on sale this summer. A more expressive design LaCrosse's flowing, sculpted styling helped redefine Buick's design language at its introduction in 2009. The 2014 LaCrosse introduces a more expressive interpretation of that successful design, with elements and cues that enhance the car's well-planted, wide stance. Highlights include: -New front fascia, sculpted hood and more prominent waterfall grille -Lower front active grille shutters are included on every model and close at highway speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag -New headlamp designs, with available Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge lamps (HID), Active Forward Lighting and LED wing-shape signature lighting -New rear fascia design and wraparound tail lamps with LED lighting. The LaCrosse's new appearance is instantly recognizable as a modern Buick and the LED lighting elements enhance its technologically advanced presence. The headlamp housings, for example, have a more angular appearance and LED signature accents that echo a familial appearance introduced on the 2013 Enclave crossover. They've also been positioned slightly outboard to reinforce the car's presence. The new Bi-Xenon headlamps incorporate new technology with enhanced brilliance that improves visibility, is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly (mercury-free). Active Forward Lighting is paired with these HID lamps, turning them with the direction of the front wheels to enhance visibility around corners. At the rear, a full-width chrome accent reinforces the car's stance, while fully enclosed exhaust outlets (3.6L models) are framed with a chrome finish within a new rear fascia. It's a more integrated appearance designed to show Buick's attention to detail. An integrated rear spoiler is incorporated in the trailing edge of the deck lid to help improve aerodynamic performance and new LED taillamps – in all-new, wraparound housings – provide a safety benefit by illuminate more quickly than conventional bulbs when the brakes are applied. In the front and rear, LaCrosse's new LED lamps continue the wing-shaped signature appearance that distinguishes Buicks day and night. New interior environment The 2014 LaCrosse's interior creates a more contemporary ambience and supports the integration of Buick's next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system. Highlights include: -New instrument panel "center stack" and integrated floor console with more storage -Configurable eight-inch color touch-screen in the center stack -Configurable eight-inch color electronic instrument panel display and gauge cluster -New, more comfortable front seats with four-way adjustable headrests -New door panels with revised door lock, seat memory and trunk release controls -New, available Ultra Luxury Interior Package with a synthetic suede headliner and pillars coverings, semi-aniline leather seating, authentic Tamo Ash wood trim and more. While the LaCrosse's new interior brings more amenities and enhanced personal technology with next-generation IntelliLink, it does so with greater simplicity. The new center stack radio controls, for example, have only seven buttons vs. the previous 17. The large, eight-inch color touch screen is designed to be easier to operate with intuitive controls and smartphone-influenced swipe recognition for easier navigation. Dual-zone climate controls also feature capacitive-touch operation and are framed in chrome. The rear-seat headrests fold down to enhance rearward visibility, while the new four-way adjustable front headrests are designed to provide a greater range of comfort, particularly for taller drivers. Four interior color/trim combinations are available for 2014: -Light Neutral seating/Cocoa accents, offered with cloth or Soleil Keisel leather seats and Kyoto Maple wood-style décor -Ebony, offered with cloth or Soleil Keisel leather seats and Cellini Wood décor -Choccachino seating/Cocoa accents, with Soleil Keisel leather seats with contrast stitching and Phantasm Wood-style décor Ultra Luxury Interior Package Sangria seating color and Ebony accents, with semi-aniline leather seats and trim, along with Shadow Tamo Ash wood décor, represents LaCrosse's new Ultra Luxury Interior Package. "The warm color combinations, premium interior materials and advanced technology in the 2014 LaCrosse provide the interior environment our discerning luxury customers are seeking," said Ven Lai, Buick creative designer for color and trim. The new Ultra Luxury Interior Package features premium semi-aniline leather. It covers the seats, console armrest and door armrests and is complemented by synthetic suede on the headliner and door pillars. The Sangria contrast color with the Ultra Luxury interior is exclusive to LaCrosse. QuietTuning LaCrosse's use of Buick's unique QuietTuning engineering defines Buick quality, sound and vibration characteristics and refinement by following a three-point strategy of reducing sounds at their source, blocking sounds from entering the cabin and absorbing any remaining sounds. LaCrosse's specific QuietTuning features include acoustical laminate on the windshield and front side glass; steel laminate on the front-of-dash body area; expanded baffles in the roof pillars; extensive use of melt-on sound deadeners throughout the entire lower body structure; and sound-absorbing material throughout LaCrosse's engine, passenger and cargo compartments. Next-generation IntelliLink Buick's next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system debuts on the 2014 LaCrosse. It offers more features designed for intuitive, easy-to-use functionality and incorporates a higher level of wireless connectivity and customized options building on the safety and security of OnStar. In addition to easily identifiable icons covering everything from navigation to phone to music apps such as Pandora, next-generation IntelliLink is designed to accommodate new features and enhancements and be highly customizable. It also features natural language voice recognition, which allows customers to safely place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do. The system can store up to 60 favorites, including radio stations (AM/FM/XM), contacts, destinations and music from other media. This feature is convenient for those who travel to the same destination regularly and want to save locations such as hotels and restaurants. On its eight-inch screen, customers can "fling" through lists, swipe and drag just as they would on a tablet or smartphone. Users with compatible smartphones can pair them with IntelliLink using Bluetooth or a USB connection. This gives customers the ability to play passengers' music or other media through the vehicle. Another feature allows customers whose LaCrosses are equipped with available embedded navigation to enter destinations in a single step, without having to enter the state, city, street number and street name in successive efforts. City-by-city weather reports are also provided. OnStar customers can access the service via the screen display or by the traditional Blue button. A new audio system conveys the music and radio selections called up through IntelliLink's myriad of infotainment options. Featuring seven standard speakers – including strategically placed tweeters and a subwoofer – the system was developed to complement LaCrosse's quiet, acoustically optimized interior with rich sound. An 11-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system is available. New safety features The 2014 LaCrosse employs new safety features with carefully developed directional alerts that help drivers quickly identify potential crash situations so they can react. They include radar- and camera-based features offered in two Driver Confidence packages: -Driver Confidence 1 package includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, High-Intensity Discharge headlamps with Active Forward Lighting, fog lamps and Head-Up Display. -Driver Confidence 2 package adds radar-based Forward Collision Alert, Collision Preparation (with Collision Mitigation Braking), full-speed-range Adaptive Cruise Control and the Safety Alert Seat. The Collision Mitigation Braking feature can intervene in certain crash-imminent situations, automatically triggering emergency braking if the driver fails to respond to a previous alert. The Safety Alert Seat vibrates on the left or right side, or both sides simultaneously, depending on the direction of the crash threat. The LaCrosse is one of the first vehicles to offer Lane Change Alert, which warns the driver of fast-approaching vehicles in the next lane that are up to 230 feet (70 meters) behind the car. LaCrosse's safety features also include eight standard air bags, including rear-seat thorax air bags, StabiliTrak, traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Intelligent Brake Assist. A rear-vision camera is available. Efficient, refined driving experience The LaCrosse is equipped with a choice of two efficient engines: the standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine with eAssist light electrification technology, rated at 182 horsepower (136 kW); and an available 3.6L V-6 rated at 304 horsepower (227 kW). Both are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. LaCrosse with eAssist uses a lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking capability. Instead of providing all-electric propulsion, the system provides power assistance to the internal combustion engine. The eAssist system also allows the engine to shut down fuel delivery in certain deceleration situations, which saves additional fuel. New 18-, 19- and 20-inch tires, along with revisions to some chassis and suspension elements, contribute to stronger handling across the model range, while new wheel designs – including LaCrosse's first 20-inch wheel – match driving experience with style. LaCrosse is also available with an advanced Haldex all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) that automatically decides how to distribute torque based on vehicle speed, throttle position and individual wheel slip. It also contributes to a refined driving experience, with minimal torque transferred to the rear wheels when all-wheel-drive traction isn't required, for a quieter, smoother ride. The LaCrosse Touring Package – available on 3.6L front-wheel-drive models with 19- or 20-inch wheels – includes real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity, which uses four electronically controlled dampers to constantly "read" the road and make adjustments within milliseconds. It also features Buick's HiPer Strut front suspension, which enhances ride and handling by reducing torque steer, delivering more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control and delivering improved impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces. Electric power steering is standard on models with the 2.4L engine, as well as 3.6L-equipped front-drive models. This technology helps save fuel by drawing energy only when the wheels are turned. It also contributes to the LaCrosse's driving experience with variable assistance at different vehicle speeds. About Buick Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan, Buick Verano sedan and the all-new 2013 Encore crossover. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick. 2014 BUICK LACROSSE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS Overview Model: 2014 LaCrosse FWD/AWD Body style / driveline: front-drive/all-wheel-drive, front-engine, four-door, five- passenger sedan Construction: integral EPA vehicle class: midsize sedan Manufacturing location: Fairfax (Kan.) Assembly Key competitors: Acura TL, Lexus ES350, Lincoln MKZ Engines Type: 2.4L DOHC I-4 3.6L V-6 VVT DI Displacement (cu in / cc): 145 / 2384 217 / 3564 Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98 3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 Block material: precision sand-cast aluminum cast aluminum Cylinder head material: cast aluminum cast aluminum Valvetrain: DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing Ignition system: individual coil-on-plug individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control Fuel delivery: direct injection and electronic throttle control direct injection Compression ratio: 11.2:1 11.5:1 Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm SAE certified 304 / 227 @ 6800 SAE certified Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): 172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm SAE certified 264 / 358 @ 5300 SAE certified Recommended fuel: regular unleaded regular unleaded or E85 (E85 capability not available in Northeast states with PZEV emissions) Emissions controls: close-coupled, catalytic converter; continuously variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system; supplemental air injection system, partial zero emissions vehicle capable (eAssist) dual close-coupled catalysts and single underfloor catalyst; variable valve timing, evaporative system Fuel economy (city / hwy): TBD TBD Transmissions Type: Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic Application: 2.4L four-cylinder 3.6L V-6 Gear ratios: (:1): First: 4.58 4.48 Second: 2.96 2.87 Third: 1.91 1.84 Fourth 1.45 1.41 Fifth: 1.00 1.00 Sixth: 0.75 0.74 Reverse: 2.94 2.88 Final drive ratio: 2.64 2.77 Electric Drive System (for eAssist) Type: belt-driven, liquid-cooled motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack Maximum electric generating power: 15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm Maximum electric motor torque (cranking): 110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist): 79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1,000 rpm Maximum electric motor power (electric assist): 15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1,000-2,200 rpm Lithium-ion battery: 115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power Chassis / Suspension Suspension (front): MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar (eAssist and 3.6L FWD/AWD without Touring Package); HiPer Strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar; real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with Touring Package) Suspension (rear): four-link (eAssist and 3.6L FWD without Touring Package); H-arm (3.6L AWD); H-arm with real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with Touring Package) Steering type: electric variable-effort power steering (eAssist and FWD V-6); power variable-effort: (AWD models) Steering ratio: 15.2:1 Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.75 Turning circle (ft / m): 36.8 / 11.2 (eAssist); 38.8 / 11.75 Brakes Type: split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): V-6: front: 12.6 x 1.2 / 321 x 30 (vented) rear: 12.4 x 0.9 / 315 x 23 (vented) eAssist: front: 11.7 x 1.2 / 296 x 30 (vented) rear: 11.5 x 0.47 / 292 x 12 (solid) Wheels / Tires Wheel size and type: 17-in machined alloy (std w/ eAssist) 18-in machine-faced alloy, painted (std on 1SB, 1SL, 1SP FWD V-6) 19-in painted, machined alloy (std on 1SL, 1SP AWD V-6) 19-in chrome alloy (std on 1SP FWD V-6, and opt on 1SL FWD V-6) 20-in alloy (std on 1SR) Tires: P235/50R17 low rolling-resistance all-season (std w/ eAssist) P235/50R18 all-season P245/45R19 all-season P245/40R20 all-season Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase (in / mm): 111.7 / 2837 Overall length (in / mm): 197 / 5001 Overall width (in / mm): 73.1 / 1857 Overall height (in / mm): 59.2 / 1504 Track (in / mm): front: 61.7 / 1567 rear: 62 / 1575 Curb weight (lb / kg): 3765 / 1708 (eAssist – estimated) 3906 / 1772 (3.6L V-6 – estimated) Interior Seating capacity: 2 / 3 Headroom (in / mm): front: 38 / 965 rear: 37.3 / 947 Legroom (in / mm): front: 41.7 / 1059 rear: 40.5 / 1029 Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 57.4 / 1459 rear: 56 / 1423 Hip room (in / mm): front: 55.2 / 1402 rear: 53.9 / 1369 Capacities EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): 99 / 2805 Passenger volume (cu ft / L): 101.7 / 2878 Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 10.8 / 306 (2.4L eAssist) 13.3 / 376 (3.6L V-6) Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): 1000 / 454 (3.6L V-6) Fuel capacity (gal / L): 15.7 / 59.4 (eAssist) 18 / 70 (3.6L V-6) Engine oil (qt / L): 5 / 4.7 (2.4L) 5.5 / 5.2 (3.6L) Cooling system ( qt / L): 9.6 /12 (2.4L) 7.6 / 7.2 (3.6L) View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 25, 2013 For a time, young buyers that wanted a vehicle ventured towards the Japanese brand since they offered the features and content they were looking for. Now the tide is changing with younger buyers going towards American and Korean brands. Bloomberg gathered data from Edmunds and R.L. Polk which showed American automakers increased their share of retail registrations by 1.9% with 18 to 24 year olds and 1.5% with 25 to 34 year olds since 2008. Korean automakers saw the largest jump in retail registrations with a 6.8% increase in 18 to 24 year olds and 5.1% increase in 25 to 34 year olds. Japanese automakers have been taking brunt of the loss with a drop of 9.8% in 18 to 24 year old group and a 7.7% drop in the 25 to 34 year old group. Japanese automakers still dominate the 35 and under crowd with 43% percent of sales going to them. So what are the American and Korean automaker doing to claw some of these sales? Building vehicles that appeal to young buyers. "U.S. automakers have burst onto the scene in recent years with small, fuel-efficient and affordable cars that really appeal to a young set of buyers," said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with Edmunds. Source: Bloomberg 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 March 24, 2013 Even though we are coming to the end of Auto Show season, the leaks about what new vehicles will make their debut are coming still. Case in point are some shots that are reportedly the new 2014 Cadillac CTS. While the shots don't reveal the entire vehicle, they do show the CTS' new front end which features a larger grille and strips of LEDs running from the fog lights and continue to the top of the headlights. Also shown is the rear end and one of the door panels. The door panel shot has us curious since it seems Cadillac is really stepping up in the interior materials. We're not sure if these shots are the real deal or not, but we can say they do match up with previous spy shots. We'll find out if its the real deal not when the 2014 CTS makes it debut later this week at the New York Auto Show. Update: Now with more complete shots -dd Source: upcomingvehiclesx's flickr 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 March 24, 2013 The Ford Raptor doesn't have any competition. Okay, you could make the argument that the Ram Runner is the closest one. The difference between the two is that the Raptor is built on the production line, while the Ram Runner is built at a dealership after a buyer buys the modifications necessary. That could be an item of the past for Ram as Chrysler debates whether to offer it as a production model. “My boss would really like us to try to do a little more research on the Raptor and how it does (in the market),” said Pat Dougherty, the vice president of Mopar parts, sales and field operations. “If we could see that the volume was significant enough that it makes sense to do it, we’ll do it. But if we don’t, then we’ll continue to do it the way we do it.” 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 March 24, 2013 More MKZs are coming! That's what in essence Ford's president of the Americas, Joe Hinrichs said last Thursday after a supplier event at Ford's Dearborn campus. "We expect to have a rather large amount of vehicles in the delivery process … in the last 10 days of the month," Hinrichs said. Hinrichs explained that Lincoln MKZs aren't being shipped no longer being shipped from Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico plant, to another plant in Flat Rock for additional inspection and repairs. The reason for the additional inspection and repairs is due to Ford's recent track record of new vehicles not having a smooth introduction (see the Escape and Fusion as examples). When asked about problems Lincoln were addressing with the MKZ, Hinrichs didn't go into detail. "I don't want to blame the supply base. We've had our own internal issues as well." Even with the delay, Hinrichs said Lincoln has minimized the number of customers going to another brand by offering extended leases until MKZs reach dealers. We're not quite how many customers Lincoln has kept since sales in last two months have dropped by 25%, mostly in part of the small number of MKZs on dealer lots. Source: The Detroit News 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 March 22, 2013 File this under the 'long stretch' folder, Motor Trend is reporting that the upcoming Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon could be coming with a diesel engine. A source tells Motor Trend that the plant where the all-new Colorado/Canyon midsize truck will be built for the U.S. is currently tooling up a line to build diesel engines. The engine could be one of two diesels offered at the moment: a 2.5L with 150 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.8L with 180 horsepower and either 324 pound-feet with a manual and 346 pound-feet with an automatic. 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 22, 2013 Automotive News is reporting that Mazda is planning to launch the new Mazda3 compact later this fall. This information comes from three Mazda dealers who were informed by the company about this plan. The Mazda3, while getting up there in age, still remains a vital model for Mazda. Last year, the 3 captured 6% of the compact market, well above the 1.9% market share Mazda had last year. The next 3 will will adopt the Mazda's Kodo design language seen on the Mazda6 and CX-5. The 3 will also feature the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies, inlcuding a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine. 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 21, 2013 Hyundai is giving us a sneak peak at a new concept that will be shown at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show. Called the HND-9, this concept could give us a preview of what the next Genesis coupe looks like. The sketches show the HND-9 pulling the dramatic card out with an Aston Martin-esq front end and large rear haunches. There is also a set of gullwing doors. Power comes from a direct-injection, turbocharged 3.3L V6 engine making 365 horsepower. That's mated to a eight-speed automatic and puts the power to the rear-wheels. We'll have more details when the HND-9 comes out next week. Source: Hyundai 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 Luxury Sports Coupe Concept HND-9 - The HND-9 hints at Hyundai's next-generation luxury sports coupe design - More details to be revealed at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show March 21, 2013 – Hyundai Motor Company, the fastest-growing automaker by brand, today unveiled exterior renderings of the 'HND-9', its latest luxury sports coupe concept. The 'HND-9' represents an evolution of Hyundai's fluidic sculpture design philosophy. The ninth concept model developed by Hyundai Motor Group's R&D Center in Namyang, Korea, the HND-9 features sophisticated details in every design element, reinforcing a premium look. In particular, the HND-9, with its dramatic long hood and wheelbase, is a modern reinterpretation of the elegant image of a classic premium sports coupe. Fluidic yet sleek character lines that stretch from headlamp to trunk, voluminous, powerful car body and a striking, wide hexagonal-shaped radiator grille underscore the high performance image of the concept. Furthermore, butterfly doors, spiral-shaped lines connected to the headlamp, softly glistening silver coating, dual twin muffler and uniquely designed head and rear lamps give the car a sleek futuristic look. As a rear-wheel drive, high-performance sports coupe concept, HND-9 is equipped with 3.3- liter turbo GDi engine and 8-speed auto transmission, delivering maximum output of 370ps. The HND-9 is set to make its world debut during Hyundai's press conference on March 28 at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show. More details of the concept's design and its cutting-edge technologies will be revealed at the show. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 21, 2013 Jeep is making some very ambitious goals with the introduction of the new 2014 Cherokee. One of those goals is to produce 250,000 Cherokees annually at Jeep's Toledo, Ohio plant. "We are going to build almost half-a-million cars a year here in Toledo. We are going to do 220,000 with the Wrangler and we are going to do 250,000 on the Cherokee side," said Bruce Baumhower, president of UAW Local 12. Whether Jeep meets this ambitious goal or not with the new Cherokee remains to be seen. Jeep does have a couple things going for it though. For starters, the Cherokee name in the nineties was a very popular vehicle, selling more than 100,000 Cherokees annually. Second is that demand for Jeep vehicles in Europe has been rising. Source: Detroit Free Press 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