William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 11, 2013 Tesla is quietly pushing back the start of production for their next model, the Model X. Originally Tesla said production of the Model X crossover would begin this year, with sales beginning in early 2014. However in a filling with Securities and Exchange Commission, Tesla push back the production date to 2014. "We currently plan to start production of Model X in late 2014. We anticipate that we will make Model X available with 60 kWh and 85 kWh battery pack options, with pricing of each version similar to those of a comparably equipped Model S. We currently intend to target an annual production rate of approximately 10,000 -15,000 cars per year from our Tesla Factory," Tesla said in their filling. So why the delay for the Model X? Tesla spokeswoman Shanna Hendriks told the Los Angeles Times the company is focusing on the production of the Model S, which is expected to reach 20,000 units this year. Source: Los Angeles Times, Securities and Exchange Commission 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 11, 2013 Volvo is reconsidering a earlier decision on not selling the V60 Wagon in the U.S. to help bolster Volvo's somewhat small lineup. When Volvo launched the V60 in Europe two years ago, the decision was made not sell it in the U.S. due to a lack of demand for wagon models. But since that time, Volvo's lineup has decreased from ten to six models. That will soon be down to five when the C70 bids adieu later this year. This leaves Volvo dealers in the U.S. in a tough spot since there isn't any new products coming around the bend until 2015, the year of the new XC90. Doug Speck, Volvo's global head of marketing, sales and customer service says a decision on whether the V60 will be sold in the U.S. will be made by the end of the second quarter. 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 11, 2013 Mercedes-Benz has set forth an ambitious goal for its AMG arm: 30,000 vehicles sold by 2017, a 50% increase from the 20,000 vehicles sold annually. How are they planning to pull this off? By adding more models. Ola Kallenius, head of AMG told Autocar that they plan to have thirty models on sale by 2017. The new A45 AMG shown at the Geneva Motor Show is the first model as part of this plan. Source: Autocar 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 11, 2013 When Lincoln pulled the plug on the Town Car, livery companies cried. For them it was the perfect vehicle since it offered the right amount of and bulletproof reliability that is needed for this line of work. Lincoln is offering Livery companies the MKT Town Car which offers more space than the outgoing Town Car, but it doesn't seem many liveries are picking one up. Because of this, automakers like Cadillac and even Toyota are courting livery companies to their sedans. Realizing that not all livery companies want a MKT in their fleet, Lincoln announced they would be making a livery version of the MKS sedan. Shown at the 2013 International LCT Show, the MKS Livery sedan will be available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive versions and have a starting price of $43,865. Source: Lincoln 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 8, 2013 Besides getting a new name in 2014, the JX35 (soon to be QX60) will also be adding a new hybrid model to be shown at the New York Auto Show later this month. The QX60 Hybrid will use a 2.5L supercharged four-cylinder mated to a 15 kW electric motor, which will be rated at a combined 250 horsepower, only 15 horsepower short of the non-hybrid QX60. Like the non-hybrid model, the hybrid will use a CVT. A lithium-ion battery pack sits underneath the third-row seat. Infiniti says the QX60 Hybrid will return an estimated 26 MPG combined; a 24% increase when compared to the normal QX60. Source: Infiniti 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 Infiniti Announces New Hybrid Version of 2014 Infiniti QX60 Premium Crossover 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid set for world debut at upcoming New York International Auto Show Features Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® one-motor / two-clutch system adapted to front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive Inspired design offers anticipated combined fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon, which is expected to be best-in-class for any 7-passenger luxury crossover – without any reduction in passenger or luggage space Offered with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, joins Infiniti lineup in summer 2013 with a premium over non-hybrid QX60 of about $3,000 M.S.R.P FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. today announced that a new gasoline electric hybrid model will join the 2014 Infiniti QX60 premium crossover lineup in the United States this summer, following its world debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. With the addition of the new QX60 Hybrid to the Q70 Hybrid (currently available as the M Hybrid) and previously announced Q50 Hybrid, Infiniti will have a trio of advanced Direct Response Hybrids for the 2014 model year. The new Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to realize 26 miles per gallon fuel economy (combined city/highway driving) – a 24 percent increase over non-hybrid QX60 models and is projected to have best 7-passenger fuel efficiency in the segment.* Most significantly, it does so with absolutely no compromise of performance, interior roominess or cargo space compared to non-hybrid QX60 models. The new Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to be priced about $3,000 USD above the non-hybrid models, providing reduced emissions, enhanced fuel economy and extended driving range without a major price premium. Launched in early 2012 as the Infiniti JX35, the Infiniti QX60 has quickly become one of the most popular vehicles in the expanding luxury crossover market. It is also one of Infiniti's best-selling models, second only to the current Infiniti G line, and has grown Infiniti's presence in the premium market by capturing family buyers with its advanced 7-passenger/3-row seating and stunning exterior and interior styling. The new QX60 Hybrid will be powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged engine and 15 kW electric motor connected to an advanced CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Net system horsepower is estimated at 250 horsepower. Based on technology found in the Infiniti M35h Hybrid, the QX60 Hybrid's Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® system uses a compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. The result is a delivery of power equivalent to the 3.5-liter V6 but with 4-cylinder fuel economy. An Intelligent Regenerative Braking system partially recharges the battery during vehicle braking. In addition, with use of the compact Li-ion battery located under the 3rd row seat, the QX60 Hybrid maintains its flat rear floor for easier passenger access to the rear seats and no impact to cargo room. The QX60 Hybrid will also offer a wide range of available advanced technologies, such as Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) and Around View® Monitor. More information about the 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid will be available following its official media unveiling on March 27. The 2013 New York International Auto Show public days run from Friday March 29 through Sunday April 7 at Jacob Javits Center. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 8, 2013 Only being on sale for just over a year, Toyota is already working on a mid-cycle refresh on the GT86 coupe (Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ in the states). This news comes from the chief engineer Tetsuya Tada. Tada also revealed that Toyota is considering doing a high performance model. “We are already working on a mid-life facelift for the car, and we are investigating both turbocharging and supercharging too. But an electric motor assistance solution is also possible, and would bring benefits that forced induction does not,” Tada told Autocar. Using a hybrid system to increase the performance in the GT86 is an interesting option. Tada explains that using a hybrid system could provide a huge boost in low-rpm torque for the engine without affecting throttle response or compromising on fuel economy or emissions. This would add weight to the coupe, but Tada said the weight could be offset somewhat by further weight loss of the vehicle. “Our TRD tuning department has found it easy to take 100kg out of the kerbweight, and have developed certain underbody fins and plates that can be employed to alter the dynamic balance of the car, to increase or reduce oversteer at medium and high speeds. They have quite a pronounced effect." Source: Autocar 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 8, 2013 If you have been keeping track on the whole pile of rumors concerning the next-generation Focus RS, you would know that the engine being talked about would possibly be shared with the next-generation Mustang. The engine in question is a turbocharged 2.3L unit that will be based on the Focus ST's 2.0L and produce somewhere in the range of 300+ horsepower. Now for some bad news for those who were hoping for a return of the Mustang SVO in the states. Edmunds is reporting that that the four-cylinder will only be available for European customers when introduced. The reason for this is that the V8 Mustang would be taxed higher due to high emissions. The four-cylinder option allows Ford to offer a lower-emissions model which means less tax. Source: Edmunds UPDATE: So the U.S. will be getting the four-cylinder turbocharged Mustang, at least that is what Road & Track is reporting. R&T is also saying the turbo-four will not be the base engine, most likely sitting between the V6 and V8 engines. Our thoughts? We're going to be on the wait and see if this happens or not. Source: Road & Track 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 7, 2013 While many of us are still somewhat recovering from the madness that is the Geneva Motor Show, automakers are turning their attention to the next big show in New York. Hyundai has announced today that New York would be the place where they introduce the revised 2014 Equus. Hyundai released a teaser shot and says the 2014 Equus will come with more than 30 updates, including exterior and interior design tweaks, a revised suspension, improved materials, and new "driver technology displays." However the sleuths at CarScoops figured out that Hyundai has already revealed the 2014 Equus. Back in December, Hyundai introduced the refreshed Equus in South Korea. Judging from the shots Hyundai released in December and the teaser shot, it was figured out to be one in the same. Source: Hyundai, CarScoops 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 NEW YORK, Mar. 27, 2013 – Hyundai Motor America today will introduce the significantly enhanced 2014 Equus premium luxury sedan in a North American debut at the New York International Auto Show. The Equus freshening includes more than 30 new and enhanced features, including: - - Exterior and interior design elements - - Ride, handling and vehicle control dynamics - - Interior material quality - - Driver technology displays - - Advanced safety features View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 7, 2013 General Motors CEO Dan Akerson made some ambitious announcements at a energy conference in Houston, TX on Wednesday. For starters, Akerson said General Motors has a goal of reducing vehicle weight by 15% by 2016. This will be accomplished by using lightweight materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, and magnesium. Akerson says the move to lightweight materials could improve fuel economy by more than 6.5%. Akerson also said the company is working on two electric vehicles; one that comes with a 100 Mile range and another vehicle with a 200 Mile range. "There will be breakthroughs in battery technology, they're on the horizon. We're actually developing a car today which is really anathema to the way the auto industry works: We're running a dual play on the technology to see which one will succeed. One will result in" a 100-mile range, "the other will be a 200-mile range," Akerson said. While GM is embracing its green and efficiency side, Akerson reassured everyone that future GM models would still be desirable. “But if you’re worried that we’re going to throw safety, comfort and performance out of the window to get there, you can breathe easy,” Akerson said. Akerson confirmed that the automaker will continue to produce V8 engines, mostly for Camaro, Corvette, and truck customers. Akerson went onto to say that internal combustion engines will be sticking around thanks to advancements such as direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and cylinder deactivation. Akerson also promoted commercial trucks and vans powered by compress natural gas, and called on the Obama Administration to form a commission to evaluate the nation’s energy framework every five years for the next three decades. 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 7, 2013 When Jeep released some of the shots of the new 2014 Cherokee before its official debut at the New York Auto Show, it was open season on the web as most everyone dog-piled on the looks of it. However Chrysler’s design chief, Ralph Gilles is standing behind it. Talking with Wards Auto, Gilles explained that the Cherokee marks the next step in the evolution of the design for Jeep. “When you contrast it to the outgoing Liberty…I think it’s a huge departure, obviously from the previous one. But it’s also going to be seen as very current in the way that Jeep has evolved its aesthetic to a very contemporary place. That was very much a purpose for us,” Gilles said. Mark Allen, head of Jeep design says the Cherokee's design had one goal in mind: to make sure people want to buy the Cherokee five years from now. “Our head was in 2019. It’s not a big square box. It’s a little more efficient looking than the Liberty. Our No.1 goal was efficiency, and if we’re going to make an efficient Jeep, it’s gotta look efficient first off,” Allen told Wards. 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 7, 2013 One vehicle that some of us thought would make its debut and didn't was the next-generation S-Class. But we now know when Mercedes-Benz is planning to show it. Diamler Chairman Dieter Zetsche told Autocar that the next S-Class will be shown in May in Hamburg, Germany. "The S-class is the most important car of all to us. Its success makes us stronger going forward," said Zetsche. Source: Autocar 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