William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 13, 2013 The new few days are going to busy with coverage of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. But don't fret, we'll be proving a one stop shop of stories and links from Detroit here. Concept Vehicles: Acura MDX Prototype Acura NSX Concept (Now with an Interior) BMW 4-Series Coupe Ford Atlas Honda Urban SUV Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Lincoln MKC Nissan Resonance Toyota Corolla Furia Volkswagen CrossBlue Volkswagen Passat Performance Production Vehicles: 2014 Audi RS7 2014 Audi SQ5 2013 BMW 320i 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe 2014 Cadillac ELR 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2013 Dodge Dart GT 2014 Infiniti Q50 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and SRT 2014 Kia Cadenza 2014 Lexus IS 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 2013 Nissan Leaf 2014 Nissan Versa Note 2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S News Hyundai Teases The HCD-14 Concept Is Lexus Hinting A Return Of The IS Sport Cross? Leaks From Honda, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen 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 January 13, 2013 Lincoln has revealed their MKC crossover concept a day before its official introduction at the Detroit Auto Show and gives us an indication of what a production model could look like when its introduced later this year. The MKC Concept's overall look is Lincoln's best attempt at distancing themselves from a similar Ford model. The look is a mishmash of Lincoln MKZ, Range Rover Evoque, and Ford Escape. The front end features winged grille with some LED headlamps sitting on either side. Around back, Lincoln designers cut into the bodysides for the rear hatch, giving it a smooth, uninterrupted look. Inside the MKC Concept, Lincoln pulled a few ideas from the MKZ. There are Lincoln logos embedded in the seat, door stitchings, and even the speakers' grilles. Also, designers put in a floating center console to make room for storage cubbies and cupholders and a push button shifter. Source: Lincoln Album: Lincoln MKC Concept 11 images 0 comments 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 MKC Concept New Opportunity for Lincoln > Lincoln MKC Concept debuts at 2013 North American International Auto Show – Lincoln's first-ever small vehicle > Small luxury utility concept signals future Lincoln entry into industry's fastest-growing segment > MKC Concept introduces the "Lincoln Experiences" suite of technology and signature content to enhance the driving and ownership experience DETROIT, Jan. 13, 2013 – Lincoln today introduces the MKC Concept, a vision of how Lincoln will enter the industry's fastest-growing small luxury utility segment. With nearly 60 percent growth in 2012 and more than 200 percent in the last four years, the small luxury utility segment has far eclipsed all other luxury segments. The opportunity is a key next step in Lincoln's strategy to grow with four all-new vehicles targeted at the highest-growth segments over the next four years. "We are reinventing Lincoln by focusing on the largest and fastest-growing segments of the luxury market, while offering clients something different," said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. "The just-introduced MKZ re-establishes Lincoln in the largest luxury segment, and the MKC Concept highlights a key opportunity in the fastest-growing part of the luxury market." This segment growth is being driven at both ends of the demographic spectrum. Many new buyers are coming into affluence and purchasing their first luxury vehicle. Others are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones to simplify their lives. This growth includes China, where Lincoln will begin selling in the second half of 2014 through independent dealers. Creating 'Lincoln Experiences' Lincoln is being reinvented in every way – from a complete new lineup of stunningly designed vehicles to how dealerships provide surprising personal client services and how drivers engage with their vehicles. The goal is to appeal to a new type of luxury clients considered cultural progressives, who are open to new ideas and experiences. In current and future vehicles, these "Lincoln Experiences" will include a variety of distinctive features, such as push-button transmission engagement, programmable ride control, unique and diverse powertrains, personalized lighting, and a suite of customizable functions that are unique for each client as the vehicle instantly recognizes the operator and creates a personalized welcoming sequence. Future Lincolns also will combine these unique experiences with the option of stunning, bespoke interior and exterior design appointments that will transcend typical luxury automotive standards, furthering the brand's transformation. The MKC Concept explores many of these transformative ideas. Exterior design The MKC Concept builds on the foundation of the Lincoln Design DNA found in the new MKZ. These warm, open and inviting design cues are a core element of the brand's heritage. "The MKC Concept has a wonderful stance and sits beautifully on its wheels," said Murat Gueler, MKC Concept lead exterior designer. "It has a sleek, sculpted body and wheel arches and elegant shoulders. The lines of the vehicle appear relatively simple on first look but with a second view reveal a dynamic three dimensionality. "The Lincoln design team has done an outstanding job with the MKC Concept in communicating Lincoln's design vision for reaching a new and discerning clientele." An uninterrupted, highly crafted rear-view appearance highlights the signature full-width taillamps. This is made possible by a liftgate design with a side-view cutline – a Lincoln first. It shows how the dedicated Lincoln design and engineering teams have worked together to deliver customer-focused solutions that not only elevate the appearance, but also provide maximum load capability. "This approach eliminates the traditional vertical cutline on the rear seen on utilities, which in turn contributes to the athletic presence of the vehicle," Gueler said. The continuity also is apparent in the execution of the frameless windows, which amplify the richness of the design, as does the signature split-wing grille. The exterior is augmented by warm, cream-based white metallic tri-coat paint, 20-inch premium wheels with polished chrome rims, and a large fixed panoramic roof that runs the length of the vehicle. Interior design, colors and materials High-end bespoke design, materials and execution inspire the four-passenger interior. "There is a significant upgrade in materials and a stylish, fashion-oriented package. The materials are combined with progressive combinations and uses of stitching and colors," said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief. Just like MKZ – which sets the tone for the brand's thoughtful new approach to design – the MKC Concept features a distinct push-button gear shift selector. This enables a flowing, expressive and architectural center console design covered with riveting details, and unique colors and materials. The headliner is wrapped with high-end material, providing a warm and luxurious feel. The pillars are wrapped with premium leather. The seats also feature premium leather and include a unique embroidered Lincoln Star and crimson stitch accents. The Lincoln Star lattice also is subtly placed on the MKC Concept's floor mats to complement the lattice design in the speaker mesh, light fixtures and lug-nut covers. The smooth leather also wraps the door trim uppers, armrests, bolsters, console side rails, instrument panel and cargo area. "There is a rich softness to the exterior and interior palette of the MKC Concept," said Susan Lampinen, group chief designer, Color & Material Design. "The leather-wrapped architecture complements the open-pore and designer hand-dyed woods." Other refined details include finishes like appliqués cut from layers of reconstructed natural wood infused with a metallic flake for a glistening effect on the steering wheel, upper instrument panel and door panels. A true Lincoln "The Lincoln MKC Concept is designed to strike a perfect balance between warm, inviting comfort and the engaging and superb dynamic qualities of performance, ride, handling and braking," said Farley. "This balance is focused toward a new luxury automotive client emerging in the marketplace – someone who recognizes a great vehicle and demands a balance between all-out performance and comfort." View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 11, 2013 Honda could be joining Volkswagen and Ford with sharing platforms for a number of vehicles to reduce costs and increase sales. According to The Nikkei, Honda is looking at using a common platform for the Accord, Civic, and CR-V. The three models would share 40 to 50% parts when the next generation models would arrive from 2015 to 2017. Currently, the Civic and CR-V share around 20% of parts and neither model shares with the Accord. Honda is also planning to increase global sales, setting a goal of 6 million vehicles by 2016. Source: Fox Business 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 January 11, 2013 At the unveiling of the first production model of the new Opel Adam, GM Europe president Steve Girsky and vice CEO Thomas Sedran went into more detail about the company's multibillion-dollar restructuring plan dubbed Drive! 2022. The plan, which was which was approved six weeks ago by GM's board, would take place in three phases. Phase one would see the company “cut the cash flow gap” between expenditure and income Phase two will involve the company launching twenty-three new vehicles, thirteen new engines, and technologies to break even in 2016 Phase three will see the company introduce new commercial vehicles, improve sales in Russia, and increase plant utilization to 90% Girsky says some of the work has already been done. In 2012, Opel and Vauxhall introduced six new vehicles, sold more than a million vehicles, cut the stock of unsold vehicles, reconfigured two plants, and made the decision to close the Bochum plant in 2016. Source: Autocar Related Story: Opel Announces The Closure Of Bochum Plant In 2016, Loss of 3,300 Jobs William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

I'm expecting a name change if this model comes to fruition. Jetta CC is a possibility or maybe the codename of SC is chosen. Yes?

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 10, 2013 Back in March, we reported on a rumor that Volkswagen would be planning a smaller four-door coupe as a way to grow their market share in the U.S. and China. Codenamed SC (short for Sport Coupe), the model would be based on Volkswagen's MQB platform and come out sometime in 2015. Now in the new year, Auto Express has some new information on the SC. Auto Express' report says the SC would be called the Golf CC and use the MQB platform that will underpin the next generation Golf Wagon (Jetta Wagon for us in the states) and the Audi A3 sedan. The European market would get a 1.4L turbo four-cylinder and a 2.0L turbodiesel four-cylinder. The U.S. would get larger engines. There is also talk of a GTI model. The Golf CC is expected to roll out sometime in 2015. Source: Auto Express Related Story: Rumorpile: Volkswagen Adding A Smaller CC 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