William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 8, 2013 Eight months after Google became the first company to be licensed by the state of Nevada to test autonomous vehicles on public roads, Audi becomes the first automaker to be licensed. The German automaker is no stranger to autonomous vehicles. In 2010, a specially-built TTS took on the Pikes Peak Climb, finishing the course in 27 minutes. Audi will use its license to continue developing and refining its autonomous system, which the automaker equates to auto-pilot system on a plane. Audi's vision for the system would have the driver allowing the vehicle to perform mundane tasks like stop-and-go traffic and parking, while still letting the driver have control when needed. Source: Audi 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 Nevada grants Audi the first automaker permit to operate autonomous vehicles on public roads • Audi gets second-ever license from the state to test Audi piloted driving • Audi piloted driving and parking technology will be a focus at 2013 CES • Audi has been an autonomous driving pioneer through work by its Electronics Research Lab in Silicon Valley and Stanford University The State of Nevada issued to Audi only the second license allowing the testing of autonomous vehicles on the state's public roads. This makes Audi the first automotive original equipment manufacturer to obtain this special permit. The first license went to technology giant Google. Audi has been at the forefront of autonomous driving research. Among the early highlights was the 2010 achievement of the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research car on the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb course in Colorado. That Audi research car, developed jointly by the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Lab in Silicon Valley and Stanford University, autonomously completed the 156-turn, 12.42-mile Pikes Peak circuit in just 27 minutes. Today, Audi defines autonomous driving capabilities in terms of piloted parking and piloted driving. The term "piloted" is used advisedly, as Audi envisions motorists enjoying the convenience of allowing the car to handle mundane stop-and-go driving conditions, for example, while still being able to take control of the car when needed. In this way, the technology is similar to auto-pilot systems found on jetliners. Likewise, autonomous, or piloted parking, would let future Audi models park safely without a driver at the wheel in in tight parking spaces. Audi will provide updates on strategies involving its Audi piloted driving and piloted parking technologies at the Audi booth during the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show Jan. 8-11, 2013. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 8, 2013 Back in late December, we reported that the fate of Chevrolet's current tagline, 'Chevy Runs Deep' would be decided within the first quarter of 2013. Today, Chevrolet has officially announced a new tagline, 'Find New Roads'. The new tagline will become the brand's global advertising message as Chevrolet begins its push to sell vehicles in 140 countries. “It’s more of an internal mantra as well as our external tagline. A lot of work is going on with our dealerships, a lot of work with our employees. This is just a continuation of that work and really bringing everything under one global vision,” said GM spokeswoman Cristi Vazquez to the Detroit Free Press. The new tagline will premiere in early February. Source: Detroit Free Press, General Motors William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Related Story: Fate Of 'Chevy Runs Deep' To Be Decided In 2013 Press Release is on Page 2 Chevrolet Will ‘Find New Roads’ as Brand Grows Globally Aligns around the world behind singular vision 2013-01-08 DETROIT – Chevrolet is the world’s fastest-growing major automotive brand and as it continues to expand its global operations it is aligning its engineering, design and retail operations behind a single vision and communications platform – Find New Roads. The foundation of this new guiding principle is Chevrolet’s legacy of innovation and commitment to doing the right thing for consumers. Find New Roads will be the touchstone for the brand as it develops new products and technologies for sale in more than 140 markets. “Find New Roads embraces the spirit of ingenuity that has been in Chevrolet’s DNA since the beginning and it will continue to guide every aspect of our business moving forward,” said Mary Barra, senior vice president of Global Product Development. “We have sold Chevrolets around the world for almost a century, but this is the first time we have aligned behind one global vision. “As we develop new products our designers and engineers will be empowered to find smarter solutions to address customer needs and make their lives better.” Since the launch of the Cruze mid-size sedan – the brand’s first truly global vehicle – in 2009, Chevrolet sales have grown about 38 percent. “This is the right time to launch this initiative with over 20 vehicle launches globally in 2013,” said Alan Batey, vice president, U.S. Sales, Service and Global Marketing. “We are continuing to grow globally, especially in key emerging markets, and Find New Roads will help us drive even more consistency – both internally with our employees and externally with customers.” Chevrolet’s approach to marketing and the retail experience is already aligning with this new global vision. Last year Chevrolet selected Commonwealth, a newly formed advertising agency, to service Chevrolet advertising around the world. The brand also has launched a program to train dealership personnel to approach every aspect of their business differently to improve the retail experience. In addition to driving internal consistency for Chevrolet, Find New Roads also will be used in advertising around the world, beginning in the United States this quarter. “Find New Roads will enable the whole company to rally around a consistent theme for the brand, and at the same time serve as an external message that works in all markets,” said Batey. “The theme has meaning in mature markets like the U.S. as well as emerging markets like Russia and India, where the potential for continued growth is the greatest.” View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 8, 2013 Dodge will be expanding the Dart lineup with the introduction of the new GT model at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Hitting Dodge dealerships later in the year, the GT uses a 2.4L TigerShark MultiAir2 four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque that goes through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. There is also sports suspension with frequency sensing damping shocks, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and and integrated exhaust tips. On the outside, the GT model gets black elements in the front bumper, headlights and grille, body-color door handles, GT badging, and twelve different exterior colors. Inside, the GT gets plenty of luxury and technology appointments including perforated and heated, 10-way adjustable Nappa leather seats; heated steering wheel, dual zone automatic climate control, 8.4-inch touch-screen Uconnect interface, a reconfigurable digital instrument cluster, a backup camera, and an optional Alpine sound system with 10 speakers. Dodge says the Dart GT will start at $20,995 (excluding destination charges). Source: Dodge 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 2013 Dodge Dart GT Model to Debut at North American International Auto Show Dart GT model hits the mark with 184 horsepower, premium Nappa leather and a sport-tuned suspension that caters to the driving enthusiast for a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of only $20,995 - Dart GT is powered by the 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 four-cylinder engine, which produces 184 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, providing just the right balance of power and fuel efficiency - New 2013 Dart GT model features a sport suspension with frequency-sensing damping shocks that delivers ride and handling attributes designed to cater to driving enthusiasts - Unique exterior and interior design elements, including standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and premium perforated Nappa heated leather seats, differentiate the GT model from the rest of the Dart lineup - Standard class-exclusive features include racetrack LED taillamps, integrated dual exhaust, 8.4- inch touchscreen, 7-inch TFT display, in-seat storage and much more - The new 2013 Dart GT delivers an incredible value, with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of just $20,995 Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 8, 2013 - The Dodge brand dug deep into its rich, nearly 100-year history to name its all-new compact car, the 2013 Dodge Dart, and is again drawing on the storied history for the newest Dodge Dart model. The sporty Dart GT model originally made its debut in 1963 and offered drivers enhanced performance and style, including a heavy-duty suspension that delivered improved ride and handling characteristics. The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart GT model delivers sport-tuned suspension attributes that cater to the driving enthusiast, distinctive styling, including standard class-exclusive racetrack LED taillamps and integrated dual exhaust, and it's loaded with premium standard features, including perforated heated Nappa Leather seats, 8.4-inch touchscreen and 7-inch TFT for an outstanding value, with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of only $20,995 (excluding destination). "The new Dart GT embodies the best attributes that compact car buyers are looking for, including outstanding style, performance, technology and value," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO Dodge Brand. "With 184 horsepower, 18-inch aluminum wheels, sport suspension, premium leather interior and several class-exclusive features, the Dart GT represents the sweet spot in the compact car market, offering mid-size roominess combined with premium amenities for only $20,995 MSRP." The Dart GT model is the latest addition to the 2013 Dodge Dart lineup, which currently includes the Dart SE, SXT, Rallye, Aero and Limited models. Dodge continues to investigate a high-performance R/T model. Building off the exceptionally well-equipped Dart Limited, the GT adds: 184 horsepower 2.4-iter Tigershark with MultiAir 2 with six-speed manual or available six-speed PowerTech automatic AutoStick; 18-inch aluminum wheels; sport suspension with frequency sensing damping shocks; unique performance front fascia with black accents and Hyper Black grille; black projector headlamp bezels; body-color door handles; class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust with bright exhaust tips; class- exclusive racetrack LED taillamps; unique premium Nappa perforated leather seats in Black with Ruby Red stitching or two-tone Black/Ruby Red; class-exclusive heated steering wheel; heated front seats; dual-zone automatic temperature control; remote start (with automatic transmission); universal garage door opener and GT badge. Additional standard equipment on the 2013 Dart GT model includes: projector fog lamps; power heated mirrors with supplemental signals and courtesy lamps; class-exclusive 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen; class-exclusive floating island bezel; ParkView rear backup camera; class-exclusive 7-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) reconfigurable instrument cluster display; premium door trim panel with soft-touch upper surfaces; leather steering wheel with audio controls and speed control; accent stitching on the instrument panel; power 10-way driver seat, including power lumbar support; driver and front passenger seatback pockets; overhead console with sunglass holder; front passenger in-seat storage; illuminated front cup holders; illuminated vanity mirrors; temperature and compass gauge; 12-volt auxiliary power outlet in console; speed-sensitive power locks; power windows with express one-touch up/down front windows; ambient LED interior lighting; automatic headlamps; active grille shutters; underbody aerodynamic treatment; tire pressure monitoring display; air conditioning with micron filter; power mirrors; remote keyless entry; front center console with fore and aft sliding armrest; 60/40 split folding rear seat with armrest with storage/cup holders and trunk pass-through; six-speakers; security alarm; front and rear floor mats and 600-amp maintenance-free battery. A variety of options are available to allow the GT customer the ability to personalize their Dart to their exact specifications. It starts with a choice of 12 exterior colors – all available at no extra charge – including Redline Red, Header Orange, Blue Streak, Citrus Peel, Laguna Blue, Pitch Black, Tungsten, Bright Silver, Bright White, True Blue, Maximum Steel and Winter Chill. Optional equipment includes: - Six-speed Powertech automatic transmission with AutoStick - Technology Group (push-button start, keyless Enter 'N Go, rain sensing wipers, smart beam headlamps, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path detection) - 18-inch Hyper Black Aluminum Wheels - Power Sunroof - HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps - SiriusXM Satellite Radio - Garmin Navigation with Sirius XM Travel Link - Alpine Premium Sound System with 10 speakers, including subwoofer and 506 watt amplifier - Engine block heater View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 8, 2013 Last year at the Paris Motor Show, Audi unveiled a high performance Q5 model called the SQ5 that used a 3.0L twin-turbo diesel V6 producing 313 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque that could reach 60 MPH in five seconds and get 32.67 MPG. For the Detroit Auto Show, Audi will unveil the North American version of the SQ5. Before you ask, it will not be the diesel version. Instead, Audi is dropping in the 3.0L supercharged V6 producing 354 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque going through a eight-speed automatic down to all four wheels via the Quattro AWD system. This combination can propel the SQ5 to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 155 MPH. Other changes to the SQ5 include a lowered and stiffened suspension, twenty-inch wheels, platinum gray grille, unique bumpers, roof spoiler, and some interior changes. The SQ5 arrives in dealerships this summer. Source: Audi 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 Audi SQ5 now with gasoline engine and 354 dynamic hp • SQ5 with 3.0 TFSI engine at the Detroit Auto Show • From zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.3 seconds • 250 km/h (155 mph) top speed INGOLSTADT, Germany, Jan 7, 2013 - The new Audi SQ5 shown at the Detroit Auto Show is the first ever to be powered by a gasoline engine – in this case one producing 260 kW (354 hp) and 470 Nm (346.65 lb-ft) of torque The new top-of-the-line model, which was designed specifically for markets such as the United States, Canada and China, uses a 3.0 TFSI engine with forced induction. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The new SQ5 is powered by a free-revving, supercharged, three-liter V6 engine with a displacement of 2,995 cc. Its compressor sits in the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks and is belt-driven by the crankshaft. Two rotors inside the supercharger spin at over 20,000 rpm. The air gap between them is just a few thousandths of a millimeter. The supercharger compresses the intake air to as much as 0.8 bar; two intercoolers then cool it for greater power. The compressor is located downstream of the throttle valve. Its drive requires little engine power, as the density of the intake air is very low at loads below the supercharging level and when coasting. Torque develops early and quickly due to the short gas paths downstream of the supercharger. Various measures dampen compressor noise. A balance shaft in the engine’s alloy crankcase provides for greater smoothness. Adjustable intake camshafts and flaps in the intake ports provide for good charging efficiency in the combustion chambers. The 3.0 TFSI engine produces 260 kW (354 hp) between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm, and delivers 470 Nm (346.65 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 5.3 seconds – best in its class. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The Audi SQ5 consumes on average 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km in the NEDC (21 US mpg). This equates to CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometer (320.26 g/m) in the NEDC. An eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring transfer the power of the SQ5 firmly to the road. The fast-shifting automatic transmission offers two modes, and the driver can also switch gears manually via the standard shift paddles on the steering wheel. The chassis of the Audi SQ5 lowers the body 30 millimeters (1.18 in). The springs and shock absorbers are more tautly tuned for a sporty and balanced setup. The 20-inch wheels are fitted with 255/45-series tires; 21-inch wheels are available. The brake calipers on the front axle sport the SQ5 badge. The electromechanical steering not only plays a major role in the efficiency of the SQ5, it also provides very precise road feel. Audi also offers the optional dynamic steering with a steplessly variable ratio. Control of it is integrated in the optional Audi drive select system, which allows the driver to switch among several modes in various systems. The platinum gray radiator grille with its horizontal double bars in aluminum look, the distinctive bumpers and the roof spoiler are particularly eye-catching. V6 T badges adorn the front fenders. The gloss package and exterior mirrors in aluminum look accentuate the windows. In addition, there are two exclusive crystal-effect finishes: Estoril Blue and Panther Black. Sportiness carries over to the interior. The instruments feature gray dials and white numerals; the pedals and shift paddles have a shiny aluminum-look finish. The interior is bathed in black, with the headlining optionally available in Moon Silver. The standard power-adjustable sport seats are covered with a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, with four different colors of leather optional. The standard inlays are brushed aluminum. Options include Carbon Atlas, Piano finish or layered aluminum and wood in Beaufort black. The SQ5 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the third quarter of 2013. The list of standard equipment is extensive. In addition to the aforementioned features, there are also xenon plus headlights with LED daytime driving lights, a stainless-steel loading-sill protector and a driver information system with color display. The luggage compartment offers up to 1,560 liters (59.33 cu ft) of capacity. Audi can supply this dynamic SUV with an array of optional assistance and infotainment systems. MMI navigation plus and the Bluetooth online car phone provide the Internet services from Audi connect to the vehicle. The Audi SQ5 has been designed specifically for the following markets: United States, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and the Ukraine. In Germany and many other European markets, the SQ5 TDI takes its place as the sporty top model in its series. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 7, 2013 Volvo announced today that overall worldwide sales dropped 6.1% and that 2013 could be a difficult year for the brand. “Competition in the car industry will most likely continue to be as fierce as in 2012 as manufacturers will seek to capture volumes and market shares in a market where the economic situation will remain unstable. 2013 is therefore expected to be a challenging year in terms of margins and growth,” the company said. Volvo delivered 421,951 vehicles in 2012, marking a 6.1% decrease when compared to 2011. The markets which hurt Volvo the hardest were Sweden where sales dropped 11.2% (51,832 vehicles) and China which saw a 10.9% decrease (41,989 vehicles). The U.S. was a bright spot for Volvo, seeing a 1.2% increase for the year (41,989 vehicles). However it was off the pace with the market's 13% improvement for the year. Volvo says the reason for this is due to the company holding off on doing deep discounts. With numbers like these, Volvo's ambitious goal of selling 800,000 vehicles worldwide by 2020 could be that much harder to achieve. Source: Left Lane 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 January 7, 2013 Mazda has announced the pricing for the new Mazda6. Starting at $21,675 (includes a $795 destination charge), the base i Sport model comes equipped with a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine producing 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque and a six-speed manual transmission. This combination gets an estimated 25 City/37 Highway/29 Combined. Other standard features include push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, 17-inch alloy wheels, and auxiliary and USB connection ports. There is a optional six-speed automatic i Sport model priced at $23,290 that gets 26 City/38 Highway/30 Combined and adds Bluetooth, a 5.8-inch color touch screen display, a rearview camera, HD Radio, Pandora, SMS text message receipt/delivery, and E911 automatic emergency notification. Other models in the lineup include the $25,290 i Touring and the $30,290 i Grand Touring which add 19-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette sport seats, and other features. Source: Mazda 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 MAZDA ANNOUNCES PRICING, FUEL ECONOMY OF ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA6 - Redesigned Mid-Size Sedan Entry Offers Competitive Pricing, Best-in-Class Highway MPG - IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced official pricing and fuel economy figures for the all-new 2014 Mazda6. Starting at $20,880[1] MSRP, the all-new mid-size sedan is the second vehicle in the Mazda lineup to fully incorporate SKYACTIV®[2] TECHNOLOGY, the brand's breakthrough engineering approach toward increasing overall vehicle efficiency. Offering both powerful performance and improved fuel economy, the 2014 Mazda6 features best-in-class highway fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon (MPG). On sale now, the 2014 Mazda6 is fitted with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, which can be paired with a choice of transmissions: the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. Touting 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm, the sleek sedan offers impressive fuel efficiency at 25 city/37 highway/29 combined MPG when equipped with the standard manual transmission, as rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When equipped with the optional automatic transmission, fuel economy increases to an EPA rated 26 city/38 highway/30 combined. For more information on fuel economy and how estimates are determined, visit www.fueleconomy.gov, a joint website venture between the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available in three trims, the entry i Sport starts at $20,880 MSRP, a slight increase of $155 from the previous model year. With its SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, standard equipment includes a push-button start, air conditioning with a pollen filter, power windows with a driver-side one-touch up/down feature, a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, 17-inch alloy wheels as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports. When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive automatic, other added features include Bluetooth® phone/audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch color touch screen display, a rearview camera, HD Radio™ Technology, Pandora®, Radio Broadcast Data System program information, SMS text message receipt/delivery, E911 automatic emergency notification and audio menu voice command. The mid-level i Touring trim ($24,495 MSRP) sits on larger 19-inch alloy wheels and, when equipped with a SKYACTIV-Drive transmission, includes all the features of the i Sport model equipped with an automatic transmission ($22,495 MSRP) as well as dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents, leatherette-trimmed sport seats, a six-way power driver's seat and a Commander Switch for operating functions on the 5.8-inch display. An optional Touring Technology Package ($2,000 MSRP) adds a TomTom technology-based navigation system, Bose® Centerpoint® 11-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an auto-dimming driver's side outside mirror, heated outside mirrors and the all-new Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system. SCBS is an added safety component designed to assist a driver in avoiding front collisions when traveling at low speeds of less than 19 miles per hour. When the imbedded laser sensor detects an obtrusive object and the system calculates there may be a high risk for collision, the brake pedal travel is reduced in order to hasten braking. Should the driver fail to perform an avoidance maneuver, the SCBS system will activate an automatic braking function. While the system will not eliminate accidents, its intent is to minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash. The i Grand Touring is considered the high-level trim model and includes all the equipment features of the i Touring with Touring Technology Package. Starting at $29,495 MSRP, additional standard niceties include platinum silver 19-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, a rear lip spoiler, bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with auto leveling, leather-trimmed sport seats with heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, a four-way power front passenger seat, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Sirius® Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription. Two package options are available for the i Grand Touring. For an additional $900 MSRP, the MRCC/FOW Package adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW). The Advanced Package, available from the second half of 2013, adds the MRCC/FOW Package as well as a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Control (HBC) and i-ELOOP, Mazda's capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system, which is expected to offer increased fuel efficiency. Pricing for this package is not yet available. A SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine will be offered on 2014 Mazda6 vehicles also during the second half of the year. Final specifications and packaging of the diesel engine and trim combinations will be announced closer to its on-sale date. Standard safety features for all 2014 Mazda6 models include six airbags (front, side and full side-curtain), whiplash-reducing front headrests, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), hill launch assist, a fold-away brake pedal assembly, a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). i Touring models feature a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as standard equipment with the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system available as an option. i Grand Touring models feature BSM and SCBS systems as standard equipment as well as RCTA and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) are available as part of an optional package. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. [1] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary. [2] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC). View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 7, 2013 We're a week away from the start of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show and automakers are beginning to tease us with their showings. Today Hyundai has released a teaser shot of their HCD-14 Concept which the automaker says gives a "glimpse into future Hyundai premium vehicle design, advanced 3-D gesture-based technology controls, and spirited driving dynamics." The teaser shot shows a unique, sloping roofline that is very reminiscent of an Audi A7. We'll have more on the HCD-14 Concept next week. Source: Hyundai 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 think in certain situations a full size would be better. Same on gas? I think for certain full-sizes, the answer would be yes. No. But this truck only has around 2900 miles on the odo. Yeah, the Tacoma's ride is terrible. I feel like I'm riding on a bucking bronco.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 4, 2013 The Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association lost again in court this week against Tesla. On Monday, Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Fishman dismissed the dealers association's case on the grounds of lacking a standing to bring a case forth. This is the latest blow to the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association efforts to stop Tesla from running a store in Boston. Back in November, the Massachusetts Superior Court denied an injunction filed by the association to stop Tesla from operating their store. "We disagree with his decision. If you read the statute, it's pretty clear: a factory cannot own a store, and a dealer can sue for injunctive relief if they feel the public is being harmed," said Robert O'Koniewski, the association's executive vice president on Thursday. O'Koniewski said they are considering options of where to go next. “We are delighted by the outright dismissal of this case and the validation that we are operating our business in compliance with the laws and expectations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are confident that other states will also come to this same conclusion and look forward to following through on our commitment to introduce consumers to electric vehicle technology in an open, friendly, no-pressure environment,” said Elon Musk, Tesla co-founder and CEO in a statement. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Tesla 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. Related Stories: Tesla's Factory Stores Draws Ire From Dealers Tesla Gets Sued By Dealer Associations In Two States Massachusetts Dealer Association Denied Injunction Against Tesla View full article