William Maley

Updated with a press release and pics.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 26, 2012 The Cadillac ATS was designed to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and of course the BMW 3-Series. Surprisingly, the new ATS appears to be cutting into the sales of another Cadillac, the CTS. Since the ATS was launched back in September, CTS sales have taken a nose dive. In October, CTS sales dropped 40% when compared to the same time last year. Edmunds.com data backs up this up with the ATS being cross-shopped with the CTS. Thankfully, the data from Edmunds also shows the ATS being cross-shopped with the 3-Series. Is GM panicking with news like this? Well no. Chase Hawkins, Cadillac's U.S. sales chief tells Automotive News that they are not surprised with the ATS cannibalizing sales of the CTS. Hawkins says GM has a plan to deal with this; build less CTSes. "We've planned for ATS to take some CTS customers out of the market who we otherwise would have seen. We definitely are going to be producing fewer CTSs next year to create some of that space for ATS," said Hawkins. The next CTS, due out in late 2013 will move up in price and space, giving the two models a bit more breathing room. 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 26, 2012 After months of speculation, questions, and wild guesses, Ford has unveiled the new Fiesta ST before its offical showing at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show this week. Much like the Focus ST, the Fiesta ST will only come in a five-door hatch (sorry, no three-door model for the states). The Fiesta ST makes its presence known to everyone thanks to sportier front fascia with a lower chin spoiler, blacked-out mesh grille, exclusive 17-inch wheels, rear diffuser and dual exhaust outlets, and an available Molten Orange exterior paint color. A bit surprising is how much power is under the hood of the Fiesta ST. Ford originally estimated the Fiesta ST to produce 180 HP and 177 lb-ft of torque from a 1.6L EcoBoost turbo-four. Ford is now saying the 1.6L EcoBoost in the ST will produce 197 HP and 214 lb-ft of torque. All of the power will be sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Other performance tweaks to the Fiesta ST include modified front control arms, stiffer rear axle, and brake based torque vectoring. There is also a three-mode stability control system which allows a driver to change how much input the stability control is allowed. Source: Ford 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. Press Release is on Page 2 Confirmed: Ford to Launch Fiesta ST in North America, Brings Big Speed and Style to the Small Car Market -Fiesta ST – a well-known hot hatch born in Europe and now ready for North America – packs a punch with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost® engine producing nearly 200 horsepower -New Fiesta ST is Ford's latest vehicle to wear the Sport Technologies badge, a global performance brand that debuted in North America earlier this year with the launch of the Focus ST -Exclusively equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, Fiesta ST is expected to be a segment leader in both performance and fuel efficiency LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26, 2012 – Small cars continue to be a hot segment in North America and with the new Fiesta ST, introduced here at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford is expected to have the hottest hatch around. Fiesta ST, a performance model first launched in Europe back in 2005, is yet another proof point from Ford that small cars are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs a punch under the hood. A new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine propels Fiesta ST with an estimated 197 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, Mini Cooper S makes do with 181 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft., while Chevrolet Sonic RS produces just 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. Unlike the competition, Fiesta ST doesn't simply look like a performance car; it's got the guts to back it up. "This is a rewarding car to rev," says Mark Roberts, Fiesta calibration supervisor. "With 177 lb.-ft. of torque available from just 1,600 rpm and 214 lb.-ft. by 3,500 rpm, Fiesta ST gives the performance and feel of an engine twice its size. There's no waiting at all for the power to just push you back in your seat." Fiesta ST may be born with racing DNA, but buyers won't have to pay for that performance at the pump. Available exclusively as a five-door hatchback in North America and with a six-speed manual transmission, Fiesta ST is projected to achieve up to 34 mpg. This compact performance machine sports a unique grille and chin spoiler with new rear diffuser and fascia extensions. Bright tipped dual-exhaust pipes and high-mount spoiler along with unique 17-inch wheels complete the visual package: Fiesta ST looks like it's made for the racetrack. The car is first of its nameplate to receive the Molten Orange tri-coat metallic paint. Fiesta ST steering is more direct and responsive than the base model. A unique suspension with modified front knuckle makes for a quicker overall steering ratio of 13.6:1. The rear axle gets increased roll stiffness to improve stability through fast corners, while the Fiesta ST body sits 15 millimeters closer to the ground than the base model. Increased mechanical grip provided by the suspension improvements is further enhanced with electronic Torque Vectoring Control to reduce understeer during hard cornering maneuvers. Three-mode electronic stability control – standard, sport or off – enables the ST driver to select the amount of electronic aid based on current conditions. Overall, Fiesta ST provides enthusiastic drivers with the ideal mix of performance handling and ride comfort. Fiesta ST will also sound good on the open road. It features the mechanical version of the sound symposer first used on the Focus ST, which went on sale in North America earlier this year, to provide an enhanced soundtrack for drivers out tackling the open road. It is unique for Fiesta in that for the first time the engine sound is directly fed into the passenger cabin to accentuate feedback quality and response. Fiesta ST is the result of the combined efforts of Team RS in Europe and SVT in the United States. View full article

Yep. 3.6L V6 with 288 HP and six-speed auto.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 26, 2012 Ahead of the 2012 LA Auto Show Dodge is bringing back the Daytona in a package form for the Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track models. The Daytona package will differ from other Charger models thanks to a satin black crosshair grille with vintage-look R/T badging, satin black hood stripes, black roof wrap, "Daytona" applied to the rear quarter panels, R/T spoiler, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, and the choice of four colors; Daytona Blue, Bright White, Billet Silver and Pitch Black. The Charger Daytona's cabingets Daytona Blue embroidery, stitching and piping on the seats, dark brushed aluminum trim, a Mopar bright pedal kit, 552-watt, 10-speaker Beats Audio System, and a dashboard plaque letting everyone know what number out of 2,500 (amount they're building) you own. Being a Daytona, the 5.7L HEMI V8 is standard. Anyone who was expecting any performance increases will be disappointed. The V8 in Charger Daytona is the same as the normal Charger R/T: 370 HP and 395 lb-ft of torque. The Charger Daytona package adds about $2,995 on R/T models ($32,990) and $2,500 on the R/T Road & Track ($36,495). The Charger Daytona makes its debut at the L.A. Auto Show this week. Source: Chrysler 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. Press Release is on Page 2 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona Set to Debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show - Return of the legendary package to the HEMI®-powered Charger - Daytona package delivers custom look from the factory with unique Satin Black hood stripes, roof wrap and R/T spoiler, custom interior with Beats Audio and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black pockets - Charger R/T remains the most affordable V-8 sedan in the United States, with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,995. Daytona package offered at a U.S. MSRP of $2,500 on the R/T Road & Track model and $2,995 on R/T – starting under $33,000 MSRP - Only 2,500 Dodge Charger Daytona's offered in the United States – each with a serialized dash plaque LOS ANGELES – The 2013 Dodge Charger R/T is one of the best performance sedan values on the market, and now it's about to get even more distinctive. Debuting at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show is the re-introduction of the legendary Charger Daytona. Available in Charger R/T and Charger R/T Road & Track trim levels, the 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona brings back the unique style of the historic Daytona package with all the modern performance and technology offered in the current Charger line-up. Just 2,500 units of the Daytona will be produced in this limited-production run – each with a serialized dash plaque. "With its 370 horsepower HEMI V-8, rear-wheel drive and iconic design, the 2013 Dodge Charger is a modern day muscle car, and the new Charger Daytona takes it to a new level by paying homage to the historic 'Daytona' nameplate," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. "It starts with a legendary HEMI underfoot and one-of-a-kind interior and exterior styling enhancements that perfectly combine heritage, performance and value, starting under $33,000 MSRP." Available in a unique color palette of Daytona Blue, Bright White, Billet Silver or Pitch Black, the Daytona package features special dark trim that builds upon the Charger's iconic muscle car design. Satin Black adorns the front crosshair grille with heritage "R/T" badge, the custom vinyl hood graphic, roof wrap, rear R/T spoiler and the "DAYTONA" graphic on the rear quarter panels. The Daytona features exclusive 20-inch five-spoke polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black painted pockets. Daytona models also include a 'Daytona Blue' engine cover, performance 3.06 rear axle ratio, high-speed engine controller, paddle shifters with sport mode and performance steering and suspension. The Charger Daytona's interior on the Road & Track features unique black performance Nappa leather and suede heated and ventilated seats with Daytona Blue stitching and piping. Similarly, the Daytona on the R/T offers the same appearance in a custom sport cloth seat. "DAYTONA" is embroidered in blue into the upper front seat backs. Unique dark brushed aluminum trim surrounds the 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch screen and gauges on the instrument panel, as well as the trim around the shifter and cup holders on the center console. Finishing touches include a Mopar bright pedal kit, a 552-watt 10-speaker Beats Audio System and a special numbered "DAYTONA" badge on the instrument panel that features the build number of that specific Charger Daytona model. Built at Chrysler Group LLC's Brampton, Ontario, Assembly Plant, the 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona arrives at Dodge dealerships nationwide in the first quarter of 2013 with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,990 for R/T and $36,495 for R/T Road &Track Daytona models. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 26, 2012 If you wanted a 'sporty minivan', you had the choice of either the Dodge Caravan "Man Van" or Toyota Senna SE. Debuting at the 2012 LA Auto Show is a third contender into 'sporty minivan' category with the new 2013 Chrysler Town & Country S. The S is mostly an appearance package that includes a black chrome grille, black-accented wheels and blacked-out headlight inserts, and four different colors (black, red, white and silver) for the exterior. Inside, the blackout continues a black headliner and combination leather and cloth seats. Tech wise, the Town & Country S comes standard with Chrysler's new Blu-Ray rear-seat entertainment system with an HDMI input, and a pair of USB ports that can charge mobile devices. The only performance modification is a firmer sport suspension setup. Source: Chrysler 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. Press Release is on Page 2 Chrysler Town & Country S Joins the “S” Family of Chrysler Models and Brings Cool, Modern Design to the Minivan Chrysler Town & Country now a part of the “S” family of models along with the 200 and 300 sedans New exterior and interior appointments give Town & Country S modern style Segment-exclusive Blu-Ray DVD player with HDMI input and two USB ports for recharging is standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine provides best-in-class horsepower with excellent fuel economy More than 40 available safety and technology features like SafetyTec, which provides industry-leading features including ParkView rear back-up camera, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection Los Angeles , Nov 26, 2012 - Chrysler – the inventors of the minivan – is bringing modern design to the segment with the 2013 Town & Country S model. Debuting at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show, the Town & Country S is the latest “S” model in the Chrysler line-up, joining the 200 sedan and convertible and 300 sedan. The Chrysler Town & Country S gets exterior and interior enhancements as well as some standard equipment commonly associated with top-line models. "We tailored the new Town & Country S for the active and style minded consumers. It's the downtown style for the Town & Country’s uptown looks,” said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "It's more than fitting that we unveil this vehicle in Los Angeles given Town & Country S represents yet another modern take of ‘313’ in the ‘310.’” Available in Brilliant Black, Deep Cherry Red, Stone White or Billet Silver, the 2013 Town & Country S gets revised trim that adds contrast to the minivan’s typically bright exterior treatment. A black chrome grille is combined with black-background Chrysler Winged badges front and rear, a black rear fascia step pad, “S” model badging, 17-inch aluminum wheels with polished face and black-painted pockets and blacked-out headlight bezels (delayed availability). The interior features a monotone black interior unique to the Town & Country S. It starts with the Black Torino leather seats with an “S” logo embroidered in the seat backs and black Ballistic cloth seat inserts. The seats also feature grey stitching as do the door armrests. Piano Black gloss appliques are found on the instrument panel and on the spokes of the black leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the Chrysler Winged badge on the wheel matches the black background-look of the exterior badging. Finishing interior touches include a black headliner and upper consoles, black center console and an “S” logo in the instrument cluster. The segment-exclusive dual-screen Blu-Ray DVD system with HDMI input, two USB recharging ports, a 12v outlet and a 115v two-prong outlet is standard. This system, new for 2013, allows rear seat passengers to view standard and Blu-Ray DVDs or to play a high-definition video game system on the new, higher definition, screens. Wireless headphones allow back seat passengers to enjoy this state-of-the-art system without forcing front seat passengers to hear the accompanying audio. The 2013 Town & Country S also features a performance suspension that adds a new level of handling dynamics to the driving experience, yet still provides a comfortable ride that’s expected in a luxury minivan. Town & Country’s award-winning powertrain delivers best-in-class horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is a two-time “Ward’s 10 Best Engine” winner and produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The V-6 is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transmission. A fuel economizer mode helps the driver maximize fuel efficiency, and premium, lower-rolling-resistance tires, and low-drag brake calipers and rear bearings make great fuel economy possible. Town & Country achieves 17 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 25 on the highway. The 2013 Chrysler Town & Country offers over 40 available safety, security and technology features, providing customers the safety they expect to ensure peace of mind when traveling. Standard safety features include ParkView rear back up camera, front seat-mounted air bags, a driver-side inflatable knee blocker, advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side-curtain air bags for all three rows, and electronic stability control, including Brake Assist and all-speed traction control. Optional on Touring and standard on Touring L and Limited models is the SafetyTec Group consisting of rain-sensitive windshield wipers, Smartbeam headlamps, ParkSense rear park assist system, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. New for 2013 is standard trailer sway damping that monitors a towed trailer’s behavior and automatically uses Town & Country’s anti-lock braking system to mitigate any swaying motions. The 2013 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is built at Chrysler Group LLC’s Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. View full article