William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 24, 2012 (Note: The weekend edition is back from its long vacation, mostly due to me being busy with other things. Sorry about that. Anyways, enjoy. -WM) Everyday, I go through a number of stories that I will post on Cheers & Gears. However, a good number of stories that I have picked out don’t make it onto the page during the week and either get posted next week or never. That’s where the the Cheers & Gears’ Weekend Edition comes in. Its where the stories that gotten forgotten about during the week get their due. In this third edition, we’ll be covering, Buick Considers A Big Change The Least Stolen Vehicle Is.. Quick Hits and more.. Next: Buick's Possible Big Change General Motors Considering To Overhaul Buick’s Badge Buick has been undergoing many changes to try find its own identity and place in the General Motors family for the past few years, and there could be a big change coming. General Motors’ North America President Mark Reuss told a group of journalists that the Buick tri-shield emblem could be getting a facelift in the very near future. Reuss didn't go into any specifics as to what changes or why the change is happening. One of the possible reasons for the emblem change is to help shed Buick’s image of being the vehicle that your grandparents drove. The current tri-shield emblem has been in use for more than 50 years. Though in the 70’s, Buick incorporated a hawk into the emblem. The hawk would last around ten years before being phased out for the tri-shield. Each of the shields on the current emblem represents the LeSabre, Invicta, and Electra models. All of those models listed also have something in common; Buick doesn't build them anymore and that is another possible reason as to why GM is considering a move. “There’s people who can look at the badge of a car and know exactly what they are and what time period they’re from,” said Jeremy Dimick, curator of collections at Sloan Longway’s Alfred P. Sloan Museum and Buick Gallery in Flint, Mich. “You look at the car and know it’s a Buick for sure. Any future logo you would think would retain components of that. The brand identity is so wrapped up in that.” Another possible reason as to why GM is considering a change to Buick’s emblem deals with China. Last month, Buick sold 60,510 vehicles in China, up 7.7% from the same time last year. To put this into perspective, Buick sold 13,384 vehicles in the U.S., almost a quarter of vehicles sold in China. Buick also accounted for 24% of GM sales in China last month as well. "I don't really know what benefit it will be unless they're thinking they will capture even more of the Chinese market by doing this," said Peter De Lorenzo, former auto industry marketing executive who now writes at Autoextremist.com. Source: Detroit Free Press Next: The Least Stolen Vehicle Is... Don’t Want To Have Your Car Stolen? Buy and Own A Prius Besides being the most popular hybrid, Toyota’s Prius is the least stolen vehicle in the U.S. according to a new report. The report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau finds that one out of 606 2008-2010 Toyota Prius models have been stolen, compared to the average automotive theft rate of one out of 78 models. The report cites one of the key reasons the Prius is the least stolen is due to the lack of shared parts with other Toyota models. “It’s a one-model car; the parts on it won’t fit anything else but a Prius. If you use a Camry, for instance, the engine might fit in another car. On a Prius, the engine is so different because they’re hybrid,” said John Abounader, executive director of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators. California was the leader with the most stolen Prius models, with 1,062 vehicles. Not surprisingly since the Prius is the best-selling vehicle in the state. Florida was second with 127 vehicles and New York took third with 111 vehicles. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s report also says that 96.7% of Prius models stolen are returned to owners. Source: Bloomberg Next: Audi Sportcars Rumors Rumorpile: A Lightweight Audi TT and A Diesel Supercar Autocar has two very juicy rumors dealing with Audi and sports cars. Rumor #1 deals with Audi possibly working a lightweight version of the next-generation TT. Autocar has learned from Audi’s development boss, Wolfgang Durheimer the company is working on a TT with a target weight of 1,000 kg curb weight (about 2,200 lbs). Sources say the this TT will use a combination of steel, aluminium and carbonfiber to pull this off. Other changes to this TT include a roll cage and a five-cylinder engine. “The TT is an icon car for Audi and has a very interesting future,” said Durheimer. The management will decide if this model will be green-lit or not sometime next week. Rumor #2 deals with return of a diesel supercar. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Audi unveiled the R8 V12 TDI concept. Producing 493 HP and 738 lb-ft of torque, it was the wet dream many auto enthusiasts had wished for. Originally rumored to make production, the model was to be shelved for the R8 e-tron electric supercar. Earlier this year, Audi put the R8 e-tron on hold to be reviewed by Durheimer to see if the project would go forward or not. Now, it appears Audi has pulled the diesel supercar off from the shelf. Autocar reports that the diesel supercar could be named the R10, use a diesel V8 instead of the V12 due to weight, and a carbonfiber monocoque. Source: Autocar, 2 Next: Quick Hits and Random Links Quick Hits: Coming to an L.A. Auto Show, the Jaguar XFR-S. Jaguar says the XFR-S is the fastest and most powerful sedan the company has ever produced. The only other detail Jaguar has said is that 200 XFR-S will be coming to the states. We’ll have more on the XFR-S next week during the L.A. Auto Show - Jaguar USA Last year at the L.A. Auto Show, Subaru showed off the BRZ STi concept which featured an aggressive body kit and a huge rear spoiler. Almost a year after the showing, Auto Express reports that Subaru will introduce a production model sometime next Spring in Japan. The U.S. and Europe will follow sometime there after. The BRZ STi will come with an aggressive body kit and more power thanks to a tweaked intake and improved exhaust. No turbos or superchargers will be seen. We don’t know if there are any changes to suspension or steering, but we wouldn’t be surprised if there are. - Auto Express The Bentley EXP 9 F concept SUV has a got a name. Automobile reports Bentley has given the new SUV the name of Falcon. Other than that, Automobile says the Bentley has been given the green light while other models like the Lamborghini Urus SUV is still on hold. - Automobile Random Links: (Author’s note: Random links is something new I’m trying out in this edition. This is a collection of articles I come across during the week when looking for news that I thought I would share. Let me know what you think. -WM) Motor Trend’s Editor-at-Large does a post mortem on the 2013 Car of the Year winner. - Shock Therapy: Is America Ready for an Electric Car of the Year? Jamie Kitman on Car Talk gives a debrief on Hurricane Sandy and some thoughts on what to do. - Escape from New York: Notes on Disaster Preparedness Staying on Sandy for a moment: Escaping the wrath of Sandy in a Kia Sorento - Real-World Review: Fleeing Hurricane Sandy Across 8 States In a Rented 2012 Kia Sorento Car Magazine South Africa’s Editor wonders about the wagons - Estate Of The Nation Should we focus less on top speed and more acceleration? - We Should End This Obsession With Top Speed #Shameless Plug: A guest post I did talking about one of not talked about key roles that play into reviews. - Your Turn: Time 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 23, 2012 The brand new 2014 Chevrolet Impala will begin at $27,535* (includes $810 destination charge), an increase of about $700 from the outgoing Impala. Chevrolet says the base price gets you a 2.5L four-cylinder engine LS model. If you want a higher trim model with the 2.5L four, be prepared to pay $29,785 for the LT and $34,555 for the range-topping LTZ. Wanting V6 power? You can get a 3.6L V6 on the LT model for $30,760, and the LTZ model for $36,580. Pricing for the e-Assist mild hybrid model hasn't been announced at this time. Chevrolet says the V6 model will be the first arrive at dealers sometime in early in the first quarter with the four-cylinder following close behind. 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 Chevrolet Announces Pricing for the 2014 Impala New sedan offers added content and technology starting at $27,535 DETROIT – The all-new 2014 Impala, Chevrolet’s flagship sedan, will go on sale this spring with a starting price of $27,535, including an $810 destination charge. Impala was America’s best-selling full-size sedan in 2011, with sales of more than 171,000, which made it one of the 10 best-selling cars in the United States “We’ll build on the success the Impala nameplate has generated over its history,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “We’ve added sophisticated design features, more technology and safety equipment, while conserving Impala’s current strengths like spaciousness and comfort.” Chevrolet’s latest MyLink radio debuts in the 2014 Impala. The in-vehicle entertainment system adds an eight-inch color display screen that is customizable. The system also adopts natural voice recognition – a first for Chevy. The 2014 Impala has several new features, including Adaptive Cruise Control and crash-avoidance technologies like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert. Ten standard airbags are included as well – among the most in the segment. Three direct-injection engine choices will be available to customers: a 3.6L V-6, a newly designed 2.5L four-cylinder and a 2.4L four-cylinder with fuel-saving eAssist technology that is estimated to deliver 35 mpg. All engines are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2014 Impala will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. The 3.6L, 305-horsepower-engine will come to market first, with a starting price of $30,760 for the LT and $36,580 for the LTZ, including destination charges. The 2.5L engine is priced as follows: $27,535 for the LS; $29,785 for the LT; $34,555 for the LTZ. Pricing for the 2.4L engine with eAssist will be announced later. The new Impala will be built in the Oshawa, Ontario, and Detroit-Hamtramck, Mich., assembly plants. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 21, 2012 Last week, the Massachusetts Superior Court denied a request from the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association for an injunction against Tesla to stop them from running a store in Boston. The lawsuit filled on October 16th argued that Tesla violates Massachusetts' licensing, consumer protection and franchise laws since the company runs their own stores. If granted the injunction, Tesla could only use their storefronts as a place showing a locked vehicle with no staff. “Tesla looks forward to continuing to focus on advancing the knowledge of EVs in a convenient, accessible environment. We remain hopeful for a positive outcome of this case,” said Tesla spokeswoman, Shanna Hendriks. Robert O’Koniewski, executive vice president of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association tells Automotive News they are far from giving up. "Dropping the lawsuit is not an option at this point. We feel very strongly that Tesla is operating a factory store outside parameters of our franchise law and our license law, and they are operating that store illegally," O’Koniewski said. O’Koniewski goes onto say that the group is currently considering an appeal and other judicial remedies. 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. Related Stories: Tesla's Factory Stores Draws Ire From Dealers Tesla Gets Sued By Dealer Associations In Two States View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 21, 2012 Volkswagen's MQB modular platform strategy is has gained attention from VW's competitors. We reported yesterday that Jaguar-Land Rover is looking to MQB as a guide to cut down their platforms. Now another automaker looks to be taking some cues from VW. Inside Line is reporting that Ford is developing a new three-prong platform family. The platform family will underpin the next-generation Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, and other models in this group. The platform family is similar in idea to VW's MQB except for one key thing. A source Ford explains that while MQB can used from small to large vehicles, small vehicles have a weight disadvantage due to platform having to support larger vehicles. Ford's plan is to provide the same scale as MQB, but allow more variation on the weight, strength, and substances of the platform to suit the needs of any model. The first vehicle to feature this is the next-generation Ford Fiesta, due out sometime within the next three years. Source: Inside Line 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: Jaguar, Land Rover Looking To Slash A Number Of Platforms View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 21, 2012 Within the next few years, Porsche will unveil a refreshed Cayenne featuring updates to the styling, features, and technical. According to Motor Trend, one of those updates could be a new plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in hybrid, named e-Hybrid is an evolution of the current hybrid system used in the current Cayenne and Panamera Hybrid models. The system uses an upgraded electric motor producing around 95 to 100 horsepower and replacing the nickel-metal hydride battery for a lithium-ion battery. The 333-hp supercharged V-6 gas engine will stick around. These changes gives Cayenne e-Hybrid specs of 95 to 100 HP on EV mode, a range of possibly around 15 miles or higher, and a combined power output of 420. The Panamera is also expected to get this system. Unlike the Cayenne which will be AWD, the Panamera e-Hybrid will be RWD. Motor Trend's report also says the recently revealed Cayenne S Diesel with the 4.2L V8 could make its way to the U.S. People who are familar with the diesel and Porsche's plans say the V8 engine can meet U.S. regulations easily if there is a SCR after-treatment of the exhaust system. 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. Related Stories: Porsche Introduces A More Powerful Cayenne Diesel View full article

So wait, Have you driven all of those coupes on that list and ELR mules with the Delta Platform and all of those heavy batteries? I'm guessing not. Look, none of us are sure about how this thing will handle at all. It might be "sporty" or it might be Volt in a fancier dress. We don't know! Here's what I'm certain about, Its going to be a Cadillac Wear the name plate of ELR Looks pretty much like the concept Will use the Voltec powertrain, albeit with more power Use CUE So lets not guess how its going to drive till some people get in and take it for a spin. One more thing: E-Class isn't considered sporty.. Luxurious, sure. Sporty.. you're pushing it. Wait, isn't that how the Chevrolet Volt sold as? How it doesn't have that much of an impact on the environment and up to a 40 mile electric range?

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 20, 2012 You have to wonder what automakers see in the BMW X6. Acura has the ZDX, Mercedes-Benz is reportedly working on a competitor, and now Audi appears to be working on one as well. According to Car, Audi has given the go ahead on crossover-coupe thing. Possibly named the Q8, it will ride on a the new aluminum-intensive, long-wheelbase MQB architecture that will underpin the the next-generation Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg. Using this new platform, the Q8 is expected to weigh 300 kg (about 661 lbs) less than the current Q7. Power will be provided from range of V6 and V8 gas and diesels engines, plug-in hybrids, and even a high performance RS model. Car says the new Q8 is still a ways out and a production model should arrive by 2017. Source: Car Magazine 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 Stores: Rumorpile: BMW To Show Off The X4 At The Detroit Auto Show Next Year? Mercedes-Benz Considering A X6 Rival? View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 20, 2012 Here’s a question for you: How many platforms do Jaguar and Land Rover have? The answer is seven. Yes, seven platforms. They go as followed, Jaguar XF Jaguar XJ Jaguar XK/F-Type Land Rover Defender Land Rover Freelander (LR2)/Range Rover Evoque Land Rover Discovery (LR4)/Range Rover Sport Range Rover So in a not surprising move, Jaguar and Land Rover is looking at cutting down their platforms from seven down to two to three as a way to save money. Autocar reports that Jaguar-Land Rover is looking towards Volkswagen MQB platform as a case study to how do something like this. “It won’t happen overnight. (Something like) VW’s MQB platform will take seven years to roll out across the models it will underpin,” said Jaguar’s global brand director, Adrian Hallmark. 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