William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 1, 2012 Yesterday, Subaru revealed the WRX and WRX STI Special Editions. Last night, Subaru revealed somewhat of the new Forester. The official pictures match up to a leaked brochure scan back in September. The Forester gets a more upright front end with a larger grille, more lower fascia cladding, and tauter body lines. Powering the Forester will be either, 2.5L flat-four engine: 170 HP and 174 lb-ft of torque 2.0L turbo flat-four engine: 250 HP and 258 lb-ft A six-speed manual and Lineartronic CVT is available on the 2.5L. The 2.0L turbo only gets the Lineartronic CVT. The new Forester also comes with a new suspension and 8.7-inches of ground clearance. The new Forester will be shown at the LA Auto Show in November. Source: Subaru SUBARU REVEALS ALL-NEW 2014 FORESTER CROSSOVER SUV; NEW MODEL TO MAKE NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW Cherry Hill, N.J.,, Oct 31, 2012 - Subaru of America, Inc. today released the first official photos of the all-new 2014 Forester crossover SUV, which will make its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Forester combines a bolder profile than before while offering a roomier interior with virtually the same footprint as the previous model. The fourth generation of Subaru’s popular Forester will offer a new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER® engine producing 250 horsepower. The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER engine debuted in the outgoing Forester model. Fuel economy will be higher across the line with the debut of a new six-speed manual transmission and available Lineartronic® continuously variable transmissions (CVT). The all-new five-passenger 2014 Forester preserves the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling that have made the Forester one of the Subaru brand’s best-selling models for the past 15 years. Refined (or New) suspension system delivers agile handling and a highly compliant ride quality. Generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance enhances off-pavement driving capability. The 2014 Forester will offer an exceptionally roomy interior, featuring increased rear seat legroom, and an enlarged cargo area. In-demand infotainment features will be offered, including smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera, and harman/kardon® premium audio amplifier and speakers. Basic Vehicle Specifications Engine types and output 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER, naturally aspirated 170 hp @ 5,800 rpm 174 lb.-ft. peak torque @ 4,100 rpm 2.0-liter 4-cylinder BOXER, direct fuel injection, turbocharging, intercooler 250 hp @ 5,600 rpm* 258 lb.-ft. peak torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm Transmission 2.5-liter models: 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT 2.0-liter turbo: high-torque CVT with 6-speed and 8-speed manual modes and Hill Descent Control Drivetrain Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard for all models Wheelbase 103.9 in. Vehicle length 180.9 in. Vehicle height 68.2 in (with roof rails) Vehicle width 70.7 in. Wheels/tires 2.5-liter: 17 x 7 in. aluminum alloy with 225/60 R17 all-season 2.0-liter turbo: 18 x 7 in. aluminum alloy with 225/55 R18 all-season * With premium grade gasoline 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 October 31, 2012 Some big news coming out of Australia today. Mazda's sports car chief Nobuhiro Yamamoto told The Motor Report that the RX-7 would be making a comeback in 2017, the 50th anniversary of Mazda’s first Wankel-powered vehicle, the Cosmo Sport. Yamamoto currently favors a naturally-aspirated version Mazda’s 16X rotary, which was introduced back in 2007. The engine is expected to produce 300 HP out of a 1.6L displacement. When asked about using turbochargers to extract more performance, Yamamoto said, "At this time it has not been determined. Maybe later in life it will be turbo, but to start with maybe not." Yamamoto cites power delivery of the FD RX-7's (previous generation) sequential twin-turbocharger setup wasn't perfect for a sports car. A single turbo setup would bring lag. As for the what the next RX-7 will ride on, its expected to use a stretched version of the next-generation MX-5 roadster. Combine with a range of weight-saving technologies, including aluminium body panels will help the RX-7 weigh somewhere around 1,250 kg (about 2,756 lbs). Source: The Motor Report 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 October 31, 2012 Back in August, we reported on the rumor that AM General would be offering a kit kit of the C-Series HMMWV, or Humvee. This week, AM General has come out and announced they will be selling a C-Series HMMWV kit. The C-Series HMMWV kit includes a frame, painted body (your choice of either khaki, dark military green, or sand), cooling package, wiring harnesses, fuel tanks, seating, front and rear Torsen differentials, and top. The only thing you'll need to provide is a powertrain and transmission. This allows AM General to avoid anti-pollution laws and fees. This also allows the kit to be offered at a lower price. “All the basics for the kit are supplied. We have provided the core components and allow the kit builder to source their powertrain, wheels, tires, and even the audio system of their choice,” said William Thompson, C-Series kit program manager. TheC-Series HMMWV kit will start at $59,995. If you're interested in a C-Series HMMWV kit, you can place an order for one with a refundable deposit of $5,995 (works around to about 10% of the base price tag). There is a caveat to this announcement though. AM General says C-Series HMMWV kit will only go forward if there is enough interest from customers. A formal decision will be made by March 30, 2013. If given the green light, kits will begin shipping sometime in June. Source: Automobile 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 October 31, 2012 Bloomberg is reporting that earlier this month, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne sat down with PSA-Peugeot/Citroen GM earlier this month about creating an alliance that would become the largest automaker in the region. Marchionne's proposal was to have the three companies form an alliance in exchange for stock. Marchionne also had another proposal on the table where Fiat would take Opel off GM's hands if the company was given between $5 to $7 billion in cash for restructuring costs. PSA-Peugeot/Citroen passed on the alliance because it favors its partnership with GM. Also, if PSA-Peugeot/Citroen went ahead with this idea, this would have complicated a $9.1 billion guarantee from the French government. “It’s an indication that it’s getting increasingly difficult, especially for the southern European carmakers. Marchionne seems to be afraid to go under in the wave of joint ventures in Europe,” said Frank Schwope, an analyst with Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale. “Don’t read anything into having a coffee at the bar. There are other things than combinations and mergers that people talk about from time to time,” said Marchionne when asked about this. General Motors and PSA-Peugot/Citroen declined to comment. Source: Bloomberg 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 October 30, 2012 Subaru has unveiled the WRX and WRX STI Special Editions at SEMA today. Perfect timing since it's Halloween and the vehicles are draped in a custom Tangerine orange paint job. The paint job is contrasted by a set of black wheels, grille, blades, and exterior mirror caps. There is also a set graphics running along the door sills, signifying if its a STI or WRX. Inside, the color combo continues with black materials and tangerine stitching on the seats, doors, and shift lever. If you were expecting any performance tweaks on the Special Editions, you'll be disappointed to hear there is none. The WRX still comes with 265 HP and the STI has 305. Subaru says there will be 200 WRXs and 100 WRX STIs built and will go on sale sometime in 2013. Pricing hasn't been released. Source: Subaru 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 SUBARU WRX AND WRX STI SPECIAL EDITIONS DEBUT AT SEMA SHOW Subaru launches new “Orange and Black” Special Editions Limited run of just 300 vehicles Las Vegas, Oct 30, 2012 - Subaru of America, Inc. reveals 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions at the 2013 SEMA Show. The new models are in keeping with a long tradition of customized Subaru SEMA show cars -- and just in time for Halloween. The Special Edition WRX and WRX STI models feature an “Orange and Black” custom paint scheme, with Tangerine Orange paint off-set with jet black custom wheels, black front fender badging and exterior mirrors. The Special Editions cars also receive black exterior graphics. The Special Edition line-up is limited to just 200 WRX sedans and 100 WRX STI sedans. For a true custom look, the WRX Special Edition features the dark interior trim from the WRX STI, including a black headliner. The Special Edition orange interior is also applied to the stitching on the seats, doors and shift boot, and custom orange trimmed floor mats. The WRX STI also features front fog lamps. On sale in spring of 2013, the Special Editions spice-up an already potent line up of AWD sports cars. Featuring Subaru BOXER engines, the WRX and WRX STI models develop 265hp and 305hp respectively. Delivering massive bang for the buck, the 2013 WRX Special Edition produces 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm and running through its standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2013 WRX STI Special Edition delivers a rally-inspired driving experience with its 305-horsepower turbocharged BOXER engine, six-speed manual transmission and exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The WRX STI is also equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, the latter featuring a track performance-optimized mode. Please contact your local dealer for further information. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 30, 2012 Mercedes-Benz is about to embark on a huge product offensive to bring in customers into their showrooms. Their key target: Gen Y. "We're a brand we think can absolutely connect with them. Gen Y is just coming of age. We get on their radar screen in a big way," said Steve Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA to USA Today. Mercedes' plan is to introduce 19 redesigned models and 11 new models by 2020. Some of those new models include, CLA-Class (Baby CLS; based on the new A-Class) C-Class convertible GLA-Class Crossover Many variations of the next S-Class Redesigned E-Class Source: USA Today 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 October 30, 2012 We've shown you spy shots of the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. What we haven't been able to show is the two of them together... Until now. Automobile has gotten their hands on some new spy shots of the new Silverado and Sierra testing together. Much like the current models, the pictures reveal the trucks will have slight visual differences that include wheels, fender openings grilles, and taillights. The trucks feature a set of projector headlights and larger lower air dam. Around the side, the doors appear to not have any character lines. There is evidence of bright work around windows and some cladding along the bottom. The back end has a truck bed that is straight and flat, while the tailgate has some creases. Source: Automobile 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. View full article

No, GM has said in a press release earlier this month that the current Impala will be the last one.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 27, 2012 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 Edtion comes in. Its where the stories that gotten forgotten about during the week get their due. In this second edition, we’ll be covering, Two New Honda Models Based On The Fit Ford's Flat Rock Plant Welcomes A New Vehicle Tesla's Trade-Up and More Next: Honda's Two Vehicles Based on Fit Rumorpile: Next-Generation Honda Fit To Spawn Two New Models Honda is readying a next-generation Fit due out sometime next year and it won’t be coming alone. Car & Driver reports that along with the Fit, two models based on it will be coming to the states. Model #1 is the a sedan version of the Fit. Honda currently sells one called the City in certain countries including Thailand and India. The reasoning behind this decision; despite hatchbacks gaining popularity in the U.S., sedans are the preferred choice. Example: The Ford Fiesta. The sedan outsells the hatchback by a factor of 2 to 1. Model #2 is a subcompact crossover that will compete with the Nissan Juke and Jeep’s upcoming model. Source: Car and Driver Next: Ford's Flat Rock Welcomes A New Vehicle [next] Ford’s Flat Rock Plant Has Some New Visitors Earlier this week, the Detroit Free Press reported that Ford’s Flat Rock Michigan plant could be getting the Lincoln MKS and Ford Taurus to build. The move, which is reported to happen in 2014, will security and possibly more than 1,400 jobs that is coming from a current expansion. This a sharp contrast from last year as the Flat Rock plant could barely build enough Ford Mustangs and Mazda6s. Then Mazda announced they would be leaving the Flat Rock, leaving workers wondering if Flat Rock would be kept open. Ford would keep the plant open with the announcement of the Fusion being built starting in February. That announcement also would bring 1,200 jobs, a number which has since jumped to 1,400. At the moment, Ford builds the Taurus, MKS, and its derivatives at Chicago. Sources tell the Free Press that Flat Rock will be getting the next-generation MKS in 2014. There’s also the possibility of the Taurus coming as well. "I'm looking forward to adding jobs to the Downriver area and to help the community," said Steve Gonzales, president of UAW Local 3000, which represents workers at Flat Rock. A Ford spokesman declined to comment. Source: Detroit Free Press Next: Tesla's Trade-Up Tesla’s Trade-up Program For Roadster Owners Lets say you happen to own a Tesla Roadster and you want to get your hands on a new Model S. Well this week, Tesla has announced a new buyback program for Roadster owners. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Tesla’s buyback program works by the company buying back roadsters from owners and giving them a credit that can be used to purchase a new Model S. From there, the Roadster would go into one of Tesla’s stores where it would be sold. "Someone who couldn't reach all the way to a Roadster before, now may be able to get one at a lower price. We're able to set what I think are pretty competitive prices for these cars,” said Tom vonReichbauer, Tesla's director of finance. Don’t expect a handsome discount though. Despite the Roadster costing $109,000 when new, the Chronicle says the average price range for a used Roadster will go from $73,000 to $94,000. Source: San Francisco Chronicle Next: Honey, I Shrunk The Lancer Next Mitsubishi Lancer To Go Smaller The Australian automotive site, The Motor Report had a chance to speak with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation President Osamu Masuko. Masuko revealed an interesting piece of information dealing with the next-generation Lancer. “The new Lancer will be a very new car, and will be sized somewhere between the current model and its predecessor.” The downsizing of the Lancer will bring forth a lighter vehicle, meaning better handling and fuel economy. However, the downsizing will mean Mitsubishi will have to pull some clever techniques to match the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and others in interior space. When asked about this report by Autoblog, Mitsubishi’s U.S. offic said they "cannot confirm any plans on the Lancer for this market at this time." Source: The Motor Report Next: Hyundai and Kia's Turbo and Diesel Plans Hyundai and Kia: More Turbos and Diesels For Everyone* This week, Hyundai and Kia announced that their powertrain lineups around the world will be growing with new turbocharged and diesel engines. The announcement comes from the companies’ International Powertrain Conference. One of the new engines is a 3.0L turbo, direct-injected V6 that is expected to produce 350 HP and get 32-33 MPG on the highway. This engine will likely appear in the next-generation Genesis. Also, Hyundai and Kia announced new transmissions to complement the engines. Hyundai and Kia don’t say when the new engines will arrive, nor where the new diesel engines will land. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Left Lane News Next: Quick Hits Quick Hits: Autoblog got their hands on the first spy shots of the C7 Corvette convertible. The big story with this is that mule is wearing a softtop and not a hardtop. Other than that, we know the Convertible will have the new LT1 that GM showed back on Wednesday. Source: Autoblog A Kia representative let slip to AutoGuide that they are working a sports car of some sort to appear next year. The vehicle will be in the affordable performance class, joining vehicles like the Scion FR-S, Ford Focus ST, Hyundai Genesis coupe, and others. AutoGuide speculates the Kia will be a version of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, though they aren’t ruling out a hot hatch. Source: AutoGuide Mercedes-Benz looks be readying a concept that will preview the new S-Class sometime early next year. Autocar believes the concept will be a version of the virtual ‘Aesthetics S’ sculpture shown at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year. Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener said the next-generation S-Class would be “pure and timeless”. The new S-Class is expected to be shown in production form sometime later this year. Source: Autocar Finally, we have the date of when the new Mitsubishi Outlander will go on sale in the U.S. Roger Yasukawa, a Mitsubishi Motors North America spokesman told Inside Line the new crossover would likely go on sale sometime next year as a 2014 model. The plug-in hybrid Outlander will arrive either in late 2013 or 2014. 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. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 26, 2012 The Detroit News reports that Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn said the company expects to build an all-new SUV in the U.S. for the U.S. This confirms a long standing rumor that Volkswagen would build a three-seat crossover for the states. Now, a final decision on whether this goes through or not will take place sometime next year, From what we had know, the three-row crossover will slot between the Tiguan and Touareg and be built at Volkswagen’s plant in Tennessee. No name has been given at this time. Car & Driver says the new three-row crossover will be based on Volkswagen’s new MQB platform (the same one as the Golf). Autoweek says the new crossover will be shown at next year’s Detroit Auto Show as a concept. A production model will follow a year after according to Autoweek, while Car & Driver says 2015. Source: The Detroit News, Car & Driver, (2), Autoweek 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