William Maley

The Regal will be getting a mild-update, if the spy shots of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia are anything to go by.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 20, 2012 Buick has announced pricing for their new 2013 Encore crossover. When the Encore arrives at your local Buick dealership early next year, it will carry a base price of $24,950 (includes $750 destination charge).Standard equipment will include 18-inch wheels, a seven-inch color touch screen with Buick’s IntelliLink system, backup camera, and power driver’s seat. Buick will offer three different packages for the Encore. Those packages will include, Convenience Group ($25,760): dual-zone automatic climate control, household power outlet, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start and fog lights. Leather Group ($27,460): Includes Convenience group plus a power passenger seat, memory driver’s seat and heated leather upholstery. Premium Group ($28,940): adds Leather group plus front and rear park assist, forward collision and lane-departure warning systems, rain-sensing wipers, Bose audio and some cargo accessories. There will be a few standalone options as well. Navigation ($795) Chrome Wheels ($995) Moonroof ($800) Bose Audio ($595) All-wheel drive ($1,500) A fully-loaded Encore should be around $33,000. All Encores will come equipped with a 1.4L turbo-four producing 138 HP and goes through a six-speed automatic. Source: Buick 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 Buick Encore Priced at $24,950 New luxury small crossover blends safety, versatility and efficiency DETROIT – The new 2013 Buick Encoresmall luxury crossover will arrive at dealers in the first quarter of 2013 with a suggested retail price of $24,950, including a $750 destination charge. Standard features include QuietTuning with Bose Active Noise Cancellation, 18-inch wheels, a rearview camera and a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color display radio with IntelliLink connectivity. Four trim levels will be available, including a base model with all of the features listed above. An Encore with the Convenience Group adds dual-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start and fog lights for $25,760. An Encore with the Leather Group costs $27,460 and includes all of the above features plus leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power passenger seat and driver's seat memory functions. Encore's Premium Group includes all content from the Leather and Convenience Packages, along with front and rear park assist, Forward Collision Alert with Lane Departure Warning, a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system with a subwoofer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a cargo net and area cargo mat. The top of the line model costs $28,940. With Encore's optional Forward Collision Alert, the vehicle gives audible and visual warnings when a collision may be imminent at speeds above 25 mph. Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers when they may have crossed a detected lane marker without using a turn indicator when driving at speeds over 35 mph. This feature can be deactivated with the push of a button. All-wheel drive is available on all Encore models for $1,500. Standalone options available for Convenience, Leather or Premium Encore models include navigation ($795), 18-inch chrome-clad wheels ($995), a sunroof ($800) and a Bose premium audio system ($595, but standard on Premium Package). "Encore opens the Buick brand to new groups of customers with a compelling blend of luxury, utility and efficiency," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. "Its versatile shape, agile size and available all-wheel drive invite owners to live active lifestyles while enjoying Buick's signature style, comfort and refinement." Encore will be the most fuel-efficient crossover produced by a domestic automaker, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for front-drive models. View full article

I was wondering that as well. I'm wondering if GM has anything in the pipeline for a replacement

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 18, 2012 Buick and GMC have announced to their dealers today that the two brands will collectively launch nine new or revised products over the next 12 months. Some of the products have already been shown. Those products include, Buick Enclave Buick Encore GMC Acadia Others have either been talked about and/or been caught in spy shots. Those vehicles are, 2014 Buick LaCrosse 2014 Buick Regal 2014 GMC Sierra 2014 GMC Sierra HD 2014 GMC Yukon 2014 GMC Yukon XL Dealers were also told that GMC Canyon would be returning. When the Canyon would be arriving wasn't talked about. “While we continue to make strong progress in fuel economy gains on our full-size trucks, we know that there is a group of customers who want the functionality of a truck but may not need full-size pickup. We believe that introducing a new, agile and efficient mid-size Canyon will meet the needs of many pickup buyers,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick and GMC Marketing. Source: GM 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 Nine New Models in Next 12 Months for Buick and GMC Product surge comes amid third year of consecutive retail sales gains for both brands 2012-09-20 DETROIT – Buick and GMC told dealers today that it will introduce nine new or significantly updated models in the next 12 months, starting with the new Buick Enclaveluxury crossover SUV and GMC Acadiacrossover SUV this fall. The new Buick Encoresmall luxury crossover, which will be priced at $24,950 including a $750 destination charge, arrives in early 2013. A Buick Regalluxury sport sedan, Buick LaCrosseluxury sedan, GMC Sierra and Sierra HD full-size pickups, as well as GMC Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs will arrive next year. In addition to these nine models, GMC will offer luxury-appointed Denali versions of its four upcoming vehicles and a new 2.0L turbocharged powertrain will be available in the Buick Verano this year. By the end of 2013, the oldest non-commercial models in a Buick/GMC showroom will be the Buick Veranoluxury sedan and GMC Terrainsmall SUV. Verano has been in dealer showrooms for less than a year and has gained sales volume every month since launch. Terrain arrived as a 2010 model and is on pace for its best sales year ever in 2012. A new Denali luxury trim level recently was added. GMC also announced the return of the GMC Canyon midsize pickup as an all-new model to be built in Wentzville, Mo. Arrival timing will be announced later. “While we continue to make strong progress in fuel economy gains on our full-size trucks, we know that there is a group of customers who want the functionality of a truck but may not need full-size pickup,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick and GMC Marketing. “We believe that introducing a new, agile and efficient mid-size Canyon will meet the needs of many pickup buyers.” Buick and GMC have grown together as distinctly different but complementary brands. Together, they have sold more than 400,000 vehicles so far this year, a pace that should allow each brand to achieve a third consecutive year of sales gains. “We’re not only selling more vehicles, we’re bringing new customers to the Buick and GMC showroom,” said Brian Sweeney, vice president of Buick and GMC Sales and Service. “Both brands report more than 40 percent conquest sales. Buick was the only automotive brand in the United States to reduce the average age of its buyer during the past five years, and GMC continues to attract more female buyers and – with Denali vehicles – more import and luxury owners. Overall, General Motors will have 70 percent all-new or significantly refreshed products across its four U.S. brands in 2012-2013. View full article

The cube is beginning to warm to me. I like the spacious-ness. What I'm not a big fan is the wind and road noise. I'm not finding it tinny either. Feels solid.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 20, 2012 “Please don’t write me off yet. I mean, I love it here.” Those words were uttered by Ford CEO Alan Mulally to reporters this week at the launch of the new Fusion. “My plan is to continue to serve as the CEO of Ford. I’m really clarifying that now. If I had any plans to do anything differently, I’d share it with everybody,” Mulally said. Mulally comments come a week after news surfaced that Mark Fields would become Ford's new COO, which led to speculation that Ford was setting up a succession plan for Mulally. Source: Bloomberg Businessweek 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 September 19, 2012 Auto show season is upon us and it means two things; new cars and leaks. Case in point, a picture of the new Jaguar F-Type roadster was leaked earlier this afternoon by spy photographer and friend of C&G, Chris Doane. "Something interesting just popped up in my inbox..." Doane wrote as the caption on the picture on his Facebook fan page. The new F-Type looks to be almost a dead ringer for the C-X16 coupe concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, minus the roof. Powertrains will include two supercharged V6s and a possibility of a 5.0L supercharged V8. We'll learn more info about the F-Type when it premieres at the Paris Motor Show next week or before then. (Author's note: Chris has since taken down the picture by request of Jaguar. -WM) Source: Chris Doane Automotive LLC, Motor Authority 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 September 19, 2012 Land Rover is having great success with the new Range Rover Evoque and is considering whether to do a subcompact SUV. "Certainly, I think we can go smaller. In a world focusing on sustainability you could argue that smaller and lighter is the way to go," Land Rover's design director Gerry McGovern. Land Rover isn't the only brand considering this. Audi is reportedly working on a Q1 SUV and Mercedes-Benz is working on one based on the new A-Class. Source: Automotive News Europe (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 September 19, 2012 Car & Driver has uncovered some recent trademark filings from Chrysler for 'Promaster' and 'Promaster City'. Besides sounding like some fishing equipment, Car & Driver believes these are the names for the new vans from Fiat for the truck brand. 'Promaster' will be the name for Ram version of the Fiat Ducato van, while the 'Promaster City' will be the the Fiat Doblo. The two vans will be arriving next year. Source: Car & Driver 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

How so?

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 18, 2012 This week in the Cheers & Gears Detroit garage is the 2012 Nissan cube 1.8S Indigo Limited Edition. The 1.8S is the mid-level model in the cube lineup and comes with a 1.8L inline-four producing 122 HP and 127 lb-ft of torque and can go through either a six-speed manual or Nissan's Xtronic CVT. Our model is equipped with the CVT. Our cube is also equipped with Indigo Limited Edition package which adds keyless entry, push-button start, an upgraded six-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, a five-inch touchscreen, navigation, rear-view camera, unique black and indigo upholstery, and fifteen-inch alloy wheels. That package and few other options brings the as-tested price to $20,975 (Includes $780.00 destination charge). First Impressions so far Really like the blue and the fifteen-inch alloys on the cube I think there is about a quarter-mile of headroom inside Like the way the cube drives, perfect for those who live in a city I'll have more updates as the week goes on. In the meantime, drop your questions and I will do my best to answer them. Update - September 24, 2012 My time with the Nissan cube is coming to close as it will go back tomorrow, and for what it is, its a very good package. The cube provides a surprising amount of space and equipment for the price tag. The cube is also one of those vehicles which actually provides excellent visibility and maneuverability, making it perfect for city or suburban driving. However if you decide to do any driving on the freeway or long-distance with the cube, be prepared for a large amount of wind- and road-noise (mostly due to the shape) and the seats not being real comfortable for the long distance. The cube wasn't built for that in mind. Fuel economy has been really impressing me with an average of 31.5 MPG. If you have any last minute questions on the cube, get them in and I will do my best to answer them. 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 September 18, 2012 McLaren has just dropped the first official images of its P1 design study that will be shown at the Paris Motor Show next week. Called the company's "next generation ultimate supercar", the P1 appears to take the proportions of the F1 supercar and the design of the current MP4-12C. "Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit. It is the true test of a supercar's all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made," said McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff. McLaren is being mum on the powertrain details for the P1. Rumor has it that the P1 will use the 3.8L V8 from 12C and some sort of hybrid tech to produce somewhere over 900 HP. The production version of the P1 will arrive sometime next year. 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 McLaren releases three images of its new supercar, the P1 McLaren Automotive will use its first ever international motor show appearance to preview its next generation ultimate supercar – the P1 – which takes much of its technological and spiritual inspiration from the company's Racing division. P1 has one simple goal: to be the best driver's car in the world on road and track. At the Paris Motor Show, Mondial de l'Automobile 2012, P1 is previewed as a design study. Next year a production version, which the company aims to put on sale within 12 months, will be revealed. 'P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,' says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. 'Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with P1 is to redefine it once again.' 'Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit', says McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff. 'It is the true test of a supercar's all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.' When P1 goes into production later next year, it will sit above the 12C and 12C Spider, in terms of both price and performance. More information will be released following the McLaren Automotive press conference scheduled for 17.45 CEST (16.45 BST), on Thursday 27 September 2012. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 18, 2012 Volkswagen's first try with Phaeton was a colossal failure in the U.S. Despite being one the best luxury vehicles with a surprising price, no one could get over the high price-tag for a Volkswagen. Well, Volkswagen is going for another try with Phaeton in the U.S. Automotive News is reporting that the Phaeton will return sometime in 2015. The Phaeton will ride on the new longitudinal platform and be priced “well below” the $70,000 mark. 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