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Rumorpile: Volkswagen Plans A Change To Its Corporate Structure

During the reign of former Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piëch, the company was arranged in such a way where each of the twelve brands were given autonomy to encourage competition between them. Many believed this arrangement made controlling almost impossible and was slow to react to changes in the marketplace. But with Piëch out the company, there appears to be a change incoming in how the company is structured.
 
German publication Handelsblatt reports that Volkswagen will restructure the decentralized system into four holding companies for the 12 brands. Here's how it will break down,
Holding Company 1: Volkswagen, Skoda, and Seat to be under the leadership of Former BMW manager Herbert Diess. Holding Company 2: Audi, Ducati, and Lamborghini to be under the leadership of current Audi CEO Rupert Stadler. Holding Company 3: Bentley, Bugatti, and Porsche to be under the leadership of Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller Holding Company 4: MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Commercial to be under the leadership of former Daimler trucks boss Andreas Renschler

This new structure is designed to improve efficiency and help make faster decisions. Each head will be on Volkswagen's board.
 
Now with this possible change, a number of positions will be cut. Such positions include the groupwide head of sales and marketing.
 
Source: Reuters via Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Instead of 12 Autonomous Companies, Volkswagen Considers Consolidating Them To Just Four Companies

William Maley

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider To Start At $65,495*

If you have wanted the Alfa Romeo 4C, but without a roof, then we have some good news for you. In August, Alfa Romeo dealers will be selling the 4C Spider starting August with a pricetag of $65,495* (includes $1,495 destination charge). For those keeping track of 4C pricing, the Spider is about $10,000 higher than the coupe.
 
“Spiders have always been at the very core of the ‘Great Alfa Romeos,’ and our all-new 4C Spider builds on the brand’s motorsport and technology heritage for an open-air experience that is pure driving exhilaration, “From its track-proven 1750 turbocharged engine, to its hand-laid carbon fiber monocoque chassis, the 4C Spider takes the innovation and ingenuity of the 4C and delivers an open-air experience without sacrificing any of its supercar-level performance and capability,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo North America.
 
The 4C Spider gets the same turbocharged and direct-injected 1.7L four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired with a six-speed dual clutch transmission. Weight-wise, the Spider weighs about 20 pounds more than the 4C Spider (2,487 lbs for the Spider vs. 2,467 for the Coupe).
 
Source: Alfa Romeo
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
All-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Delivers Race-inspired Performance, Advanced Technologies, Seductive Italian Style, and Now an Even More Exhilarating Driving Experience With Open-air Freedom
All-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider’s open-air performance cockpit and mid-engine proportions draw from more than 100 years of groundbreaking and functional Italian design Unique carbon fiber windshield frame and available carbon fiber “halo” highlight 4C Spider’s ultralight carbon fiber monocoque and aluminum chassis structures, which enable an incredible power-to-weight ratio and supercar-level performance Innovative and unique technological solutions: all-aluminum 1750 direct-injection, intercooled, advanced turbocharged engine with dual variable-valve timing paired to the blistering fast Alfa TCT (twin-clutch transmission) and Alfa DNA selector with four adjustable drive modes All-new available Akrapovi? dual-mode exhaust system features dual, center-mounted tips with carbon fiber surround and signature Alfa resonant sound Handcrafted in Modena, Italy, Alfa Romeo 4C Spider combines two excellences – the performance engineering of Alfa Romeo and the craftsmanship of Maserati manufacturing All-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider arrives at U.S. and Canadian dealerships this summer starting at $63,900 MSRP

June 12, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Adding to the Alfa Romeo brand’s legendary racing history and the exciting experience of open-air motoring, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider debuts with panoramic views complemented with a signature Alfa exhaust note, plus the essential sportiness of the award-winning 4C – handcrafted in Modena, Italy; groundbreaking and seductive Italian style; state-of-the-art Formula 1 inspired carbon fiber monocoque chassis that enables an incredible power-to-weight ratio; advanced technologies, including the all-aluminum 1750 turbocharged and intercooled engine with direct-injection and variable-valve timing that enable supercar-level performance.
“Spiders have always been at the very core of the ‘Great Alfa Romeos,’ and our all-new 4C Spider builds on the brand’s motorsport and technology heritage for an open-air experience that is pure driving exhilaration,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo North America. “From its track-proven 1750 turbocharged engine, to its hand-laid carbon fiber monocoque chassis, the 4C Spider takes the innovation and ingenuity of the 4C and delivers an open-air experience without sacrificing any of its supercar-level performance and capability.”
The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider arrives at U.S. and Canadian dealerships this summer with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $63,900 (excluding $1,595 destination).
“4C” and the Legacy of Alfa RomeoThe Alfa Romeo 4C Spider name recalls the brand’s great sporting tradition. The acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished racing and road cars fitted with powerful eight- and six-cylinder engines. Like the award-winning 4C, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider model’s designation is a return to “the great Alfa Romeos” and continues this tradition with the innovative all-aluminum 1750 turbocharged, intercooled, direct injection, four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 136 horsepower per liter.
With seating for two, panoramic views and the soundtrack of an Italian performance-tuned engine and exhaust, Spiders are among the most exhilarating experiences in motoring – and represent the very core of Alfa Romeo’s DNA and heritage.
The 4C Spider draws from a bloodline that includes some of the most purpose-built performance models, which illustrate lightness and efficiency with undeniable Alfa Romeo style – the aluminum-bodied 8C 2900 B Touring (1938); the 1900 C52 “Flying Saucer” (1952), which could exceed 140 mph (230 kph); and most notably the legendary 33 Stradale (1967), with its mid-engine and magnesium alloy and steel tube chassis “clothed” by groundbreaking styling, which is functional and distinctly Italian. And now it’s the 4C Spider’s turn to deliver the driving thrill, performance and unforgettable emotion that only an Alfa Romeo Spider provokes.
Groundbreaking and seductive Italian style
Continuing the groundbreaking theme of technology, performance and Italian style, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider builds upon the brand’s journey, which was embarked upon with the 8C Competizione (2008), 8C Spider (2009), 4C (2015), and most recently, the 4C Spider Concept, which debuted at the 84th International Geneva Motor Show.
Inspired by the 33 Stradale, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider transcends this legendary racecar’s mid-engine body forms and follows its purposeful and lightweight performance tradition with sheet-molded compound (SMC) composite panels forming its seductive Italian design, and “clothing” its state-of-the-art carbon fiber monocoque chassis and all-aluminum 1750 turbocharged, direct-injected engine.
Covering the “beating heart” of this Italian supercar is a deck lid with three functional heat extractors and an aerodynamically tuned spoiler. And it’s from the 4C Spider’s “beating heart” where every other design element starts: two muscular forms straddle the rear hood and elevate the body above the cockpit’s beltline for visual strength and foundation for the black or available carbon fiber “halo” (late availability). The rear fascia and round rear LED illuminated tail lamps blend into the muscular rear wings for a powerful stance, while stylistically incorporating large functional air intakes to cool the engine. Below, dual exhausts are mounted at the corners and highlight the 4C Spider’s supercar stance. Inspired by the 4C Spider Concept, an all-new Akrapovi? dual-mode center-mounted performance exhaust system will be available on the 4C Spider (late availability).
On each side of the all-new 4C Spider, the sculpted air intakes spring a muscular and dynamic form that lead elegantly into the headlamps. Highlighting its exotic monocoque is a carbon fiber windshield frame, which promotes strength and lightness, while providing the attachment points for the removable, stowable cloth roof, or available exposed carbon fiber hardtop (late availability).
Leading from the 4C Spider’s windshield and down the hood are two muscular hood forms, which naturally conclude at the signature Alfa Romeo shield-shaped grille and emblem. Together with the two side air intakes designed in the front fascia, the 4C Spider forms the famous “Trilobo” within which the iconic logo is placed – and a significant facet of Alfa Romeo’s distinctive design.
Performance-focused cockpitThe all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider’s cockpit is inspired from racing; purpose built with only the essential driving components stylistically integrated.
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider features two composite-framed sport seats with standard leather and an exposed carbon fiber monocoque that exemplifies its race-inspired technologies. Furthermore, a driver-oriented cockpit with flat-bottom, leather performance steering wheel with paddle-shifters and aluminum pedals speak to the brand’s racing spirit. For an upscale look, the fully wrapped premium-leather interior with accent stitching is standard on the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. For an added touch of exclusivity and technology, unique carbon fiber vent surrounds and other carbon fiber trim pieces are available as part of a new Carbon Fiber Trim Package. Highlighting the use of advanced technology is a 7-inch full-color driver information display (DID) cluster, which displays vehicle information through high-impact graphics to keep the driver focused on the road, or track, ahead.
New to the Alfa Romeo 4C lineup is the addition of an Alpine premium audio system. Designed for audiophiles, this new head unit enables the 4C Spider to offer its passengers premium sound quality and multiple connectivity and media options, including handsfree Bluetooth phone, Bluetooth streaming, USB port, iPod interface and CD/MP3 capabilities. In addition, the Alpine radio provides access to HD radio and SiriusXM Radio for high-definition broadcast audio.
A vivid array of colors, materials and design details
Adding to the excitement of owning an Alfa Romeo are the personalization options that each client can select.
Seven exterior colors are available for the 4C Spider, and include: Rosso Alfa (Red), Black, White, Basalt Gray Metallic, Rosso Competizione Tri-coat (Red), Madreperla White Tri-coat and all-new Giallo Prototipo (Yellow).
Complementing the 4C Spider’s exterior are six interior combinations, which include two seat material choices: Black leather with Red accent stitching, Red leather with Black accent stitching, new Black leather with Giallo accent stitching, and exclusive to the Track Package – Black racing leather seats with microfiber inserts and Red or Yellow accent stitching.
For a bespoke look, and all new to the 4C model lineup, a contrasting Tobacco leather seat accompanied with a Black leather Interior accented with Tobacco stitching will be offered (late availability).
With the arrival of the 4C Spider are six wheel choices, including four all-new wheel designs, which include staggered fitting 17 x 7.0-inch (front) and 18 x 8.0-inch (rear) alloy wheels in Silver or Dark Gray finish. For added style and performance, larger 18 x 7.0-inch (front) and wider 19 x 8.5-inch (rear) forged wheels in Silver or Dark Gray finish are also available. Like the 4C, the signature five-hole design wheels in 18 x 7.0-inch (front) and 19 x 8.5-inch (rear) in Silver or Dark Gray are also available.
Completing the look are four brake caliper color choices, including Silver (standard) or available Red, Yellow, or Black.
Mid-engine layout with a unique set of technological solutionsThanks to its mid-engine layout, advanced technology and compact size, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider demonstrates its precision, agility and performance credentials with a top speed of 160 miles per hour (mph), 0-to-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, 1.1 g of lateral acceleration and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration.
Delivering the ultra-lightweight architecture needed for maximum performance and dynamic efficiency, Alfa Romeo engineers looked to Formula 1 and only the most advanced supercars for state-of-the-art materials. The result is a monocoque chassis made entirely of unidirectional, “pre-preg” carbon fiber layers that are hand-laid for extraordinary stiffness and strength. At 236 pounds, the highly exotic carbon fiber monocoque chassis delivers a material performance that is three-times stronger and seven-times lighter than steel. Completing the competition-grade architecture are front- and rear-chassis structures and an engine-mounting frame made from lightweight aluminum.
Thanks to the monocoque’s inherent rigidity, Alfa Romeo engineers were able to minimize structural differences between the 4C Spider and 4C, resulting in a weight of only 2,487 pounds – an increase of only 22 pounds over the 4C. For a technical look, header strength and low center of gravity, the 4C Spider features a unidirectional carbon fiber windshield frame that is adhered and bolted to the monocoque chassis. In addition, a specially contoured aluminum roll bar (underneath the Black or carbon fiber “halo”) provides mounting points for the new rear deck lid, while unique upper body brackets and a high-strength steel engine compartment cross beam maximize torsional rigidity.
Alfa Romeo engineers continued the use of state-of-the-art materials by creating the bodywork entirely of sheet-molded compound (SMC), a low-density, high-strength composite material that is 20 percent lighter and dimensionally more rigid than steel. Engineers even optimized the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider’s windshield and side windows by using 10 percent thinner glass to reduce weight by up to 15 percent.
Finally, two sport seats feature a carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced-composite structure to deliver the strength and seating position needed for performance driving.
The heart and soul — the all-aluminum 1750 turbocharged engine with direct injection
The engine is the “beating heart” of any Alfa Romeo, and for the all-new 4C Spider, it beats to an innovative, all-aluminum 1750 turbocharged and intercooled engine with dual (intake and exhaust) continuous variable-valve timing that delivers 237 horsepower – or an impressive 136 horsepower per liter.
To ensure exceptional performance and drivability on the racetrack or city streets, the 1750 turbocharged engine features cutting-edge technologies. High-pressure direct-injection (2,900 psi / 200 bar) with multi-hole fuel injectors provide a more even spray. To increase performance, while reducing oil consumption and emissions, the cylinder head inlet ducts have an optimized design, while cylinder liners are made from thin cast-iron. The addition of an electric thermostat helps the 1750 turbo engine reduce warm-up times and tailpipe emissions. Minimizing vibration at higher engine speeds, the engine’s crankshaft features eight counterweights. Last, intake and exhaust systems are optimized for Alfa Romeo 4C Spider’s mid-engine layout.
A new generation turbocharger features a pulse-converter exhaust manifold to exploit pressure waves and boost torque at low-engine speeds. A wastegate valve adjusts turbo pressure and improves the engine’s efficiency. Advanced turbo technology enables the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider to maximize torque at low engine speeds and deliver more response to driver input by increasing combustion efficiency and turbine speed, all while eliminating turbo lag. As a result, torque delivery is instantaneous, with a peak of 258 lb.-ft. (350 N•m); 80 percent of which is available at only 1,700 rpm.
Three available exhaust systems, including an all-new Akrapovi? dual-mode systemFrom the 4C Spider Concept to production, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will offer its most hardcore motorsport enthusiasts an all-new Akrapovi? dual-mode exhaust system with Alfa Romeo’s signature resonant sound (late availability).
Developed in cooperation with the racing exhaust experts at Akrapovi?, this beautifully crafted titanium system consists of two center-mounted tailpipes, computer-optimized asymmetrical mufflers with a dual-mode exhaust valve system and link pipe with resonator to eliminate in-cabin droning. For a technical look that emphasizes 4C Spider’s lightweight design, a carbon fiber bezel surrounds the Akrapovi? center-mounted exhaust tips.
Like the 4C, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will also offer the standard exhaust system and a racing exhaust system. Similar in design, the optional racing exhaust removes the muffler, and instead integrates a uniquely designed asymmetric Y-shape system after the catalyst. For added style, the racing exhaust system features integrated dual concentric exhaust tips.
Advanced technological solutions: Alfa TCT twin-clutch and Alfa DNA selector technologies further make the 4C Spider an extension of the driver
Teamed to the all-aluminum 1750 turbocharged engine is a paddle-shifting Alfa TCT (twin-clutch transmission) tuned specifically for the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. With its uniquely calibrated software that adjusts with the Alfa DNA selector system, the Alfa TCT’s gearshifts are designed to become most aggressive in the Dynamic and Race modes. Further making this Alfa Romeo an extension of the driver are rev-matching paddle shifts and pre\cise gear changes as quick as 130 milliseconds at full throttle.
For driving convenience in Dynamic, Natural or All-weather modes, the Alfa Romeo TCT gearbox can utilize an “auto” mode. Instantaneously optimizing the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider’s level of performance is the brand’s innovative Alfa DNA selector. With four modes, including “Race” mode, the Alfa DNA selector can optimize the engine, transmission, Alfa Electronic Q2 differential and electronic stability control (ESC) calibrations to the levels needed by the driver. With a touch of the Alfa DNA selector, the driving dynamics of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider can be changed to (in order of increasing capability):All-weather – designed to ensure maximum control in adverse weather conditions and enables gentler accelerator input and special engine and brake control logic to match road speed and prevent skidding
Natural – enables grand touring comfort and smooth drivability for the Alfa TCT gearboxDynamic – enables improved driving performance via a more aggressive powertrain calibration and less intrusive ESC setting
Race – available while in Dynamic mode, Race mode is the most extreme performance mode, putting the driver in total control of the car under race conditions. ESC and anti-slip regulation (ASR) are deactivated to allow the driver to control traction through the accelerator pedal. The Alfa Electronic Q2 differential control system remains active for fast exits out of corners or bendsIn Race mode, launch control can be activated, allowing the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider to deliver 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts as low as 4.1-seconds as soon as the driver releases the brake
Maximum road-holding suspensionThe all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider adopts race-derived solutions to ensure maximum agility and road holding performance. The front suspension is comprised of a “superimposed” double wishbone configuration for direct and unfiltered feedback. At the rear, an advanced MacPherson suspension ensures superb road-holding attributes – even in the most extreme of maneuvers. Both front and rear suspensions are made from aluminum and high-strength steel. For the North American market, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is designed with stiffer springs, larger front- and rear-sway bars, and re-tuned shock absorbers.
Track Package
For maximum handling performance, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is available with the Track Package. This package includes high-performance shock absorbers with larger front- and rear-sway bars, with available Pirelli P-Zero “AR Racing” tires; performance flat-bottom steering wheel with microfiber inserts; carbon fiber exterior mirrors and carbon fiber gauge cluster bezel, plus the availability of Black leather performance seats with microfiber inserts and Red or Yellow accent stitching.
Enthusiast-desired “manual” steeringIn line with the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider’s ultra-lightweight design and desire for maximum agility and road feel, the conventional power steering system is removed altogether. Through a manual steering system and 15.7:1 quick-ratio steering, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider provides the driver with maximum feel-of-the-road. Furthermore, an appropriate steering-wheel load is maintained thanks to the low overall weight of the car.
Powerful stopping power – up to 1.25 g of braking deceleration
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider’s brake system is designed for track use, where decisive braking, even under the most intensive conditions, is required. To deliver maximum stopping power and 1.25 g of braking deceleration for 60-0 in under 100 feet, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is equipped with four self-ventilating perforated discs and Brembo four-piston aluminum calipers at the front axle.
Excellence handcrafted in Modena, ItalyThe Alfa Romeo 4C Spider combines two excellences – the racing and performance know how of Alfa Romeo engineering, plus the craftsmanship and manufacturing expertise of Maserati.
The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the 4C and all-new 4C Spider. Teamwork between the two brands included the integration of the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile with the well-known craftsmanship of the Maserati brand’s Modena workshop. In addition, the Alfa Romeo 4C and 4C Spider are boosted by the technological contributions of Italian suppliers, who are international leaders in manufacturing high-performance components.
This is a distinguishing trait of Alfa Romeo, a brand with a century of history that continues to be one of the most famous and popular ambassadors of Italian products around the world.

  • How much for the new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider?

William Maley

Rumorpile: Ford Plans On Moving Lincoln Production Away From Chicago For More Explorer Capacity

When the Lincoln Continental begins production sometime next year, it won't be at Chicago Assembly plant where the current MKS is built. Ford announced this week that it will be phasing out the MKS in 2016. This announcement came at a event where the company was promoting the increase of Ford Explorer output at Ford’s Chicago plant.
 
“Chicago Assembly Plant is vital to our global manufacturing footprint and will continue to manufacture the Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor vehicles even after we phase out production of the MKS in 2016. We will continue to match production to demand,” the company said in a statement.
 
Automotive News says this statement echoes a comment made by Ford's President of the Americas, Joe Hinrichs earlier in the week.
 
“When the Continental comes out next year, the Lincoln fades away.But once it fades away, we’re going to use that capacity to make more Explorers,” said Hinrichs to the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
 
So where will the Continental be built? Industry sources say the Continental could be produced at Ford's Flat Rock, MI plant where the Fusion is built. The Continental uses a longer version of the Fusion's platform, so building it at Flat Rock makes sense.
 
A Ford spokesman decline to comment on the Contiental's production plan, saying the location would be revealed closer to the vehicle's launch next year.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • The Lincoln Continental Won't Be Built In Chicago

William Maley

Ford Returns to LeMans With GT In 2016

The rumors seemed to be right on the money as Ford announced this morning that it would make a return to Le Mans next year with the GT supercar competing in the LM GTE class. This is one way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford’s historic 1966 overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
 
However, the GT will not only compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The blue oval announced a racing program that will compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship with a two-team, four-car effort. Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will be handling the program. Drivers for the effort will be announced at a later time.
 
Ford says the race version of the GT boasts a number of innovations that “will not only make it competitive in LM GTE Pro,” but also “provide benefits to each vehicle in the Ford lineup.”
 
Such innovations include “state-of-the-art aerodynamics to deliver outstanding levels of downforce for improved stability with minimal drag, advanced lightweight composites featuring carbon fiber for an exceptionally rigid but light chassis, and the power and efficiency of EcoBoost technology.”
 
“When the GT40 competed at Le Mans in the 1960s, Henry Ford II sought to prove Ford could beat endurance racing’s most legendary manufacturers. We are still extremely proud of having won this iconic race four times in a row, and that same spirit that drove the innovation behind the first Ford GT still drives us today,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company.
 
The race version of the GT will make its debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona next January.
 
Source: Ford
 

 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
JUN 12, 2015 | LE MANS, FRANCE
 
FORD RETURNING TO LE MANS IN 2016 WITH ALL-NEW FORD GT, MARKING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1966 VICTORY
Ford returns to Le Mans in 2016 with the all-new Ford GT supercar to compete in LM GTE Pro class, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ford’s 1966 overall victory All-new Ford factory program to compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship with a two-team, four-car effort – operated by Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Ford GT is company’s showcase for aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fiber construction, along with new twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost® V6 – most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever

Ford announced today it is returning to one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world with its new Ford GT race car, based on the all-new ultra-high-performance supercar that goes on sale next year.
The Ford GT race car will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – referred to by many as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency – starting next year. Revealed today at the famous circuit in Le Mans, France, Ford GT will compete in the Le Mans GT Endurance class for professional teams and drivers (LM GTE Pro).
 
The new race car – a further proof point of Ford innovation – is based on the all-new Ford GT supercar unveiled in January. Both the production car and race car will arrive in 2016 to mark the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford went on to repeat its victory at Le Mans in 1967, 1968 and 1969.
“When the GT40 competed at Le Mans in the 1960s, Henry Ford II sought to prove Ford could beat endurance racing’s most legendary manufacturers,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “We are still extremely proud of having won this iconic race four times in a row, and that same spirit that drove the innovation behind the first Ford GT still drives us today.”
The new Ford GT race car will run the full 2016 schedules of the FIA World Endurance Championship and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, making its competition debut in January 2016 in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Florida. The two Ford teams will be operated by Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS). Both series teams intend to compete with a four-car effort at Le Mans. Drivers will be announced later.
The all-new Ford GT serves as the pinnacle product of the new Ford Performance group, a division dedicated to providing innovation through performance.
Set to deliver more than 12 new performance vehicles by 2020, Ford Performance will leverage its racing efforts and expertise to speed innovations on dedicated performance models and performance parts in order to more quickly iterate the latest technologies that can ultimately be applied to the full Ford vehicle lineup.
The performance segment is a growing business for Ford, as the company recognizes its customers’ desire for vehicles that offer excellent fuel economy, leading technology and a great driving experience. The Ford Performance lineup includes Ford GT, Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R, Focus ST and Fiesta ST.
“Ford remains focused on three priorities globally – accelerating our One Ford plan, delivering product excellence with passion and driving innovation in every part of our business,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president and CEO. “All three came together to create the new Ford GT. We also know from our rich history in motorsports that world-class competition is a great incubator for even further product innovation.”
The Ford GT race car features a number of innovations Ford believes will not only make it competitive in LM GTE Pro, but ultimately positioned to provide benefits to each vehicle in the Ford lineup. These include state-of-the-art aerodynamics to deliver outstanding levels of downforce for improved stability with minimal drag, advanced lightweight composites featuring carbon fiber for an exceptionally rigid but light chassis, and the power and efficiency of EcoBoost technology.
“As we developed the Ford GT, from the outset, we wanted to ensure we had a car that has what it takes to return Ford to the world of GT racing,” said Raj Nair, Ford Motor Company group vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer. “We believe the Ford GT’s advances in aerodynamics, light-weighting and EcoBoost power will make for a compelling race car that can once again compete on a global stage.”
Joining Ford in this project are Multimatic Motorsports, Roush Yates Engines, Castrol, Michelin, Forza Motorsport, Sparco, Brembo and CGRFS. The race car has undergone extensive design and testing within Ford and Multimatic, with CGRFS providing input into the development. Roush Yates is supporting development of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 – the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine debuted in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014. Since then, Ford, with CGRFS, has captured significant overall wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring and Rolex 24 At Daytona. Besides great success in sports cars, Ganassi race teams achieved major victories in the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Indianapolis 500.
“We’ve won races and championships, but we’ve never run Le Mans,” said team owner Chip Ganassi. “When presented the opportunity to compete with the all-new Ford GT on the world’s biggest sports car stage, and on the 50th anniversary of one of the most storied victories in racing history, how could any race team not want to be part of that? Will it be a challenge? Absolutely, but we couldn’t be with a better partner than Ford.”

  • The Ford GT Returns To Le Mans

William Maley

Marchionne Tries Another Way To Get GM, Looks To Alternatives

FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne is quite serious on this consolidation of the automotive industry. Last month, it was reported that Marchionne emailed General Motors CEO Mary Barra about a possible tie up and wanting to meet back in March. Barra rejected this idea outright. But this isn't stopping Marchionne.
 
The Wall Street Journal reports Marchionne is turning to activist investors to compel GM into this idea. There is prescient for this idea as earlier in the year, a group of investors approached GM to buy back $8 billion of their stock. Through negotiation, GM agreed to buy back $5 billion of stock.
 
The other prescient goes back to 2006 when Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn teamed up with activist investor Kirk Kerkorian to have GM join the alliance with Nissan and Renault. After weeks of discussion, GM declined to join.
 
If this idea goes no where, Marchionne has a Plan B. Bloomberg has learned from sources that there is a fallback option where Marchionne could talk to other automakers. Such automakers include Volkswagen, Mazda, and PSA Peugeot-Citroen.
 
Source: The Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required), Bloomberg

  • Sergio Marchionne Wants A Partner Badly

William Maley

Tesla CEO Says The Model X Will Begin Rolling Out In The Next Three to Four Months

Speaking at the annual shareholders meeting in Mountain View, California, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company will begin rolling out their second model, the Model X, in the next three to four months. The model which was first shown in 2012 and was supposed to start production in 2014, has been hit with a number of delays and problems for various aspects.
 
Musk said engineers are working on a number of parts of the Model X including the Falcon Wing doors just right before production models begin rolling off the line.
 
“The Model X will be a better SUV than the Model S is a sedan,” said Musk.
 
Source: Bloomberg

  • Coming To Tesla Store Near You, The Model X

William Maley

Mitsubishi Begins Work On Next-Gen Lancer In Case Of Not Finding A Partner

Mitsubishi hasn't had the best of luck of trying to find a partner. Back in February, we learned that talks between it and Renault had fallen apart for a new midsize sedan. Mitsubishi shelved those plans and reportedly began talks with Nissan. We also learned that Mitsubishi moved up the replacement for the Lancer.
 
Now Mitsubishi has begun working on the Lancer replacement in-house while it still looks for a partner.
 
“We are talking with a potential partner at this time, (but) at the same time we’re doing an internal design of the vehicle. We’re running parallel because we cannot wait any longer to see if a partnership will work out. If it falls through then we’re another year behind,” said Don Swearingen, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America to Wards Auto.
 
Swearingen confirmed that Mitsubishi is still in talks with an automaker - many believe to be Nissan. Even if a deal is reached, Swearingen says the model is still 18 to 2 years out.
 
Additionally, Swearingen confirmed the a midsize sedan from Mitsubishi isn't happening.
 
“We’ve made the decision that D-segment will not work for us in the U.S. When you do the financial analysis and you look at the amount of money (needed) for advertising (and the amount) most of our competitors are spending on incentives, it doesn’t pencil out to do a partnership.”
 
Source: Wards Auto

  • Despite Talks, Mitsubishi Begins Working On The Next-Gen Lancer

William Maley

Debut: 2016 BMW 7-Series

Today, BMW pulled the wraps off the sixth-generation 7-Series. The new version of BMW's flagship includes new tech and less weight.
 
To our eyes, the 2016 7-Series looks like a larger 3-Series. The front boasts a larger kidney grille and narrow headlights, while towards the back has a short overhang and chrome tailpipes. The U.S. will only get the long-wheelbase version of the 7-Series. Under the skin lies one of the biggest changes to the 7-Series. Like the i3 and i8, the 7-Series uses a new internal structure called Carbon Core. The structure is comprised of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and ultra-high-tensile steel. Along with aluminum doors and trunk lid, BMW has been able to cut 190 pounds and maintain a near 50/50 weight balance.
 
Inside is filled with loads of technology such as the next-generation of BMW's iDrive. The new version includes a touchscreen and a number of 3D sensors that respond to hand motions to provide gesture controls. There is a new heads-up display system and a available tablet-based control system for rear-seat passengers. The 7-Series also gets a number of chauffeur equipment such as reclining rear seat with foot rest via the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package.
 
The 7-Series will also have the option of BMW's display key. The company doesn't explain much about the key, but judging by the name, we expect it to show information about the vehicle.
 
For the U.S., the 7-Series will have two engines at launch. The 740i comes with turbocharged 3.0L inline-six with 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The 750i xDrive gets a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 with 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Both models get an eight-speed automatic.
 
Following those models will be the 740e xDrive. This is a plug-in hybrid model which pairs a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder and electric motor. No output numbers are listed, but there BMW does say the model should travel up to 23 miles on electric power alone.
 
The 7-Series will be hitting dealers in the summer with pricing starting at $81,400.
 
Source: BMW
 

 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
The All-New BMW 7 Series:
Groundbreaking Carbon Core passenger cell World’s first Gesture Control Active Kidney Grille and Air Breather Now offering the optional 7 inch Touch Command Tablet The All- New Display Key as a standalone option Offering standard Wireless Charging and WiFi Hotspot The new iDrive 5.0 with touch screen technology Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, Ambiance Lighting, LED Light Carpet Largest HUD in the industry Class leading performance and luxury

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – EMBARGO: June 10, 2015 – 1:30 pm EDT/10:30 am PDT… Today, BMW unveiled the all-new BMW 7 Series, the brand’s flagship in its sixth generation. The 2016 BMW 7 Series sets a new benchmark in lightweight design, driving dynamics, comfort, intelligent connectivity and intuitive operation. The extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structure of the passenger cell and the strategic application of lightweight design reduce weight and increase both the overall torsion strength and bending stiffness of the passenger cell. The all-new BMW 7 Series will be introduced in the US as a 740i and a 750i xDrive model featuring BMWs newest and groundbreaking technologies such as Gesture Control, Wireless Charging and the standalone option of the Display Key. An Active Kidney Grille will also be available for the first time in the US. The all-new BMW 7 Series once again sets the standard for luxury performance, delivering the highest level of driving refinement in the premium class. The 2016 BMW 7 Series will arrive in the US showrooms in the fall of 2015. The MSRP for the BMW 740i will be $81,300 and the BMW 750i xDrive will be $97,400 (prices do not include Destination and Handling).
 

BMW’s flagship vehicle reflects the company’s dedication to pioneer with the development of groundbreaking technology while upholding the 7 Series precedent of comfort and driving dynamics. First introduced to the U.S. market in 1978, the new BMW 7 Series will be in its sixth generation. Many features and technologies developed by BMW, introduced in previous generations of the 7 Series, set the precedent for the future. Pace-Setting Technologies such as Antilock Braking System (ABS) first appeared in the 1978 model which also was the world’s first production car to feature an electronic engine management computer (Digital Motor Electronics - DME). Illustrating segment leadership, an on-board computer (OBC) and Electronic Cruise Control set the standard for luxurious long-distance travel. The second generation, incorporated groundbreaking technologies such as Automatic Stability Control, adaptive transmission control, anti-tapping windows with express up and down on all four door windows and moonroof in addition to the world’s first use of integrated body electronics with advanced diagnostic capabilities and Xenon Headlights (750iL). Technologies such as Dynamic Stability Control, Head Protection System and on-board Navigation System with moving map, CAN Bus technology for body electronics (5 integrated control units) and the revolutionary side-impact Interlocking Door Anchoring System defined the third generation. For the first time in the US the V8 featured VALVETRONIC variable valve lift technology. In its fourth generation, BMW introduced Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) on a sedan, MOST Bus technology for body electrical with 70+ control units on common busses and infinitely variable intake manifold. For the first time, the world also benefitted from adaptive brake lights and electromechanical parking brake and electronic adaptive headlights. BMW continued with the introduction of pace-setting technologies in its fifth generation 7 Series which hit the U.S. market in 2009. Night Vision 2 with Pedestrian Detection, Integral Active Steering, Adaptive Headlights with Dynamic Headlamp Control system with sensors measuring speed, steering angle and yaw as well as “reverse flow” cylinder heads to facilitate better packaging and minimize turbo lag defined this generation. The BMW core principle of safe transportation was assured with features such as Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning system. Active Cruise Control with frontal Collision Warning System, Dynamic Damping Control and Driving Dynamic Control assured the 7 Series reputation of safe and efficient long-distance comfort.
 
The new 7 Series Innovative Design
The 7 Series is the BMW’s flagship when it comes to innovation in design and technology. The design of the new BMW 7 Series aligns elegance of the exterior and interior with luxurious workmanship creating harmonious proportions for a distinct look and feel. The cabin is framed by predominately horizontal surfaces and lines, presenting color and material compositions that create a relaxed ambiance.
 
The all-new BMW 7 Series will be offered in the US exclusively as a long wheelbase version, more than one inch longer than its predecessor. At 206.6 inches in length, 85.4 inches in width and 58.2 inches in height, the new 7 Series is the roomiest Sedan the brand has ever built and features class leading rear seat legroom. A smoothly downward-sloping roofline, displaying familiar BMW proportions, headlined by a long hood, short overhangs, long wheelbase and set-back passenger compartment highlight a sporting elegance and powerful sense of dynamics.
 
With the clear structure and upright stance of its front-end, the all-new BMW 7 Series has a powerful presence. It is the brand’s first car to feature an Active Kidney Grille including visible air flap control. The air flap is only open when there is an increased cooling air requirement, otherwise remaining closed. This improves aerodynamics as well as giving the front end an even more eye-catching appearance due to the visibly increased number of bars in the large BMW kidney grille. The headlight units extend up as far as the grille, while the light graphic of the familiar BMW twin circular headlights is leveled off at its upper and lower edges, giving the car a purposeful and focused look. The hood is honed perfectly to fit in with the form of the kidney grille’s upper section. The lower air intake stretched wide across the front end, the chrome bars in the outer edges of the intake and the horizontal contours of the LED fog lamps and the full LED lights underline the car’s broad stance.
 
The prevalence of outward-curving surfaces when the new BMW 7 Series is viewed from the side give the car a powerful, eye-catching appearance. The door handles are incorporated into the character line, which now takes the form of a double swage line. For the first time, the wrap-around side window frame uses a single-piece element, elegantly incorporating the Hofmeister kink. The Air Breather surround in the front side fender spawns a chrome trim strip which runs along the lower edge of the doors. Its horizontal form accentuates the car’s finely balanced appearance and low center of gravity. The exterior mirrors appear to grow organically out of the window frame. A slender stalk provides the sole connection between mirrors and car body. Generating a modern and elegant effect, this design also enhances the aerodynamics of the new BMW 7 Series.
 
The direction of the double swage line extends into the upper contour of the body and the light strips of the rear lights. This creates a harmonious connection between the side sections and the rear end. Tail lights feature LED technology and the two L-shaped light units are connected by a chrome bar extending the full width of the trunk lid. The rear apron features exhaust tailpipes framed by chrome surrounds adding luxurious detail to the body of the new BMW 7 Series.
 
Two non-metallic and nine metallic color shades are available for the exterior paintwork of the new BMW 7 Series. Carbon Black Metallic and Singapore Gray Metallic can be ordered exclusively in conjunction with the M Sport package. Depending on the model variant, the all-new BMW 7 Series comes as standard with 18 inch or 19 inch wheels, while the options list and Original BMW Accessories range offer a selection of other light-alloy wheels in 18 inch to 21 inch sizes.
 
The balance of dynamics and comfort are reflected in the design of the interior. Unbeatable driving pleasure and an unimpeachable sense of well-being in the rear seats have been created amid a modern and at the same time luxurious ambience. From the slim paddle shifters on the steering wheel and Driving Dynamics Control buttons to the instrument cluster and Control Display graphics, all the control and display elements share a new design that highlights their innovative functionality. Features include chrome buttons on the multifunctional steering wheel and center console, the start/stop button, the electric parking brake and the touch screen surface for the control panel of the standard 4-zone Automatic Climate Control.
 
The controls on the center console are framed by fine wood or aluminum surfaces. Both the trim strips and the instrument panel’s chrome are made individually for each car; their dimensions are therefore matched to the nearest millimeter. The standard and optional equipment designed to create a sense of luxury is defined by precision craftsmanship. The generous levels of space are highlighted by a horizontal surface structure which extends through the door trim. Customers can choose from five color variants for the Dakota leather on 740i variants or five Exclusive Nappa leather upholsteries available on both models.
 
Individual design
Design and equipment packages available from the launch of the all-new BMW 7 Series underline the car’s extra sportiness and luxurious comfort. The exclusive appearance of the new BMW 7 Series is further enhanced by the Interior Design Package, an Alcantara headliner, deep-pile rear floor mats and fine wood inlays for the seat belt outlet covers, rear center armrest and roof grab handles in the rear.
 
The M Sport package enables customers to experience the dynamic driving properties of the new BMW 7 Series in greater depth. This package includes an M Aerodynamic kit comprising model-specific front/rear aprons and side skirts, plus 19 inch or 20 inch M light-alloy wheels, illuminated door sill plates bearing the M logo and accents in either light or dark chrome. M-specific details also underline the sporting character of the new BMW 7 Series in the interior. These include the BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite and the M driver’s footrest.
 
BMW EfficientDynamics
The advances achieved with the latest generation of the BMW 7 Series succeed in resolving a number of traditionally conflicting paradigms: the car comes with an array of new innovations but weighs less, performance is more dynamic but fuel efficiency has been improved, and while it is more luxurious than ever, emissions are lower. Expanding knowledge, BMW i laid the foundation with groundbreaking BMW EfficientDynamics technology for the most diverse range of measures ever to have been implemented in a production BMW.
 
The complete package for enhancing driving pleasure and efficiency in the new BMW 7 Series comprises intelligent lightweight design with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) as part of the BMW EfficientLightweight concept, a new TwinPower turbo inline 6-cylinder in the 740i engine from the BMW Group’s new generation of modular engines, in combination with innovative new solutions for honing energy management and aerodynamic properties. The use of BMW eDrive technology in the BMW 740e xDrive plug-in hybrid model constitutes yet another highlight.
 
The new BMW 7 Series obtains an exemplary life-cycle thanks to resource-efficient material selection, new energy-efficient production processes and recycling. In order to achieve this, tangible sustainability targets spanning the vehicle’s entire life cycle were defined in the early strategic phase of development and actively implemented throughout the development process.
 
BMW EfficientLightweight: reducing weight by up to 190 pounds with Carbon Core
The BMW EfficientLightweight concept allows the new BMW 7 Series line-up a 190 pounds weight reduction in comparison to its predecessor. Groundbreaking Carbon Core passenger cell technology is the key element on the body structure. Thanks to its composite construction featuring CFRP, ultra-high-tensile steels and aluminum, the intelligent body design succeeds in increasing the strength and rigidity of the passenger cell while also bringing about a substantial reduction in vehicle weight. By using a hybrid construction of CFRP with ultra-high-tensile steels for structural elements, such as those found in the B-pillars, the design of the sheet-metal components can be adapted to save weight.
 
The Carbon Core body is based on technology transferred from BMW i car development. The all-new BMW 7 Series is the first ever vehicle in which mass produced CFRP is used in combination with steel and aluminum. The BMW Group’s expertise in producing carbon fiber in the manufacturing of high-volume vehicles is unrivalled in the automotive sector. The new BMW flagship model pioneers the creation of new possible applications for this high-tech material.
 
The lightweight design concept also entails the use of aluminum for specific sections of the body and chassis. For the first time doors and the trunk lid are made of aluminum. Taking suspension comfort and dynamic handling to new levels, the rigorous implementation of lightweight design measured at the suspension, brakes and wheels, reduced the unsprung masses by as much as 15 percent. Lightweight bonding technologies have been employed with near-source thermal and acoustic shielding for the engine, which enables the overall volume and weight of the insulating material to be reduced. The innovative insulation concept has the additional effect of further improving acoustic comfort.
 
As a result, the vehicle’s center of gravity has been lowered. Following BMW tradition the weight distribution remains 50 : 50 between the two axles allowing for perfect balance of the chassis. BMW EfficientLightweight technology helps to consolidate its lead with dynamic handling and comfort.
 
Redeveloped V8 engine and intelligent all-wheel drive
The engine line-up available at the launch of the new BMW 7 Series range is spearheaded by the BMW 750i xDrive and its powerful V8 engine. This engine features a 4.4 liter displacement and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with the turbochargers located within the V-shaped space between the banks of cylinders. This redesigned V8 engine now comes equipped with TwinScroll turbochargers featuring flow-separated, bank-specific exhaust manifolds made from thin-wall castings. Engine efficiency was increased with a change in the compression ratio from 10.0:1 to 10.5:1 and the latest generation of VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS technology. The optimized engine cooling concept with separate flows through the cylinder heads and cylinder liners includes a map-controlled coolant pump. Throughput can be restricted to 10 percent to warm up the engine faster reducing energy consumption. For the first time in a production car the intake manifold has been partially integrated into the cylinder head allowing air-flow resistance to be decreased, maximizing air-flow volume while reducing the exterior packaging dimensions. Overall, the efficiency factor of the 445 hp engine has been greatly improved.
 
The new V8 engine is teamed up with the latest version of the intelligent all-wheel-drive system in the all-new BMW 750i xDrive. The fully variable, electronically controlled power split between front and rear wheels enhances traction and stability as well as the handling dynamics in corners. As part of the xDrive system’s ongoing development, the transfer case has been made more efficient, thanks in part to an optimized oil supply.
 
The inline 6-cylinder engine in the BMW 740i
The inline 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology fitted in the new BMW 740i comes from the BMW Group’s latest generation of engines. The 3.0-liter gasoline unit of the BMW 740i produces an output of 320 hp. The new engine’s crankcase, cylinder head and oil sump are all made from aluminum. The TwinScroll turbocharger features an indirect system of charge air cooling that is incorporated into the intake manifold and works in unison with High Precision Direct Injection, the very latest version of VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. Not only has the efficiency of the new inline 6-cylinder engine been increased, its response is even more spontaneous.
 
The BMW 740e xDrive plug-in hybrid model
The 740e xDrive joins the BMW plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model lineup which will be available in 2016.The forward-looking character of the new BMW 7 Series is further underlined by the inclusion of the BMW 740e xDrive. In the case of the plug-in hybrid model, it’s not just the Carbon Core for the passenger cell that is rooted in the know-how gleaned from the development of BMW i cars, but also the BMW eDrive powertrain technology. The intelligently controlled interaction between a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric drive unit integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, endows the BMW 740e xDrive with dynamic acceleration on the one hand and noticeably higher fuel efficiency with lower emissions figures in everyday driving. The energy for the electric motor is drawn from a lithium-ion high-voltage battery housed underneath the rear seat where it is particularly well protected in the event of a crash. It can be recharged by connecting to any standard domestic power socket, a BMW i Wallbox or a public charging station. The eDrive button on the center console enables the driver to adjust the hybrid drive’s operating mode. In the AUTO eDrive basic setting, the engine’s power is boosted to notable effect by the electric drive when accelerating. With the MAX eDrive mode engaged, the BMW 740e xDrive is able to run purely on electric power, meaning zero local emissions at speeds of up to (75 mph) for a maximum range of 23 miles. The driver is also able to select the Battery Control mode, which raises or maintains the high-voltage battery’s state of charge so that electrical power can be deliberately conserved. Whenever route guidance is active in the navigation system, the predictive power management function calculates a trip-specific strategy for electric driving through to the entered destination.
 
Eight-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission linked-up with navigation system
The standard-equipment eight-speed Sport Automatic Steptronic transmission serves to boost efficiency with its wider ratio spread, reduced weight and optimized efficiency. A new transmission control system makes for more comfortable shifting and allows the transmission to be linked up with the standard Navigation system. The navigation-data-based shift strategy means that the gear selection can be adapted to the driving situation and the route profile even if route guidance has not been set. The shift characteristics are adjusted in accordance with the selected driving mode, so that the emphasis can be placed on both driving comfort and sportiness. The transmission also includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a Launch Control function that allows acceleration runs from standstill with maximum power and optimum traction.
 
Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration and the Auto Start Stop function ensure highly efficient energy management. Activating the ECO PRO mode with the Driving Dynamics Control switch allows use of the coasting function which decouples the powertrain in coasting phases while travelling at speeds between (31 – 100 mph). This mode’s range of functions which are now individually programmable for the first time additionally include efficiency oriented operation of comfort functions, efficiency tips, as well as the Route-ahead Assistant, which gives recommendations for an efficient driving style based on the navigation data.
 
The all new Air Breather and Active Kidney Grille
The new Active Kidney Grille optimizes engine cooling and aerodynamics. Whenever additional cooling air is required, the Active Kidney Grille bars and flaps in the lower air intake automatically swing open. This feature tailors the amount of air for cooling the engine and brakes in a total of five stages as demands dictate. This system activates depending on several temperature thresholds as well as the speed of the vehicle. For instance during the warming-up phase and when operating at low loads, the BMW Active Kidney Grille is closed completely to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle.
 
Another distinctive efficiency-enhancing feature are the Air Curtains and Air Breather in the front apron and side fenders. The Air Curtain accelerates the energy-rich air flow before the front apron and guides it past the side of the wheel arch while the Air Breather guides the air flow into the front wheel arch via a vertical air inlet through the side fender. Together they provide more efficient aerodynamics allowing air to be carefully directed out of the wheel arches reducing the turbulence around the wheels. The reduction in air drag of over 15 percent compared to the predecessor models has also been achieved thanks to the cladding covering almost the entire underbody as well as the new contouring of the exterior mirrors.
 
Chassis technology and driving experience
Highly sophisticated, precision-honed chassis technology combined with 50 : 50 weight distribution and chassis control systems give the new BMW 7 Series both sharper driving dynamics and ride comfort.
 
The latest array of innovations offers drivers more freedom of choice for configuring the ideal vehicle set-up, which means they can now opt for even sportier handling or yet greater ride comfort. The selection is made using the standard Driving Dynamics Control switch. At a touch of a switch adaptive control of the vehicle set-up, mirroring current driving style and the changing route profile can be selected.
 
Air suspension and Dynamic Damper Control as standard
The all new BMW 7 Series features double-wishbone front suspension, five-link rear suspension and Electric Power Steering combine responsiveness and performance. The standard inclusion of a front and rear self-leveling air suspension endows the luxury sedan models with ride comfort. The suspension is supplied with air by an electrically powered compressor with pressure reservoir. Even when the engine is switched off, the height of the vehicle body is adjusted to keep it at a constant level and air supply is controlled individually for each wheel, compensating for an unevenly distributed load.
 
The level control can be operated manually, allowing the vehicle’s ride height to be raised by 20 millimeters when driving along a rough stretch of road or approaching a particularly steep driveway. At speeds above approximately 22 mph, the level control automatically reverts to its standard setting. When SPORT mode is activated with the Driving Dynamics Control switch, on the other hand, the ride height automatically drops by 10 millimeters when travelling at high speed.
 
The advantages of the air suspension in the front and rear are enhanced thanks to the standard Dynamic Damper Control system. The electronically controlled dampers improve ride and suspension comfort adding to the sedan’s dynamic handling qualities. A variety of modes can be engaged using the Driving Dynamics Control switch, which serve to foster all driving experience such as driving comfort (COMFORT, COMFORT+ modes) or sporty, agile handling (SPORT mode).
 
Premiere for Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview
The levels of comfort, dynamism and effortlessly superior performance can be elevated further with an equipment option that is making its debut in the all-new BMW 7 Series: Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview. This active chassis control system which is available for all models with the exception of the BMW 740e xDrive, works in unison with the front and rear air suspension and the Dynamic Damper Control to achieve a remarkable standard of suspension, damping and driving comfort. It comprises the newly refined version of the Dynamic Drive system for reducing rolling movement at the front and rear suspensions. For the first time, active roll stabilization is now carried out electromechanically, minimizing body-roll tendencies when needed, providing light-footed sporty handling while increasing driving safety and ride comfort. Driving straight, the adjustable anti-roll bars are set to allow the suspension system the greatest possible freedom of movement for increased comfort. The comfort-enhancing effect is heightened by the standard air suspension. The new system is also more energy efficient compared to the previous hydraulic control.
 
Beyond all this, Active Comfort Drive also incorporates an anticipatory chassis control function with Road Preview. The advance information for regulating the combination of chassis systems utilizes the driving style analysis readings derived from the data from the navigation system to help respond to the road.
 
Redesigned Integral Active Steering
The Integral Active Steering system is available as optional equipment for the new BMW 7 Series. The planetary gear set previously used at the front has given way to a variable steering rack ratio which means that the Integral Active Steering can now also be offered in conjunction with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. By turning the rear wheels in either the opposing or the same direction when steering, depending on the specific driving situation, this system is capable of increasing both maneuverability in urban traffic and agility during high-paced driving, while also ensuring an especially smooth and composed response when changing lane and cornering.
 
Driving Dynamics Control switch with ADAPTIVE mode for the first time
For the first time, an ADAPTIVE mode can also be selected in the new BMW 7 Series via the standard Driving Dynamics Control switch. With this setting activated, the vehicle set-up is matched to the current driving style and changing route profile. The system logic reacts to movement of the accelerator and steering wheel factoring in whether the gear selector switch is in the D or S position. Depending on the driving situation, the powertrain and chassis systems are configured for either sporty or comfortable performance. Navigation map data is also taken into account in order to select the ideal vehicle set-up, for instance when switching from urban driving to the highway on winding roads or when approaching an intersection.
 
The Driving Dynamics Control switch located on the center console now sports a new design. The COMFORT, SPORT, ECO PRO and ADAPTIVE modes can all be activated directly at the push of a button, while the COMFORT button also has the COMFORT+ mode stored. Drivers have the option of programming an individual configuration for the SPORT and ECO PRO modes via the iDrive operating system. This makes it possible to combine dynamic gear shift characteristics and direct steering response with comfort-oriented damper tuning, for example, when SPORT mode is engaged. In ECO PRO mode, it is now also possible to individually program the damper control and steering characteristics while the extent of the efficiency-enhancing settings can also be modified.
 
Operation, interior and travel comfort
The arrival of the latest generation of the BMW flagship takes interior design, functionality and passenger well-being to yet greater heights. The new BMW 7 Series once again is a trail blazer for technology, this time with intuitive operation. The iDrive system has been re-designed to enhance comfort and infotainment functions for driver and passengers. The luxurious ambience is achieved by the utilization of fine materials, craftsmanship and attention to detail that can be sensed from all seats. Travel comfort is taken into a new dimension by the Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package, which redefines the meaning of long-distance comfort in a luxury car.
 
iDrive 5.0 with touch display and Gesture Control
The iDrive operating system is now available with touch screen technology offered in conjunction with the standard Navigation system. Operating the iDrive has become easier via the touch screen technology. Voice command and actual button selection is also available.
 
The iDrive system also works in conjunction with standard Gesture Control, which is being premiered in the new BMW 7 Series. Pre-selected hand movements in the vicinity of the center console allow 3D sensors to register and fulfill requested actions. Gestures to adjust the audio volume control, accept or reject incoming phone calls can be easily executed. There is also a configurable gesture whose associated function can be customized from a selection of possible functions, such as navigation to the home address or deactivation of the screen. Gesture Control can be used as an alternative to conventional means of operation without the need for separate activation. The availability of this control method is indicated in applicable situations by a corresponding icon in the Control Display.
 
Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, touch control, Wireless Charging
The standard-Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster has a 12.3-inch display area, which alters the graphics and color scheme used for the cockpit gauges matching the mode selected with the Driving Dynamics Control switch. In COMFORT mode, the instrument cluster display features a classic four-dial arrangement, with a magnifier function to highlight the current speed. When ECO PRO mode is activated, the rev counter turns into the EfficientDynamics gauge, which indicates how to maximize efficiency and how the journey is progressing. And with SPORT mode engaged, the entire speedometer is pared down to display just the essential information. The speed and selected gear appear as large digital readouts.
 
The all-new 7 Series features standard four-zone automatic climate control and a separate control console in the rear. The control panels now feature a touch-sensitive surface. The intensity of the ventilation, the seat climate control functions as well as the fragrance system can all be controlled by touching on-screen buttons. New comfort focused features also included heated front and rear armrests, which heat the armrests in both the doors and the front and rear center consoles, a hands-free phone system complete with Bluetooth audio streaming and USB port is included as standard on the new BMW 7 Series. A universal holder compatible with a range of cell phones with Wireless Charging comes standard. The Wireless Charging feature includes a holder in the center console with LED charge status display along with a second microphone to optimize the hands-free functionality for the front passenger.
 
Luxury Seating Comfort and Rear Executive Lounge Seating
The Luxury Rear Seating Package including Rear Ventilated and Comfort Seats, Heated Front and Rear Armrests and a 7 inch Touch Command Tablet provides unrivalled seating comfort. The massage function for the comfort seats offers a choice of eight programs, each with three different levels of intensity, which are designed to relax and stimulate the muscles in targeted regions of the body. In the rear, passengers can indulge in the Vitality Program. Specifically designed for new BMW 7 Series, the passengers can engage in active training to revitalize the body on longer journeys. The training program instructions are displayed on the Rear-seat entertainment system screens.
 
The optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package provides additional travel comfort in the rear seat behind the front passenger seat. The backrest can be reclined to an angle of up to 42.5 degrees, allowing the seat to be moved into a relaxing position. To offer the passenger in the rear even greater legroom, the front passenger seat can be slid forward by an extra 90 millimeters /3.5 inches and its backrest tilted all the way forward. For a completely unobstructed view to the front, the head restraint can be folded down. An electrically operated fold-out footrest can be found on the back of the front passenger seat. The Rear-seat entertainment system screen can also be electrically adjusted to the ideal viewing angle for the rear passenger. The Executive Lounge rear center console also features a fold-out table, two cupholders and a storage compartment, as well as the new BMW 7 inch Touch Command Tablet.
 
Touch Command Tablet: perfectly connected with the vehicle
The removable BMW Touch Command Tablet features a 7 inch screen and lets the occupants control comfort functions such as seat adjustment, interior lighting and air conditioning, as well as the infotainment, navigation and communication system. The Touch Command Tablet can play external audio and video files, surfing the internet or be used as a games console. A WiFi hotspot built into the vehicle provides the necessary online connectivity. Selection made on the tablet will then play on one of the 10-inch screens of the Rear-seat entertainment system.
 
Ambiance light, Ambiance highlight, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof
The exclusive atmosphere inside the all-new BMW 7 Series can be further accentuated by a precision-crafted lighting design. The standard Ambiance lighting provides harmonious indirect illumination in the near of the instrument panel, the door beltlines, the map pockets on the front seat backs, and in the foot wells. Courtesy lights and illuminated bars on the door sills provide additional light. There is a choice of six different color variants for the lighting effects, which can be selected in the iDrive menu. The LED Light Carpet incorporated into the side skirts produces eye-catching lighting graphics in the entrance/exit area of the vehicle.
 
When specified with the optional roller sunblind’s for the rear side windows and rear window, the new BMW 7 Series is additionally equipped with the Ambiance Light Pillar. Vertically arranged light sources in the B-pillar area illuminate the rear compartment. The intensity of the lighting can be adjusted by means of contact sensors, as well as from either the iDrive menu or through BMW Touch Command.
 
The new BMW 7 Series comes standard with a two-section Panoramic moonroof with an opening front section. An optional Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof where the light emitted by LED modules along the sides is spread evenly throughout the glass surface. At night, etchings in the moonroof glass strikes an imprinted graphic creating the effect of a starlit sky available in six different color schemes.
 
The optional Ambient Air package features options to ionize the air or fragrance the vehicle interior with selected scents, both of which can be controlled from the air conditioning control console or the iDrive menu. There are three levels of intensity and 8 scents to choose from.
 
Perfect listening pleasure: Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system
Designed for the new BMW 7 Series, the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system is the first of its kind: a sound system featuring studio-grade acoustic technologies providing exceptional sound experience never before seen in a production car. Diamond tweeter technology original created for studios has now been incorporated to BMW’s flagship. A fully active 10-channel amplifier with an output of 1,400 watts and 16 partially illuminated speakers, featuring Kevlar® midrange speakers, Rohacell® central bass subwoofer and 3 unique diamond tweeters with Nautilus technology built in the most strict laboratory conditions, produce an exceptionally precise and wonderfully rich sound in the cabin. In the process, dynamic sound equalizing with three analogue crossovers ensures uniform acoustic performance delivered to all seats. The system also enables the sound settings to match the selected entertainment genre. The new BMW 7 Series offers a selection of five acoustic options to allow customers a custom sound experiences.
 
BMW ConnectedDrive in the new BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series has always been a trailblazer in the field of intelligent connectivity. This top-of-the-line BMW model range pioneered landmark innovations such as the onboard computer with outside temperature display back in 1980, Park Distance Control in 1997 and a built-in navigation system in 1994. The latest innovations, once again takes comfort, safety and the infotainment experience to unbeatable levels in the highly competitive premium luxury segment. The all-new BMW 7 Series is offered with a wide range of all-new or optimized assistance systems including semi-automated driving systems. Also, unmatched by any other brand in the world is the number of functions that can be integrated in the car using Apps, either via the built-in SIM card or a smartphone and operated using the iDrive control system.
 
Courtesy of the embedded BMW ConnectedDrive Services SIM card the Advanced Real Time Traffic Information function are part of the standard Navigation System. The SIM card also allows over-the-air automatic navigation map updates free of charge for the first three years after the vehicle is first registered. Intelligent connectivity in the new BMW 7 Series also supports interactive traffic sign updating which is new in the auto industry. Images of roadside traffic signs recorded by the optional Speed Limit Info camera, along with their position data, are relayed anonymously to a BMW server, which then makes any necessary changes to keep the map database up-to-date at all times. BMW 7 Series drivers who activate this function are helping to keep the navigation database accurate, reliable and up-to-date not only for themselves but also for all BMW ConnectedDrive customers.
 
BMW Head-Up Display: optimized graphics, larger projection area
The new-generation BMW Head-Up Display acts as a highly effective aid to driver concentration as it presents a broad range of information in graphical format on the windshield into the driver’s field of view. This system, which is standard on 750i models, projects information about road speed, speed limits, overtaking restrictions, Check Control messages, status and warning messages from other assistance systems, turn-by-turn directions and telephone and entertainment menus directly into the driver’s field of vision, where they can be read without looking away from the road. The new-generation Head-Up Display comes with a 75 percent larger projection area, while the displayed information and images offer further improved quality and detail with graphics in full color.
 
New generation BMW Parking Assistant
The new version of the optional Parking Assistant makes light work of selecting and maneuvering not just into parallel parking spaces but now also into perpendicular parking spots. It controls the entire maneuver into the parking space, including all the necessary steering, gear-shifting, acceleration and braking operations. Active Park Distance Control also assists the driver during manual reversing maneuvers. If needed, this feature autonomously brakes the vehicle helping prevent collisions with obstacles to the rear of the vehicle.
 
Active Driving Assistant and Active Driving Assistant Plus
The optional Active Driving Assistant safety package has now been extended to include Rear Crossing Traffic warning. These functions use data supplied by sensors at either side of the rear of the vehicle, Rear Crossing Traffic warning, assists drivers when backing out of parking spots in situations where there is a poor visibility. Audible and a visual alerts in the Central Information Display warn the driver. With the rearview camera, the extended view of the traffic situation behind the vehicle is shown in the Central Information Display. The Active Driving Assistant package also includes the Frontal Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with Light City braking function, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info. The Active Driving Assistant Plus package also includes, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Front Crossing Traffic warning, Traffic Jam assistant and Active Lane keeping assistant with Side Collision protection. These functions use a stereo camera and front and side radar sensors to detect lane markings, preceding vehicles or approaching side or rear traffic. At speeds up to 130 mph they provide comfort-enhancing steering assistance to help drivers stay in lane or follow the preceding vehicle. The various systems can also help prevent collisions with approaching side or rear traffic during a lane change. The Traffic Jam assistant also ensures more relaxed, stress-free driving in stop-go traffic. This semi-automated driving function provides comfort-enhancing steering assistance whenever the driver has at least one hand on the steering wheel.
 
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function has also been extended. When this system is active, drivers can simply press a button to acknowledge speed restrictions detected by Speed Limit Info. The speed setting is then adapted to comply with the detected speed limit.
 
BMW Night Vision, 3D Surround View
Night driving safety can be enhanced with the standard Adaptive LED headlights for maximized high-beam usage and optional BMW Night Vision. The Night Vision system which includes pedestrian and animal protection relays a real-time image to the Central Information Display highlighting people, larger animals and other heat-radiating objects. The new generation of the Surround View system can now show not only a Top View mode but also a 3D View mode, as well as a Panorama View showing side traffic in front and behind the vehicle. The 3D View mode uses the Central Information Display to show the vehicle and its environment from various perspectives to aid safe maneuvering in confined, low-visibility situations.
 
Body and safety: Strong, comfortable, proactive
The innovative lightweight design concept behind the new BMW 7 Series’ body structure with Carbon Core makes significant advances not just in terms of weight optimization but also in enhancing the strength and stiffness of the passenger compartment structure. The integral safety concept comprises not only highly resilient supporting architecture but also generous deformation zones and precisely defined load paths that ensure forces generated in an impact are diverted and absorbed ensuring occupant safety.
 
Reliable protection in all conceivable impact situations is also guaranteed by comprehensive safety equipment featuring front and side airbags, head/curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, active head restraints, three-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt force limiters and belt tensioners in the front seats, as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings in the rear. If a collision threatens, the standard Active Protection system activates the belt tensioners and, if necessary, closes the side windows and the moonroof. The seat backrests are also brought into an upright position to ensure the restraint systems work optimally.
 
Variable and convenient use of the trunk
The new BMW 7 Series also underlines its credentials as a vehicle for luxury long-distance travel with its spacious, convenient and variable-use luggage compartment. Under the standard electrically operated trunk lid a broad, level load space opens up offering luggage capacity of 18.2 ft³ (SAE). The standard through-loading system provides an aperture into the cabin measuring 8 inches wide and 9.5 centimeters high.
 
Standard Comfort Access, which includes hands-free opening and closing of the trunk lid, is available on all model variants. The feature is activated by moving a foot under the rear apron, facilitating the loading and unloading of bulky items. The Automatic Soft Close function for the doors is also included as standard equipment.
 
BMW Ultimate Benefits
The new BMW 7 Series sets new benchmarks in its class for a luxurious and convenient ownership experience with enhanced BMW Ultimate Benefits now expanding to vehicle services. A time saving service, providing white glove treatment, priority status and priceless BMW access to 7 Series customers that is unprecedented in this segment. The Ultimate Benefits programs encompass Encore Delivery, Priority Service appointments, Vehicle Pick up and drop off, a comparable Service Loaner in the interim, Ultimate Vehicle Spa Treatment and 24/7 Concierge Service.
 
Encore Delivery provides a one-on-one experience with a BMW Genius dedicated to answering all questions about features of the customer’s new vehicle. This second delivery is scheduled at a time of convenience and at the customer’s preferred location.
 
Priority Service Appointments allow for prioritized service appointments, scheduled within 48 hours of the owner’s initial request and at their convenience. The customer also has the option to participate in an exclusive Vehicle Pick Up and Drop Off service, at a customer’s preferred location. The new 7 Series customer also benefits from a complimentary vehicle spa treatment, at their convenience. A 24/7 Concierge will be available to assist with mobility services and other ownership related inquiries. A guaranteed and comparable Service Loaner vehicle will be provided when needed to assure convenience at all times.
 
BMW Individual Design Composition for the new BMW 7 Series
The technology, design and equipment of the sixth generation 7 Series illustrate examples of the leadership role played by the flagship model in the global automotive marketplace. The BMW Individual program created for the latest edition of the luxury sedan provides the opportunity to combine technological highlights with the vehicle design that is precision-tailored to his or her personal style. Interior and exterior features meet the highest quality standards attainable in car manufacturing in terms of design, material selection and quality of workmanship. Exterior colors, exclusive light-alloy wheels, wood and leather variants can be customized to customer’s preference. Additional customer requests can be made through BMW Individual.
 
The market launch of the new BMW 7 Series will be accompanied by a BMW Individual Design Composition featuring the 750i xDrive with a perfectly harmonious combination of colors and materials. The new BMW Individual paint, Almandine Brown metallic, in combination with the premium features of the exterior design accent package; it emphasizes the characteristic surface, sculpting and bodywork lines. Sporting elegance is achieved with the 20-inch forged BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design that comes in Silver/Ferric Grey bi-color look with performance tires.
 
For the first time, BMW Individual fine-grain Merino full leather in Tartufo is being offered. The leather upholstery is carefully selected from unblemished raw materials which are processed using particularly gentle techniques that assure the softest texture. As a result, the leather used for the seats, door trim panels, lower instrument panel section, center console, armrests and door pulls retains its natural open-pore structure. The soft, fine-grain surfaces remain breathable and provide supreme comfort. Hand-woven piping and woven-look quilting on the seat surfaces lend expression to the precision workmanship and love of detail that defines the production process. To match this, the floor covering and floor mats, seat belts and BMW Individual Alcantara headliner also come in Tartufo. The harmonious and stylish ambience is capped by door sills with illuminated BMW Individual lettering, BMW Individual interior trim strips in Piano Finish Black and a BMW Individual leather steering wheel with fine-wood applications in the same finish.
 
Designworks, BMW’s California based design studio and consultancy offers a BMW Individual Consultation program where clients work directly with a Designworks designer to commission their very own BMW. Lead designer, Sandy McGill and the design team consult in-house or via the phone, to provide the best possible experience for BMW customers.
During the consultation sessions, clients are provided with image concepts as well as color, leather and trim samples they can touch and feel. Designworks represents the perfect platform for creating a customized BMW Individual vehicle as it provides access to professional designers that work hand-in-hand with clients throughout the commissioning processes.
 
Production: Consolidated expertise ensures quality and sustainability
Since 1977, BMW 7 Series luxury sedans have been rolling off the assembly lines at the BMW Group Plant in Dingolfing. The sixth generation is also being built at Plant Dingolfing which, as the center of competence for lightweight construction, plays an important role in the production of the all-new BMW 7 Series. For example, the aluminum bodies for Rolls-Royce models are produced in Dingolfing, as are drive and chassis components for other BMW production plants and supplies both the aluminum chassis and the high-voltage batteries – along with other electric drive components – for the BMW i models which are assembled at BMW Group Plant Leipzig.
 
Plant Dingolfing has accumulated experience of innovative production methods for weight-optimized vehicle components. As part of the BMW’s EfficientLightweight program the new BMWs lightweight Carbon Core-based body of the all-new BMW 7 Series benefits from the knowledge and process available. During production a unique hybrid construction method is being applied that combines carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with aluminum as well as ultra-high-strength steels for structural elements in the passenger cell. The latest generation of the luxury sedans also benefit from the direct application of highly advanced drive technology. The high-voltage battery for the BMW 740e xDrive plug-in hybrid model will likewise come from Dingolfing.
 
Unique Carbon Core body structure
For the first time, CFRP combined with steel and aluminum is being used in the body structure of the new BMW 7 Series with a completely new production processes applied in this unique mixed-material construction. The CFRP roof frame is being built for the first time as a core-free, closed structural element, bringing both the extreme strength of the material as well as its weight advantage fully to bear. The use of high-tech CFRP and the innovative production methods enhance the torsional stiffness of the passenger cell and lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. The combination of ultra-high-tensile and hot-stamped steels in conjunction with CFRP for safety-related parts of the body benefits safety and driving dynamics. During the paint process, the drying method and temperature management are adapted to the specific requirements of the new material mix.
 
CFRP production using water power, extensive use of recycled materials
At the core of the all-new 7 Series production process is the principle of resource-saving processes and maximum possible sustainability across the vehicles life-cycle. Energy requirements for the manufacture of carbon fiber are 100 percent covered by renewable resources, with hydropower providing the electricity for the carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake, Washington. Innovative recycling processes are applied allowing CFRP components to derive from spare processed material. Around 50 percent of the aluminum used in cast components of the new BMW 7 Series comprises secondary material. Modern methods of secondary aluminum are available, with the recycled light alloy displaying the same attributes as the original material. On the thermoplastics front, some 20 percent of the material used is recycled. The inner lining of the trunk lid and parts of the door trim are made from the natural fiber kenaf.

  • Less Weight, More Tech

William Maley

Review: 2015 Lexus LX 570

The full-size luxury SUV marketplace are full of models that will never venture off payment. Such models include the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GL that have either basic to somewhat advanced four-wheel drive systems. Then there is the Range Rover which boasts a number of off-road technologies and equipment to get you through some of murkiest conditions on earth. Sure, you never see one tackle an off-road trail unless its featured in a promo video, but it’s nice to know the model can get you through. It makes some wonder if there is a competitor that can match the Range Rover in terms of off-road ability and luxuries. Well Lexus believes they have that competitor in the form of the LX 570. I spent a week in it to see if it can compete.
 
The LX 570 is the sister model to the Toyota Land Cruiser, so a fair number of items are shared between the two. For example, the basic shape of the body are similar. Both models boast similar profiles and key design items such as a large glass area and a split-opening tailgate. At least Lexus’ designers should be credited for trying to make the LX look somewhat different from the Land Cruiser. Such details include flared out fenders boasting 20-inch wheels, and a set of running boards. The front-end gets the brand’s distinctive spindle grille and a set of headlights with LEDs. The addition of the spindle grille seems out of place when compared to the rest of the LX’s design.
 




The interior of the LX 570 further differentiates from the Land Cruiser thanks to a new dashboard layout and some luxury touches. Step inside and you’ll notice the large amount of leather and wood trim used throughout. You’ll also notice a large number of buttons and switches throughout the dash and center console. These control aspects of the four-wheel drive and other systems to get you through the muck. The latest version of Lexus’ Enform infortainment system is here, minus the mouse controller. Instead you have a fair number of buttons and a touchscreen to help you move around. It takes a few moments to wrap your head around where everything is, but once it clicks, the system becomes quite easy to use. However, the system is starting to look somewhat dated when compared to competitors. Plus, I want to ask the person who thought it was a great idea to put the fan control in the system and not have a dedicated knob or buttons for it. 
Passengers up front get power adjustments with memory, along with heat and cooling. I found the front seats to provide excellent support and the heat was very nice for the extreme cold that I found myself driving the LX in. Second row passengers will find an abundance of head and legroom, along with heated seats and a two-zone climate control system. There is a third row, but that’s best left in case of emergencies as legroom is minimal. The third-row also presents a problem for cargo space. With the seats down, the LX 570 only has 15.5 cubic feet of space. Fold the seats up and space increases to 45 cubic feet, but the seats are still in the cargo area. Now you might wonder why the seats don’t fold into the floor. The answer is the four-wheel drive and off-road equipment takes up all that space.
 
Thoughts on Engine and Ride Are on the Next Page


 
Power for the LX 570 comes from a 5.7L V8 with 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Tipping the scales at just a hair over 6,000 pounds, the V8 engine has its work cut out for it. But thanks to the engine having a decent amount of torque and a quick-shifting automatic, the LX is able to get out of its way with no sweat. Lexus should also be given credit for the amount of refinement done to the engine as it barely makes a murmur when accelerating. The big downside for this powertrain is fuel economy. The EPA rates the LX 570 at 12 City/17 Highway/14 Combined. I was lucky to get 13 MPG as my average for the week.
 
Now as I mentioned earlier, the LX 570 comes packed with a fair amount of off-road equipment and tech. Here is what LX comes with:
Adjustable Suspension Hill-Start Assist Turn Assist: Brakes the outside wheel to provide a tighter turning radius Crawl Control: Adjusts throttle and brakes when driving through difficult terrain





So how does the LX 570 fare off-road then? Well mother nature was happy to oblige by dropping a few inches of snow during my time with the vehicle. For the most part, the LX was able to drive through unplowed roads with no problem. The four-wheel drive system kept the vehicle moving while the adjustable suspension kept the body above the snow. One downside on the LX was the tires equipped. The Dunlop Grand Trek tires felt like they were scrambling for traction in the snow. If you’re planning to get an LX to drive in the snow, I would recommend swapping tires. 

Aside from this brief excursion into the snow, the LX did alright around town and on the expressway. With the suspension set in either comfort or normal, the LX glides over bumps and imperfections. Sound deadening is excellent with nary a hint of road and wind noise entering the cabin. Out on the curves, the LX shows signs of body lean. Even with the suspension set in the Sport setting, the lean is noticeable. Steering is slow, giving the feeling that you are driving a tractor and not an SUV.
 
The Lexus LX 570 has the luxuries and off-road tech which puts it in the direct line of the Range Rover. But the poor gas mileage and cargo space make it an outlier in the full-size luxury SUV class. If you are planning to traverse the Rocky Mountains or go on a summer vacation in the Sahara desert, then the LX 570 makes sense. Otherwise, you have a fair number of competitors that offer better fuel economy and a few more luxuries for the price.
 
Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the LX 570, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 

 
Year: 2015
Make: Lexus
Model: LX 570
Trim: N/A
Engine: 5.7L 32-Valve, DOHC, Dual VVT-i V8
Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 383 @ 5,600
Torque @ RPM: 403 @ 3,600
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 12/17/14
Curb Weight: 6,000 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Toyota, Aichi Japan
Base Price: $82,930
As Tested Price: $90,720 (Includes $925.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
Mark Levinson Audio System - $2,350
Dual-Screen DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System - $2,005
Luxury Package - $1,510
Intuitive Park Assist - $1,000

  • Old School SUV, With Some Luxuries

William Maley

Department of Justice Considers Wire-Fraud Charge Against GM

The Department of Justice is currently evaluating whether or not to charge General Motors with criminal wire fraud due to the company's failure to recall vehicles with faulty ignition switches. The Wall Street Journal has learned from sources federal prosecutors in New York are zoning in the wire-fraud charge due after it was determined that GM made misleading statements and concealed information about the faulty switch.
 
Sources go on to say the DOJ hopes to reach a settlement by late summer or early, though that could change. Prosecutors are also looking into other kinds of possible criminal charges.
 
When asked about the report, CEO Mary Barra said,
 
“It is their timeline. We are going to continue to cooperate to the fullest extent we can. But beyond that, I think anything else is pure speculation and it does no one any good.”
 
Barra confirmed that she spoke and fully cooperated with DOJ investigators last year about the ignition switch defect.
 
Source: The Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required), The Detroit News

  • Wire-Fraud Charges Could Be Hitting GM

William Maley

Ram Announces Pricing For The 1500 Rebel and Laramie Limited Models

Ram announced pricing for two new members of the Ram 1500 today.
 
First off is the Ram 1500 Rebel. Positioned as the brand's off-road special with off-road tires, a front skid plate, tow hooks, and blacked out bumper. The base 2WD Rebel starts at $43,985 - includes a $1,195 destination charge. The base model boasts the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. Those who 4WD with their Rebel will need to fork over $45,915 for the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or $47,565 for the V8.
 
Next is the Laramie Limited which boasts a number of luxury appointments such as 20-inch forged multi-surface aluminum wheels and a handsome interior. Prices start at $51,870 for the base 2WD, HEMI V8 model. If you want the EcoDiesel, add $3,120 to the pricetag. Four-Wheel Drive will set you back $3,505 no matter which engine you choose.
 
Source: Ram Trucks
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Ram Truck Announces Pricing for 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel and Ram 1500 Laramie Limited
Ram 1500 Rebel makes a statement with increased ride height, standard 33-inch tires, skid plates, tow hooks and unique interior starting at $42,790 Chrome accents, prominent badges, Argento wood and premium leather are key ingredients of new Ram 1500 Laramie Limited with a starting price of $50,675

June 9, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Ram 1500 continues to move forward with two mid-year 2015 offerings that carry into the 2016 model year – the Ram 1500 Rebel and Ram 1500 Laramie Limited.
 

The Ram 1500 Rebel brings a one-of-a-kind, off-road design to the full-size truck segment. The Rebel drops right into a core segment of the truck market with unique design cues and mechanical innovation backed by Ram Truck engineering.
 
Rebel features an all-new grille with a prominent billet silver “RAM” letter badge. Departing from the brand’s iconic “crosshair” designs, the blacked-out Rebel grille tops a completely new black off-road front bumper design with a durable powder-coated surface. It also incorporates a powder coated, billet silver skid plate, front tow hooks, 33-inch Toyo tires and an all-new 17-inch aluminum wheel.
 
Inside, Rebel is every bit as brawny and rugged as it is outside. The truck features industry-exclusive seating elements finished in Radar Red and black with fabric inserts embossed with the Toyo tire tread pattern, matching the Rebel’s actual footprint. Standard heated front seats feature Light Diesel Gray accent stitching, Radar Red Ram’s head embroidery on the headrests and black with Light Diesel Gray Rebel nameplate embroidered on the upper seat bolsters.
 
Ram Truck brand also has taken the Ram Laramie Limited – the benchmark in truck opulence – to an even higher level of sophistication and attention to detail. Featuring premium materials, such as all-black, full-leather seating, real wood interior components and unique badges, Limited is a “black-tie” luxury alternative to the popular southwestern-themed Laramie Longhorn edition pickup.
 
The Limited’s all-new grille is the most prominent change of the exterior. As the leading point, its new billet port grille breaks from the long tradition of crosshair styling with bold “RAM” lettering. Additional chrome exterior accents and a chrome “RAM” tailgate logo distinguish the Limited model. Limited also features an all-new 20-inch forged multi-surface aluminum wheel – unique in the truck market.
 
Subtle stitching accents, pinstriping, unique materials and patterns are found throughout the interior. A new console bin houses a cellular phone and tablet holder, which can be concealed with a new tambour sliding door made from Black Argento wood, the chosen timber for the Limited interior. The collective silver pinstripe theme runs through the truck, including black premium Berber carpet inserts, which can easily be removed from the floor mats to reveal double-duty slush mats.
 
Debuting on the Limited and Rebel models, is an all-black headliner and pillars combination.
The Ram 1500 leads pickup truck fuel economy with the exclusive 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine delivering 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 29 miles per gallon (mpg).
Ram Truck offers the best value in half-ton trucks with a starting price of $25,410, plus $1,195 destination, and includes a standard 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine.
 
2015 Ram 1500 Rebel and 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited pricing:1500 Rebel 4x2 Crew Cab 5.7-liter HEMI V-8: $42,790
1500 Rebel 4x4 Crew Cab 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6: $44,7201500 Rebel 4x4 Crew Cab 5.7-liter HEMI V-8: $46,370
1500 Laramie Limited 4x2 Crew Cab 5.7-liter HEMI V-8: $50,675
1500 Laramie Limited 4x2 Crew Cab 3.0-liter EcoDiesel: $53,7951500 Laramie Limited 4x4 Crew Cab 5.7-liter HEMI V-8: $54,180
1500 Laramie Limited 4x4 Crew Cab 3.0-liter EcoDiesel: $57,300
Prices do not include $1,195 destination

  • How Much for a 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel or Laramie Limited?

William Maley

NHTSA Admits They Missed Clues During GM Ignition Switch Defect

While General Motors has gotten most of the blame in the ignition switch fiasco, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) isn't getting away scot free. The New York Times reports that the Department of Transportation released two internal documents revealing a series of failings by NHTSA.
 
One of those failings was the administration not paying sufficient attention to a Wisconsin state trooper’s report in 2007 which suggested that the ignition switch played a key role in a fatal accident. The reports go on to say that NHTSA didn't use their full power to hold GM accountable in terms of this problem.
 
“There needs to be a complete overhaul of this failing agency. The results of this report are long overdue,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
 
NHTSA has begun to make a number of changes in light of these reports. They include,
Put manufacturers “on notice” about potential defects as soon they identified any troubling cases. Institute a 'Risk Control' program that better aligns different sections of NHTSA and encourage more sharing Be monitored by a group of outside experts including former officials of the National Transportation Safety Board and NASA

“The G.M. experience changed the culture here. What that means is challenge the information you’re getting, and challenge the assumptions you are pursuing,” said NHTSA administrator Mark R. Rosekind.
 
Still some people believe NHTSA needs to go farther.
 
“It still soft-pedals why they have gone from one defect crisis to another,” said Sean E. Kane of the consulting firm Safety Research and Strategies. “What is missing is any mention of the importance of transparency.”
 
Source: The New York Times

  • New Reports Show NHTSA Has Some Blame In the Ignition Switch Mess

William Maley

Rumorpile: Hyundai Considers A Premium SUV Based On Genesis Platform

Hyundai is considering whether or not to do a line of premium SUVs using the underpinnings of the Genesis. Reuters has learned from sources the company is considering a proposal made internally to build SUVs using the Genesis platform as way to elevate Hyundai's overall brand image and crack the high-margin SUV market.
 
But there is an air of caution at the company. Hyundai hasn't done so well when it comes to larger SUVs. Their previous attempt, the Veracruz, was introduced back in 2007. However, the company pulled the model out in 2013 due to poor sales. Meanwhile the company was still selling the Veracruz in South Korea, but will end production at the end of the next month according to the plant's union newspaper.
 
Aside from the poor sales, a source says spiking gas prices and the poor equity of the Hyundai name in large SUVs give the company concern.
 
"We are timid when it comes to bigger SUVs," said the source.
 
When reached for comment, Hyundai confirmed the end of production of the Veracruz, but said "this does not mean we are giving up on a large SUV line-up."
 
"We are considering developing premium, large SUVs based on customers' needs. We plan to respond to the fast-changing market centered around SUVs by beefing up our SUV line-up."
 
Source: Reuters

  • Hyundai Ponders A Premium SUV With A Bit of Trepidation

William Maley

Rumorpile: Lincoln MKT Replacement Could Be Based On Next-Gen Explorer

What's in store for the Lincoln MKT? If a report from The Truth About Cars has any idea, it looks like it could be going to a normal crossover shape.
 
A source tells TTAC that engineers are working on a project Known internally as ‘Aviator’. This project will be using the next-generation Ford Explorer as a base. No report as to what platform this will use, but some believe its the upcoming D6 platform which will allow for front, rear, and all-wheel drive configurations. The source goes onto say that there will not be a next-generation Ford Flex.
 
“We do not comment on speculation. MKT continues to be present in our lineup, with a new model in 2015. By 2020, we expect to expand the segments that we participate in by adding two new nameplates to the Lincoln brand. We have not provided any indications about the products or their names," said Lincoln spokesman Stéphane Cesareo in a comment to TTAC.
 
Source: The Truth About Cars

  • What Could Be In Store for the Next MKT?

William Maley

FCA Wants NHTSA To Cancel Public Hearing, NHTSA Says No

Next month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be holding a public hearing to probe Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' handling of 20 different recalls covering 11 million vehicles since 2013. The agency is concerned about the completion rates and other issues on these recalls.
 
But FCA believes this hearing should be skipped. In a 19-page response to questions from NHTSA that was released yesterday, the company argues that its overall recall completion rate is "nearly the best in the industry, with 77 percent. The response goes onto state that they are compliant with existing regulations and are in the process of implementing new programs to improve their completion rate.
 
FCA says their way “to review and identify with NHTSA input, and implement changes based on the learnings obviate the need for a hearing.”
 
But NHTSA administrator Mark Rosekind tells The Detroit News that the hearing is still on.
 
“Twenty recalls are a problem — 10 million vehicles. There’s a pattern here of things we’re concerned about. And they weren’t just little things — they were big things including major safety issues related to fire, door latches that could open up when people were driving. It’s not just, ‘Oh, they were late on something.’ If they didn’t start, it was late, it means all that time people are at risk. And they told us something different,” said Rosekind.
 
Source: The Detroit News

  • NHTSA to FCA: We're Doing the Hearing, Like it or not

William Maley

Rumorpile: Porsche Goes Back To Driving Roots With the 911 GT

Another Porsche 911 variant is on the way according to a report from Autocar. This variant will be focused on 'simple driving pleasure'.
 
Power will likely come from a naturally-aspirated 3.8L flat-six from the 911 GT3, which means 475 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the GT3, this variant will feature a manual transmission, most likely the seven-speed version. Its expected this variant will also keep the narrow body found on most 911s, not the wide body as seen on the GT models.
 
No word on what this model will be called or when it will debut.
 
Source: Autocar

  • Porsche Goes Back To Its Driving Roots With A New 911 Variant

William Maley

New Survey Shows Many Consumers Aren't Happy With Infotainment Systems

What is the big problem with new cars? According to a new survey, it happens to be the infotainment systems.
 
A study done by automotive consultants SBD and polling firm Nielsen asked some 14,000 owners about features in their cars and asked which ones were the best and the worst. The ten that scored the lowest in the survey were all related in some form to the infotainment system. These included smart phone integration, built-in apps, customizable instrument panels, and voice recognition.
 
“It’s sort of an arms race -- who can have the most technology in the vehicle -- and consumers are confused,” said Nielsen Vice President Mike Chadsey at a connected-car symposium yesterday.
 
The study also showed that 43 percent of participants said automakers are adding too much infotainment tech.
 
So why are automakers adding all of this tech? Andrew Hart, director of SBD explained that automakers add all sorts of tech to draw in customers and to help boost revenue. But this might backfire as owners might go to another brand because of how bad the infotainment system was.
 
If you to improve the chances of owner sticking with your brand, just get the infotainment right, getting the right set of features that people actually want to use and making them easy to use,” said Hart.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • From the Not Surprising Department On Infotainment Systems

William Maley

Ssangyong Planning Jeep Wrangler Competitor For North America

There looks to be another automaker who wants to enter the North American market. Korean brand Ssangyong is planning a Wrangler-style high-design SUV sometime in the later half of this decade.
 
The SUV would be based on the automaker's recently launched Tivoli crossover and have styling that is in line with the Korando, a model that started off as a licensed CJ-7 clone. Power will come from Tivoli as well, which includes 1.6L gas and diesel engines.
 
So why try entering the North American market now?
 
“The company has never cracked North America because it requires a huge investment and because the distributor model that we use in other territories wouldn’t really work in the USA. But a Wrangler-style high-design 4x4 could create the waves we’d need in order to make a mark over there. At the same time, it’d work really well for us in the UK and Europe at a time when building profile is absolutely key,” said a source.
 
Source: Autocar

  • Haven't You Wanted A Ssangyong?

William Maley

Rumorpile: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Put A Number of Products On Delay

What is going on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles? Reuters reports that a number of new and redesigned vehicles have been pushed back as the company searches for a new partner. The delays allow FCA to save billions of dollars in investment.
 
Suppliers who have seen say at least 12 future vehicle programs from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram have been delayed. Two of those vehicles, the next Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 are reportedly moving to dates later in 2017.
 
Suppliers say there are a number of reasons as to the delays such as last-minute design and engineering changes - some of which are helping save a fair amount of cash.
 
FCA declined to comment on the delays, but did say the plans outlined in their latest five-year plan "need to be flexible and fluid, with the potential to add some vehicles, pull some forward and extend the life cycle of others. We look at these programs on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis."
 
While FCA is delaying a number of vehicles, they are also moving some up. Suppliers tell Reuters that Alfa Romeo may be getting more models on a quicker basis.
 
Source: Reuters

  • A Number Of FCA Vehicles Are Going On the Delayed List

William Maley

First Drive: 2016 Nissan Maxima

At the end of my review of the 2013 Nissan Maxima, I said “The 2013 Nissan Maxima is a very special car, but it's time for this 'four-door sports car' to take its final curtain call and have a new model ready in the wings.” Little did anyone know outside at Nissan that the current Maxima was possibly going to be its last. A recent report says that a next-generation Maxima wasn’t on the table due to the recession and Nissan focusing on fuel-efficient vehicles. But with a bit of convincing due to Nissan’s vice president of product planning, the Maxima was able to live on.
 
This brings us nicely to the eighth-generation Maxima which debuted at the New York Auto Show in April. The new model is quite the departure from the last-generation Maxima in terms of looks and features available. Nissan says the 4-Door sports car is back. Well, is it? To find out, I drove two versions of the 2016 Maxima at a first drive event in Detroit.
 




Lets begin with the elephant in room of the Maxima - the design. Compared to past Maximas, the new one is very much a shock. Nissan graced the 2016 Maxima with the design from the Sport Sedan Concept shown at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Such cues as the V-Motion grille, boomerang headlights, blacked-out pillars, kicked-up belt line and a floating roof are present on the production model. A set of wheels ranging from 18 to 19-inches finish off the look. The new Maxima is very much a polarizing vehicle with a number of people who either like it or hate it. Personally, I fall into former as it gives the Maxima the ability to standout not only in the full-size sedan class, but also in Nissan’s crowded lineup. 
The interior also got a major revamp. During the briefing, Nissan explained the development team went down to where the Blue Angels are stationed and studied the cockpit of their jets. What they took away was how the controls and information were in easy sight and reach of the pilot. Nissan took this and some design ideas from the GT-R and placed them into the Maxima. Sitting in the driver’s seat, you find that you are surrounded by a new instrument cluster with a 7-inch color screen and a center console that is angle towards the driver - that idea comes from the GT-R. The layout makes you feel that you are one with the car.
 
Nissan also worked making the Maxima feel more premium - an issue I had with the previous Maxima. Better quality materials such as machined-look wood and aluminum trim, more soft-touch plastics, and contrasting stitching. The base S trim gets cloth, while higher trim levels get leather or a combination of leather and real Alcantara. The use of these materials really help move the Maxima up in the full-size class. As for the seats, they are the Zero-Gravity variety found on the Altima. They come with a little bit more bolstering to keep up the Maxima’s sporting intentions. I found the seats to be quite comfortable and provided good support for the route Nissan has us drive on. The back seat is also a little bit more roomy than the last Maxima thanks to increase in overall length - about 2.2 inches.
 




 
The center stack boasts a new 8-inch touchscreen with navigation which comes as standard on all Maximas. It comes with a new interface which brings Nissan into the current century with a bright screen and more modern looking graphics. Nissan also falls into the pit of trying to mimic smartphones and tablets with the ability to swipe from screen to screen, and pinch and zoom on the navigation. I was worried that they system would fall apart as it would either not respond or respond slowly. The system did pretty well when it came to the swipe as the transition was very fluid and I saw no performance issues. Trying the pinch-and-zoom was another matter as it didn’t respond at all when I did the motion. There’s also a control knob near the driver which allows the driver to access more functions of the system.
 
Power comes 3.5L VQ V6 with 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the older 3.5, the one found in the 2016 Maxima features around 61 percent of new parts including a new cylinder head, intake manifold, and sodium filled exhaust valves to pull heat away from the combustion chamber. Nissan also quick to point that per liter, the 3.5 in the Maxima is best in class with 85.7 horsepower. The V6 paired up to Nissan’s XTronic CVT which has been altered with a wider range of ratios, new shift logic to provide ‘shifts’ when driving exuberantly, and sport tuning. Under the skin is a redesigned platform with a lot of high-strength steel. Nissan claims that with this new platform, the 2016 Maxima is about 82 pounds lighter and 25 percent more rigid. The suspension has also been given the once-over with new rear dampers and some special goodies for the sporty SR trim.
 
Lets move onto the drive shall we?


 
The first Maxima I took out was the SR. Nissan is positioning the SR as the enthusiast’s choice with a number of changes in the suspension and interior. The Maxima SR’s suspension gets a set of retuned dampers, springs and stabilizer bar. There’s also a set of Goodyear F1 Eagle tires to improve grip and steering response. Inside, SR models get leather and Alcantara on the seats and the steering wheel. You’ll also notice a set of paddles to control the transmission in sporting situations.
 




Taking it out on the route for our drive, I was impressed how the Maxima SR drove. Put the SR into the sport mode, and it becomes a ‘sports car’. The V6 accelerates harder while the CVT enters a mode to allow for stepped shifts. I was impressed with how the V6 never felt like it was out breath no matter where it was on the RPM range. In corners, the SR’s suspension hunkered down and provided excellent stability. Steering provided good weight and feel during the enthusiastic driving period. Also impressive were the seats which were able to hold me when I put it through it paces. 
Putting the Maxima SR back into normal, I found that it rode smooth for the most part. I could tell that a few bumps and imperfections were making their way into the interior, but its not to the point where it will become a concern to anyone. Wind and road noise were kept to acceptable levels. As for the CVT, I found it to be ok. There was none of CVT whine that has been accustomed to previous CVTs. The stepped shifts appeared when I was making a pass on the freeway, a nice touch.
 
After driving the SR, I took out the top of line Maxima Platinum to see how it compared. Now the Platinum is quite a luxurious model with such appointments as quilted leather, wood trim, and the contrasting stitching. Out on the road, the Platinum felt slightly more comfortable than SR as bumps and road imperfections were kept at bay. On the curvy bits, the Maxima Platinum didn’t feel out of place when compared to SR. The steering still boasts the good weight and feel in the corners. The only real difference is in the suspension where the Platinum felt a little bit softer, which does let in some body roll. But if you’re not looking for it, then you’ll really won’t notice a difference.



 
The Maxima lineup begins at $33,235 for the base S trim and climbs to $40,865 for the top-of-the-line Platinum - prices include a $825 destination charge. Interestingly, Nissan isn’t offering any options on the Maxima. Instead, the Maxima will be offered in five different trim levels with additional features on higher trims. Here’s a basic outline of how it will work.
S - Base SV - Leather SL - Panoramic Roof SR - Sport Suspension and 19-inch Wheels Platinum - Quilted Leather

So is the 4-Door Sports Car back? In short, Yes. Nissan has put a lot of work in the Maxima to it bring back into the spotlight and make it a contender in the full-size sedan class. Whether this helps the Maxima in the long run remains to be seen.
 
Disclaimer: Nissan Invited Cheers & Gears to a Local Drive Event
 

 
Year: 2016
Make: Nissan
Model: Maxima
Trim: SR, Platinum
Engine: 3.5L VQ V6
Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT
Horsepower @ RPM: 300 @ 6,400
Torque @ RPM: 261 @ 4,400
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/30/25
Curb Weight: 3,488 to 3,593 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Smyrna, TN
Base Price: $32,410 (S)
As Tested Price: $38,495 (SR), $40,865 (Platinum) (Includes $825.00 Destination Charge)

  • Return of the Four-Door Sports Car?

William Maley

2016 BMW X1 - The First Front-Wheel Drive BMW For the U.S.

BMW has pulled the covers off the 2016 X1 crossover that will go on sale this fall in the U.S. While the X1 was sold in other markets since 2009, it only came to the U.S. in 2012.
 
Lets talk about the elephant in the room. This is the first BMW to be sold in the U.S. to be based on the German automaker's UKL platform that underpins the new MINI Cooper and other BMW vehicles sold in Europe. Our X1 will only come in all-wheel drive form.
 
Power will come from the 2.0L TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder generating 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic gets the power to all four wheels.
 
The design is heavily influenced by the X5 with a similar shape and distinctive character line running through the door handles. Inside is completely changed with a center stack that is in line with current BMWs - including a large screen ranging from 6.5 to 8-inches. Passengers will notice an increase in head and legroom.
 
No word on pricing at this time.
 
Source: BMW
 

 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – EMBARGO: June 2, 2015 – 6:00pm EDT/3:00pm PDT… Today, BMW announced the all-new BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle. In its second generation, the new MY 2016 BMW X1 builds on the success of its predecessor (61,974 sold in the US to date) by incorporating a roomier interior, greater efficiency and technology on the forefront of innovation. The second generation takes to the stage with a body design typical of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. The BMW X1 xDrive28i will be the exclusive model in the US at launch featuring a 2.0-liter TwinTurbo 4-cylinder engine from BMW’s new family of modular engines with maximum output of 228 horsepower, making the all new BMW X1 the most powerful entry model in the segment. It will be mounted to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. An efficiency-optimized version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology all help to enhance sporting ability and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model. The all new BMW X1 also showcases its exceptional versatility with increased cargo area and greater interior room with more headroom than before. The 2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i will arrive in US showrooms in Fall 2015.
 
Its cutting-edge premium ambience and functionality ensure the BMW X1 will stay ahead of the competition. Alongside its market-leading dynamics and efficiency, a host of innovative equipment features also help to secure the all new BMW X1 position in the class. Among the items on the options list are full-LED adaptive headlights, BMW Head-Up Display and Driver Assistance Plus.
 
Greatest interior roominess and versatility in its class
The all new BMW X1 is defined by its cutting-edge vehicle concept and advancements in the areas of functionality, safety and comfort. This multitalented model not only boasts more space for passengers and luggage, it also offers additional flexibility when it comes to utilizing its load-carrying capacity. Extensive standard equipment and numerous attractive options underline the premium character of the compact BMW Sports Activity Vehicle.
 
Merging functionality and versatility, the BMW X1 is the roomiest vehicle in its class. The overall interior room and comfort of the all new BMW X1 treat passengers to additional head and legroom. The horizontal surface design in the interior, create generous levels of space and an ambience typical of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. Power front seats are now standard and provide a seating position raised by more than one inch in the front and more than 2.5 inches in the rear when compared to its predecessor. Leg room in the rear has increased by 1.5 inches in standard specification and by up to 2.6 inches with the optionally adjustable rear seat while accessible storage areas like the compartment in front of the shifter emphasize the versatile character of all new BMW X1.
 
The driver focused cockpit and generously sized surfaces define the interior of the new BMW X1 as a classic Sports Activity Vehicle. The flat surfaces of the instrument panel and center console controls all angled towards the driver aim to help and maintain control over the surroundings at all times regardless of changing road conditions
.
The rear seatback can be split 40:20:40, with the three sections folding down individually or jointly. An optional sliding and reclining rear bench with individual elements that can slide forward or back by up to five inches allowing seating comfort and storage capacity to be adjusted even more precisely. The tilt angle for the rear-seat backrest can also be adjusted when fitted with the optional equipment seats and ranges from 31 degrees all the way to a near-vertical cargo position of 1 degree. A power-folding feature enables the rear seats to be folded at the touch of a button inside the luggage compartment. Cargo space has been increased by more than 15 percent (based on European measurements) allowing plenty of storage practicality.
 
The standard automatic tailgate operation makes using the X1’s load-carrying capacity even easier, and Comfort Access, offered as part of the Premium Package also includes a hands-free tailgate opening and closing function.
 
The passenger compartment of the all new BMW X1 has large door pockets and offers a selection of smaller storage areas. A storage compartment is integrated into the instrument panel on the driver’s side. Positioned in front of the gearshift selector lever in the center console beneath a sliding cover are two cupholders. The front armrest for the driver and front passenger includes an integrated storage compartment. The standard storage package includes features such as nets in the backrest of the driver and the front passenger seat and a central armrest with cupholders for the rear adding to the new X1’s storage offerings. Safe transportation of goods is assured with a strap and net in the trunk.
 
Attractive equipment variants and exclusive comfort-enhancing options
Customers can choose between two non-metallic and nine metallic exterior paint finishes, allowing them to tailor their new BMW X1 to their individual tastes. Estoril Blue metallic is exclusively offered in combination with the M Sport package. Mirroring brand specific characteristics, the new BMW X1 offers a broad range of individualization. The M Sport package, available later this year, provides a sportier, quicker and slicker look and feel thanks to the 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters supported by M Steering Wheel and M Sport suspension and Sport Seats.
 
The Premium Package highlights once more BMW core attributes achieving an even higher look and feel of quality. The optional panoramic moonroof, increased in size compared to the outgoing model, underlines the roominess of the vehicle’s interior whereas the full LED headlights, both available with the Premium Package, highlight a strong and powerful stance on the road.
 
Standard equipment also includes front fog-lamps, alarm with remote-controlled central locking and keyless engine ignition, electric window controls, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, a multifunction leather steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, a rain sensor including automatic headlight control and Dynamic Cruise Control.
 
Commanding presence, robust proportions, dynamic lines
The signature BMW X model design cues shape the all new BMW X1, while the height has been increased by an additional 1.7 inches, for a robust stance in all driving situations. The large, upright BMW kidney grille, lower air intake done in three sections and characteristic “six-eyed” looked formed by the twin round headlights and fog lamps give the new BMW X1 its distinctive face. Emphasizing the bold look of the new BMW X1, LED Daytime Running Lights are now standard with LED headlights available in conjunction with the Premium Package.
 
Flared wheel arches and lines converge in an X-shape into the kidney grille, contributing to the authoritative presence of the new BMW X1. Black borders on the lower edge of the body, the square contour of the wheel cutouts and the generous volume of the surfaces above them, all underline the solid statute of the compact BMW X-models. The center of the new BMW X1’s rear apron rises up significantly, mimicking the characteristic element of the front design. Their flat outline emphasizes the width of the rear end, with the vertically arranged black aeroblades which perfectly mirrors the roof spoiler, adding sporting accents.
 
The all new BMW X1 offers standard 18-inch run-flat all-season tires with non-run-flat all seasons and a space saver spare available as a no-cost option for the first time. Our sport oriented customers can chose 19-inch run-flat performance tires as optional equipment.
 
The interior offers harmonious balance between driver focus and elegance befitting the classic style of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. The flat surfaces of the instrument panel and center console controls angled towards the driver providing great overview inside and outside the vehicle. The controls located in the lower section of the center console are surrounded by high-quality surfaces and are with a newly designed trim accent bar. The instrument cluster, consisting of two circular instruments and framed by a small binnacle, also helps the driver to focus on driving.
 
The iDrive operating system’s Control Display comes in the form of a high resolution 6.5-inch or, optionally, 8.8-inch freestanding monitor. The interior trim accent and air vents are surrounded by an interior trim spanning the full width of the instrument panel. The interior trim and accent strip extend through the door panel trim, with the effect that occupants in all seats are surrounded by premium surfaces with a uniform material and color structure.
 
Other standard interior features include: Power front seats with driver-side memory, Anthracite headliner, storage package and multifunction sport leather steering wheel. Standard equipment for the new BMW X1 also includes an all-new SensaTec seat surface available in both Black and Canberra Beige and a Black high-gloss interior trim with Pearl chrome accent strips. Perforated Dakota leather trim is available in Black, Canberra Beige, Mocha, and Oyster as are interior Brushed Aluminum and fine-wood matt Oak Grain and Fineline Stream interior trims.
 
The standard sound system with 7 loudspeakers provides high quality audio. The optional Harman Kardon HiFi system, complete with 12 loudspeakers and a digital amplifier with 360-watt output, provide an outstanding audio experience while on the road.
 
Powertrain and driving experience
The second generation BMW X1 uses an all-new powertrain and chassis technology to build systematically on the compact BMW X model’s versatile sporting ability in its segment. The newly developed chassis technology, which ensures not only precisely controllable handling, but also noticeably improved ride comfort is another key factor that further enhances agility on the all new BMW X1. Together with the car’s low center of gravity, a wide track, short overhangs, optimized weight and the impressive rigidity of the body and chassis, all contribute to lay the foundation for a driving experience familiar to BMW drivers but without parallel in the class.
 
Highest power in it’s class
The all new BMW X1 will be available from launch with an all-new 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo engine featuring a twin-tailpipe design that draws further attention to the sporty character of the all new BMW X1. The BMW X1 xDrive28i features BMW’s new modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine, a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder unit with a TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve lift, and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. This powerful engine develops 228 hp at 5,000 rpm, representing the highest power output in the entry model class and thanks to BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology. The peak torque of 258 lb-ft, which is available between 1,250 rpm and 4,500 rpm ensures once again that the driving torque is effortlessly and instantly delivered for a dynamic and agile driving experience. Its instantaneous pulling power enables acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The new BMW X1 xDrive28i CO2 emissions stand at 152– 49 grams per kilometer (in the EU test cycle, depending on the tire format specified). US EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch.
 
Flexible, quick to respond and more efficient than ever: the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system in the new BMW X1
The compact, low-weight and efficient all-wheel-drive system distributes the engine’s power between the front and rear axle exactly as the situation requires – at all times. Working closely with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) allows the system to act preemptively to counteract any tendency on the car’s towards oversteer or understeer. The BMW xDrive system therefore ensures excellent traction, optimized directional stability and enhanced cornering dynamics in all weather and road conditions. Furthermore, the combination of the DSC system and xDrive also includes Hill Descent Control.
 
The xDrive system of the all new BMW X1 consists of a single-speed bevel gear and a rear-axle drive unit with an electrohydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch than controls longitudinal torque distribution. The two are connected by a two-piece drive shaft. When required, the multi-plate clutch – with the help of an electrohydraulic pump – diverts up to 100 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. It does so in less than 250 ms and unnoticed by the driver. The DSC system keeps the pump’s control unit constantly supplied with important data for analyzing the driving situation. The data includes the vehicle’s speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering lock, wheel-speed, pitch, accelerator position and the Driving Dynamic Control and DSC settings. This information is used to determine – and instantly generate – the ideal power split between the front and rear wheels, seamlessly and flexibly.
 
A recipe for enthralling agility: sophisticated chassis technology
The chassis technology of the original X1 has been totally redeveloped for the new model with aluminum wheel hubs, as well as axle carriers and control arms made from high-strength steel, reduce weight and increase the rigidity of the front axle, which in turn helps to ensure an agile turn-in response and direction-changing precision. The rear axle also employs a high proportion of high-strength steels. Tube-shaped anti-roll bars at the front and rear axle, innovative axle mounting and specially tuned elastokinematics contribute to the agility and ride comfort of the all new BMW X1, as do the connection of the dampers to the body via sophisticated three-way support mounts.
 
The all new BMW X1 is equipped with standard Servotronic speed-sensitive steering assistance. This system allows parking and turning maneuvers to be completed safely and comfortably with little steering effort, and at higher speeds drivers can also benefit from steering precision and straight line stability as the steering effort is increased just the right amount.
 
The Driving Dynamic Control switch on the center console allows the driver to give the car’s set-up an even sportier, more comfort-oriented or efficiency-optimized character. Calling up COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO mode at the touch of a button adapts the responses of the accelerator pedal and steering as well as shift characteristics of the automatic transmission are also adjusted if the relevant equipment has been specified.
 
The Dynamic Stability Control stability system includes features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist system, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying Braking and Start-Off Assistant and Performance Control. When DSC is deactivated, an electronic locking function for the front axle differential – known as Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – comes into play. In tight corners the system brakes a spinning wheel as required and ensures power is diverted to the other wheel.
 
The enhanced functional effectiveness of all powertrain components, intelligent energy management, the rigorous application of BMW Lightweight technology and far-reaching measures designed to optimize aerodynamics all play a role in enhancing the efficiency of the all new, second generation BMW X1. The innovations developed under the BMW EfficientDynamics umbrella delivers greater driving pleasure.
 
Optimized exterior design
The all new BMW X1 also has smooth underbody paneling, air deflectors on the front wheel arches and vertical aeroblades, which form a unit with the roof spoiler to channel the airflow around the rear of the car to best effect. The Air Curtains integrated into the outer air intakes channel the onrushing air precisely behind the front fenders causing it to hang over the wheels like a curtain and thus reduce turbulence.
 
Engine, gearbox and BMW xDrive: lower weight, improved efficiency
The engine in the BMW X1 xDrive28i benefits from the latest incarnation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with TwinScroll turbocharger and the most recently updated generation of VALVETRONIC. This latest 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine incorporates aluminum crankcase and cylinder head, forged steel crankshafts with an integrated balance shaft drive, low-weight pistons, forged connecting rods, friction-reduced cylinder coatings and map-controlled oil pumps.
 
With the reduced weight and enhanced internal efficiency, the new 8-speed Steptronic transmission also helps to optimize efficiency. The reduced converter slip of the new automatic transmission cuts energy losses, and its wider gear spread keeps revs lower at higher vehicle speeds contributing to the reduced emissions.
 
The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system developed for the new BMW X1 is considerably lighter with powertrain losses that are reduced by 30 percent in normal driving situations .The improved functional effectiveness of the new rear differential also helps to deliver a particularly efficient all-wheel-drive experience.
 
Intelligent energy management, ECO PRO mode with coasting function
The BMW EfficientDynamics technology employed in the new BMW X1 includes intelligent energy management. Brake Energy Regeneration enables extremely efficient power generation for the on-board power supply. The Electric Power Steering and on-demand fuel and coolant pumps work with maximum efficiency.
 
ECO PRO mode – activated via the Driving Dynamics Control switch – also allows drivers of new BMW X1 to make use of the coasting function. At speeds between 30-100 mph, the powertrain is disengaged when the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator. Further efficiency gains have been achieved with items including reduced-friction wheel bearings.
 
BMW EfficientLightweight technology ensuring efficiency
The enhanced functional effectiveness of all powertrain components, intelligent energy management, BMW Lightweight technology and measures designed to optimize aerodynamics all play a role in ensuring that the new BMW X1 it is significantly more efficient. The innovations developed under the BMW EfficientDynamics banner form an overall package that delivers greater and more efficient driving pleasure.
 
An intelligent mix of materials for the body structure and chassis components of the new BMW X1 allows increased agility, lower vibrations and enhanced safety to be combined with optimized vehicle weight. The targeted use of hot-stamped, high and ultra-high tensile steels reduces the weight of the X1 yet also significantly improves torsional rigidity and strength. Contributing to the Lightweight construction of the BMW X1, components like the hood, the bumper supports and wheel hubs – among other areas of the car – are made of aluminum.
 
The weight of the chassis has been reduced by the deployment of components such as tube-shaped anti-roll bars, output shafts and damper piston rods, not to mention the increased use of aluminum. The integrated BMW EfficientLightweight concept also contains solutions for construction details, such as the production of steel with optimized material strength – in the form of tailored rolled blanks – for the front bulkhead and B-pillar support beams.
 
BMW ConnectedDrive: Progress through intelligent connectivity
The second generation BMW X1 also brings significant advances in the field of intelligent connectivity over its predecessor. The new selection of options designed to optimize comfort; safety and the use of infotainment functions, such as the Head-Up Display, take their cues from those available from other BMW Sports Activity Vehicles.
 
BMW ConnectedDrive features on the new BMW X1 now include the newest BMW Head-Up Display which projects driving-related activities directly onto the windshield. The optional high-resolution 8.8-inch Control Display with touchpad controller will host BMW Online, BMW Apps, Remote Services and provide Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information. As an option, a high-resolution 6.5” screen navigation with BMW Online, BMW Apps, Remote Services, Advanced Real Time Traffic Information is also available. By adding to the functionality of the infotainment system the new BMW X1 allows for increased safety by simultaneously providing greater comfort, all based on user selection.
 
Technology Package including BMW Head-Up Display
The Navigation option assists route guidance on the standard Control Display with direction arrows and sophisticated map graphics, including views from various angles. With the standard multifunction steering wheel, the destination can also be entered by voice command. Another, in many respects pioneering option is the Navigation system, which comprises a bigger 8.8-inch Control Display, an instrument cluster with extended features, including a split-screen function as well as the BMW Head-Up Display. This system allows High Guidance instructions including lane recommendations to be shown in the instrument cluster’s TFT display or projected onto the windshield, as desired. The BMW Head-Up Display projects this and other information directly into the driver’s field of view, allowing him or her to register the information without having to divert their gaze from the road ahead. The graphics are displayed using the full spectrum of colors. The 8.8-inch Control Display in conjunction with the standard multifunction steering wheel destination also allow for info input by voice command.
 
Driver Assistance Plus
The camera-based assistance systems available for the new BMW X1 ensure greater assurance and safety in different driving situations. The Driver Assistance Plus package encompasses Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, Automatic High Beams, as well as Frontal Collision Warning with Pedestrian Warning and City Collision Mitigation. In addition to these functions, the Driver Assistance Plus package also features the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function. Park Distance Control and the Rear-View Camera are part of the Driver Assistance Package that transfers images onto the Control Display, making precise and comfortable parking maneuvers that much easier. Parking Assistant is included with the Driver Assistance Package and also helps the driver to find and make use of parallel parking spaces.
 
BMW ConnectedDrive Services and apps
The ConnectedDrive Services option enables the use of the BMW Online internet portal via the SIM card embedded in the vehicle, as well as the integration of smartphone apps into the car. Standard features also include BMW Assist eCall and BMW Teleservices. The steadily growing selection of smartphone apps comprises web radio functions as well as the use of social network services such as Facebook and Twitter or services like Spotify, Life 360, iHeartRadio among many more.
 
The ConnectedDrive Store offers even more flexibility. A one-time registration allows customers to adapt the range of services available to their individual needs – there and then or at a later stage. The ConnectedDrive Store is not only available on the internet but also directly in the car. The functions purchased are made available for use just minutes later.
 
Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

  • When BMW Goes FWD For The U.S.

William Maley

Trivia Tuesday June 2 2015

This one is a 'match em up' : see if you can match the names & the faces of these early GM figures! Try and not google them; challenge yourself, or just guess blindly (why not, most of the U.S. Government does )!
 
A.)

 
B.)

 
C.)

 
D.)

 
E.)

 
F.)

 

- - - - -
• Ransom Olds
• David Buick
• William Durant
• Henry Leland
• Edward Murphy
• Louis Chevrolet

  • Who's Who in Automotive History? Do you know?

balthazar

Sales Figure Ticker: May 2015

Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 31.7% (9,575 Vehicles Sold This Month, 41,581 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Maserati North America, Inc. - Up 17.2% (1,341 Vehicles Sold This Month, 4,330 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 12.8% (6,586 Vehicles Sold This Month, 34,288 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 12.2% (18,428 Vehicles Sold This Month, 75,353 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 12.2% (49,561 Vehicles Sold This Month, 228,083 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Audi of America - Up 11% (18,428 Vehicles Sold This Month, 75,353 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volkswagen of America - Up 8.07% (34,758 Vehicles Sold This Month, 144,006 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
BMW Group U.S. - Up 4.3% (36,836 Vehicles Sold This Month, 160,533 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
FCA US LLC - Up 4% (202,227 Vehicles Sold This Month, 897,108 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Kia Motors America - Up 3.9% (62,433 Vehicles Sold This Month, 256,815 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
General Motors Co. - Up 3% (293,097 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,246,192 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
American Honda Motor Co. - Up 1.3% (154,193 Vehicles Sold This Month, 618,604 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Up 0.2% (5,023 Vehicles Sold This Month, 23,381 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Toyota Motor Sales USA - Down 0.3% (242,579 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,021,528 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mazda North American Operations - Down 0.4% (29,606 Vehicles Sold This Month, 131,772 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Nissan Group U.S. - Down 0.9% (134,779 Vehicles Sold This Month, 612,255 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ford Motor Company - Down 1.3% (250,813 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,067,974 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Down 7.4% (4,268 Vehicles Sold This Month, 20,915 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Hyundai Motor America - Down 10.3% (63,610 Vehicles Sold This Month, 303,648 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
 
Brands:
Chrysler - Up 32% (29,802 Vehicles Sold This Month, 139,439 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mitsubishi - Up 31.7% (9,575 Vehicles Sold This Month, 41,581 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Sprinter - Up 22.3% (2,769 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,850 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Smart - Up 21.5% (837 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,850 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Land Rover - Up 18.7% (5,382 Vehicles Sold This Month, 27,669 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Maserati - Up 17.2% (1,341 Vehicles Sold This Month, 4,330 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Acura - Up 16.1% (17,042 Vehicles Sold This Month, 71,560 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jeep - Up 13% (79,652 Vehicles Sold This Month, 330,160 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
GMC - Up 12.5% (50,657 Vehicles Sold This Month, 217,662 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Subaru - Up 12.2% (49,561 Vehicles Sold This Month, 228,083 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ram - Up 12% (43,598 Vehicles Sold This Month, 194,868 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mercedes-Benz - Up 11.1% (29,583 Vehicles Sold This Month, 136,926 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Audi - Up 11% (18,428 Vehicles Sold This Month, 75,353 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Lexus - Up 10.2% (29,671 Vehicles Sold This Month, 132,727 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volkswagen - Up 8.07% (34,758 Vehicles Sold This Month, 144,006 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
BMW - Up 4.7% (31,003 Vehicles Sold This Month, 136,447 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Kia - Up 3.9% (62,433 Vehicles Sold This Month, 256,815 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Lincoln - Up 3.7% (9,174 Vehicles Sold This Month, 38,786 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
MINI - Up 1.8% (5,833 Vehicles Sold This Month, 24,086 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Chevrolet - Up 1.4% (207,970 Vehicles Sold This Month, 872,363 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Infiniti - Up 0.9% (10,474 Vehicles Sold This Month, 54,295 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Buick - Up 0.5% (20,062 Vehicles Sold This Month, 88,783 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volvo - Up 0.2% (5,023 Vehicles Sold This Month, 23,381 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Honda - Down 0.3% (137,551 Vehicles Sold This Month, 547,044 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mazda - Down 0.4% (29,606 Vehicles Sold This Month, 131,772 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Nissan - Down 1% (124,305 Vehicles Sold This Month, 557,960 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ford - Down 1.5% (241,639 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,029,188 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Toyota - Down 1.6% (212,908 Vehicles Sold This Month, 888,801 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Cadillac - Down 1.9% (14,408 Vehicles Sold This Month, 67,384 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Porsche - Down 7.4% (4,268 Vehicles Sold This Month, 20,915 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jaguar - Down 7.7% (1,204 Vehicles Sold This Month, 6,619 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Hyundai - Down 10.3% (63,610 Vehicles Sold This Month, 303,648 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Fiat - Down 19% (3,867 Vehicles Sold This Month, 18,669 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Dodge - Down 22% (45,268 Vehicles Sold This Month, 213,685 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Alfa Romeo - N/A (40 Vehicles Sold This Month, 295 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)

  • Did Anyone Bloom In May Sales?

William Maley

Volkswagen Dealers Offer Cheap Leases To Bring Attention

Imagine getting into a new vehicle with a payment that could range $39 to $99 per month. Seem like a fantasy? Well that is what a number of Volkswagen dealers across the U.S. are doing. An example is a Volkswagen dealer offering an $89 36 month lease on Jetta, after you hand over $2,500 as a down-payment.
 
It's part of an effort by Volkswagen to bring customers in now at a loss to have hopefully return in three years when the automaker will have a brand new lineup. 2018 will see Volkswagen in the beginning stages of their plans to introducing new products every five years - a seven-seat crossover is the first - and refreshing their product lineup every three years.
 
But even with this move, the question remains if this will help Volkswagen or not? Sales in the U.S. have dropped in the past two years, despite the overall market seeing growth.
 
Source: Bloomberg

  • How Desperate Is Volkswagen Getting In the U.S.?

William Maley

Americans Are Leasing Vehicles At A Record Number

Prices of new vehicles are climbing to record highs and causing buyers to look at leases for lower monthly payments.
 
According to CNBC, a new report from Experian Automotive found that 31.46 percent of vehicles sold in the first quarter were leased. This is up from the 24.05 percent who chose to lease five years ago. The report also reveals that that the average monthly payment for a new vehicle loan was $488, up $14. But, the average lease payment was down $7 to $405.
 
"The difference between a monthly payment for those leasing a new vehicle versus those who buy new is almost $100," said Melinda Zabritski, senior director of Experian Automotive.
 
"Leasing has become more popular because the price of vehicles continues to go up. Consumers are looking for lower monthly payments, which is why more of them are extending the terms of their loans."
 
Source: CNBC

  • More Americans Are Choosing To Lease

William Maley

Tesla Loses Fight With Dealers to Sell in Texas

Lone Star State lawmakers have reined in Tesla's hopes of selling to Texans. Two bills allowing the Palo Alto-based electric carmaker to open Tesla Store's have died in the state legislature, in the face of dealership opposition.
 
Tesla's direct-sales approach has raised the ire of dealership associations nationwide, who worry this jeopardizes their decades-old sales model based on franchise laws.
 
Similar laws are on the books in states such as Michigan, Arizona, West Virginia, and until recently, New Jersey. Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk reportedly hired up to 20 lobbyists in Texas and made $150,000 in campaign contributions.
 
Despite support from former governor Rick Perry, the bills were unable to overcome Texas' powerful dealership lobby, whose support of franchise laws in a state priding itself as a bastion of free-maket economics and limited red tape was deemed "very un-Texan" by Musk in a 2014 interview.
 
The Texas Auto Dealers Association has spent over $278,000 lobbying against Tesla, with some individual dealership owners and groups contributing hundreds of thousands more.
 
Texas is home to the country's second largest high-tech workforce and is the U.S.' largest technology manufacturing exporter. Tesla's absence among the likes of industry pioneers such as Dell and Texas Instruments is notable. The state competed for the brand's 'Gigafactory' but lost to Nevada.
 
The state's legislature holds bi-yearly sessions, meaning Tesla will need to wait until 2017 for similar bills to be introduced, just in time for the Model 3's debut.
 
Source: The Verge
 
View attachment: Model_S_Press_WEB.jpg

  • Live in Texas and want to buy a Tesla? You'll have to go out of state.

FAPTurbo

Ford Opens Up Their EV, Hybrid Patent Portfolio... For A Price

Following in the footsteps of Tesla and Toyota, Ford announced last Friday that it would open up its portfolio of electric and hybrid vehicle patents to competitors to help accelerate the development of these vehicles. Now unlike Tesla and Toyota's programs, Ford is charging a licensing fee.
 
“Innovation is our goal. The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers,” said Kevin Layden, director of Ford electrification programs.
 
Ford says they have filed 650 electric vehicle patents and about 1,000 pending applications relating to hybrid and plug-in vehicles. Those interested in purchasing one of Ford's patents can either go through the blue oval's technology commercialization and licensing office or through the AutoHarvest Foundation - a nonprofit that Ford help found in 2012.
 
A Ford spokesman tells Automotive News that pricing for the various patents range with “some in the hundreds and some in the thousands.”
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Ford
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Ford Opens Portfolio of Patented Technologies to Competitors to Accelerate Industry-Wide Electrified Vehicle Development
Ford is opening its portfolio of electrified vehicle technology patents to competitive automakers to accelerate industry-wide research and development of electrified vehicles In 2014, Ford filed for 400-plus electrified vehicle patents – more than 20 percent of the total patents the company applied for last year Ford is set to hire an additional 200 electrified vehicle engineers this year as the team moves into a newly dedicated facility – Ford Engineering Laboratories – home to Henry Ford's first laboratories

DEARBORN, Mich., May 28, 2015 – Ford Motor Company is offering competitors access to its electrified vehicle technology patents – a move to help accelerate industry-wide research and development of electrified vehicles.
In 2014, Ford filed more than 400 patents dedicated to electrified vehicle technologies. This is more than 20 percent of the patents the company filed – totaling more than 2,000 applications.
"Innovation is our goal," said Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs. "The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers."
Ford Motor Company is a leader in this area – offering six hybrid or fully electrified vehicles including Ford Focus Electric, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. In total, Ford has more than 650 electrified vehicle patents and approximately 1,000 pending patent applications on electrified vehicle technologies.
Ford's innovations have resulted in acclaimed electrified vehicles on the road today, but the company believes sharing its patented technologies will promote faster development of future inventions as all automakers look toward greater opportunities.
"As an industry, we need to collaborate while we continue to challenge each other," said Layden. "By sharing ideas, companies can solve bigger challenges and help improve the industry."
To access Ford's patents and published patent applications, interested parties can contact the company's technology commercialization and licensing office, or work through AutoHarvest – an automaker collaborative innovation and licensing marketplace. AutoHarvest allows members to showcase capabilities and technologies, then privately connect with fellow inventors to explore technology and business development opportunities of mutual interest. The patents would be available for a fee.
"Ford helped launch AutoHarvest as a founding member to enable efficient and transparent technology licensing across the automotive industry and beyond," said Bill Coughlin, president and CEO, Ford Global Technologies, which manages intellectual property for Ford.
As part of Ford's increased focus on new and innovative technologies, the automaker is set to hire an additional 200 electrified vehicle engineers this year as the team moves into a newly dedicated facility – Ford Engineering Laboratories – home to Henry Ford's first labs in Dearborn.
Available Ford electrified vehicle patents
Here are some of Ford's electrified vehicle patents available for competitors to purchase:
Method and Apparatus for Battery Charge Balancing, patent No. US5764027: The patent covers passive cell balancing: discharging a cell through a resistor to lower the state of charge to match other cells. This innovation extends battery run time and overall life. This is the first invention to enable battery balancing at any time, instead of only while charging, and it enables the use of lithium-ion batteries in electrified vehicles. It was invented long before lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles became commonplace – truly ahead of its time.
Temperature Dependent Regenerative Brake System for Electric Vehicle, patent No. US6275763: The technology works to maximize the amount of energy recaptured in a hybrid vehicle through regenerative braking. By improving the interplay between normal friction brakes and regenerative braking during stopping at certain air temperatures, a driver is able to recapture more energy than previously possible, helping the motorist drive farther on a charge.
Driving Behavior Feedback Interface, patent No. US8880290: The patent provides a system and method for monitoring driver inputs such as braking and accelerating, and vehicle parameters including energy consumption to assess driving behavior. The feedback can be used to coach future driving behavior that may translate into better long-term driving habits and improve fuel economy. This technology also has enabled drivers of non-electrified vehicles, such as a Ford Focus, to develop better driving habits.

  • Interested in a EV or Hybrid Patent? Ford is offering theirs up for a price.

William Maley

Tesla Model X Spotted by California Photographer

Tesla's hotly-anticipated Model X continues testing in California and Los Altos shutterbug hushypuppy has snapped half a dozen photos of the electric carmaker's crossover rolling down city streets. The company has yet to reveal photos of the production vehicle.
 
The vehicle is vital to the Palo Alto-based carmaker's future. The twice delayed Tesla Model X has attracted over 21,000 pre-orders and is predicted to push Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) shares up 70%. Deliveries are expected to begin in Q3 2015.
 
High definition photos can be viewed at VWVortex.
Source: VWVortex; HybridCars.com
 

  • Spy shots reveal the general shape of the coming Tesla Model X Crossover

FAPTurbo

Opel getting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Just days after a similar Android Auto and Apple CarPlay announcement from Chevrolet, Opel has announced it will be releasing the two smart phone integration systems across it's small and mid-size car lineup.
 
Starting with the next generation Opel Astra, which will be shown in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the integration will debut on Opel's R 4.0 IntelliLink system while the Touch R 700 and Navi 900 systems gaining the functions later in 2016. The first systems will be available starting in September 2015.
 
Regardless of which system being used, a Projection icon will be available on the Intellilink screen which will change to an Apply CarPlay or Android Auto icon when the respective phone is connected. Android Auto requires a phone running at least Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher and Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or higher.
 
To those of us in the U.S, this gives us hope that a Apple CarPlay and Android Auto announcement for Buick, GMC, and Cadillac is not far away.
 
Source: GM Media
 
Opel Press Release on Page 2


 
Opel is Leader for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
 
· Next-generation Opel Astra will be first in class to offer compatibility with both solutions
· Phone integration in other Opel models to be announced soon
 

Rüsselsheim. As of this summer, Opel will begin offering phone integration featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across its model range.
 
Starting with the next-generation Astra, which will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (September 17 to 27), Opel will roll-out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its mini, small, compact and midsize models during model year 2016.
 
“Phone integration is a smart and simple way to use your smartphone in your car,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “We are offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration across the range, at the most attractive prices on the market. These applications, in addition to Opel OnStar, our personal connectivity and service assistant, show again how we are playing a leading role in enabling customers to connect with their cars.”
 
Opel’s new generation IntelliLink infotainment concept gives owners a smart and simple way to access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. R 4.0 IntelliLink will be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration at the beginning of the 2016 model year, with Android Auto compatibility on Touch R 700 and Navi 900 IntelliLink systems scheduled to arrive in the course of 2016.
 
Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.
 
Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.
 
Using either application in a compatible Opel is simple. A “Projection” icon on the infotainment touch-screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a compatible phone is connected via USB. Android Auto requires a phone running Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later.
 
Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.
 
As of the 2016 model year, the Meriva, Mokka, current Astra GTC, current Astra sedan, Zafira Tourer and Cascada with Navi 650 or CD600/Navi 950 IntelliLink infotainment systems will offer an embedded app for AUPEO! Personal Radio.

  • Opel getting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across its lineup gives us hope that Buick, GMC, and Cadillac announcements will come soon.

Drew Dowdell

Rumorpile: SVO's First Hardcore Off-Roader To Be Next-Gen Discovery

Earlier this month, we reported that Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division was embarking on its next project - a hardcore off-road brand named SVX. At the time, SVO Head David Edwards didn't go into further detail aside from announcing the project. But British publication Autocar has gotten some details about what the first SVX vehicle will be.
 
The report says the first SVX vehicle will be the next-generation Discovery due out sometime next year. The SVX variant will follow a fair bit later and showcase the division's technical as well as mechanical ability on dealing with difficult terrain.
 
Edwards to comment on specific models that are in development, but did say there was a market for these type of vehicles.
 
“There is a market for more off-road capability, so of course we’re looking at it. In the US there’s a wide snowbelt, in the Middle East there’s extreme sand and in regions such as Australia and South Africa there is a need to cover very rugged terrain," said Edwards.
 
“There’s a very interesting market for cars with usable capability,” he said. “The established German luxury competitors are there, but we think there’s an opportunity to offer something different and something more. We’re well planned to develop and exploit opportunities in that marke
 
Source: Autocar

  • The Next-Generation Discovery Will Be The First Land Rover SVX Vehicle

William Maley

Rumorpile: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Last October, we reported on Chrysler trademarking the 'Trackhawk' name. The assumption at the time was Jeep would use their on their high-performance Grand Cherokee as Dodge laid claim to the SRT name.
 
Now Car and Driver has some new information concerning the Trackhawk. The name is expected to arrive sometime in 2016 with the choice of two engines. The base will be the 6.4L HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower currently found in the Grand Cherokee SRT. Optional is the 6.2L Supercharged Hellcat V8 with 707 horsepower. Now this engine is giving engineers some problems as the driveline can't handle the Hellcat's torque. It could mean Jeep could scrap the four-wheel drive system and go with two-wheel drive, or limit the amount of torque available in lower gears.
 
Source: Car and Driver

  • The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is Incoming, Along with a Hellcat V8 Option

William Maley

Tesla Plans Pop-Up Stores For the Summer

While Tesla is fighting for the right to sell vehicles direct to consumers in many states, the automaker will also be selling the Model S in new and temporary locations.
 
Fortune reports that Tesla will be opening mobile container stores in various locations this summer with the first location being Santa Barbara, CA during the Memorial Day holiday. Why is Tesla doing this? They hope to lure in wealthy customers to a vehicle during their summer vacation.
 
The mobile stores themselves are situated in two shipping containers and takes a few hours to setup. Once setup, the mobile stores look like the standard stores with a neutral gray and bright red paint scheme, along with a Model S.
 
The next stop for Tesla's pop-up store is in the Hamptons. After that, Tesla is keeping quiet on that.
 
Source: Fortune

  • You Might Run Into A Tesla Pop-Up Store On Your Vacation

William Maley

Quick Drive: 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 1500

The idea of the luxury pickup has only come into spotlight during the last decade thanks to GMC. In the early-oughts, the truck manufacturer introduced the Sierra C3 which offered a number of luxury appointments never really seen on a truck - leather, premium audio system, power everything, new wheels, and a more potent V8. The C3 and the Denali which took its place a couple years later became big sellers and created a market for luxury pickups. Now most of truck players offer two luxury variants - one for those who dream of being a cowboy and one for those believe in up-town luxury. So how has the father of the luxury pickup compare to the new competitors? I spent a week in the Sierra 1500 Denali to find out.
 
Compared to the standard Sierra 1500, the Denali gets minor changes such as a mesh grille insert, chrome trim pieces, Denali badges, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. These small changes make the Denali quite the standout in the Sierra lineup. It looks more at home at an upscale restaurant than a work site. The interior is somewhat lacking though for a luxury pickup. Yes, there are swaths of leather for the seats and dash, along with nicer looking plastic wood trim and Bose sound system. But compared to the likes of the Ford F-150 Platinum and Ram 1500 Laramie Limited which boast better leather and trim choces, the Denali just feels like a pretender. Tech-wise, the 1500 Denali gets the large screen from the heavy duty trucks to provide trip, infotainment, navigation, and powertrain information. There’s also GMC’s Intellilink infotainment system which seems to be getting worse everytime I use it. Case in point was the constant crashing of my iPod Classic and the disappearance of the map when using the navigation system.
 
Like other Sierras, the Denali has a choice of engines. Base is the 5.3L V8, while optional is the 6.2L V8. I had the latter engine which produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired with a new eight-speed automatic. As I wrote in my Escalade review, the engine has power available throughout the rev range and sounds more like a Corvette. That pretty much carries over to Sierra Denali except for one key item. The 6.2 feels slightly more potent in the truck thanks to a lower curb weight. If you are not careful with the accelerator you will cause the rear wheels to chirp. The eight-speed automatic kept the truck going with smooth shifts and a noticeable improvement in fuel economy. My average for the week in the Sierra Denali was 16 MPG. Not bad considering the EPA ratings of 15 City/21 Highway/17 Combined.
 
One item that surprised me when driving the Sierra Denali was how bouncy the ride was when compared to the last Sierra 1500 I drove. Despite the truck featuring GM’s Magnaride shocks, the Sierra 1500 Denali was bouncy and choppy thanks to the 20-inch wheels. If you have a load in the bed, the choppy ride goes away. Also expect a fair amount of wind and road noise due to the large tires and boxy shape.
 
While the current-generation GMC Sierra Denali 1500 is a step forward from its predecessor, it falls way behind the competition in terms of luxuries and ride. The 6.2L V8 and eight-speed combination do claw back some good points. But I think its time for GMC to step back and figure out what Denali means to the Sierra.
 
Disclaimer: GMC Provided the Sierra Denali 1500, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 

 
Year: 2015
Make: GMC
Model: Sierra 1500
Trim: Denali 4X4
Engine: 6.2L EcoTec3 V8
Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 420 @ 5600
Torque @ RPM: 460 @ 4100
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 15/21/17
Curb Weight: 5,434 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Silao, GJ Mexico
Base Price: $52,155
As Tested Price: $57,820 (Includes $1,195 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
6.2L V8 EcoTec3 - $2,495
Power Sunroof - $995.00
Driver Alert Package - $450.00
20" Polished Aluminum Wheels - $300.00
Trailer Brake Controller - $230.00

  • What Does It Mean To Be Denali?

William Maley

Chevrolet To Offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay In 14 Vehicles For The 2016 Model Year

The age of the connected car is here as General Motors announced that 14 vehicles from Chevrolet's 2016 lineup will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility through the MyLink infotainment system. This means GM is one of the first automakers to offer both systems, giving owners a relief when it comes to choosing one over the other.
 
“For most of us, our smartphones are essential. Partnering with Apple and Google to offer CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across the widest range of models in the industry is a great example of how Chevrolet continues to democratize technology that’s important to our customers,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors.
 
There will be two variants of the MyLink system available for vehicles - a seven and eight-inch screen. GM notes that for now, the eight-inch screen version only works with Apple's CarPlay. Android Auto support will come in the future.
 
Chevrolet says support for both systems will begin rolling out later this year.
 
Source: Chevrolet
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Chevrolet is Global Leader for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
All-new 2016 Cruze is one of 14 Chevrolet models to offer compatibility

LOS ANGELES – According to Strategy Analytics, there are more than 2.3 billion smartphones in use globally, and that number continues to rise. And on the road, customers are demanding better integration between phones and their vehicles. Whether they have an Apple or Android phone, Chevrolet is committed to providing the smartest, simplest connected driving experience possible to owners across the globe.
For the 2016 model year, Chevrolet will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility in more models than any automotive brand. The 14 Chevrolet models include the all-new 2016 Cruze compact car, which will debut on June 24. Cruze is Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger car, with more than 3 million sold since launch. Additional models are listed in a chart below.
“For most of us, our smartphones are essential,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. “Partnering with Apple and Google to offer CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across the widest range of models in the industry is a great example of how Chevrolet continues to democratize technology that’s important to our customers.”
Chevrolet’s seven-inch MyLink infotainment system gives owners a smart and simple way to access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The eight-inch version of MyLink will be compatible only with Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the 2016 model year. While development and testing is not yet complete, Android Auto compatibility may be available on the eight-inch version of MyLink later in the 2016 model year.
Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.
Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.
Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Chevrolet has a strong track record when it comes to broad availability of customer-centric innovation as the first brand to introduce Siri Eyes Free functionality and the first and only car company to offer available OnStar 4G LTE connectivity across a range of cars, trucks and crossovers in the U.S. and Canada. In less than one year, Chevrolet has connected more than a half-million customers to high-speed 4G LTE Wi-Fi.
Chevrolet customers in markets around the world including Brazil, Mexico and Canada will benefit from this new level of smartphone integration. Specific market availability for Android Auto can be found here. Current Apple CarPlay markets can be found here.
In 2014, the 14 models included in this rollout accounted for more than 2.4 million vehicle sales, or 51 percent of Chevrolet’s total global sales.
Using either application is simple in a compatible 2016 Chevrolet. A “Projection” icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate either CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a compatible phone is connected via USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later.

  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? Chevrolet Says, "Why Not Both?"

William Maley

Lamborghini Finally Gets the Green Light for Urus Production, Begins In 2018

It has been a long wait for Lamborghini to learn if they could move forward with their SUV project, the Urus. First shown at Beijing Motor Show in 2012, the concept made the rounds at different shows. Since it was first shown, the car generated a lot positive response and caused Lamborghini to make plans for a production model. The only thing in the way was getting the approval from its parent company - Volkswagen.
 
This week, Lamborghini finally got the green light for their new SUV which will come out in 2018. The new SUV doesn't have a name, but it will be built at their Sant’Agata Bolognese facility in Italy. Lamborghini plans on building 3,000 SUVs per year, with many heading to USA, China, the Middle East, United Kingdom, Germany, and Russia.
 
"This is a proud moment for everybody in Lamborghini. The introduction of a third model line endorses the stable and sustainable growth of the company and signifies for us the beginning of a new era," said Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann.
 
Source: Lamborghini
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
New Lamborghini SUV: Production in Sant'Agata Bolognese and investment of hundreds of millions of Euros
Rome/Sant'Agata Bolognese, 2015-05-27
Lamborghini prepares for a new era

Automobili Lamborghini announces a luxury SUV as a third model to join its product range. The market introduction of the series model is planned for 2018. A concept of the car was first presented as the Lamborghini Urus in 2012 at the Beijing auto show.
 

The new vehicle will be produced in Sant'Agata Bolognese and will herald additional growth and significant opportunities across the marque with the expansion of the product range. It will also determine a substantial increase in the production capacity of the factory. Over the lifecycle of the new vehicle the company will invest hundreds of millions of Euros.
The project will be realized due to the joint commitment of several parties involved, including Volkswagen Group with AUDI AG as Lamborghini shareholder, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, Invitalia (Italian national agency for inward investments and economic development), Emilia Romagna Region, the Union Representatives and the entire Automobili Lamborghini team.
 
Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann declares: "This is a proud moment for everybody in Lamborghini. The introduction of a third model line endorses the stable and sustainable growth of the company and signifies for us the beginning of a new era."
He adds: "The new SUV will be made in Sant'Agata Bolognese, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding the values of 'Made in Italy' worldwide."
 
Production of the new Lamborghini SUV in Sant'Agata Bolognese will see significant development of the factory site, increasing from the current 80,000 square meters to an area covering ca. 150,000 square meters. The project will include the construction of new facilities, such as a new production line, warehousing and enlargement of the R&D department. The addition of a third model line will also provide important opportunities for the supplier network in Italy and internationally, and have a strong impact on human resources: Lamborghini intends to hire 500 new employees.
Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management Audi AG states: "Lamborghini, Italdesign Giugiaro and Ducati have developed very successfully under Audi parentage, and kept their Italian identity. With the decision to produce the Lamborghini SUV in Sant' Agata Bolognese we have proven once more our commitment to Italy as an important automotive industrial nation."
 
Luca de Meo, Board Member for Sales and Marketing Audi AG underlines: "Lamborghini is today one of the world's most exclusive brands. We at Audi are very proud of all our Italian subsidiaries. I am delighted at this outcome for both Lamborghini and Italy, and thank the Italian government for their collaboration in helping to make this possible."
A luxury SUV sees Lamborghini challenging an unexploited, fast-growing and fascinating car segment, and expanding its clientele significantly. These will include Lamborghini super sports car customers who to date have driven SUV models from other brands, as well as families and customers new to the Lamborghini marque. Distribution of volumes will be well balanced among the three major sales regions: EMEA, the Americas and Asia Pacific. Target markets will be primarily the USA, China, the Middle East, United Kingdom, Germany and Russia. The annual volumes will be around 3,000 vehicles and will double the company's current sales performance.

  • Lamborghini Begins Work On A SUV

William Maley

Nissan Almost Sent the Maxima To the Great Parking Lot In the Sky

Nissan is making a big deal about the Maxima at the moment. But a few years back, the automaker was considering to kill the model.
 
Automotive News reports that back in 2012, the industry was in the midsts of recovering from the recession and high gas prices were causing many automakers to work on compacts and smaller vehicles. Nissan was no exception to that trend as they were introducing the new Nissan Leaf and working on a new compact.
 
"A lot of people assume it was a forgone conclusion that, of course we will continue with another Maxima. But frankly, the forgone conclusion at that moment was that there would not be another Maxima," said Pierre Loing, vice president of Nissan's North American product planning.
 
Loing joined Nissan in early January and found himself with a difficult task: How do you convince a company that was focused on compacts and making its platforms more global to build another generation of a model that was only sold in North America? The answer lay in the history of the brand. The Maxima holds the title of the longest-selling nameplate in the U.S. for Nissan (Before anyone says it, the Z is the oldest, but was discontinued for a time), which gives the Maxima a fan base that spreads many generations. Also helping was the Maxima having better name recognition that Nissan itself.
 
Loing's convincing worked. In early 2012, CEO Carlog Ghosn gave the green light for the project and the rest is history.
 
Also check out: 2016 Nissan Maxima First Ride Review
 
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • The Maxima Could Have Been Killed Off

William Maley

Volkswagen's Chattanooga Expansion to add 2,000 Jobs to build new SUV

Volkswagen is gearing up expand their Chattanooga, TN plant, and that expansion could add as many as 2,400 jobs. Chattanooga currently builds the North American version of the Volkswagen Passat sedan and the expansion will be to grow capacity to build a new Volkswagen mid-size crossover SUV due in late 2016 as a 2017 model.
 
Part of the expansion will be a new Engineering and Planning center that will bring 200 jobs. The addition to the production facility will add another 1,800 new jobs once the plant is operational.
 
A study by the University of Tennessee Center of Business and Economic research estimates that on top of the 2,000 jobs provided by the plant expansion, another 7,800 job will be added to the economy via indirect jobs at auto parts suppliers and other ancillary jobs in the state.
 
During the construction and tooling phases, which are underway now, there will be around 5,300 temporary jobs added.
 
Volkswagen has shown a few mid-size crossover concepts in the auto show circuit in recent years. While we don't know the planned name yet, expect the SUV to look similar to the Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept and Volkswagen Crosscoupe GTE Concept.
 
Source: VW Media
 
Press Release on Page 2


 
Herndon, VA (May 27, 2015) – A University of Tennessee Center of Business and Economic Research (CBER) study released today indicates that the expansion of Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing facility to produce a new midsize-SUV and the opening of a North American Engineering and Planning Center could create approximately 9,800 jobs and add $370 million in additional annual income, once the plant is fully operational.
 
“The findings in the CBER study demonstrate that the incentive package recently passed by the Tennessee legislature will result in an economic growth multiplier of several times the state’s investment,” said David Geanacopoulos, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and General Counsel, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We would like to thank Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd for their leadership in fostering a business environment within Tennessee that is mutually-beneficial for the state and local economy as well as for companies like Volkswagen that have operations in the state.”
 
In addition to the 2,400 Tennessee workers directly employed by Volkswagen, the study projects that Volkswagen’s $704 million investment in the Chattanooga plant expansion, including the opening of a new North American Engineering and Planning Center, has the potential to:
Generate $217 million of new income and more than 5,300 indirect and direct jobs in Tennessee during the construction and tooling phase

Create roughly 9,800 jobs, once the plant is fully operational, including 1,800 potential jobs at the production plant, 200 engineering jobs at the VW North American Engineering and Planning Center, as well as positions at auto parts suppliers, and other jobs throughout Tennessee

Be responsible for $370 million in additional annual income, once the plant is fully operational

“Extensive supplier linkages and good incomes earned by Volkswagen employees account for the significant employment gains and economic multiplier effects in Tennessee,” said William Fox, the study’s author and Director of the Center for Business & Economic Research at the University of Tennessee. “This includes jobs in many industries across the state, such as grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls and construction.”
 

Construction for the Volkswagen Chattanooga expansion project is currently underway, and is expected to be completed during the summer of 2016. Production of the Volkswagen midsize-SUV is scheduled to commence at the end of 2016, marking the second Volkswagen model to be produced in Chattanooga, in addition to the Passat.
 
“The study underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to Tennessee, and we are excited to grow our team and the Chattanooga plant as we gear up for the production of our first-ever seven-passenger SUV for the U.S. market,” said Christian Koch, President and CEO, Volkswagen Chattanooga. “We appreciate our partnerships with Hamilton County Mayor Coppinger and Chattanooga Mayor Berke, as well as Governor Haslam, for their ongoing support of Volkswagen’s expansion in Chattanooga.”
The CBER study is commissioned by Volkswagen Group of America. Findings within the study are independent calculations by CBER researchers.
 
A full copy of the new study is available here: http://cber.haslam.utk.edu/pubs/bfox309.pdf.
CBER’s press release is available here: http://tntoday.utk.edu/2015/05/27/ut-study-volkswagen-plant-expansion-add-9800-jobs-state-economy/.

  • Volkswagen is gearing up to produce a new mid-size SUV in their Chattanooga, TN plant.

Drew Dowdell

Trivia Tuesday, May 26 2015

Give these questions a try & see how much 'auto junk' knowledge you have packed in your 'brain shop'.
 

1.) What year was the final single-cylinder Cadillac built?
 
2.) The 2-seat version of the '62-63 Thunderbird was known as the ______________
 
3.) In the relatively short span of 4 years, the American auto industry moved from 6-volt electrics to 12. Name 3 reasons why.
 
4.) Most people are aware of the 1960s emergence on the Federal level of automotive industry standards & mandates. Sealed beam headlights in automobiles were a mandate that pre-dated the Federal 'Thumb'; what year did all U.S. makes incorporate them?
 
5.) Pontiac sold 32,450 GTOs in it's first year of 1964. What was the proposed sales goal for that model prior to it's introduction?

  • Give these questions a try & see how much 'auto junk' knowledge you have packed in your 'brain shop'

balthazar

GM Squeezes Wentzville Plant To Produce More Midsize Trucks

Buyers can't get enough of GM's midsize trucks. The company says that the Chevrolet Colorado only sit on dealer lots for an average 12 days before being snapped up. This is causing dealers to asking to ask for more trucks. GM's Wentzville, Mo plant is already pumping out as many as they can. But GM has a found a few ways to wring out a few more models.
 
Automotive News reports that the plant has recently instituted a broader schedule reshuffling which saw a unpaid lunch break be cut to eliminate a six-minute production lull which means an extra 18 minutes of production in a three shift day and more importantly - an extra 3,500 trucks per year. GM is also hiring as many as 1,000 'flex' workers to fill weekend shifts which should boost production by more than 2,000 trucks per month. This comes after the plant brought on a third shift in March to help with the massive demand.
 
With this increase in truck production, something had to be cut. In this case it was GM's full-size vans. For every two trucks built, one van rolls off the production line.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Some Good News for GM's Midsize Trucks

William Maley

Quick Drive: 2015 Lexus ES 300h

Late last year, I had the chance to pilot the 2014 Lexus ES 350. In my review I said that while the new ES is a noticeable improvement over the old one, competitors such as the Buick LaCrosse have surpassed it. But Lexus has an possible ace up their sleeve and it happens to be the hybrid version of ES. Not many competitors offer a fuel efficient version, so does it give the ES an edge?
 
What differentiates the ES 300h from the ES 350? Not much from the exterior aside from blue tint on the badge, hybrid badges on the door sills, and the"h" on the rear badge. The interior is the same aside from a new instrument cluster with an eco/power gauge and a EV mode button. One item I do have to call out on the ES 300h’s interior is the optional Bamboo trim. Not only is it sharp looking, but adds a nice touch of class to the interior.
 
Power comes from Lexus’ Hybrid Drive system which pairs a 2.0L four-cylinder and a electric motor producing a total output of 200 horsepower. A CVT sends power to the front wheels. This powertrain seems more attune the ES’ mission of providing a smooth and quiet ride. The powertrain is able to get the vehicle moving without much stress or noise in city traffic. Merging onto freeway or trying to make a pass does reveal some noisy clatter from the engine. The CVT doesn’t help matters as the drone that plagues many CVTs when you push further down on the accelerator pedal comes in. Fuel economy for the ES 300h is rated 40 City/39 Highway/40 Combined. My week saw an average of 37 MPG. This was slightly disappointing, but at the time I was driving the ES Hybrid, temps were below freezing which would explain the drop.
 
As for ride and handling, the ES 300h follows in the footsteps of the standard ES 350. The suspension provides a smooth ride. Any imperfections on the road are dealt with and don’t make they way into the cabin. Also not making an appearance inside the cabin is road and wind noise, Thanks to thicker windows and added insulation, the ES is a very quiet car. Helping matters is one of the smoothest transitions from hybrid power to electric power. The only way to know that the hybrid system has kicked on or off is a EV Mode light in the instrument cluster. If your planning to tackle the winding roads, then leave the ES Hybrid at home. Like the standard ES, the hybrid shows a bit of body roll and steering doesn’t have any sign of feel.
 
If I was considering an ES, I would go for the 300h since it fits the ideals of the model - a quiet and comfortable ride paired with a somewhat upscale cabin. Add in the fuel economy and the ES 300h might be a compelling choice for those who just want something luxurious. But for almost the same price as this ES 300h, you can get into a fully loaded Toyota Avalon Hybrid which offers most of the same features as the ES, along with a much better look and a more sporty drive if you are interested in that. So while the ES 300h does give a slight edge to ES, it gets undercut by another member of the family.
 
Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the ES300h, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 

 
Year: 2015
Make: ES
Model: 300h
Trim: N/A
Engine: 2.5L DOHC, 16-Valve with VVT-i Four-Cylinder, Electric Motor
Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT
Horsepower @ RPM: (Gas) 156 @ 5,700, (Total) 200
Torque @ RPM: (Gas) 156 @ 4,500
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 40/39/40
Curb Weight: 3,660 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Miyawaka, Fukuoka
Base Price: $40,430
As Tested Price: $46,995 (Includes $925.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
Hard Disk Drive Navigation system with Backup Camera - $1,795
Luxury Package - $1,370
HID Headlamps - $565.00
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert - $500.00
Intuitive Parking Assist - $500.00
Power Trunk Closer - $400.00
Bamboo & Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel - $300.00
Power Rear Sunshade - $210.00

  • Does Hybrid Power Make the ES More Appealing?

William Maley

2016 Mazda2 Skips U.S.

The next-generation Mazda2 won't be arriving on our shores anytime soon.
 
Automotive News reports that cheap gas prices and tight supply of vehicles coming from Mazda's new factory in Salamanca, Mexico has caused Mazda's North American arm to pass on the 2 for the time being.
 
"We could have had it, but we would have had a number that didn't make much sense with 600 dealers and with the marketing it takes to launch a new car. I wanted to allocate resources to those products that make us and our dealers considerably more profit than a Mazda2 does," said Robert Davis, senior vice president of U.S. operations at Mazda.
 
The current Mazda2 was never a big seller for the brand. Last year, the brand moved 13,615 units, an increase of 14 percent.
 
For the time being, the Scion iA sedan will be only way you can get into a Mazda2 in the U.S. But Davis does say that if anything changes, they'll be ready to sell the Mazda2.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • The Mazda2 Will Not Be Heading to the U.S.*

William Maley

Mitsubishi Sticks With Off-Road Roots For Next Shogun/Montero

The current Mitsubishi Pajero (the Montero to us) hasn't changed much since it was first introduced back in 2000 - the last major changes happened in 2006. Now we know Mitsubishi is working on a new Pajero that will be due in out a few years and coming to the U.S. We got some idea of what the model will look like with the GC-PHEV Concept shown in Tokyo and Chicago.
 
Autocar recently spoke with Lance Bradley, head of Mitsubishi Motors UK who revealed what the intent of the next Pajero will be. Bradley explained that the Pajero will retain its off-road roots, while incorporating their plug-in hybrid tech.
 
“A lot of the rivals are more beautiful or more refined but the Shogun needs to be an authentic off-roader: not fancy, not a school-run car but for people who tow horse boxes or actually go off-road," said Bradley
 

“Of course, that market is limited, but look at the Discovery - there is room for vehicles with utility at their heart. The Discovery is very good but very expensive and we see an opportunity in providing a less-expensive alternative in terms of pricing and running costs, particularly with our plug-in hybrid technology.”
 
Source: Autocar

  • The Next Montero/Shogun Is Sticking To Its Off-Road Roots

William Maley

Justice Department Finds Criminal Wrongdoing In GM's Ignition Switch Defect

Last year, federal prosecutors in Manhattan and the F.B.I. opened an investigation into General Motors into its handling of the ignition switch defect. The investigation focused on whether the automaker failed to comply with federal safety laws stating that an automaker must disclose vehicle defects in a timely fashion and misleading federal regulators on the full extent of problem. The result of their investigation showed that GM did commit criminal wrongdoing.
 
The New York Times reports investigators from the Justice Department have found criminal wrongdoing in the failure of GM of disclosing a defect tied to at least 104 deaths. People briefed on the inquiry say the two parties are negotiating what misconduct the company would admit to and a settlement. The Times says the amount will eclipse the $1.2 billion paid by Toyota last year for not disclosing its problem with unintended acceleration. Now the settlement will include a so-called 'cooperation credit' as GM helped out in the Justice Department's investigation.
 
“We are cooperating fully with all requests. We are unable to comment on the status of the investigation, including timing,” said GM in a statement.
 
Also under investigation are former GM employees, some who were dismissed last year could face criminal charges.
 
Source: The New York Times

  • General Motors Has Some Criminal Wrongdoings

William Maley

Dead and Gone: Nissan IDx

The Nissan IDx concepts received rave reviews from the press and public when they debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2012. A modern interpretation of the iconic Datsun 510 from the 70's, the concepts were small, rear-drive coupes that could compete with the likes of the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The past year or so saw reports of a production model possible arriving in 2016. But since then, Nissan hasn't said anything about them.
 
The Truth About Cars reports that plans for a production version of IDx has been canned. Speaking with Pierre Loing, Vice President of Product Planning for Nissan North America, he explained that the company doesn't have a small enough rear-drive platform to do a production IDx. The 370Z was a possible candidate, but it was deemed too big.
 
What about developing a new platform for the IDx?
 
“Small, sporty cars are very attractive for consumers but not in huge numbers. To do them properly – in our case – you can’t rely on an existing rear-wheel drive platform, because its dimensions are for a much larger powertrain. So, for us, it would mean developing a different rear-wheel drive platform and then we are bumping into the same obstacles every other automaker has: the volumes of a small, sporty car are not enough to justify the investment,” said Loing.
 
So while the dreams of a rear-drive IDx have been dashed, the design of the IDx could be transferred to a front-wheel drive based model.
 
“I think we may still have some room (to add a retro-inspired car). We have a wide lineup.”
 
Source: The Truth About Cars

  • The Production Version of the Nissan IDx Has Reached A Dead End

William Maley

Toyota's Australian Branch Wants the Tundra

It seems America isn't the only place that is interested in the Toyota Tundra. CarAdvice.com.au reports there is “enormous demand” for the Tundra in Australia. Speaking with Tony Cramb, Toyota AU's executive director of sales and marketing said there was room for a larger truck. But there are two key items withholding the Tundra from the Australian marketplace.
 
“We have an enormous demand for a Tundra here in Australia, there’s no doubt if we could get a diesel Tundra, then I think we’d sell 100 a month. But regrettably because it’s manufactured in the States, it’s unlikely to happen that way," said Cramb
 
“… We’ve had strong requests at dealer meetings to get the Tundra here, and we have made representation. But when it comes down to it, because it’s not LHD here, and because it’s petrol, in the end it’s very hard to make the case.”
 
For now, those who are interested in buying a Tundra in Australia can visit an importer and pick up one for around 120,000 AUD (about $94,000).
 
Source: CarAdvice.com.au

  • Who Else Wants the Toyota Tundra? Australia.

William Maley

General Motors To Remain Under Oversight of U.S. Safety Regulators

Last May, General Motors agreed to a consent order from federal safety regulators over its decision on waiting too long recall 2.6 million vehicles with faulty ignition switches. Part of the order was to disclose detailed safety issues and meet with officials from NHTSA monthly. This could be extended up to three years. Well after a year of being under scrutiny, NHTSA has decided to extend it one more year.
 
The Detroit News obtained a letter from NHTSA to GM dated on May 14th. The letter, written by Timothy H. Goodman (a lawyer for NHTSA) to GM North America general counsel Lucy Clark Dougherty said the agency would be extending the order. Now this isn't because NHTSA is disappointed in how GM handling recalls now. But "to continue the dialogue those requirements have facilitated on important safety issues," as the agency has seen this to be a productive tool.
 
"GM learned a hard lesson last year. We expect to see the improvements they've made continue and that their new approaches are applied to every GM safety issue and every recall. Today's action will help keep them on the right track," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement.
 
Source: The Detroit News

  • GM Will Still Be Under the Close Eye of NHTSA for Another Year

William Maley

Mazda Retires Zoom-Zoom, Introduces Driving Matters As New Tagline

For the decade and a half, the 'Zoom-Zoom' tagline instantly conjures up Mazda. But there's one problem with it; everyone has their own interpretation of it. Mazda hopes to rectify it with the introduction a new marketing campaign in the U.S. with the tagline of 'Driving Matters'.

"When we go into a focus group, we do a first opening statement. 'When I say Mazda, what do you think of?' Nine times out of 10 they say 'Zoom Zoom,'" he added, banging a table for emphasis. "Then I'll ask them to explain to me what 'Zoom Zoom' means, and I'll get 6 or 7 different answers. That's what Driving Matters is supposed to address. It's supposed to solidify what 'Zoom Zoom' means to people," aid Russell Wager, vice president of U.S. marketing at Mazda.

Now Zoom-Zoom will not fully go away. The automaker plans to have 'Zoom-Zoom' in small print in some of the ads.

The first ad, called 'A Drivers Life' which shows a man's life arc through various Mazdas - starting with the first MX-5 Miata and goes through Mazda's current lineup ending with new MX-5.




Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Mazda

Press Release is on Page 2

Mazda Launches All-New Advertising Campaign, “Driving Matters”New Campaign Communicates How the Joy of Driving Can Enhance Your Life
IRVINE, Calif. (May 21, 2015) – The Oxford Dictionary defines “driving” as, “operating and controlling the direction and speed of a motor vehicle.” Mazda believes that driving is more than a definition. Driving is an experience that can enhance your life. To better illustrate how every Mazda vehicle embodies why “Driving Matters,” today Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is rolling out a new advertising campaign.


Driving Matters is an evolution of the Game Changers campaign. With Game Changers, Mazda succeeded in increasing consumer awareness of the functional attributes of our vehicles. Driving Matters will extend the message by creating an emotional connection to the brand.

“Through the Driving Matters campaign, consumers will get a glimpse at why driving matters so much to Mazda and why we obsess over every detail in designing our cars,” said Russell Wager, vice president of marketing, MNAO. “Whether it’s for safety purposes or for maintaining our ‘fun to drive’ nature, it all comes down to the fact that driving matters to our customers and it matters to us.”

Mazda’s all-new Driving Matters campaign will showcase various aspects of what makes the driving experience so important. Through Mazda’s advance technologies and design, the campaign will dive into the importance of vehicle safety, good-looks, fuel efficiency and the fun-to- drive personality of Mazda cars. The engineering and design that goes behind each car in Mazda’s lineup epitomizes the enhancement driving has on a person’s life.

The campaign will launch with “A Driver’s Life,” which chronicles the major moments and life stages in a driver’s life, like getting a license and buying your first car, through raising a family and obtaining your “reward” car. The spot will feature multiple 2016 models but the aim is to celebrate driving and the core values of Mazda customers. The campaign will launch on Friday May 22nd in cinema and television with a mixture of a :60 and :30 second ads. It will be supported digitally and on our social channels.

“Mazda makes cars for people who take pleasure in driving, and “Driving Matters” perfectly aligns with that philosophy. Through our creative process, it became evident that Mazda’s inspiration for pure driving enjoyment is something that relates to the typical car buyer,” said Harvey Marco, creative director, Garage Team Mazda.

Mazda’s long-running Zoom-Zoom tagline will continue to be a part of the brand’s DNA. Since its inception in 2000, Zoom-Zoom has come to symbolize what a Mazda stands for – stylish, insightful and spirited – and the Driving Matters campaign will communicate the company’s core belief in the joy of driving and illustrate the emotional enhancement driving has on our lives in everyday situations.

Mazda will deliver the new advertising message via in-cinema, television, print, out-of home and digital media.

  • Mazda's New Tagline Are for the Drivers

William Maley

Next-Generation Jeep Wrangler Not Going Full Aluminum

Previously, we heard that the next-generation Jeep Wrangler would have an all-aluminum body. But that doesn't appear to be the case anymore.
 
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters yesterday that the Wrangler would shed the aluminum body, but would have certain parts made from aluminum.
 
“There will be a large portion of that vehicle that will be aluminum. It will not be all aluminum. We've run the numbers and we've simulated mileage and the impact. Because of the difference in cost -- not just of the material but the actual assembly process -- I think we can do almost as well without doing it all-aluminum. I think we can get very close,” said Marchionne.
 
The move to aluminum would help out in fuel economy with a lighter curb weight. But it would also mean a possible move from the Toledo factory where the Wrangler is currently built.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • About the next Jeep Wrangler becoming fully aluminum? Scratch that.

William Maley

Report Says Takata Changed Airbag Design In 2008 To Cut Risk

While Takata has agreed to declare its airbags in nearly 34 million vehicles defective yesterday, a new report from Bloomberg says the supplier changed the design to reduce the risk of abnormal deployment back in 2008.
 
Sources tell Bloomberg that Takata changed the propellant mix to help reduce the effect of humidity - what many believe to be the cause of problem - around the same time that Honda announced that it would be replacing airbags in some of their models.
 
This new information could shine a light on one of the biggest mysteries on Takata's airbags. The company has said time and time again that its current products are safe, but didn't say why. It should be noted many of the vehicles involved in the recall were built before 2008.
 
The report goes onto say that a select group of people - including government officials - were told about the change.
 
Source: Bloomberg

  • Some new information shines a light on the Takata mess

William Maley

GM Can't Make A Business Case for A Small Performance Car

It seems a month can't go by without another automaker announcing a new pocket rocket. Currently we have the Ford Fiesta and Focus ST; Honda Civic Si, Subaru WRX and WRX STI; Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Volkswagen GTI. So that leaves us and a number of enthusiasts wondering - where is GM's contender?
 
General Motors' vice president of product development tells Automotive News that at the moment, there isn't a business case for one.
 
"Capital is not a black hole. On those cars, the price point begins to approach the segment of the next car up. We would spend a lot of money and resources, and what are we really doing?" said Reuss.
 
AutoPacific Inc. analyst Dave Sullivan agrees with Reuss' reason, stating that the added cost and complexity of fitting a bigger engine and manual transmission into either the Sonic or Cruze is prohibitively expensive. But Sullivan does point out that they can pull items and help from their European division. Case in point is the Opel/Vauxhall Astra OPC/VXR with a turbocharged 2.0L four with 276 horsepower.
 
For the time being, Reuss says that the company is offering a wide selection of accessories to boost performance for not that much cash. Case in point is the $995 performance stage kit and exhaust package for the Sonic. But if you press Reuss, he says a production pocket rocket could be in the timeline.
 
"The real question is: Is that a big priority? For now, no. Forever? I wouldn't say that."
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • At the moment, GM can't make a case for a pocket rocket

William Maley

Takata Acknowledges Airbag Defect, Affects Nearly 34 Million Vehicles

After months of pressure from the U.S. Government and a number of recalls from automakers, Japanese supplier Takata agreed to declare that its airbag inflators in nearly 34 million vehicles are defective. The announcement was made today by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx at a press conference.
 
“Up until now Takata has refused to acknowledge that their airbags are defective, That changes today,” said Foxx.
 
The problem with Takata's airbags deals with propellant exploding with too much force and sends dangerous metal fragments flying. This problem has been linked to 6 deaths and more than 100 injuries. Scarily, the root cause of the problem hasn't been found at this time - though officials link the problem to high humidity and moisture exposure.
 
The Detroit News reports that Takata will announce that it has filed 4 defect reports with U.S. auto safety officials stating that 33.8 million vehicles have defective driver and passenger air bag inflators. This is double the amount vehicles already recalled by automakers since 2013. It could mean that this air bag problem could mark the largest U.S. recall of any consumer product, since the Tylenol poison scare in 1982.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Detroit News

  • Takata Comes Forward, Acknowledges Defect In Their Airbags

William Maley

Jaguar Considers A Smaller Crossover

Coming soon will be Jaguar's first crossover - the F-Pace. But the luxury automaker is consider adding another one.
 
Autocar reports the luxury automaker is looking into a compact crossover to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and other models. Why not a compact sedan or coupe to take on the likes of the Audi A3 BMW 1/2-Series, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class? Sales of crossovers - especially small ones are booming at the moment.
 
“A family [of SUVs] is not confirmed but we are investigating it. We have the architecture and capability with Land Rover to go left or right, up or down, but we’d only do it on two key attributes. The car has to be dynamically the most capable and it has to meet our design standards,” said Steven de Ploey, Jaguar’s brand director.
 
“If we want to grow, a compact model is the obvious opportunity. The arguments about this are twofold. It has to be a Jaguar in design and performance, and it would be a challenge to do this. The second is the business, both in terms of scale and competition. You’d not just be competing with premium brands but high-end mainstream manufacturers, too. There are lots of other things we have to do before this, but we have opportunities and permission to play there.”
 
Source: Autocar

  • A Smaller Crossover in Jaguar's Future?

William Maley

Review: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler

The quintessential off-road vehicle in the United States is the Jeep Wrangler. From its humble beginning as vehicle to go anywhere in the heat of World War II to a well-loved off-roader by many when it entered the civilian market, the Wrangler has earned the honor of being an icon . But many Wranglers it seems are mostly on the road, not tackling some trail. Is the Wrangler built for this kind of duty or is it just a fish out of the water? I spent some time in the 2015 Wrangler Willys Wheeler to figure this out.
 
The Jeep Wrangler may be the most recognizable vehicle around the world. The reason for this is simple, the basic shape of the Wrangler hasn’t changed much since it was called into duty for World War II. The seven-slot grille, rounded headlights, foldable windshield, and removable doors are all here. But that doesn’t mean Jeep’s designers made to some changes to keep the Wranger fresh. The front end is jutted out slightly at an angle, and the body has some slight curves. Also keeping the Wrangler fresh is the introduction of special edition models. The Willys Wheeler is an example of this with a number of decals to make a call back to the original model, along with a set of 17-inch off-road wheels wrapped in meaty off-road tires.
 
My Wrangler featured the optional hardtop which provided excellent protection from the elements and adds a nice layer of security. Sadly, I didn’t get chance to take the top off during my week as it was cold and rainy during my weeklong test. But from looking at the top and doing some reading, taking it off is somewhat easy thanks to the top coming off in three parts. This also means I cannot comment on how easy or hard it is to put on the soft top which came with my tester.
 




The Wrangler hasn’t been known as being a comfortable off-roader. But within the past few years, Jeep has been addressing that. Seats in my tester came wrapped in cloth and provided good support and comfort. In my ask me anything about the Wrangler, I said that the back seat isn’t really usable for adults since there isn’t any legroom. I would like to take that back. The backseat is actually quite comfortable for an adult as there is a lot of headroom and a decent amount of legroom once you move the seats up front. But getting into the back is quite a challenge as the front seat doesn’t quite move far enough to allow an adult to comfortably get back in. Now the Wrangler does have a rear-view problem with rear seats up as it blocks a good amount of the view. I found removing the headrests or folding the seat down helped alleviate the problem a bit. 
At one time, you could say the Jeep Wrangler came with only the bare necessities. But in the past few years, Jeep has been adding some ‘luxury’ items to make the Wrangler more appealing to a wider audience. Such items include a great sounding Alpine audio system, Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs, and a trip computer. However don’t expect to find any soft-touch materials on the dash or certain parts of the door panels. The Wrangler is lined with durable plastics which will stand the punishment of off-road driving and be very easy to clean after a day on the trail.
 
Powertrain and Ride Impressions On Page 2


 
A big complaint of previous Wranglers was the powertrain as it was lethargic. Luckily, Jeep addressed a few years back when they introduced the 3.6L Pentastar V6 to the Wrangler. This happens to be the same engine found under the hood my tester with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This can be paired with a six-speed manual or my tester’s five-speed automatic. The 3.6L gives the Wrangler a much needed boost in power as it's able to get moving in a flash. Passing and merging which was a terrifying experience in previous Wranglers, was no problem for this current model. The five-speed automatic was quick and smooth. The only item I wished for was an extra cog to improve fuel economy. The EPA rates the 2015 Wrangler with the automatic at 17 City/21 Highway/18 Combined. My average for the week landed at 16 MPG.
 




The Willys Wheeler has a number of off-road tweaks and goodies to make it a standout for the price. Such items include the off-road tires and wheels; a Trac-Lok rear differential, 3.73 axles for the front and rear (which also plays a part in the low fuel economy I got for the week), and set of rock rails. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do any real off-roading with the Wrangler as the nearest place where I could take it was closed to vehicles at the time of this review. I hope to do some off-roading in the Wrangler in the future. 
With all of those off-road goodies and tall ride height, it makes the Wrangler quite a handful when driving around on payment. The short wheelbase makes it clear of a road’s imperfections. Bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces are transmitted quite clear to the passengers.The long travel suspension does isolate some of the imperfections, but be prepared for a bumpy ride. The steering I also found to be slow. Making a turn, I could tell that it take a few moments for the steering to catch up with the inputs I made. Add in the amount of road noise when driving on the freeway and it becomes abundantly clear that the Wrangler isn’t built for the urban jungle.
 
Jeep has made a number of changes to make the Wrangler a bit more habitable for daily use. But after spending a week, I can tell that it rather spend its time in the wild than the urban environment. From its choppy ride to all of those off-road goodies, the Wrangler just feels like a fish out of water. If you’re planning to get a Wrangler just for the looks, either pass on that idea or be comfortable with the idea that you’re driving a vehicle with a large amount of compromises.
 
Disclaimer: Jeep provided the Wrangler, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 

 
Year: 2015
Make: Jeep
Model: Wrangler
Trim: Sport 4X4
Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6
Driveline: Five-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 285 @ 6,400
Torque @ RPM: 260 @ 4,800
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 17/21/18
Curb Weight: 3,785 lbs*
Location of Manufacture: Toledo, Ohio
Base Price: $22,695
As Tested Price: $34,425 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)
 
*Curb Weight is for a Wrangler Sport with the Automatic.
 
Options:
Willys Edition 24W - $6,100
Power Convenience Group - $1,495
5-Speed Automatic - $1,350
Freedom Top Black 3-Piece Hardtop - $995
Alpine 9-Speaker Audio System with All Weather Subwoofer - $795

  • Taking the iconic off-roader on road

William Maley

Spying: Ford Escape Refresh Incoming

Car and Driver got their hands on new spy shots showing off an updated Ford Escape that is likely be introduced next year.
 
The Escape looks to getting a new front end that is similar to Edge with a much larger grille and slimmer headlights. The back looks to be also getting some major changes, though Ford has it so well camouflaged we can't tell you much.
 
Car and Driver goes onto say that the Escape will get the Sync3 infotainment system, and no major changes are expected for the powertrain.
 
Source: Car and Driver

  • Ford readies an update for the Escape

William Maley

Volvo Plans A Comeback Via Their New U.S. Plant

Last week, Volvo announced that will be building a factory in South Carolina that will go online in 2018 and build 100,000 vehicles per year. Quite ambitious considering the brand only sold 56,366 vehicles in the U.S. last year. But the plant is part of a new comeback plan for Volvo.
 
"We have reinvented ourselves and we believe it now makes sense to go on the attack again in the United States," said Lex Kerssemakers, CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.
 
Now you might be scratching your head, wondering how a plant that will build more cars than Volvo actually sells at the moment will help the automaker. Well there is precedent with this decision. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz built plants in anticipation of future growth almost two decades ago and it has worked like a charm.
 
But for this happen, Volvo also needs some new products and tech to pull this off. Well the company is rolling out its brand new XC90 crossover and their Drive-E engine lineup.
 
"All the planets are aligning for Volvo right now. They have wanted a bigger U.S. manufacturing presence for a long time. Now they have the investment and the future product lineup, and the U.S. market is expanding to support it," said Michael Robinet, managing director of IHS Automotive.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Volvo's New U.S. Plant Is Part of their Comeback Plan

William Maley

Meet the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet has been teasing it for awhile and at a event in Belle Isle - near Detroit, MI - Camaro Six or the 2016 Camaro has been introduced.
 
Now if you were expecting a new style for the Camaro, then you'll be slightly disappointed as the basic shape is the same. Sure there are some slight changes to the front and rear, but Chevrolet played it safe. Don't mess with success.
 
At least under the skin, there are some massive changes. The big story is the Camaro utilizing a modified version of the Alpha platform found under the Cadillac ATS and CTS. Chevrolet says the Camaro is 28 percent more rigid than the outgoing model thanks to the switch to Alpha. Also the Camaro is expected handle better thanks to a slightly smaller size and 200 pound weight loss.
 
The suspension has been updated with a new multi-link MacPherson strut setup in the front, and a five-link independent setup in the rear. Brembo brakes become an option for most models, while SS gets them as standard. The SS also gets Magnetic Ride Control as standard.
 
Like the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro will boast a turbo-four, V6, and V8 engines. Here's what the lineup will look like,
Turbocharged 2.0L Four: 275 Horsepower, 295 Pound-Feet of Torque 3.6L V6: 335 Horsepower, 284 Pound-Feet of Torque 6.2L LT1 V8: 455 Horsepower, 455 Pound-Feet of Torque

All engines get a choice of either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.
 
Moving inside, the Camaro gets a new instrument panel that gets an optional eight-inch screen to show entertainment, navigation, and performance information. Another eight-inch screen in the center provides Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system.
 
No word on pricing, but Chevrolet says the Camaro will be arriving at dealers in the fourth quarter.
 
Source: Chevrolet
 

 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
2016 Camaro Establishes New Performance Benchmark
Five-year segment leader is lighter, more powerful, with more advanced technology

DETROIT – The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro revealed today offers higher levels of performance, technology and refinement and is designed to maintain the sporty car segment leadership earned over the past five years.
 
The Gen Six Camaro provides a faster, more nimble driving experience, enabled by an all-new, lighter architecture and a broader powertrain range. Six all-new powertrain combinations are offered, including a 2.0L Turbo, an all-new 3.6L V-6 and the LT1 6.2L V-8, which is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm) – for the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
 
Camaro’s leaner, stiffer platform and slightly smaller dimensions are accentuated by a dramatic, sculpted exterior. Meticulously tuned in the wind tunnel, the exterior contributes to performance through reduced aerodynamic lift for better handling while enhancing efficiency.
 
A driver-focused interior integrates class-leading control technologies, including a new Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and a customizable ambient lighting feature.
 
“Redesigning the Camaro is thrilling and challenging all at once, but the secret is to offer something more,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president of Product Development. “For Camaro enthusiasts, it retains iconic design cues and offers even more performance. For a new generation of buyers, the 2016 Camaro incorporates our most innovative engineering ideas with finely honed performance and leading design.”
 
Only two parts carry over from the fifth-generation Camaro to the new Gen Six: the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge.
 
To make it not only the best Camaro ever, but one of the best performance cars available, Chevrolet focused on three pillars of development:
 
Performance
Vehicle mass has been reduced by 200 pounds or more, depending on the model, creating a more nimble, responsive driving experience Most efficient Camaro ever, with a new 2.0L turbo SAE-certified at 275 hp (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) – and delivers more than 30 mpg on the highway (GM-estimated), and 0-60 mph acceleration well under 6 seconds Efficient performance in a new 3.6L V-6 featuring direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and – for the first time – Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), offering an SAE-certified 335 hp (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm), for the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated V-6 in the segment The most powerful Camaro SS ever, with a new 6.2L LT1 direct-injected Small Block V-8 rated at 455 hp (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm) Magnetic Ride Control active suspension available on Camaro SS for the first time With improved handling and performance, the Camaro SS delivers better lap times than the fifth-generation’s track-focused Camaro 1LE package.

Technology
All-new Drive Mode Selector, which tailors up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and – on SS models – Track settings Segment-exclusive, Interior Spectrum Lighting that offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console High-definition, configurable color displays – including available dual, 8-inch-diagonal screens.

Design
More athletic-looking, sculptured exterior that complements the tighter, leaner architecture – and offers all-new, modern lighting signatures, including light-emitting diode (LED) technology Greater emphasis on customer personalization with wider range of choices, including 10 exterior colors, five interior color combinations, lighting options and a full complement of dealer-available accessories available at launch – including wheels, stripe packages and additional accessories Aerodynamically optimized design that is the result of 350 hours of wind tunnel testing, reducing drag on LT models and improving downforce on SS All-new, interior with shifter-focused center console, intuitive controls, flat-bottom steering wheel, and higher quality materials throughout Unique control rings around the air vents used for temperature and fan speed adjustments, eliminating the need for conventional buttons

“We have had the incredible opportunity to meet literally thousands of Gen 5 Camaro owners who provided direct feedback on what they loved about their car and what they wanted for the next-gen Camaro,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “As a result, the 2016 Camaro builds on what made the current Camaro such a success with more power, more agile handling and more technology.
 
“We expect it will set the new benchmark in the segment – and give a new generation of enthusiasts a reason to fall in love with Camaro.”
 
The Gen Six Camaro goes on sale later this year, offered in LT and SS models.
 
Lightweight architecture and chassis systems
Approximately 70 percent of the architectural components are unique to Camaro. Through extensive computer-aided engineering, structural rigidity was increased by 28 percent, while the body-in-white mass was reduced by 133 pounds (60.5 kg).
 
In their quest to make the 2016 Camaro as lean as possible, engineers and designers evaluated every aspect of its architecture – already the most mass-efficient ever created by GM – and supporting elements, saving grams here and pounds there that contributes to the car’s lower curb weight. As a result, the total curb weight for Camaro has been reduced by more than 200 pounds (90 kg).
 
Significant weight savings came from using an aluminum instrument panel frame instead of steel, which saved 9.2 pounds (4.2 kg). The use of lightweight components, including aluminum front suspension links and steel rear suspension links with lightening holes, in the new five-link rear suspension system contributed to a 26-pound (12 kg) reduction in the overall suspension weight. With the lighter, stiffer architecture and more powerful engines, the Gen Six Camaro SS delivers better lap times than the fifth-generation’s track-focused Camaro 1LE package.
 
“The driving experience is significantly different,” said Aaron Link, lead development engineer. “Immediately, you will notice how much lighter and more nimble the Camaro feels. That feeling increases when you drive the Camaro harder – it brakes more powerfully, dives into corners quicker, and accelerates faster than ever.”
 
The Camaro features a new, multi-link MacPherson strut front suspension with Camaro-specific geometry. The double-pivot design provides a more precise feeling of control, including more linear and communicative feel from the quick-ratio electric power steering system. At the rear, a new five-link independent suspension yields outstanding wheel control and reduces “squat” during acceleration.
 
In addition, the Magnetic Ride Control is available on the Camaro SS for the first time. Previously limited to the Camaro ZL1, the active suspension reads road and driving conditions 1,000 times per second, and automatically adjusts the damper settings to optimize ride comfort and control.
 
All Camaro models offer Brembo brakes – they’re standard on SS – optimized for the car’s mass and performance capability. On Camaro LT, the available brakes include 12.6-inch (320 mm) front rotors with four-piston calipers and 12.4-inch (315 mm) rear rotors with single-piston sliding calipers. Camaro SS employs 13.6-inch (345 mm) front rotors with four-piston fixed calipers and 13.3-inch (338 mm) rear rotors with four-piston fixed calipers.
 
Goodyear tires are used on all models: The LT features standard 18-inch wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle Sport all-season tires and available 20-inch wheels matched with Eagle F1 Asymmetric all-season run-flat tires. Camaro SS features standard 20-inch aluminum wheels with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 run-flat tires.
 
More powerful and efficient
The new Camaro will be offered with six different powertrain combinations, each designed to deliver improved performance and efficiency.
 
The Camaro LT’s standard engine is a new 2.0L Turbo, rated at an SAE-certified 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). For power on demand, it offers a wide torque band with 90 percent of peak torque available from 2,100 rpm to 3,000 rpm, and maximum torque from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm. The 2.0L turbo will deliver 0-60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds and offer more than 30 mpg on the highway (GM-estimated), making it the most fuel-efficient Camaro ever.
 
An all-new 3.6L V-6 is available in the Camaro LT, producing and SAE-certified 335 horsepower (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm), for the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated V-6 in the segment. The engine incorporates a trio of technologies for uncompromised efficiency and performance, including direct injection, variable valve timing and, for the first time, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), which disables two cylinders under light throttle applications to enhance efficiency.
 
The 2.0L turbo and 3.6L V-6 engines are offered with a six-speed manual transmission or the all-new Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s based on the Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed, but scaled for the performance envelope of the smaller engines and offering an estimated 5-percent efficiency improvement over a comparable six-speed automatic.
 
Camaro SS is powered by the 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine introduced on the Corvette Stingray. About 20 percent of the components are specific for the Camaro’s architecture, including new, tubular “tri-Y”-type exhaust manifolds. It also offers advanced technologies such as variable valve timing, direct injection and Active Fuel Management (on automatic-equipped models) to help balance efficiency and performance. Output is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm), making it the most-powerful Camaro SS ever.
 
The LT1 engine is available with a standard six-speed manual transmission – with new Active Rev Match technology that “blips” the throttle for perfectly timed downshifts – or the Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic.
 
Each engine has been carefully tuned for a distinctive performance sound. All 2.0L turbo models feature active noise cancellation, which uses sound waves to cancel unwanted cabin noise. Models equipped with the available Bose audio system also feature engine sound enhancement, which amplifies the native sounds of the 2.0L turbo engine – and can be disabled based on the driver’s preference.
 
Both the 3.6L V-6 and 6.2L V-8 feature mechanical sound enhancers – resonators that direct induction noise from the engine bay into the cabin. Both engines are available with a dual-mode exhaust, which features electronically controlled valves that bypass the mufflers under acceleration, delivering improved performance and greater sound levels. With the dual-mode exhaust, drivers can personalize the exhaust sound, from a “stealth” mode to the most aggressive “track” mode.
 
Compact, athletic design
The exterior of the Camaro is more sculpted and more muscular effect that makes the new car look significantly lower and wider than before, even though it is within two inches of the exterior dimensions of the current Camaro:
 
“From every angle, you’ll never mistake this for anything but a Camaro,” said Tom Peters, design director. “We’ve taken that iconic design and amplified its proportions to reflect a more dynamic driving experience – like the T-shirt on a muscular physique.”
 
The front of the Camaro is defined by a cross-car grille/headlamp aperture, a signature cue that dates to the first generation. The new, expressive execution gives the Camaro a stronger, more determined face. It also displays a new, nearly fastback profile that flows into the pronounced haunches of the rear fenders, enhancing the wider, more aggressive stance.
 
A more expressive take on the taillamps blends the horizontal aesthetic of the first generation with a dual-element theme and aggressive tapers for a contemporary appearance. Additionally, SS models have a unique rear spoiler.
 
Standard lighting includes halogen projector beam headlamps and taillamps. RS and SS models add high-intensity discharge, or HID, projector-beam headlamps and LED “signature lighting” daytime running lights – including a sweeping LED lightpipe integrated in the headlamp and an LED light pipe integrated into the front fascia. RS and SS models also feature LED lighting for the rear taillamps, including auxiliary LED light guides that mirror the shape of the front signature lighting.
 
In many cases, the exterior design not only communicates the performance capabilities of the new Camaro, but contributes to them. For example, the teams spent more than 350 hours testing the Camaro in the wind tunnel, meticulously tailoring the exterior to improve cooling and reduce aerodynamic lift and drag.
 
Aerodynamic details include a subtle “air curtain” on the front fascia, which guides air around the wheels rather than into the wheelhouses, reducing drag. Also, the Camaro SS has a unique front fascia with integrated brake cooling ducts and a unique hood with functional air vents, which improve engine cooling and reduce front lift.
 
All models share a more pronounced, sculpted roof panel that improves the structural rigidity of the roof for greater refinement. The roof is assembled using laser brazing, eliminating the need for “ditch channel” seams and cover trim, giving the car a sleeker appearance while saving half a kilogram compared to traditional spot welding.
 
There’s also a new interpretation of the Camaro’s iconic red, white and blue “banner” insignia, displayed on the front fenders.
 
Driver-focused interior and technologies
Like the exterior, the interior is completely new yet instantly recognizable. The instrument panel, for example, is a departure from the previous model, but retains the Camaro’s familiar dual-binnacle-style instrument cluster hood.
 
“Given the level of technology and performance, the interior had to be modern and driver focused.” said Ryan Vaughan, interior design manager. “But although the interior is an all new design, it is still instinctively recognizable as a Camaro.”
 
The instrument cluster features analog instruments to provide the driver with essential performance information, as well as an available eight-inch-diagonal high-definition center screen that can be configured to provide additional information including navigation, performance, and infotainment features.
 
Another eight-inch screen, integrated in the center of the instrument panel, serves as the interface for the enhanced, next-generation MyLink system.
 
The new center console and center stack are designed with high performance driving in mind. For example, the heating and cooling controls are integrated into rings surrounding the air ducts. Eliminating the associated buttons makes the cabin feel more spacious, and makes adjusting the temperature easy while keeping your eyes on the road.
 
An electronic parking brake replaces the previous mechanical parking brake handle. This enabled the cup holders to be repositioned for improved range of motion when shifting in manual-transmission models.
 
An available, segment-first LED ambient lighting system, integrated in the dash, door panels and center console, offers 24 different colors, as well as fade and transition effects that spread across the interior. There’s even a theatrical “car show” mode that cycles randomly through the entire color spectrum when the Camaro is parked.
 
The ambient lighting is one of eight attributes the driver can adjust using the Camaro’s new Driver Mode Selector– accessed via a switch on the center console. The system enables the driver to tailor the look, sound and feel of 2016 Camaro to their preferences and driving conditions:

  • Meet Camaro Six

William Maley

Cadillac's Marketing Chief Admits the ELR Price Was A Bit Too Much

You don't hear a lot of executives admit when they or their company has made a blunder. When they do, it comes as a bit of a shock and helps you realize they are somewhat human. Case in point is Cadillac's marketing chief Uwe Ellinghaus telling Bloomberg they bit off bit a more than they could chew with the ELR pricing.
 
"The MSRP was, indeed, a mouthful. We overestimated that customers would realize our competitors were naked at that price," said Ellinghaus.
 
So why did Cadillac price the ELR so high? Well product planners believed if the ELR was close to the price of the Chevrolet Volt, people would go for the Volt. Also, the high price was seen as to signal this was a special car from Cadillac.
 
"We just wanted to make this a statement for the brand of how progressive we are," said Ellinghaus.
 
Sadly it hasn't worked with just 1,835 ELRs being sold in North America within the past 18 months. Also, dealers have been piling on incentives to get them off their lot.
 
Source: Bloomberg

  • Uwe Ellinghaus Admits the ELR was priced too high

William Maley

Jeep Planning A Competitor to the Range Rover

Jeep is looking to move upmarket to compete with the likes of the Range Rover.
 
FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said last weekend at the opening of a Alfa Romeo and Maserati dealership near Toronto that brand is missing an opportunity.
 
“When I see a Range Rover on the street, my blood boils, because we should be able to do a thing like that. And we will,” said Marchionne.
 
At the moment, the most expensive Jeep is the Grand Cherokee which tops off at $48,795 for the Summit w/o options. Jeep is working a three-row model that will be coming out in 2016 - possibly named the Grand Wagoneer.
 
Marchionne declined to provide any other details about the vehicle, partly due to the model not being on the current five-year plan.
 
“Would I tell you that?. No, but we’re working on it now.”
 
Source: Bloomberg

  • A Range Rover Competitor from Jeep?

William Maley

Porsche Steps Out of the Power Race... On Certain Models

Sports and supercars have been stepping up with power it seems with every new model. There comes a point where the question is raised is there such thing as too much power. Someone at Porsche believes so.
Andreas Preuninger, the head of Porsche’s GT division (group behind the 911 GT3) tells Car Magazine that future GT models will pass on the horsepower wars.
"I’m not a believer in this horsepower monster, up, up, up, more, more, more. For my personal tastes, around 500bhp is enough, because 700-800bhp calls for bigger brakes, sturdier suspension, it gets heavier and heavier logically," said Preuninger.
Preuninger went on to suggest that future GT and RS models will focus on shedding weight and hit a power-to-weight ratio, not adding 50 horsepower for each generation. Now you might think that Porsche will shrink the power that comes out of their engines for these models. Preuninger says the automaker will not do that.
Source: Car Magazine

  • Porsche's GT Head Says They Won't Be Following the Horsepower Race

William Maley

Cadillac's Dealers Hold On As de Nysschen's Plan Comes To Into Action

Imagine you are a dealer sitting in a meeting and the head of the brand that you sell tells everyone that sales will get worse before they get better. Well that was what Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac's president told dealers last summer. Now dealers are getting a first look at 'worse' looks like.
Automotive News that a number of dealers have lost on incentive cash in the first quarter because they missed sales targets set by GM. Discounts and lease offers have also dried up as well. Previously, Cadillac offered deals on the ATS and CTS to help remove the massive stock sitting on dealer lots.
This is reflected in Cadillac's sales. ATS dropped 23 percent, while the CTS saw a 47 percent drop. Cadillac's marketing chief Uwe Ellinghaus said in a interview last month that April would be "the first month where we see the natural demand for ATS and CTS."
Now the slump in sales is part of de Nysschen's plan to get Cadillac on the right footing with a smaller supply of vehicle and incentives that are modest. The plan also includes better marketing and new products through 2020.
Dealers support de Nysschen's plan, but they are worried about how long the plan will take and whether it actually works.
"The dealer council has a lot of faith in Johan's long-term plan. But the sales decline is a bit of a tough pill to swallow with the industry rocking right now," said Keith Harvey, a member of Cadillac's National Dealer Council.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Cadillac's Dealers Feel the Brunt as de Nysschen's plan goes into action

William Maley

Few Regrets on Lexus: Jim Lentz

Automotive News had a chance to speak with Toyota's North America CEO Jim Lentz. During the chat, the topic of Lexus came and Lentz had something interesting items to say about.
First, Lentz said that it would have been wiser to build a three-row crossover first, and not the image coupe RC.
"In hindsight, if I was making this decision 10 years ago, seeing what I see today, the three-row [crossover] probably would have been the better play to come out first," said Lentz.
The three-row crossover would allow the brand to hold on to the Gen Y crowd as they begin to have families and begin looking for a larger vehicle.
Now Lentz doesn't say the RC is a mistake. The coupe has been doing quite with sales of 4,258 for the year so far - putting it ahead of the LS flagship.
Lentz also makes it clear that Lexus will not be heading downward to compete with the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA, both which start under $30,000.
"In the luxury business, chasing volume is not a good strategy. Luxury cars cost a certain dollar amount for a reason. I don't want to cheapen my cars just to offer a lease that's $20 a month less," said Lentz.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Toyota's North America CEO Has Only One Regret with Lexus

William Maley

FTC States Where It Stands On Direct-To-Consumer Sales

The past couple years have seen Tesla and dealer groups fighting over Tesla's decision to sell vehicles direct to consumers. Certain states have passed laws which exclude Tesla from doing this, while in other states, Tesla has triumphed. Now the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) has issued a statement on where they stand.
In a post, the FTC says it supports companies that decide to go with the direct-to-consumer sales model as it gives consumers a choice of which method to go with - direct or with a dealer. The FTC also goes onto say that decision lies in hands of the state government, not federal.
Now this post comes up as the Michigan senate hears a bill creating an exception in state law to allow manufacturers of "autocycles" - enclosed three-wheelers that are more like cars than motorcycles - to do direct sales in the state. One company that will benefit is Elio Motors who is getting ready to sell their three-wheeled vehicle.
"Michigan's consumers would more fully benefit from a complete repeal of the prohibition on direct sales by all automakers," said the commission.
Source: The Detroit News, Federal Trade Commission

  • Where Does The Federal Trade Commission Stand On Direct-To-Consumer Sales?

William Maley

Rumorpile: Jaguar Working On XE-R To Take On BMW M3

A new BMW M3/M4 is here and the competitors are coming out of the woodwork. Cadillac has shown off the ATS-V; Lexus is selling the RC-F; and Mercedes-Benz has the C63. Now a report from Autocar says Jaguar is working on their entrant.
Sources tell the publication that the hot XE - possibly named XE-R - will use the V8 from F-Type Convertible with 495 horsepower. This will come paired with an eight-speed automatic that will be tuned to deliver more aggressive shifts. Interestingly, sources say the V8 was easier to fit than the current lineup of engines for the XE, including the new Ingenium four-cylinder engine.
No word if Jaguar plans on using any lightweight materials, but the report does say the XE-R will use revised dampers found found on the XE S.
A time frame for this hot XE wasn't given, but a source says it could be awhile since there are more important projects ongoing - such as the F-Pace Crossover.
Source: Autocar

  • And Now for Something Hot from Jaguar

William Maley

Review: 2015 Kia K900 V8

I’m going to list out some auto manufacturers and I want you to tell me which one doesn’t belong. Ready?
Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Kia, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. If you said Kia, then you'd be correct.
Why is Kia on this list? For a very good reason. Like its sister car company Hyundai, Kia has introduced a luxury flagship. Called the K900, this is the automaker’s attempt to take on the old guard in the luxury flagship class. It may seem like a joke; Kia taking on the likes of the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But after spending a week in one, I think Kia has a very legitimate chance in this market.
Before we fully dive into the vehicle itself, let’s talk about the K900 name. As someone pointed out, the name sounds like it should be on adventure with Doctor Who. In other markets, the K900 is called K9 or Quoris. Either one of those names would be much better than the one we got.
The K900’s look reminds me of the Cadenza full-size sedan. Park the models next to each other and aside from a few design items, it is hard to tell them apart. Both models have a rounded front end with the tiger-mouth grille and large headlights - the K900 boasts active LED headlights. Other similarities include similar side profiles - multi-spoke 19-inch wheels and faux air vents on the fenders give away the K900 - and rear ends. Usually I like Kia’s designs, but I kind of wished they went a little bit further to make the K900 stand out. That said, if you were to ask me if I would go for the K900 or its sister car, the Hyundai Equus, I would pick the K900 every time.




At least Kia has done a bit more work to make the K900’s interior feel a bit more special. Acres of Nappa leather lined the dash and door panels, along with wood trim. Driver and passenger get a set power-adjustable seats with memory and ventilation to provide luxury accommodations. Back seat passengers get acres of head and legroom. If you opt for the VIP package like on my tester, rear-seat passengers will find power adjustments which allows them to recline the seat. You won’t find an ottoman pop-out from the bottom of the seat, which is ok because the K900 isn’t quite long enough to pull that off. Other parts of the VIP package include four-zone climate control, ventilated seats for the rear, and power-closing rear doors. Everybody will be fighting for a space in the back, not the front.On the technology front, the K900 gets a 12.3-inch TFT screen which acts as the gauge cluster. The screen is very vibrant and allows you to customize the layout to fit your needs. A 9.2-inch screen in the center stack displays navigation, infotainment, climate, and Kia’s UVO e-services. At first, I thought the touchscreen was broken as it wasn’t responding to anything I touched. A moment later, I realized that the system was controlled by a BMW-like controller in the center console. Cue self-inflicted dope slap. It takes a few moments to figure how to work the controller and buttons that surround it, but once you figure it out, it becomes second nature.
For thoughts on power and ride, see page 2
Power comes from a 5.0L V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic. The engine is a smooth operator providing adequate power from idle to redline. More importantly is how quiet and refined the engine goes about its business. You only notice a slight murmur coming from under the hood when accelerating, meaning it's quite easy to go well above the posted speed limit without noticing. The eight-speed automatic provides silky-smooth shifts. Fuel economy is slightly disappointing with the EPA rating the K900 at 15 City/23 Highway/18 Combined. My week saw an average of 17 MPG.




The best word to describe the K900’s ride is wafting. The coil suspension is tuned in such a way that many road imperfections and bumps are soaked up. Helping matters is a lot of sound deadening material and laminated glass throughout which blots the noises of the outside world, making this a perfect long-distance traveler. Don’t expect the K900 to give the old guard a run for their money in the athletics though. The K900 doesn’t liked being pushed at all as it leans through the corners and the steering is quite numb. There is a ‘Sport’ mode which changes the instrument cluster to be more like a race car and tries to give the steering a bit more weight. But it only shows how K900 wasn’t built to be sporty at all. It’s better to leave the K900 in either normal or Eco and drive it like a relaxed cruiser.It may seem bit crazy and very daring that Kia is selling a luxury flagship twenty years after their first vehicle arrived in the U.S. But if the recent trend of Kia’s product lineup and Hyundai Equus is anything to go by, the K900 has a real shot. Kia did their homework when working on this flagship and it shows. The K900 has many attributes that a lot luxury buyers want, for a price that will shock a lot of people. Yes, the K900 does have a Kia badge which may cause some to turn their nose up at, and there are a few items I think Kia needs to fix. But if you’re willing to take a chance on the Kia K900, what you’ll end up with is an excellent luxury flagship, and a bit of leftover change.
Disclaimer: Kia Provided the K900 V8, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas

Year: 2015
Make: Kia
Model: K900
Trim: V8
Engine: 5.0L Direct-Injected V8
Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 420 @ 6,400
Torque @ RPM: 376 @ 5,000
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 15/23/18
Curb Weight: 4,555 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Gwangmyeong, South Korea
Base Price: $59,500
As Tested Price: $66,400 (Includes $900.00 Destination Charge)
Options:
VIP Package - $6,000

  • Getting a flagship luxury sedan at bulk pricing

William Maley

Vans Are Making A Huge Comeback In the U.S.

Previously, the market for vans was stagnate. Old models paired with poor optimism in the business world made vans appealing as cold liver and onions. But Bloomberg reports that vans are making a comeback.
Data from Edmunds shows that van sales by unit have more than double in the past five years, outpacing the pace set by the auto industry overall. More surprising is that in the first quarter, sales of vans climbed another third. If this growth trend continues, its expected that 475,000 vans will be sold in the year.
So what is causing this explosion in van sales? Two factors. First are new vans arriving in showrooms. Ford. Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Ram have introduced new vans that are more efficient and boast more space.
"The big trend that we’ve seen is customers being able to right-size their vehicle for the job that they need. We had a show where we had the Mustang GT500 and the conversion van, and the van actually drew as much attention,” said Yaro Hetman, the brand manager for the Transit.
Secondly is the resurgent of specific jobs; skill trades, deliveries, and transportation. The National Federation of Independent Business says the optimism in business has been growing in the past few years. With this increased optimism, comes sales.
Source: Bloomberg

  • Thanks to increased optimism in business, van sales are climbing

William Maley

Volvo Announces South Carolina As Its Home For A New Factory

This morning, Volvo announced that it will be building its first pant in North America. Berkeley County, South Carolina has been chosen as the place where the Swedish automaker will invest up to $500 million for a new facility that is expected to go online in 2018. The new plant will employ up 2,000 people when the plant opens and 8,000 people in the longer term.
Why did Volvo pick South Carolina? The automaker explained that the state offered an existing infrastructure and manufacturing base, along with an easy access to international ports. That last point is key as the plant will be building vehicles for both export and local consumption.
“We’re excited to build our first American factory in South Carolina and we look forward to helping grow the local community and economy. We were impressed with the friendliness, work ethic and passion of the people in the Charleston area,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.
Volvo hasn't said what vehicles will be built at the plant at this time.
Source: Volvo
Press Release is on Page 2
Volvo Cars selects South Carolina for its first American factory
(ROCKLEIGH, NJ – May 11, 2015) Volvo Cars has chosen Berkeley County, South Carolina as the location of its first American factory, investing up to $500 Million in a facility with a capacity to initially produce up to 100,000 cars per year.
The Berkeley County factory, located outside of Charleston, will make latest generation Volvo models for sale in the United States and for export. Construction will begin in early autumn 2015, with the first vehicles expected to roll off the assembly line in 2018.
Once completed, Volvo Cars will be able to manufacture vehicles on three continents, underscoring its position as a truly global car maker. It already operates two plants in Europe and two in China. The new US plant forms part of an ambitious medium term expansion plan to double global sales, boost market share and lift profitability.
“This new global industrial footprint and a complete product renewal forms the foundation for our growth and profitability targets,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Car Corporation.
Volvo began importing cars to the US in 1955. With the development of an American factory, the company crosses an important threshold from an automotive importer to a domestic manufacturer.
“We’re excited to build our first American factory in South Carolina and we look forward to helping grow the local community and economy.” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, “We were impressed with the friendliness, work ethic and passion of the people in the Charleston area.”
The decision to choose Berkeley County was taken as a result of its easy access to international ports and infrastructure, a well-trained labor force, attractive investment environment and experience in the high tech manufacturing sector.
Volvo Cars estimates that the factory will employ up to 2,000 people over the next decade and up to 4,000 people in the longer term. An economic impact analysis compiled by Dr. Frank Hefner at the College of Charleston estimates that, for an initial 2,000 direct jobs, more than 8,000 total jobs would be created as a result. The plant would contribute approximately $4.8 billion in total economic output on an annual basis.
“This is a landmark moment and truly a great day in South Carolina as we welcome Volvo Cars’ first American manufacturing plant to our state,” said Nikki Haley, Governor of South Carolina, “Volvo’s presence and commitment to the community will be felt for decades to come. We are proud to have this global leader in car manufacturing join and strengthen South Carolina’s automotive industry.”
readySC™, a division of the S.C. Technical College System, is assisting with the recruitment and training for positions at the new plant. All information on hiring will be posted as available at the readySC portal, readysc.org/volvo/. Potential suppliers or vendors interested in doing business with the company should contact the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Buy South Carolina program by emailing [email protected].

  • Volvo Heads To South Carolina For Its First North American Plant

William Maley

2016 Dodge Viper ACR Is the Fastest Street Legal Viper Yet

Every generation of the Viper has had a hardcore version known as the ACR which can be described as a street-legal race car thanks to a number of changes to the aerodynamics and suspension. There was question of whether or not an ACR version would appear for this generation. Well on Friday, Dodge answered this question by rolling out the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR.
Now before you start expecting the big news to be an huge increase in power, it isn't. The 8.4L V10 sees an increase of five horsepower to 645, while torque remains at 600.
The big news is the work Dodge did to the Viper's aerodynamics. The body boasts an adjustable, twin-element, carbon-fiber rear wing; carbon-fiber diffuser, an extendable front splitter, and dive planes. Dodge says this package helps give nearly a ton of downforce at the Viper's maximum speed of 177 MPH.
The suspension has been given the once-over with coil-over Bilstein shocks that offer ten different settings and up to three inches of height adjustment. A set of carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers help rein the Viper, while specially built Kumho Ecsta V720 with 19-inch wheels can pull 1.5Gs of cornering. The ACR has seen a bit of weight loss with a number of features such power seats and lighter carpet.
Pricing hasn't been announced, but Dodge says the Viper ACR will begin rolling off the line in third-quarter.

Press Release is on Page 2
New 2016 Dodge Viper ACR – Fastest Street-legal Viper Track Car Ever
The next chapter in the history of Dodge and SRT’s ultimate American hand-built, street-legal race car begins with the return of the new 2016 Dodge Viper American Club Racer (ACR).
The new Viper ACR honors its long-standing legacy as the ultimate street-legal race car through significant aerodynamic and suspension upgrades, new Carbon Ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers and high-performance tires specifically designed for ACR
New ACR Extreme Aero Package delivers nearly 1 ton of peak downforce at top speed through massive adjustable dual-element carbon fiber rear wing, rear carbon fiber diffuser, unique SRT hood with removable louvers, detachable extension for the front splitter and additional dive planes
Delivers ultimate in stopping performance with unprecedented brake fade resistance through ACR-exclusive Carbon Ceramic Matrix 15-inch two-piece rotors and six-piston front calipers from Brembo®
Unique race-tuned suspension features 10-setting, double-adjustable, coil-over Bilstein racing shocks and unique race alignment delivering up to 3 inches of suspension height adjustment for fine tuning corner weight
The latest race tire compound technology with massive Kumho® Ecsta V720 high-performance tires (295/25/19 front, 355/30/19 rear), designed specifically for the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, delivers laps times that are 1.5 seconds faster than off-road only race tires
Combination of suspension, aero treatment and ACR-specific tires delivers sustainable 1.5 g cornering during high-speed turns
Lightweight carpet, minimal three speaker audio, manual seats and Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes offset added performance elements while maintaining optimal 50/50 weight distribution
Powered by iconic, hand-built 8.4-liter V-10 engine rated at 645 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world
Unique Alcantara hand-crafted interior features iconic ‘ACR’ dash badge and accent stitching
Offering ‘1 of 1’ customization option for the ultimate personalized Viper ACR
Production of the hand-built 2016 Dodge Viper ACR begins in Detroit in the third quarter of 2015

May 8, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The next chapter in the history of the ultimate street-legal, track-focused, hand-built American supercar begins with the return of the new 2016 Dodge Viper ACR.
Certified for public roads and engineered to wring every last hundredth of a second out of road course lap times, the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR combines the latest in aerodynamic, braking and tire technology – a recipe designed to carry on the ACR’s lap-time busting reputation that has made it a legend on race tracks around the world.
“The Viper has always been more of a street-legal race car than a track-capable streetcar, and the new 2016 Dodge Viper ACR is the fastest street-legal Viper track car ever,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Brand and SRT Brand, FCA – North America. “Our goal is to arm our enthusiasts with the ultimate Viper track car to dominate road courses around the world.”
The SRT engineering team that developed the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR is well-stocked with members who race their own cars, as well as learning from the factory-based racing Viper GTS-R that competed in the American Le Mans Series and IMSA United SportsCar Championship from 2012-2014, capturing the GTLM class driver and team championships in 2014. For the new Viper ACR, the team focused its efforts on three areas: aerodynamics, chassis and tires to maximize grip, producing never-seen-before handling capabilities and unprecedented lap times.
Ultimate aerodynamic performance
The 2016 Dodge Viper ACR with the available Extreme Aero package produces the highest aerodynamic downforce of any production car. During on-track testing, development engineers have experienced nearly 1 ton of downforce at top speed of 177 mph.
The Extreme Aero Package includes a huge (1,876-mm wide) adjustable dual-element rear wing, rear carbon fiber diffuser, unique SRT hood with removable louvers, detachable extension for the front splitter and four dive planes. The Extreme Aero rear wing, specifically designed for air flow around the Viper’s body, stands taller, sits further rearward and features unique end-plates and gurney lip to produce maximum downforce while minimizing straight line drag. The Extreme Aero package delivers more than three times the downforce of the Viper TA (Time Attack) 2.0 package.
The rear carbon fiber diffuser extends forward of the rear axle. It includes six removable strake extensions, designed to rub against the track surface for increased straight-line stability and optimized downforce. Removable hood louvers over the front tires reduce air pressure in front wheel wells to provide additional downforce. The detachable front splitter extension and dive planes work with the rear aero treatment to provide outstanding grip and balanced performance on the track.
Ultimate brake performance
Track duty can punish the brakes. The 2016 Dodge Viper ACR features new Brembo® Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes for optimum braking performance with unprecedented brake fade resistance, and greater handling capability through reduced un-sprung weight. The system uses 390-millimeter (15.4-inch) two-piece front rotors and 360-millimeter (14.2-inch) two-piece rear rotors. Front brakes use six-piston Brembo® calipers while the rear brakes use four-piston calipers.
The new Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes have the largest brake pad area ever on Viper. The brakes work in conjunction with ABS and ESC specifically tuned for ACR to take into account the extra grip provided by the additional aero and specifically designed Kumho® tires. Detachable front brake ducts provide additional cooling to the brake calipers for optimum track performance.
Tire, Chassis Combo Keeps Viper ACR Glued to the Road
The 2016 Dodge Viper ACR is fitted with Kumho® Ecsta V720 high-performance tires designed specifically for the car with unique tread pattern and compounds for front and rear. In testing, the new tires produce laps times that are 1.5 seconds faster than off-road only race tires.
Low-profile front tires measure 295/25/19 and are mounted on wider 11-inch wide wheels and when combined with the 355/30/19 rear tires provide the largest combined tire patch available on any production car. On the sidewall of the new tires is a unique raised ACR logo.
The Viper ACR’s ABS and five-mode Electronic Stability Control system (Full-on, Sport, Track, Rain, Full-off modes) are specifically tuned for the car to take into account the extra grip offered by the extreme aerodynamic and tire package.
Aluminum bodied, double-adjustable coil-over Bilstein race shocks are designed specifically for the Viper ACR and work in conjunction with ride height adjustment for optimal control of weight transfer and handling performance. Each shock provides independent 10-way rebound and compression adjustability. The suspension package also provides more than 3 inches of ride height adjustment.
Front springs are rated at 600 lbs./in. and rear springs at 1,300 lbs./in., more than double the suspension stiffness of the Viper TA model. With unique race alignment and 1.4 degrees more negative camber than the entry SRT model, the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR is capable of sustaining more than 1.5 g on high-speed turns due to the combined chassis and aerodynamic improvements.
“This car is not a 1-3 lap track special. You can run the car at the track all day, and the performance doesn’t fall off,” added Kuniskis.
Awe-inspiring V-10 Powertrain
At the heart of the 2016 Viper ACR is the handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4-liter V-10 overhead-valve engine, rated at 645 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world. Unique exhaust tips have been added to the side-mounted exhaust pipes to provide reduced exhaust pressure. All Vipers are engineered to withstand severe track duty in ambient temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit with a professional driver. Power reaches the pavement through the standard Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission.
ACR-exclusive Interior Appointments
The instrument panel cluster hood, lower instrument panel and door armrest panels of the race-inspired interior are wrapped in unique Alcantara suede. A new, ACR-exclusive Alcantara wrapped high-grip steering wheel with color racing stripe and unique badging sets the ACR apart from other production models. New high-grip seats also carry the Alcantara inserts, while the unique dash plaque is finished in carbon fiber. Customers can choose between silver or Header Red accent stitching throughout the interior.
‘1 of 1’ Viper Program Offers One-of-a-Kind Street-Legal Race Car
Applying Viper’s exclusive ‘1 of 1’ customization program to Viper ACR allows customers to have more than 25 million build combinations to create their one-of-a-kind Snake from the ground up. With 8,000 exterior color options, 24,000 custom stripe colors, 11 wheel options, 16 interior trims and seven aero packages, three brake packages and four suspension options there are more than 25 million ways for buyers to customize their one-of-a-kind Dodge Viper.
Hand-built in Detroit at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant; the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR goes on sale in third quarter 2015.

  • And now for a something a bit hardcore from Dodge

William Maley

Transaction Prices Go Up On SUVs, Slow Sales Hit Small Cars

With gas prices making a downward trend, sales of SUVs are making an upward climb. In fact, SUVs, pickups, and crossovers when added together make up half of total volume of sales in April. Now with the increase in SUV sales, prices also went up. Edmunds reports that average transaction prices on SUVs have climbed nine percent when compared to last year.
Now when something goes up, something must come down. In this case, it happens to be small cars. Edmunds says that the average timeframe to sell a small car has risen from two and half months to three. The increase in the time to sell has also caused the average transaction price to remain flat.
Source: Edmunds

  • SUV Sales Go Up, Small Cars Go Down

William Maley

BMW Gives the 3-Series A Refresh for 2016

If BMW wants to be in top in the compact luxury marketplace, then it needs to constantly improve the 3-Series. BMW knows this fact very well and has announced improvements for the 2016 3-Series.
The big changes for the 3-Series lie under the hood. First is the 340i which takes place of the 335i. It boasts a new all-aluminum twin-turbocharged 3.0L straight-six with 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic will come standard, while a six-speed manual with rev matching will be a no cost option. BMW's XDrive all-wheel drive will be an option.
The other change is the introduction of the 330e, the first plug-in hybrid 3-Series. BMW estimates figures of 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. No word on fuel economy, but BMW estimates an electric range of 22 miles.
Other changes for the 2016 3-Series include a reworked eight-speed automatic, a reworked suspension, new LED lights front and rear, and the Sport Line treatment (black trim on the grille, B-pillars, and rear bumper) on certain models.
Source: BMW

Press Release is on Page 2
The New BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon
Lifecycle freshening for all 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagons.
New 340i Sedan features new 320 hp TwinPower Turbo Inline 6-cylinder.
Standard Sport Line on the 328i, 328d and 340i models (including xDrive).
New Track Handling Package available for gasoline-powered models.
Available Navigation system now with over-the-air map updates.
LED headlights now available (optional 320i, 328i, 328d and standard on 340i).
New 330e first-ever plug-in hybrid 3 Series announced.

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – EMBARGO: May 7, 2015 – 7:00am EDT/4:00am PDT… BMW announces the latest enhancement to its brand shaping 3 Series with the introduction of the new BMW 3 Series. Accounting for around 25 percent of total BMW worldwide vehicle sales, the BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon represent the brand’s most successful model line with over 14 million sales globally. For the 2016 model year, the new 3 Series receives a range of enhancements highlighting dynamics, supporting the vehicle’s true emotional commitment to the brand and its customers. The introduction of the BMW 340i, marks the world premier of an all new inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 320 hp with 330 lb-ft of torque. This new modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine features BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, combining unbeatable performance with outstanding efficiency.
The new BMW 3 Series chassis has been significantly improved encompassing new front struts, new rear damper technology and redesigned electric power steering to enhance overall vehicle dynamics. The BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon feature a sharper design and a sportier front, supported by the newly designed headlights with optional full-LED headlights (standard on 340i models). The rear view also cuts an even more dynamic figure thanks to its LED tail lights and sculptural, clearly defined lines.
The original sports sedan enhanced.
Since 1975 the BMW 3 Series has furnished regular evidence of its dynamic ability. Whether in comparison tests, on the race track or in everyday use, it has traditionally set the benchmark in the sporting compact segment. Introduced to complement classical rear-wheel drive in the model line-up, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive has also underlined this commitment. The new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon embody excellent efficiency in its class. The cars’ dynamic talents are reflected in their looks, which impress with their precision, tautness and elegance.
The 3 Series – the heart of the BMW brand.
In 1975 BMW opened the first chapter in a success story destined to endure for decades as the first generation of the BMW 3 Series rolled off the Milbertshofen assembly line on May 2, 1975. Internally known by its development code E21, this first 3 Series arrived to North America in 1976 as a 1977 model, with the only available model being the 320i boasting a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder 110 hp engine. Sales of the compact-size model reached almost 1.4 million units worldwide by 1983. Its successor, the E30, brought with it 4 and 6 cylinder gasoline engines as well as the introduction of a convertible as well as the four-door model in the US market. All-wheel drive was also made available in the US on the 325ix in 1988 and provided the second generation of the BMW 3 Series with the platform to expand its global potential between 1983 and 1993. Next up was the E36, available in the US from 1991 – 1999. Its increased proportions allowed more passenger room while its perfect 50/50 weight distribution provided unrivaled vehicle handling. A new 3.0 liter DOHC 24 valve 6-cylinder engine with an aluminum head brought the output to 189 hp. The E46 generation, available in the US from 1998 – 2006, managed to increase performance and its 2.8 liter inline 6-cylinder engine, featured at the time of launch, utilized an aluminum block producing 193 hp. In 2000 the 3 Series expanded its line-up introducing coupes, convertibles and, for the first time in the US, Sports Wagons. In 2006 the fifth-generation BMW 3 Series arrived in the shape of the E90, with efficiency and dynamics once again noticeably enhanced. Initially available in sedan and Sports Wagon form, the coupe and convertible followed shortly after. In traditional BMW fashion, a 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine was rated at an impressive 255 hp. The TwinPower Turbo technology was introduced in the 335i. In 2011, BMW introduced the current 3 Series which was equipped with the latest 4 and 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engines.
Powertrain and chassis.
Raising the benchmark –sportier and more efficient.
The BMW 3 Series has represented the core of the Ultimate Driving Machine for the past 40 years. Now, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon are raising the bar yet again. The engine range is comprised of gasoline engines with output from 180-320 hp and a diesel engine with 180 hp and an impressive 280 lb-ft. The new modular BMW EfficientDynamics inline 6-cylinder engine in the 340i is equipped with the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which combines exceptional performance with excellent fuel efficiency.
This new BMW EfficientDynamics modular engine will share a common design blueprint, with 3, 4 and 6-cylinder inline cylinder arrangements, a displacement per cylinder of 500 cc and very lightweight, thermally optimized all-aluminum construction. The crankcase is very rigid due to its closed-deck design – which means that the cylinder water jacket is closed at the top – while thermally joined, high-strength cylinder liners with twin-wire, arc-sprayed coating save weight, allow greater thermal transfer due to the thinner cylinder wall thickness and reduce internal friction.
The new BMW 340i Sedan inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine.
The BMW 340i is the first model in the BMW line-up to be powered by the all-new inline 6-cylinder engine (B58) from the new modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine family. The lightweight and rigid all-aluminum unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology provides a perfect blend of superb performance and outstanding efficiency. This new 3.0 liter engine powering the 340i replaces the N55 powered 335i and tops the 3 Series gasoline line-up. It produced a maximum power of 320 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, a 20 hp improvement over the previous model. Peak torque is an impressive 330 lb-ft, which is available from 1,380 rpm. The new BMW 340i Sedan equipped with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds while the BMW 340i xDrive model takes just 4.6 seconds. All 340i models are governed to a top speed of 155 mph (130 mph if equipped with All-season tires). The new EfficientDynamics 6-cylinder engine is equipped with the latest generation of BMW’s innovative TwinPower Turbo technology, featuring twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. It also incorporates VALVETRONIC fully variable valve lift.
Improved manual and automatic transmissions.
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission is available as a no-cost option on 320i, 328i, 340i and 340i xDrive models. The crisp-shifting 6-speed manual transmission on 340i models is equipped with a dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorbers. This technology counteracts uneven running on high-torque engines so that the driver can change gears smoothly. The 6-speed manual transmission is also offered with a rev matching function, which means the engine automatically blips the throttle on downshifting, resulting in improved smoothness.
The updated 8-speed Steptronic transmission features enhanced efficiency, wider gear ratio spread and reduced torque converter slip during gear shifts. At the same time, improved damping of engine irregularities make for improved comfort and smoother shifting. Sporty drivers will also enjoy the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. In Sport+ transmission mode, it allows the driver to rev the engine right up to the rev limiter, and also to perform multiple sequential downshifts. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters is now standard on 328i, 328d and 340i models.
Further economy benefits are offered by the 8-speed Steptronic transmission’s coasting mode in ECO PRO. When the driver lifts off the throttle at higher speeds, for example on a gentle downhill grade on the highway, the engine is automatically decoupled from the transmission. It then simply idles, which saves fuel and ensures there is no unwanted engine braking at high speed.
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan can optionally be specified with xDrive, the BMW intelligent all-wheel drive system. BMW xDrive combines the customary advantages of all-wheel drive such as optimal power transfer to the road, excellent safety and maximum traction with hallmark BMW agile and precise handling. BMW xDrive efficiently reduces understeer and oversteer when cornering by sending as necessary power front or rear, improving driving dynamics, for example when steering into a corner or accelerating out of even the tightest bends.
Sporty, agile and comfortable suspension.
The BMW 3 Series has been the benchmark in driving dynamics for generations. The further developed damper technology and optimized suspension of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon team up with a more finely honed steering set-up to deliver significantly enhanced dynamic capabilities without any compromise on comfort. Some of the specific changes include: new geometry of the chassis with new front struts with five bolt upper anchors points (versus 3 previously), redesigned electric power steering, new rear damper technology, and updated Dynamic Stability Control. All these updates translate to increased handling capabilities as well as feedback to the driver.
The retuned suspension improves both transverse and longitudinal dynamics under all load conditions. This is expressed in reduced roll, improved directional stability and higher level of steering precision. This is true of the standard suspension as well as the M Sport Suspension and the Adaptive M Suspension options. The Adaptive M Suspension offers electronically controlled dampers and allows individual adjustment of the car’s dynamic responses at the touch of a button. Continuous sensor monitoring of longitudinal and lateral acceleration, speed and steering angle allows the damping to be optimally matched to road characteristics and the driving situation.
Track Handling Package now available.
The Track Handling Package, designed for the driving enthusiasts and available on the gasoline engine models only, consists of Variable Sport Steering, Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes with high temperature Euro brake pads mounted to blue calipers that highlight the new 3 Series sportiness while sharpening handling. The package includes 18” Light alloy wheels in Orbit Grey with Michelin Super Sport Tires, which emphasize maximum performance while providing excellent handling. Optional 19” wheels are also available on all 340i models.
Design and Equipment
Defining a segment.
The eye-catching looks of the new BMW 3 Series redefines a striking presence on the road. The distinctively sculpted long hood and set-back passenger compartment team up with the short front and rear overhangs and long wheelbase to create the extremely dynamic proportions that are as much a hallmark of BMW as ideal 50:50 weight distribution. Precisely designed headlights further emphasize the dynamic credentials of the BMW 3 Series, while the powerful rear end of the Sedan and Sports Wagon, complete with a clearly defined new lighting design, underlining an even sportier appearance.
New Halogen Headlight design with full-LED lights.
The new Halogen Headlight design is now available with LED daytime running lights. New for the 3 Series, full LED headlights (standard on 340i models) are even more efficient and accentuate the front end. In addition, the “eyes” of the BMW 3 Series have moved further apart, visually strengthening the car’s broad stance on the road. The daytime running lights are even more striking thanks to the leveled off upper and lower edges of the LED light tubes. These also form a visual connection with the BMW kidney grille in the shape of an LED light bar. Available as an option for 328i, 328d and 340i models are Adaptive Full LED Headlights with Automatic High-beam System. This helps to maximize the use of the main beam and significantly widen the illuminated area in front of the car – enhancing visibility and therefore improving safety at night.
New width-enhancing effect and stronger visual presence.
Broader side air intakes in the front apron give the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon an even stronger presence. This powerful appearance is further underlined by the strikingly sculptural and precise form of the rear bumpers. The new, more intricate structure of the central air intake also allows the radar sensor for the Active Cruise Control (ACC) to be integrated more discreetly.
The rear end with its sporty design also impresses with its likewise highly sculptural, clearly defined lines. The newly designed rear lights are full-LED units. The light bars, arranged in a distinctive BMW “L” shape and now more heavily curved, lend greater dynamic presence to the rear end of the car even when it is stationary. Added to which, the integrated LED brake lights raise safety another notch thanks to their faster responses. The two-piece LED indicators form a horizontal band of light across both sections of the rear lights and provide extremely even and consistent light. They stretch into the trunk lid (or the tailgate on the BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon) and underline the car’s sporty looks. The wider trim element on the rear apron lends additional emphasis to this dynamic appearance.
The top-of-the-line gasoline engine in the BMW 340i comes with an exhaust system featuring individual tailpipes on the left and right, while the engines for the 320i and 328d models now come with twin tailpipes. The sporty appearance of the new BMW 3 Series includes a newly designed 17” wheel for the 320i and 328i. 18” wheels are also available as an option. The 340i models are equipped with new 18” wheels and optional 19” wheels with performance tires.
High-quality interior, driver focused ergonomics.
The interior reflects the dynamic and elegant lines of the sporty BMW 3 Series model range. The driver oriented cabin provides optimum access to all the important functions. The outstanding ergonomics of the BMW 3 Series have been improved further carefully arranged chrome highlights and high-gloss surfaces give the interior an even cleaner look.
The center console now comes in high-gloss black and also features new ambient lighting with an even greater feeling of quality with additional chrome applications. New chrome accents define the newly designed controls for the electric seat adjustment. New chrome applications are also a featured on the electric window controls and air vents, adding high-quality accents to the interior. The highlight trim finisher in the instrument panel now expands into all four doors, emphasizing the generous levels of space for the passengers. The cupholders in the center console add another practical feature and now have a sliding cover. An additional practical storage area for smaller items, is positioned forward of the cupholders.
Options and Packages enable further individualization.
The content of the previous Sport Line is now standard on 328i, 328d and 340i (including xDrive models) which features high-gloss exterior components including black kidney grills, black B-Pillars and a black high-gloss element on the rear bumper. The tailpipe trim is also in black chrome while high-gloss black finishers surrounding the air-intakes with aluminum-type decorative elements support the overall sporty look of the new BMW 3 Series.
The Sport Line also enhances the look and feel of the interior by utilizing a sport instrument cluster with specific printing and chrono-scaling, an anthracite headliner as well as Sports Seats with side-bolsters. Now, no longer limited to the Luxury Package, the new 3 Series offers Saddle Brown Dakota Leather with dark brown highlights.
Luxury Package will continue to be an option for the aforementioned models, while the M Sport Package offers additional options designed to further increase road presence and driving pleasure. Among the features of the M Sport package are the M Aerodynamic Package, an M leather steering wheel and M Sport suspension.
The newly enhanced Premium Package for the 328i and 328d models includes Comfort Access, LED Headlights, Lumbar Support, Moonroof and Sirius Satellite radio with a no-cost one-year subscription. All of the Premium Package equipment is now standard for 340i models.
Customers can choose from a total of 12 exterior colors for their new BMW 3 Series. New additions to the range include striking Mediterranean Blue Metallic, Platinum Silver Metallic and Jatoba Brown Metallic. The Estoril Blue Metallic shade is still reserved exclusively for cars equipped with the M Sport package.
BMW EfficientDynamics
Superb performance, exceptionally low fuel consumption.
The driving enjoyment offered by the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon models is based not just on excellent performance but also on excellent fuel economy. BMW EffientDynamics measures are present through Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units and the ECO PRO mode, ensure that the new BMW 3 Series not only delivers typical BMW sporty performance but also benchmark fuel consumption and emissions.
Optimized transmissions and intelligent energy management.
The newly developed manual and automatic transmissions also play an important role in reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Both types of transmission feature optimized efficiency, compact design and low weight, and are able to support a relaxed, low-rev and extra-fuel-efficient driving style. Further potential for savings is offered by the intelligent transmission control strategy. Among other things, a Proactive Driving Assistant (for models fitted with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission) uses navigation data to work out in advance where the driver will have to slow down on the upcoming route and adapts the powertrain strategy accordingly. It also passes on appropriate recommendations to the driver, if desired.
Further savings are offered by intelligent energy management for the ancillary units. This includes the on-demand coolant pump, electronically controlled oil pump and electromechanical power steering that consume no electrical power when driving straight ahead. Also, whenever the air conditioning is not being used, its compressor is automatically disconnected from the engine.
Additional fuel-saving measures include the ECO PRO mode, selectable using the Driving Dynamics Control switch, the ECO PRO Route navigation feature and the coasting function on models with 8-speed Steptronic transmission, which disconnects the engine if the driver lifts off the throttle at higher speeds. The engine then idles in neutral, consuming less fuel.
The new BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid.
Looking further ahead, the BMW 3 Series will celebrate a very special milestone in 2016 with the launch of the BMW 330e. The BMW 330e will be powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system with a combined output of around 250 hp and 310 lb-ft (preliminary), giving the BMW 330e a 0–60 mph acceleration time of approximately 6.1 (preliminary) and a top speed of 140 mph (preliminary). The new BMW 330e is also capable of travelling up to 22 miles in all-electric mode and therefore with zero local emissions.
BMW ConnectedDrive
Optimum connectivity and intelligent driver assistance systems.
BMW has been setting the standard for connectivity between the driver, car and the outside world for many years now. With yet more new functions added to the unrivalled combination of mobility services and driver assistance systems, BMW ConnectedDrive is providing another impressive demonstration of its pioneering abilities in the new BMW 3 Series range, while once again ensuring supreme safety, comfort and infotainment.
Fastest mobile technology on board.
The optional latest-generation Navigation System boasts quicker start-up, even faster route calculation along with more realistic 3D visualization in cities. The navigation maps are automatically updated free of charge for a period of three years via the embedded SIM cards and the vehicles LTE system. This LTE technology when fitted with the Navigation System enhances USB, Bluetooth and smartphone integration. This greatly improves network coverage and data transmission speeds, especially in rural areas.
ConnectedDrive Services form part of the standard specification of the BMW 3 Series. A SIM card built into the vehicle enables the customer to enjoy optimum connectivity and access to the unrivalled range of services from BMW ConnectedDrive without the need for a smartphone. The available Concierge Service, for example, makes it possible to select points of interest while driving, such as pharmacies, restaurants or hotels, make a reservation if desired, and have them sent straight to the vehicle as a navigation destination together with all the relevant contact data.
The new BMW 3 Series is equipped with BMW Assist eCall (Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification) to ensure maximum safety while driving. In case of airbag deployment this system uses the built-in SIM card to automatically transmit the severity of the accident and the vehicle’s location to the BMW Assist™ Response Center. The data will then be utilized to generate the best possible emergency response.
Head-Up Display: information in the driver’s immediate field of view.
A full-color, high-resolution Head-Up Display is available as an option for the new BMW 3 Series. All relevant information, such as speed and navigation instructions, appears here in an optimum position in the driver’s field of view. The safety information from the Driving Assistant System (i.e. speed limits and no-passing zone information, Forward Collision Warning, with City Collision Mitigation, Pedestrian Warning and Lane Departure Warning) as well as information relating to smartphone and media operation is also shown in the Head-Up Display.
Parking Assistant for parallel and now perpendicular parking.
The Parking Assistant in the new BMW 3 Series now helps the driver to park in spaces that are perpendicular to the road as well as parallel spots. At speeds below approximately 22 mph ultrasonic sensors measure potential parking spaces, which are then shown in the central information display. If the driver now activates the Parking Assistant, the car will steer itself into the space while the driver merely has to control the accelerator and brake or switch between forward and reverse gear when prompted. The Parking Assistant also includes the new Auto PDC function, which allows the Park Distance Control to switch on automatically when approaching an object at the front and display the remaining distance. When traffic jam situations with stop-start traffic are detected, the Auto PDC function is deactivated.

  • BMW Gives the 3-Series A Refresh To Keep Up

William Maley

A New Study Show Which Vehicles Are Returned In The First Year

While Americans are keeping their cars longer (Experian Automotive says the average ownership length is now 7.75 years), there are some models that owners can't wait to get rid off within a year of buying.
iSeeCars.com recently compared new car sales against used-car purchases in 2014 to figure out which vehicles were traded-in the fastest. Their analysis showed that on average, around 2.7 percent of all new vehicles are traded in after only a year’s ownership. More surprising was the vehicles that had the highest amount of trade-ins. The expectation would be that the vehicles with the highest amount of trade-ins would be cheap. Not so fast. iSeeCars.com in their analysis the vehicles with highest trade-ins range from $18,000 to $45,000.
“iSeeCars.com analysts think the fact that consumers are giving more of these cars up than the average is directly linked to quality or perceived quality of the cars,” says Phong Ly, CEO of iSeeCars.com. “Because purchasing a new car is expensive and something most people tend to spend a lot of time on, it stands to reason they would make a change shortly afterward if they felt the quality was lacking.”
Here's the list of the vehicles with the highest trade-in amounts,
Buick Regal - 10.7 Percent Traded-In
Chevrolet Sonic - 8.9 Percent Traded-In
BMW X1 - 7.8 Percent Traded-In
Dodge Charger - 7.7 Percent Traded-In
Mercedes-Benz C-Class - 7.4 Percent Traded-In
Chevrolet Cruze - 7.2 Percent Traded-In
Nissan Frontier - 6.9 Percent Traded-In

Source: Forbes

  • Which Vehicles Get Traded-In the Most After A Year of Ownership?

William Maley

Review: 2015 Fiat 500L Easy

If you wanted a Fiat 500 but had a family, you would have to ultimately pass on it. There just wasn’t enough space for four passengers or even two passengers and all of their stuff. But about year ago, Fiat started selling a bigger 500 known as the 500L which boasted more space and became more appealing to small families. I spent a week in the larger 500 to see if the added size helps or hurts.
Even though the 500L shares the 500 name, that is where the similarities end. Fiat designers have added two feet to the 500L, and given it a boxy shape that is more akin to the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube. The front end is very much 500-esq with the winged-Fiat emblem, dual light setup, and narrow vent underneath. Although as someone pointed out to me and I happen to agree with, the 500L’s front-end look likes it has an overbite. Also, I think the choice of wheel covers on the Easy model really don’t help the 500L’s look. I would trade them for a set of wheels from the 500L Trekking model. But I want to give Fiat’s designers some credit on the 500L. The model boasts a large area of glass which not only helps improve visibility, but also makes the interior feel much more spacious.




Moving inside, the 500L features the same funkiness found on the standard 500. Such details as a squarish steering wheel, unique dashboard design, and panoramic sunroof give the 500L its own identity. Material and build quality is quite good with mixture of cloth, soft-touch plastic, and hard-touch plastic in the places where you expect them. This particular model came with the optional 6.5-inch UConnect system. Despite a smaller screen, this system keeps the familiar UConnect interface and ease of use that I have praised this system for. Also on my tester was the optional Beats sound system which provided mostly good sound, but I found it to be a bit heavy on the bass, even after I turned it down a bit. One other complaint I have deals with the dual-zone climate control system. I found it to be too low in the center stack to glance at quickly and quite the reach to change temperature or fan speed.Now with an increase in overall size, you would think that the interior has seen an increase in space. You would be correct. Step inside the back seat and there is a stadium style seat arrangement which gives your passengers a higher view, along with a decent amount of legroom. Remember that panoramic sunroof I mentioned earlier? Yeah, that eats into rear headroom. Sitting my 5’8” frame back here, I found my head making contact with the headliner. Anyone taller than me will likely have to crick their neck to fit back here. At least the seats were comfortable. Moving to front, seats provide good comfort and support, along with a small number of adjustments.
Thoughts on Power and Ride on page 2
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.4L MultiAir four-cylinder producing 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Those with keen eyes will surmise this sounds very familiar to the 500 Abarth, and you would be correct. On Easy models and up, you have the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic. (Note: Pop models get a six-speed dual-clutch automatic). I had the latter transmission in my tester. Compared to the Abarth I drove a few weeks back, the 500L has about 800 extra pounds to lug around. But the 1.4 doesn’t feel like it's being worked any harder. Acceleration is very smooth and the engine seems to be able to get going at any speed. The six-speed automatic I found tended to hold gears longer that it probably should. At least the transitions between gears were smooth. Fuel economy for the 500L with the automatic is rated at 22 City/30 Highway/25 Combined. My week saw an average of 24.3 MPG.




The 500L is surprisingly good when it comes to day to day driving. The suspension copes with small and medium size bumps pretty well, while larger ones do unsettle it. Road noise is kept to a decent level, but wind noise is very apparent due to the 500L’s shape. The 500L is surprisingly good when it comes into the corners, showing minimal body motion. However the squarish shape and oddly-shaped steering wheel will make you think twice about having some fun with this vehicle.The 500L is wise move for Fiat as it helps bring more buyers into their showroom. But there are two big elephants in the room. One deals with reliability. Both Consumer Reports and TrueDelta have a fair number of complaints about the 500L. In fact, the 500L is one of the lowest rated models in Consumer Reports ratings. The second is the price. The 2015 Easy model starts off at $20,545, while my tester rang in at $26,895 thanks to the automatic transmission and a big option package which included the sunroof and UConnect system. For the same amount of money, you could get into the base 500L Trekking or a fully loaded Kia Soul. These two factors make the 500L less appealing. Add in the upcoming the 500X, and you end up with a lose-lose situation.
Disclaimer: Fiat Provided the 500L Easy, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas

Year: 2015
Make: Fiat
Model: 500L
Trim: Easy
Engine: 1.4L Turbocharged MultiAir Inline-Four
Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic
Horsepower @ RPM: 160 @ 5,500
Torque @ RPM: 184 @ 2,500 - 4,000
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/30/25
Curb Weight: 3,254 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Kragujevac, Serbia
Base Price: $20,545
As Tested Price: $26,895 (Includes $900.00 Destination Charge)
Options:
Easy Collection 4 - $4,100
AISIN Heavy Duty 6-Speed Automatic Transmission - $1,350

  • The Largest Fiat On Sale In the U.S.

William Maley

Spying: Chevrolet Cruze Minus Camo

Well what do we have here? A new set of spy shots show off the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze without any camouflage - most likely due to the model being part of a photoshoot.
The overall shape of the new Cruze is very striking and takes some ideas from the new Malibu and Volt with a rising beltline and sloping roof. Other details to take into consideration is a new design of the split grille, headlights, and flared out fenders.
The new Cruze is expected to get the turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder that was introduced in the Malibu earlier this year. A diesel and plug-in hybrid are rumored to be available as well.
The Cruze is expected to debut at the LA Auto Show in November.
Source: Left Lane News

  • The Next Chevrolet Cruze Shows Its Face To The Camera

William Maley

Jaguar Land Rover's SVO Readies A Hardcore Off-Road Brand

Jaguar Land Rover's SVO division has been hard at work on producing high-performance and more luxurious variants of Jaguar and Land Rover models. But coming soon, the division will begin leaving their mark on Land Rover with more hardcore off-road variants.
Car and Driver spoke with the head of SVO, John Edwards about what's next. Edwards talked about a new set of models wearing the SVX badge (Sorry Subaru) that will boast “added capability”. Unfortunately, Edwards didn't go any further aside from saying looking at events like the Camel Trophy and Dakar Rally to see the inspiration for the new direction.
The good news is that we won't be waiting too long for a Land Rover SVX model to be introduced.
Source: Car and Driver

  • Hardcore Land Rover models are just around the corner

William Maley

Trivia Tuesday, May 5 2015

1.) What is the most 'liked' automobile on Facebook?
2.) What American car pioneered halogen lighting?
3.) By the end of it's production run, how long did it take to assemble a Ford Model T?
4.) In 1969, every Chrysler Corporation passenger vehicle was in direct violation of federal law. What was that violation?
5.) Name the first automobile brand to use clay for styling their vehicles.
balthazar

Rumorpile: Maserati to Debut Levante Crossover At Next Year's Detroit Auto Show

Dutch Publication Autovise reports Maserati's entant in the luxury crossover class, the Levante, will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show next year. A few months after its debut, production of this new crossover will begin.
As we have reported before, the production Levante will feature a range of V6 and V8 gas and diesel engines built by Ferrari. Power will range from 350 to 580 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive will come standard for each powertrain. Autovise goes on to report that the Levante will only be a five-seater.
Pricing in Europe for the Levante will range from €90,000 (about $99,800) to €200,000 ($222,000).
Source: Autovise

  • New Updates on Maserati's Upcoming Crossover

William Maley

Not Surprising: Luxury Brands Sales Up Due To Low-Cost Models

One group of automakers that are on the up and up are luxury automakers. Just take a look at April's sales,
Porsche - Up 28.1% (5,217 Vehicles Sold This Month, 16,647 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Lincoln - Up 19.6% (8,134 Vehicles Sold This Month, 29,612 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Cadillac - Up 13.7% (15,801 Vehicles Sold This Month, 52,976 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mercedes-Benz - Up 12.8% (29,188 Vehicles Sold This Month, 107,344 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Lexus - Up 11.7% (25,876 Vehicles Sold This Month, 103,056 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Maserati - Up 10% (1,060 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,989 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Infiniti - Up 8.8% (9,979 Vehicles Sold This Month, 43,821 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
BMW - Up 6.9% (26,952 Vehicles Sold This Month, 105,444 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Acura - Up 5.3% (14,874 Vehicles Sold This Month, 54,518 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jaguar - Up 4.3% (1,079 Vehicles Sold This Month, 5,415 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)

So why the bump? USA Today says for most luxury automakers, it comes down to low-end models.
"Luxury sales have increased as products have become affordable to a wider audience. Of late, luxury car brands have focused on the lower end of the price spectrum, introducing models such as the Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1 and Porsche Macan, which are slotted below existing popular SUVs on the price spectrum," said Edmunds.com's senior analyst Jessica Caldwell.
Caldwell goes onto say that the majority of luxury vehicles are leased, which makes low-end luxury vehicles very appealing to consumers who have gone with mainstream vehicles before.
Also helping matters is a wide range of consumers who are buying these models.
"Buyers are coming from all over the place, especially as Millennials start to create more wealth for themselves and continue to be as aspirational as ever," said Akshay Anand, ​analyst at Kelley Blue Book.
Source: USA Today

  • Entry-Level Models Boost Sales of Luxury Brands

William Maley

2016 Chevrolet Volt to Start At $33,995*

Over the weekend, Chevrolet announced the pricing for the 2016 Volt before it goes on sale later this year. Pricing for new model will begin at $33,995 (includes a $825 destination charge). Chevrolet is quick to point out the 2016 Volt is almost $1,200 less that current Volt on sale. Add in Federal and State incentives and you could drive away with a Volt for as low as $24,995.
Aside from the price cut, the 2016 Volt sees an increase in overall electric range (50 vs. 31 miles) and a improvement for the gas engine's fuel economy (41 MPG vs. 37 MPG).
"The next generation Chevrolet Volt delivers more technology, the ability to drive further between gas fill ups and now with even more value to our customers. It's what our loyal Volt owners told us they wanted," said Steve Majoros, Director, Chevrolet Marketing. "We are confident we will continue to attract new customers to Volt with the vehicle's product improvements and attractive price."
Source: Chevrolet
Press Release is on Page 2


Chevrolet Announces 2016 Volt Pricing
Next Gen delivers more technology at new price as low as $26,495

DETROIT – The Chevrolet Volt is poised to continue to bring new owners to the electric plug-in family. Pricing will be as low as $26,495 after the full federal tax credit of $7,500. (Federal tax credit can range from $0 up to $7,500.) In California, the vehicle’s largest market, residents of the state will be able to purchase the all-new Volt for as low as $24,995 after state and federal incentives.
The 2016 model will start at $33,995 MSRP, including an $825 destination fee (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees). This is almost $1,200 less than the current-generation Volt.
“The next-generation Chevrolet Volt delivers more technology, the ability to drive further between gas fill-ups and now with even more value to our customers. It’s what our loyal Volt owners told us they wanted,” said Steve Majoros, director, Chevrolet Marketing. “We are confident we will continue to attract new customers to Volt with the vehicle’s product improvements and attractive price.”
The Volt continues to be a success with the brand, with nearly 70 percent of Volt owners trading in a non-GM product or adding to their household fleet in 2014, the highest of any Chevy nameplate. The number one trade-in for the Volt is the Toyota Prius. To date, more than 75,000 first-generation Volt owners have driven hundreds of millions of EV miles.
Volt owners who charge regularly can expect to drive an estimated 1,000 miles or more between fill-ups, based on GM testing. The 2016 Volt will provide owners with impressive fuel economy of a GM-estimated 102 MPGe (electric) and 41 combined mpg on gasoline power.
The new Volt will offer a GM-estimated 50 miles of all-electric driving range on a single charge, a 31-percent improvement over the first-generation Volt. This means new Volt owners should anticipate that approximately 90 percent of trips in a new Volt will be driven all-electrically.

  • Chevrolet announces pricing for the 2016 Volt

William Maley

Sales Figure Ticker: April 2015

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 28.1% (5,217 Vehicles Sold This Month, 16,647 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 25.6% (8,216 Vehicles Sold This Month, 32,006 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 17.9% (47,241 Vehicles Sold This Month, 178,522 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 14.8% (6,390 Vehicles Sold This Month, 27,702 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 10.6% (32,432 Vehicles Sold This Month, 117,680 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Maserati North America, Inc. - Up 10% (1,060 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,989 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
BMW Group U.S. - Up 9.6% (32,428 Vehicles Sold This Month, 123,697 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Audi of America - Up 7.5% (16,827 Vehicles Sold This Month, 56,925 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mazda North American Operations - Up 7.5% (24,123 Vehicles Sold This Month, 102,167 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
FCA US LLC - Up 6% (189,027 Vehicles Sold This Month, 694,881 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
General Motors Co. - Up 5.9% (269,056 Vehicles Sold This Month, 953,095 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Nissan North America - Up 5.7% (109,848 Vehicles Sold This Month, 477,476 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ford Motor Company - Up 5.4% (222,498 Vehicles Sold This Month, 817,161 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Hyundai Motor America - Up 2.9% (68,009 Vehicles Sold This Month, 240,038 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Toyota Motor Sales - Up 1.8% (203,329 Vehicles Sold This Month, 778,949 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Kia Motors America - Down 0.7% (53,282 Vehicles Sold This Month, 194,382 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
American Honda Motor Co. - Down 1.8% (130,068 Vehicles Sold This Month, 464,011 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volkswagen of America - Down 2.67% (30,009 Vehicles Sold This Month, 109,248 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Down 5.5% (4,381 Vehicles Sold This Month, 18,103 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Brands:
Porsche - Up 28.1% (5,217 Vehicles Sold This Month, 16,647 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Chrysler - Up 26% (27,704 Vehicles Sold This Month, 109,637 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mitsubishi - Up 25.6% (8,216 Vehicles Sold This Month, 32,006 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
MINI - Up 24.7% (5,467 Vehicles Sold This Month, 18,253 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
GMC - Up 20% (47,194 Vehicles Sold This Month, 167,005 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jeep - Up 20% (71,759 Vehicles Sold This Month, 250,508 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Lincoln - Up 19.6% (8,134 Vehicles Sold This Month, 29,612 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Subaru - Up 17.9% (47,241 Vehicles Sold This Month, 178,522 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Land Rover - Up 17.2% (5,311 Vehicles Sold This Month, 22,287 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Sprinter - Up 15.5% (2,674 Vehicles Sold This Month, 8,323 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Cadillac - Up 13.7% (15,801 Vehicles Sold This Month, 52,976 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mercedes-Benz - Up 12.8% (29,188 Vehicles Sold This Month, 107,344 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Lexus - Up 11.7% (25,876 Vehicles Sold This Month, 103,056 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Maserati - Up 10% (1,060 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,989 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Infiniti - Up 8.8% (9,979 Vehicles Sold This Month, 43,821 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Audi - Up 7.5% (16,827 Vehicles Sold This Month, 56,925 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mazda - Up 7.5% (24,123 Vehicles Sold This Month, 102,167 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
BMW - Up 6.9% (26,952 Vehicles Sold This Month, 105,444 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Nissan - Up 5.4% (99,869 Vehicles Sold This Month, 433,655 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Acura - Up 5.3% (14,874 Vehicles Sold This Month, 54,518 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ford - Up 4.9% (214,364 Vehicles Sold This Month, 787,549 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jaguar - Up 4.3% (1,079 Vehicles Sold This Month, 5,415 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ram - Up 4% (40,864 Vehicles Sold This Month, 151,270 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Chevrolet - Up 3.4% (187,837 Vehicles Sold This Month, 664,393 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Hyundai - Up 2.9% (68,009 Vehicles Sold This Month, 240,038 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Toyota - Up 0.5% (177,453 Vehicles Sold This Month, 675,893 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Kia - Down 0.7% (53,282 Vehicles Sold This Month, 194,382 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volkswagen - Down 2.67% (30,009 Vehicles Sold This Month, 109,248 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Honda - Down 2.7% (115,194 Vehicles Sold This Month, 409,493 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Buick - Down 5.2% (18,224 Vehicles Sold This Month, 68,721 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volvo - Down 5.5% (4,381 Vehicles Sold This Month, 18,103 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Fiat - Down 13% (3,756 Vehicles Sold This Month, 14,794 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Dodge - Down 16% (44,906 Vehicles Sold This Month, 168,417 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Scion - Down 20% (4,309 Vehicles Sold This Month, 16,287 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Smart - Down 54.2% (480 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,013 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Alfa Romeo - N/A (38 Vehicles Sold This Month, 255 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)

  • How did the automakers do during the showers of April?

William Maley

Under Consideration: Higher-Performance Cadillac V-Series Models, Diesel Four and Six-Cylinders, Other Powertrains

Car and Driver have gotten some intriguing information about what Cadillac is looking at for the future with their V-Series and powertrains.
We'll start with V-Series. Now as we reported before, Cadillac is planning on adding more V-Series models. Some of those could be higher-performance versions of current models - something akin to Black Series for Mercedes-Benz AMG models. When asked about this, Cadillac's chief engineer David Leone said, “We might have something down the road that is a little bit more aggressive.”
A source says a we could see something with this idea in 2017. No hint was given as to what model could be in the cards. Our guess is that it would be the ATS-V Coupe.
Now onto the powertrain stuff. Leone reiterated comments made by Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen late last year about offering diesel engines.
“They are both new engines,” said Leone.
In this case, the new engines happen to be a four and six-cylinder diesel. The engines will be tailored for the products they will go into. Now these engines are being built with Europe in mind, but sources say the engines could be offered in the U.S.
Leone also talked about future technologies such as electric super/turbochargers which minimize lag when compared to conventional turbos.
“Electric charging is a novel approach, a way of getting a fast response,” Leone said, adding: “You don’t need to limit it to gasoline engines.”
Now there are some issues that need to be addressed such as adding a 48-Volt electric system and packing it into a vehicle.
Also under investigation for Cadillac? Three-cylinder engines.
“The world is ever-changing, the fuel-economy requirements are different, and those things are possible.”
Source: Car and Driver, 2

  • Even More High-Strung V-Series, and What Cadillac is looking at for powertrains in the future

William Maley

Rumorpile: Fiat Spyder to be Shown At Frankfurt or LA Auto Show

The Miata-based Fiat Spyder will soon make an appearance. Edmunds has learned from industry sources that the Spyder will debut at the Frankfurt or LA Auto Show this year. The sources go onto say that the new Spyder will boast a 1.4L four-cylinder engine and be built at Mazda's Hiroshima plant.
Jason Stoicevich, head of Fiat Brand for North America wouldn't confirm a date for when we'll see it, but did say the Spyder "is a logical car for our brand."
"There is a ton of heritage behind that. I think that just kind of puts the bow on the showroom for us and fills it out completely," said Stoicevich.
Source: Edmunds
William Maley

Jaguar Details What the XE for North America Will Feature

While North America has to wait till next spring for the Jaguar XE to come, Jaguar has detailed some of the specs for North American-Spec XE.
First off, lets talk about engines. The base will be XE 20d which will feature Jaguar's new Ingenium turbocharged 2.0L diesel four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque. Jaguar quotes a 0-60 MPH time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 140 MPH. Then there is the XE 35t which features a 3.0L Supercharged V6 with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. 0-60 MPH takes 4.9 seconds and is limited to 155 MPH.
No matter which engine you choose, a ZF eight-speed automatic will be the only transmission. Rear-wheel drive will come standard, while all-wheel drive is an option.
There will be three levels on offer - Premium, Prestige, and R-Sport - along with Jaguar's new InControl infotainment system.
Pricing will be announced closer to the U.S. launch.
Source: Jaguar
Press Release is on Page 2
Jaguar XE All-New Compact Sports Sedan to Expand Jaguar U.S. Lineup in 2016

All-new Jaguar XE sports sedan to arrive in U.S. Jaguar showrooms in spring, 2016
Lineup to include Jaguar XE 20d and 35t models each in Premium, Prestige and R-Sport trim levels and available in RWD or AWD
XE 35t will feature a 340hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph1
XE 20d will feature high-efficiency 180hp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel
Front engine, longitudinal rear wheel drive layout, with capability of accepting all-wheel drive
New Jaguar InControl® infotainment system features an 8 inch capacitive touch screen
Features Intelligent Active Driver Assistance technologies
The XE will launch in global markets in 2015 and in North America in 2016
Pricing to be announced at a later date

(MAHWAH, N.J.) - April 27, 2015 - The Jaguar lineup will significantly expand in 2016 with the addition of the brand's all new, aluminum intensive Jaguar XE compact sports sedan which will join the modern Jaguar sedan lineup alongside the all new Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ sedans.
A true driver's car, the Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports sedan thanks to its advanced lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior, and outstanding ride and handling. The XE goes on sale in 2015 in global markets and in 2016 in the United States and Canada.
Manufacturing of the aluminium-intensive Jaguar XE occurs at Jaguar Land Rover's Solihull plant in an all-new facility. Part of a £1.5bn investment, this flexible, purpose-built site will create 1,700 UK jobs.
The Jaguar XE 35t model provides responsiveness and refinement from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Generating 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, this engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift controls. Accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, the XE 35t has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph1.
The fuel economy leader will be the Jaguar XE 20d powered by the company's new Ingenium 2.0 liter diesel powertrain delivering 180 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque. Mated with the eight-speed automatic transmission, the Jaguar XE 20d will be the brand's most fuel efficient model (EPA figures to be released at later date).
The Jaguar XE will be offered with a lighter version of the ZF 8-speed automatic used in the rest of the Jaguar range: this benchmark eight-speed transmission is controlled using the Jaguar rotary shifter and steering wheel shift paddles.
The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from the new JLR modular vehicle architecture. The long wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined, coupe-like profile. The R-Sport trim level models' large front air intakes, satin chrome side vents, gloss black side window surrounds, side sills, discreet rear spoiler and optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels reinforce its' performance potential.
The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes, combined with traditional Jaguar craftsmanship make this an interior without compare.
The Jaguar XE is equipped with electric power steering. This system is tuned to provide responsiveness and excellent feel, and offers improved efficiency over hydraulic systems.
Compelling design
The Jaguar XE was developed in parallel with the new modular architecture. The architecture unlocks design possibilities that did not exist before because the core dimensions were determined by design and engineering working together from the very beginning, under a philosophy of 'anything we can imagine, we can create.
This makes it possible to realize perfect proportions: short front and rear overhangs and dynamic, cab-rearward stance. The architecture also enables the XE to feature both a low, sporty driving position and a sleek, coupe-like profile.
The strongly-sculpted hood creates a taut, muscular appearance. The rising waistline adds to the sense of movement, while the form of the rear quarters takes inspiration from the F-TYPE Coupe. The signature J-Blade daytime running lights are a recognizable Jaguar design element. In the rear lights, a horizontal line intersecting a circle is a powerful styling feature inherited from the iconic E-Type.
Jaguar has a rich history of producing stunning, aerodynamically-efficient cars. The new Jaguar XE continues the tradition of uncompromised form and function. This achievement is the result of 1,200 computational fluid dynamics simulations and million hours of processor time.
"Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE positioning as a serious driver's car. The cab-rearward proportions and tight packaging achieve that and give the XE the appearance of movement even when it's standing still. It bears a strong family resemblance to the F-TYPE and will stand apart in the crowd."
- Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design
The spacious cabin cocoons front seat passengers with a deep center console which creates a cockpit-like feel. The F-TYPE-style instrument panel dials and the cluster needle sweep on start-up further emphasize the sports sedan attributes of the Jaguar XE.
Front and rear seat occupants enjoy generous amounts of head and legroom - the XE proves that sleek, streamlined styling and interior space need not be mutually exclusive; fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching give the cabin a bespoke quality. The choice of gloss black, textured aluminum, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the luxurious, hand-crafted feel. Available ambient lighting in a range of up to 10 colors adds to the sense of occasion.
Aluminum-intensive unibody
Jaguar is highly experienced in the use of aluminum construction. The expertise in working with this lightweight material has culminated in the revolutionary body structure of the new Jaguar XE. It is the first model designed around this all-new modular architecture.
Much of the aluminum is high-strength, 6000-series alloy. The body sides are a perfect example: these complex pressings are formed in one piece, and what would once have been 1.5mm gauge sheet has been reduced to just 1.1mm.
Sustainability is a big part of the Jaguar aluminum story. Recycling this highly valuable material delivers impressive savings in overall CO2 emissions and the new XE uses RC 5754 - an aluminum alloy made predominantly from recycled material. Future models will also use RC 5754 and this breakthrough will help Jaguar towards its goal of using 75 percent recycled material by 2020. The use of recycled aluminum reduces demand for primary aluminum, saving energy.
Riveting and bonding the lightweight body structure of the Jaguar XE consumes less energy than traditional spot welding. The XE also contains 101lbs. of recycled plastics and renewable materials, further reducing its environmental impact.
"The XE is as strong and light as it could possibly be thanks to exhaustive analysis and by bringing the latest engineering techniques to bear on its design. It has been challenging to accomplish but the XE structure is absolutely at the cutting edge of what is achievable today." -Dr. Mark White, Chief Technical Specialist, Jaguar; Body Complete
Chassis
The new Jaguar XE features a sophisticated double wishbone front suspension. The aluminum front spindles are light and stiff - forged from cast blanks using a patented production process while the rear suspension features an integral link system. This system delivers lateral and longitudinal stiffness for precise handling and a supple ride. Aluminum has been used extensively in the suspension, minimizing weight.
Offering incredible tuning possibilities and greater efficiency than traditional hydraulic systems, electric power steering (EPAS) will be standard on the XE.
Powertrain
For customers demanding ultimate performance and an exhilarating engine note from idle right up to the redline there's the Jaguar XE 35t model, which shares its supercharged 340hp 3.0-liter V6 with the acclaimed F-TYPE.
Direct injection and fully variable valve timing optimize power and torque throughout the rev range. The 90 degree cylinder bank angle provides space for the twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger, a balancer shaft ensures the engine runs smoothly.
Developing 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the V6 provides the Jaguar XE 35t with exceptional performance: 0-60 mph takes just 4.9 seconds, and top speed is electronically-limited to 155 mph1.
Jaguar is launching the new XE with an equally new engine family - Ingenium. The first Ingenium engine in the Jaguar XE in North America is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with 180hp.
The Ingenium engine family's advanced modular design will provide petrol and diesel derivatives and was started from a clean-sheet to deliver performance, efficiency and refinement without compromise. This advanced in-house powertrain will be manufactured at the new JLR Engine Manufacturing Center near Wolverhampton in the UK. Proven over 2 million miles of real-world testing, Ingenium is the future of the low-CO2 powertrain strategy at Jaguar Land Rover and is engineered to meet the most stringent exhaust emissions legislation worldwide.
"The new generation of Ingenium diesel engines are wholly designed and manufactured in-house at our new engine plant in Wolverhampton. No opportunity has been missed in ensuring their design is right on the cutting edge of technical advancement to achieve the highest levels of efficiency, performance and refinement."
Ron Lee, Group Chief Powertrain Engineer, Jaguar Cars
All Ingenium engines, developed from scratch by Jaguar engineers, are based around a deep-skirt aluminum cylinder block featuring thin-wall, press-fit cast iron liners: these offer the best balance of weight, surface finish, and robustness.
The engine's split-cooling system, mapped thermostat, and fully variable mechanical water pump enable standing water in the block while coolant circulates through the crossflow channels in the cylinder head. So the engine warms up more quickly, reducing friction and therefore fuel consumption.
Parasitic losses have been cut in other ways too: the electronically-controlled oil pump matches its flow rate according to engine speed, load and temperature, and switchable piston cooling jets operate only when needed.
Variable valve timing has been a feature on all Jaguar petrol engines for many years, and now the technology is making its way into the diesel too: the Ingenium units benefit from a cam phaser on the exhaust side. Variable exhaust valve timing enables more rapid catalyst heating, thereby minimizing harmful emissions during the critical warm-up phase.
Fuel is fed to the combustion chambers by a 1,800bar solenoid common rail system. Key attributes are low noise, high efficiency and excellent mixture formation.
Ingenium diesels are characterized by the rapid build-up of torque from very low engine speeds, enabled by highly efficient variable geometry turbochargers. Maximum torque is maintained over a wide rev range, ensuring instantaneous response and strong acceleration whenever the driver demands it.
Weighing only 138kg (304lb), this all-aluminum engine feature twin counter-rotating balancer shafts to cancel-out second order forces, offering the smoothness and power of a naturally aspirated six-cylinder but in a smaller, more efficient package.
An innovative feature is the sheet metal turbine housing integrated into the air-gap insulated exhaust manifold. As well as saving weight, the assembly's reduced thermal mass means that the catalyst reaches light-off temperature more quickly, reducing emissions. The low-inertia turbine wheel delivers outstanding transient response.
Active Safety and Driver Assistance features
The new light and stiff body structure of the Jaguar XE has been engineered to meet demanding legislative and consumer crash test requirements. Complementing the outstanding levels of protection it offers is a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed to help and support the driver.
The Jaguar XE will be equipped with All Surface Progress Control (ASPC)2. This all-new system, developed with the input of decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, works like a low-speed cruise control. Functioning between 2 mph and 19 mph, ASPC is designed to precisely control the brake system and powertrain to deliver optimum traction in slippery conditions.
Projecting high-contrast color images onto the windshield, the optional laser heads-up display (HUD) technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions.
Jaguar is one of the first manufacturers in the segment to use stereo camera technology. When fitted, this sensor is the 'eyes' of the optional autonomous emergency braking system for the Jaguar XE, providing measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead, and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision. The stereo camera also performs traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning functions.
The XE also offers systems such as adaptive cruise control, closing vehicle sensing, blind spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular parking, and reverse traffic detection2.
All-new infotainment system
The all-new Jaguar InControl® infotainment system offered on the XE provides the latest technologies to connect the car, driver and the outside world. At its heart is an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen featuring a clear, intuitive interface and fast response times3.
InControl Touch® supports Bluetooth®, audio streaming and USB connectivity. The Jaguar XE can also be fitted with an SD card-based navigation system which allows easy upgrades of map data, and voice control using plain speech gives access to any level of the system, without navigating through menus, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road3. Both systems feature a user-friendly map which can be utilized by touch and directed by pinch-to-zoom.
Smartphones are changing the way people interact with the world around them and the new Jaguar XE ensures that drivers can stay connected. Jaguar InControl Apps® allows users to seamlessly access and control smartphone apps through the vehicle's touchscreen3.
Jaguar InControl Remote® functionality allows users of iOS® and Android™ smartphones to connect to the car remotely to control car functions. These include seven-day timed pre-setting of the vehicle's climate control system, locking or unlocking the doors, or remote heating or cooling the cabin through engine start.
The new Jaguar XE will be available with two Meridian™ audio systems. These superb systems are the latest product of the long-standing partnership between Jaguar and British audio experts Meridian. Unique algorithms guarantee the best possible sound reproduction and tailor the experience to the interior's acoustics. Available systems range from 380 watt, 11-speaker systems to 825 watt, 14-speaker systems equipped with stereo and surround sound processors.
Further details, pricing and specifications of the Jaguar XE North American model line will be announced closer to the vehicles launch in 2016.

  • What to expect when the Jaguar XE arrives on our shores next spring

William Maley

NHTSA and Automakers Meet To Try Get More Recalled Vehicles Fixed

In light of the GM Ignition Switch and Takata airbag recalls, you would think owners would be aware whether or not their vehicle has a notice and take it in to be repaired. Unfortunately, you would be wrong. Bloomberg reports that only two-thirds of vehicles get repaired. Even more worrying is a third of vehicles under a recall notice aren't repaired within 18 months.
“Recalls are only successful, and they only save lives, if they end up getting the cars fixed,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said.
So how do you get owners to repair vehicles? Well that's what NHTSA and automakers will be talking about today at meeting in Washington D.C. with the focus on improving the getting the word to get vehicles fixed.
General Motors has a fair bit of experience on notifying owners in the wake of ignition switch recall. The company tried redesigned mailings, did outreach on a number of online platforms such as YouTube and Twitter; and even offered loaner cars. Yet, there are still a fair number of vehicles needing to be fixed.
“Awareness doesn’t mean action,” said Julie Heisel, GM’s director of customer relationship management.
Source: Bloomberg

  • How Do You Get More Consumers to Fix Their Vehicles?

William Maley

2016 Cadillac CTS-V To Start At $84,990, Taking Orders Now

Cadillac announced today that it is opening the order books for the 2016 CTS-V which will be hitting dealers later this summer. To get your hands on one, be ready to fork over $84,990 (includes a $995 destination charge). While the price may send some of you into shock, the CTS-V still undercuts many of its German rivals.
Audi RS7: Starts at $108,900*, $23,910 Difference
BMW M5: Starts at $93,600*, $8,610 Difference
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S 4Matic: Starts at $101,700*, $16,710 Difference

(*Note: Prices don't include a destination fee.)
“V-Series represents the pinnacle of Cadillac, a brand that now makes drivers’ cars at the highest level. The new CTS-V is essentially two cars in one: a luxury sedan with sophisticated road manners and a track-capable sports car with awe-inspiring performance. This type of car is exclusive, the domain of the few who can access this level of incredible capability. V-Series matches or overtakes the finest cars in this elite class, while being more accessible,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president.
Source: Cadillac
Press Release is on Page 2

  • How much for the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V?

William Maley

Ford Caps Shelby Mustang Production to 137 for 2015 Model Year

While the full production of the Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R kicks off next year, Ford announced that it will be doing a limited run of 2015 GT350 and GT350R models for the 2015 model year.
Ford will build 100 GT350s with 50 of them being equipped with the Technology package - MagnaRide magnetic dampers, SYNC 3 with navigation, and dual-zone climate control -, while the other 50 will come with the Track package - MagnaRide magnetic dampers, additional cooling for the engine, transmission, and differential; and a front strut-tower brace.
Meanwhile, Ford will only build 37 GT350Rs for 2015. Why 37? This is pay homage to Carroll Shelby who planned on building 35 GT350s in 1964. Along with 2 prototypes, total production was 37 vehicles.
Source: Ford
Press Release is on Page 2
FORD ANNOUNCES LIMITED RUN FOR 2015 SHELBY GT350; ONLY 37 GT350R MODELS TO BE BUILT
Ford to produce limited run of 2015 Shelby® GT350 to commemorate the nameplate's 50th anniversary
2015 Shelby GT350 comes with a unique 2015 VIN – the envy of Shelby enthusiasts everywhere
Limited run of 37 Shelby GT350R models to be built in homage to original GT350 competition model of 1965

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Shelby GT350, Ford will build a limited run of Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs for 2015.
The original Shelby GT350, introduced in 1965, established Mustang's performance credentials on racetracks around the world. The all-new Shelby GT350, featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever, re-establishes Mustang as a world-class sports car.
Only 100 Shelby GT350 models will feature a 2015 model year designation before production switches over to 2016. Of these, 50 will be equipped with the Technology Package and 50 equipped with the Track Package.
"Fans of the Shelby brand are among the most passionate in the automotive industry," said Henry Ford III, Ford Performance marketing manager. "To honor the passion of our fans for Shelby GT350's 50th anniversary, a limited run of GT350 models will be built in 2015; these cars will be highly coveted by both Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts alike."
2015 Shelby GT350R: Celebrating 50 years of a pony car legend
In 1965, Carroll Shelby developed and sold an FIA-homologated Mustang called the Shelby GT350 competition model. This race-ready Mustang took to tracks around the world, competing in the most prestigious races and against the stiffest competition there was. In addition to winning the Sports Car Club of America's B Production national championship in 1965, 1966 and 1967, the car entered races throughout South America and Europe, including the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There is heated debate among Shelby enthusiasts over how many 1965 GT350 competition models were built during the extremely limited production run. While Carroll Shelby insisted two prototype cars and 35 production models were built, most records show only 34 production models received serial numbers from the Shelby production facility.
For 2015, Ford will make sure there is no confusion about the number of GT350R models constructed; 37 cars will be built in Carroll Shelby's memory.

  • Ford Readies a Small Number of Shelby Mustangs for 2015

William Maley

Rumorpile: Mitsubishi Evolution to Reappear As High-Performance Hybrid Crossover

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will be bowing out at the end of 2015, but the Evolution name could be coming back on a high-performance hybrid crossover if the base model proves to be popular.
Autocar spoke with boss of Mitsubishi, Tetsuro Aikawa who said “In the future, we would like to launch such a vehicle with Evo characteristics. In Japanese, when you pronounce ‘Oh’ [in Evo], it means ‘king’. So we would like to launch this type of car, featuring EV and PHEV technology, which is the ultimate of its kind. ‘EV’ for electric vehicle, ‘O’ for king - Evo.”
The next Evolution is expected to be based on the next-generation ASX crossover (Outlander Sport sold in the U.S.) which is expected to look something like the XR-PHEV II concept shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The new model is expected to have all-wheel drive and take lessons from Mitsubishi's Pikes Peak racer, the MiEV Evolution. However, don't expect the next Evolution come anytime soon.
“To develop these kind of vehicles, we have to sell a lot of the base models, so we can cover the research and development costs.” said Aikawa.
Source: Autocar

  • The Next Evolution Will Be A Crossover. When It Will Appear Is Up In the Air.

William Maley

GAC Goes With The Cheap Car Route for U.S.

One day, a Chinese automaker will finally deliver on their promise of selling vehicles in the U.S. But what will bring customers into the showrooms? Yesterday, we reported on Geely positioning itself maker of affordable, high-tech cars with a new plug-in crossover - due out in 2017 in China, followed by Europe and U.S. Automotive News reports that another Chinese automaker who has dreams of coming to the U.S. is going low prices.
Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company (GAC) is planning to be cheaper than its rivals in the U.S. How cheap? Wu Song, general manager of GAC says the 'magic number' is 30 percent cheaper.
"We are confident. It could be popular in the market. Considering the low price, it should be competitive," said Song.
If Song gets his way, GAC could put this price cut theory to the test sometime in 2017 when the company plans on launching the GS4 crossover - a compact crossover going up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. That is the plan at the moment. Currently, GAC is seeking dealers, importers, and distributors in the U.S. Song tells Automotive News that he is "90 percent confident" GAC will bring the GS4 to the U.S.
But analysts don't fully buy into the price cut. James Chao, managing director for Asia Pacific at IHS Automotive says its difficult for any unknown brand to make it in the U.S. Chao also said 30 percent discount that Song wants to do for U.S. is less than 40 percent markdowns Chinese automakers do to compete with global brands.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • One Chinese Automaker goes with the price leader route for the U.S.

William Maley

Review: 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8

Being a person who gets the chance to review new vehicles, I have noticed that many of the vehicles that I evaluate are loaded up models. It does put someone like myself in a odd position trying to do a review since I have to try and distill it down to the main items that will be found on the lower tiers as many buyers don’t go for the top models. So whenever I get a mid-level or base trim of a review vehicle, it’s like a breath of fresh air and allows me to focus on the important parts. Case in point is the 2015 Hyundai Genesis which arrived during the Christmas holiday. I wasn’t sure what I was getting, possibly a fully loaded 3.8 V6 model or even the 5.0 V8. But it was the base model 3.8 that was dropped off and I knew it would give me a chance to examine it without any of the gimmicks.
When the Genesis was introduced last year, I was unsure about the looks. It boasted a number of design cues from the HCD-14 shown at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show which in my eyes made it look somewhat comical. Then when I did a first drive last spring, I grew to like the looks aside from the grille. After spending a week, I became impressed with the overall design. Compared to the last Genesis which looked to be a generic sedan, the new model has style and presence all over. The Genesis boasts Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language which includes such details as the large hexagonal grille, LED lighting on the front lights, pronounced character line on the belt line, and the rear pillars flowing into the decklid.




Moving inside, the Genesis shows how far Hyundai has come with interior design. The last one looked like someone just threw bits and pieces together in a hurry. The 2015 model looks to crib some ideas from the Equus flagship which isn’t a bad thing. A new dashboard design provides a better layout of controls, and the feeling of being closer with the car. An eight-inch touchscreen comes standard and boasts Hyundai’s BlueLink telematics system which provides such features as emergency services, along with weather and traffic. Using the touchscreen was a painless affair with the system recognizing whenever I touched the screen, along with a set of buttons to direct you to different parts of the system.As for comfort, the Genesis comes wrapped with supportive leather seats. Front seat passengers get heat, along with 12-way power seats to find a position that works for them. Meanwhile in the back, there is more the enough head and legroom for even the tallest of passengers. Now being it was the holidays when I was driving the Genesis, the trunk was an important part since it would be carrying a lot of stuff. The Genesis passed this with flying colors thanks to a trunk measuring 15.3 cubic feet. It was able to fit luggage for two people and some gifts, and still have enough space for other items.
Powertrain and Ride/Handling Thoughts Are On Page 2
Power for the Genesis 3.8 comes from a 3.8L GDI V6 with 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic that sends power to the rear-wheels or optional all-wheel drive. Despite what the numbers tell you, the V6 is quite a strong engine. Power is seemingly available through the rpm band and is ready to come on when needed. Helping matters is a smart eight-speed automatic which seemingly knew what gear was needed and was able to apply it without any notice from the driver or passenger. Fuel economy is rated at 18 City/29 Highway/22 Combined. During my week, I saw an average of 24.6 MPG. More surprising was on one stretch of our holiday trip, I saw fuel economy as high as 29.3 MPG.




Being called in for holiday road trip, ride quality and sound deadening are two key items that could make or break the Genesis. Luckily it was more than up to the job. Driving on the interstate showed how much work Hyundai has put into the Genesis as bumps and potholes were dealt with and not a hint made them into the interior. Road and wind noise are nonexistent, which helps bolster its appeal. As for handling, Hyundai has made some great strides in this department. The Genesis showed no body roll and provided decent weight in the steering. But don’t think you have found an excellent alternative to the likes of the Cadillac CTS VSport as I think it drives much better than the Genesis.Looking at the base model of any car can give you an idea of whether or not it is the real deal. In the case of the Genesis, this is truly the real deal. The automaker has made great strides in making the Genesis from a nobody into a somebody. With the looks, feel, and drive of a vehicle that costs thousands more, the Hyundai Genesis is not only a bargain, but a damn fine automobile.
Disclaimer: Hyundai Provided the Genesis 3.8, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
Year: 2015
Make: Hyundai
Model: Genesis
Trim: 3.8
Engine: 3.8 DOHC 24-valve V6 with CVVT
Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 311 @ 6,000
Torque @ RPM: 293 @ 5,000
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 18/29/22
Curb Weight: 4,138 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Asan, South Korea
Base Price: $38,000
As Tested Price: $38,950 (Includes $950.00 Destination Charge)
Options:
N/A

  • Holiday Road-Tripping with Mr. Genesis

William Maley

Trivia Tuesday, April 28 2015

1.) Most windshields are basically “parallelograms”, IE; though there is often a minor arc to a given side, they still present themselves as ‘rectangular’ to the eye.
This is the 1954 Kaiser, which shows the feature Kaiser used since 1950; nicknamed the ‘Sweetheart’ windshield. Note the obvious double-arc’d top edge of the glass. For the sake of this question, we’re calling it a ‘non-parallelogram’.
Is there a more recent vehicle with a similar “non-parallelogram’ windshield? If so; name it.
2.) How is it factually possible that Chevrolet did NOT have a small block V8 in 1955 in the U.S.?
3.) Which GM Divisions built both small block and big block V8s in the 1960s?
4.) First post-war U.S. make/model to feature a speedometer marked higher than 120 MPH.
5.) 'Body by Fisher' and 'Body by Fleetwood' were two common badges found on certain GM cars. There was a third 'Body by —' tag found for many years on GM vehicles- what did it read?

  • Why did Chevy not have a "Small Block" in 1955? Can you get this and the rest of our Trivia Tuesday questions for April 28th?

balthazar

Rumorpile: Geely Plans A Push Into Europe and U.S.

Volvo's owner, Geely is planning to enter Europe and U.S. in the coming years.
Reuters reports that Geely will building a new crossover based on the Compact Modular Architecture - a platform that Geely and Volvo have been working together. Along with new engine technology, this car will launch in China in 2017. The crossover will then head into several Europe markets a year later, followed by the U.S. in due time.
"With the CMA car, Li wants to tell the world we're ready for the big time. We're ready to break into Europe and the U.S.," a source told Reuters.
The new crossover was designed with the U.S. market in mind. But before Geely plans on sending it to the U.S., it will sell the crossover in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Britain, and Eastern Europe.
"Those markets, Britain in particular, are open to foreign cars, while northern Europe, France and Germany are not," a source said.
While the Chinese market will get a gasoline variant, Europe and the U.S. will get a alternative-fuel model, possibly a plug-in hybrid. The goal with this is to make Geely seen as a maker of affordable, high-tech cars.
"It's an effort to burnish our brand before we bring out more mainstream gasoline-fueled cars to Europe and eventually to the U.S.,"
Source: Reuters

  • A new crossover will kick off the push

William Maley

Rumorpile: Mercedes-AMG Considers A Panamera Competitor

Mercedes-Benz is very jealous of Porsche's Panamera. So much that their performance arm - Mercedes-AMG - wants a competitor of their own.
German publication AutoBild reports that Mercedes-AMG is beginning to work on sedan - possibly named GT4. The sedan will be based on the next-generation CLS-Class and will be designed with the shape of the AMG GT coupe. Power will come from a twin-turbo V8 with 500 horsepower for the standard model and 600 horsepower the S model.
AutoBild says we could possibly this sedan in 2019, a year after the next-generation CLS goes on sale.
Source: AutoBild

  • The rumorpile digs into A Panamera competitor from Mercedes-AMG

William Maley

Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech Resigns

Breaking news coming out of Germany today as Volkswagen Chairman and grandson of the company's founder, Ferdinand Piëch announced his resignation after losing a public battle to try an oust Volkswagen's chief executive, Martin Winterkorn.
"The members of the Executive Committee have unanimously determined that in view of the background of the last weeks the mutual trust necessary for successful cooperation no longer exists," said Volkswagen's Supervisory Board in a statement today.
"For this reason Professor Dr. Ferdinand K. Piëch has resigned with immediate effect from his position as Chairman of the Supervisory Board and from all his mandates as a Supervisory Board member within the Volkswagen Group."
The battle began earlier this month when Piëch told German publication Der Spiegel: “I am at a distance to Winterkorn.” In other words, your time is up.
But Volkswagen's supervisory board weren't taking the bait.
"The executive committee of the supervisory board of Volkswagen AG states that prof. Dr. Winterkorn is the best possible chairman of the board of management for Volkswagen,” the board said in a statement a few days after Piëch's comment.
Piëch's comment came as a surprise to many, but some believe it has merit. Volkswagen has been having a number of problems ranging from a lack of vision for the future, to struggling in the American marketplace.
Piëch pulled this same stunt back in 2006 when he attacked then-CEO Bernd Pischetsrieder. Although Pischetsrieder was awarded an extension on his contract and got a sudo-apology from Piëch, he was ousted six months after the attack.
Piëch's resignation ends an era at Volkswagen where helped bring the company as a major player in the industry.
For the time being, Berthold Huber will assume interim leadership of the board till a new chairman is found.
Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required), Car and Driver, Volkswagen
Press Release is on Page 2
Wolfsburg, 2015-04-25
Statement of the Executive Committee of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG
The Executive Committee of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG discussed again today in detail the situation of the Volkswagen Group.
1. The members of the Executive Committee have unanimously determined that in view of the background of the last weeks the mutual trust necessary for successful cooperation no longer exists.
2. For this reason Professor Dr. Ferdinand K. Piëch has resigned with immediate effect from his position as Chairman of the Supervisory Board and from all his mandates as a Supervisory Board member within the Volkswagen Group. In addition, Ms. Ursula Piëch has resigned with immediate effect from all her Supervisory Board mandates within the Volkswagen Group.
3. The position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board will be temporarily assumed by the Deputy Chairman Berthold Huber. Mr. Berthold Huber will chair both the Supervisory Board meeting on May 4 as well as the Annual General Meeting on May 5, 2015.
4. Under the chair of Mr. Berthold Huber the representatives of shareholders and employees will in close cooperation determine the candidate for the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board. The election of the future Chairman of the Volkswagen Supervisory Board will follow a proposal made by members of the Supervisory Board representing shareholders.

  • The Drama at Volkswagen Reaches A Climax - Ferdinand Piech Steps Down

William Maley

Ford Cuts A Shift At Wayne Assembly Due To Slow Compact Sales

Ford announced this week that it will be cutting a shift at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI - where the Focus and C-Max are built - due to slumping sales. Ford says the cut will affect a total of 700 workers - 673 hourly workers and 27 salaried employees.
"Ford will be working to redeploy affected hourly employees and they will be considered first for southeast Michigan opportunities as they become available," Ford said in statement to The Detroit News.
Salaried employees will be moved to other Ford facilities.
Sales of the Ford Focus dropped 14.5 percent last month, despite a refreshed model and a price cut on the electric model. The C-Max was hit worse with a sales drop of 22.9 percent.
Automotive News reports there had been rumors flying around for weeks about Ford cutting the third shift. When asked last week about this, Ford said they had now changes in store for the plant.
Coincidentally, this announcement comes a few days after Ford announced a $2.5 billion investment in new transmission and engine plants in Mexico.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Detroit News

  • Ford Announces A Shift Cut At One Of Their Plants

William Maley

Chevrolet Debuts 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition

The Corvette has a long history of excelling in endurance racing, and the C7.R looks to continue that. To celebrate the legacy, Chevrolet has announced a special edition Corvette Z06 which brings some of C7.R race car to the road.
The 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition comes in yellow or black and boasts a fair amount of unpainted carbon fiber (including the material on the hood), along with grilles painted in Spectra Gray Metallic. A set of black wheels with Corvette Racing caps come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires. Inside are a set of Competition Sport Seats that are upholstered in Jet Black leather. Suede lines the steering wheel, gearshift, instrument panel, and doors.
Being a Z06, the C7.R Edition packs the supercharged V8 producing 650 horsepower found in the standard Z06. You also get the Z07 performance package which boasts carbon-ceramic brakes and adjustable aero elements.
Chevrolet plans on building 500 C7.R Edition Corvettes which will go on sale later this year. No word on price.
Source: Chevrolet
Press Release is on Page 2
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Chevrolet today introduced the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition – a road-going, track-capable homage to the Corvette Racing C7.R racecars. It’s offered in Corvette Racing’s signature yellow livery – or black – with coordinated exterior and interior accents.
Only 500 examples of the C7.R Edition will be built and all will include the Z07 Performance Package with carbon ceramic brakes, as well as a specially serialized vehicle identification number. They go on sale later this year.
“Corvette Racing’s legacy and technology were significant influences on the development of the Corvette Z06 and the new C7.R Edition honors the direct link between the racecar and the production model,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product and marketing manager. “It also advances Chevrolet’s plan to offer special-edition models that offer a unique, personal ownership experiences, which become important parts of Corvette’s legacy.”
Here is a complete list of content and unique features for the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition:
Offered on coupe and convertible models with 3LZ trim
Available in Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat (new for 2016) or Black exterior colors
C7.R Edition graphics package
Z07 Performance Package with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and Michelin PS Cup 2 tires
Yellow brake calipers
Black wheels with yellow accent strip and Corvette Racing-logo center caps
Visible carbon fiber ground effects package
New visible carbon fiber hood section
Grilles and vents finished in Spectra Gray Metallic
Jet Black leather interior with sueded microfiber accents on the instrument panel and doors
Sueded microfiber-trimmed Competition Sport Seat, steering wheel and shifter
Yellow contrast stitching throughout the interior
Carbon fiber interior trim package (high-gloss)
Corvette Racing sill plates
Numbered C7.R Edition interior plaque showing the build number, starting with VIN 700001
Special indoor car cover with C7.R graphics.

The Z07 Performance Package includes Brembo carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors that improve braking performance and contribute to greater handling through reduced un-sprung weight. The Z07 package also includes adjustable front and rear aero components for unprecedented aerodynamic downforce and Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires for enhanced grip.
“The Z07 Performance Package enhances overall performance to make the Corvette Z06 one of the most track-capable cars you can buy off the dealership floor and still drive it to work every day,” said Charles.
“Combined with the 650-horsepower supercharged LT4 engine, true aerodynamic downforce and performance technologies such as Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management and an electronic limited slip differential, the Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition offers capability matched only by an elite fraternity of the world’s supercars and special-edition exclusivity that is sure to make it an instant collector’s item.”

  • Chevrolet Honors Corvette's Endurance History with the C7.R Edition

William Maley

J.D. Power Study Show Consumers Interested In Safety Tech, Gen Y to Spend More On Tech

The past few years in the automotive industry has seen an explosion in technologies - whether its dealing improving the overall safety of a vehicle or figuring out a way to hook up your smartphone. Some of the tech makes the driving experience better, while others don't.
So what do consumers think about the new technologies coming into vehicles? J.D. Power decided to find out. In their 2015 US Tech Choice Study, the company asked 5,300 consumers who either bought or leased a new vehicle within the past five years about the technologies that are being put in vehicles. Their results are interesting to say in the least.
For example, safety tech is a big item for consumers. 40 percent of those surveyed expressed interest in blind-spot monitoring systems, 33 percent were interested in night vision systems, and 30 percent said they were intrigued by crash mitigation systems, along with backup cameras.
Was there technologies that consumers couldn't really care about. Very much so. Only nine percent on consumers wanted gesture controls and further eight percent said they wanted haptic feedback in the touchscreen.
J.D. Power also asked consumers about Apple's Carplay and Android Auto, systems that allow you to use phone via the infotainment system. Unsurprisingly, preference for either system came down to what phone you had. Notably, neither system garnered high marks in the survey.
"Owners of luxury vehicles tend to own iOS devices,[1] so for many luxury brands, offering Apple CarPlay may be the best option, realizing they may be leaving out a portion of the market. For non-luxury vehicle brands, the ownership of Apple and Android devices is much closer to an equal split. The solution for those brands may be to offer both operating systems and allow customers to select the option best suited for them," said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction & HMI research at J.D. Power.
Finally, J.D. Power's survey showed that Gen Y is willing to spend for tech. According to the survey results, Gen Y willing to spend an average of $3,703, followed by Gen X with an average of $3,003, and Baby Boomers spending an average of $2,416.
Source: J.D. Power
Press Release is on Page 2
J.D. POWER 2015 U.S. TECH CHOICE STUDY
Consumer Preference for Collision Protection Technologies Paves the Way for Autonomous Driving
Apple CarPlay vs. Google Android Auto? It Depends on Your Phone
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 22 April 2015 - Three of the top five technologies consumers most prefer in their next vehicle are related to collision protection, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Tech Choice StudySM released today.
Technologies that reduce the overall burden of driving and enhance the safety of the vehicle and its occupants receive the most consumer attention. Among the technologies consumers express most interest in having in their next vehicle are blind spot detection and prevention systems, night vision, and enhanced collision mitigation systems. These findings demonstrate growing customer acceptance towards the concept of the vehicle taking over critical functions such as braking and steering, which are the foundational building blocks leading to the possibility of fully-autonomous driving.
The only non-collision protection technologies to crack the top five are camera rearview mirror, which falls into the driving assistance category, and self-healing paint, a comfort and convenience category.
The inaugural study uses advanced statistical methodologies to measure preference for and perceived value of future and emerging technologies. A total of 59 advanced vehicle features are examined across six major categories: entertainment and connectivity; comfort and convenience; collision protection; driving assistance; navigation; and energy efficiency.
"There is a tremendous interest in collision protection technologies across all generations, which creates opportunities across the market," said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction & HMI research at J.D. Power. "In contrast, there is very little interest in energy efficiency technologies such as active shutter grille vents and solar glass roofs. Owners aren't as enthusiastic about having these technologies in their next vehicle because of other efforts automakers are taking to improve fuel economy, as well as relatively low fuel prices at the present time."
Apple CarPlay vs. Google Android Auto
Smartphones play an increasingly vital role in everyday life, and vehicle technology is beginning to mirror what is offered on those devices, yet Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto technologies consistently have among the lowest preference scores across all generations.
Consumer preferences for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are uniquely dependent on which smartphone they own. Those who currently own a smartphone that is compatible with one of these technologies would choose the technology compatible with their phone at only a moderate rate, while those with the opposite brand of smartphone will rarely, if ever, choose that technology. For example, Android owners indicate that Apple CarPlay is "unacceptable" nearly twice as often as they indicate that solar glass roof is unacceptable. Similarly, Apple phone owners indicate that Android Auto is "unacceptable" nearly twice as often as solar glass roof.
Kolodge noted that "lukewarm interest in these technologies that connect your phone to your vehicle coupled with consumer loyalty to their phone poses a unique challenge for automakers, which could be remedied by knowing their customers' phone preferences."
"Owners of luxury vehicles tend to own iOS devices,[1] so for many luxury brands, offering Apple CarPlay may be the best option, realizing they may be leaving out a portion of the market," said Kolodge. "For non-luxury vehicle brands, the ownership of Apple and Android devices is much closer to an equal split. The solution for those brands may be to offer both operating systems and allow customers to select the option best suited for them."
Gen Y Willing to Spend Most for Technology
Across all generations[2], price is the most important consideration for technology, accounting for 25.2 percent of importance. Gen Y is the least sensitive to technology price and shows a greater willingness to spend on new technologies than the other generations. Gen Y consumers, who have accounted for 27.7 percent of new-vehicle sales thus far in 2015[3]-second only to Boomers at 37.1 percent-are willing to spend an average of $3,703 on technology for their next vehicle. Gen X is willing to spend $3,007, while Boomers, who show the greatest price sensitivity, and Pre-Boomers are willing to spend only $2,416 and $2,067, respectively.
Importance of Technology
A certainty in the automotive domain is the impact the consumer electronics world has had upon it. From shifting consumer expectations of user interaction, to the rapid pace of technology introduction and importance of keeping software up to date, to the miniaturization and creation of cost-effective solutions for sensors and cameras, "the auto industry is standing on its head to keep technology up to consumers' new standards," said Kolodge. "Those who haven't done so have seen negative feedback from consumers."
KEY FINDINGS
Full self-driving automation technology, part of the collision protection category, is designed to perform all safety-critical driving functions and monitor roadway conditions. The younger generations (Gen Y and Gen X) have substantially higher preference for the technology than the older generations (Boomer and Pre-Boomer). The Pre-Boomer generation, in contrast, has a greater preference for lower levels of automation, such as traffic jam assist.
ŸBlind spot detection and prevention has high preference across the range of vehicle price segments. In contrast, reverse auto braking systems have low preference across the vehicle price segments and preference wanes as vehicle prices increase.
ŸAdvanced sensor technologies, such as hand gesture controlled seats, biometric driver sensors or haptic touch screens have low preference.
ŸTechnologies in the navigation category have low preference across all vehicle price segments.
The 2015 U.S. Tech Choice Study was fielded in January through March 2015 and is based on an online survey of more than 5,300 consumers who purchased/leased a new vehicle in the past five years.

  • J.D. Power's Recent Car Technology Shows What People Want and Don't Want In Their Cars

William Maley

Under Consideration: Lincoln May Return to Actual Names

One of the biggest issues with Lincoln deals with their nomenclature. The MK-insert letter naming system has brought confusion buyers and people who cover the industry. Saying you own a MKZ for example either meant no one understood what you said or had people wondering if that was the sedan or a crossover. But Automotive News says that common sense has possibly returned to Lincoln and that actual names is in the cards.
“I get it. I know MKX and C and Z and T. I’ve studied them very well. I know them well, but we also understand the issue. It’s, frankly, where the auto industry -- the premium industry -- has gone, if you look at all the nameplates. But another way Lincoln could distinguish itself is to leverage its heritage. So I’ll leave it at that,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford Motor Co.’s president of the Americas.
“Without divulging the future. We’re very excited about the Continental name and the attention it’s gotten.”
A lot of this talk sparked when Lincoln pulled the covers off the Continental Concept and became a big hit.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • A return of actual names to Lincoln?! Please.

William Maley

Ask Me Anything: 2015 Volkswagen CC Sport 2.0T

It has been close to eight months since I last drove a vehicle equipped with manual transmission - a Volkswagen Jetta TDI. So it seems fitting that another Volkswagen is equipped with a manual. In this case it happens to be the CC, Volkswagen's top of the line sedan in the U.S.
This CC is the base Sport model - which coincidentally is the only trim that you can get with a six-speed manual. But despite it being the base trim, the Sport comes with a impressive feature list. Standard equipment includes leatherette, heated front seats, 5-inch touchscreen with navigation and backup camera; and 17-inch wheels. Total cost? $33,550 with a $865.00 destination charge.
Power comes from Volkswagen's highly-regarded turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet. This engine feels more powerful than the power figures suggest as power is right there and will get you moving in a quite a hurry. The six-speed manual is easy to shift and throws are somewhere in the middle - not too short, not too long.
Complaints? The only one I have at the moment is with the 5-inch touchscreen being too small to glance at closely and having a somewhat dated interface.
I'll have more thoughts and a update in the coming days. If you have questions about the CC, post them below.

  • The People's Four-Door Coupe Comes In For Review

William Maley

Spying: Lincoln Continental Transitions From Concept to Production

A few weeks after Lincoln revealed the Continental Concept at the New York Auto Show, spy photographers have caught a Continental test mule running around Dearborn.
Lincoln has gone record saying that the production model of the Continental will look largely to the concept, and judging from the spy shots, it seems Lincoln is sticking with that. Comparing the spy shots to shots of the concept show both share similar proportions and a number of key design elements such as the large grille.
Power is rumored to be the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 found in the concept. As for what will underpin the Continental, speculation has it being a stretched version of the CD4 platform - what underpins the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. It's unknown at this time whether the Continental will offer front and all-wheel drive, or just all-wheel drive.
Source: Car & Driver

  • Lincoln begins work on a production version of the Continental

William Maley

Cadillac Plans More V-Series Models

2015 will mark the launch of two Cadillac V-Series models; the ATS-V and CTS-V. But there will more V-Series models in the cars according Cadillac's chief engineer.
“The ‘V’ will be on more models than today,” said Dave Leone, chief engineer for GM's luxury brand to The Detroit Bureau.
Which cars will get the V treatment is unknown at the moment, but Leone says they will not go crazy with it.
“Don’t expect to see an Escalade-V, or an SRX-V. We will focus on platforms which lend themselves to performance driving,” said Leone.
Speculation at the moment has CT6 being the next model to get the V treatment.
Source: The Detroit Bureau

  • More V-Series Models Are In The Cards

William Maley

Subaru Plans To Expand STI In the U.S.

Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries has a plan to increase to increase overall value by 2020. To help them out, Subaru has plans on expanding their performance arm, STI in the U.S.
"The United States is the highest priority for STI. We'd like to create a car that drivers can control like their own legs so they can push the car to the limit," said STI President Yoshio Hirakawa to Automotive News.
STI has three parts to its business: Complete vehicles, performance parts, and motorsports. At the moment, the U.S. is STI's biggest market for vehicles. 2014 saw 6,500 WRX STIs be sold in the U.S.
How does Subaru plan on expanding STI in the U.S.? We got a sneak peek at New York earlier this month when the automaker showed off STI Performance Concept which takes the BRZ coupe ands and number of parts from STI including a new body kit and suspension pieces. Subaru spokesman Michael McHale said a BRZ STI will be coming in a couple years.
Subaru will also wind down their SPT (Subaru Performance Tuning) line of performance parts and replace it with STI parts.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • STI is planning to expand in the U.S.

William Maley