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September 2012: Subaru of America

Subaru of America, Inc. Sets September Sales Record


Subaru continues ten month streak of month-over-month sales gains
September sales 32% increase over 2011
Year-to-date sales of 245,463 represent a 25 percent increase over 2011

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported sales of 27,683 vehicles for the month of September, a 32 percent increase over September 2011. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 245,463, which represents an impressive 25.5 percent increase over prior year.
September sales for newly-refreshed Outback and Legacy models have increased 39 percent and 31 percent, respectively, over September 2011. Also, September sales for Impreza were up 211 percent over September 2011; year-to-date sales for Impreza have increased 155 percent.
"Subaru sales continue to rise because we have the right product, the right positioning and a strong retail network," saidThomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "XV Crosstrek, the most fuel efficient crossover vehicle in America, has just arrived in showrooms and we know this vehicle will further fuel our sales growth this fall."
"With such strong September sales, Subaru is in an excellent position to exceed 300,000 units this year," said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc.

William Maley

September 2012: Toyota Motor Sales

Toyota Motor Sales Reports Increase In September Sales
TORRANCE, Calif., (Oct. 2, 2012) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported September 2012 sales results of 171,910 units, an increase of 41.5 percent compared to the same period last year on both a daily selling rate (DSR) and a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 25 selling days in both September 2012 and in September 2011.
The Toyota Division posted September total sales of 151,524 units, an increase of 42.3 percent on a DSR basis from September 2011. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were also up 42.3 percent from the year-ago month.
“The auto industry had another very encouraging month in September,” said Bill Fay, Toyota group vice president and general manager. “Our dealers got off to a great start over Labor Day weekend and that momentum carried through the rest of the month, as Camry continued to stretch its lead as the most popular car in America.”
The Lexus Division reported total sales of 20,386 units in September 2012, up 36.0 percent from September 2011 on both a DSR and raw volume basis compared to the same period last year.
Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded combined monthly sales of 85,642 units, up 47.1 percent from September 2011. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid with combined sales of 34,252 units, and Corolla reported September sales of 23,026 units. The Prius family of vehicles posted September sales of 18,932 units.
Toyota Division light trucks recorded September sales of 65,882 units, an increase of 36.6 percent compared to the same month last year. Light truck sales were again led by the RAV4 compact SUV and Tacoma mid-size pickup truck, with monthly sales of 13,796 and 12,176, respectively. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid reported combined monthly sales of 10,927 units, and the Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 9,338 units.
Scion posted September sales of 6,743 units, up 75.7 percent on a volume and DSR basis over September 2011. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 2,186, up 24.8 percent over the year-ago month, while the recently launched FR-S sports car reported sales of 1,133 units. The XD five-door urban subcompact posted September sales of 942 units, and the xB urban utility vehicle posted September sales of 1,799 units. The all-new iQ premium micro-subcompact posted monthly sales of 683 units.
Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 12,020 units, up 35.7 percent from September 2011. The ES 350 entry luxury sedan and the first-ever ES Hybrid led Lexus passenger car sales with sales of 6,553 units, while the IS luxury sports sedan reported sales of 2,248 units. The CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted sales of 1,195 units.
Lexus luxury utility vehicles recorded sales of 8,366 units, up 36.4 percent over September 2011. Lexus light truck sales were led by the RX and RX Hybrid luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined September sales of 7,046 units. The GX 460 mid-size luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 948 units, while the LX luxury utility vehicle recorded sales of 372 units.
TMS Hybrids
TMS posted September hybrid vehicle sales of 26,747, an increase of 120.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted September sales of 23,110 hybrids, while Lexus Division reported sales of 3,637 hybrids for the month.
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William Maley

September 2012: Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America Records Best Third Quarter And 25th Consecutive Monthly Sales Record In September


Annual Sales Up 18.4 Percent for the Fastest-Growing Car Company in the U.S. Over the Last Five Years [1]

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) is the fastest growing car company in the United States and the brand's unprecedented momentum reached new highs in September, achieving a record third quarter and the 25th consecutive month of record sales, reaching 48,105 units, a 35.1-percent increase over the same period in 2011. September once again saw KMA's U.S.-built* vehicles take the top sales honors. The Optima midsize sedan sold 14,304 units and the Sorento CUV enjoyed sales of 10,066 vehicles. The Soul accounted for 9,467 units sold, bolstered by the recent launch of the "Bringing Down the House" advertising campaign featuring the music-loving Kia hamsters and the dance anthem "In My Mind" (Axwell remix).
Lending credibility to the company's significant sales increases, Kia Motors Corporation enters the exclusive list of the "Top 100 Best Global Brands," according to the 2012 study released today by Interbrand, the world's largest brand consultancy agency. Kia's remarkable increase in brand value is now estimated at $4.1 billion, which firmly sets the automaker at 87th on the list. This is a 50 percent increase from last year's estimated brand value and far exceeds the average automotive brand value growth rate of only 11 percent for the year.
"Kia's product-led transformation – together with our successful marketing – have elevated Kia's reputation beyond our bedrock commitment to value," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "At Kia, we work to understand the needs and expectations of our customers and work to find new ways to enrich their lives, providing the Kia brand with powerful potential as more new products and technologies are set to arrive in the next 12 months."

William Maley

September 2012: Nissan North America

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER SALES


FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Oct. 2, 2012) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported September U.S. sales of 91,907 units versus 92,964 units a year earlier, down 1.1 percent. Nissan Division sales decreased 2.4 percent for the month at 82,462 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were up 11.4 percent over the prior year, to 9,445 units.
NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
Nissan Division posted sales of 82,462 units, down 2.4 percent from last September’s 84,485 units.
Sales of the Nissan Rogue crossover rose 12.7 percent to 12,106 units, setting a new volume record for September.
Pathfinder SUV sales rose 38.7 percent over a year ago, to 3,205 units, contributing to an overall rise in truck sales of 3.3 percent.
Sales of the all-electric Nissan LEAF totaled 984 units, the highest volume for any month in the past 12 months.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
Infiniti today reported sales of 9,445 units for September, an increase of 11.4 percent from 8,479 units a year earlier.
Infiniti FX sales of 1,659 marked an increase of 127.6 percent, with the luxury performance crossover showing an increase of 5.7 percent to 7,462 units for the year.
Sales of the new Infiniti JX 7-passenger luxury crossover totaled 2,251 in September, and 14,353 units have been sold since deliveries began in March.
Infiniti luxury crossovers and sport utility vehicles had an increase of 107 percent in September, and are up 63.6 percent for year.
In total, Infiniti September sales were the best since 2007, and marked five straight months of double-digit increases.

NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. September had 25 selling days both in 2012 and 2011.


William Maley

September 2012: Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Reports September Sales up 26 Percent Over 2011
YTD sales increase of 10.37 percent
Atlanta – October 2, 2012 – Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars, Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera four-door sports sedan line-up in the United States, today announced September 2012 sales of 2,736 vehicles. This compares to 2,170 vehicles sold last September, for an increase of 26.08 percent. For the year, Porsche has sold 25,015 cars in the U.S., a 10.37 percent increase over last September’s year-to-date sales of 22,664.
Sales of the Porsche Cayenne sport utility increased 47.3 percent for the month versus last September and the Panamera sport sedan was up 17.9 percent over the same period.
The Cayenne Diesel, which provides 406 lb.-ft of torque and a range of up to 765 miles on a tank of fuel, accounted for nearly 20 percent of Cayenne sales in September.
Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 871 for September 2012, a 22 percent increase over September 2011. Year-to-date, Porsche has sold 7,370 CPO models, an 11.7 percent increase versus 2011.

William Maley

September 2012: Audi of America

Audi sets all-time U.S. September sales record with 26.5% increase
Audi reports 21st consecutive month of record sales; premium category vehicles (A8, A7, A6, and Q7) represent 35.7% of September demand
HERNDON, Va., Oct 1, 2012 - Audi today reported its 21st consecutive month of record performance with sales of 12,302 new vehicles representing a 26.5% increase above the old mark set in September 2011.
Total Audi sales year-to-date increased 18.5% from last year, with September setting the record for the period January through September, with 100,694 vehicles sold. Audi already has exceeded 100,000 U.S. sales for the third time ever, and September 2012 stands as the third-best month of U.S. sales in Audi of America history.
Sales of Audi premium category vehicles (the Audi A8, Audi A7, Audi A6, and Audi Q7) showed no signs of slowing down, with a 35.7% share of total September sales. Audi momentum benefitted strongly from robust demand for the technologically advanced Audi A6, generating a 83.7% sales increase for the month and a 107.5% increase year to date. Audi’s flagship vehicle, the Audi A8 sedan, is up 34.1% and the Audi Q7 luxury SUV also performed favorably with an astounding 94.6% increase for the month.
Sales of the updated Audi A4 combined with the new Audi allroad jumped 12.8% in September from a year earlier, while the product improvement for the Audi A5 helped boost its sales 25.6% for the month and 10.9% year-to-date. Furthering the U.S. position as a top market globally for Audi S model performance cars, sales of the Audi performance models accounted for 10.4% of the September’s sales mix.
“Our newly expanded lineup of S-model performance cars is delivering strong immediate results,” said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “This fact, along with increasing demand for our refreshed core models, bodes well for record sales results by year-end and more gains into 2013.”
Highlights:
• September 2012 ranks as the best September in Audi of America history.
• Sales mix for Audi S models finished the month at 15.3% for the S4 and 35.5% for the S5/ RS 5.
• Audi A3 sales up 76.8% compared to September 2011; YTD sales grew 14.5% compared to previous period.
• Audi A4 sales up 12.8% compared to September 2011; YTD sales grew 10.9% compared to previous period.
• Audi A5 sales up 25.6% compared to September 2011; YTD sales grew 10.9% compared to previous period.
• Sales of Audi A6 increased 83.7% compared to September 2011; YTD sales up 107.5% compared to previous period.
• Sales of the Audi A8 increased 34.1% compared to September 2011.
• Sales of Audi Q7 increased 94.6% compared to September 2011; YTD sales up 8.5% compared to previous period.
• Sales mix for Audi TDI clean diesel models finish the month at 55.2% for the A3 TDI and 32.4% for Q7 TDI; sales of the Audi A3 TDI increased a solid 90.2% for the month.
• For the record-setting month of September 2012, four Audi models recorded year-over-year sales increases of 20% or more, including the Audi A3, Audi A5, Audi A6, Audi A8, and Audi Q7 models.
• Audi Certified pre-owned sales of 2,799 vehicles marked a strong finish despite the reduced inventory of available models for the program.

William Maley

September 2012: BMW Group U.S.

BMW Group U.S. Reports September 2012 Sales

BMW brand up 4.9 percent year-to-date
MINI brand up 16.6 percent year-to-date, best September ever

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 2, 2012… The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported September sales of 26,660 vehicles, an increase of 3.5 percent from the 25,749 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group is up 7.1 percent on sales of 234,928 in the first nine months of 2012 compared to 219,314 in the same period in 2011.
“The economic indicators and consumer confidence are showing improvement and the traffic in our showrooms is further encouraging our optimism for the fourth quarter of the year as the BMW new model ramp-up continues”, said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America, LLC. “The X1 in its first full month is largely sold out and MINI set another sales record; both are strong indicators of what’s to come.”
BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 0.1 percent in September for a total of 21,761 compared to 21,750 vehicles sold in September, 2011. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 4.9 percent on sales of 186,397 compared to 177,679 sold in the first nine months of 2011.
In September, the X1 SAV in it full sales month, sold 1,570 units. Other best performing vehicles for the month include the 6 Series, up 80.2 percent to 609 units; and the X3 SAV, up 63.7 percent to 3,034 units.
BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles
In September, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 3.8 percent to 13,624 vehicles from the 13,129 vehicles sold in September 2011. January through September, BMW used vehicle sales are up 2.6 percent on volume of 122,575 compared to 119,424 in the same period of 2011.
MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported the best September ever with sales of 4,899 automobiles, an increase of 22.5 percent from the 3,999 sold in September, 2011. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 16.6 percent on volume of 48,531 compared to 41,635 in the first nine months of 2011.

William Maley

September 2012: Volkswagen of America

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS A 34.4 PERCENT SALES INCREASE IN SEPTEMBER


- Best September since 1972 with 36,339 units sold and a 37.2 percent increase year-to-date -
• 25 consecutive months of year-on-year growth
• Best September ever for Passat and Tiguan with 9,500 and 2,202 units sold, respectively
• Best September for Beetle since 2003
• Best September for Golf since 2007
• Jetta Sedan achieved sales of 12,584 units
• High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 23.9 percent of sales in September.
Herndon, VA, Oct 2, 2012 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 36,339 units sold in September, a 34.4 percent increase over prior year sales, a 37.2 percent increase year-to-date and the best September since 1972.
“Tracking over a 37 percent increase year-to-date is a strong proof point that our products are on more shopping lists and gaining acceptance in the market,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “As we enter the fourth quarter of the year, we expect to continue our pattern of outperforming the industry.”
As Volkswagen positions itself for continued growth, supporting the dealers and their infrastructure is essential. The company will announce the launch of a dealer career recruiting website, www.vwdealercareers.com, creating a portal linking jobseekers to the over 600 VW dealers across the country. Available positions range widely from sales and service consultants to finance managers, with technicians being the most sought after candidates by VW dealers nationwide.
The Volkswagen Passat, which recently came in first place in Motor Trend’s 2012-2013 Midsize Sedan Comparison test, continued its successful year with 9,500 units sold in September. Earlier this month the Passat topped its best sales year ever in just nine months of the year.
Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 12,584 while Jetta SportWagen totaled 2,166. The Jetta turbo hybrid, which will go on sale this month, recently achieved a Land Speed Record at Bonneville, posting 185 mph, a record speed for hybrid vehicles.
The Beetle continues to gain momentum with 2,622 units sold. The Beetle TDI, sold 167 units, further highlighting customer demand for Volkswagen’s Clean Diesel TDI technology.
The Golf had sales of 3,250 units. The Tiguan sold 2,202 units, the best September ever for the vehicle, while the Volkswagen Touareg sold 828 units, a 26.2 percent increase.

William Maley

September 2012: Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC Reports September 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 12 Percent; Best September Sales in Five Years


Best September sales since 2007
30th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains
Third-quarter sales up 13 percent versus same quarter a year ago
Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in September compared with same month a year ago
FIAT brand sets all-time sales record with 51 percent increase
Both Fiat 500 and Fiat 500 Cabrio record sizeable sales gains
Dodge brand sales up 18 percent; best September sales since 2007
Sales of the all-new Dodge Dart up 72 percent compared with previous month as production ramp up continues in Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant
Dodge Journey sales up 41 percent; sets sales record for month of September; named a Road & Travel ‘Top 10 Pick’ in its 2012 SUV Buyer’s Guide
Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan sales up 89 percent; sets sales record for month of September
Dodge Grand Caravan sales increase 32 percent; best sales since 2006
Jeep brand sales increase 10 percent; best September sales since 2006
Iconic Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Patriot compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) each set sales records for month of September
Jeep Grand Cherokee sales up 19 percent compared with same month a year ago; best September sales since 2005
Chrysler brand sales up 5 percent; best September sales since 2007
Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan sets sales record for month of September
Chrysler 300 flagship sedan posts best September sales since 2007
Ram Truck brand sales up 4 percent compared with same month last year
Ram Cargo Van sales up 223 percent versus same month a year ago
Ram Truck brand unveils new 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups and 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab work trucks at Texas State Fair

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Oct 2, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 142,041 units, a 12 percent increase compared with sales in September 2011 (127,336 units), and the group’s best September sales since 2007.
The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in September compared with the same month a year ago. The FIAT brand’s 51 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. September marked Chrysler Group’s 30th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.
“Last month marked our 30th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases and our strongest September in five years,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Going forward with our current product line up, record low interest rates and a stable U.S. economy, we remain optimistic about the health of the U.S. new vehicle sales industry and our position in it.”
As the production ramp up of the all-new Dodge Dart compact sedan continues in the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant, Dart sales of 5,235 units were up a significant 72 percent in September compared with the previous month.
While the Dodge Dart continued its steady monthly sales climb, six Chrysler Group models set sales records in September. The Chrysler 200 and sporty Dodge Avenger mid-size sedans each set records for the month of September. The Avenger achieved its record with a sizeable 89 percent sales increase compared with the same month a year ago.
Two Jeep models – the Wrangler and Patriot – set September sales records, while a 51 percent increase earned the Fiat 500 an all-time sales record. In addition, the Dodge Journey set a sales record for the month of September demonstrating why it is the most versatile and affordable crossover in America. Sales of the Journey were up 41 percent in September compared with the same month last year.
Other standout models in September were the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee with sales up 19 percent, and the Dodge Grand Caravan with a sales gain of 32 percent.
Chrysler Group finished the month with a 65-days supply of inventory (369,144 units). U.S. industry sales figures for September are projected at an estimated 14.9 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).
September 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand
FIAT Brand
FIAT brand sales were up 51 percent in September, the largest year-over-year percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand. The Fiat 500 set an all-time sales record in September. Sales of the Fiat 500 Cabrio were up 44 percent versus the same month last year, while the Fiat 500 recorded a 52 percent year-over-year sales gain. The Fiat 500 Turbo, the fourth model in the FIAT brand lineup, should begin hitting dealership showrooms this month touting a 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes, dynamic exterior design and sport-styled interior.
Dodge Brand
Dodge brand sales were up 18 percent in September, the brand’s best September in five years and second best sales month this year. Dodge brand sales of 47,356 units represented the largest sales volume of any Chrysler Group brand in September.
Two Dodge brand models set sales records during the month. The Dodge Journey full-size crossover, with its 41 percent sales gain, established a sales record for the month of September and was one of Road & Travel Magazine’s top picks in the competitive crossover/SUV segment. The magazine named Journey one of its Top 10 vehicles in its 2012 SUV Buyer’s Guide.
The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan set a sales record for the month of September with its considerable 89 percent sales gain, the largest percentage increase of any Dodge brand model. Sales of the Dodge Dart were up 72 percent in September, compared with the previous month of August, as the all-new compact sedan continues its steady monthly sales climb. The brand’s minivan offering, the Dodge Grand Caravan, turned in a solid 32 percent sales gain in September.
Jeep® Brand
Jeep brand sales increased 10 percent, the brand’s best September sales in six years and its 29th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Two Jeep models had record-setting sales in September. The Jeep Patriot, the best-priced compact SUV in America, logged a 42 percent increase, the largest sales gain of any of the Jeep models and a sales record for the month of September. The iconic Jeep Wrangler also set a sales record for the month of September with its 6 percent sales gain.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee, the brand’s flagship SUV, recorded a 19 percent sales gain and was the brand’s volume leader for the month. It was the Grand Cherokee’s best September in seven years. The Jeep brand announced in September that it is introducing this month the new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab editions, both of which feature off-road equipment never before offered on a production Jeep vehicle.
Chrysler Brand
Chrysler brand sales were up 5 percent, the brand’s best September sales in five years and its 15th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan contributed to the brand’s sales gain by setting a sales record for the month of September. Sales of the 200 were up 13 percent in September versus the same month last year. The Chrysler 200 has set a sales record every month this year, including an all-time sales record in March. Sales of the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan were up 7 percent, the full-size sedan’s best September in five years and 11th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Chrysler brand in September introduced the limited-production Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition and the 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition. Working hand-in-hand, John Varvatos’ signature fashion style combined with Chrysler designers styling expertise forged two 300 sedan models that embody the soul of “Imported from Detroit.”
Ram Truck Brand
The Ram pickup truck extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 29-consecutive months. Sales of the Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group’s volume leader, were up 6 percent in September compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck’s best September sales performance since 2007. The Ram Cargo Van posted a 223 percent sales increase compared with the same month a year ago.
The Ram Truck brand unveiled the new 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups and 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab work trucks at the Texas State Fair in September. The Ram Truck brand now offers the most capable heavy-duty pickups in the segment – the new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty line features best-in-class towing and best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks also add new features, including an all-new interior, next-generation Uconnect Access, Powernet, new frames and new suspension. The new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty further solidifies the long list of leadership claims, including best-in-class total cost of ownership.
The 2013 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab truck is the pinnacle of capability. Engineered and designed for extreme daily work, the Ram Chassis Cabs are products of a demanding environment and direct customer input. Ram’s halo truck line focuses on best-in-class capability and best-in-class total cost of ownership, a leading concern among business owners.

William Maley

September 2012: Ford Motor Company

Ford Small Car Sales Reach Decade High; Escape has Best-Ever September; Ford F-Series Hit Best September in 5 Years


Ford small car sales totaled 24,628 vehicles in September – the company’s best U.S. small car sales since 2002 and a 73 percent increase year-over-year
Escape compact utility sales increased 14 percent for the month; 23,148 Escape sales mark best-ever September sales
F-Series produces its 14th consecutive year-over-year sales increase in September, reaching its best September since 2007; total sales were 55,077 pickups – a 1 percent increase
Ford Motor Company U.S. sales total 174,976 vehicles in September, unchanged from a year ago; retail sales up 4 percent compared to last year

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 2, 2012 – Ford delivered U.S. sales gains across its vehicle portfolio in September, with cars up 2 percent, utilities up 9 percent, and F-Series trucks up 1 percent.
“As more buyers look for new vehicles across the country, Ford is ready with our strongest lineup ever of fuel-efficient cars, utilities and full-size pickups,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Fuel economy remains one of the most important features customers want most today, and Ford is answering the call with five vehicles that deliver 40 mpg or better – with another three on the way by year-end.”
Ford sales of Focus, C-MAX and Fiesta totaled 24,628 vehicles in September, representing Ford’s best September for small car sales in 10 years. Focus sales were up 91 percent, while the all-new C-MAX began sales last month.
Escape had its best-ever September sales, with 23,148 vehicles sold, representing a 14 percent increase versus last year’s record sales. Escape is on pace to surpass last year’s record sales of 254,293 vehicles for the full year.
Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling vehicle, sold a total of 55,077 pickups during September truck month – a 1 percent increase compared to last year – providing its 14th straight month of sales increases.
September U.S. total sales at Ford Motor Company were unchanged from last year and up 4 percent for retail sales. Total car sales are up 2 percent, total utilities up 9 percent, and total trucks down 8 percent – with stronger F-Series, E-Series and Transit Connect sales being offset by the discontinuation of Ranger.

William Maley

September 2012: General Motors

GM U.S. Car Sales Rise 29 percent in September



Total sales up 1.5 percent


DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported its highest September U.S. sales since 2008: 210,245 vehicles, up 1.5 percent compared with a year ago. New products helped drive a 29 percent increase in passenger car sales. Sales of GM’s mini, small and compact cars alone were up a combined 97 percent, and all GM brands increased their retail sales.
“Passenger cars have been the launch point for a broad and deep GM product offensive,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of U.S. sales operations. “Auto sales will continue to be a bright spot for the U.S. economy, which is particularly good news for GM as we walk into an even stronger cadence of new products in 2013 and 2014.”
GM has moved aggressively to replace existing vehicles with better designs, more technology and improved fuel economy. At the same time, GM is entering growth segments and offering new entry points for each brand. Seventy percent of GM nameplates will be all new or redesigned in 2012 and 2013.
September’s car sales increase reflected a strong start for the new Chevrolet Spark and Cadillac XTS, continued strong sales of the Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Sonic, and a second consecutive sales record for the Chevrolet Volt. September also marked the first deliveries of the all-new Cadillac ATS.
The GMC Terrain and Acadia crossovers had strong months as well, with sales up 8 percent and 16 percent, respectively. This helped drive a 3 percent increase for all GM crossovers versus a year ago.
Truck sales were down 20 percent due to a 46 percent year-over-year reduction in fleet sales due to the timing of customer deliveries. In the large pickup segment, GM’s total sales were down 12 percent and fleet sales were down 56 percent. However, GM reduced its large pickup inventories by approximately 8,600 units compared with August, and earned average transaction prices more than $2,300 per unit above a year ago with the lowest incentive spending in the industry, according to J.D. Power PIN data.

William Maley

Mazda and Fiat Executives See More Tie-ups

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
October 1, 2012
Mazda and Fiat's partnership of using the next-generation Miata platform to build the Alfa Romeo spider could lead to more.
Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi told Ward's Auto that they would be "willing to share Skyactiv" technologies with Fiat. Yamanouchi also revealed that Mazda would like to leverage Fiat's dominance in certain markets to help their presence.
As for Fiat, CEO Sergio Marchionne said,
“Everything is possible. We’ve just started. We’ve signed the deal; we’ve visited the plants. Let’s take it one day at a time. We’re open to any solutions that lessen capital (outlays).”
Source: Ward's Auto
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Rumorpile: Volkswagen Dishes Some Info About Future Products

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
October 1, 2012
Volkswagen apparently has been talking about what's coming down the pipeline. What Car? talked with Volkswagen board member Professor Ulrich Hackenberg where he revealed some surprises.
For starters, Hackenburg revealed that the company would begin selling limited numbers of the XL1, a plug-in diesel hybrid that will get 313 MPG (European cycle). The XL1 has been seen testing over the past year or so, adding fuel to the fire.
Hackenburg also revealed that electric variant of the UP would be coming out next year, followed by a Golf plug-in hybrid the year after.
As for vehicles that will not be making a appearance, Hackenburg said the Bulli has been shelved due to lack of demand. Also being shown the door is the Bluesport Roadster.
"The prognosis of two-seat sports cars isn't good at the moment, so it's unlikely", he said.
Source: What Car?
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Ford and General Motors Sign An Agreement To Work Together On Transmissions

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
October 1, 2012
Automotive News is reporting that Ford and General Motors have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop next-generation nine and ten-speed automatic transmissions.
Sources say that General Motors will take the lead on developing the nine-speed transmission for front-wheel drive and transverse applications. Ford will take on the ten-speed for rear-wheel drive applications.
This isn't the first time that Ford and General Motors have worked together on transmissions. Back in 2002, the two companies worked together to develop six-speed automatic transmissions for front-wheel drive vehicles. Those transmissions would end up in vehicles such as the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Cruze.
Before this announcement, the two companies were working on their own eight-speed automatics. Last June, Ford announced they were working on a eight-speed transmission. A source said that in the past year, the company scraped it before it began talking with GM.
GM was working on a eight-speed automatic that would have appeared in the next-generation CTS and pickups. A source revealed that the volume projections for the eight-speed have been reduced drastically.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Quick Drive: 2013 Scion FR-S

Suddenly it’s 1986. There is a lightweight and nimble sports car from a Japanese manufacturer on the market that completely eschews what the American three are doing in the sports car segment. Only, it’s not 1986; vehicle weights have pushed upwards and outwards for past 30 years to the point where Chevrolet is now marketing its top of the line Camaro with a curb weight that makes a 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight look positively anorexic. Sure, Chevy compensates for the chub by equipping the Camaro ZL1 with a tire shredding 580 horsepower V8 and an advanced magnetic suspension that does all the right things keep the Camaro on the tarmac, but eventually it starts to feel like you are piloting the world’s best handling 747. It is raucous and fun, but requires concentration and skill to keep things from going wrong.
A full paragraph into a Scion FR-S quick drive and I’ve only talked about Chevys and Oldsmobiles. Back in the 1986, Toyota introduced a new Supra. It was not a muscle car in the tradition of the V8 powered pony cars from Detroit, but it had speed and agility from being blessed with a curb weight of about 3,000lbs and a 200 horsepower I-6. It was also intended to be a technological showcase for Toyota. As such, the price tag was relatively high.

The FR-S is a return to this idea of light weight over raw muscle making the FR-S very refreshing to drive. The FR-S’ single biggest advantage is its low weight platform. At about 2800 pounds with an automatic transmission, the FR-S is a feather-weight in this class. The light weight also allows Toyota to equip the car with a 200 horsepower / 151 lb-ft flat-four engine jointly developed with Subaru to give the FR-S sporty performance without the raw muscle. The flat-four also lowers the center of gravity on the car to further improve cornering.During my drive of the FR-S, I found a light-weight, nimble, and carefree sports car with just enough kick to keep things fun. Low end torque is superb with more than a few instances of chirping the tires unintentionally at take off. Those of you hunting for raw V8 muscle will probably be disappointed, but the FR-S makes up for it with its willingness to be thrown around a corner and an engine note that will please almost any gearhead. Power is routed through a 6-speed manual or automatic to the rear wheels like its Supra predecessor. Steering is quick and precise with only a minor quibble with on-center feel; in either direction just off center, the FR-S doesn’t seem to want to pull back to center nicely. This leaves you making frequent minor adjustments on longer straight roads. Though quite sporty and nimble, the FR-S doesn’t punish you with a harsh ride.

Toyota pressed the reset button on the interior as well. The interior FR-S is at once modern and retro. My first thought when sitting in the car was the thought that this is what would happen if Toyota tried to re-create the spirit of the ’86 Supra without duplicating the look. This is not a bad thing; it is actually refreshing in an age of highly complicated interiors.Getting in is surprisingly easy for such a low car and I found a comfortable seating position right away. Toyota even equips the FR-S with an old school double-DIN head unit so the owner can swap in something more to his or her own liking if they wish. The head unit does include Bluetooth for hands-free calling, but that’s about the extent of the technology there. The version I drove was an automatic, but the look and gate of the shifter could fool your friends and neighbors into thinking you bought row-your-own. The rear seat is essentially unusable for adults unless the driver is very cramped or very short. Forward visibility is excellent, but I found visibility while backing up to be a bit more limited.
Checking in with a base price of $24,955 and without high end technology or interior room, the Scion is not a Supra replacement no matter how hard the buff mags wish it. But that price makes the Scion an interesting alternative to the Camaro ($24,245 with steel wheels) and Mustang ($22,995).
The Scion FR-S was one of my favorite drives during my time in Monticello, NY. It is just the car to hop in and go for a carefree ride on rolling country back roads with the windows down on a nice fall day. I hope to spend more time in one soon.
The full gallery of pictures from the IMPA Test days is located here and will continue to be built as quick drive reviews are added:

Year: 2013
Make: Scion
Model: FR-S
Engine: 2.0 Liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder with Direct and Port Injection
Drive line: Rear wheel drive, 6-speed automatic transmission
Horsepower @ RPM: 200 @ 7000 RPM
Torque @ RPM: 151 @ 6400 RPM
Fuel Economy: City/Highway: 25/34
Location of Manufacture: Japan
Base Price: $24,955
Est. As Tested Price: $25,300
Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at [email protected] or on twitter as @cheersngears

  • September 28th, 2012

    Drew Dowdell - Managing Editor

    CheersandGears.com

Drew Dowdell

Quick Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima SL

Is there a more hotly contested automotive segment than the mid-size family sedan market? Every year it seems there is a new darling in this slot and after this year’s media dominance by the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata, Nissan has released its answer to the duo from Korea. Nissan knows that gas prices are foremost on American’s minds these days and with weight being the biggest enemy of fuel economy, responded by dropping the weight on the already light-weight Altima by 80 lbs. while increasing interior space in nearly every dimension. This, combined with some aggressively frugal “gear” ratios in the Altima’s CVT transmission and the addition of direct injection to the 4-cylinder allows for an impressive 38mpg highway and 27 mpg city. They achieved this number without resorting to hybrid technology or turbo chargers. This leads me to believe there is more fuel economy to found in this platform is Nissan decides to start including any or all of those technologies in the Altima.

During the IMPA test days, I drove a 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL. Inside, the Altima has a simple yet handsome interior that feels light and airy even in the charcoal color I sampled. The front seats are excellent and would feel at home in a sports luxury car. The instrument panel gauges have an attractive 3D depth to them and look like an expensive watch; pictures don’t do justice here. Unfortunately, Nissan equipped the Altima with a poorly located foot activated parking brake that I kept catching my sneaker on. The Altima is still a car with a low entry price point, so much of the dash and door panels are made up of hard plastic, but Nissan disguises it well and a few of the controls are in an odd location just above the driver’s left knee, but otherwise the layout is simple and straight forward. Nissan just took over the NYC Taxi cab market with their NV200 but the Altima’s rear seat room felt so huge and the trunk is even larger, that they could aim for the Town Car market with this car as well.In normal city driving, the CVT keeps the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder low in the RPM band, ostensibly for fuel economy reasons, but the other hidden reason for this is that the 2.5 gets rather unrefined the higher it climbs in RPM. This isn’t my first run-in with Nissan 4-cylinders making quite a racket, and I suspect the reason Nissan has gotten away with a rather unrefined 4-cylinder for so long is due to their excellent CVT transmissions keeping the engine calm.
Over the road, you can feel the lightness of the platform in the corners. Cornering is sharp, but the car feels slightly nose heavy. Noise isolation was another sore spot for me with excess tire and engine noise intruding into the cabin.
Nissan’s 2013 Altima has all of the basics down to take on the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima as well as the Accord and Camry, but some work to refine the engine and additional power train choices would make it a stronger contender in this competitive market.
The full gallery of pictures from the IMPA Test days is located here and will continue to be built as quick drive reviews are added:

Year: 2013
Make: Nissan
Model: Altima
Trim: 2.5 SL
Engine: 2.5 Liter 4-cylinder with Direct Injection
Driveline: Front wheel drive, Constantly-Variable Transmission
Horsepower @ RPM: 182 @ 6000 RPM
Torque @ RPM: 180 @ 4000 RPM
Fuel Economy: City/Highway: 27/38
Location of Manufacture: Smyrna & Decherd, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi
Base Price: $21,500
Est. As Tested Price: $29,920
Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at [email protected] or on twitter as @cheersngears

  • September 27th, 2012

    Drew Dowdell - Managing Editor

    CheersandGears.com

Drew Dowdell

2012 Paris Motor Show Debrief: Day 0

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 26, 2012
The calm before the storm that is the auto show season. The beginning point is the Paris Motor Show which begins tomorrow. However, some automaker have made the decision to reveal some of their products and concepts a day earlier. The automakers include Jaguar, Bentley, and Porsche.
Lets dive in
Next: Jaguar
Jaguar's showing for Paris was the new F-Type. Rumored for many years, Jaguar has finally brought a small, two-seat roadster to the market.
Design draws a lot of inspiration from the C-X16 concept shown last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The front end features a bulging hood with vents, vertical xenon headlights, and vents. The rear-end has unique taillights that wrap around and a spoiler that rises up at speed.

Inside, the F-Type has a driver-oriented dash layout and a grab-pull besides the center stack. Jaguar also fitted center air vents that deploy when the HVAC systems deems it necessary.
Power will come either two V6s or a V8, all supercharged.
F-Type: Supercharged V6 - 340 HP, 332 lb-ft
F-Type S: Supercharged V6 - 380 HP, 339 lb-ft
F-Type V8 S:Supercharged V8 - 495 HP, 460 lb-ft

The only transmission choice is a eight-speed automatic transmission with paddles.
The F-Type uses an aluminum structure which brings forth added rigidity and light weight (3,520 lbs)
The new F-Type arrives in the U.S. next summer as a 2014 model.
Next: Bentley
Bentley's showing was their new Continental GT3 race car. Using the Continental GT as a base, Bentley threw out the AWD system and goes for RWD layout. Bentley also says the car is equipped with an aero package to allow the vehicle to cut through the wind. Powertrain wasn't revealed.

Bentley says the Continental GT3 has the full support of the FIA nd will be “eligible for a range of race series, up to and including 24-hour marathons."
The Continental GT3 starts a test season next year.
Next: Porsche
Porsche's showing was the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept or a Panamera wagon.
The Panamera Sport Turismo Concept design extends the roofline, amount of glass, and adds a tailgate. It won't win any best design awards, but its better than the current Panamera.
Power comes from a upgraded hybrid system from the current Panamera and Cayenne that produces a combined 410 HP and 67.2 MPG on the European test cycle.

Porsche hints that the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept "is an outlook on a possible Porsche sports car of tomorrow," meaning that what we're seeing here could be what the next Panamera will look like.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Releases for the F-Type, Continental GT3 and Panamera Sport Turismo Concept are on Pages 4, 5, and 6.
26 September 2012
JAGUAR F-TYPE UNVEILED AT THE 2012 PARIS MOTOR SHOW
At-A-Glance
• The F-TYPE is an all-new two-seat Jaguar soft-top convertible sports car
• Front-engine, lightweight aluminum architecture and rear-wheel drive, the F-TYPE is engineered to be a true high-performance sports car
• Three models will be available – F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8 S, powered respectively by the new Jaguar supercharged 3-liter V6 engine in 340hp and 380hp outputs and a 495hp 5-liter supercharged V8
• The convertible top folds in 12 seconds at speeds up to 30 MPH
• Constructed on the fourth generation of Jaguar lightweight aluminum architecture. Torsional and lateral stiffness have been prioritized to maximize handling agility
• The F-TYPE introduces a new sports car design language for Jaguar, with bold, clean lines accented by the discreet use of technology, including a deployable rear spoiler and hidden door handles
• Exciting performance, with 0-to-60 in 5.1 seconds for the F-TYPE, 4.8 for the S model and 4.2 for the V8 S. The V8 S has a top track speed of 186 mph2
• All engines drive through an eight-speed 'Quickshift' automatic transmission, with a center console-mounted SportShift gear selector and steering wheel-mounted paddles for full manual control
• Available Configurable Dynamics program allows the driver to tailor a number of the dynamic features to personal taste and includes displays for lap timer and G-meter functions1, 2
• Driver-focused interior melds classic sports car feel with high-tech controls
• Jaguar F-TYPE to arrive in U.S. market in summer 2013
"Jaguar is a founding member of the sports car segment with a rich sporting bloodline stretching over 75 years, and in the F-TYPE we've reignited that flame. The F-TYPE isn't designed to be like anyone else's sports car. It's a Jaguar sports car – ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive."
Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar
The new Jaguar F-TYPE represents a return to the company's heart: a two-seat, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. The F-TYPE is a continuation of a sporting bloodline that stretches back more than 75 years and encompasses some of the most beautiful, thrilling and desirable sports cars ever built. Joining the XK convertible and coupe models, the new F-TYPE provides Jaguar with a broader line of sports and GT models.
The 2013 Jaguar F-TYPE combines low vehicle weight (starting at 3,521 pounds), high power (340hp, 380hp and 495hp versions) and superb aerodynamics to achieve a pure sports car experience, yet with Jaguar elegance and luxury.
A true two-seat sports car, the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE is equipped with a modern, lightweight soft top that, when lowered, serves as its own tonneau cover. This not only provides a weight savings, but also improves packaging and contributes to the car's low center of gravity for greater agility. The top can be fully raised or lowered in just 12 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph. Its multi-layer construction includes a Thinsulate® lining for optimal thermal and sound-insulating properties.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Jaguar cars have always defined sinuous, muscular elegance, and the F-TYPE continues -- and advances -- this tradition with new, assertive design language. Two "heartlines" define, in just two bold strokes, both the profile and top-down view of the F-TYPE. The main "heartline" theme begins in the blade dissecting the shark-like gills on either side of the grille. This first heartline runs up and forms the sharp top crease of the fender line, which provides sight lines that aid the driver in cornering maneuvers. It leads the eye along the top of the front fender, which is emphasized by the headlamp design, and then into the door and toward the rear of the car where it gracefully disappears.
This sweeping line is mirrored by the feature line that runs back from the side vent. Along with "lightcatcher" surface detailing above the sill, the line instills a sense of speed to the car. The lightcatcher surface detailing also allows the door surface to wrap around the side of the car, creating a fuselage effect.
The second "heartline" swells out to form the muscular rear haunch before sweeping dramatically around the rear of the car. The clean, sleek lines of the tail are made possible in part by the inclusion of an active rear spoiler that deploys at speed to reduce aerodynamic lift. The spoiler rises when the F-TYPE reaches 60 mph and then lowers to fit flush when the speed drops below 40 mph. Further discreet aerodynamic aids include a front splitter and a sculpted rear valance.
"Every aspect of a sports car, dimensionally, allows us to create something that is visually exciting; visceral as well as physical. To me the definition of sports car design is being fit for purpose, wrapping up the occupants and mechanicals in the most exciting, beautiful and sensual package possible with no unnecessary surfaces or adornment. A piece of design should tell a story and this is why every line in the F-TYPE has a start, a direction and a conclusion. If you approach every line individually and get it as aesthetically correct as possible, get the dimensions right, it will stand the test of time."
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar
The headlights run vertically rather than horizontally, which leads the eye naturally up and along the fender crease. Technology has facilitated the design language of the F-TYPE; the compact xenon unit requires just one projector, while the J-Blade LED running lights further emphasize the design of the heartline running through the lamp.
The grille leans slightly forward to create a suggestion of motion when the car is stationary. The lower edge of the clamshell hood forms the top of the side vent. The mesh in the grille and side vents is a hexagonal design that gives greater form and depth.
The hidden, automatically deploying door handles support the design purity. The handles remain flush with the door panel until activated by either unlocking the car with the key fob or touching a touch-sensitive area of the handle. Their automatic deployment provides a mechanical "handshake," inviting the driver and passenger to enter. Once the car is moving, the handles retract to leave an uninterrupted aerodynamic surface.
Full LED rear lamps create a new Jaguar sports car signature by reinterpreting classic cues from the past. By wrapping the lights around to the trailing edge of the rear wheel arch, the car's powerful rear-wheel drive stance is emphasized. Reflecting the way the front grille leans forward, the tail tucks inward, reinforcing the impression that the car is poised to leap forward.
Differing exhaust and tailpipe designs distinguish the V6 and V8 variants of the F-TYPE. The V6 models feature twin center outlets in a nod to the classic Jaguar E-TYPE introduced in 1961. The boldest exhaust finishers ever fitted to a Jaguar, these are stamped from a single piece of stainless steel, creating an unbroken gleaming surface. The V8 S model exclusively features four outboard-mounted exhaust outlets, with twin outlets on each side.
Further detail differentiation between the three variants is found in the exterior trim. The F-TYPE V6 model is marked by satin black trim elements in the grilles, vents, front splitter and rear valance, while the two 'S' models receive gloss-black finishes in these areas. The V6 model features standard 18-inch alloy wheels, with 19-inch and 20-inch wheels standard for the S and V8 S, respectively, and available as options for the V6. The V8 S also receives additional aerodynamic features, including front vanes beneath the shark gills and flat side sill extensions to manage airflow.
"This is the car that, as a team, we have always wanted to do. It was very much a team operation because we work very closely together and have a strong shared aesthetic. To begin with, I will let people express themselves as to what they think a Jaguar sports car should look like. Of course I will have a view in my head but I won't impose that on them. It's important because great things come out of it. It's an iterative process, it's about problem solving. Not just the functional and the practical but how to make that line work with that one or that form with another. The whole process is very intimate, very detailed and comes from the first sketches."
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar
ALUMINUM STRUCTURE
Jaguar, which has innovated the use of aluminum body structures, built the new F-TYPE around its most advanced rigid and lightweight aluminum architecture to date. Jaguar engineers applied more than a decade's worth of aluminum construction experience to achieve the twin goals for the F-TYPE of low mass and an extremely rigid body.
Key to this was the further development of alloy technology. AC300, a 6000-series aluminum alloy, was specifically selected for parts of the F-TYPE to meet these goals. The F-TYPE structure is riveted and bonded, and this manufacturing process emits up to 80-percent less CO2 compared to that from welding a comparable steel structure.
In addition to the structural alloy, Jaguar further developed an AC600 aluminum panel alloy in order to deliver the desired design language. This AC600 alloy offers robustness and quality of finish but with a great degree of formability. The effects can be seen in the clarity and tightness of radii and feature lines. It was the radius tightness of just 8mm that allowed the engineers to reproduce the car's "heartlines" exactly as the designers had intended.
Aluminum construction, including all-aluminum double wishbone front and rear suspensions, helps endow the F-TYPE with an ideal balance, which enhances the agility demanded of a pure sports car. The new structural alloys used in the F-TYPE construction results in high rigidity. Using detailed Computer Aided Engineering programs, Jaguar achieved lateral stiffness gains of up to 30 percent in key areas, such as the front suspension mounting points, compared to other Jaguar models. This rigidity provides a precision foundation for a finely tuned suspension system to deliver a superb driver connectivity and fidelity of response.
Significantly, the beautiful clamshell hood, an exotic signature feature of the F-TYPE and where the front heartline begins, is a one-piece stamping, made using a 1,000-ton press. Jaguar developed other new manufacturing techniques in order to deliver both the design and structural integrity engineered into the F-TYPE. A new process, known as "warm forming", is used to produce the inner door stamping. The ordinary stamping process with cold metal could not achieve the desired shape. Jaguar engineers developed a method in which the metal is heated to 500°F (260°C) before pressing. As a result, the desired shape and structure are achieved from one large pressing rather than numerous smaller ones, reducing complexity and weight.
The F-TYPE employs more composite materials than in any previous Jaguar, with structures under the sill and the trunk lid constructed from high-strength polymers. Extensive analysis throughout the car's structure, powertrain, body and convertible roof contributed to the overall vehicle weight of about 3,521 pounds (1,597 kg). Concentrating as much of the mass as possible within the wheelbase by minimizing the front and rear overhangs also contributes to the car's agility and stability.
Aluminum forms a great part of the commitment Jaguar has made to sustainability. More than half the content of the car comes from recycled or reclaimed metal. In addition, Jaguar is rolling out its closed-loop recycling system to its suppliers, ensuring all waste metal from the manufacturing process is reused.
"We are creating a new generation of Jaguar sports car so it has to be credible from both a performance and design point of view. It has to deliver, it has to be a great handling car with a stiff, rigid platform underpinning and it has to look every inch an icon. For our team the greatest satisfaction was delivering a structure that underpinned the desired performance attributes - ride, handling and agility – by increasing stiffness and at the same time reducing weight.
We also worked hard to deliver the designers' vision. The biggest design challenge was the hood. Not only is it a one-piece pressing, it's where the first heartline begins. When we produced that stamping, we all stood around the gloss black painted hood under the high intensity lights and the designers said to us, 'yes, that's what we wanted' and the tooling engineers said, 'we can make that'. That was us working at our best; delivering the design proposition in high volumes."
Mark White, Chief Engineer, Body Complete
PERFORMANCE
The F-TYPE showcases the new supercharged Jaguar engines, a 3-liter supercharged V6 in 340hp and 380hp states of tune and the 5-liter supercharged V8 in the F-TYPE V8 S with 495hp and 460 ft-lbs of torque. All are equipped with the new Intelligent Stop/Start system to enhance fuel economy under certain driving conditions.
The 340hp version of the supercharged V6, which debuted in the 2013 XJ and XF sedans, produces 332 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500-5,500 rpm. The 380hp version, exclusive to the F-TYPE, produces 339 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500-5,500 rpm. The V8 produces an even broader torque curve, with 460 ft-lbs produced over the 2,500-5,500 rpm range.
The 340hp V6 model can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 5.1 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds). The 380hp S model lowers that to 4.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds), and the V8 S can hit 60 mph from rest in just 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds). Electronically limited maximum track speeds are 161 mph (260 km/h), 171 mph (275 km/h) and 186 mph (300 km/h), respectively, for the V6, V6 S and V8 S models.2
In addition to rapid zero-to-60 acceleration, the new Jaguar supercharged engines give the F-TYPE outstanding merging and passing performance. The 340hp V6 model will go from 50 to 75 mph in just 3.3 seconds; the 380hp S version in 3.1 and the V8 S model in 2.5 seconds. 2
Based on the Jaguar 5-liter V8 engine, the 3-liter V6 shares its all-alloy construction. The lightweight die-cast aluminum block is stiffened with cross-bolted main bearing caps, increasing rigidity and refinement. A system of counter-rotating front and rear balancer weights help give the new supercharged V6 the smoothness and refinement characteristics of the V8 on which it is based.
The supercharged V6 and V8 engines combine high compression, direct fuel injection, dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) and a supercharger to deliver their high levels of performance and efficiency. A twin vortex supercharger is mounted in the engine's "V", and a water-cooled intercooler reduces the temperature of the intake air to optimize power and efficiency. The supercharged V6 uses a higher compression ratio than the V8, 10.5:1 vs. 9.5:1.
In both the V6 and V8, the aluminum cylinder heads package an innovative valve control system. The dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) system is activated by the positive and negative torques generated by the movement of the intake and exhaust valves, allowing exceptionally quick actuation rates of more than 150 degrees per second throughout the rev range.
Spray-guided direct injection delivers precisely measured quantities of fuel directly into the center of the combustion chambers at pressures of up to 150bar (2175 psi) , creating a more homogenous air-fuel mixture for cleaner and more efficient combustion. This is aided by spark plugs that are precisely indexed both in relation to the injector and within the combustion chamber.
Intelligent Stop/Start
The new Intelligent Stop/Start system offers fuel economy benefits under certain urban driving conditions. Stop/Start uses a twin solenoid starter, enabling the system to restart the engine quickly as the driver's foot to move from the brake pedal to the accelerator. There is also a strategy for engine stop-start "change of mind" scenarios. This will bring the engine back up to speed even during its run-down phase if, for instance, the car is coming to a halt at an intersection when the driver sees an opportunity to join the traffic flow. As the engine is shutting down, but before it has completely stopped, it can rapidly restart by injecting fuel into the cylinders.
Active Exhaust
Standard for the V6 S and V8 S models and optional for the V6, an Active Exhaust system enhances the exhaust note. Electronically controlled bypass valves in the rear section of the exhaust open under hard acceleration, effectively providing a free-flowing straight-through arrangement. At cruising speeds, the valves will close, retaining a powerful exhaust note with comfortable sound levels.
Eight-speed 'Quickshift' Automatic Transmission
With eight closely spaced ratios in the Quickshift automatic transmission, the F-TYPE driver can select a gear which will keep the engine within its optimal power band. The transmission was specifically tuned by Jaguar for the F-type to prioritize acceleration. The V6 S model has a slightly lower (higher numerical) final drive ratio, 3.31:1 vs. 3.15:1 than the standard V6 model.
The entire drivetrain of the F-TYPE – up to and including tire contact patches – is tuned for optimal response to allow for ultra-fast transient torque delivery, which provides the driver with a high degree of responsive feedback. Importantly, once the transmission has shifted into second gear, a locking clutch bypasses the torque convertor, creating a direct mechanical link between the engine and the rear wheels. The Quickshift system enhances the sense of connectivity by ensuring sharp, immediate shifting performance via rapid and precisely timed engine torque intervention.
The operating parameters of the transmission are determined by the adaptive shift strategy that has 25 different programs available to it, depending on driving style and road conditions. The transmission can detect the manner in which the car is being driven by monitoring acceleration and braking, cornering forces, throttle and brake pedal activity, road load, kick-down request and even whether the car is being driven up or down hill. On detecting a more spirited driving style, the transmission will automatically make the shifts more aggressive and move the shift points higher.
In order to maintain the car's balance during a downshift, the transmission will instruct the engine management system to automatically blip the throttle to match engine revs. This function also allows the transmission to perform multiple and very rapid downshifts during hard braking. Corner Recognition senses when the F-TYPE is negotiating a curve, the transmission holding its ratio to ensure the correct gear for the exit. The transmission will also recognize when the car is performing a series of overtaking maneuvers requiring rapid changes in throttle position. Rather than upshift, the transmission will hold a lower gear to remain ready for the next demand for acceleration.
Manual override of the transmission is available to the driver at any time, using either the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the console-mounted selector. Moving the shift selector to the left gate accesses manual mode, in which the driver pulls the lever rearward for an upshift and pushes forward for a downshift. If Dynamic Mode is also selected on the Jaguar Drive Controller, the transmission will not automatically shift up at the engine's redline and will only downshift to prevent engine stalling, leaving control fully in the hands of the driver.
A Configurable Dynamics option is another first for a Jaguar. This allows the driver to select which elements of the Dynamic Mode are wanted so, for instance, the steering weight and throttle response can be sharpened while allowing the ride on models with Adaptive Dynamics to remain unchanged. Configurable Dynamics also adds functionality to the central touchscreen aimed at track use of the car. The system allows drivers to record lap and split times and will provide information on throttle and brake inputs and even G-forces generated. 1,2
Dynamic Launch Mode
The Jaguar F-TYPE S offers Dynamic Launch Mode for track-driving activities. When the car is stationary, the driver depresses the brake pedal while simultaneously building engine speed with the accelerator until a message reading 'Dynamic Launch Ready' appears in the instrument panel. That signals that the traction control has been set to help facilitate maximum acceleration. Releasing the brake while flooring the accelerator pedal keeps Dynamic Launch Mode engaged for maximum acceleration performance until the driver releases the pedal. 1,2
Limited-Slip Differentials
A mechanical limited-slip differential is fitted as standard to the F-TYPE S, which offers driver the opportunity to explore the car's superb balance and outer limits of its grip within a progressive handling envelope.
The V8 S model is fitted with an active electronic controlled differential to maximize traction and offer even greater control. Inside the differential, an electric motor acts on a multi-plate clutch to transfer torque to the wheel with the most grip. Fully automatic in operation, the system can apply full locking torque almost instantaneously. Working in conjunction with the stability, traction and ABS systems, it allows for very fine control of power delivery and always makes the most use of available grip.1
Braking
The three versions of the F-TYPE offer progressively more powerful braking systems, all with the high levels of pedal feedback required for accurate modulation. The Jaguar Performance system fitted to the 340hp F-TYPE has 13.9-inch (354mm) front and 12.8-inch (325mm) rear brake discs with silver painted calipers. The F-TYPE S uses the Jaguar High Performance system, gaining larger 15-inch (380mm) brake discs at the front.
The F-TYPE V8 S uses the Super High Performance system with the largest set of brake discs fitted as standard to a Jaguar production car, including the 15-inch (380mm) front and 14.8-inch (376mm) rear. All cars are fitted as standard with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.
Jaguar engineers used Computational Fluid Dynamics to optimize brake-cooling using directed cooling air. Cold air is channeled to the brake discs via the air intakes flanking the grille and by the use of aerodynamically shaped suspension components to direct airflow beneath the car.
HANDLING DYNAMICS
The aluminum structure of the F-TYPE ensures the best possible connection for the driver to the road. Every response from the steering to the transmission shifting, throttle, brakes and suspension has been finely honed to be as connected, accurate and involving as possible.
"Fundamentally, a great sports car is one you'll look forward to driving because it's fun, and the F-TYPE definitely delivers on that score. We've worked hard to make sure that responses to steering, throttle and
brakes are absolutely immediate, a task made far easier by the rigid aluminum structure at the car's base. It's precise and exciting, a car that you'll want to drive for the sake of driving alone – and it sounds fantastic."
Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar
Agility in the Jaguar F-TYPE begins with its dimensions, which give the car a planted, "wheels pushed to the corners" stance. The F-TYPE measures 176 inches (4,470mm) in length on a 103.2-in. (2,622 mm) wheelbase. The track is wider in rear than front, 64.1-in. (1,585mm) and 62.4-in. (1,627mm), respectively.
Short front and rear overhangs also help in concentrating the mass within the wheelbase, reducing the moment of inertia and making the car much more immediate to turn in. To fully exploit this trait, Jaguar engineers paid particular attention to optimizing front-to-rear weight distribution. To that end, both the battery and windshield washer fluid reservoir have been placed in the trunk, rather than under the hood.
To give the steering the greatest accuracy in response and feedback, the F-TYPE uses an alloy front sub frame and very stiff front knuckles, also in aluminum. This arrangement allowed the fitment of the quickest steering rack ever used on a modern Jaguar, giving the driver a very connected-to-the-road feeling.
Every Jaguar is engineered and tuned to achieve an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling. In the F-TYPE, that balance naturally tips in favor of involving, accessible handling while still maintaining excellent ride compliance. The Dynamic Mode enables the driver – at the push of a button – to emphasize the sporting character of the car by sharpening throttle response, increasing steering weighting, performing gear changes more quickly and higher up the rev range and by also raising the threshold for stability control intervention. Dynamic mode also prevents automatic upshifts when the gearbox is shifted into manual mode.1
Additionally, the F-TYPE S and V8 S models are fitted with the Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics suspension damping system that controls vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates. The system continuously monitors driver inputs and the attitude of the F-TYPE on the road, adjusting damper rates accordingly up to 500 times a second to optimize stability and agility. The Dynamic Mode in these models also provides firmer damper rates through the Adaptive Dynamics system. 1
"Jaguar has a unique legacy of sports cars so the global expectations for the F-TYPE are immense. Developing it was therefore not just a great privilege but also a huge challenge. A Jaguar sports car is more than speed in its absolute sense; it is about its agility and its reactions to driver inputs, those millisecond responses to create a connection with the vehicle. This pure and predictable level of response is what enables the driver to exploit the potential and capabilities of the car as well as their own. Amongst the many test locations we use is our dedicated development center at the Nürburgring Nordschleife – a circuit unique in the demands it places on a vehicle. As well as being a very high-speed test facility, it is also very demanding of the transmission, the chassis and the brakes, allowing us to really exploit and test those final few tenths of the F-TYPE's abilities. Asking questions of every element of the F-TYPE's performance attributes allowed us to hone them as a holistic, integrated package."
Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director
DRIVER ENVIRONMENT
The F-TYPE asymmetric cabin layout reflects the sharp focus on the driver. The aim was to create an enveloping cockpit for the driver with all the controls placed naturally to hand and logically grouped, allowing maximum attention on the driving experience.
A grab handle sweeps down the center console on the passenger side, delineating it from the driver's position and wrapping around the center console. Different finishes in the driver and passenger areas are used, including a different grain on top of the instrument panel and center console than that found on the passenger side. In the S and V8 S models, the main control interfaces – the Engine Start button, steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles and Dynamic Mode toggle – are highlighted in an "Ignis" orange finish, similar to that used on the markings on professional divers' watches. The controls are ergonomically grouped by function, enabling the driver to more easily use them without diverting eyes from the road.
"We wanted the experience of sitting in the F-TYPE to be exciting. A sports car cockpit should be an intimate place and so we aimed to get a sense of the surfaces falling towards and then wrapping around the driver. What we've done is given it the essence and spirit of doing what you want to do rather than what's expected of you. The more processed this world becomes, the more important that is."
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar
A small-diameter three-spoke steering wheel will also be available in a flat-bottom design, as part of an optional Performance Pack. Numerals on the tachometer are larger and bolder than those on the speedometer, to enhance visibility when for shifting. A TFT LCD screen between the two dials provides further information for the driver.
Rotary dials control the heating and air conditioning for each side of the car. A display screen within the two dials indicates temperature and mode. The controls are dual-purpose: in cars fitted with heated seats, pushing the left or right hand dial controls temperature for that seat. A row of toggle switches below the dials control additional climate functions, their design echoing classic Jaguar sports cars. The air vents on top of the dashboard are hidden, and will deploy by rising out of the dashboard only when instructed to by either the driver or climate control system, staying tucked discreetly out of sight in other circumstances.
Switches are finished in soft-feel matte black with white markings for maximum legibility, and the highlight accents are deliberately understated satin chrome and dark aluminum. The two S models feature darker finishes than in the standard V6 F-TYPE.
Sports seats feature power recline and height adjustment with manual control of fore/aft movement, a nod to weight reduction. Available Performance seats can be ordered with additional side bolstering for greater support during high-force cornering. Both seat types can also be optioned with full power adjustment, including adjustable lumbar and side support. The car's driving position is 20mm lower than in the Jaguar XKR-S, lowering the center of gravity and allowing the driver to feel more connected to the car.
The F-TYPE is available with two audio systems from premium British audio experts Meridian™. These offer either 10 or 12 speakers with outputs of 380 watts and 770 watts, respectively. The Meridian™ systems benefit from the company's experience in digital signal processing to create life-like audio reproduction. The top of the range offering also features the Meridian™ Trifield System, which places both occupants at the center of their own perfectly focused surround sound field.
BENTLEY RETURNS TO MOTORSPORT WITH RACING GT

Bentley unveils new Continental GT3 concept racer
Based on Bentley’s fastest ever road car - the new GT Speed
FIA-approved concept with 2013 test programme in development

(Paris, 26 September 2012). At the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the unveiling of the Continental GT concept took the world by storm and opened an exciting new chapter in Bentley’s history. Now, ten years on, Bentley is repeating the same feat with a Continental-based GT3 race car currently being developed by a dedicated motorsport team at the company’s factory in Crewe.
Signalling Bentley’s return to the racetrack for the first time since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003, Continental GT3 remains faithful to the company’s founding motorsport philosophy of developing racing cars from their road-going counterparts.
Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: “The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream we’ve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT. The new GT Speed is the perfect car for us to develop into a racer, and our work so far has shown huge potential. The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of in its most extreme form, and establishes a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans.”
The new Continental GT Speed is a refined, luxury grand tourer but which, if the driver demands, has a distinctly hard-edged sporting character. With exceptional levels of instantly accessible performance, the GT Speed, the fastest road-going Bentley ever, is a supercar that can be used every day, whatever the weather and road conditions. The Continental GT3 concept capitalises on the prodigious performance, outstanding high-speed stability and renowned durability of Bentley’s iconic coupe, while tailoring its specification for the track with the adoption of a rear-wheel drive chassis in accordance with the regulations, state-of-the-art motorsport hardware and a comprehensive aerodynamic package. The dramatic livery of the car enhances the muscular, sculpted form of the Continental GT Speed while remaining proudly patriotic with the inclusion of Union flags.
With the Continental GT3 concept receiving the full support of the FIA, Bentley is returning to the motorsport arena towards the end of 2013 with a GT race car capable of competing with the very best, in the true Bentley tradition.
Equipped for endurance as well as outright speed, the new Bentley competitor will be eligible to race in a range of race series and events, up to and including 24-hour marathons.
Heading the development of the Continental GT3 is Bentley’s Director of Chassis, Powertrain and Motorsport, Brian Gush. Having led the programme that famously saw a brace of Bentley Speed 8 prototype racers take a dominant and dramatic one/two at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003, Brian is well placed to lead Bentley’s return to competitive racing.
Development of the Continental GT3 will continue over the coming months in the build-up to the start of a test programme in 2013. More information and details about Bentley’s return to motorsport will be released in the near future.</p>
PORSCHE PANAMERA SPORT TURISMO
Porsche is presenting the Panamera Sport Turismo concept car to show how amazingly intelligent and efficient drive technology might look in the design language of tomorrow. The Sport Turismo unites the next generation hybrid drive with new ideas for an evolutionary, sporty body concept; it combines Porsche performance with comprehensive everyday practicality.
Body: sports appeal and functionality in further developed design
The body concept of the Panamera Sport Turismo is an outlook on a possible Porsche sports car of tomorrow: The overhangs are short, and the boot lid is large – both sporty and functional. The concept car combines the dimensions of a premium vehicle with the interior comfort of the luxury class. The Sport Turismo is 1,990 mm wide, a low 1,401 mm in height and 4,950 mm long. Its direction indicators and sidelights are integrated in C-shaped lighting units – known as C-Blades – mounted in the large air inlets at the front end. Together with four-point LED headlights in an innovative design, they define the front end appearance of the concept car.
The smooth and taut exterior skin is not interrupted by add-on parts – there are no conventional exterior mirrors. In their place, the Sport Turismo has two cameras mounted in the side air outlets whose images are shown on the displays in the cockpit. The rear body has been completely reshaped, yet it retains all of the characteristics of a Porsche. The rear lights in LED technology and the tail-light panel with the "Porsche" badge are sculpted in three dimensions, and the brake light is positioned between the four-point LED rear lights. Forming the roof termination is an adaptive carbon rear spoiler that produces improved downforce.
The new Liquid Metal Blue colour gives the concept car a surface that resembles liquid metal and highlights its contours and design lines more distinctly. The wheels in dual-spoke design have a bi-colour look, and the brake callipers are painted Acid Green. The hub locks of the wheels recall the origins of every Porsche – which is motorsport. "e-hybrid" badges on the sides refer to the car's drive concept, while the name "Sport Turismo" at the rear, Concept car Panamera Sport Turismo 1 framed in the same Acid Green colour, emphasises the car's concept character. The milled aluminium battery housing is mounted under the boot floor, which is made of electrochromatic glass and reveals a view of the energy source illuminated in Acid Green at the press of a button.
"e-hybrid" stands for plug-in hybrid technology from Porsche
The drive technology of the Panamera Sport Turismo completes the next development step towards the plug-in hybrid, symbolised by the "e-hybrid" badge on the front wings. The car's new ability to be charged from the electrical power grid has been combined with even higher performance components. The concept vehicle with its 416 hp (306 kW) of peak system power is designed to be driven in pure electric mode up to a speed of 130 km/h and can cover distances of over 30 km. The Sport Turismo also exhibits impressive fuel economy per the NEDC standard; its combined fuel consumption is less than 3.5 litres per 100 km, while CO2 emissions are under 82 g/km.
The drive system of the Panamera Sport Turismo is an advanced development of the parallel full hybrid that Porsche already implements today in the Panamera S Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid. The new electric motor produces about 70 kW (95 hp), which is around twice as much as in today's Porsche hybrid drive, while the three-litre V6 supercharged engine still produces 245 kW (333 hp) here. In their interplay, they accelerate the concept car from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds.
Power pack: lithium-ion battery with external charging capability
The electric power pack of the Sport Turismo e-hybrid consists of a lithium-ion battery whose performance is several times that of the nickel-hydride battery currently used in production, although it has practically the same dimensions. Its 9.4 Kilowatt-hours of energy storage capacity and high peak power enable faster acceleration, longer electric driving range and higher speeds when driving without the internal combustion engine.
The default operating mode of the e-hybrid prioritises all-electric driving, but the driver may deactivate this by pressing a special button on the steering wheel. In addition, when the car is being operated in hybrid mode the driver can select the e-charge mode by pressing the steering wheel button to intentionally intensify charging of the high-voltage battery.
This is especially useful when one section of the driving route on a motorway is followed by a section through a city that should be driven in pure electric mode without local emissions. In the e-charge mode, the internal combustion engine charges the battery by load point shifting, while satisfying rational energy management criteria.
As a plug-in hybrid, the fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery is not only charged while driving; it can also be externally charged within 2.5 hours (depending on the power supply) via a charging interface on the vehicle. Porsche systematically thought through all aspects of the concept car's plug-in system; it utilises a universal charger (AC) that is wall-mounted in a home garage and has a standardised charging plug.
Familiar and yet completely new: touch displays for instruments and controls
The interior of the Sport Turismo is a forward-looking interpretation of purist sports car thinking: as little as possible and as much as necessary. Instead of classic instruments, a large central TFT colour display is positioned in front of the driver; it is used to call up and display any vehicle information as needed – from the tachometer to driving data or navigation. Two monitors, one to the left and one to the right of this display, show images from the "exterior mirror" cameras. Two additional displays in tube form provide information on the hybrid-specific driving states, e.g. pure electric driving, as well as other functions. The power meter in the instrument panel illuminates in Acid Green and shows the combined system power of the two drives.
A press on the touch-sensitive colour display starts the e-hybrid. Naturally, on the side that is typical of a Porsche: the left side. A completely new type of touch display in the ascending centre console incorporates additional controls; this is the control centre for the e-hybrid and all other functions that is implemented in black panel technology. It offers the driver the option of influencing the hybrid drive via smart keys to choose maximum driving fun, Concept car Panamera Sport Turismo 3 maximum performance or maximum efficiency. All driving indicators and control functions are also intuitively operated by multi-touch functionality, such as automatic climate control, seat adjustment, lights, reversing camera and the functions of Porsche Communication Management (PCM).
Wide-ranging communications and control via smart phone app
The Panamera Sport Turismo gives the driver entirely new options for customised communications. The driver can use mobile online services to access and control all key vehicle information with a smart phone app. Charge control by mobile phone shows the user just how much electricity the battery has already stored at any given time and predicts how much more time the charging process will take. In addition, there is a charging timer with user-defined charging times. Moreover, the vehicle's interior can also be preconditioned by mobile phone, e.g. by turning on the air conditioner, and the vehicle will already be at the right temperature before driving with electricity supplied from a household electrical outlet.
Specifications Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
Body: Sport Turismo with four individual seats, four doors and boot lid.
Drive system: Parallel full hybrid; 3-litre V6 engine, charged; hybrid module with electric motor and disengagement clutch; rear-wheel drive.
Power: 245 kW (333 hp) V6 engine
approx. 70 kW (95 hp) hybrid module
306 kW (416 hp) (combined peak power)
Suspension: Double wishbone front suspension; electo-mechanical power steering; multi-link rear suspension.
Dimensions: Length
Width
Height 4,950 mm
1,990 mm
1,401 mm
Energy supply: Lithium-ion battery with 9.4 kWh capacity and plug-in charging system compatible with electrical power grid.
Performance: Top speed, pure electric mode approx. 130 km/h
Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h < 6.0 s
Consumption (NEDC): Combined < 3.5 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: Combined < 82 g/km
Range (NEDC): Pure electric mode: > 30 km
Charging time: up to 2.5 h
William Maley

Quick Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Chevy’s first entry into the micro car market is the 2013 Spark. During the IMPA test days, I got to take a spin in a cheeky Spark 2LT with the standard 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic is optional. Ingress and egress of the tiny car is easy due to the upright seating position and tall doors. Headroom for such a small car is excellent. Despite being a very low price entry model, every Chevrolet Spark comes with air conditioning, power windows and a full 10 airbags. Rear seat access is just as easy as in the front with a surprising amount of legroom. I doubt I would want to spend 5 hours riding back there, but most spins around town would be fine. The 1LT and 2LT trim levels come with Chevy’s new MyLink infotainment system that includes a 7” color touch-screen. I didn’t play with it during this test drive, but expect it to operate the same as the MyLink in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco we reviewed previously. The interior is mostly hard plastic as would be expected, but feels very well put together. In fact, my only quibble with the interior would be the rather clunky looking and feeling manual shifter that Chevy borrowed from your Grandpap’s 1987 Chevy S-10.

The Spark is powered by a 1.25 liter 4-cylinder with 84 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 83 ft-lbs of torque at 4200 rpm. Routed through the 5-speed manual, this is the little engine that could, and with some effort, does. What power you do have comes on quickly and the Spark actually feels peppy to drive. Gearing is such that you can be in 5th gear by 35 mph and as long as you’re not in any hurry, accelerate up to highway speeds. I recognize the Spark is a cost conscious micro car, but it does feel like it needs a 6th gear. This is borne out in two ways: First, at 55 mph, the engine is turning at about 2500 rpm, and while the engine is impressively smooth for such an entry level car, the buzz from the engine does make it into the cabin at these higher RPMs. I wasn’t in a position to take the car faster, but I would probably find the noise from the engine at 70 to be bothersome. The second reason the Spark needs a 6th gear is shown in the fuel economy numbers. The Spark is EPA rated at 32 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Both the larger Chevy Sonic and Cruze with 6-speed manuals can beat that highway number soundly. Even if Chevy didn’t make a 6-speed manual standard, the ability to option into one at extra cost would be nice. The Spark won’t be winning road rallies any time soon, but in the ride and handling department, the car felt a class above and was actually fun to drive and throw around.The mini-car market is very small in the U.S., and dominated mostly by the SMART Four-Two and more recently the Scion iQ. Seeing what Chevy has done with the Spark makes me think they are about to make a huge splash in the tiny tiny-car market.
The full gallery of pictures from the IMPA Test days is located here and will continue to be built as quick drive reviews are added:

Year: 2013
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Spark
Trim: 2LT
Engine: 1.25 Liter 4-cylinder
Driveline: Front wheel drive, 5-speed manual
Horsepower @ RPM: 84 @ 6400
Torque @ RPM: 83 lb-ft @ 4200
Fuel Economy: City/Highway: 32/38
Location of Manufacture: Bupyeong, South Korea
Base Price: $12,245
Est. As Tested Price: $15,795
Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at [email protected] or on twitter as @cheersngears

  • September 26th, 2012

    Drew Dowdell - Managing Editor

    CheersandGears.com

Drew Dowdell

Rumorpile: 4-Series Means Coupes, Convertibles, and Gran Coup

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 26, 2012
For the longest time, we've been hearing reports and rumors that BMW would separate the 3-Series sedans and the 3-Series coupe/convertible, giving the coupes and convertibles the 4-Series moniker. Well, a new report from Automobile Magazine says the 4-Series is a done deal.
Automobile says BMW is moving this way to make money. Using the example of a similarly equipped 5-Series sedan and 6-Series Gran Coupe, the Gran Coupe would cost a third more than a 5-Series sedan. Separating the coupe and convertible from the sedan would allow BMW to charge a bit more.
The model breakdown for the 3-Series and 4-Series will look something like this,
3-Series
Sedan
Wagon
GT

4-Series
Coupe
Convertible
Gran Coupe

The 4-Series coupe and convertible will share the 3-Series platform. The 3-Series GT and 4-Series Gran Coupe will utilize a stretched version of the 3-Series platform. Engines will mirror the 3-Series lineup.
If you're wondering about whether M3 will solider on for the coupe or use M4, well its the latter. M3 will still be in use for the sedan.
Source: Automobile Magazine
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Tesla Revises Forecast For 2012

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 26, 2012
On the surface, everything seems bright and sunny at Tesla. The company has begun production of the new Model S sedan, introduced a new charging network for Model S drivers that uses solar energy, and is in the process of planning new models. But, Tesla is showing some signs of setbacks of becoming an automaker.
In a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing, Tesla has downgraded their full-year revenue forecast from $550 - $600 million to $400 - $440 million.
"We have methodically increased our Model S production at a rate slower than we had earlier anticipated," Tesla said in the filing.
Tesla says it's about four to five weeks behind its delivery goals due to supplier delays. The automaker says that it is working with suppliers to speed up deliveries.
Tesla also revealed in their filling that have a net cumulative loss of $864.9 million through June 30 of this year. This isn't surprising considering learning to build vehicles and then build them adds up.
This report caused shares in the company to tumble about 8.5% yesterday morning.
Source: Reuters, Tesla Motors
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Rumorpile: Is There A Small NSX In The Works?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 26, 2012
According to new report from Motor Trend, Honda is working a smaller, less expensive NSX.
Before the sky fell in 2008, Honda was working on two new NSX models. The first was a front-engine V10 model, while the second model was a smaller version of the NSX, dubbed internally as "Small NSX". When the collapse happened, the two projects were scapped.
Now with the expected return of the NSX utilizing a hybrid V6 and SH-AWD system, the "Small NSX" has reportedly made a comeback.
Sources say the "Small NSX" will likely have SH-AWD system and other bits from the NSX to help to help recoup development costs. Power could be either the 3.5L V6, 2.4L four-cylinder, or 2.0L four-cylinder.
The "Small NSX" is expected to arrive in 2017 with a price-tag around $50,000 to $60,000.
Source: Motor Trend
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Rumorpile: What We Know On The Next Mazda3

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 25, 2012
Mazda is in a bit of bind in the U.S. Marketplace with profit and sales falling and falling. To help fight back, Mazda has been in the process of launching new models (CX-5 and the upcoming Mazda6). Now, some new information has come out for Mazda's most important model, the Mazda3.
Car & Driver reports that the next 3 will utilize the same lightweight platform as the CX-5 crossover. Power will also come from the CX-5, a 2.0L SKYACTIV four-cylinder with 155 HP. There is speculation that diesel engine could make its way under the hood of the 3.
The next-generation 3 will drop the smiley face on the current model and utilize the Kodo design language. Inside, the 3 will have a strong resemblance to the interiors of Mazda's latest vehicles.
The 3 will be produced in a new factory in Mexico, helping Mazda avoid some of the strong Japanese Yen.
Source: Car & Driver
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Leaked: 2014 Subaru Forester

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 25, 2012
A few images of what appears to be the new Subaru Forester have made their way onto the web. The images are reportedly from the Forester's Japanese market brochure.
The Forester's exterior is now in line with the rest of the Subaru lineup thanks to a new front end , sleeker taillights, and a new sculpted hatch. The interior is lifted form the new Impreza.
Under the new skin lies a new platform from the new Impreza. Dimension wise, the Forester has grown in most areas, while retaining a 103 in. wheelbase.
Power for the Japanese market Forester will come in the form of 2.0L boxer-four producing 146 HP and a 2.0L turbo boxer-four producing 276 HP. As for the North American market, the engine could be the 2.5L boxer-four producing 173 HP.
The new Forester is expected to be revealed sometime later this year, with sales beginning sometime in 2013.
Source: CarScoop
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Toyota Scraps Plan For Widespread Sales Of A Electric Minicar

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 24, 2012
2012 was supposed to be the year that Toyota would begin selling the electric version of the iQ minicar called the eQ. When it introduced the vehicle back in 2010 expected, Toyota said it planned to sell several thousand of the vehicles per year.
"Two years later, there are many difficulties," said Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota's vice chairman and the engineer who oversees vehicle development.
Now, Toyota is planning to only sell about 100 of the eQ vehicles in the United States and Japan in an extremely limited release.
"The current capabilities of electric vehicles do not meet society's needs, whether it may be the distance the cars can run, or the costs, or how it takes a long time to charge," said Uchiyamada.
Toyota said they are putting more emphasis on hybrid technology, expecting to introduce 21 hybrid models by 2015.
Source: Reuters
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Interactive Review: 2012 Nissan cube 1.8S Indigo Limited Edition

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 18, 2012
This week in the Cheers & Gears Detroit garage is the 2012 Nissan cube 1.8S Indigo Limited Edition.
The 1.8S is the mid-level model in the cube lineup and comes with a 1.8L inline-four producing 122 HP and 127 lb-ft of torque and can go through either a six-speed manual or Nissan's Xtronic CVT. Our model is equipped with the CVT.
Our cube is also equipped with Indigo Limited Edition package which adds keyless entry, push-button start, an upgraded six-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, a five-inch touchscreen, navigation, rear-view camera, unique black and indigo upholstery, and fifteen-inch alloy wheels. That package and few other options brings the as-tested price to $20,975 (Includes $780.00 destination charge).
First Impressions so far
Really like the blue and the fifteen-inch alloys on the cube
I think there is about a quarter-mile of headroom inside
Like the way the cube drives, perfect for those who live in a city

I'll have more updates as the week goes on. In the meantime, drop your questions and I will do my best to answer them.
Update - September 24, 2012
My time with the Nissan cube is coming to close as it will go back tomorrow, and for what it is, its a very good package. The cube provides a surprising amount of space and equipment for the price tag. The cube is also one of those vehicles which actually provides excellent visibility and maneuverability, making it perfect for city or suburban driving.
However if you decide to do any driving on the freeway or long-distance with the cube, be prepared for a large amount of wind- and road-noise (mostly due to the shape) and the seats not being real comfortable for the long distance. The cube wasn't built for that in mind.
Fuel economy has been really impressing me with an average of 31.5 MPG.
If you have any last minute questions on the cube, get them in and I will do my best to answer them.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Chevrolet Shows The New Silverado To Dealers, Announces New High Country Luxury Model

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 24, 2012
Sometime this month in Las Vegas, GM executives showed Chevrolet dealers the next-generation Silverado.
Dealers who saw the new Silverado say the design is evolutionary.
"It's not a major change for an all-new model, but it'll be much bolder looking and have a lot more features," says Tom Durant, owner of Classic Chevrolet in Grape-vine, Texas.
The next-gen Silverado will be about three to four inches taller than the current model and have a brawny look. Extended-cab models will get rear-doors. Dealers say this move will help sales of extended-cab models. Crew-cab models will see an increase in rear legroom and a optional 6 1/2-foot bed.
Dealers were also told that the Silverado would be getting a high-end luxury model called the High Country.
"They said it would have a Western flair and unique leather. They basically said, 'If it's on the King Ranch, we're going to have it,'" a dealer told Automotive News.
Dealers have been clamoring for a luxury model of the Silverado for awhile to better compete with the Ram and F-150. However doing the luxury model of the Silverado does put GM between a rock and hard place since there is a luxury model of the GMC Sierra. However Dave Sullivan, a product analyst at research firm AutoPacific says offering the a luxury model of the Silverado won't cause a shift of GMC buyers to Chevrolet. Sullivan goes onto say the the move of offering a luxury Silverado can help move up the brand.
"A higher-end Chevy gives GMC the ability to move up. And Chevy can also move up. There's no reason GM's volume pickup brand shouldn't have something to go up against" the premium offerings of Ford and Ram.
GM didn't reveal any powertrain information for the next-gen Silverado.
Source: Automotive News, 2 (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

About 5% of Chrysler Dealers Will Sell The Viper

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 22, 2012
Back in July, SRT CEO Ralph Gilles told Automotive News that around 15 to 20% of the 2,300 Chrysler dealers (about 340 to 460) would be able to sell the Viper. Now, that amount has shrunk.
According to USA Today, the amount of dealers that will be able to sell the Viper is now around 5% (100 to 150 dealers). That number comes from Ralph Gilles.
All 2,300 Chrysler dealers are being sent a letter outlining what will need to happen for them to sell the Viper.
The No. 1 requirement "Is first of all, to have the fire, the passion. That's the unofficial requirement -- that you have a love affair with the cars and you just love fast cars," Gilles said.
If you happened to be one of the dealers picked to sell Viper, be prepared to shell out $20,000 as a one time fee. For an extra $5,000, any Chrysler dealer can purchase an agreement for tools, equipment, training, signs and, most importantly, preferential ordering and additional allocation of SRT vehicles.
Source: USA Today, Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

$24,950 For A 2013 Buick Encore

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 20, 2012
Buick has announced pricing for their new 2013 Encore crossover. When the Encore arrives at your local Buick dealership early next year, it will carry a base price of $24,950 (includes $750 destination charge).Standard equipment will include 18-inch wheels, a seven-inch color touch screen with Buick’s IntelliLink system, backup camera, and power driver’s seat.
Buick will offer three different packages for the Encore. Those packages will include,
Convenience Group ($25,760): dual-zone automatic climate control, household power outlet, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start and fog lights.
Leather Group ($27,460): Includes Convenience group plus a power passenger seat, memory driver’s seat and heated leather upholstery.
Premium Group ($28,940): adds Leather group plus front and rear park assist, forward collision and lane-departure warning systems, rain-sensing wipers, Bose audio and some cargo accessories.

There will be a few standalone options as well.
Navigation ($795)
Chrome Wheels ($995)
Moonroof ($800)
Bose Audio ($595)
All-wheel drive ($1,500)

A fully-loaded Encore should be around $33,000.
All Encores will come equipped with a 1.4L turbo-four producing 138 HP and goes through a six-speed automatic.
Source: Buick
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
2013 Buick Encore Priced at $24,950
New luxury small crossover blends safety, versatility and efficiency
DETROIT – The new 2013 Buick Encoresmall luxury crossover will arrive at dealers in the first quarter of 2013 with a suggested retail price of $24,950, including a $750 destination charge. Standard features include QuietTuning with Bose Active Noise Cancellation, 18-inch wheels, a rearview camera and a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color display radio with IntelliLink connectivity.
Four trim levels will be available, including a base model with all of the features listed above. An Encore with the Convenience Group adds dual-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start and fog lights for $25,760.
An Encore with the Leather Group costs $27,460 and includes all of the above features plus leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power passenger seat and driver's seat memory functions.
Encore's Premium Group includes all content from the Leather and Convenience Packages, along with front and rear park assist, Forward Collision Alert with Lane Departure Warning, a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system with a subwoofer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a cargo net and area cargo mat. The top of the line model costs $28,940.
With Encore's optional Forward Collision Alert, the vehicle gives audible and visual warnings when a collision may be imminent at speeds above 25 mph. Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers when they may have crossed a detected lane marker without using a turn indicator when driving at speeds over 35 mph. This feature can be deactivated with the push of a button.
All-wheel drive is available on all Encore models for $1,500. Standalone options available for Convenience, Leather or Premium Encore models include navigation ($795), 18-inch chrome-clad wheels ($995), a sunroof ($800) and a Bose premium audio system ($595, but standard on Premium Package).
"Encore opens the Buick brand to new groups of customers with a compelling blend of luxury, utility and efficiency," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. "Its versatile shape, agile size and available all-wheel drive invite owners to live active lifestyles while enjoying Buick's signature style, comfort and refinement."
Encore will be the most fuel-efficient crossover produced by a domestic automaker, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for front-drive models.
William Maley

Buick and GMC Announce Nine New Models For The Next 12 Months

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 18, 2012
Buick and GMC have announced to their dealers today that the two brands will collectively launch nine new or revised products over the next 12 months.
Some of the products have already been shown. Those products include,
Buick Enclave
Buick Encore
GMC Acadia

Others have either been talked about and/or been caught in spy shots. Those vehicles are,
2014 Buick LaCrosse
2014 Buick Regal
2014 GMC Sierra
2014 GMC Sierra HD
2014 GMC Yukon
2014 GMC Yukon XL

Dealers were also told that GMC Canyon would be returning. When the Canyon would be arriving wasn't talked about.
“While we continue to make strong progress in fuel economy gains on our full-size trucks, we know that there is a group of customers who want the functionality of a truck but may not need full-size pickup. We believe that introducing a new, agile and efficient mid-size Canyon will meet the needs of many pickup buyers,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick and GMC Marketing.
Source: GM
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
Nine New Models in Next 12 Months for Buick and GMC
Product surge comes amid third year of consecutive retail sales gains for both brands
2012-09-20
DETROIT – Buick and GMC told dealers today that it will introduce nine new or significantly updated models in the next 12 months, starting with the new Buick Enclaveluxury crossover SUV and GMC Acadiacrossover SUV this fall.
The new Buick Encoresmall luxury crossover, which will be priced at $24,950 including a $750 destination charge, arrives in early 2013. A Buick Regalluxury sport sedan, Buick LaCrosseluxury sedan, GMC Sierra and Sierra HD full-size pickups, as well as GMC Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs will arrive next year.
In addition to these nine models, GMC will offer luxury-appointed Denali versions of its four upcoming vehicles and a new 2.0L turbocharged powertrain will be available in the Buick Verano this year.
By the end of 2013, the oldest non-commercial models in a Buick/GMC showroom will be the Buick Veranoluxury sedan and GMC Terrainsmall SUV. Verano has been in dealer showrooms for less than a year and has gained sales volume every month since launch. Terrain arrived as a 2010 model and is on pace for its best sales year ever in 2012. A new Denali luxury trim level recently was added.
GMC also announced the return of the GMC Canyon midsize pickup as an all-new model to be built in Wentzville, Mo. Arrival timing will be announced later.
“While we continue to make strong progress in fuel economy gains on our full-size trucks, we know that there is a group of customers who want the functionality of a truck but may not need full-size pickup,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick and GMC Marketing. “We believe that introducing a new, agile and efficient mid-size Canyon will meet the needs of many pickup buyers.”
Buick and GMC have grown together as distinctly different but complementary brands. Together, they have sold more than 400,000 vehicles so far this year, a pace that should allow each brand to achieve a third consecutive year of sales gains.
“We’re not only selling more vehicles, we’re bringing new customers to the Buick and GMC showroom,” said Brian Sweeney, vice president of Buick and GMC Sales and Service. “Both brands report more than 40 percent conquest sales. Buick was the only automotive brand in the United States to reduce the average age of its buyer during the past five years, and GMC continues to attract more female buyers and – with Denali vehicles – more import and luxury owners.
Overall, General Motors will have 70 percent all-new or significantly refreshed products across its four U.S. brands in 2012-2013.
William Maley

CEO Alan Mulally Says He Has No Plans To Retire

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 20, 2012
“Please don’t write me off yet. I mean, I love it here.”
Those words were uttered by Ford CEO Alan Mulally to reporters this week at the launch of the new Fusion.
“My plan is to continue to serve as the CEO of Ford. I’m really clarifying that now. If I had any plans to do anything differently, I’d share it with everybody,” Mulally said.
Mulally comments come a week after news surfaced that Mark Fields would become Ford's new COO, which led to speculation that Ford was setting up a succession plan for Mulally.
Source: Bloomberg Businessweek
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Leaked: Is This The New Jaguar F-Type?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 19, 2012
Auto show season is upon us and it means two things; new cars and leaks.
Case in point, a picture of the new Jaguar F-Type roadster was leaked earlier this afternoon by spy photographer and friend of C&G, Chris Doane.
"Something interesting just popped up in my inbox..." Doane wrote as the caption on the picture on his Facebook fan page.
The new F-Type looks to be almost a dead ringer for the C-X16 coupe concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, minus the roof. Powertrains will include two supercharged V6s and a possibility of a 5.0L supercharged V8.
We'll learn more info about the F-Type when it premieres at the Paris Motor Show next week or before then.
(Author's note: Chris has since taken down the picture by request of Jaguar. -WM)
Source: Chris Doane Automotive LLC, Motor Authority
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Rumorpile: Is Land Rover Considering A Subcompact SUV?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 19, 2012
Land Rover is having great success with the new Range Rover Evoque and is considering whether to do a subcompact SUV.
"Certainly, I think we can go smaller. In a world focusing on sustainability you could argue that smaller and lighter is the way to go," Land Rover's design director Gerry McGovern.
Land Rover isn't the only brand considering this. Audi is reportedly working on a Q1 SUV and Mercedes-Benz is working on one based on the new A-Class.
Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Rumorpile: Ram To Name Vans Promaster and Promaster City?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 19, 2012
Car & Driver has uncovered some recent trademark filings from Chrysler for 'Promaster' and 'Promaster City'. Besides sounding like some fishing equipment, Car & Driver believes these are the names for the new vans from Fiat for the truck brand.
'Promaster' will be the name for Ram version of the Fiat Ducato van, while the 'Promaster City' will be the the Fiat Doblo. The two vans will be arriving next year.
Source: Car & Driver
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

McLaren Reveals The P1 Design Study

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 18, 2012
McLaren has just dropped the first official images of its P1 design study that will be shown at the Paris Motor Show next week.
Called the company's "next generation ultimate supercar", the P1 appears to take the proportions of the F1 supercar and the design of the current MP4-12C.
"Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit. It is the true test of a supercar's all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made," said McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff.
McLaren is being mum on the powertrain details for the P1. Rumor has it that the P1 will use the 3.8L V8 from 12C and some sort of hybrid tech to produce somewhere over 900 HP.
The production version of the P1 will arrive sometime next year.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2
McLaren releases three images of its new supercar, the P1
McLaren Automotive will use its first ever international motor show appearance to preview its next generation ultimate supercar – the P1 – which takes much of its technological and spiritual inspiration from the company's Racing division. P1 has one simple goal: to be the best driver's car in the world on road and track.
At the Paris Motor Show, Mondial de l'Automobile 2012, P1 is previewed as a design study. Next year a production version, which the company aims to put on sale within 12 months, will be revealed.
'P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,' says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. 'Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with P1 is to redefine it once again.'
'Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit', says McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff. 'It is the true test of a supercar's all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.'
When P1 goes into production later next year, it will sit above the 12C and 12C Spider, in terms of both price and performance.
More information will be released following the McLaren Automotive press conference scheduled for 17.45 CEST (16.45 BST), on Thursday 27 September 2012.
William Maley

Rumorpile: Return Of The Phaeton?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 18, 2012
Volkswagen's first try with Phaeton was a colossal failure in the U.S. Despite being one the best luxury vehicles with a surprising price, no one could get over the high price-tag for a Volkswagen. Well, Volkswagen is going for another try with Phaeton in the U.S.
Automotive News is reporting that the Phaeton will return sometime in 2015. The Phaeton will ride on the new longitudinal platform and be priced “well below” the $70,000 mark.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

U.S. Treasury To GM: No, We're Not Selling Our Shares Yet

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 18, 2012
The U.S. Treasury said no to a plan from General Motors to sell their remaining shares in the company according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
Earlier in the summer, GM floated a plan to the Treasury department to purchase the remaining 200 million shares the Treasury hold. Under the plan, the Treasury would sell the remaining shares through a public stock offering.
The Treasury wasn't so thrilled with GM's plan, citing major losses to the Government if they sold at GM's current stock price. However, people familiar with the situation tell the Journal that the Treasury could sell if the share price was in the thirty dollar range.
Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

There's A Pickup Truck Sales War

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 16, 2012
If you're in the market for a pickup truck, there is some very good news for you. Truck manufacturers are offering rebates ranging from $1,500 to $4,500.
So why the large rebates? Well, part of it is to make room for the 2013 models. The other part is due in part to GM. GM's supply of pickup trucks has been growing and growing due in part to the company making sure they have enough supply when they shut down their plants to retool. GM is stuck between a rock and hard place on trying to make sure they have the right amount of trucks.
Starting after Labor Day, GM started their semiannual truck promotion which offers rebates on trucks up $3,500 or $4,500 with a trade. This is a surprise since the promotion usually starts in October.
"They've pulled forward truck month, so we get both September and October, and they're putting a lot of cash on the hoods. With a little participation from the client, I think we'll be fine," said Chris Haydocy, a Buick-GMC dealer in Columbus, Ohio
Not to be outdone, Ford, Ram, and Toyota have introduced rebates and incentives to bring people into one of their trucks.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Jaguar Looks At Changing Direction Of Next XJ, Going Upmarket

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 17, 2012
Jaguar is in the midst of changes. Both with one of their models and the possibility of moving more upmarket.
Inside Line reports that Jaguar is debating where to take the next-generation XJ. One side, headed by CEO Ralf Speth wants to take the next-generation XJ and design it much closer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The other side wants to see Jaguar stick with the distinctive styling theme of the current model.
Why the design change-up? Sales in key markets for the XJ have been dropping. In the U.S. alone, sales are about half when compared to the S-Class and BMW 7-Series. Though we're wondering if the sales drop is due to the design or other reasons, like not offering AWD or some other powertrain choice than a V8.
Source: Inside Line
Next: Going Upmarket
Jaguar has been impressed by the sales of the XKR-S coupe and roadster, and the XJ Ultimate that the brand is looking at doing more upmarket models.
“It’s clear from our research that Jaguar has a strong enough brand name to participate in more of this sort of business. We’ve proven that we can build £100,000-plus cars that sell, and these projects are one way of pushing the brand further upmarket,” said global brand director Adrian Hallmark.
Hallmark didn't go into specifics, but it would be safe to assume a high-performance variant of the XFR is in the cards.
Source: Autocar
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Lexus Previews LF-CC Concept For Paris

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 16, 2012
Lexus has pulled off a surprise before this month's Paris Motor Show by showing off the LF-CC coupe concept.
The concept features the L-Finesse design language shown on the LF-LC concept. As the images show, the concept wears possibly the boldest implementation of the spindle grille. The overall body looks to share a lot in common with the LFA supercar. In a press release, Lexus says the concept is not just a look at the next generation IS, but also at a new coupe.
Inside, Lexus says the LF-LC concept is a preview of what to expect in the new IS. The driver sits low and gets a wide grip steering wheel and a set high-visibility instrument dials.
The center console layout is divided into two distinct pieces: an upper, Display Zone, with a multi-display screen, and a lower, Operation Zone, which has a new design for the gear-lever and a touch-pad controller.
Powering the concept is a parallel hybrid system pairing a direct-injected 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor. Like the exterior and interior, Lexus says expect this powertrain to make appearance in future models.
Source: Lexus

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
World Premiere of the Lexus LF-CC Concept Car at the 2012 Paris Motor Show
Sept. 17, 2012 -- Following the unveiling of Lexus’ award-winning hybrid 2+2 sports coupe concept, the LF-LC at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show and its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show, a new, mid-sized coupe concept, the LF-CC makes its World Premiere at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
The more compact, rear-wheel drive, full hybrid LF-CC already integrates various design cues from the LF-LC; a first illustration of how concept cars are truly influencing future Lexus models and, in this instance, future D-Segment derivatives.
Announcing the launch of a premium mid-sized coupe in the more accessible D-segment in the near future, the LF-CC reinforces Lexus’ commitment to create more engaging, inspirational vehicles through attractive design, a superior driving experience and advanced technologies.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The LF-CC showcases the latest evolution of the company’s unique L-finesse design language, with the boldest yet interpretation of the signature Lexus ‘spindle’ grille. Framed by the bonnet lip, deep lower spoiler and powerfully projecting front fender tips, the grille mesh is encased in a deep, metal-finish surround and takes on a pronounced, 3D form.
A unique, 3 LED-projector headlamp design is housed in the narrow gap between the lower and upper fender surfaces, without a conventional, one-piece cover. Independent Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are fully integrated into the upper bumper surface to complete this unique new design.
The broad lower fenders are aerodynamically sculpted to manage the flow of air to the engine bay and front brakes, whilst reinforcing the powerful, dynamic road presence of the new Lexus signature frontal design.
In profile, the powerful convex curve of the bonnet flows seamlessly through a steeply raked windscreen into a roofline which deliberately peaks towards the rear of the cabin to emphasise the traction available from the vehicle’s rear-wheel drive powertrain.
The bodywork is stretched tight between the front and rear fenders, and the rear fender is less pronounced than that of the front, reinforcing the concentration of vehicle weight over the driven wheels for maximum traction.
Further developing a design form initiated on the LF-LC concept and the high-performance LFA, the sharply sculpted form of an airflow regulating fin flows from underneath the side of the car and upwards through the rear wheel arch. This aerodynamic detail is designed to increase downforce over the driven wheels, further improving traction.
The airflow regulating fin merges with the falling roofline in a pronounced rear spoiler integrated within the boot lid, seamlessly fusing design and aerodynamic elements to give the vehicle its distinctive, coupe proportions.
To the rear, the full width bumper flows into the rear wheel arches to emphasise the LF-CC’s broad, powerful stance. Lexus-characteristic L-shaped combination lamps feature a layered, strongly three-dimensional design, and the lower, concave bumper section incorporates a full width spoiler to further enhance rear-wheel drive traction. The rear stop lamp is nicely integrated into the shark antenna.
The LF-CC is finished in a new, ‘Fluid Titanium’ exterior colour, a metallic finish with exceptionally high brilliance which combines sharp, bright highlighting with dark shaded surfaces to reinforce the powerful forms of the bodywork’s sculpted surfaces.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The LF-CC’s interior hints at the progressive luxury of a future Lexus model cabin layout, and represents a further development of the company’s HMI (Human Machine Interface) design philosophy.
The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper, Display Zone, with a multi-display screen located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower, Operation Zone, which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and an innovative touch tracer display for remote system control.
This clear division of zones creates a unique fusion of an airy, spacious cabin and a sporting cockpit which places the emphasis on a snug, highly focused driving environment. All functional driving components are consolidated in the driver’s seat surroundings, combining outstanding ergonomics with advanced HMI technologies.
The driver benefits from a low, highly focused driving position with a sporting, wide grip steering wheel, optimum pedal placement and high-visibility instrument dials. The touch tracer display for remote system control is located directly behind the shift lever for maximum comfort and ease of operation.
Coordinating with the ‘Fluid Titanium’ exterior colour, the seats, door panels and instrument binnacle hood are trimmed in a warm, elegant amber leather finish. The extensive use of metallic finishes and soft touch materials throughout reinforces the premium quality of the environment. The contrast between the exterior and interior colour schemes gives the car an elegant yet simultaneously sporting image.
ALL-NEW 2.5 LITRE FULL HYBRID POWERTRAIN
Representing a new Lexus powertrain for future production, the LF-CC is equipped with an all-new, highly efficient, 2.5 litre full hybrid powertrain delivering a combination of the engaging performance appropriate to a sporting, D-segment coupe and low CO2 emissions, targeted below 100 g/km. This powertrain will achieve class-leading energy efficiency, with more than 2 hp produced per gram of CO2.
This Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain features an all-new, ultra-smooth running, 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor.
In addition to the petrol engine and electric motor, the LF-CC hybrid drive system further comprises a generator, a high-performance battery, a power split device which, via planetary reduction gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements, and a compact power control unit to govern the high speed interaction of the system components.
Adapted specifically for the hybrid powertrain, the all-new 2.5 litre, DOHC, 4-cylinder petrol engine benefits from several technical improvements. It adopts the Atkinson cycle and D-4S direct injection technology to optimise both the power and fuel-efficiency benefits of Lexus Hybrid Drive.
Lexus will introduce this new hybrid powertrain into its model range in the near future.
Lexus at the 2012 Paris Motor Show
Besides the world premiere of the new LF-CC, Lexus will also display the all-new LS 600h F SPORT in Western European premiere. The new LS flagship sedan reflects the bolder Lexus exterior and interior design direction, and brings enhanced driving dynamics, world-leading refinement, luxury and innovative advanced technology.
Introduced by Paul Van der Burgh, Director Lexus Europe, the Lexus Press Conference will be held at 8.45 AM CET on September 27 (hall 4, stand 120).
William Maley

Used Car Prices To Go Down In The Coming Year

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 16, 2012
This year saw the average price of the used car reach an all-time high due to severe shortage of used vehicles.
“The supply right now is so low, that is controlling everything in the used-market values. There just aren’t enough vehicles out there relative to used-car demand,” said Eric Lyman, ALG’s vice president of residual value solutions.
However the supply is beginning to increase slowly thanks in part turn-around in new vehicle sales. With this, ALG believes within the next twelve months, the average used-vehicle price will fall 4 to 5%.
“We’re seeing sort of a landing back to a normal used-car market environment. With the financial crisis of 2008, you see that huge decline in the used-car value index. Since that time, we’ve seen this huge recovery,” said Lyman.
They also see within two to three years, the average price dropping 8 to 10%.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Is BMW In Talks To Buy De Tomaso?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 16, 2012
File this under the 'what are they thinking' file. According to Automotive News Europe, the Italian Industry Ministry is in continuing discussions with different potential buyers in the assets of De Tomaso. Yes, the same company name who brought you the Pantera back in the seventies.
Back in 2011, the revitalized company showed a concept called the SLS, which looked like to be a BMW 5-Series GT with a bit of Italian flair. Production of that model would begin soon at a former Pininfarina plant outside of Turin. Except it didn't. De Tomaso was losing money and was soon announced that investment group in China would purchase the company. That deal would soon collapse and De Tomaso would file for bankruptcy in July. That was soon followed by the arrest of chairman Gian Mario Rossignolo on charges of improper use of funding.
Since that time, the Italian Industry Ministry has been looking for a buyer to pick up the assets. One the buyers interested in reportedly buying the assets is BMW.
"We had confirmation that talks with possible Italian partners [who would buy the structural assets] and with BMW continue," said Giuseppe Anfuso, Turin secretary of the UILM trade union in a statement.
We're not quite sure why BMW is interested in De Tomaso, but stranger things have happened.
Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Ford Adds A 3.7L V6 For Interceptor Sedan

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 15, 2012
Ford's Interceptor sedan engine lineup consists of the 3.5L V6 producing 288 HP and 254 lb-ft of torque going to the front wheels, and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 365 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque going to all four wheels.
Now, Ford has introduced a third engine option for the Interceptor sedan. The 3.7L V6 from the Interceptor Utility is now in the sedan. The 3.7L V6 produces 305 HP ans 279 lb-ft of torque. The 3.7L is only available with all-wheel drive.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
Ford Boosts Police Interceptor Sedan Performance and Fuel Economy with New 3.7-Liter Ti-VCT Engine
Ford Police Interceptor sedan now available with 3.7-liter twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine offering increased power with fuel efficiency
Standard all-wheel-drive sedan with 3.7-liter Ti-VCT engine offers EPA-rated 25 mpg on the highway, 18 mpg in the city and a combined 21 mpg – an improvement over current powertrain lineup
Both Ford Police Interceptors, sedan and utility vehicle, recently earned top safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 13, 2012 –The new Ford Police Interceptor is getting another boost under the hood with the addition of the 3.7-liter twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine, offering law enforcement agencies fuel economy with more power.
The 3.7-liter V6, now available on the Police Interceptor sedan, delivers a performance increase to 305 horsepower and 279 lb.-ft. of torque while also achieving increased fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway, 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg combined. The horsepower and torque ratings are the highest of any naturally aspirated V6 engine offered for pursuit-rated sedans.
“This combination of great performance and top-notch fuel economy means law enforcement agencies won’t have to compromise power or fuel efficiency while getting the job done,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Police Interceptor.
A tough lineup
Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that performs better than V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor sedan lineup now comes with three powertrain options, allowing police to choose the powerhouse that best meets their patrol requirements. The Police Interceptor sedan is available with a standard 3.5-liter V6, the new 3.7-liter V6 and the performance powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost® engine.
The 3.7-liter engine now available on the sedan was already available on the Police Interceptor utility vehicle.
To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, who provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.
Safe, durable, functional
Building on Ford’s safety leadership, Police Interceptor is engineered to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing.
Both sedan and utility Police Interceptors recently earned top safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.
Throughout its development, Ford’s new Police Interceptor has been put through the paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to the rigorous driving styles of police professionals.
To meet the rigors of durability testing, the unique police brakes have been increased in size and performance for confidence. The cooling package is purpose-built as well, featuring a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Its honeycomb grille is designed to work in harmony with the interior components, offering more airflow throughout the vehicle. Plus, the standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.
Front seats have been specially designed, with a lower bolster removed to better accommodate officers’ utility belts. Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.
The Police Interceptor second row also has been optimized to address police-specific needs. The vinyl seats are specially sculpted and set back to improve second-row space and maximize legroom. The back door hinges are modified to open up another 10 degrees versus traditional rear doors.
The Ford Police Interceptor also is equipped with a column shift specifically designed so the console area is free for the ever-increasing amounts of aftermarket police equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.
William Maley

Honda Previews A Refreshed CR-Z

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 14, 2012
Honda has dropped a teaser image for the refreshed CR-Z that will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show later in the month.
The teaser shot shows Honda has made a few design changes to the front end. There's a strip of LED lighting running under the HID headlights and new grille insert.
The big changes are underneath the hood. Honda says the CR-Z will receive power increases for the gas engine and its electric motor. Honda is staying quiet on how much more power the CR-Z will, though it does say the power increase will not effect fuel economy or emissions.
Source: Honda
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Mini Reveals The New Paceman Before Paris

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 14, 2012
Almost two years since the introduction of the Paceman concept at the Detroit Auto Show, Mini is showing the production version at the Paris Motor Show this month.
The Paceman is essentially a Countryman, minus two doors and some design changes. The roofline is more rakish, the rear fenders are more muscular, and the back is completely different and features a new set of taillights.
Inside, the Paceman is a four-seater only. Backseat passengers get their own seats. Cargo space measures out to be 38 cu. ft. when the seats are folded down.
Powertrains for the U.S. model are going to be the base 1.6L four-cylinder producing 122 HP and 118 lb-ft of torque, and the turbocharged 1.6L producing 184 HP and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both engines have the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic and front- or all-wheel drive.
The Paceman rides lower than a Countryman and comes with MacPherson struts with forged crossmembers in front, while the rear gets a multilink setup. Electric power steering will come as standard.
The Paceman will go on sale in the first quarter of 2013.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
SETTING A NEW PACE FOR MINI: The all-new MINI Paceman
13.09.2012 -- A sporty new exterior design, lowered suspension for a dynamic ride and an exciting reinterpretation of the familiar interior – feast your eyes on the all-new MINI Paceman, set for UK launch in March 2013.
Styled as a coupé interpretation of the Countryman, four versions will be available when it arrives in showrooms next spring, including the MINI Cooper S Paceman which will have a 0-62mph of just 7.5 seconds. The seventh unique member of the family, it will sell alongside the Hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupé and Roadster.
Packed with MINI character and obvious design cues which tie it to the rest of the range, the three-door Paceman's unique exterior styling is what immediately catches the eye. Built on the Countryman platform, bumper to bumper the car is 4,109 mm (4,115mm for MINI Cooper S Paceman and Cooper SD Paceman), which makes it almost identical in size to its sibling.
With a contemporary and expressive body shape, the Paceman has been created to appeal to a new type of design-conscious customer. The prominent horizontal lines and dynamic curved surfaces give the promise of sporting performance, yet there is an elegant simplicity to the overall form of the car.
The upright front grille, complete with hexagonal radiator grille and broad chrome surround, gives the Paceman genuine presence. Its coupé-style stretched side profile features long doors, while the blacked-out pillars create a 'floating' roof concept, as already seen on the MINI Coupé. Available in either black, white or body colour, the roof gently slopes towards the rear of the car, ending at the integrated spoiler. The horizontal arrangement of the rear lights, which accentuates the car's width, is a first for MINI. The Paceman is the only member of the brand's line-up to be identified by a rear nameplate.
The car's interior has been designed specifically for this model. Its highlight is the innovative rear seat, which has been styled around a lounge concept. Two individual chairs provide generous levels of head, shoulder and knee room with outstanding comfort and support. Armrests have been integrated into the rear trim. A two-section version of the MINI Centre Rail storage and attachment system – first seen in the Countryman – comes as standard. A full-length variant is available as an option.
The Paceman is a strict four-seater, though practicality has not been sacrificed. Folding down the rear seats expands the rear load-carrying capacity from 330 litres to a maximum of 1,080 litres. Access is via a large and high-opening tailgate, offering extra practicality for owners.
In the front, the raised seating position gives the driver and passenger an excellent view in every direction. The instrument panel includes many familiar components, including the large round central speedo. However, its black surround and decorative inner rings in high-gloss black or chrome are new, as are the redesigned air vent surrounds. Buttons for the windows, which have been toggle switches below the speedo on every MINI to date, have moved to the door trim panel.
MINI's trademark go-kart handling will be a key part of the Paceman's appeal, enhanced by the optional all-wheel drive transmission. Lowered sports suspension as standard will help provide customers with an outstanding driving experience, though regular suspension and ride height are available as a no-cost option.
From launch, Paceman customers will have the choice of four powerful four-cylinder engines, two petrol and two diesel. All come with a six-speed manual gearbox, or the optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic function for manual control.
For petrol buyers, the MINI Cooper Paceman features a 1.6-litre 122bhp unit offering a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds, fuel economy of 47.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 140 g/km. The MINI Cooper S Paceman uses the same engine, tuned to deliver 184bhp. It will sprint to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy is 46.3mpg and emissions are 143g/km.
For those who prefer diesel, the MINI Cooper D Paceman uses a 1.6-litre 112bhp turbocharged engine with a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds. It will provide owners with a frugal 64.2mpg fuel economy and 115g/km emissions. The flagship diesel is the MINI Cooper SD Paceman, which gets a 2.0-litre 143bhp engine. Its 0-62mph time is 9.2 seconds. Fuel economy is 61.4mpg with an emissions figure of 122g/km.
For buyers who want the reassuring grip that comes with four-wheel drive, MINI's ALL4 system is available on the Cooper D, SD and Cooper S Paceman, models. And for those seeking the ultimate in MINI performance and desirability, a John Cooper Works Paceman version is in development.
Under the Paceman's body shell, sophisticated chassis technology includes MacPherson spring struts and forged cross members at the front axle, a multi-link rear axle and electric power steering with Servotronic function. These combine to provide a sure-footed yet dynamic driving experience. Extra fun can be summoned via the sport button, optional on Cooper and Cooper D, which tweaks the engine's responses and the power assistance provided by the steering.
Driver aids include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard across the range, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) including Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) on the MINI Cooper S Paceman, Cooper SD Paceman and Cooper D Paceman ALL4. Light alloy wheels in 16-inch and 17-inch sizes are standard, with 18-inch or 19-inch on the options list.
The state-of-the-art powertrain and suspension technology is married to MINI's acclaimed MINIMALISM environmental systems, which are fitted as standard. They include Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand operation of ancillary units, all of which help cut fuel use and reduce emissions.
Outstanding occupant protection is provided by an extensive range of safety equipment including front and side airbags. Side curtain airbags are fitted in both the front and back. ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear and a tyre pressure warning are on every Paceman.
Other standard equipment includes air conditioning, powered door mirrors and front sports seats. Popular options will include Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control, an electrically operated glass roof plus the MINI navigation system. Advanced infotainment functions are available via MINI Connected. A range of optional equipment packages will also be available providing customers excellent value and helping to promote strong residual values.
Eight exterior paint shades are available including the new Brilliant Copper and Blazing Red. Starlight Blue also previously unseen and unique to the Paceman. As always with MINI, personalisation is expected to be very popular and there is an extensive choice of bonnet stripes, upholstery variants, interior surfaces and Colour Lines.
It will go sale on 16 March 2013 with prices starting at just £18,970 on the road.
William Maley

BMW Shows Us The FWD Future With The Concept Active Tourer

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 14, 2012
For awhile now, we been reporting about BMW heading to the front-wheel for certain number of their upcoming vehicles. Now, we get our first peek into that future with the Concept Active Tourer.
The Concept Active Tourer is BMW’s interpretation of the tall-hatchback shape (Mercedes-Benz B-Class). The front end features the twin-kidney grille, angular headlights, and large air dams on the front bumper. Around the side, the Concept Active Tourer has a distinctive character line. The back is a mixture of BMW’s wagon and crossover design cues.
The interior features an advanced, multicolor head-up display, panoramic sunroof that changes transparency at the push of a button, eight-inch infotainment screen, and a 10.3-inch customizable screen replacing a traditional instrument cluster.
Power will come from from a hybrid powertrain that is made up of a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack. Total output is 190 HP and 147 lb-ft of torque. Stats for the Active Tourer are,
0-62 MPH in 8 seconds
Top speed of 124 MPH
Travel up 20 Miles on EV power alone
Fuel economy of 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers (about 94 MPG)

BMW will show the Active Tourer Concept at the Paris Motor Show later this month.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
Combines comfort and functionality with dynamic performance and style: the BMW Concept Active Tourer.
Munich. With the new BMW Concept Active Tourer, BMW presents a vehicle at the 2012 Paris Motor Show which is the first in the premium compact segment to combine comfort and space functionality with dynamic performance and style. Annual growth rates of up to five per cent are expected in the small car and compact segment of the premium class in the years to come. For this reason, the BMW Concept Active Tourer is a key component in the ongoing development of the BMW brand and its model portfolio.
As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW Concept Active Tourer also provides a glimpse ahead to future drive variants in automobiles of the compact class. The eDrive concept familiar from the BMW i8 is used here for the first time in a model of the core BMW brand and will in future be the designation for all electric and plug-in hybrid drives. It covers all components of the electric drive, the electric motor developed by BMW, the lithium-ion battery and the intelligent engine control unit.
Excellent combination of sporty aesthetic appeal and comfort.
The new BMW Concept Active Tourer combines compact dimensions and an attractive, sporty design with hallmark BMW quality. With an exterior length of 4,353 millimetres, a width of 1,834 millimetres and a total height of 1,560 millimetres, the BMW Concept Active Tourer is geared towards customers of the premium segment who appreciate a high level of comfort, a raised seating position and a generous amount of space. The BMW Concept Active Tourer will also be attractive to families who attach importance to functionality and versatility as well as lifestyle and athletic flair.
A long wheelbase of 2,670 millimetres, a high roof line and a compact transverse engine with front-wheel drive make it possible to create a generously sized interior. The spacious load compartment of the BMW Concept Active Tourer provides fully-fledged everyday suitability since the batteries of the hybrid drive are housed entirely underneath the load floor.
The design: dynamic and compact.
With its harmonious proportions the BMW Concept Active Tourer displays sporty elegance from every angle. It demonstrates how compact dimensions, functionality and versatility can be skilfully combined with a dynamic design. The exclusive exterior paint finish in High Reflection Silver contributes to the refined appearance of the BMW Concept Active Tourer. Meanwhile, interesting touches are provided by the additional applications at the front, side and rear. The surfaces are in high-gloss polish with brushed velvet matt on the undersurface. This subtle shimmering between matt and gloss emphasises the play of light and shadow created by the new exterior paint finish.
The BMW Concept Active Tourer unmistakably retains the characteristically expressive BMW front view. The dominating element here is the distinctive, slightly front-tilted BMW radiator grille. The striking twin headlines with LED positioning lights (eyebrows) stretching far back into the side panels and the multi-faceted front apron combine to reinforce the sporty presence of the BMW Concept Active Tourer. Furthermore, the two large outer air inlets below the headlights emphasise the impression of width created by the front view.
Seen from the side, the elongated silhouette with its suggested wedge shape gives the BMW Concept Active Tourer a dynamic feel even when stationary - something which is unique in the class. Integrated door openers and the strikingly contrasted side sills with their rising shadow line combine with the large 20-inch wheels to give the BMW Concept Active Tourer its sporty, elegant appearance. Short body overhangs at the front and rear and the long wheelbase make for an unusually generously sized interior considering the vehicle's compact exterior dimensions. The raised roof line and large doors at front and rear promise convenient access to all seats.
Meanwhile, the rear section of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is characterised by athletic elegance. Marked, horizontal body lines define the rear view of this compact BMW. The large rear light clusters running well into the side panel highlight the broad wheel arches, visually underscoring the vehicle's solid road-holding. The large tailgate with low load sill and wide opening provides convenient access to the luggage compartment.
The interior: elegant with an unhindered sense of space.
The generously designed interior of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is both transparent and refreshingly new. The open-pore laminated wood milled from a single block provides the visual link between the upper and low decor surfaces of the instrument panel. This creates a very elegant and light overall impression in the front section of the interior. The door trim panels and seats are covered in light, velvety soft full-grain leather and smooth leather, providing a silky, shimmering gloss which emphasises the luxurious, elegant ambience of the interior. There are also orange contrasting seams which underscore the vehicle's sporty character. The BMW Concept Active Tourer offers an entirely new sense of space. The centre console appears to hover between the two front seats with a smooth transition to the dashboard. This arrangement guarantees maximum legroom for both driver and front passenger.
The cockpit with hallmark BMW driver orientation provides optimum accessibility of all the main controls. The circular instruments in Black Panel Technology are within the driver's field of vision, as is the monitor of the central information display. As an optional extra, a full-colour Head-Up-Display appears on a special retracting glass surface between the steering wheel and windscreen - a first in the compact segment. The raised seats in the so-called semi-command position also ensure an excellent all-round view, rounding off the optimum level of operating convenience and comfort.
"Cool Shade" panorama roof: changes spatial feel and temperature at the press of a button.
An innovative panorama sunroof creates a unique ambience, extending across the entire roof surface of the BMW Concept Active Tourer. The composite glass roof with innovative Suspended Particle Device (SPD) technology means that the desired brightness or temperature effect can be created at the press of an electric button - either being darkened to the level of powerful sunglasses or raised to crystal clear brightness. Occupants can achieve a special lighting effect by manually adding a large-area leaf structure design to the glass roof. Electrical impulses cause the molecular structure of the glass to change at continuously varying levels between light and dark according to preference. The play of light and shadow thus created highlights the sense of space, thereby generating a pleasantly atmospheric lighting effect on all seats.
Travel & Comfort System: generous lightness in the rear section.
Rear passengers likewise enjoy very comfortable seating in the BMW Concept Active Tourer. The generous leg space created by the long wheelbase and slightly raised roof gives passengers plenty of freedom for movement. This also makes it particularly easy to enter and exit the vehicle. The luggage compartment is highly versatile due to the variable rear backrests, which can be split 40 : 20 : 40. A flat load floor can be created by folding down all three backrest sections.
In addition to these variable luggage space expansion options, the BMW Concept Active Tourer offers rear passengers additional intelligent details as part of the Travel & Comfort System. A centrally located vertical metal track is integrated in the back of the front seats. This innovative clip-on track system allows folding tables offering a range of convenient adjustment options to be attached by means of a quick fastener, and additional storage bags can also be suspended. Use of all common models of tablet computer is especially convenient from the rear seats. Tablets can be fixed to the clip-on track system in either portrait or landscape format and used for internet search, games or relaxed movie-viewing at eye level.
New information experience: the multifunctional instrument display.
A particular highlight of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is the multifunction instrument display. Instead of a conventional instrument cluster with four analog circular instruments providing the driver with information on speed, engine speed, fuel level and oil temperature, there is a 10.25-inch integrated screen which makes for a modern display experience.
The familiar look with four circular instruments is still retained, but the use of extended Black Panel Technology gives the drive a whole new range of display options. For example, the screen shows the drive experience modes COMFORT, SPORTand ECO PRO with differing indicators and in distinctive colour schemes, thereby ensuring increased safety and efficiency as well as exemplary driver orientation. As a result, the instrument cluster provides the driver with information which perfectly matches the situation on the road.
"Seismic Surf" app for economical driving made easy.
Rear passengers in the BMW Concept Active Tourer can experience fascinating technology hands-on with the new iPad app "Seismic Surf". "Seismic Surf" creates a game world in real time. It is an exciting ecological racing game which draws on the acceleration figures, engine speed and other data supplied continuously by the BMW Concept Active Tourer. Each real-life driving situation is interpreted and used to generate an infinite variety of new challenges in the computer game.
The aim of the game is to collect as many points as possible along a virtual route and record the most efficient driving style. The driver can directly influence the level of difficulty. Anticipatory driving simplifies the game, while a sporty driving style creates a winding and more difficult virtual route in the game. Only perfect interaction between a fuel-efficient driver and a skilful player at the rear can maximise the point score and achieve a podium position in the BMW games universe.
Head-Up Display with brilliant resolution and a full spectrum of colours.
The BMW Concept Active Tourer is fitted with the latest-generation multicolour Head-Up Display. It projects all important information in brilliant resolution directly into the field of vision of the driver via a retracting glass surface. The intensity of projection automatically adapts to the light available. The day and night design is the same as that of the instrument panel. Depending on the driver's preference, not only the current speed and speed limits can be displayed but also overtaking bans. The driver can also obtain navigation assistance as well as a range of warnings. Because of the large number of driver assistance systems available, the scope of information which can be displayed in the Head-Up Display has reached a level as yet unequalled in this class of vehicle.
Central information display in Black Panel look.
An 8-inch display takes care of the familiar menu guidance and route planning functions in the new navigation system. What is more, the central information display also visualises the current operating state of the hybrid drive. This ensures the driver is constantly informed on deployment of the combustion engine and electric motor and is able to track the energy flow within the system. The power electronics of the hybrid drive is networked with the intelligent Plus navigation system so as to provide maximum efficiency. Based on the data collected such as route profile, speed limits and traffic situation, the vehicle is prepared in advance so as to make the most efficient use of the energy available.
The drive system of the BMW Concept Active Tourer: the future begins.
The drive of the BMW Concept Active Tourer follows the BMW Group's pioneering philosophy of sustainable mobility. The drive technology of all BMW plug-in hybrid models and electrically powered BMW i models bears the designation BMW eDrive, a term which includes all electric drive components.
The BMW Concept Active Tourer has been designed as a so-called plug-in hybrid - ideally combining the benefits of electric drive with those of a classic combustion engine. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV = Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Vehicle) will have a particularly important role to play in future. This is because plug-in hybrid vehicles normally have a range of well over 20 kilometres when run on electricity and can therefore be used efficiently for both short and long trips as well as in mixed mode. In the case of the BMW Concept Active Tourer, a state-of-the-art 1.5-litre petrol engine from the BMW Group Efficient Dynamics family of engines interacts perfectly with a synchronous electric motor.
PHEV: the best of both worlds for impressive performance.
The BMW Concept Active Tourer presents a drive concept which is new to the BMW brand. The 1.5-litre petrol engine does not drive the rear wheels - as has been the case in BMW models to date - but the front wheels. The electric motor of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is designed as a fully-fledged power unit and acts on the rear axle, if necessary powering the car on its own.
With a system output of over 140 kW/190 bhp, the combination of combustion engine and electric motor enables the BMW Concept Active Tourer to achieve highly sporty performance figures while maintaining extremely low fuel consumption and emission levels. The BMW Concept Active Tourer accelerates in less than eight seconds from standing to 100 km/h, while the maximum speed achieved by the dynamic plug-in hybrid is around 200 km/h. In spite of these impressive performance figures, the average fuel consumption is less than 2.5 litres per 100 kilometres, with a CO2 emissions level of less than 60 g/km.
In addition to convincing performance figures, the innovative drive concept also gives the BMW Concept Active Tourer a driving response which is both comfortable and dynamic.
New 1.5-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo engine: high-performance power unit with hallmark 6-cylinder genes.
The combustion engine of the new BMW Concept Active Tourer is a new cutting-edge 1.5-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. Derived from the multiple award-winning 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, it combines the latest generation of High Precision Injection with the fully variable valve control system VALVETRONIC and ultra-modern turbocharging. BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology will be used in all power units of the BMW Group's Efficient Dynamics engine family in the future - not least because it does not depend on total capacity or number of cylinders. The new 3-cylinder engine in the BMW Concept Active Tourer is one of the first representatives of this new generation of engines. The compact in-line engine constitutes an exemplary combination of dynamic performance and efficiency.
The new BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder offers character-specific benefits: running smoothness, revving power, spontaneous response and a dynamic, sporty sound. Since there are no first and second-order inertia forces, it offers an especially high level of comfort in terms of noise and vibration. The level of roll torque is lower than that of a 4-cylinder and is compensated for by a single counterbalance shaft. Among other things, this helps keep the engine extremely smooth-running in the low engine speed range, too.
Synchronous electric motor: additional power without emissions.
The synchronous electric motor in the BMW Concept Active Tourer was also developed by the BMW Group. With a fully charged battery, the BMW Concept Active Tourer has a maximum range of over 30 kilometres when running on electric power alone. This means that the majority of day-to-day trips dispense with local emissions entirely. What is more, the boost function can be applied to use the power provided by the synchronous electric motor for such things as highly dynamic acceleration manoeuvres. In both cases the drive power is made available spontaneously and without delay. The maximum torque of 200 Newton metres is available from standing.
The lithium-ion battery of the BMW Concept Active Tourer can be charged at any 220 volt household power socket. Power can be drawn from both axes of the BMW Concept Active Tourer and fed into the lithium-ion battery so as to enhance the efficiency of the plug-in hybrid. While the electric motor automatically recuperates maximum energy at the rear axle during deceleration, a high-volt generator connected to the combustion engine additionally charges the battery whenever needed.
Hybrid drive with intelligent energy management.
As part of the BMW Group's Efficient Dynamics strategy, the BMW Concept Active Tourer also features a measures package specially geared towards the plug-in hybrid to increase efficiency. For example, an anticipatory operating strategy optimises the efficiency of the electric motor and the high-performance battery. The system draws on data provided by the navigation system, calculating in advance the most suitable sections of the route and driving situations in which to apply electric drive or charge the battery. This optimised charging strategy saves up to ten per cent of energy so as to extend the amount of travel time during which the vehicle runs on electrical power alone.
Wide portfolio of additional BMW EfficientDynamics measures.
The new BMW Concept Active Tourer naturally includes numerous other features of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, too. In the case of the BMW Concept Active Tourer, these are all mainly geared towards maximising the range of the vehicle when running purely on electricity. This involves optimising the energy consumption of the ancillary units. Every kilowatt of stored energy saved is thus instantly available to power the electric motor.
Other BMW EfficientDynamics measures include an automatic engine start/stop system geared especially towards the plug-in hybrid drive and the second generation of air flap control.
ECO PRO as standard further enhances efficiency.
The BMW Concept Active Tourer is fitted with the ECO PRO mode which is also available in current BMW serial production models. This additional method of cutting fuel consumption remains globally unique in the automotive sector to date in this form. At the appropriate opportunities, ECO PRO mode reduces the power of the interior air conditioning and other electrically powered comfort functions, ensuring drive components operate on maximum efficiency according to the current situation on the road.
ECO PRO mode also provides the driver with valuable advice. To this end, this system is linked to the navigation system. Based on the calculated route data and the driver's individual style of driving, ECO PRO mode is able to indicate how to reach a given destination with the lowest level of fuel consumption, for example. The preview assistant gives the driver tips such as "Remove foot from accelerator" if a tight bend or speed limit is approaching which the driver cannot even see yet. The preview assistant can take into account such features as bends, built-up areas, roundabouts, T junctions and motorway exits. At the same time, an anticipatory transmission assistant optimises the electronic transmission control system for imminent situations.
ECO PRO mode can also activate the so-called coasting mode at two levels between 50 and 160 km/h. Here the system completely deactivates the combustion engine at speeds of up to 125 km/h. It also decouples the engine from the drivetrain up to a speed of 160 km/h, allowing comfortable driving while making full use of the kinetic energy already generated.
William Maley

2013 Buick Enclave To Start At $39,270*

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 13, 2012
A day after GMC announces pricing for the new Acadia, Buick has gone ahead and revealed pricing for the new Enclave. Starting at $39,270 (includes $825 destination charge), the new Enclave is about $2,000 more than the outgoing model, but comes with a lot more standard equipment.
All Enclaves come with HID headlights, LED daytime lights, rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, remote start, a seven-inch touch-screen with Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system, GM’s new front-center air bag, a power liftgate, and a direct-injected 3.6L V6 producing 288 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque.
The 2013 Enclave will come with two option packages (taking the place of CX and CXL)
Leather Group (starts at $43,285): Adds leather-appointed upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power passenger seat, memory seat settings and Side Blind Zone Alert with Cross Traffic Alert.
Premium Group (starts at $46,450): Adds 19-inch chrome-clad wheels, articulating headlamps, a Bose premium audio system, cooled front seats, power-folding side mirrors and a power tilting/telescoping steering column.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2

New 2013 Buick Enclave Priced at $39,270



Modern style and advanced technology define new luxury crossover


DETROIT – The Buick Enclave – the top-selling three-row luxury crossover SUV in the U.S. market – gets updated for 2013 with new styling, more standard equipment, added safety technologies and IntelliLink connectivity for a suggested retail price of $39,270 including an $825 destination charge.
The 2013 Enclave will offer three different equipment groups, all with standard content including a seven-inch Color Touch radio with IntelliLink, high-intensity discharge headlamps, Rear Parking Assist, a Rear Vision Camera, remote start, a power liftgate and other luxury features. Every 2013 model also comes standard with the industry’s first front-center air bag, which is designed to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes.
An Enclave with the Leather Group adds leather-appointed upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power passenger seat, memory seat settings and Side Blind Zone Alert with Cross Traffic Alert starts at $43,285. Radar sensors monitor surroundings and alert the driver when a vehicle is in a blind spot or when a vehicle is approaching from either side while the Enclave is in reverse.
The available Premium Group includes all standard and leather group equipment, along with standard 19-inch chrome clad wheels, articulating headlamps, a Bose premium audio system, cooled front seats, power-folding side mirrors and a power tilting/telescoping steering column for a base price of $46,450.
Enclave offers 7- or 8-passenger seating choices with no added cost for either. Additional options vary among equipment groups, but all Enclave models can be equipped with all-wheel drive ($2,000), navigation ($$795-1,540) and a trailering package ($525).
New LED daytime running lamps and LED-accented taillights add design and technology on the Enclave’s exterior, while new ambient interior lighting adds a cool Ice Blue glow to the cabin.
Dual-flow dampers at the front of the vehicle are among the Enclave’s chassis refinement advancements. These new components provide a smoother ride and improved handling by controlling suspension dampening across a broader range of driving conditions.
“The original Enclave was a catalyst for the Buick, defining the brand’s high standards of design and refinement,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. “The new 2013 model takes another step forward with a bolder look and advanced technologies.”
William Maley

Porsche Introduces A More Powerful Cayenne Diesel

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 13, 2012
Just as Porsche is getting ready to begin selling the new Cayenne Diesel here in the states, they announce a more powerful diesel version called the Cayenne S Diesel.
The Cayenne S Diesel uses a turbocharged 4.2L V8 with direct injection that produces 382 HP and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque. Porsche says the V8 diesel is their most powerful diesel engine ever. Its easy to see why when the Cayenne S Diesel posts a 0-60 MPH time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 157 MPH.
The diesel V8 also has a stop-start system which helps the Cayenne S Diesel fuel economy of 8.3 liters per 100 km on the European cycle (roughly 28 MPG, albeit not on the EPA cycle).
Will we be seeing this turbo-diesel V8 monster here in the states? Unfortunately no.
For everyone else, Cayenne S Diesel arrives next January.
Source: Porsche
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
Cayenne S Diesel: a measure of efficiency
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart is launching its most powerful diesel model on the market as the Cayenne S Diesel. The 4.2-litre eight-cylinder engine with biturbo charging produces 382 hp (281 kW) and offers a maximum torque of 850 Newton metres. This drives the new Cayenne S Diesel to top values in both dynamic performance and efficiency: The new top diesel completes the sprint from zero to 100 km in 5.7 seconds, and its top speed is 252 km/h. In the process, it utilises energy in an exemplary way: Its NEDC fuel consumption is just 8.3 litres per 100 km (CO2: 218 g/km). One factor contributing to this excellent value is the auto start/stop function; the new model is the world's only SUV with a diesel V8 to offer this functionality.
The Cayenne S Diesel offers a driving experience that is typical of a Porsche and yet is altogether new. It is emotional like a sports car in its dynamic performance and sound. The smooth running properties and resonant sound of the eight-cylinder engine attain a level comparable to that of previous Porsche V8 engines. The Cayenne S Diesel gets its very special character from PTM active all-wheel drive. This system produces the driving qualities of a rear-wheel drive vehicle – together with all of its benefits in handling and precision. In a sporty, dynamic style of driving, front-wheel drive actions precisely adapted to the driving situation intervene to improve stability and traction. The optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) makes this excellent dynamic performance even sportier.
The Cayenne S Diesel with its superior engine power is also the ideal vehicle when towing and manoeuvring boat or horse trailers. The Cayenne S Diesel still has sufficient power reserves even when working at its maximum towing capacity of 3.5 metric tonnes. The new vehicle also takes on the role of a long-distance champion: based on its NEDC fuel consumption the Cayenne S Diesel – equipped with an optional 100-litre fuel tank – can be driven a distance of about 1,200 km without having to stop to refuel.
On its exterior, the new top diesel model is an uncompromising Cayenne S as well, and it displays the typical visual features of the eight-cylinder versions. The brake system, for example, has been sized to handle the car's power output, and it is identified by its silver brake callipers. The black fins at the front end emphasise the open air inlets. As on the Cayenne Diesel, the "diesel" badges at the front ends of the wings call attention to the operating mode of the V8 engine. The model badge at the rear identifies it as a Cayenne S.
The Cayenne S Diesel will launch on the market in January 2013 and will cost 77,684 euros in Germany – including 19 per cent VAT and country-specific features.
William Maley

Spying: Are These F-150 Hiding Some Aluminum?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 12, 2012
Some peculiar Ford F-150s have made their way onto the web thanks to a spy photographer. The trucks in question features awkward panel fits, shorten cabs, and modified truck beds. What is the deal with these truck.
Most likely, the trucks are the mules for the next F-150, due out in 2015. Automobile Magazine also speculates the trucks are also testing aluminum body panels, something we reported back in July. This would allow engineers to gain knowledge about whether its a good idea or not to implement aluminum in the next truck.
Rumor has the 2015 F-150 having a aluminum hood and bed, but this is somewhat sketchy.
Source: Automobile Magazine
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

2013 GMC Acadia To Start At $34,875*

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 12, 2012
GMC has announced the pricing for the new Acadia which begins at $34,875* (includes a $825 destination charge).
All Acadias come standard rear park Assist, a rear-view camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, color touch radio, USB port, signature LED daytime running lights and interior ambient lighting.
Most Acadia models will come with GMC's Intellink infotainment system and a front-center airbag, which provides some protection between driver and front seat passenger in a crash, or hold the driver in place if he or she is alone in the vehicle.
Jumping into the top of the line Acadia Denali nets you head-up display, blind spot monitoring system and GMC's new Rear Cross Traffic Alert system.
Power for the Acadia will come from a 3.6L direct-injected V6 producing 288 HP and 279 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 17 City/24 Highway for front-wheel drive models and 16 City/23 Highway.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
2013 GMC Acadia Priced at $34,875
New three-row crossover arrives with updated styling, new technology
DETROIT – The 2013 GMC Acadia three-row crossover SUV launches this fall with a suggested retail price of $34,875, including a destination charge of $825. The upscale Denali trim – originally added to Acadia for the 2011 model year – will return with a long list of standard equipment for $46,770, including destination.
In addition to new styling and upgraded interior materials, every 2013 Acadia will include new standard features such as Rear Park Assist, a rearview camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a Color Touch Radio with HD radio, USB port, signature LED daytime running lights, and interior ambient lighting.
Most Acadia trim levels will come standard with IntelliLink connectivity and the industry's first front-center air bag, which is designed to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes. Acadia Denali's standard equipment includes a power tilt and telescoping steering column, Head-Up Display, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
"The 2013 Acadia arrives with great momentum," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. "Our design and engineering updates add even more value to an award-winning vehicle that just saw its best August ever, with retail sales up 35 percent."
Acadia is a segment leader in retained value, defined as the projected residual value of a vehicle after five years of ownership. Both Edmunds.com and ALG have named the 2012 Acadia to their respective lists of the industry's residual value leaders.
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC is the only manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid trucks with the Yukon, Yukon Denali SUVs and the Sierra pickup. The Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks in the market. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.
William Maley

Rumorpile: Volkswagen Plans A Carbon-Fiber GTI

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 12, 2012
A new Autocar report says Volkswagen is planning a lightweight version of the next-generation GTI. Dubbed 'Carbon GTI', this rumored model is a tribute to the original GTI and its bare-boneness.
The 'Carbon GTI' will utilize a combination of new manufacturing techniques to incorporate as much carbon fiber and aluminum into the vehicle. Parts like the bulkhead, windshield frame, and floor panels will use an alloy material. The roof will be made up of carbon-fiber with a steel core. The use of lightweight materials are expected to drop about 440 lbs (about 2,480 lbs for this model).
Power for the 'Carbon GTI' will be the same as the next-generation GTI, a 2.0L turbo-four producing somewhere around 222 HP. 0-60 is expected to be under six seconds.
Why is Volkswagen doing this? Most likely, this vehicle is a test for for new manufacturing techniques that will possibily be used on the next-generation Audi MLB platform. Also, Volkswagen will be using the same materials and techniques for the upcoming Golf electric and hybrid models.
Source: Autocar
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Volvo Offers A Special C30 With Some Polestar Additions

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 12, 2012
The Volvo C30 is an exclusive car is in its own right (selling only 3,471 vehicles last year). Now, Volvo is going to make a certain number of 2013 C30s even more exclusive.
250 C30s will be the Polestar Limited Edition which will net you more horsepower and torque over the standard C30 (250 vs. 227 HP, 273 vs. 236 lb-ft). You'll have the choice between either a six-speed manual or automatic.
Exterior changes include all 250 will be painted in the same Rebel Blue color, 17-inch Styx matte black alloy wheels, and a body kit from the C30 R-Design. Also coming from the R-Design is the chassis tuning with new dampers, stiffer bushings and a quicker steering ratio compared to the normal C30.
Inside, the C30 Polestar Limited Edition is pretty much like the normal C30 when equipped with the Premium Plus package, meaning it will have sunroof, power seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED daytime running lights, and Xenon headlamps. You can step up to the Platinum which gets you navigation and a premium sound system.
Pricing for the 2013 C30 Polestar Limited Edition starts at $32,445 (includes $895 destination charge).
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2

Volvo Introduces 2013 C30 Polestar Limited Edition


Specially equipped model targets enthusiasts
Production limited to 250 vehicles exclusively for U.S. market
Standard Polestar performance software increases horsepower, torque

ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Sept. 11, 2012) - While the Volvo C30 has often been called the sportiest-looking Volvo, a new, limited-production version may also be called an "enthusiast magnet" when it makes its way to showrooms in November.
The 2013 Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition will definitely be limited in volume - only 250 will be made, beginning in October. But it won't be limited when it comes to youthful exuberance and is packaged in a remarkably attractive and affordable container. The base MSRP is $32,445, which includes an $895 destination charge.
The excitement begins under the hood where the C30's standard 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine receives a healthy performance upgrade. Polestar, Volvo's official performance partner, provides performance software that boosts output by 23 horsepower and 37 lb.-ft. of torque to 250 hp and 273 lb.-ft. This power boost is realized by increasing airflow into the combustion chambers and advancing spark timing.
Polestar's upgrade offers the best of both worlds: Optimized power and torque without affecting fuel consumption. This is possible thanks to efficient tuning of the engine which only increases the power output when it's needed. Thus EPA fuel economy estimates are identical to the standard C30 T5 R-Design with 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the six-speed manual transmission and 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway with the optional five-speed Geartronic automatic.
The visual magnetism of the C30 Polestar Limited Edition is enhanced with new 17-inch Styx alloy wheels with matte black finish and Polestar badges on the rear and sides of the vehicle. To signify that this C30 is special, all 250 iterations will wear the new-for-2013 exterior hue of Rebel Blue and have a special interior numbered plate.
Inside, the C30 Polestar Limited Edition's sporty cabin is dressed with premium leather seating surfaces in a choice of Off-Black or two-tone Off-Black and Calcite. Standard features, equivalent to the Premier Plus trim level of the C30 T5 R-Design, include a power glass sunroof, power driver's seat with memory, soft loadcover, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, power passenger's seat, LED daytime running lights, Keyless Drive and active dual Xenon headlights.
Customers can further upgrade this model by selecting the optional Platinum trim level. This includes the superb Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby® Pro Logic® II Surround Sound, 10 loudspeakers and an astonishing 650 watts. Also included is a navigation system with real time traffic, remote control and map care plus Sirius/XM satellite radio.
The C30 Polestar Limited Edition features standard R-Design cues including a color-coordinated body kit, front grille R-Design logo, R-Design watch dial instrument cluster, unique aluminum inlays, R-Design sport steering wheel and sport pedals.
For 2013, this version - like all C30s - gains standard rain sensor windshield wipers and headlight washers. A Climate Package can be added to the C30 Polestar Limited Edition with heated front seats, Electronic Climate Control (ECC) and Interior Air Quality System (IAQS).
A Sport Chassis, standard on the C30 T5 R-Design and C30 Polestar Limited Edition, provides improved chassis dynamics and steering reflexes. Compared to the C30 T5, spring stiffness for the R-Design is increased by 30 percent while the dampers feature a mono-tube design that builds up pressure quicker for 20 percent increased low-speed damping. Steering is more precise with stiffer bushings and a 10-percent-quicker steering ratio.
Like all C30s, the C30 Polestar Limited Edition is well-equipped with standard safety features including Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Volvo's Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) and Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS).
William Maley

Next CTS To Be More "Sophisticated"

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 12, 2012
When the first-generation Cadillac CTS debuted in 2002, it premiered the Art & Science design language with crisp lines and sharp edges. Ask GM design chief Ed Welburn what he thinks of it and this is what he would say,
"It had a dramatic presence, very angular. But when you really look at it, the surfacing of the body was not very sophisticated at all," Welburn said to Automotive News.
The second-generation CTS would add some sculpture that would smooth out the angular look while remaining as interesting as the first-gen model.
So what's in store for the next-generation CTS? Welburn says the car will lose more of its edgy-ness for more contours (see ATS for an example). Welburn goes onto say that the CTS "will continue to be very dramatic, but I think in some ways even more sophisticated."
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Ford To Name Mark Fields COO, Possible Mulally Successor

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 11, 2012
Bloomberg is reporting that Ford will announce Mark Fields as its new Chief Operating Officer, putting him right behind CEO Alan Mulally in the chain of command.
Until now, Ford has not had a COO under Mulally. This has led many to speculate that this promotion will clearly put Fields in line to be the successor for CEO.
Rumors of someone replacing Mulally as CEO have been swirling for months. Although Mulally, 67, says he has no plans to step down anytime soon, it's widely believed that Ford is preparing for new leadership behind the scenes.
“We do not comment on speculation about personnel actions. Regarding succession, Ford Motor Co. takes succession planning very seriously, and we have succession plans in place for each of our key leadership positions,” said Ray Day, a Ford spokesman in an e-mail.
Fields isn't the only one being considered for the CEO position. Joe Hinrichs, head of Ford's Asia operations, and Jim Farley, Ford's sales and marketing head are also under consideration. The two are also being looked at for President of the Americas.
Source: Bloomberg
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

1,200-hp Hennessey Cadillac CTS-V Coupe offered

G. David Felt
Staff Writer Alternative Energy - CheersandGears.com
We all love GM and how Cadillac has been on a roll lately. Yet even then we know that GM will never give you everything you have wanted or fullfill the niche area of ultimate performance. Now with Hennessey stepping up, it looks like Cadillac will truly have a monster that will put everyone in it's place, even Bugatti.
Review the story and sound off on what you think of this Hennessey Built Monster!
John Hennessey's tuning shop in Texas operates on a simple principle that denies the existence of "too much horsepower." Here's his latest offering to the angry gods of speed -- a dozen Hennessey V1200 Cadillac CTS-V coupes, all of which offer more than double the power of their everyday lookalikes with a Bugatti-challenging 1,226 hp and a top speed of 242 mph.
http://autos.yahoo.c...-190832135.html


G. David Felt

Chrysler Dealers Given A Sneak Peak At Products In Vegas

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 11, 2012
Yesterday, Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne led a day-long product preview in Las Vegas for Chrysler and Fiat dealers. The preview showed products from Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Fiat, and Jeep.
According to Reuters, Alfa Romeo showed two new models to dealers. Most likely, one of those models was the 4C coupe. The other one could have been a crossover or the new Giulia.
Chrysler showed the 100 Subcompact and the new 200. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Chrysler is spending $2 billion on the next 200, with the expectation to double sales. The new 200 will come with a nine-speed automatic transmission to help improve fuel economy.
The Wall Street Journal also reports that Fiat showed the new 500L and a electric version of the 500.
Jeep had the biggest showing. Reuters says the brand showed new versions of the Compass, Patriot, and Liberty. The appearance of the Compass and Patriot is a bit of surprise, since previous reports have the Compass going away.
A dealer who was at the preview says the three vehicles look more like the Grand Cherokee. The three vehicles will use Fiat platforms.
Source: Reuters, The Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Range Rover Diesel-Hybrid Not Coming To The U.S.

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 11, 2012
When Land Rover announced the new Range Rover earlier in the month, they announced one the powertrains would be a diesel-electric model. The diesel-electric powertrain will combine a 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 model that’s mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor. The hybrid can hit 60 MPH in 7 seconds, get 45 MPG (on the European cycle, U.S. number will be less), and can ford water that is three feet deep.
If this is your dream SUV and live in the U.S., I have some bad news. According to Automobile Magazine, Land Rover will not sell the diesel-hybrid Range Rover in the U.S. The reasoning is that the turbo-diesel V6 would need major modifications to meet emissions.
For now, the U.S. will have the choice between a naturally aspirated V8 and supercharged V8. Both engines will come with an eight-speed automatic.
Those who are still dreaming about a diesel-electric hybrid Range Rover can hold out some hope. Within the next year and a half, the European emission standards will closely resemble the U.S. standards.
Source: Automobile Magazine
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Porsche Raising Production Estimates For Macan

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 11, 2012
According to a report from German weekly WirtschaftsWoche, Porsche is expecting production of its new Macan crossover to reach 75,000 vehicles.
That number comes from Porsche's procurement chief Uwe-Karsten Staedter who told suppliers that the company is planning to raise its production forecast from 45,000 to 75,000 Macans.
Source: Reuters
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

2013 SRT Viper Can Be Yours For $97,395*

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 10, 2012
If you have been wondering how much the new 2013 SRT Viper will cost, Chrysler has the answer.
Today, the company has announced the Viper will start at $97,395* (excludes $1,995 destination charge). That will net you 8.4L V10 engine with 640 HP and 600 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed manual transmission.
Stepping up to the Viper GTS gets you a two-mode suspension and premium interior furnishings. The pricetag also rises to $120,395 (plus destination).
Orders for the new Viper begin in mid-November.
Source: Chrysler
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2

Chrysler Group Announces Pricing for 2013 SRT Viper Models


Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand's flagship performance machine returns with more power and performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and creature comforts
Two new models include SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS
All-aluminum, mid-front 8.4-liter V-10 engine delivers 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world
Triple-digit weight reduction results in Viper best power-to-weight ratio
Dealer orders expected to open in mid-November 2012

September 10, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand today announced pricing for the two models of the all-new 2013 SRT Viper.
2013 SRT Viper
Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2013 SRT Viper model is $97,395 (excluding $1,995 destination)
The SRT Viper offers a blend of extreme performance and deliberate preservation of what has become the iconic DNA of the Viper to deliver a supercar that continues to bring the driver as close as possible to the machine
2013 SRT Viper GTS
MSRP for the 2013 SRT Viper GTS model is $120,395 (excluding $1,995 destination)
The SRT Viper GTS builds on the DNA of the SRT Viper model with more technologically advanced solutions, like two-mode active suspension, to allow this world-class GTS to find new capabilities on the track while also opening up its envelope as a more premium and mature evolution of the classic, extreme performance formula
Under the hood of both models is the all-aluminum, mid-front 8.4-liter V-10 engine that delivers 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world.
Both SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS models offer new interior and exterior designs incorporating premium materials. New exterior surfaces with aerodynamically functional details are beautifully integrated into the high-tech carbon fiber and aluminum skin, which helps produce a triple-digit weight reduction and a Viper best power-to-weight ratio.
On the inside, designers and engineers strived to rethink all touch points; and upgrade all material appointments and technologies.
Production of the iconic supercar will begin at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit – the home for Viper since 1995 – in November 2012. Dealer orders are expected to begin in mid-November 2012.
William Maley

2013 Honda Accord Starts At $21,680*

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 10, 2012
Last week, Honda announced the new 2013 Accord. Today, the company has released pricing on the sedan and coupe models. The Accord sedan starts at $21,680 (excludes $790 destination charge), while the Coupe starts at $23,350 (excludes $790 destination charge). That gets you Honda's new EarthDreams 2.4L four-cylinder producing 185 HP and 181 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual. The CVT will add $800 to the bottom line.
Want a V6 model? The Accord V6 Sedan starts at $30,070, while the coupe starts at $30,350 (both excluding $790 destination charge). The V6 produces 278 HP and goes through either a CVT (sedan and coupe) or a six-speed manual (coupe).
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2

2013 Honda Accord Adds Thousands of Dollars in New Standard Features
with an MSRP Starting Under $22,000


Pricing for all-new Accord remains consistent with outgoing model


TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 10, 2012 – The dynamic all-new 2013 Honda Accord Sedan will debut at U.S. dealers nationwide on September 19, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from $21,680 for the well-equipped Accord LX to $33,430 for the luxurious Accord Touring model, plus a destination and handling charge of $790 per vehicle. The Accord Coupe will go on sale October 15 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $23,350 for the sporty LX-S model plus a destination and handling charge1.
The all-new Accord adds thousands of dollars worth of standard features and technologies with average pricing across the sedan lineup increasing by less than $300. The price of the most popular Accord LX (4-cylinder) trim is up by only $200.
The 2013 Honda Accord has been fully redesigned from the ground up to deliver new levels of refinement, sophistication, fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive performance in the midsize segment. Every new Accord is equipped with alloy wheels, and standard features now also include a rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, USB/iPod® integration, Pandora® internet radio compatibility, SMS text message function, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system.
“The 2013 Accord excels in all areas with sophisticated design, a luxurious interior, world-class dynamic performance, class-leading standard features and legendary Honda quality, all at a tremendous value for the customer,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., “2012 is the year of the midsize sedan, and the new Accord will once again solidify Honda’s position at the head of the pack.”
New to the Accord Sedan lineup for 2013 are the Sport and Touring models. The Accord Sport targets younger buyers with the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights,10-way power driver’s seats, a decklid spoiler, dual chrome exhaust finishers, paddle shifters (on CVT models), a stiffer tower strut bar and exclusive suspension and steering tuning. Positioned between the Accord LX and Accord EX, the Sport model is equipped with the 2.4-liter direct-injected all-aluminum VTEC® engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Sport model is value priced with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $23,390 plus a destination and handling charge1.
The luxurious and technology-packed Accord Touring is equipped with a powerful V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with Honda’s first application of LED headlights and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the Accord Touring sedan is priced with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $33,430 plus a destination and handling charge1.
The 2013 Accord lineup is powered by a wide array of new Earth Dreams™ powertrains, which includes the first U.S. application of Honda’s next-generation 2.4-liter direct-injected VTEC 4-cylinder engine. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe will also offer a more powerful and efficient Earth Dreams VTEC V-6. Three transmissions are available, including the first-ever application of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models, a six-speed automatic on V-6 models, and 6-speed manual transmissions on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models and the 3.5-liter V-6 Coupe.
The 2013 Accord successfully balances fun-to-drive performance with fuel efficiency. Accord Sedan 4-cylinder models paired to the CVT earn an impressive 27/36/30 mpg2 city/highway/combined EPA fuel economy ratings (an increase of 3/2/3 mpg compared to the previous model) and the V-6 models achieve class-leading EPA fuel economy ratings of 21/34/25 city/highway/combined mpg2 (an increase of 1/4/1 compared to the previous model) making it the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicle in the V-6 midsize sedan class.
Other new Accord technologies include the first application of the all-new cloud-based HondaLink™ system featuring Aha™, which lets drivers put away their smartphones and still stay connected to the people, music and social media they love. Also debuting on the 2013 Accord is Honda LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera integrated with the passenger-side mirror and the vehicle’s 8-inch color display to provide for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. LaneWatch is standard equipment on EX and above versions of the Sedan, and EX-L versions of the Coupe.
Celebrating 30 years of Accord production in the United States, the all-new 2013 Honda represents the expanding capabilities of Honda in North America. The Accord is produced by Honda of America Mfg. Inc. in Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Its engines are produced at Honda plants in Anna, Ohio and the transmissions are produced at Russells Point, Ohio, and in Tallapoosa, Georgia. The Marysville Auto Plant earned a Silver Plant Quality Award from J.D. Power and Associates in its 2012 Initial Quality Study.
The 2013 Honda Accord is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty.
2013 Accord Sedan Pricing:
Model
Transmission
Pricing
EPA ratings2
city/highway/combined
4-cylinder models
Accord LX
6-speed MT
$21,680
24/34/28
CVT
$22,480
27/36/30
Accord Sport
6-speed MT
$23,390
24/34/28
CVT
$24,190
26/35/29
Accord EX
6-speed MT
$24,605
24/34/28
CVT
$25,405
27/36/30
Accord EX-L
CVT
$27,995
27/36/30
Accord EX-L with Navi
CVT
$29,995
27/36/30
V-6 models
Accord EX-L V-6
6-speed AT
$30,070
21/34/25
Accord EX-L Navi V-6
6-speed AT
$32,070
21/34/25
Accord Touring V-6
6-speed AT
$33,430
21/34/25
2013 Accord Coupe Pricing:
Model
Transmission
Pricing
EPA ratings2
city/highway/combined
4-cylinder models
Accord LX-S
6-speed MT
$23,350
24/34/28
CVT
$24,200
26/35/29
Accord EX
6-speed MT
$25,025
24/34/28
CVT
$25,875
26/35/29
Accord EX-L
CVT
$28,070
26/35/29
Accord EX-L Navi
CVT
$30,070
26/35/29
V-6 models
Accord EX-L V-6
6-speed MT
$30,350
18/28/22
6-speed AT
$30,350
21/32/25
Accord EX-L Navi V-6
6-speed MT
$32,350
18/28/22
6-speed AT
$32,350
21/32/25
William Maley

Morgan Stanley Says GM Should Say Goodbye To Opel

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 10, 2012
Last Thursday, Morgan Stanley released a report saying GM should sell off Opel and settle it losses.
The report says GM has lost $10 to $20 billion over the past three years to Opel. If GM keeps the brand, the report says it will cost it up to another $12 billion over the next 10 years. Closing Opel isn't a good option at all says the report due to the enormous costs of winding down manufacturing operations in Europe. The report goes on to say that if GM was to sell Opel, that it would cost between $7 and $13 billion dollars.
UBS auto analyst Colin Langan told the Detroit Free Press that if GM was to sell off Opel, it could have some problems trying to find a buyer.
"Automakers that want to grow in Europe would likely look to build capacity in lower-cost eastern Europe, rather than acquire high-cost western European facilities," Langan said.
"We are committed to Opel and believe we can restore it to long-term profitability," GM spokesman Jim Cain told the Detroit Free Press when asked about the report.
Source: Detroit Free Press
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Rumorpile: Challenger To Stay On, Barrcuda To Take SRT

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 7, 2012
For the past few months, we’ve been reporting on the possible death of the Dodge Challenger to make way for new model called the Barrcuda for SRT. It could be we’re reporting the death of the Challenger too soon.
According to Automotive News, both the Challenger and Barrcuda will co-exist in the 2015 model year. So how will two models exist with each other? The Challenger will stick with the base model and a R/T while the Barrcuda takes the SRT.
For 2015, the new Challenger will ride on an updated platform that should see about two or three inches cut off the wheelbase.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Spying: Cadillac ELR Sweating Out In The Desert

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 6, 2012
Some new spy shots have come in today showing a camouflaged Cadillac ELR doing some hot-weather testing somewhere in the Southwest U.S.
Despite GM's best efforts to cover-up the ELR mule, you can easily tell the three-bar grille and corporate crest visible on all Cadillacs. The overall shape is similar to the Converj concept shown back in 2009.
The ELR is expected to come with the Voltec powertrain from Volt. Expect the ELR to have more power since it will weigh more than the Volt. A larger battery is also being talked.
Source: Automobile Magazine
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Ford Shows Off The 2014 Transit and Transit Connect

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 6, 2012
Ford is making some big waves today in the van market. At a event today in Amsterdam, Ford unveiled the new Transit and Transit Connect.
We'll begin with the 2014 Transit Connect. Ford has really done a good job of bringing Connect in line with their new design language. Up front, the Transit Connect wears a trapezoidal grille smaller, sleeker headlamps, and more pronounced foglamps. The back features slimmer taillights and a tailgate. No word whether the barn doors on the current Connect will be available.
Ford is staying quiet on what will be the powertrain lineup will be, but has said the European model will receive "highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines," while in the U.S., we'll get "a tailored range of gasoline powertrains."
The 2014 Transit Connect arrives in late 2013.
And it's bigger brother

Ford also revealed the new Transit which will take the place of the E-Series van here in the U.S.
The Transit will come variety of body styles, incorporating both short and long wheelbases, as well as standard- and tall-roof models for both Europe and the U.S.

For Europe, the Transit will be available in front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive and use Ford's 2.2L Duratorq TDCi diesel inline-four. For the U.S., we will only get rear-wheel drive. Engines will include a "powerful diesel option" and Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
The new Transit arrives in late 2013.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 3
Ford Reveals All-New Global Transit and Transit Connect Commercial Vehicles at 'Go Further' Event


• Ford unveils its new generation of Transit commercial vehicles, developed on all-new global platforms for sale in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets
• Tough, functional and professional, the all-new Ford Transit brings a new level of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market; it replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit in Europe and worldwide markets, and replaces the E-Series in North America
• Stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect delivers outstanding performance across load carrying ability, dependability and fuel economy, for a best-in-class cost of ownership package
AMSTERDAM, Sept. 6, 2012 – Ford today revealed a new generation of world-class Transit commercial vehicles at its "Go Further" event.
Developed under its "One Ford" global product strategy in Europe, the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect models will be sold in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets, with product ranges tailored to the needs of customers in each region.
"These new products will carry more, work harder, last longer, and cost our customers less to operate – just as Ford Transits have done for 47 years," said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The unprecedented launch of two all-new Transit models will extend Ford's leadership in serving commercial vehicle customers around the world."
The introduction of the new generation Transit and Transit Connect models is a major step in Ford's commitment to completely redesign its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe by the end of 2013.
Using the latest global platforms, the two models highlight Ford's new approach to delivering the next generation of class-leading commercial vehicles to meet the needs of customers in all worldwide markets.
The new range builds on almost 50 years of experience in creating market-leading commercial vans and was engineered at Ford's Centre of Excellence for commercial vehicles in Europe; applying global product development resources.
The all-new Ford Transit replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit derivatives in Europe and other worldwide markets, and will eventually replace the popular Ford E-Series range in North America. Tough, functional and professional, new Transit brings new levels of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market.
Offering a comprehensive range of body styles and derivatives, with multiple wheelbases, roof heights and new chassis cowl versions, all-new and more capable Transit is tailored to the needs of key worldwide markets.
For Europe, a full range of Transit bodystyles and derivatives, offering front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, will be powered by the latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel.
In North America, customers can choose from several engines, including the proven 3.5-litre EcoBoost or a powerful diesel option; each features rear-wheel drive and at least 25 percent better fuel economy than a comparable E-Series. Multiple roof heights and wheelbases will be available. North American Transit vans will be manufactured in Kansas City, alongside the Ford F-150.
The stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect will deliver new standards for the sub-one-tonne segment for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability.
Available in a choice of short and long wheelbase versions, the new Transit Connect will offer European and North American customers the most flexible and functional loadbox in the segment, with a host of innovative features to enhance everyday productivity.
Transit Connect features the latest low-CO2 powertrain technologies to deliver best-in-class fuel economy in all of its target markets. In Europe, the engine line-up will include highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines, while the U.S. market will benefit from a tailored range of gasoline powertrains.
The new model has a stylish cockpit with car-like design and craftsmanship, and offers the latest Ford interior technologies and driver assistance features.
The Ford Transit brand has established a legendary reputation for toughness and dependability, and the new global Transit products have been engineered to extend that tradition. Both the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect have been subjected to Ford's ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering millions of miles of arduous testing in laboratories, at proving grounds and on customer fleets.
"Our new global Ford Transit products will be totally fit for purpose," said Samardzich. "These are the strongest, most capable and most efficient commercial vans we have ever built – this is the start of a new chapter in the Transit success story."
In Europe, deliveries of the all-new Transit and Transit Connect are due to start by the end of 2013.
The two new global models join the Transit Custom in Ford's renewed commercial vehicle line-up for Europe. Targeting the one-tonne market, the all-new Transit Custom is now on sale across European markets. It will not be introduced in North America but will be launched in other selected other global markets later.
William Maley

Rumorpile: Did GM China and Buick Water Down The GM-PSA Alliance?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 6, 2012
The General Motors, PSA alliance has hit a wall. According to German news magazine, Der Spiegel, one part of GM-PSA alliance has been taken out. The part dealt with GM sharing the Insignia platform with Citroën and Peugeot to build their next-generation midsize sedans.That would also allow Citroën and Peugeot vehicles to roll off the line at the Rüsselsheim plant, thus allowing the plant to use up all available capacity.
Why was this part taken out? Der Spiegel says Buick and GM China complained, stating the deal would cause the vehicles to compete too closely. Managers are also questioning the cooperation between the two companies.
"It would be premature to assume that anything had been agreed upon before and has now been reversed," the spokesman said to Reuters, adding that discussions were continuing with an emphasis on cooperation in purchasing, logistics and product development.
Source: Der Spiegel, Reuters
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

2013 Mazda CX-5 Touring

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 6, 2012
Mazda is not in the best of health. The past year has been a struggle for the ’zoom-zoom’ brand; Mazda’s growing reliance on their plants in Japan despite other automakers leaving to other places due to the rising yen, leaving the production line at the Flat Rock, MI plant, laying off workers at their U.S. headquarters, and other troubling news, all contribute to a disconcerting future.
The company is banking on two items that will hopefully begin to turn their fortunes around. The first item is the new SKYACTIV technology which is claimed to improve fuel- efficiency while keeping the ‘zoom-zoom’ the brand is known for. The second item is Mazda’s new compact crossover, the CX-5. The new crossover will be featuring the full suite of SKYACTIV and new design language that will be appearing on future Mazdas. Can SKYACTIV deliver on its promises? Is the new CX-5 the vehicle to begin turning the tide?
Next: Outside
Exterior
The CX-5 is Mazda’s first production model to use their new Kodo ("Soul of Motion") design language. Overall, the design is almost a carbon copy of the Minagi concept shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Up front, the most prominent design cue on the CX-5 is the large, five-point grille. This takes the place of the goofy smile grille that is prominent on many Mazda vehicles. Sitting on either side of the grille are a set of optional HID headlights (come as part of the $1,185 tech package). Along the side, Mazda has extended the line running along the front fenders partway into the front doors. Mazda also has a distinct character line running along near the bottom of doors, looking like a wave. The back end has a rounded shape, which is partly hidden by a spoiler sitting on top.

"What is key is that in any market we operate in, Mazda's market share is small. Our customers are not people who go with the flow, but who make their own decisions and want something distinctive. That gives me lots of freedom," said Mazda’s chief designer, Akira Tamatani when asked about the design of the new Mazda CX-5 and 6.
We think Mazda has succeeded on making the CX-5 very distinctive from its counterparts.
Next: Inside
Interior
Distinctive isn’t the first or last or any word I would use to describe the interior of the CX-5. The interior design is very plain and the use of black throughout the interior can make you feel somewhat depressed. I wished Mazda could have taken some of Kodo design cues from the exterior or use some other color in the interior. Otherwise, the interior materials are the class average. Fit and finish is excellent.

The CX-5 Touring comes with standard cloth seats. The seats provide enough adjustments to find a comfortable position, and have enough bolstering to keep you and your passengers in the seat whenever you decide to go for a run. Backseat passengers will find enough room for their head and legs. However, if you decide to take the CX-5 on a long trip, be prepared to pack a pillow or two. The seats don’t have enough padding for long distances and you will be aching when you get to your destination.
As for standard equipment, the CX-5 Touring comes pretty loaded. You get keyless entry and ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 5.8-inch color display for the radio, and AM/FM/HD/CD/Aux/USB/Bluetooth audio system.
Mazda has done something interesting with the optional navigation system on the CX-5. Like Chrysler, Mazda has turned to a navigation company, TomTom in this case, to provide maps and data. The system worked perfectly and was able to get me to wherever I needed without any problems. My only wish is that Mazda could have made the screen a little larger than 5.8-inches.
Next: Under the Hood
Powertrain
Before we go into the CX-5’s powertrain, it would be a perfect time to explain what the big deal is with Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology. SKYACTIV is Mazda’s umbrella term for their new technology used in its new powertrains and weight-loss (we’ll dive into that when we get to the ride and drive section), which is aimed to improve fuel economy while keeping the zoom-zoomness. The first half of the SKYACTIV tech appeared this year in the compact Mazda3; the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder and the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic.
Mazda put a lot of engineering effort into the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G to make sure they met their goals of performance and fuel economy. The 2.0L includes direct-injection, a special exhaust manifold which allows the engine compression to be at an impressive 13:1 ratio, and a unique piston design. Those efforts led to the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G to produce 155 HP (@ 6000 RPM) and 150 lb-ft of torque (@ 4000 RPM). A lot of work also went into the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. When leaving from a stop, the transmission uses a torque converter to get you going very smoothly. Once the CX-5 reaches a certain speed, the torque converter locks up and the transmission switches to a clutch pack, which makes every makes every shift happen quickly.

This combination allows the CX-5 to return some impressive fuel economy numbers. The EPA puts the CX-5 Touring with front-wheel drive at 26 City/32 Highway/29 combined. All-wheel drive drops fuel economy to 25 City/31 Highway/28 combined.
Does the SKYACTIV powertain deliver on its promises? Almost. The 2.0L SKYACTIV-G doesn’t have enough low-end torque to get you on your way from a stop as quick as you would like. There is a SKYACTIV Diesel engine coming and a rumored 2.5L SKYACTIV-G being prepared for next model year which could solve this problem. Plus, the six-speed automatic is slow to react whenever you need it needs to downshift, causing the you to either push further down on the accelerator or throwing the transmission into the manual mode and downshift yourself.
Otherwise, the SKYACTIV powertrain is an amazing feat of engineering. Once you’re on your way, the 2.0L keeps up with traffic very well, whether in the city or on the highway. The six-speed automatic delivered smooth and quick shifts. Then there’s the fuel economy. On the first day I had the CX-5, I got 29 MPG driving on suburban roads. Not bad for a crossover I thought. The rest of the time, the CX-5 and I went to Northern Michigan for vacation where it averaged an impressive 37 MPG on rural and highway roads.
Next: On the Road
Ride & Drive
We explained one half of Mazda’s SkyActiv technologies, the powertrain in the last section. Now it’s onto the other half of the SkyActiv, the weight-loss. The CX-5 is the first Mazda vehicle to be built from the ground up with this idea. The body is this first application of a new lightweight steel which allows the vehicle to shed weight while retaining rigidity of regular steel. Mazda also cut weight wherever they could, right down to the bolts used in the vehicle. This weight-loss not only helps in the fuel economy, it also makes the CX-5 more agile when driving enthusiastically.
Along with the light-weight mantra, Mazda uses independent front and rear suspension, and an electric rack-and-pinion steering system. This combination makes the CX-5 a joy to drive on your favorite road. The suspension reduces body roll and keeps the CX-5 stable when corning. The steering is weighted just right and provides the same feel and accuracy like you would find on smaller Mazdas. When taking the CX-5 on the test loop I put all of the vehicles in for evaluation, I had to keep reminding myself; this is a crossover, not a sports car.

As for driving around to get to work or other places, the CX-5 provides a composed and well-damped ride on smooth surfaces. On rough roads, the CX-5 could use a little bit more damping as some bumps and jostles make their way inside. On the highway, there is minimal wind, road, and engine noise. Visibility is good in the front and side. Rear visibility is poor due to the large d-pillars, but Mazda does make a rear-view camera standard on the Touring model.
Next: The Verdict
Verdict
Mazda deserves a pat on the back with the new CX-5 and SKYACTIV. The SKYACTIV technology almost delivers on its promise of delivering performance and fuel economy in one package. The CX-5 is one of the best driving and best looking small crossovers on the market. Combine the two together and what you get is one very good crossover.
There are some faults to CX-5 though. The interior is very plain when compared to the exterior and the seats could use a little bit more padding. Also, the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine needs a bit more oomph on the low-end and the six-speed automatic needs to be quicker on the downshifts on certain situations.
Mazda put a tall order on the CX-5 and SKYACTIV to begin reversing their poor fortunes. Judging from the sales charts, it looks like Mazda is starting to slowly turn around to a better time.

Disclaimer: Mazda provided the vehicle, insurance, and one tank of gas
Cheers
Distinctive Exterior Styling
Impressive Fuel Economy
Loads of standard equipment
Smooth and quick automatic transmission
Handling in sporty and normal driving
Light curb weight
Back seat space
Jeers
2.0L lacking low-end oomph
Six-speed slowness to downshift in certain situations
Interior lacking some pizzaz
Seats lacking in padding

Year - 2013
Make – Mazda
Model – CX-5
Trim – Touring
Engine – SKYACTIV-G 2.0LFour-Cylinder
Driveline – Front-Wheel Drive, Six-speed automatic
Horsepower @ RPM - 155 @ 6000
Torque @ RPM – 150 @ 4000
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined – 26/32/29
Curb Weight – 3272 lbs
Location of Manufacture – Hiroshima, Japan
Base Price - $23,895.00
As Tested Price - $27,005.00* (Includes $795 Destination Charge)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Honda Introduces The 2013 Accord Sedan, Coupe, and Plug-In Hybrid

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 5, 2012
Last month, Honda unveiled the ninth-generation Accord sedan and coupe. At the time, Honda only talked about the design and that more information would come out in the fall. Well, fall has arrived and Honda has spilled more details on the new Accord.
Starting with the powertrains, most Accords will come equipped with Honda's EarthDreams 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder producing 185 HP and 181 lb-ft of torque. If you get the Accord Sport, the power jumps to 189 HP and 182 lb-ft of torque. Transmissions will be either a six-speed manual or a CVT. Honda says the four-cylinder with the CVT will get fuel economy numbers of 27 City/36 Highway.
A new 3.5L V6 is also available producing 278 HP and 252 lb-ft of torque. The V6 sedan will only be available with a six-speed automatic with steering-wheel paddles. The coupe has the choice between the automatic or a six-speed manual. Fuel economy for the V6 is 21 City/34 Highway.
Other mechanical changes include electric power steering and a new strut front suspension.
Inside the Accord, the dash trades the stacked layout for a single wraparound piece with fewer center controls. Standard equipment on all models include dual-zone climate control, a touch screen audio system with Pandora radio and Bluetooth, rearview camera, tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, automatic headlights, and active noise canceling. Move up the trims and you can get a moonroof, power seats, a navigation system, keyless access with push-button start and heated leather seats.
Safety features on the new Accord include side airbags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control. Optional is a forward-collision warning which alerts drivers when they're about to hit something and LaneWatch which uses a camera on the side of the car to display what's in your blind spot on the screen.
The new Accord sedan will go on sale later on in the month, with the coupe following along a month after. Pricing hasn't been announced.

But that's not all!

Also today, Honda introduced the Accord Plug-In Hybrid. The plug-in marks a shift for Honda as this model abandons the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) and uses a downsized version of the 2.4L four-cylinder, 124-kW electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack. Honda estimates total output to be 196 HP and 226 lb-ft of torque. Electric-only range is expected to be about 15 miles, while total range is expected to be over 500 miles.
Recharging time for the lithium-ion battery can take up to an hour on 240V outlet or three hours on 120V outlet.
The plug-in hybrid differs from the normal Accord due to a new front grille treatment, aerodynamic alloy wheels, blue-tinted headlights, and hybrid badges.
Inside, the Accord Plug-In comes fully loaded and has the requisite charge, power, and efficiency gauges and screens.
The Accord Plug-In Hybrid goes on sale early next year. There also will be a conventional Accord Hybrid coming next summer.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press release for the Accord sedan and coupe are on Page 3
Press release for the Accord Plug-In is on Page 4
All-New 2013 Honda Accord Brings Remarkable Levels of Luxury, Agility, Efficiency and Sophistication to Midsize Segment’s Legendary Nameplate



Ninth-generation Accord offers all-new direct-injected powertrain, class-leading safety innovations and upcoming plug-in hybrid model


TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2012 – Honda today announced the all-new 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe, a storied nameplate that will once again redefine sophistication, efficiency and driving joy in the midsize class. Completely redesigned for 2013, the all-new Honda Accord provides a host of powertrain, engineering, electronic and safety firsts combined with Honda’s trademark visibility and smart design.
Better, not bigger, the completely new Honda Accord lineup includes Sedan and Coupe models powered by 4-cylinder, V-6 and hybrid powertrains, teamed to manual, automatic and continuously variable transmission (CVT) options. The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan goes on sale September 19, 2012, with the Coupe to follow on October 15, 2012. An all-new, two-motor 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan is scheduled to debut in early 2013, followed by a conventional hybrid based on the same powertrain architecture in the summer of 2013.
Using the most high-strength steel in the model’s history, the 2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe bodies combine sophisticated and athletic styling with remarkable aerodynamic streamlining. Revised Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structures improve frontal crash safety, making the all-new Accord one of few midsize offerings expected to excel in the upcoming small-overlap frontal barrier crash test.
All-new Earth Dreams™ powertrains include the first U.S. application of Honda’s next-generation 2.4-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder engine. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe will also offer a more powerful and efficient V-6, and in early 2013, an all-new two-motor 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will debut. Four transmissions are available, including the first-ever application of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models, a six-speed automatic on V-6 models, and unique 6-speed manual transmissions on 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models and the 3.5-liter V-6 Coupe. Fuel efficiency is the best ever for an Accord in the EPA Midsize class, with 4-cylinder models earning up to an EPA 36 mpg highway rating1 and V-6 models getting up to an EPA 34 mpg highway rating.1
Other new Accord technologies include the first application of the all-new cloud-based HondaLink™ system, which lets drivers put away their smartphones and still stay connected to the people, music and social media they love. Also debuting on the 2013 Accord is the exclusive available Honda LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. The all-new 2013 Honda Accord also receives a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror as standard equipment.
New Accord Technology
Honda’s first use of direct injection (DI) in North America contributes to the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine’s excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions.
A new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), available with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, contributes to the Accord’s improved fuel efficiency. Honda’s unique G-Design Shift logic creates a connected feel and provides a more immediate acceleration response than conventional automatics or other CVT designs.
New MacPherson-strut front suspension improves ride and handling qualities, while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The new lighter aluminum and steel front subframe also uses a proprietary Honda friction-stir welding process.
Three features highly coveted by consumers are now standard on every new Accord: Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, USB/iPod® integration and rearview camera. No other manufacturer provides this level of standard equipment. Honda’s Expanded View Driver's Mirror is also now standard equipment on every Accord.
All Accord models feature standard Econ button with Eco Assist™
Included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring Sedan models and EX-L Coupe, Honda LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway through the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID).
All-new Smart Entry & Push Button Start included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models.
Included on EX-L and Touring Sedan and EX-L Coupe models, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) alerts the driver when a potential collision with another vehicle ahead is detected.
Included on Accord EX-L and Touring models, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use.
New SmartVent™ side airbags mitigate the risk of excessive airbag deployment force while eliminating the need for the prior Accord’s Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). SmartVent also allows improved heating of the passenger seatback on EX-L and Touring models.
The Accord Touring Sedan offers Honda’s first light emitting diode (LED) projector headlights for improved visibility. In addition, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are found on V-6 powered models, while LED brake lights come on all EX-L and Touring models.
Exclusive to the Touring Sedan, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and a distance interval behind the vehicle ahead.
The all-new available HondaLink™ connected-car system allows owners to put their smartphones away and still stay connected to their favorite digital content.

Model Lineup
The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan will be available in six model choices, including an all-new top-spec Touring trim (LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6, and Touring), with the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan arriving early in 2013. The striking 2013 Honda Accord Coupe will be available in four model choices (LX-S, EX, EX-L and EX-L V6).
The 2013 Accord Sedan is available in nine exterior colors, including four metallic and five pearl colors. All-new colors include Champagne Frost Pearl, Hematite Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Obsidian Blue Pearl. The 2013 Accord Coupe is available in seven exterior colors, including two metallic, five pearl and one solid color. All-new colors include Modern Steel Metallic, Still Night Pearl, Tiger Eye Pearl and White Orchid Pearl.
Powertrain
As in previous generations, two gasoline engines are available on the 2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe. These include a new Earth Dreams™ 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with Honda’s first use of direct injection in North America, and an Earth Dreams™ 3.5-liter V-6 with revised VTEC + VCM functions. The base 185-horsepower (hp) 4-cylinder engine is coupled to a choice of an efficient new continuously variable transmission (CVT), or a new fun-to-shift 6-speed manual transmission on selected models. The Accord Sport Sedan model provides a 189-horsepower version of the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Meanwhile, Accord V-6 models feature a 278-horsepower 3.5-liter engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic or, in the V-6 Coupe, a 6-speed manual transmission.
In early 2013, the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will debut Honda’s new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder two-motor plug-in hybrid system. Available in the Sedan only, this system operates continuously through three modes – all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive – to maximize fuel efficiency.
Body
Crisply styled and aerodynamically efficient, the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe body designs are the most sophisticated in Accord history. The 2013 Accord unit-body uses 55.8-percent high-tensile steel, more than in any previous Accord. In addition, 17.2-percent of the steel is now grade 780, 980 and 1,500 – extremely high grades that have never before been used in any Accord. This contributes to higher body rigidity and reduced weight, which directly benefits ride and handling, interior quietness, performance and efficiency and long-term durability.
With its contoured body-sides, the Sedan’s exterior design is sleek, bold and decisive, while the Coupe’s design is rakish, taut and athletic. Extensive use of under-covers improve aerodynamics for increased fuel efficiency, while other advances include available LED headlights, DRLs and brake lights, mirror-mounted turn signals, and the standard Expanded View Driver’s Mirror that increases the driver’s field of vision by 4.2 degrees.
Chassis
Literally every aspect of the Accord’s chassis was reviewed or redesigned to create the best possible driving experience. Altogether, the highly rigid unit-body, refined suspension technology and advanced electronics define the 2013 Accord chassis as the most capable in model history. The new Accord is quieter and more responsive on city streets, smoother and more composed on the highway, and even more faithful to the driver’s wishes on winding roads.
New features for Accord include a MacPherson strut front suspension, a steel and aluminum front subframe and electric power steering (EPS). Standard Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) on both 4-cylinder and V-6 models counteract engine noise, particularly at high rpm.
The lightweight MacPherson strut front suspension improves ride and handling qualities while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The new aluminum and steel front subframe reduces weight and, in conjunction with the new independent multi-link rear suspension, further reduces NVH. Careful aerodynamic tailoring of the underbody and suspension systems provides additional noise reductions.
The new EPS setup uses an electric motor to assist the rack-and-pinion steering rather than the hydraulic assist of the previous Accord. The result is reduced steering effort and fuel consumption, with improved precision, feel and stability.
Alloy wheels are now standard across the Accord model range, and range in size from 16 to 18 inches. Four-wheel disc brakes are also standard, as is Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, a 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Hill start assist is also now standard on the Accord.
Interior
A completely new interior provides a level of luxury and craftsmanship never before seen in the Accord. Available in Black, Gray and Ivory cloth or leather, the interior combines welcoming comfort with an impressive range of available technologies. Standard features include redesigned seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and simplified controls and instrumentation.
Compared to the prior edition, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe offer spacious accommodations for five passengers, and a roomy trunk with a flatter load floor for greater utility. Although the Accord's length has decreased over three inches and the wheelbase is almost an inch shorter, key interior dimensions grow. Rear legroom increases over an inch, both front and rear shoulder room increase, and trunk space is up over a cubic foot. Altogether, the interior is remarkably quiet, stylish and upscale, with high-quality materials, exemplary fit and finish, and advanced seating comfort and ergonomics.
Contemporary onboard electronics help the Accord driver seamlessly interface with the latest generation of compatible personal mobile electronics. Standard features on all Accords include a bright, full-color 8-inch (diagonal) “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID), Bluetooth®2 HandsFreeLink® phone interface, Pandora® internet radio interface and an SMS text messaging feature. A new available Audio with touchscreen display and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and FM Traffic is also available.
The 2013 Accord is also the first Honda product to offer available HondaLink™ technology, which works with the owner’s compatible smartphone to connect the Accord with music and media resources such as Aha™ by Harman, internet apps, roadside assistance and more. Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are also available.
Safety
The 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe offer the greatest range of active and passive safety features in Honda history. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is standard on all Accord models, and available new technologies include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Collision safety engineering includes the updated Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which improves occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions, and the most extensive use of high-strength steel in Accord history. The Accord’s impact-absorbing front body design can even help attenuate energy in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian.
Passive-safety features include six airbags, including dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. New SmartVent™ side airbags reduce the risk of excessive airbag deployment force and eliminate the need for the Accord’s previous Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS).
Based on internal testing, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe are expected to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and 5-star ratings in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests3.
Manufacturing
Celebrating 30 years of Accord production in the United States, the all-new 2013 Honda represents the expanding capabilities of Honda in North America. Virtually every aspect of the Accord was developed, tested and finalized by Honda associates throughout California and Ohio. The Accord is produced4 in Ohio by Honda of America Mfg. Inc. using domestic and globally sourced parts.

All-New 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid SedanMelds Power, Luxury and Efficiency with Electric-Only Driving Mode



Honda’s first plug-in hybrid combines extensive standard features



and estimated driving range over 500 miles


TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2012 – The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will provide the athleticism and craftsmanship of the all-new Accord platform, charged with a remarkable dose of hybrid efficiency and electric torque. Set to go on sale in early 2013, the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will offer premium technology, exceptional cabin space, the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles1 and a calculated1 total driving range over 500 miles.
The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan features one of four efficient new powertrains for the all-new Accord. The Accord Plug-in Hybrid will also serve as the basis for a conventional hybrid version of the Accord Sedan, which will join the Honda Accord lineup in the summer of 2013.
The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid is powered by Honda’s first two-motor hybrid system, and uses a new Earth DreamsTM 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, teamed with a powerful 124-kilowatt (kW) electric motor. Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, and total system output is 196 horsepower.
To maximize driving efficiency, the uniquely designed two-motor hybrid system allows the Accord PHEV powertrain to move seamlessly between all-electric EV Drive, gasoline-electric Hybrid Drive; and direct Engine Drive. Fuel efficiency for the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid is expected to exceed 100 MPG-e, and it’s also expected to receive an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Beyond its function as a full-electric vehicle, owners of the 2014 Accord PHEV will be able to choose two additional driving modes to manage battery capacity and tailor the capabilities of the plug-in Accord to their own commute. In its default upon start-up, the Accord PHEV acts as a pure electric vehicle and will continue on in full-electric mode until battery capacity necessitates the automatic switch to gas/electric hybrid operation. At higher speeds or under high demand for acceleration, the gasoline engine can kick in to provide additional power.
In “HV” mode, the plug-in Accord acts as a conventional hybrid, blending motor power between gasoline and electric to maximize fuel efficiency while maintaining the battery charge level. In “HV Charge” mode, the Accord PHEV blends gasoline and electric power while also augmenting the battery charge level.
The 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan will feature an electric servo braking system similar to the setup on the Honda Fit EV, which allows for exceptionally natural brake pedal feel, while extending the range over which the regenerative braking can take place. In addition to its efficient powertrain, the Accord PHEV features remarkably swift charging times. The plug-in Accord can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours using a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet, and in less than one hour using a 240-volt “Level-2” charger. The free HondaLink™ EV smartphone application will allow owners to easily monitor the charging state of the Accord PHEV.
Based on the Touring trim level of standard Accord Sedan, the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will feature three exterior color choices, including two standard Accord shades (White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl) plus a model-exclusive Burnished Silver Metallic exterior color choice. The Accord PHEV will also feature a weight-saving aluminum hood, 17-inch forged alloy wheels, a unique front bumper along with enhanced underbody aerodynamic treatments.
A host of visibility technologies are standard on the 2014 Accord PHEV, including a rearview camera, an expanded-view driver’s mirror, Honda’s new LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), and LED mirror-mounted turn indicators.
Standard Features
The Accord PHEV is available in a single highly equipped trim level, based on the standard features of the premium Accord Touring model. Standard Accord PHEV features include:
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
USB/iPod® connectivity
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Pandora® internet radio compatibility
Smart Start and Smart Entry
Honda LaneWatch™
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition2
Multi-view rearview camera
HondaLink™ EV telematics system
Heated front seats
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Driver’s 10-way power seat with 2-position memory
HomeLink®
Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)
Audio with touchscreen interface
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Bio-Fabric seating surfaces
Expanded-view driver’s mirror
LED mirror-mounted turn signals
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
LED headlights
Fog lights
Chrome-plated door handles
Decklid spoiler

Powertrain
The Earth Dreams technology used on the Accord PHEV includes an i-VTEC 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine coupled with a two-motor hybrid drive system. The hybrid system features a 124-kW electric motor powered by a 6.7-kWh Li-Ion battery pack. The gasoline engine produces a maximum 137 horsepower (hp) at 6200 rpm. In conjunction with the two-motor hybrid-drive system, the total power output peaks at 196 hp, which surpasses the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and projected output of the Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. The EarthDreams engine horsepower alone surpasses the total gas-electric output of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid.
Although not finalized at press time, anticipated fuel economy ratings for the 2014 Accord PHEV are expected to exceed 100 MPG-e1 in full-electric mode, provide a 10- to 15-mile1 EV driving range and a calculated1 total driving range over 500 miles. When in gasoline-only mode, it is expected to return one of the top EPA fuel economy ratings among mid-size sedans, and is also expected to earn an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The two-motor hybrid system in the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid allows power from the gasoline engine to flow directly to the front wheels, power the generator to supply electrical propulsion or even charge the battery pack. The Accord PHEV hybrid system moves seamlessly and automatically through its three powertrain states to maximize performance, efficiency and range.
From a low-charge indicator point3, recharge time for the Li-Ion battery pack when plugged into a standard 120-volt wall outlet is less than three hours, among the fastest in the Accord PHEV’s class. And when plugged into a Level-2, 240-volt charger the recharge time is less than one hour – the quickest in the class. This is about half the required charge time of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The battery pack is mounted above the rear suspension, which helps maintain interior and trunk space and provides protection for the battery pack in a collision.
Body
The Accord body received further improvements in weight reduction, aerodynamic efficiency and rolling resistance in its transformation to Accord PHEV. All are designed to help Accord PHEV drivers maximize their driving range from every watt of electrical energy and every gallon of gasoline. Weight reduction features include:
All-aluminum front subframe
17-inch forged aluminum wheels
Aluminum brake pedal
Aluminum hood
Aluminum rear bumper beam
Puncture repair kit (in place of gasoline-engine Accord’s spare wheel and tire)

Aerodynamic advancements include:
Powertrain undercover
Cabin floor undercovers
Rear decklid spoiler
Aerodynamic wheel covers

Reductions in rolling resistance include:
Low rolling-resistance tires
Low-friction wheel bearings

Chassis
The Accord PHEV chassis begins with the core engineering of the Accord Sedan, but then adds an all-aluminum front subframe (replacing the steel and aluminum version on the gasoline-engine Accord). The Accord PHEV uses proprietary 17-inch forged-aluminum wheels with a special low-aero drag design, fitted with 225/50-17 tires.
As with the gasoline-engine Accord models, the Accord PHEV uses an electric power steering (EPS) system that automatically adjusts the amount of steering assist for conditions. The EPS system is more efficient than a traditional hydraulic system, and it operates consistently whether the vehicle is using electricity, gasoline, or both.
The Accord PHEV features a braking system similar to the system in the Honda Fit EV, which provides fully electronic control of the hydraulic brake system. This system results in an improvement in regenerative braking efficiency compared to a hydraulic booster system used in other hybrids.
Interior
Sophisticated and contemporary, the redesigned 2013 Accord Sedan interior serves as the ideal basis for the 2014 Accord PHEV interior. Like the Fit EV, the Accord PHEV features a next-gen Honda Bio Fabric seat material, a new fabric that offers conventional softness and durability, but with reduced manufacturing environmental impact. The interior features several brighter trim accents and is available in gray to compliment the choice of three exterior colors.
With the Accord PHEV’s free and convenient HondaLink™ EV smartphone app, owners can remotely schedule charging of the Li-Ion battery pack (taking advantage of “off-peak” electricity rates), monitor the state of charge, and even pre-warm or pre-cool the vehicle’s interior while charging before they drive. This suite of capabilities is similar to those offered on the new 2013 Fit EV. HondaLink EV features include:
Charge scheduling
Charge status
Charge complete notification
Drive range display
Charge station locator
HVAC pre-conditioning

Safety
Like the all-new Accord, the new Accord PHEV offers a greater range of standard active and passive safety features than any other vehicle in Honda history. These include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The Accord PHEV also has an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to audibly warn pedestrians when it is approaching in EV Drive mode. Based on internal testing, the 2014 Accord PHEV is expected to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and 5-Star ratings in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests.
Manufacturing
The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will be built in Sayama, Japan.
William Maley

Alfa Romeo, Where For Art Thou?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 5, 2012
The return of Alfa Romeo has been filled with delays. Dates of the first vehicles arriving into the U.S. have been pushed, while others have either been killed off or been delayed.
Automotive News reports that Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne will announce a new timetable for Alfa Romeo's upcoming models and expansion plans on October 30th. However, AN has learned from sources of what vehicles have been killed and what vehicles will be coming.
We’ll start with the vehicles that have been canned. A five-door version of the Alfa’s subcompact, the MiTo; a rear-wheel drive full-size sedan that would have been underpinned by the next generation Maseratti Quattroporte sedan, compact crossover, and the refreshed 2014 Giulietta.
As for the models that will be coming, the first will be 4C coupe in 2013. That will be followed by a midsize SUV which will use the underpinnings of the next Jeep Liberty in late 2013. 2014 bring forth the new midsize Giulia sedan and wagon. The Giulia will use a version of Fiat’s CUSW architecture and have the choice between front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Finally, there is a new Alfa Romeo Roadster in 2015. Originally due out in 2013, the Roadster will come out of a partnership between Alfa Romeo and Mazda. The Roadster will use the Miata as a base and a 1.8L turbocharged engine.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

August 2012: Honda

American Honda Reports August Sales: Total Sales Up 59.5 Percent; Acura Sets Monthly Light Truck Record on Record RDX Sales



Honda division sales up 57.9 percent, Acura sales up 72.8 percent


TORRANCE, Calif.
American Honda today reported August 2012 U.S. sales of 131,321 units, an increase of 59.5 percent compared with August 2011 (an increase of 53.6 percent based on the daily selling rate*). The Honda Division posted August 2012 sales of 115,675 units, an increase of 57.9 percent compared with August 2011. Acura's U.S. August sales of 15,646 units increased 72.8 percent compared with August 2011.
Honda
Honda division posts strong August sales of 115,675, best August sales in two years
Accord posted its second best sales month of the year at 34,848 units, up 89 percent; Civic sales up 106 percent with 24,897 units sold
CR-V continues sales success at 23,877 units, up more than 44 percent
Odyssey sales up more than 61 percent from August 2011, with 12,750 units sold in August

"It's clear that demand for Honda products continues to be strong, and we're on track to post our best yearly sales results in four years," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "Honda is finishing the summer on a high note, and there's more to come as we build momentum toward the fall launch of the all-new 2013 Accord."
Acura
RDX sets its 4th-consecutive record sales month with 2,926 units, up 156.9 percent compared to August 2011
MDX remains the top-selling Acura vehicle with sales of 5,549 units, up 77.5 percent from August 2011
The TL was Acura's best-selling sedan with sales of 3,201, up 33.2 percent

"Acura sales continue to show great upward momentum, led by our strong light truck lineup," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "The all-new 2013 Acura RDX is a hit with buyers thanks to its increased comfort, utility and power, along with class-leading fuel economy."
*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 27 days for August 2012 and 26 days for August 2011. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 205 days for 2012 and 204 days for 2011. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.
William Maley

August 2012 - Toyota

Toyota Motor Sales Reports 40 Percent Increase in August Sales


August 2012 Sales Chart
TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2012) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported August 2012 sales results of 188,520 units, an increase of 40.2 percent compared to the same period last year on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 27 selling days in August 2012 compared to 26 selling days in August 2011, TMS sales were up 45.6 percent from the year-ago month.
The Toyota Division posted total August sales of 164,283 units, an increase of 42.0 percent on a DSR basis from August 2011. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were up 47.5 percent from the year-ago month.
“The auto industry continued to outperform the general economy in August,” said Bill Fay, Toyota group vice president and general manager. “The driving force behind our growth continues to be strong consumer response to the new models we’ve launched over the past twelve months and the added value those vehicles represent.”
The Lexus Division reported total sales of 24,237 units in August 2012, up 28.9 percent from August 2011 on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were up 33.9 percent compared to the same period last year.
“Virtually every Lexus model enjoyed a significant sales increase in August,” said Tim Morrison, Lexus vice president of sales and dealer development. “With a strong Labor Day weekend, and our newly launched products leading the way, the momentum continues into September.”
Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded combined monthly sales of 93,083 units, up 47.2 percent from August 2011. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid with combined sales of 36,720 units, and Corolla reported August sales of 24,311 units. The Prius family of vehicles posted August sales of 21,111 units.
Toyota Division light trucks recorded August sales of 71,200 units, an increase of 47.9 percent compared to the same month last year. Light truck sales were again led by the RAV4 compact SUV and Tacoma mid-size pickup truck, with monthly sales of 15,685 and 12,193, respectively. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid reported combined sales of 11,441 units, and the Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 11,347 units.
Scion posted August sales of 7,722 units, up 111.6 percent on a volume basis over August 2011. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 2,378 units, up 113.5 percent, while the newly launched FR-S sports car reported sales of 1,913 units. The XD five-door urban subcompact posted sales of 1,004 units, and the xB urban utility vehicle posted August sales of 1,879 units. The all-new iQ premium micro-subcompact posted monthly sales of 548 units.
Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 14,024 units, up 35.7 percent from August 2011. The ES 350 entry luxury sedan and the first-ever ES Hybrid led Lexus passenger car sales with combined sales of 7,557 units, while the IS luxury sports sedan reported sales of 2,369 units. The CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted sales of 1,472 units.
Lexus luxury utility vehicles recorded sales of 10,213 units, up 31.4 percent over August 2011. Lexus light truck sales were led by the RX and RX Hybrid luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined August sales of 8,628 units. The GX 460 mid-size luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,071 units, while the LX luxury utility vehicle recorded sales of 514 units.
TMS Hybrids
TMS posted August sales of 28,960 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 110.1 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted August sales of 25,400 hybrids, while Lexus Division reported sales of 3,560 hybrids for the month.
William Maley

Introducing The Next Ford Fiesta

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 5, 2012
The wave of new subcompacts was started by back in late 2009 when Ford announced the Fiesta would be coming to states. Since then, automakers like Chevrolet, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, and Nissan have stepped up their game in this market. To take on the competition, Ford has refreshed the Fiesta for 2013.
Exterior wise, the Fiesta shares the same trapezoidal grille treatment as the Fusion. Also, there's a “power-dome”hood and a set of angular headlights.
For the European market, this refresh marks the appearance of the 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. The 1.0L is expected to give the Fiesta best-in-class fuel economy in the European small-car market.
The revised Fiesta will also bring forth the ST model which will boast a 182 HP turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electronic torque vectoring.
Inside, Ford says quality has gone up and will add a number of new premium options. Those options include SYNC, Ford's MyKey technology, and Active City Stop system, which promises to help drivers avoid low-speed collisions.
Note, this is for the European-spec Fiesta. We'll learn what's in store for the U.S. version later on in the year.
Source: Ford
Press Release is on Page 2

Ford Reveals Stylish New Fiesta; Advanced Technology Includes SYNC, MyKey and 1.0-litre EcoBoost Engine


• Ford unveils dynamic new Fiesta with sharper design and exclusive features
• Redesigned Fiesta delivers cutting-edge technology including Ford SYNC voice-activated connectivity system, Active City Stop and the European debut of MyKey
• Fiesta will be equipped with the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy
AMSTERDAM, Sept. 5, 2012 – Ford today revealed the dynamic new version of the best-selling Fiesta that features a sharper design and a host of exclusive technology features.
The new Fiesta will be on stage tomorrow in Amsterdam at Ford's special "Go Further" product event hosted by Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally and attended by 2,500 dealers.
New Fiesta delivers an advanced package of technologies including voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC, Active City Stop and the European debut of MyKey. It will also be equipped with the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy.
"Fiesta has been one of the world's best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world's most successful small car," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. "We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta's make-up – but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look."
The new Fiesta marks the latest chapter in the journey of the popular small car. Ford launched the first Fiesta in 1976 and has since sold more than 15 million models around the world. New Fiesta features design cues inspired by the latest Ford global design language and concept vehicles.
The Fiesta's face is dominated by a trapezoidal front grille, bracketed by laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology, and features a power-dome bonnet design. The redesigned Fiesta also delivers a harmonious and ergonomically optimised interior.
Fiesta follows Ford's approach of democratising technology – bringing advanced features to a greater number of drivers for the first time – and will be unique among its European competitors in featuring Active City Stop, a system designed to help drivers avoid low speed collisions.
Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system delivers an unprecedented level of connectivity, enabling owners to voice-activate phone calls and music selection from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB. The SYNC system includes Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.
The new Fiesta will also feature the European debut of segment-first MyKey, which will enable parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenager's exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" and is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.
Ford will reveal more details about the new European Fiesta range at the Paris Motor Show in September.
William Maley

Bentley To Utilize Platforms From Porsche In Future Vehicles

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 5, 2012
Future Bentley models will be using a new platform that is currently being worked on by Porsche to underpin the next Panamera.
The platform, known as MSB, will use a mix of both steel and aluminium, be able to accept either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and use the next-generation V12 engines. The platform should improve weight-distribution over current Bentleys.
Source: Autocar
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Introducing The 7th Generation Golf

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 4, 2012
Please give a warm welcome to the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf, introduced today in Germany. Volkswagen says the next-generation Golf offers "more features, even better safety, and more performance."
The design of the new Golf is an evolution of the last-generation Golf, with sharper lines, an smaller grille, and other changes.
"One of the keys to the Golf’s success lies in its continuity. There are a handful of cars with a design that, like the Golf’s, has been refined, tweaked and enhanced down the decades and thus become timeless." said Walter de Silva, Head of Design for Volkswagen AG.
The big story with the Golf is the weight-loss. Volkswagen dropped almost 220 lbs from new model thanks to the new MQB platform and other weight saving measures. The new Golf also features more high-strength steel in the body.
As for the European market, the Golf will come a range of gasoline and diesel engines, and the choice between of six-speed manual and six-/seven-speed DSG transmission. The European market model will also include a load of new safety tech.
The new Golf will be shown at the Paris Motor Show later this month with sales beginning later on. Information about when and what will be the U.S. Golf will come sometime next year.
Source: Volkswagen
Press Release is on Page 2

VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS SEVENTH-GENERATION GOLF IN BERLIN



First official images of VW’s best-selling car—and the first model off the new MQB architecture.


Herndon, VA, Sep 4, 2012 - Volkswagen today unveiled the new Golf, its best-selling car, at a press conference in Berlin, Germany. This seventh-generation version of one of the world’s most popular cars is striking in that it offers more features, even better safety, and more performance than the outgoing vehicle, while breaking the cycle of being heavier than its predecessor.
Overcoming the weight spiral
Indeed, the latest Golf is up to 220 pounds lighter than the outgoing car, thanks to careful focus on weight savings in all aspects of the car’s construction, from the electrical architecture through to the engines and the body-in-white. The air conditioning unit is, for example, six pounds lighter than the old car’s; the seats have shed 15 pounds; and the body-in-white is 51 pounds lighter. One major reason for the bodyshell’s weight loss is the extensive use of high- and ultra-high strength steels. The share of the high-strength steels overall has gone from 66 percent in the previous Golf to 80 percent in the new one. Of this, the share of ultra-high-strength steel has gone from six to 28 percent.
Better fuel efficiency
One benefit of lowering the Golf’s weight is better fuel economy: the European-market 1.4 TSI® that uses a 140-horsepower, turbocharged, 1.4-liter engine fitted with cylinder de-activation gets a European Cycle combined fuel consumption figure of 49 mpg, while the base 105-horsepower TDI® Clean Diesel engine delivers 62 mpg on the EC combined cycle.
Longer, lower, wider
The new Golf is 2.2 inches longer than the old car, with an overall length of 167.5 inches. Similarly, the wheelbase has grown by 2.3 inches to 103.8 inches. Since the front wheels are now located 1.7 inches further forward, the proportions are sportier, the crash structure is improved, and the interior package further optimized. The new car is 0.8 inches lower and 0.5 inches wider than the old car.
Improved interior
The new Golf is more spacious, with a passenger compartment that is 0.6 inches longer than before, giving 0.6 inches more rear kneeroom. Shoulder room is improved by 1.2 inches in both the back and front of the car. Cargo capacity has also been enhanced, while the load area is more accessible.
A key feature of the interior is a new infotainment system, which incorporates a five-inch touchscreen, even on entry-level European models. At the top end, the Golf features a navigation system which has a large, eight-inch touchscreen.
William Maley

What Brands Are Saab Owners Turning To?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 4, 2012
With Saab officially bankrupt and its assets sold off, owners of Saab vehicles are now wondering where they should go for their next vehicle.
Polk recently released a new study which looked at what former Saab owners now own. The study uses the Polk Disposal Loyalty Methodology, which looks what owners are selling whenever a new car is bought.
The study found that Saab owners are moving to a wide variety of manufacturers. Honda is at the top, getting 7.2%. Volkswagen isn't far behind, taking 7%. Audi and Toyota tie for third, both getting 6.3%. Chevrolet rounds out the top five.
Source: Polk
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

August 2012 - Chrysler

Chrysler Group LLC Reports August 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 14 Percent; Best August Sales in Five Years


Best August sales since 2007
29th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains
Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in August compared with same month a year ago
FIAT brand sets all-time sales record with 34 percent increase
FIAT brand introduces the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo, the fourth model in U.S. product lineup
Chrysler brand sales up 25 percent; best August sales since 2007
Chrysler 300 flagship sedan records 65 percent increase; best August sales since 2007
Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan sets sales record for month of August
Chrysler Town & Country posts 30 percent sales increase; best August since 2006
Ram Truck brand sales up 18 percent compared with same month last year
Ram pickup truck sales up 19 percent in August as Light Duty, Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab models post sales gains
Best Ram pickup truck August sales since 2007
Dodge brand sales up 13 percent; best August sales since 2005
Sales of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart up 294 percent compared with previous month as production ramp up continues in the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant
Dodge Journey full-size crossover sets an all-time sales record
Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and Dodge Challenger muscle car set sales records for month of August
Dodge Grand Caravan sales up 35 percent; best August sales since 2005
Jeep brand sales increase 5 percent in August; best August since 2003
Jeep Wrangler sets sales record for month of August
Jeep Grand Cherokee sales up 13 percent compared with same month a year ago; best August sales since 2006
Chrysler Group’s revamped product lineup and extensive quality investments make it the most improved automaker in Strategic Vision’s 2012 Total Quality Index study
Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Fiat 500 win Strategic Vision 2012 Total Quality Awards
Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger win AutoPacific’s 2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards based on owners’ ratings of their 2012 cars and trucks

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Sep 4, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 148,472 units, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in August 2011 (130,120 units), and the group’s best August sales since 2007.
The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each recorded year-over- year sales gains in August compared with the same month a year ago. The Fiat brand’s 34 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. August marked Chrysler Group’s 29th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.
The Dodge brand produced three record-setting models while registering the largest sales volume of any Chrysler Group brand in August. The Dodge Journey full-size crossover, the most versatile and affordable crossover in America, set an all-time sales record while the sporty Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and Dodge Challenger muscle car each set a sales record for the month of August.
The FIAT, Chrysler and Jeep brands also produced record-setting models in August. The Fiat 500 set an all-time sales record with its 34 percent sales gain while the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and the Jeep Wrangler established sales records for the month of August.
“Our Iron Man streak continued last month as we posted our 29th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Our hard work over the past few years is starting to pay some dividends in our sales growth, quality awards and profitability. Not to mention, an incredibly resilient U.S. new vehicle sales industry doesn’t hurt either.”
Chrysler Group’s 14 percent increase in August was driven in part by sales of the all-new Dodge Dart compact sedan (3,045 units). Dart sales were up 294 percent in August compared with the previous month of July, as the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant continues to ramp up Dart production.
The Chrysler 300 flagship sedan, with its substantial 65 percent increase, contributed to Chrysler Group’s August increase, as did the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, each posting double-digit percentage gains for the month. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, with a 13 percent hike, had its best August in six years while the Ram pickup truck extended its lengthy streak of consecutive year-over-year sales gains with a 19 percent increase in August.
Chrysler Group finished the month with a 66-days supply of inventory (362,407 units). U.S. industry sales figures for August are projected at an estimated 14.6 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).
August 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand
FIAT Brand
FIAT brand sales, up 34 percent compared with the same month a year ago, were an all-time sales record in August. Sales of the Fiat 500 Cabrio were up 37 percent versus the same month last year, while the Fiat 500 Abarth, the ultimate high-performance small car, recorded a 22 percent increase compared with sales during the previous month of July. The Fiat 500 was one of three Chrysler Group models to rank highest in their segment in Strategic Vision’s 2012 Total Quality Index in August. The Fiat 500 was ranked first in the Small Car segment.
The FIAT Brand introduced the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo in August, the fourth model in the expanding FIAT brand product lineup and one of the most affordable turbo-charged vehicles in America. The Fiat 500 Turbo features a 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes, dynamic exterior design and sport-styled interior. The new Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call for enthusiasts who are drawn to the Italian style of the Fiat 500 but want more power and performance for their daily drive.
Chrysler Brand
Chrysler brand sales were up 25 percent, the brand’s best August sales in five years and its 14th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan were up 65 percent, the full-size sedan’s best August sales in five years. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan contributed to the brand’s sales gain by setting a sales record for the month of August. The Chrysler Town & Country minivan, which offers families versatility, luxury, and convenience at a value, logged a double-digit sales increase, its best August sales in six years and second best sales month this year.
Ram Truck Brand
The Ram pickup truck extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 28-consecutive months in August. Sales of the Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group’s volume leader, were up 19 percent in August compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck’s best August sales performance since 2007. Of the Ram 1500 sales, the regular cab pickups posted the largest percentage sales increase in August, while the crew cab trucks led in volume. The Ram Light Duty, Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab pickup trucks posted year-over-year sales increases in August. The Ram Cargo Van posted a 53 percent sales increase compared with the previous month of July.
The Ram Truck brand, which recorded its best August sales in four years, introduced its new 2013 Ram 1500 to the automotive media in August underscoring the model’s best-in-class fuel economy, state-of-the-art technology, and class-exclusive features. Production of the Ram begins this month and is expected to arrive in dealer showrooms in October.
Dodge Brand
Dodge brand sales increased 13 percent, the brand’s best August sales since 2005 and its second best sales month this year. Dodge brand sales of 47,348 units represented the largest sales volume of any Chrysler Group brand in August. Sales of the all-new Dodge Dart compact sedan soared 294 percent in its third month of sales. As Dart production continues to ramp up in the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant, a full, multifaceted marketing campaign will launch this month, following the 90-second “How to Change Cars Forever” commercial that debuted in July.
As sales of the new Dart heat up, three Dodge models set sales records in August. The Dodge Journey, the most versatile and affordable crossover in America, set an all-time sales record with its hefty 58 percent increase in August. The sporty Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and Dodge Challenger muscle car each set sales records for month of August. Not to be outdone by the passenger cars, the Dodge Grand Caravan had its best August in seven years. In fact, the Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans each logged double-digit sales increases in August.
The Dodge Charger took home a Strategic Vision 2012 Total Quality Award in the Large Car segment, complementing its 30 percent sales increase in August, while the Dodge brand was cited as the most improved brand in the industry.
Jeep® Brand
Jeep brand sales were up 5 percent, the brand’s best August sales in nine years and its 28th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep Wrangler, the brand’s volume leader in August, set a sales record for the month of August. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever, were up 13 percent, its best August sales in six years. Sales of the Jeep Liberty were up 15 percent in August compared with the same month last year. It was the Liberty’s best August since 2006.
The Grand Cherokee won a Total Quality Award in the Medium SUV segment from Strategic Vision in August. Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index reflects all aspects of buying, owning and driving a vehicle as a holistic measure, and encompasses positive and negative experiences including reliability, driving excitement, emotional attachment and overall sales and service satisfaction.
William Maley

August 2012 - General Motors

GM U.S. Sales Increase 10 percent



Chevrolet passenger car sales up 25 percent


DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported August sales of 240,520 vehicles in the United States, up 10 percent compared with a year ago. GM increased its sales to retail customers by 11 percent, making August its best retail month of the year. Sales to fleet customers were up 6 percent compared with a year ago. All four GM brands posted higher total and retail sales.
Thanks in part to extensive national advertising during the Olympic Games, Chevrolet passenger car sales were up 25 percent, with the Spark, Sonic, Cruze and Volt all posting their best-ever monthly sales. In addition, the Chevrolet Equinox set an August record behind its 22 percent year-over-year sales increase.
“The single message Chevrolet communicated this summer was ‘confidence’ and it rang true with customers when they saw how our product lineup is being transformed,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of U.S. sales operations. “All four of our brands are building momentum behind new products so we’re very well positioned as the economy continues to slowly improve.”
Other sales highlights for August include an 11 percent year over year increase in Cadillac sales driven by strong demand for the SRX crossover, the Escalade and the new XTS large sedan. Buick sales increased 12 percent on the strength of the Verano, which has seen nine back-to-back monthly sales increases. Buick recorded its best retail sales since September 2007. GMC sales were up 4 percent, following a 35 percent reduction in fleet sales. GMC Acadia sales rose 26 percent in August and GMC Terrain sales were up 16 percent.
GM is in the midst of an aggressive rollout of new products in the United States. Some 70 percent of GM nameplates will be redesigned or all new over the course of 2012 and 2013, with the four-cylinder 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2013 Cadillac ATS reaching the market now.
The redesigned Malibu arriving in dealerships will replace depleted stocks of 2012 models. The compact Cadillac ATS sport sedan is the brand’s second all-new sedan this year and it will compete in the highest volume luxury segment in the United States.
William Maley

Future Of The Commodore Still Uncertain

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 4, 2012
There's a lot of questions dealing with Holden Commodore after 2017. The facelifted Commodore, the VF, will be debuting next year on the Zeta platform. But when 2017, Zeta will not be used at all.
“Zeta is not a global platform for GM,” said Holden boss, Mike Devereux, during a tour of the Elizabeth production facility.
Holden has confirmed that it will produce two new Australian-made cars based on two global platforms as part of a billion-dollar investment to guarantee building vehicles in Australia until 2022. The first vehicle will likely be the new Cruze which will be based on new platform which will combine Delta II and Theta platforms into one. The other vehicle, which could be the Commodore could go a number of ways.
“It could be that we stick with the configuration that we have here, in terms of rear-wheel drive sports sedan. It could be bigger, it could be smaller, it could be that we don’t go with rear-wheel drive and go with front-wheel drive. And the difficulty is that we have to make decisions very quickly here that we have to live with until 2022,” Devereux said.
If the next generation Commodore was to go RWD, most likely it would use a GM's Alpha platform. If it goes to FWD/AWD, Epsilon II could be it.
“I’d talk about it in terms of a larger car. Whether it’s a Commodore, if it feels like a Commodore, if it’s called a Commodore... the whole thing is having to predict what to do post-VF commodore in that late 2016, early 2017 time frame and coming up with a winner.”
Source: Carsales.com.au
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

August 2012 - Ford Motor Company

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 4, 2012 – Ford Motor Company’s U.S. total sales increased 13 percent in August compared with last year – and 19 percent for retail sales – with gains in cars, utilities and trucks.
“As fuel prices rose again during August, we saw growing numbers of people gravitate toward our fuel-efficient vehicles – cars, utilities and trucks,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Customers increasingly value savings at the pump, and Ford is answering the call with a full family of vehicles with leading fuel efficiency and the power to choose which vehicle best meets their needs.”
Ford also added a third crew at the Louisville Assembly Plant in August to support demand for the new Escape small utility – the fastest-turning vehicle in Ford’s U.S. lineup. Escape posted its best August sales results ever, with a 37 percent gain versus last year, with 28,188 vehicles sold.
Explorer posted its best August sales results since 2006, with 13,168 vehicles sold.
Ford passenger car sales were up 7 percent in August, including 35 percent in retail sales. Fusion posted a sixth consecutive monthly sales record, with best-ever August sales totaling 21,690 vehicles – a 21 percent increase over last year. Focus sales totaled 19,073 vehicles, a 35 percent increase versus last year. Mustang posted a 12 percent increase, with 6,387 vehicles sold.
Sales of Ford trucks increased 6 percent in August. America’s best-selling vehicle, the Ford F-Series, reported sales of 58,201 vehicles – 19 percent increase year-over-year – for its 13th straight month of sales increases and its best sales month of 2012. EcoBoost-equipped F-150s surpassed the 200,000 sales threshold in August.
In addition, Ford is announcing its fourth-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 725,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter, up 7 percent (50,000 vehicles) from the fourth quarter of 2011. The company also said it will be slightly below its previous third quarter 2012 North American production guidance of 690,000 vehicles, with one month of production left in the quarter.
Drew Dowdell

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 4, 2012
Hybrid vehicles usually fall into two completely different categories. The first category is filled with vehicles whose main purpose to use a hybrid powertrain is to eek out every drop of gas, which typically means they lack the fun to drive factor. The second category is the opposite; vehicles which use their hybrid powertrain, using a smaller engine, to produce the power and fuel economy of a larger engine.
There are a few automakers who have figured out how to balance these polar opposites with a hybrid powetrain. The latest automaker who thinks it has got the balance correct is Infiniti with the hybrid version of the M sedan. But did Infiniti get it right?
Next: The Outside
Exterior
The M Hybrid follows the same design doctrine of other M models. The front end of features a long hood that curves downward from the middle and rise back up before sitting next to the front fenders. A large, rectangular chrome grille and a set of projector headlights don the fascia. Around the side, the front and rear wheel wells are pushed out to cover the standard eighteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The roof line slopes down to the trunk where in turn it gradually rises back up to the lip of the trunk lid. The short rear end has a curved trunk lid, a chrome bar hiding the trunk release and rearview camera, and a set of polished exhausts.

The overall look of the M Hybrid is very daring and elegant to my eyes. I would put it in the same category as the Jaguar XF and Lexus GS as being my favorite mid-size luxury sedan designs.
Next: The Inside
Interior
The M Hybrid’s interior is an exercise in the details. That’s very evident when you look inside and notice how the metal trim flows along with the leather and wood trim in the dash and door panels. Also, the M Hybrid doesn’t skimp out on the stitched leather, using a good amount on the seats, door panels, and dash. The wood used in this M Hybrid was the optional Japanese White Ash wood trim which has a silver powder finish to make it really stand out. All of these little details make the M Hybrid feel very special.

For the front seat passengers, the M Hybrid comes equipped with supportive, powered leather seats. Back seat passengers sit on a very comfortable leather bench seat. Legroom is very good throughout the M Hybrid, while headroom is somewhat tight for backseat passengers due to the sloped roof. Trunk space is also on the tight side, measuring 11.3 cu.ft , due to the large lithium-ion battery pack.
Our Infiniti M Hybrid came equipped with two massive option packages. The $3,800 premium package adds a eight-inch touchscreen, hard-drive based Navigation system, 9.3 GB music jukebox, XM NavTraffic and weather, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, Bluetooth audio streaming, climate-controlled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The other option package on our test vehicle was the $3,350 Deluxe Touring Package which adds the Japanese White Ash wood trim, semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, suede-like headliner, forest air system, power rear sunshade, and a 5.1-channel, 16-speaker Bose sound system. Both packages are very much worth it as they add some needed features for the class and add on to the specialness of the M Hybrid’s interior.
Next: Power!
Powertrain
The heart of the M Hybrid is Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid system. The system is made up of a 3.5L all-aluminum V6 producing 302 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque, a 50kW electric motor producing 67 HP and 199 lb-ft of torque, and a lithium-ion battery pack. Total output of the Hybrid system is 360 HP.

How the M Hybrid delivers its power depends on the circumstances and how much the battery is charged. Leaving a stop with the battery fully or half charged, the M Hybrid will enter EV mode. Using only the electric motor, the M Hybrid able to sustain speeds in urban areas for a good distance. When the battery gets depleted, the 3.5L V6 seamlessly kicks on. If you need to merge onto a freeway or make a pass, the V6 and electric work together to provide more than enough power to get you through.
The seven-speed automatic transmission does a very good job of making sure it is in the right gear as the situation demands. Also, the shifts are very quick and smooth.
The M Hybrid also has Infiniti’s Drive Mode which allows the driver to change the throttle response, engine and transmission behavior via a knob in the car. Four settings are available: Snow, Eco, Standard, and Sport.
Snow: Softens throttle response even more to reduce wheel spin in snowy conditions
Eco: Softens the throttle response to help improve efficiency
Standard: Sets throttle response and shifts points to provide a balance between responsiveness and fuel efficiency
Sport: Increases throttle response and holds gears longer when driving aggressively

Fuel economy for the M Hybrid is rated at 27 City/31 Highway/29 Combined. Our average for the week was 27 MPG, mostly on suburban and rural roads.
Next: The Drive
Ride & Drive
The M Hybrid’s suspension is the same one used on the standard M37 and M56. Double wishbones are used up front and a multi-link setup in the rear, with stabilizer bars at both ends. The only difference between the regular M and the Hybrid is a set double-piston shock absorbers that have been tuned for the M Hybrid. The ride is soft and comfortable, no matter the road surface. Road, wind, and engine noise are kept to a minimum, making the M Hybrid a perfect long drive companion.

But what if you want to have a little bit fun? The M Hybrid is a very willing partner. The suspension is very surefooted on curvy roads. Steering is very good, providing good feel and response. One surprise is the M Hybrid’s brakes. Most hybrids exhibit the mushy pedal syndrome, which doesn’t inspire much confidence and could cause you to have a longer braking distance. The M Hybrid differs from this by having a brake pedal that doesn’t feel as mushy, which gives you more confidence and shorter stopping distances. Despite the extra weight and soft suspension tuning, the M Hybrid can be very fun.
Visibility for the M Hybrid is good for the front and side. Rear visibility is a little bit tricky due to the smallish rear window. Infiniti has included a rear-view camera as standard equipment, making it a bit easier.
Next: The Verdict
Verdict
So has Infiniti figured out the balance of performance and economy with the M Hybrid? In a word, yes. Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid system delivers the same performance as a V8 and delivers some impressive fuel economy numbers. Add in a well-appointed interior and a distinct exterior shape, and the M Hybrid stands on its own.
Aside from some rear headroom and trunk space concerns, the M Hybrid is one of the best arguments that choosing a hybrid doesn't mean you have to choose more power or better fuel economy; you can have both in perfect harmony.

Disclaimer: Infiniti provided the vehicle, insurance, and one tank of gas
Cheers
Exterior Design
Interior Appointments
Powertrain
Fuel Economy
Smooth Ride
Handling
Jeers
Rear Headroom
Trunk Space

Year - 2012
Make – Infiniti
Model – M
Trim – M Hybrid
Engine – 3.5L V6, 50 kW Electric Motor
Driveline – Rear Wheel Drive, Seven-Speed Automatic
Horsepower @ RPM - 302 @ 6800 (V6), 67 @ 1770 (Electric Motor), 360 HP (Total Outout)
Torque @ RPM – 258 @ 5500 (V6), 199 @ 1770 (Electric Motor)
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/31/29
Curb Weight – 4129 lbs
Location of Manufacture – Tochigi, Japan
Base Price - $53,700.00
As Tested Price - $61,745.00 (Includes $895.00 Destination Charge)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Spying: The BMW GT Heads To The 3-Series

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 2, 2012
If you happen to be one of those people who has an allergic reaction just seeing a picture of a BMW 5-Series GT, then I recommend closing out or go back to the main page and read something else.
Despite the 5-Series GT not being the sales success BMW has wanted it to be, they seem to be soldiering on with it and are working on a smaller version.
New spy shots released this week show BMW testing a 3-Series GT. Like the 5-Series GT, this 3-Series GT mule has a rounded roofline. Sources inside BMW say the 3-Series GT will have a more elegant rear end the 5-Series GT.
The GT will mirror the 3-Series engine lineup, so for the U.S. that will be a 2.0L turbo-four and a 3.0L turbo inline-six.
Source: Motor Trend
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Coming To The Geneva Motor Show: The Next G

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 2, 2012
Infiniti is looking at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show to introduce the next-generation G. This news coming from the Infiniti's design chief Shiro Nakamura.
Nakamura also revealed that the next G will be "much sportier and more dynamic thanthe current car". Much like the current G lineup, the next generation will include a sedan, coupe, and convertible. The next-generation G will also have gas and diesel engines from Mercedes-Benz.
Infiniti will likely introduce the G sedan at Geneva, with the coupe and convertible following sometime later in 2013 or early 2014.
Source: Autocar
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Introducing The 2013 Nissan Sentra

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 31, 2012
Around the same time the New York Auto Show was going on, Nissan released a commercial which had five new vehicles under white sheets.That commerical revealed the new Altima and said five new vehicles would be coming in next year or so. The second vehicle was the new Pathfinder which was revealed earlier this month. Now, Nissan has revealed a third model, the new Sentra.
The 2013 Sentra follows in the footsteps of the larger Altima, not in terms of design alone. The two share a similar profile and design cues which include a trapezoidal grille large wraparound headlights with LED accents, and LED taillamps out back. The two models also share a weight loss; the new Sentra drops about 150 lbs from the outgoing model.
Under the hood of the new Sentra is a new 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. The base Sentra has the option of a six-speed manual while the whole lineup come with the next generation Xtronic CVT. Nissan says this combination will get the Sentra fuel economy ratings of 30 City/39 Highway/34 combined. The highway number can go up to 40 when the Sentra is equipped with the FE package.
Inside, the Sentra makes some great strides from the outgoing model. There is a lot more soft-touch materials used throughout the interior and electroluminescent gauges are standard. Nissan has also increased the amount usable space in the vehicle. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows and locks and a six-way manual driver’s seat. Higher-spec Sentras add dual-zone automatic climate control system, a 4.3-inch color display, and a Bose sound system.
The new Sentra arrives at Nissan dealers later in the fall.
Source: Nissan
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
All-New 2013 Nissan Sentra Moves Up in Style, Sophistication, Refinement and Range with Up to 40 MPG Highway and 34 MPG Combined Fuel Economy
Offers "Class-Above" Style, Premium Design Qualities and Best-in-Class* Combined Fuel Economy
• All-new lightweight design saves up to 150 pounds
• New 1.8-liter engine and next-generation Xtronic CVT® with sub-planetary gear for optimal performance and efficiency
• Best-in-class combined fuel economy of 34 MPG*
• Sophisticated new design with high-end details such as LED accented headlamps and taillamps
• Upscale interior craftsmanship and user-friendly technology
• Available NissanConnectSM with Navigation with Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, POIs powered by Google™ and Google™ Send-to-Car functions
• On sale at Nissan dealers nationwide this fall
DALLAS (Aug. 31, 2012) – Nissan's all-new 2013 Sentra, unveiled here today, continues the brand's product onslaught as the third of five all-new vehicles being introduced in a 15-month period.
Like the recently unveiled Nissan Altima and Pathfinder, the redesign of Sentra focuses on class-above design standards inside and out, as well as efficiency in engineering. The new Sentra is 150 pounds – or five percent – lighter than the outgoing model, yet has slightly larger overall dimensions and more interior room. The lighter and more aerodynamic new Sentra allows Nissan to use a more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, which along with the next generation Xtronic CVT® with sub-planetary gear helps deliver a 13 percent improvement in EPA combined fuel economy.
With the FE+ models, Sentra achieves up to 40 mpg on the highway. Other CVT-equipped models are rated at 39 mpg on the highway. All CVT models achieve a best-in-class* EPA rated 34 mpg combined (City and Highway).
"The 2013 Nissan Sentra is the most revolutionary design in the nameplate's 30-year history, a worthy addition to what is without question the most innovative, highest quality, highest value sedan lineup in Nissan history," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "With the complete redesign for 2013, Sentra is closer in look and feel to Altima than a typical compact sedan. Like Altima, the new Sentra offers best-in-segment attributes, such as high fuel economy and easy-to-use connectivity, that offer real customer value and convenience."
The new Sentra has a strong family resemblance to the recently introduced 2013 Nissan Altima, both in exterior and interior styling cues and its "class-above style" against competitive vehicles in the compact sedan segment.
Modern, Premium Design
Sentra's all-new design is elegant, modern and refined, reflecting a "professional" character targeted at upwardly bound buyers who aspire to drive something more premium than some of the other designs in the segment. It adopts Nissan's bold new signature trapezoid-shaped grille and large wraparound headlights with LED accents – the only sedan in the compact segment to offer them as standard equipment. In the rear, LED taillights are also standard, which complements the sophisticated styling.
Compared to the previous design, Sentra's beltline has been lowered and a new character line has been added that runs from the front fenders, along the sides, and finishes at the sculpted taillights and trunklid, giving the new Sentra a more aggressive stance and enhanced outward visibility for passengers. Other exterior features include chrome door handles and accents, available heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, and available sport front and rear fascias and rear spoiler.
The 2013 Sentra is built on a new platform that is lighter than the previous design, contributing to the new model's more than 150-pound weight reduction. It also helps Sentra provide one of the largest interior volumes in class, along with ample rear seat legroom and enhanced trunk capacity.
Compared with the previous generation Sentra, the 2013 model offers a 0.6-inch longer wheelbase (106.3 inches) and a 2.3-inch longer overall length (182.1 inches). The front overhang is shorter and the rear overhang extended. It is slightly lower in height (-0.6 inches) and narrower in width (-1.2 inches) for enhanced aerodynamics, yet offers nearly identical total interior volume (111.0 cubic feet versus the previous 110.. The coefficient of drag has been significantly reduced to 0.29 from the previous 0.34.
"Sentra has long been known as one of the roomiest sedans in class and the latest iteration is no exception. The fine-tuning of its dimensions has created not only extremely well-balanced exterior proportions but enhanced rear seat legroom and created a larger, more usable trunk space," said Castignetti.
A Premium, Class-Above Interior
Sentra's sophisticated new look continues inside with a high-quality interior design with materials not usually found in compact vehicles, including soft-touch instrument panel and driver's door armrest, available leather-appointed seating and available Maple wood-tone trim. Along with offering mid-size roominess in a compact-size exterior, the intuitive interior layout emphasizes driver control and class-leading seat comfort for all occupants. The instrument panel curves out towards the doors and features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges that are backlit even in daylight, providing a high-quality look that is also easy to read.
Rear seat legroom of 37.4 inches is among the largest in class and immediately apparent to occupants, even with the front seats in the rear-most position. The rear seat is a standard 60/40 split folding design, offering versatile access to the 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space (2.0 cubic feet larger than the 2012 Sentra trunk).
Standard interior features include 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual front passenger's seat, front and rear door pockets, front center console with padded armrest and cupholders, rear seat armrest with cupholders, air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter, tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows with driver's one-touch auto up/down with auto reverse, power door locks with auto-locking feature, two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets, remote keyless entry and remote trunk and fuel-filler door releases.
A new Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system is offered for the first time with Sentra, allowing the driver or front passengers to set their own individual temperature settings.
The standard audio system is an AM/FM/CD system with four speakers. Other available systems include a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with 4.3-inch color display, USB connection for iPod® and other compatible devices; and a Bose® Premium audio system with eight speakers and an amplifier that has been specially tuned to either the cloth or leather interior for best performance.
Also available is SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.
"Nowhere is the new Sentra's 'class-above' style more evident than in the interior. You notice it the minute you sit in the roomy, comfortable seats and when you touch the high quality materials. And when driving you notice the extra attention paid to isolating noise, vibration and harshness from entering the cabin," said Castignetti. "And that's before you even get into the various advanced technology features that you usually don't expect in a compact sedan segment vehicle."
NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Other Clever Technology
Like the new Altima, the 2013 Sentra offers a major step forward in technology that helps owners stay connected. An all-new version of the Nissan Navigation system is available. NissanConnectSM with Navigation includes a Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant that reads incoming text messages and allows drivers to reply without taking their hands off of the steering wheel.
The system also offers Pandora® radio capability, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and a large 5.8-inch touch-screen display. The Navigation System includes NavTraffic and NavWeather functions (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), along with POIs powered by Google™ and Google™ Send-to-Car functions. The Navigation's map views now features warnings for curves and speed limit information.
Other available technology ranges from the RearView Monitor and Nissan Intelligent Key® with illuminated push-button ignition switch to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy Fill Tire Alert feature. If air is being added or removed from a tire, the system signals the user when the recommended tire pressure has been reached by sounding the horn.
New 1.8-liter Engine and Advanced CVT
As expected from a ground-up redesign, the new Sentra features an all-new engine and CVT transmission. Now displacing 1.8-liters, Sentra's advanced DOHC 4-cyinder engine offers a longer stroke than typical engines in its class, resulting in improved combustion speed and efficiency. The engine is equipped with a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system which modulates both the intake and exhaust valve opening time (similar to that used on the flagship Nissan Maxima).
The engine's internal friction has been reduced, improving efficiency. The DLC creates about half the friction of previous coatings. In addition, the valve springs are shaped similar to a beehive, with a smaller diameter towards the top – reducing inertia weight, improving valvetrain efficiency and smoothing engine operation. The engine is rated at 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque.
The new engine is matched with a new-generation Xtronic CVT® (a 6-speed manual is available in the base Sentra S model). The new CVT features a host of enhancements (versus the previous CVT) that contribute to an improvement in fuel efficiency and lower vehicle weight. It also offers a wider gear ratio of 7.3:1 through use of a sub-planetary gear and smaller pulleys, resulting in high-speed fuel efficiency at low rpm and responsive acceleration. Fuel economy is rated at 30 miles per gallon City, 39 miles per gallon Highway and a class-leading 34 miles per gallon combined with the CVT*.
"In the race for fuel economy bragging rights sometimes what gets lost in the mix is drivability. Sentra's new engine and advanced CVT design are perfectly matched to provide the best of both mpg and driving enjoyment – smooth, quiet and efficient operation around town or highway cruising, responsive acceleration and excellent mpg and driving range," said Castignetti.
The new Sentra also features an independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar, torsion beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar, power-assisted vented front disc/rear drum braking system (4-wheel disc brakes are available), and vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering. Available wheels and tires include 16-inch steel wheels with full covers with 205/55R16 size all-season tires or 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/50R17 all-season tires.
In addition to the Sentra S model's long list of standard features, Sentra SV models add cruise control, two additional speakers, illuminated steering wheel audio controls, vehicle security system and premium cloth seating and door trim.
The Sentra SR adds a sportier appearance, starting with 17-inch forked 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, sport front and rear fascias, sport front grille, lower body side sill extensions, rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light, fog lights and chrome exhaust tip finisher. Inside, the Sentra SR includes sport silver interior trim, premium sport cloth seats and driver's seatback pocket.
The top-of-the-line Sentra SL adds 17-inch split 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, Smart Auto headlights, fog lights, heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, Nissan Intelligent Key®, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 6-speaker audio system with 4.3-inch display, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).
Additional Sentra SL equipment includes leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever knob, Maple wood-tone trim, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy Fill Tire Alert and more.
A Range of Well-Equipped Models
The 2013 Nissan Sentra is offered in a selection of well-equipped S, FE+ S, SV, FE+ SV, SR and SL trim levels. All models come with standard Xtronic CVT®, except the base Sentra S that is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or CVT.
The NissanConnectSM with Navigation system, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, rear disc brakes, power sliding glass moonroof and RearView Monitor are among the additional features available with the various equipment packages.
"From front LED accents to rear LED taillights and every inch in between, the all-new 2013 Sentra serves notice to compact sedan buyers that the Sentra is stepping up in style and stepping up in desirability," said Castignetti. "In what has become one of the most competitive segments in the industry, Sentra is ready to take on all comers."
William Maley

Rumorpile: Three Mazda6 Rumors At One Moscow Show

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 31, 2012
There are some big rumors coming out at this week’s Moscow Auto Show dealing with the new Mazda6.
The first rumor comes to us from Autocar. They had the chance to sit down with Mazda’s chief designer, Akira Tamatani. Tamatani revealed that he would like to do a Mazda6 coupe.
"There is no decision, but I would love to make one. The first job is to make the saloon and estate, but from this position a coupe is not so far away."
If there is a coupe in the pipeline, we could get our first look sometime next year.
Rumor two also comes from Autocar which says Mazda could be adding an AWD system for the new 6.
“There are no set plans, but we are studying the possibility of introducing all-wheel drive – it would be a good weapon with which to establish the brand. It is my belief that there is a very strong opportunity for us if we bring it to market,” said Hiroshi Kajiyama, program manager for the 6.
The final rumor comes from AutoExpress. Speaking with Hiroshi Kajiyama, it was revealed that the company is looking at a performance version of the 6.
“There is a high potential for this, and it would be helpful to the brand,” Kajiyama said.
The performance oriented 6 would likely weigh less than the regular model, come with AWD, and use a turbocharged diesel engine.
Source: Autocar, AutoExpress
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Why The 2013 Buick Regal Is More Expensive

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 30, 2012
Last year, a base Buick Regal started at $27,055. For 2013, the base Regal will now start at $29,015, a jump of almost $2,000.
Why the $2,000 increase? Well, the Regal will be following in the LaCrosse's footsteps and offer the eAssist powertrain as standard equipment. eAssist was a $2,000 option on the Regal for 2012 and it has been rolled into pricetag.
eAssist will improve the base Regal's fuel economy from 19 City/31 Highway to 25 City/36 Highway.
Source: Buick
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Are Manual Transmissions To Blame For The Dodge Dart Slow Sales?

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 30, 2012
Sales of the Dodge Dart have been lackluster. For the first two months, Dodge has only sold 974 Darts. This would be ok if the Dart was a high-end luxury vehicle, not a vehicle competing in the highly contested compact market.
Dealers say the reason for the slow sales is the majority of Darts being equipped with a manual transmission.
"We were just told that [the automatics] weren't ready yet.We were a little surprised by it," Mr. Kelleher added. "We're a little bit out of the water with stick [shifts]. We sell so few of them," said David Kelleher, owner of a Chrysler dealership in Glen Mills, Pa.
"A great majority of our customers who walk by the Dart are declining the manual," said Tamara Darvish, vice president of Darcars Automotive Group, a chain of 34 new-car franchises based in Silver Spring, Md.
Reid Bigland, Dodge's chief executive explained that Chrysler began building the manual-transmission Darts to get the factory ramped up, but it has now added automatics to the line. Bigland says that 70% of Darts being built are equipped with the automatic.
Bigland goes on to say that the company expects to sell 3,000 Darts for August.
Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS AWD

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 30, 2012
If there was an automaker who closely followed Mitsubishi’s story in the U.S. to a degree, that automaker would be Suzuki. Suzuki, much like Mitsubishi was a rising star in the 1990’s and early 2000’s with vehicles like the Swift, Sidekick, Grand Vitara, XL7, and SX4. However in the late 2000’s, Suzuki began a fast decline into obscurity. Magazine and television ads began to disappear slowly, dealers either closed up shop or turned to something else, and people began to think that Suzuki was gone.
Well, Suzuki is still around and building vehicles for the U.S. The brand’s newest vehicle, the Kizashi, is its second-take on a midsize sedan. Suzuki’s first attempt was the 2004 Verona. A rebadged Daewoo Magnus, the Verona was very forgettable and was pulled off the market. Since going on sale in 2010, the Kizashi has received favorable reviews in the automotive press as it is often lauded as one of the best sedans currently on sale. The buying public on the other hand doesn’t even know it exists.
Does the Kizashi deserve more attention or should it stay in obscurity just like its brand?
Next: The Outside Look
Exterior
Designers for the Kizashi went for a muscular, bold look. That’s evident when you look at the Kizashi ‘s front end where there is a sculpted hood, two-tiered front grille arrangement, a set of projector headlights, and flared front fenders. The side has a set of body skirts along the doors and a set of eighteen-inch sport wheels, which are standard equipment on the Sport GTS model, which we evaluated. Around the back, Suzuki’s designers did their own interpretation of the “Bangle-Butt” and it has actually worked. Other design cues for the back include an integrated spoiler with stoplight on the trunk lid and a set of chrome surrounds hiding the exhausts.

Suzuki mostly pulls off the look on the Kizashi except for one item: ahead of the front wheels, Suzuki slapped on some bright orange reflectors for the turn signals. This addition doesn’t make sense for a vehicle design in the 21st century.
Next: Come On In
Interior
The Kizashi’s interior is really impressive for a Suzuki. That might sound like an underhanded compliment, but anyone who has sat in past Suzuki vehicles knows, the interiors left a lot to desire. Materials used throughout are a combination of soft- and hard-touch plastics, and metal trim. Build quality is very good with no apparent gaps or separation of materials on the 14,000 mile example we had for review.

The Sport GTS model comes with set a of bolstered, cloth bucket seats for the front passengers. The driver gets a power seat with ten-way adjustment, lumbar, and memory function. Finding a comfortable position in the seat does take some time, but you can find one. Back seat passengers will find a cloth-covered bench seat and a surprising amount of head and legroom.
The Kizashi Sport GTS comes well equipped for the pricetag. Standard equipment includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, trip computer, dual-zone climate controls, Rockford Fosgate sound system, USB input for your MP3 player, sunroof, and 60/40 folding rear seats. The only options on our Kizashi were a trunk mat, floor mats, first aid kit, and a Bluetooth system.
Next: Under the Hood
Powertrain
All Kizashi models come with one engine choice; a 2.4L inline-four producing either 185 HP (@ 6500 RPM) if you go for the six-speed manual or 180 HP (@ 6000 RPM) if you pick the CVT. Torque is 170 lb-ft (@ 4000 RPM), no matter the transmission choice. You also have the choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. If you do go for all-wheel drive like ours, you only transmission choice is the CVT.

Leaving from a stop, the 2.4L is initially sluggish before it starts to build some speed at a quick rate, as the engine revs up. If you need to make a pass or merge onto a freeway, the 2.4 is able to perform without a sweat. The CVT makes sure to keep you in the power as best as it can and is very smooth. Also, Suzuki fitted steering wheel paddles to the Sport GTS to mimic a six-speed transmission. The paddles do work very well, giving you the feeling of total control when taking the Kizashi for an enthusiastic drive.
The Kizashi’s AWD system is unique as you can turn the system on and off via a button next to the steering wheel. The only way you know when you have engaged the system is an AWD light turns on in the instrument cluster. The system will seamlessly kick on if the Kizashi has a loss of traction or if you decide to be aggressive.
The sacrifice you make for the sure footedness of all-wheel drive is less than ideal fuel economy rating. The EPA rates the Kizashi Sport GTS AWD EPA at 22 City/29 Highway/25 Combined. This comes from the extra 292 lbs the AWD system adds to the Kizashi’s weight. Average for the week was 24.5 MPG. On the highway, the Kizashi did much better, recording an average of 32.3 MPG.
Next: The Drive
Ride & Drive
The Kizashi’s suspension is made up of MacPherson struts up front and a five-point multilink setup in the rear. Steering comes in the form of an electric power steering system with a rack and pinion setup. The steering feels like something you would find in a sports car. Each turn of the Kizashi’s steering wheel is directly sent to front tires. In turn, the system provides a surprising amount of road feel for the driver. This combination makes the Kizashi a joy to drive on curvy roads.

During normal driving, the Kizashi does a good job of proving a mostly comfortable and stable ride for passengers. Driving on rough surfaces, the Kizashi’s suspension does a decent job of minimizing the impacts. Noise from engine is mostly well-muted. The same cannot be said for road and wind noise as both are somewhat existent, but not to the point where you carry some ear plugs.
Next: The Verdict
Verdict
I wasn’t quite sure how I would feel at the time of the Kizashi’s departure, after the week-long evaluation. When that time came, I felt surprised and amazed at Suzuki’s second mid-size effort. The muscular and sporty exterior hides one of the best suspension and all-wheel-drive setups in the class. Plus, the Kizashi has one of the better CVTs in the industry and comes with a nicely-equipped interior.
However, the Kizashi isn’t the most fuel-efficient vehicle, despite being one of the smallest and lightest in its class. Plus, the 2.4L is very sluggish on initial acceleration.
Those problems pale in comparison to the biggest drawback the Kizashi has, Suzuki itself. As I eluded in the introduction, Suzuki in the U.S. isn’t doing so hot. In a report back in April, we wondered whether the brand was preparing to the North American market leave because of certain developments. Some of those included cutting auto show appearances, saying goodbye to the top U.S. product planning and marketing executive, and suspending social media outreach. Since that report, the news for Suzuki hasn’t got any better. For 2012, sales are still down and the company is focusing on controlling its expenses. Add to the lack advertising and the silence any new products coming to U.S., and it’s easy to see why everyone is wondering what the future holds for Suzuki in the U.S.
That leaves me in a tough spot with the Kizashi since I really liked it and would recommend it to anyone. However, the uncertainty of Suzuki in the States gives me some hesitation on recommending it. If you’re shopping for a new midsize sedan, you do at least need to give the Kizashi a chance. Vehicles like the Kizashi only appear once in a while and might be not be long before this disappears.

Cheers:
Exterior Styling
Interior Equipment
Interior Space
CVT
AWD System
Handling during sporty and normal driving
Jeers:
Reflectors on front fenders
Fuel economy of the AWD Model
Suzuki going dark on everything

Year - 2012
Make – Suzuki
Model – Kizashi
Trim – Sport GTS
Engine – 2.4L Inline-Four
Driveline – All Wheel Drive, CVT
Horsepower @ RPM - 180 @ 6000
Torque @ RPM – 170 @ 4000
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined – 22/29/25
Curb Weight – 3533 lbs
Location of Manufacture – Sagara, Japan
Base Price - $25,899.00
As Tested Price - $26,404.00* (Doesn’t include Destination Charge)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Chevrolet Volt Production Halts Again

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 29, 2012
For a second time this year, General Motors is putting the brakes on Volt production. According to Automotive News, the company plans to shut down the Detroit-Hamtramck from September 17 until October 15.
Why? Well there are two reasons as to this. A GM spokesman tells Motor Trend, "the plant will be idled to match inventory with production, as well as retooling to get ready for 2014 Impala production."
The 'match inventory with production' most likely is in reference to the Chevrolet Volt. Through July, 10,666 Volts have been sold, which more than triple the 2,870 Volts sold last year. However, the 10,666 Volts is a far cry from CEO Dan Akerson's 45,000 goal for this year.
Also, GM dealers are currently sitting on 6,500 units or an 84 day supply.
Source: Motor Trend, Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Lincoln Heads East To China

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 29, 2012
This week, Ford announced that its luxury branch, Lincoln will be heading out to China in the second half of 2014.
"Lincoln is an important part of our plan, and introducing Lincoln in China marks the next step in our expansion in Asia and our commitment to serving customers in the luxury market," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally.
Lincoln says that by the end of this decade, luxury cars will account for 2.7 million sales. Lincoln also says that China will dwarf the U.S. in sales.
What is Lincoln's strategy to take a slice of China's market? "Lincoln will deliver an exceptional and personalized brand experience for Chinese customers seeking luxury tailored to their own needs." Lincoln isn't saying what that will mean for their vehicle lineup in China, most likely long-wheelbase models are on the table.
Source: Lincoln
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2

Lincoln Coming to China, Bringing Rich Heritage and Unique Alternative to Growing Luxury Market


Lincoln will be coming to China, offering its rich and unique heritage to customers seeking a new level of luxury
Lincoln will provide a personalized brand experience for affluent Chinese customers seeking a luxury experience tailored to their specific needs
Expansion into China further strengthens Ford Motor Company’s commitment and aggressive growth strategy in China and establishes Lincoln as a brand with global appeal; this mark’s Ford’s largest expansion in 50 years
Lincoln cars will be available in China in the second half of 2014

BEIJING, 28 August, 2012 – Lincoln is coming to China, bringing its rich heritage and a unique alternative to the evolving luxury car customers in one of the world’s most important auto markets.
With a nearly 100-year history, Lincoln will deliver an exceptional and personalized brand experience for Chinese customers seeking luxury tailored to their own needs. New Lincoln products will begin to be sold in China in the second half of 2014 through an independent dealer network. The company begins meeting with dealers interested in being part of Lincoln’s growth in China in the fourth quarter of this year.
“Lincoln is an important part of our plan, and introducing Lincoln in China marks the next step in our expansion in Asia and our commitment to serving customers in the luxury market,” said Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally. “We recognize the growth potential for Lincoln in China, building on the growing appeal of our new Lincoln products and unique, personalized customer experience in North America.”
Luxury for an Evolving Market
The luxury segment in China is forecast to surpass the luxury segment in the United States by 2020. In China, luxury vehicle sales are expected to more than double – from 6 percent of the market today to nearly 9 percent by the end of the decade, according to IHS. Annual sales of luxury cars are forecast to be approximately 2.7 million units by then.
In China, consumers now see luxury as more than a product, according to an intensive observation study of luxury car buyers conducted by TNS China, “Targeting luxury car drivers in China”.
The study also shows that while many affluent consumers in China are still motivated by a primary desire to display their wealth noticeably, data gathered over the last 2 years reveals that a select group of consumers are evolving towards purchasing luxury for the personal experience rather than as an outward signal to others. Their motivation to purchase is also led by self-discovery of products and services that meet their own unique demands, providing a high degree of self-reward in making the right choice.
Lincoln’s combination of outstanding products and a personalized luxury buying and ownership experience is expected to be particularly appealing to this evolving group of Chinese luxury consumers.
“Globally, we’re seeing a new generation of luxury clients who value more individualistic and tailored options,” said Jim Farley, Group Vice President, Global Marketing Sales and Service, Ford Motor Company. “In China, the emerging luxury buyers are younger and fast-changing, and they have a strong desire to understand and appreciate the heritage of a brand- the origins of its real values such as timeless elegance, sophistication and craftsmanship in Lincoln.”
A Luxury Brand Heritage, Unique Vision for the Future
Lincoln, named after U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, was founded by Henry Leland. Lincoln was acquired by Ford Motor Company in 1922 when it saw the potential in the brand and identified with its purpose to serve luxury customers uniquely.
“Lincoln will distinguish itself by providing more individual and personalized motor cars, and a more personal and crafted experience to match,” said Farley. “The Lincoln experience promises to deliver elegant simplicity, something warmer and more personally engaging.”
“Research shows that for luxury consumers in China, international credentials are not enough; heritage and excellence are also expected of a luxury car.”
From the brand’s start, Lincolns were known for challenging convention and driving innovation in design and craftsmanship. This includes the ground-breaking design of the Lincoln Zephyr and original Lincoln Continental.
Today, Lincoln is combining outstanding vehicles with personal and innovative customer service at every step.
Ford Motor Company Expanding Aggressively in China
“Lincoln’s introduction to China represents a significant step forward in Ford’s aggressive growth strategy for the country”, said Dave Schoch, Chairman and CEO, Ford Motor China. “We are on track to deliver 15 new Ford-branded vehicles and 20 powertrains by 2015 to Chinese customers. With Lincoln, we will be expanding our product offering to cover China’s fast-growing luxury car segment.”
Ford Motor Company is building five new plants in China, including in Chongqing, which is home to the largest manufacturing location for Ford outside southeast Michigan. Once completed, the plants will double the company’s capacity in China to 1.2 million passenger vehicles a year.
The expansion, the largest by Ford in 50 years, will help the automaker realize an increase in global sales by around 50 percent from 2010 to about 8 million vehicles annually by mid-decade.
William Maley

Introducing The 2014 Mazda6

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 29, 2012
Mazda has revealed the new 2014 Mazda6 mid-size sedan at the Moscow Auto Show.
The exterior design follows Mazda's new Kodo ("Soul of Motion") design language and draws heavily from the company's 2011 Takeri concept. The front end has a very muscular look with a large five-point grille, character lines running along the hood, and reshaped headlights with LEDs. The side features a character line above the front wheel well that extends into the front doors. The back end has narrowed taillights, dual exhausts, and a chrome strip running along the hood.
"We have created a design in which the wild and dynamic expressions of motion artistically realize a powerful presence," said Mazda's chief designer, Akira Tamatani.
Inside the new 6, Mazda went for a straightforward and clean design. Also shoulder, knee, and leg room have all been increased thanks in part to a longer wheelbase.
For the Russian market, the Mazda6 will come either a 2.0L Skyactiv four-cylinder producing 148 HP and going through a six-speed manual or automatic, and a 2.5L Skyactiv four producing 189 HP and going through a six-speed automatic. There is also a diesel engine in the cards. The Mazda6 will also premiere the "i-Eloop" system, which is a regenerative braking system.
We'll learn what the U.S. spec Mazda6 will come with in due time.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2

THE ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA6 SEDAN MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT IN MOSCOW


Mazda to Showcase Redesigned Sedan With All-New Technology and Safety Features
MOSCOW, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From design concept to final production, the all-new 2014 Mazda6 has been a feast for the eyes. Spawning from its TAKERI Concept beginnings, which made its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last November, the redesigned Mazda6 was adapted for more practical wheels-to-road use yet did not sacrifice style or its appeal of being a game-changer in the mid-size vehicle segment. The second Mazda to feature the full suite of SKYACTIV®[1] technologies, the Mazda6 will launch in Europe this year with an added slew of all-new safety features and fuel efficiency-improving technologies. The vehicle is expected to go on sale in the U.S. and Canada in early 2013.
Similar to TAKERI, the Mazda6 features a bold new front fascia with a five-point "signature wing." Part of the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language, this new family look evokes a tempered aggression, controlled yet taut beneath the three dominant character strokes that flow alongside the sculpted body. The Mazda6 sits on a 111-inch long wheelbase, allowing for a roomier interior and ample storage space. Compared to the previous generation, the front wheels have been pushed forward nearly four inches in relation to the A-pillar, resulting in reduced overhang while the rear deck has been shortened, further enhancing the vehicle's lower, leaner and longer stance.
Under the hood of the Russian-specification Mazda6 is a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine that offers 134 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 155 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 can be paired with either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. A SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine also will be available in the Russian market and boasts 189 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 189 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5 will be available with the SKYACTIV-Drive transmission. Final specifications for other global markets, including the U.S. and Canada, will be disclosed at a later date.
To feed the rest of one's senses, the interior offers a driver-oriented cockpit with knobs and controls within intuitive reach. The luxurious interior overwhelms in its clean simplicity and quality materials. Cavernous but comfortable, the 2014 Mazda6 features a new instrument panel in two new metallic finishes – Bordeaux and Dark – as well as soft fabrics on frequently touched surfaces such as the door trim and along the instrument panel. The instrument cluster is presented with white scale markings on a dark spindle groove-and-honeycomb pattern to accentuate clarity and readability. An encircling metal ring provides a distinctive finishing touch.
Wrapped in an all-new "Soul Red" metallic paint finish, itself developed through a unique technological process that balances depth and shading while providing vividness, the Mazda6 rests upon 19-inch, five-double-spoke alloy wheels, which offer added stability to the dynamics of the vehicle's SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis. The SKYACTIV-Body structure utilizes more ultra-high tensile steel resulting in fewer materials used (and a lighter weight) while increasing torsional rigidity by almost 30 percent. The SKYACTIV-Chassis has a finely tuned front strut and rear multi-link suspension system, which deliver agile driving performance in the low- to mid-speed ranges and precise handling in high-speed driving. Engineering efforts also improved NVH performance to target class-leading quietness as well as optimizing the under-floor design to further improve aerodynamic airflow to a class-leading 0.26 coefficient of drag (Cd), which also contributes to increased fuel economy.
Additional environmentally-conscious, fuel-efficient systems in the Mazda6 include the production debut of "i-ELOOP," the Mazda-engineered, world's-first capacitor-based regenerative braking system. In real-world driving conditions, which feature frequent acceleration and braking, i-ELOOP will improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent. The "i-stop" idling stop system also is available and offers a class-leading engine restart time of 0.35 seconds. The accelerated restart equates to a smoother, barely noticeable pick-up as well as significant improvement in stop-and-go fuel economy. Also, an award-winning single-nanotechnology in the catalyst improves the exhaust gas after-treatment process and reduces the amount of precious metal required.
For the Russian-specification 2014 Mazda6, all-new safety features coupled with the brand's current array of advanced technologies offer an added sense of security and stability. Providing hawk-eyed vision in the moonlight, signature LED headlights paired with halo ring light guides are adopted for the first time in a Mazda production vehicle. With the available Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), the headlights beam and embrace curves on the road just as the vehicle does for added visibility.
Other featured safety systems include:
High-Beam Control (HBC): Uses a sensor to detect oncoming vehicles and automatically adjusts between high and low beam to avoid blinding other drivers at night.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA): Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards while the driver's foot moves from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal when taking off on a hill.
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS): Causes the hazard lights to rapidly flicker on and off in the event of panic braking at speeds of 31 MPH or higher in order to warn vehicles behind.
Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM): Goes into effect at speeds of 19 MPH or higher and detects vehicles approaching from behind or driving in the blind spot area on either side, and alert the driver should s/he turn on the indicator signal to change lanes.
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS): Uses a camera to judge the position of lines on the road and alerts the driver of unintentional lane departures, thus minimizing the risk of collision due to driver inattention or fatigue.
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS): Uses a near-infrared beam sensor to help prevent collisions and, in cases where prevention is not possible, reduce the impact of frontal collisions at low speed (up to 19 MPH) by automatically applying the vehicle's brakes.

William Maley

Spyker and Youngman Sign A Deal To Develop New Vehicles

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 28, 2012
From the 'oh not this again' file; Spyker and Chinese automaker, Youngman have signed a new agreement for a joint venture to develop new vehicles.
The deal has Youngman Automotive investing €10,000,000 (about $12.5 million ) for a 29.9% stake in Spyker. Youngman will also invest €25,000,000 (about $31 million) for the development of an all-new Spyker vehicle, the D8 P2P (Peking to Paris). You might remember this vehicle as the 2006 D12 Peking-To-Paris Concept. This was one of vehicles floated out by Spyker CEO, Victor Muller back in April when he looking for investors for the company.
The agreement also has the two companies cooperating on developing a new vehicle on Phoenix platform (the platform that was to underpin the next 9-3).
"Since the regretful demise of Saab Automobile AB in December 2011,we have been investigating the possibilities to continue our intended cooperation with Youngman to the benefit of both companies thereby utilizing the assets, both tangible as well as intangible, each of us has at its disposal. With this Framework Agreement, Youngman and Spyker lay the foundation for an intense cooperation whereby we will pursue the objectives we each had in mind when we were forging our cooperation as partners in Saab Automobile AB. We clearly share the vision on how to shape Spyker's future as partners going forward," said CEO Victor Muller in a statement.
Source: Spyker
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2

SPYKER AND YOUNGMAN SIGN FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR 29.9 PERCENT STAKE, JOINT VENTURE FOR SPYKER D8 SSUV AND JOINT VENTURE FOR NEW PRODUCT RANGE BASED ON PHOENIX PLATFORM


Zeewolde, the Netherlands, 27 August 2012 Spyker N.V. ( Spyker ) announces that it signed a Framework Agreement with the Chinese car manufacturer Zhejiang Youngman Passenger Car Group Co, Ltd ( Youngman ) today.
Today's Framework Agreement entails the following :
Subject to satisfactory completion by Youngman of a due diligence on Spyker and the satisfaction of relevant conditions to be set forth in the definitive transaction documentation, Youngman will invest Euro 10,000,000 in Spyker of which approximately Euro 6,700,000 as subscription for such number of Class A shares in Spyker as will constitute 29.9% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Spyker on a fully diluted basis for a price of Euro 0.05 per share, and the remaining approximately Euro 3,300,000 shall be provided to Spyker in the form of a shareholder loan. Youngman undertakes to not exceed the 29.9 percent threshold and therefore has no ambition to make a mandatory offer on all outstanding shares in Spyker.
Youngman shall pay the first tranche of the share subscription in an amount of Euro 2,300,000 to Spyker within 7 days as of today.
Youngman shall pay the remaining Euro 7,700,000 no later than 45 days after the execution of the definitive transaction documentation.
Youngman and Spyker will jointly invest in a Joint Venture to be called Spyker P2P B.V. ( Spyker P2P ) in which Youngman will make a cash contribution in the amount of Euro 25,000,000 and will hold 75% of the shares whilst Spyker will make its contribution by transferring the technology it developed for the Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris, a $ 250,000 four door Super Sports Utility Vehicle ( SSUV ) as well as the Spyker trademarks and will hold 25% of Spyker P2P's shares. Youngman's contribution shall be paid in installments in accordance with the development and manufacturing plan of the SSUV with the objective of launching that car by the end of 2014.Additional models on the SSUV technology are being contemplated.
Youngman and Spyker will jointly incorporate a second Joint Venture to be called Spyker Phoenix B.V.( Spyker Phoenix ) in which Youngman will contribute the rights to the Phoenix platform as developed by Saab Automobile AB in 2010/2011 to which Youngman acquired a license in 2011 as well as provide all required funding. Youngman will hold 80% of Spyker Phoenix' shares whilst Spyker will hold 20% of Spyker Phoenix' shares which shareholding will be exempt from dilution.
Spyker Phoenix shall develop and manufacture a new full range of premium car models based on the Phoenix platform which models will be positioned higher than the comparable Saab models were. Spyker Phoenix products may be manufactured in Europe and China as the case may be.
Youngman and Spyker agree to provide all the (manufacturing) technologies owned by each of them to Spyker Phoenix for its use free of charge.
Victor R. Muller, Spyker's CEO said: Since the regretful demise of Saab Automobile AB in December 2011,we have been investigating the possibilities to continue our intended cooperation with Youngman to the benefit of both companies thereby utilizing the assets, both tangible as well as intangible, each of us has at its disposal. With this Framework Agreement, Youngman and Spyker lay the foundation for an intense cooperation whereby we will pursue the objectives we each had in mind when we were forging our cooperation as partners in Saab Automobile AB. We clearly share the vision on how to shape Spyker's future as partners going forward .
Pang Qingnian, Youngman's CEO said: We have felt all along that a cooperation with Spyker had to be pursued, even after we both unjustifiedly lost the opportunity to restructure Saab Automobile AB as a going concern and jointly develop its business, however, we secured Saab Automobile's technology. With this Agreement, many of our original intentions with the "Saab" brand will still take shape and we are excited to help Spyker further develop its vehicle model range with the SSUV and vehicles based on Saab Automobile's Phoenix platform technology both in China as well as in the rest of the world.
William Maley

Chrysler, GM Say No To Presidential Campaign Events

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 28, 2012
Chrysler and General Motors are banning campaign stops for the candidates running for the U.S. President. The banning hopes to sidestep criticism that might stem from the bailout the two automakers got back in 2008.
"This fall, Chrysler will not host campaign events inside its facilities. The company is focused on meeting production demands," a Chrysler spokeswoman told Automotive News.
“We’re a car company, not a political platform,” a GM spokesman said.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

No Ram Tradesman HD For 2013

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 27, 2012
The Ram Tradesman HD was an interesting idea for pickup. Using the new Tradesman 1500 as a base, Ram slipped in the suspension and chassis bits from the 2500 HD.
However according to PickupTrucks.com, the Tradesman HD will not be appearing for the 2013 model year and anytime after that. No concrete reason was given as to why the Ram Tradesman HD was given the boot. PickupTrucks.com thinks that with the new 2013 Ram 1500s beginning production and the HD versions getting ready for their redesign, the Tradesman HD wasn't a high-enough priority.
Source: PickupTrucks.com
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Spying: Subaru WRX Enjoying The Heat

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 27, 2012
On the face of it, these spy pictures of a Subaru Impreza undergoing some hot weather testing might not deserve the attention of a news story. Its only when you notice the large vent on the hood that you realize why we're talking about. Say hello the next WRX.
The vehicle in the spy photos looks to be mule for the next generation WRX and underneath the hood is likely the new turbocharged 2.0L Subaru FA engine. We're expecting a modest increase in horsepower and torque from the previous generation WRX.
Source: Autoblog
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

BMW's M Performance Line To Take The Place Of The is Models

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 27, 2012
If you walk into a BMW dealership and are wondering why certain 1, 3, and Z4 models are wearing the "is" badge, that's BMW distinction for their performance models that sit between the normal and M models. The 'is' badge will soon be going away though.
According to Car and Driver, BMW will be replacing 'is' nomenclature with the M Performance Line. For those who need a quick refresher, the M Performance Line will give BMW vehicles tweaks from BMW's M division under the hood, exterior, and interior.
So vehicles like the 135is and 335is will wear the M135i and M335i. The vehicles that are pegged to become M Performance Line vehicles include the 1-Series ,3-Series, Z4, and the upcoming 2-Series and 4-Series. Car and Driver says expect the first M Performance Line vehicle to arrive possibly next year.
Source: Car and Driver
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Rumorpile: GM Announces Next-Generation Cruze To Built At Lordstown, New Platform In Store

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 24, 2012
Yesterday, General Motors announced a $220 million investment into two plants in Ohio; Lordstown and Parma. Lordstown has been building the Cruze since 2010, while Parma handles parts for GM vehicles.
The investment will be for tooling and equipment to build the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze.
"Thanks to northeast Ohio's supportive business climate, we're able to build on a great foundation and steer the Chevrolet Cruze into the next generation. A special thanks goes to Governor John Kasich and his team at Jobs Ohio for their strong leadership and advocacy for GM and our employees," said GM Manufacturing Manager Arvin Jones.
Which brings us onto what to expect from the next-generation Cruze. In the press release, Arvin "Jones said the new model will offer new exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy and an improved interior compartment and more storage space."
Automotive News says the next Cruze will wear the same front end treatment as new Impala; a wider, flared-back grille that connects to the headlamps. Automotive News also says that GM is considering whether to add a hatchback or coupe for the next-generation Cruze lineup.
The big rumor comes from Reuters which says that the next-generation Cruze will be the first GM vehicle to utilize a new compact platform known internally as D2XX. D2XX will combine two current GM platforms, Delta II (Cruze and Volt) and Theta (Equinox and Terrain), into one. The platform could underpin close to 2.5 million compact sedans and crossovers by 2018.
When asked for comment, a GM spokesman declined.
The next-generation Cruze is due out in Fall 2014 as a 2015 model.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required),
Reuters
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2

GM Commits Next-Gen Chevrolet Cruze to Ohio Plants



Lordstown and Parma get $220 million investment and retain more than 5,000 jobs


DETROIT – General Motors will invest $220 million for tooling and equipment to build the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze in two northeast Ohio plants retaining more than 5,000 jobs at facilities in Lordstown and Parma.
The Lordstown Complex, with support from the metal center in the Cleveland suburb of Parma, has built more than 500,000 of Chevrolet’s top-selling compact passenger sedan since production began in September 2010. More than 1.6 million Cruzes have been built globally since 2009.
"Thanks to northeast Ohio's supportive business climate, we're able to build on a great foundation and steer the Chevrolet Cruze into the next generation." GM Manufacturing Manager Arvin Jones said. "A special thanks goes to Governor John Kasich and his team at Jobs Ohio for their strong leadership and advocacy for GM and our employees."
GM has invested more than $7.3 billion in its U.S. facilities since 2009.
Production timing of the next-generation Cruze will be announced later. But Jones said the new model will offer new exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy and an improved interior compartment and more storage space. Preliminary work to clear space in the body shop at Lordstown has begun.
The 2012 Cruze is among the best-selling compacts in the United States and was named “America’s Best Compact Car for the Money” by U.S. News and World Report.
In a joint statement, UAW Local 1112 Shop Chairman Ben Strickland and UAW Local 1714 Shop Chairman Will Adams credited the Lordstown Team. “The men and women of Lordstown are working hard to keep the Cruze a top-quality small car choice. The next-generation of the Cruze is well earned and we are thrilled to be assigned work that will keep good-paying next generation UAW jobs in the state of Ohio for years to come.”
The Lordstown complex has built more than 14.6 million cars in the 46 years since it opened in April 1966.
In 2011, the Parma Metal Center shipped about 60 million parts and processed more than 1,000 tons of steel a day to serve the majority of GM vehicle lines produced in North America. Parma has more than 1,400 dies and can produce up to 100 million parts a year.
William Maley

Opel To Halt Production At Two Plants

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 24, 2012
General Motors will be closing down two Opel plants for a total of four weeks in response to a drop in demand for cars in Europe.
A report from Reuters says an agreement between Opel and labor representatives will have two plants, Ruesselsheim and a component plant in Kaiserslautern, to halt production for a total of 20 working days between September and the end of the year.
“The European automobile market is declining dramatically. Now, shortened working hours are the correct measure to bridge the weakness of the market,” said Opel's head of personnel, Holger Kimmes.
The decision to halt production is a “Kurzarbeit” (German for “short work”). Kurzarbeit is a temporary measure that allows companies to shorten hours to deal with ininsufficient demand. Workers can be sent home without or with reduced pay, and will get unemployment benefits of up to 67% of their normal pay.
9,300 blue and white collar workers at Opel are affected.
However, analysts said that closing down plants won't help at all.
"Closing down plants for a few days isn't going to help Opel with its most pressing problem of overcapacity," said Frankfurt-based Commerzbank analyst Sascha Gommel.
Source: Reuters, The Truth About Cars
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Mitsubishi Australian CEO Gives A Frank Assessment

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 24, 2012
We do appreciate when a CEO of an automaker is completely honest and frank. But there are times when we're just wondering if a CEO's comments are crossing a line.
Case in point, the new CEO of Mitsubishi Australia, Mutsuhiro Oshikiri.
"The product is old ... and the prices are too high."
Oshikiri became the new CEO of Mitsubishi Australia just ten weeks ago and is eager to get a better grasp of what the brand needs to do for buyers to consider them.
"I don't know why people buy a Mitsubishi. That is a simple question, difficult answer that I have to think about for the next three or four months. What is the benefit? Why do we have to be here? What is the future? I have to find out."
Oshikiri's comments might be seen as defamation, but they're more introspective about where the company stands.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Interactive Review: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Touring

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 24, 2012
This is a momentous occasion here in the Cheers & Gears Detroit Garage. For one, we welcome another new brand into fold. Also, its our first 2013 model year vehicle. Please welcome the 2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover.
(I had a brief drive in a CX-5 back in May at the MAMA Spring Rally. You can check out my thoughts on it by clicking here.)
This CX-5 is the mid-level Touring FWD model which starts at $23,895. That nets you a 2.0L SkyActiv-G four-cylinder producing 155 HP and 150 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic. Other standard equipment includes seventeen-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, a 5.8-inch touchscreen for infotainment, six-way power seat for the driver, Bluetooth, and blind spot monitoring.
This car is fitted with two option packages. The Moonroof/Bose package adds a moonroof and a nine-speaker bose sound system. The technology package adds navigation, HID headlights, rain sensing wipers, and a few other items. That gives our CX-5 Touring a as-tested price of $27,005 (Includes a $795 destination charge).
First impressions are these
CX-5's 2.0L needs more power on the low end. Really don't like that I have to go above 2500 to 3000 RPMs to really get moving.
Fuel economy is really good so far. 27 to 28 MPG is the average.
If there is someone who can make a CUV fun to drive, that someone is Mazda

I'll have more updates as the week with the CX-5 goes on, including how it fares when I take it on vacation. In the meantime, if you have questions, post them and I'll do my best to answer them.
Update 1: I just finished up a 200 mile trip to Northern Michigan for vacation and to see some relatives of mine. The trip also revealed some of the CX-5's high and low points.
The CX-5's seats are great for enthusiastic driving and short trips. However for long trips, you will be wishing for more comfort.
Noticed the driver's side view mirror was vibrating while on the freeway, passenger's side wasn't. Somewhat worry some on a 6,000 mile example.
EPA rates the CX-5 on the Highway with 32 MPG for the front-wheel drive model. On my drive, I exceeded that by a good amount. When I arrived at my destination, my average was 37.8 MPG.
Wind and Road noise isolation is good, whether on the highway or in the city

I'll have some more updates later on in the week. If you got questions, don't hesitate to ask them.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
William Maley

Alternative Energy, what is the logical next step for America Part II?

G. David Felt
Staff Writer Alternative Energy - CheersandGears.com
August 22, 2012

Alternative Energy, what is the logical next step for America Part II?



Join me as I write about the various forms of alternative energy and how I see them stacking up in today’s market place.



Green Fuel Solar


The holy grail of the auto industry would be to have all autos have a body of solar panels that can create and store the energy and then use it to power the auto and all internal devices.
The first solar car race was in 1983 a trek from Perth to Sydney Australia. In the 1987 race the GM Sunray car completed the 3010km trip with an average speed of 67kmh setting in motion a research and development race among solar teams.
All this auto technology from one of the earliest forms of energy conversion. A step backwards to give you a little history lesson on Solar. The development of solar cell technology begins with the 1839 research of French physicist Antoine-César Becquerel. The first genuine solar cell was built around 1883 by Charles Fritts, who used junctions formed by coating selenium with an extremely thin layer of gold. Early solar cells had energy conversion efficiencies of less than one percent. In 1941, the silicon solar cell was invented by Russell Ohl. Three American researchers, Gerald Pearson, Calvin Fuller and Daryl Chapin, designed a silicon solar cell capable of a six percent energy conversion efficiency with direct sunlight in 1954. The first public service trial of the Bell Solar Battery began with a telephone carrier system (Americus, Georgia) on October 4 1955.
Benefits of Solar are the ability to convert light into power which ends in an almost true zero emission. Creation of any product always has some form of greenhouse gas so no product is truly Zero Emissions. Yet with this said, lets list out the benefits of solar power:
Minimal impact on the environment
Requires little energy to run after initial build of the solar car.
Reduces the need for petrol.
One of the cheapest forms of power after initial investment to the end user.

Draw backs to Solar Energy:
Requires ultra-light auto’s, will not pass government crash test for safety.
Expense, solar panels are still very expensive.
Light, most places do not have 8hrs a day of pure sunlight.
Efficiency of current panel technology. Unreliable power source. Unable to drive them at night.
Damage risk, the ability to handle impacts from flying objects.


While the potential for Solar is great and R&D is needed to get the most out of this source, it is far from prime time for use by the Auto Industry in anything other than novelty applications like a solar panel sun roof to drive the AC system when the car is parked to control internal temp.
There are companies today that are making solar roof panels for autos as a way to help increase MPG in hybrid cars. An example is you can purchase a Solar Roof for the Prius that costs from $2000 to $4000 dollars per car depending on what you want to accomplish and in some cases the cost is even higher. http://www.solarelec...alvehicles.com/ The ROI or Return on Investment makes many at this time doubt it is worth it. If Self-sustainable solar transportation is to become a reality there will need to have major break throughs in both storage and efficiency of capturing the energy of the sun. For the US to reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and move to a long term energy dependence solution, investments must be made in alternative energy solutions today.


GM is pushing forward to at least use Solar in big ways to support their business. http://generalmotors...ward-solar-goal

  • The holy grail of the auto industry would be to have all autos have a body of solar panels that can create and store the energy and then use it to power the auto and all internal devices.

G. David Felt

2013 Brings A Refreshed Land Rover LR2

William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
August 23, 2012
Following on the tire tracks of the new Range Rover, Land Rover has announced a refresh LR2 for the 2013 model year.
Outside, the only changes of note are revamped headlights, new wheel designs and three additional exterior colors.
Inside, Land Rover has added leather seats and a sunroof as standard equipment on all LR2 trims. Also, the LR2 gets a new dashboard, which features a 7-inch touch-screen display for infotainment. A second 5-inch screen is in the instrument cluster, for displaying primary vehicle-related info.
The biggest change for the LR2 is under the hood. The old, thirsty 3.2L V6 has been swapped for a 2.0L turbo-four from the Range Rover Evoque. The 2.0L produces 240 HP and 250 lb-ft of torque and is 88 lbs lighter than the outgoing V6. Land Rover expects fuel economy to improve from the 15 City/22 Highway from the V6. The power is routed to a six-speed automatic down to a Haldex all-wheel drive system.
The LR2 is also fitted with Land Rover’s Smart Regenerative Charging, which makes the alternator only charge the battery when the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy.
Prices for the LR2 are:
LR2 - $37,250
LR2 HSE - $39,750
LR2 HSE Lux - $42,350

(Includes destination and delivery charges).
The new LR2 arrives at dealers later this year.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2

2013 LAND ROVER LR2


Completely updated with a new engine, redesigned interior, and revised bodywork
MSRP (Includes destination and delivery charges):
LR2: $37,250
LR2 HSE: $39,750
LR2 HSE LUX: $42,350
At A Glance

Completely updated for the 2013 model year, the Land Rover LR2 joins the Range Rover Evoque to provide compelling entries in the premium compact SUV market
New 240 hp 2-liter turbocharged engine replaces the 3.2 liter inline six, offering increased horsepower, torque, and efficiency
New exterior design elements give a sportier and more purposeful look
Interior technologies from the Range Rover Evoque are now available in the Land Rover LR2
New dashboard layout including a new center console
New colors for exterior paint and interior trim
New standard 7-inch color touch-screen
Available 825W Meridian surround sound system with 17-speakers for a concert-like experience
New ‘Say What You See‘ (optional) prompted voice command system offers a screen guided and voice prompted voice interface[ii]
Available Rear View Camera with ‘Hitch Assist’

Mahwah, N.J., August 23, 2012 – Land Rover has given the 2013 LR2 a complete revision, to deliver even higher levels of comfort, convenience and driving enjoyment. New colors, new exterior design features, upgraded interior equipment levels, and a new more powerful and more efficient engine.
NEW POWERTRAIN
A new lightweight turbocharged, direct injected 2-liter four-cylinder engine now powers the 2013 LR2. This engine delivers 240 hp at 5500 rpm and 250 ft-lbs of torque at 3200 rpm, providing a broader power band strong low-speed response. This represents an increase of 10 hp and 16 lb-ft respectively over the outgoing 3.2- liter naturally aspirated inline six.
Not only does this lightweight engine produce more horsepower and torque than the outgoing six cylinder, it is also more economical. The all-aluminum 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is also 88 lbs lighter than the 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine it replaces.
This new engine first appeared in the 2012 Range Rover Evoque and features advanced technologies such as high pressure direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. A high efficiency turbocharger delivers rapid response, and a fabricated steel exhaust manifold promotes quicker catalytic converter light-off. Piston rings and tappets have been coated to reduce friction and twin balance shafts ensure smooth operation.
All LR2’s are equipped with Land Rover’s Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) which features Smart Regenerative Charging. This feature ensures that where possible, the alternator only charges the battery when the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy from deceleration, rather than consuming energy during engine operation. IPSM is part of Land Rover’s e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES program which aims to continually improve efficiency in every Land Rover.
The engine is paired with an Aisin AWF21 six-speed automatic transmission engineered with advanced neutral logic control to reduce internal drag when the vehicle is stationary. The transmission also features a remote breather, routed above LR2's water wading depth (19.7 inch / 500 mm of water). Revised clutches and low viscosity oil also improve efficiency while adaptive shifting is available in both normal and sport modes. In sport mode, the auto transmission is programmed to hold low gears longer and to shift down more readily, to assist acceleration. CommandShift® allows manual sequential gear shifts. This transmission is coupled to a full-time four-wheel drive system features a Haldex rear axle differential.
UPGRADED INTERIOR AND ELECTRONICS
Interior equipment levels dramatically increase with a host of new features including three new colors. Every trim level of the LR2 comes with grained leather covered electric seats as standard. Standard dual sunroofs increase the bright and airy feel of LR2’s cabin and the front section opens and slides back over the second-row glass roof panel.
The first thing you notice when entering the LR2’s contemporary looking cabin is a brand new center console with a 7-inch color touch-screen. Through this screen you can control an enhanced audio system from Meridian® and the optional satellite navigation system. The original Terrain Response® dial has been replaced by buttons for 2013. A shutter style door reveals additional storage space in the console.
A new instrument cluster with a 5-inch screen displaying primary vehicle-related information, such as temperature and fuel levels, gear positions and Terrain Response® mode, now sits between the dials across the LR2 model range, complemented with steering wheel toggle switches to operate the clearest of drop down menus and vehicle set-up details. The HSE is equipped with a rear view camera with hitch assist.
Cabin space and safety are improved with the introduction of an intelligent electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on. The system even takes into account whether the brakes are hot or cold. If hot, the system ‘wakes up’ periodically to ensure clamping force is not lost as the brakes cool down. Despite being operated by a single switch, the electric parking brake may still be used as an emergency brake, automatically selecting the most stable braking method by employing skid prevention techniques. An additional safety feature prevents the brake from being released unless the drivers’ seat is occupied.
More convenience comes in the form of Passive Start which replaces the key docking system, meaning that as long as the key is somewhere inside the car, the engine starts at the touch of a button.
Another new feature for LR2 is rear view camera capability. The view from the back of the vehicle is displayed on the Infotainment screen with dynamic lines representing the boundaries of the vehicle and your predicted path as you reverse. The system also incorporates ‘Hitch Assist,’ a graphic superimposed on the camera showing the position of the tow ball.
A new ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system will prompt the driver visually with the commands he or she needs to speak in order to control functions in the audio, optional satellite navigation, and phone systems. The prompts are displayed in an easy-to-follow ‘step by step’ format on the screen.
The navigation system is improved, now a faster hard drive-based system, which comes with such features as ECO Route planning, Dynamic Zoom, Visual Lane guidance, POI (Point of Interest) management and repeat TMC traffic guidance. You can also manage waypoints and store locations as well as POI locations by name.
Two Meridian® audio systems are now available on the LR2. The first Meridian® system is equipped with a new 7-inch color touch-screen, 380 Watts of power delivered via an 11-speaker system that delivers exceptional stereo sound. Alternatively, customers can opt for the 825 Watt surround sound 17-speaker system with Trifield technology which provides a natural, enveloping, concert-like experience for all occupants. Each Meridian® system is equipped with subwoofers for a deep, bass sound and an Audyssey MultEQ audio tuning system. Both audio systems are also equipped with AM/FM and HD and Satellite radio tuners, while music players support CD, DVD, Virtual CD, iPod® and USB. There is also a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack for music players and Bluetooth® audio streaming to any supporting devices including headphones. The virtual CD system is hard drive based and can store the equivalent of up to 10 Audio CDs at full digital quality, and songs are identifiable using Gracenote®. HD Radio and Sirius XM Satellite Radio are also available.
The HSE LUX includes the 825 Watt Meridian® surround sound audio system, Windsor leather seats and premium carpet mats, while the cold climate package includes heated front seats, heated steering wheel and windscreen with heated washer jets for those chilly mornings.
DRIVING DYNAMICS
Land Rover's engineers’ objectives for the driving dynamics of LR2 were to combine on-road behavior that is agile and refined, with legendary Land Rover off-road ability. Their approach started with the design of the suspension system, and was supplemented by leading edge technologies such as an intelligent permanent all-wheel drive system, Land Rover’s patented Terrain Response® system, and sophisticated traction and stability control systems.
A key contributor to achieving excellent on-road performance is a fully independent suspension system with four corner coil-sprung struts. Front and rear anti-roll bars provide high levels of body roll control. The responsive rack-and-pinion steering is direct and fluid, with just 2.6 turns lock-to-lock. Rigidly mounted to the front sub-frame to improve lateral stiffness, the steering column is adjustable for reach and rake. Off-road it is, simply put, a Land Rover. Its capability starts with 8.26 inch (210 mm) minimum of ground clearance that can overcome rocky, sandy, rutted or muddy terrain. This also helps LR2 to wade through water up to 19.7 inch (500 mm) deep. The LR2 is rated to tow a 3500 lb (1585 kg) braked trailer.
An 18-inch alloy wheel and tire combination is fitted and specifically tuned to the LR2. The wheels are low-pressure die-cast aluminum, and are fitted with all-terrain tires.
HALDEX FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM[iii]
An intelligent full-time all-wheel drive system is fundamental to delivering Land Rover's legendary on and off-road capabilities. The intelligent permanent all-wheel drive system has been developed in conjunction with Haldex, whose acclaimed center-coupling technology continuously alters the front-rear torque split, through a hydraulically operated multi-plate wet clutch. The system can pre-engage at rest to reduce wheel-spin from standing starts, engages quickly when traction loss is detected and disengaged quickly to optimize the response of the stability control systems.
Its front-rear torque split adapts continuously to suit ever changing conditions. Only a small amount of torque is fed to the rear wheels under normal conditions, such as on a straight paved road, but in low traction or off-road situations, almost all the engine torque can instantaneously be delivered to the rear wheels, if required. This is an ideal arrangement that offers maximum grip in difficult conditions, yet minimizes rear drive – and therefore rotational losses, thus maintaining maximum fuel economy – when not required. The LR2’s Haldex unit is designed to allow up to 1106 lb.-ft. of torque transmission. Full torque transmission can be achieved in just 150 milliseconds. In effect, the new Haldex coupling gives the proactive engagement benefits of all-wheel drive and the efficiency and fuel economy of an on-demand system.
The resultant system proactively engages all-wheel drive rapidly. A high-pressure pre-charge pump pressurizes the hydraulics in the center coupling as soon as the engine is started, allowing for all-wheel drive from rest. It also reduces the time taken to achieve full torque once wheel-slip has been detected – engaging within 15 degrees of wheel-slip rotation.
TERRAIN RESPONSE® and OFF-ROAD DRIVING SYSTEMS
The Terrain Response® system is one of the core Land Rover technologies that gives the LR2 its outstanding range of capabilities. It adapts the responses of the vehicle's engine, gearbox, center coupling and chassis systems to match the demands of the terrain. It optimizes drivability and comfort, as well as maximizing traction.
Terrain Reponses® is a fully integrated system which manages:
Engine Management
Transmission Control
Electronic Traction Control and Anti-lock Brakes: these slip and braking control systems are all adjusted and tuned by Terrain Response to offer optimum grip, braking power and safety on the chosen terrain
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): is designed to stop torque to a wheel after loss of traction, but in some off-road situations torque feed is still desirable, even when traction is being lost. Terrain Response® automatically adjusts the DSC so that appropriate torque is maintained
Center Coupling

Terrain Response® works continuously, however special programs can be selected by the driver for challenging terrain conditions such as grass, gravel, snow, mud, ruts, and sand. On the LR2, there are four Terrain Response® settings which the driver can choose via a rotary control:
General Driving: provides a broad span of ability suitable for most on-road driving and easier off-road conditions

Grass/Gravel/Snow: for slippery conditions, on-road or off-road
Mud and Ruts
Sand

The Terrain Response® also changes the setting of the electronic center coupling, to optimize all-wheel drive in tough conditions. When Terrain Response® special programs are engaged, different transmission shift mappings are applicable, depending on the mode chosen. The Transmission Control Module also manages torque converter lock-up, which has different requirements depending on the selected Terrain Response® mode.
Hill Descent Control (HDC): This system automatically restricts speed downhill, using the anti-lock brake system, and improves driver control on slippery descents. HDC is automatically engaged on appropriate Terrain Response® programs. Downhill speed rates vary according to which surface is selected.
The LR2 has large vented disc brakes, front and rear, providing substantial stopping power. The large
12.5 in. (316 mm) front discs are ‘reverse vented,’ so they draw cool air into the disc over the central bell, which is then vented out from the rim of the disc. This approach improves thermal stability under severe braking. Rear brake discs are also substantial – 12-inch (302 mm) in diameter, and include a new Electric Parking Brake. In addition to the latest-generation four-channel anti-lock brakes, the modulator also controls Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which balances the distribution of braking force between front and rear, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), which boosts pedal pressure when full braking is required, and Corner Brake Control (CBC), which enhances rear-end stability when braking in corners. It also helps to control the Hill Descent Control, Electronic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems.
The electronic modulator at the heart of the stability control systems on LR2 constantly monitors and, if necessary, adjusts both braking and engine traction to assist in maintaining control of each wheel. As well as reducing brake pressure, as in a conventional anti-lock (ABS) braking system, the modulator is designed to help generate positive hydraulic pressure to increase braking force in an emergency.
Roll Stability Control is a sophisticated roll-over prevention technology from Land Rover. Gyroscopic sensing allows this system – linked to the electronic modulator – to compare the rate of change of body roll angle with the steered course. If necessary, incremental brake force is applied to specific wheels to reduce the chances ofa roll.
Another innovation on LR2 is Land Rover’s patented Gradient Release Control system. Linked to the Hill Descent Control, it ensures that when releasing the brakes on extremely steep hills, brake-line pressure is released progressively when the driver’s foot is removed from the pedal, helping the driver maintain control.
DESIGN
As always with a Land Rover, functionality is a fundamental driver of design. The narrow front A-posts help achieve excellent all-round visibility. The hood castellations help the driver place the vehicle more accurately on the road or off the beaten track. The wheel stance and wide track help deliver agile handling and sure footed grip. The short front and rear overhangs and high underbody are essential for its’ off-road performance by maximizing approach and departure angles. The body-side protection guards against stone chips and helps keep the sills clean.
Exteriors are offered with a selection of new body colors, as well as more new lighting, both front and rear, utilizing the latest in LED technology and sporting more contemporary design details for an integrated appearance.
The three new colors that have been added to the LR2 range for 2013 are Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue. Exteriors gain a number of new integrated design features resulting in a coordinated and premium appearance. With the latest in Xenon and LED technology, the front and rear lamps have been revamped giving the LR2 a new look, set off with a new signature design graphic in the front running lights.
The grille and fog lamp bezels now sport a bright finish and there are paint detailing changes to the front grille surround, insert bars and fender vent to harmonize the different elements. Externally, the LR2 HSE grill insert bars, fender vent and rear finisher strip have a light gloss silver finish whilst the grille surround is finished in gloss black. There are 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels as standard and two 19-inch wheel options.
BODY STRUCTURE
The LR2 uses unibody construction. Ultra-high-strength steel is used extensively in the LR2’s door beams and for various strengthening reinforcements. DP600 dual-phase steel – which requires special pressing because of its strength – is used for the A-posts, lower sills, cantrails, front side members and dash to help provide a weight-efficient passenger cell.
Many of the bolt-on components fitted during final assembly also help improve structural integrity. A fully integrated front-end structure not only carries the cooling pack and front bumpers, but also substantially boosts the overall body stiffness. Even the hood-locking platform has been designed to help boost structural integrity, ensuring good load transfer from one front crash rail to the other.
LR2 uses 100 percent double-sided zinc-coated steel panels as part of the sophisticated anti-corrosion and paint treatment. Vulnerable areas of the car, including the sills and lower doors, are coated in a tough thermoplastic cladding. A double bulkhead in the engine bay improves powertrain isolation and provides a clean area for components such as the ABS modulator, brake servo and wiper system. The cooling pack is protected by a strong thermoplastic undertray, while a structural steel undertray protects the engine. Bumpers are made from high-pressure injection-molded reinforced polypropylene.
SAFETY
The LR2’s long list of primary safety features – including its responsive handling, large four-wheel disc brakes and permanent all-wheel drive system – helps the driver avoid hazards. Another key to safety is maintaining excellent visibility under all conditions. The high ‘command view’ seating position provides visibility over traffic and a clear view of the road. The generous areas of glass on LR2 offer excellent
all-around views. Large door mirrors offer a wide field of view. An electrically heated front windshield and heated washer jets are available to maintain visibility in low temperature conditions. Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights, both of which work via infra-red sensor technology, are standard on all models.
Secondary safety starts with the strong unibody and its passenger cell. Front and rear crumple zones are designed to help absorb as much energy as possible during an impact. Side-impact protection is further assisted by the ultra-high-strength steel door beams, the strong and deep door sills and the raised seat position. All LR2 models feature seven airbags as standard equipment. The driver and passenger front airbags are designed to help provide head and chest protection and the front seat side airbags protect against side impacts. Full-length curtain airbags in the roof side structure are designed to help reduce the potential of head injury and roll-over ejection for front and rear occupants. An inflatable knee bolster helps protect the driver against leg injury from the steering column. The front safety belts feature pre-tensioners. Pedestrian safety is also a high priority, with 2.76-3.54 inch (70mm-90mm) of clearance between the upper hood and under-hood mechanicals in the critical zones. The excellent energy absorbing qualities of the hood further assist pedestrian protection.
Price shown is MSRP. Includes destination. Excludes, tax, title, licence, retailer fees and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicles availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover retailer for details.
[ii] Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Do not operate, adjust or view the navigation or multimedia systems under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Only use devices with voice commands when it is safe to do so.
[iii] These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult owner’s manual or your local authorized retailer for more details.
William Maley