William Maley

Keep in mind China is trying to reduce emissions and pollution. The displacement tax is only one part of it to make buyers consider going with a more fuel efficent vehicle.

Cadillac is getting ready to launch the new XT5 and it is only the beginning a new crossover offensive from the luxury brand. Speaking to Automotive News, Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen said a variation of the XT5's platform will be used for a new three-row crossover in the near future. "It's one of the benefits of having this very flexible architecture. We can expand it, make it longer and wider. That gives us the ability to develop the car very quickly, as opposed to starting from scratch," said de Nysschen. Despite some outlets reporting that Cadillac has begun testing the new crossover, de Nysschen said this project only began sometime last year. "It's not running yet. "It is a program request that we initiated with the engineers only last year. They are working at remarkable, record-breaking speed to get us the car." This platform is expected to be found under the next-generation Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse, due next year. de Nysschen also hinted that the XT5 in the U.S. could get the turbo 2.0L as an option. I actually think we would do well to consider that for the U.S.," said de Nysschen. At the moment, the Chinese market XT5 will only get turbo 2.0L. This is due to the Chinese government taxing vehicles based on engine displacement - higher displacement engines get higher taxes and vice versa. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), 2 View full article

Let it be said the team charged with the Chevrolet Camaro isn't one to take a rest. Despite launching a new generation of the model last year, they have been hard at work on new and updated variants. Case in point is the 2017 Camaro ZL1. Like the last-generation model, the 2017 ZL1 packs a Supercharged 6.2L V8. But engineers have boosted power from 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque to 640 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching comes standard and a new ten-speed automatic - developed with Ford - that offers close gear ratios and fast shifts. The powertrain also boasts eleven heat exchangers, an auxiliary transmission oil cooler, and a set of functional heat extractors. Aside from the engine, the chassis has been given a once over. There is an updated Magnetic Ride Control system, Performance Traction Management, electronic limited-slip differential, six-piston Brembo brakes, and a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires with a set of 20-inch forged alloy wheels. Outside, the Camaro ZL1 makes its presence known with larger front splitter, new grille, a reshaped hood with a carbon fiber insert, wider front and rear fenders; and a large wing. The new body parts aren't just for looks as all of these parts have been tested extensively to improve aerodynamics. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 Camaro ZL1 vs. Everybody Unprecedented levels of refinement, track capability and drag-strip performance DETROIT – The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is poised to challenge the most advanced sports coupes in the world in any measure – with unprecedented levels of technology, refinement, track capability and straight-line acceleration. “The Camaro ZL1 is designed to excel at everything,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development. “It’s a 2+2 coupe offering incredible performance – acceleration, handling and braking – with the highest levels of technology and perfect chassis damping, making it suitable for everyday driving. It will compare well to any sports coupe, at any price and in any setting.” Acceleration for the ZL1 is delivered with a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine estimated at 640 hp (477 kW), and either a six-speed manual transmission with active rev matching or an all-new 10-speed automatic. Handling capability starts with the lightweight, stiffer structure of the all-new sixth-Gen Camaro, married with Magnetic Ride suspension and an electronic limited-slip differential. Standard technologies include Driver Mode Selector, dual-mode exhaust and advanced connectivity features. The Camaro ZL1 goes on sale late this year. Designed for Performance Functionality defines the Camaro ZL1’s form, with the exterior shaped during more than 100 hours of wind-tunnel testing and on-track validation to improve aerodynamics and cooling for track use. Accordingly, its exterior elements all play a part in managing airflow over, under and through the ZL1. “The design supports the Camaro ZL1’s exceptional performance and does so with compelling style,” said John Mack, Camaro exterior design manager. “From every angle, the elements coalesce to give the car a purposeful, super aggressive attitude.” The lower grille opening, for example, offers greater airflow compared to the Camaro SS, and the upper grille incorporates a new version of the “flow-tie” open bowtie insignia. There’s also a new hood, with a carbon fiber insert and heat extractor that pulls hot air from the engine compartment. Additional changes include a larger front splitter, unique rockers, a wing-style rear spoiler and wider front fenders – all tuned to improve aerodynamics for greater high-speed stability. Inside, there are standard Recaro front seats, along with a sueded flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob. Chevrolet’s Performance Data Recorder is available. Fast with finesse A cohesive suite of performance technologies tailors ZL1’s performance for street and track. Features include an updated Magnetic Ride suspension, Performance Traction Management, electronic limited-slip differential, Custom Launch Control and Driver Mode Selector. It also has a stronger power-to-weight ratio than its predecessor, weighing 200 pounds less, while offering approximately 60 more horsepower and 80 more pound-feet of torque. The result is a one-of-a-kind driving experience. “Driving the Camaro ZL1 is best described as ‘fast with finesse,’” said Reuss. “It is beautifully balanced, with perfect damping and isolation for optimal performance and driver confidence in virtually any situation – from the Pacific Coast Highway to Willow Springs to Pomona.” Additional chassis features include: Unique 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with 285/30ZR20 front and 305/30ZR20 rear tires Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires with a compound and construction developed exclusively for the Camaro to offer exceptional grip on the track Brembo brakes with six-piston monobloc front calipers – featuring the ZL1 logo – and massive, 15.35-inch (390 mm) two-piece front rotors. Supercharged performance and new 10-speed automatic Underhood, the ZL1 features a supercharged LT4 6.2L V-8 Small Block engine, with intake and exhaust systems tailored for Camaro. It is rated at an estimated 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 640 lb-ft of torque (868 Nm). The LT4 is backed by a standard six-speed manual transmission or all-new, available paddle-shift 10-speed automatic. The 10-speed automatic has 7.39 overall ratio for smaller steps between gears. It enables the LT4 engine to remain at optimal rpm levels during acceleration, particularly when exiting corners, for quicker laps and lightning-quick responses on both up- and down-shifts. This is the first Chevrolet application of the new quick-shift 10-speed, with unique calibrations and hardware developed exclusively for the ZL1. By the end of 2018, GM will introduce the new 10-speed automatic in eight vehicle models. Finally – and unlike some competitors – there’s no need to purchase an optional package to make the ZL1 track ready. Track capability comes standard, with features including an impressive 11 heat exchangers for optimal powertrain cooling. View full article

I HATE the 430/F430 Scuderia and the 360 Modena...so for me...if the question was for those...Id EASILY choose the new NSX. Sorry Bill, Have to agree with Olds here both are rather ugly to me, so if I had to choose them or the new NSX, I would take the NSX but not before I tried to work it to get the cash so I could buy what I really like. Eh, it's ok. I find it more fun to be the contrarian in a number of things.

Since 2009, Audi has sold a five-door version of the A5 called the A5 Sportback in a number of countries except the U.S. That will be changing in the near future. “I feel confident that there will be another variant of the A5 that will be a real home run. There’s one we don’t have,” Audi of America president Scott Keogh told Automotive News at the media launch of the new A4. While Keogh didn't mention the Sportback by name, it is the only A5 variant that hasn't come to the U.S. Automotive News says the next-generation A5 is due sometime in the second quarter of 2017. Expect a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and the choice of either front or all-wheel drive to be on offer at launch. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

So at the moment, I am the lone person who would take the current NSX. Mostly because I find Ferrari's current lineup a bit ugly. Now if it was NSX vs. F430... then that would be a more difficult choice. Also, I would totally roll in a 90's NSX instead of a Ferrari of the same era.

Mercedes-Benz's new truck could be arriving much sooner than we thought. Auto Express has learned from sources that Mercedes will be showing off a concept truck at the Paris Motor Show later this year. The concept is expected to provide a preview of the production model. Speaking of the production model, Mercedes vans CEO Volker Mornhinweg told Auto Express that the company is planning to launch the truck in late 2017. Mornhinweg didn't say which countries would get the truck first. Auto Express also learned that a range of gas and diesel engines will be on offer, with a hybrid model possibly coming later in the truck's lifecycle. Other details line up with our report back in January. Source: Auto Express View full article

That was my overall thought as well. But I am surprised they will not be taking some of the elements of the Avista to a production model.

One of the big surprises at the Detroit Auto Show was the Buick Avista concept. The vehicle drew a lot of praise from not only the press but also from the public. “The energy around that car and the interest in it at the shows was amazing,” said Buick's chief marketer Tony DiSalle to Wards Auto. With all of this interest, you think Buick would be making plans to get the Avista into production. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen. DiSalle explained that wasn't enough enthusiasm for the concept to give Buick officials a prompt to approve it. “It was purely a concept and meant to generate some buzz. No other plans for now.” That includes none of the design cues of the Avista showing up on future Buick models. Source: Wards Auto Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears View full article

My condolences Moltar