William Maley

We knew when Acura was going to launch the NSX, it would come with a hefty price tag. We were not surprised when the announcement came down that the 2017 NSX would have a starting price of $167,500 (includes an $1,800 destination charge). A fully loaded model will set you back $207,500. The NSX packs a twin-turbo V6 paired with a set of electric motors that produce a total output of 573 horsepower. This is paired to a nine-speed automatic and Acura's SH-AWD system. Acura says ordering will begin on February 25th, along with an online configurator to see what you can customize on a NSX. Acura also announced that NSX VIN 001 will go up for auction at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction in January. Proceeds will go to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground. Source: Acura Press Release is on Page 2 Acura Shares Details of Next-Generation Acura NSX Sales Plan 2017 Acura NSX U.S. MSRP set at $156,000 First 2017 NSX to be auctioned for charity at Barrett-Jackson in January Online configurator and customer order taking to begin Feb. 25 TORRANCE, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2015) – Acura today announced additional launch details for the next-generation 2017 Acura NSX supercar, coming to market next spring, including pricing and the order taking process. Acura also revealed plans to auction off the very first serial production NSX, VIN 001, at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. the last week of January 2016. All proceeds from the auction sale will go to a pair of children's charities: the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground, the passion project of Grammy Award-winning artist Zac Brown. Designed, developed and manufactured in America, the 2017 Acura NSX will have a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)1 of $156,000 in the U.S. and will top out at $205,700 when equipped with all available factory features and options1. As Acura's first build-to-order vehicle, customers will be able to design their NSX by selecting one of eight rich exterior colors and four interior color schemes available in three different seating surface options. Customers can further customize their NSX through several exterior and interior features including three wheel designs with painted or polished finish, carbon-ceramic brake options, a carbon fiber interior sport package, carbon fiber roof, and more. "The NSX is the pinnacle expression of Acura precision crafted performance and we're thrilled to take the next step toward bringing it to market," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura Division. "We're creating new space within the supercar realm, pushing the envelope beyond the conventional thinking about supercars – just like the original NSX." Customer order taking for the new NSX will begin on Feb. 25, 2016 at authorized NSX retailers, in concert with the launch of a vehicle configurator on Acura.com. The configurator will be the first engagement point for customers interested in exploring the process of ordering a vehicle from an authorized NSX retailer and enthusiasts who want to configure their dream NSX. Once customers have customized their vehicle online, they can schedule an appointment with an authorized NSX retailer to finalize the order. The 2017 NSX will be the first all-new Acura vehicle to be auctioned for the benefit of charitable organizations – certified to be the very first serial production NSX. The winner will be able to customize their NSX to their choosing. "The very first production NSX will be such a special and historic vehicle, so we wanted to make sure we treat the sale of it in an equally special way," said Ikeda. "It will be available for purchase by anyone – anyone that is, who submits the highest bid for VIN number 001 at the world famous Barrett-Jackson auction. And we're pleased to be able to support two incredible children's charities, Camp Southern Ground and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, with the NSX." View full article

Cadillac's chief marketing officer, Uwe Ellinghaus isn't one to mince words. In a interview with Automobile Magazine, he labels the ELR as a disappointment. "Put it this way: The ELR's a big disappointment; there's no denying," said Ellinghaus. Ellinghaus explained the ELR "was the niche in the niche in the niche," and therefore appealed to a small audience. Not helping matters is the way Cadillac marketed the ELR a luxurious two-seater coupe has proved unsuccessful partly due to the coupe market shrinking. Many customers compared it to the Tesla Model S which offered more practicality. While there might not be a second-generation ELR, Ellinghaus says Cadillac will work on having plug-in hybrid variants across its lineup starting with the new CT6. Source: Automobile Magazine View full article

Honda's showing for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show will be the 2017 Ridgeline pickup and today, the automaker released a teaser shot. Our first thought when we saw the picture was: Yep, that's a truck. Ok, maybe we are being somewhat snarky here. But it looks likes Honda is going for more of a truck shape than the previous Ridgeline. "Ridgeline will deliver everything you'd expect in a Honda from incredible packaging and fuel-efficiency to top safety technologies and innovative, segment-first features," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. We'll have more details when the Ridgeline debuts on January 11th. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 Honda Accelerates Sweeping Light Truck Makeover with New Ridgeline Pickup Set for Global Debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show Dec 18, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif Honda will challenge conventional thinking in the midsize pickup segment with the return of the Honda Ridgeline truck, set to make its world debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday, January 11 at 1:15 p.m. EST. Designed, developed and manufactured in America, the all-new Ridgeline is the fourth new or significantly refreshed light truck model introduced by Honda in the past 18 months and will hit roads nationwide in the first half of next year. "We developed this new Honda Ridgeline to offer something new and fundamentally better suited to the way many buyers use their truck," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. "Ridgeline will deliver everything you'd expect in a Honda from incredible packaging and fuel-efficiency to top safety technologies and innovative, segment-first features. We're honored to once again debut the Ridgeline in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show." Honda began the complete remake of its light-truck lineup in the fall of 2014 with the freshened 2015 Honda CR-V, America's best selling SUV. Earlier this year, Honda launched the all-new HR-V crossover, gateway to the Honda truck lineup, and the third generation of its popular Pilot three-row SUV. In 2016, Honda will continue the strengthening of its light-truck family of vehicles with the new Ridgeline and a fully redesigned Odyssey minivan. Calendar year 2015 sales of Honda light trucks are up 11.8 percent to 599,507 vehicles through the end of November and are on track to set a new all-time sales record for the brand, beating the previous best of 602,123 units in 2006. Like the first generation Ridgeline, which also debuted at NAIAS in 2005, the all-new Ridgeline was designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in its Torrance, California design studio and Raymond, Ohio, research and development center. The Ridgeline and its engine will be producedi by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Inc., in Lincoln, Alabama. View full article

Kenneth Fineberg finds himself helping out another automaker in crisis. Volkswagen announced yesterday they have brought in Fienberg to work on and oversee a new claims program for owners of Volkswagen models involved in the diesel emission scandal. “We are pleased to announce the retention of Kenneth Feinberg. His extensive experience in handling such complex matters will help to guide us as we move forward to make things right with our customers,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America in a statement. Automobile Magazine was on a conference call with Feinberg to discuss his involvement and plans. Fineberg made it clear this was going to be a tough task as he'll have to figure out what is a legitimate claim and what is the appropriate remedy for those who apply in the program. "The issues are always the same: Who's eligible to file a claim? What is the remedy? What are the proof requirements when somebody commits a claim?" said Feinberg. "What is an appropriate remedy that would give the car owner total peace. And that is a very, very challenging question which we certainly can't answer yet." Feinberg said on the call he expects as many as 500,000 potential claimants in the U.S. The hope for this program is to consolidate the number of lawsuits against Volkswagen. At the moment, there are more 500 lawsuits against Volkswagen that are related to the diesel emission scandal. Feinberg didn't give a timeline as to when we could see a claims program go live. "This is going to take some time. But we'll begin as soon as possible," said Feinberg. Before being brought in by Volkswagen, Feinberg was the administrator for General Motors' ignition switch compensation fund for victims and family of victims. Under his watch, the fund determined that 124 people were killed by the ignition switch turning off unexpectedly and causing the car to lose power. The fund also determined that 275 people were injuried because it. Source: Automobile Magazine, Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 Volkswagen Announces Engagement of Kenneth R. Feinberg to Design and Administer a Claims Program Related to the TDI Emissions Compliance Issue Herndon, VA (December 17, 2015) Volkswagen announced today that it has retained attorney Kenneth R. Feinberg, managing partner of The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Feinberg, PC, to design and administer an independent claims resolution program to address claims related to the 2.0L and 3.0L TDI vehicles affected by the emissions compliance issue. Volkswagen believes Mr. Feinberg will develop an independent, fair and swift process for resolving these claims. “We are pleased to announce the retention of Kenneth Feinberg. His extensive experience in handling such complex matters will help to guide us as we move forward to make things right with our customers,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. Mr. Feinberg stated that he will “commence work immediately designing an independent claims process that will meet claimants’ needs.” He added that “we hope to have a claims program designed as expeditiously as possible. In order to do so, we will need the input not only of Volkswagen, but also vehicle owners, their lawyers, and other interested parties.” Mr. Feinberg is a well-respected attorney with extensive experience managing high-profile issues and many of the nation’s most challenging legal matters. He was appointed to two presidential commissions by Presidents Reagan and Clinton and administered several other significant programs. More information on Kenneth Feinberg can be found at http://feinberglawoffices.com/ Volkswagen continues to fully cooperate with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as the Company works to develop approved remedies for the affected TDI vehicles as quickly as possible. As the claims program is developed, Mr. Feinberg will consult these agencies for their input. For more information regarding the Volkswagen TDI emissions compliance issue, please visit www.vwdieselinfo.com View full article

I think we are past the line of 'couple of months' in this situation. Also, I think buyers who placed orders wouldn't mind a bit of update. Just say 'Hey, GM is having an issue at the plant with a number of diesel models. They don't what's going on. But they are working on it and we'll get the truck to you as soon as we can.

If you are planning to order a Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon Diesel, you might want to put those plans on hold. Members on the ColoradoFans.com have been wondering where their trucks are. Originally, it was expected that the Colorado and Canyon Diesels would begin arriving at dealers this fall, but that time has passed and trucks aren't at dealers. Ask a member what their experience has been like and it will likely go like this: I ordered a truck weeks ago, the delivery date keeps getting pushed back, and GM and dealers aren't explaining why. The Truth About Cars decided to investigate. They got a hold of GMC spokesman Brian Goebel who said, "Those trucks are still in final validations and we hope to ship soon.” General Motors' was quick to point out this isn't related to the extra scrutiny that EPA has been putting on diesel models. Gobel went on to say this 'final validation' issue only deals with the diesel models. But details of what issue is unknown. Also, Gobel pointed out that GM hasn't 'technically passed its initial on-sale date for Fall 2015.' They got about four days left before that changes. We'll be keeping a close eye on this story. Source: ColoradoFans.com, The Truth About Cars View full article

Very true, but they are a cheap ride if you can get someone to buy it for you on a fleet purchase with said discounts. But is the $11K dollar price worth a car that goes about 60-65 miles per charge? Nisan Leaf range is 80 - 100 miles per charge. My partner could drive to and from work twice before needing a recharge. I could go four times and I have chargers in my work garage. For a daily commuter with a predictable route, the leaf would make a great second car. For me this would be perfect since I work from home and only travel in a radius of 20 to 30 Miles most of the time. I would need to get a fast-charger though.

I wouldn't call this fatality. More of a mercy killing.

Ford is looking to cover a number of bases when it comes to F-150. They have their EcoBoost engines and we know a hybrid is coming in 2020. But there could be a diesel engine as well. New spy shots show a mostly standard F-150 with a camouflaged bed and an interesting exhaust tip. The spy photographer also noticed the distinct sound of a diesel engine, thus leading to the conclusion that Ford is considering a diesel option. But what engine? Your first guess might be the 3.2 PowerStoke five-cylinder diesel engine, but according Left Lane News, it's a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 codenamed Lion. This engine is actually the same one you'll find under the hood of the upcoming Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Td6. Power for those models is rated at 254 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Now Left Lane says we could see this introduced in the second half of 2016. We'll be watching. Source: Left Lane News View full article

We knew it was coming, it was just a matter of when. In March, Volkswagen will end production of the current Phaeton at the Dresden plant. A pet project of former Chairman Ferdinand Piëch, the Phaeton never gained traction in the luxury flagship market for over a decade. Last year, Volkswagen only built 4,000 Phaetons. Volkswagen will bring back the Phaeton nameplate in 2020 for a fully electric luxury sedan. As for the Dresden plant where the Phaeton is built, it will be renovated to build an upcoming electric vehicle. Carsten Krebs, a spokesman at the factory tells Bloomberg that the renovation will take about year to complete. Source: Bloomberg View full article