William Maley

A few months before the Buick Cascada hits dealers, the brand has announced pricing for their upcoming convertible. The base Cascada will come with a pricetag of $33,990 (includes destination) and feature a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque (221 pound-feet with overboost), and comes with a six-speed automatic only. Standard equipment includes twenty-inch wheels, rear park assist, backup camera, seven-inch touchscreen with Buick IntelliLink, a seven-speaker sound system, remote start, and heated leather seats and steering wheel. A Cascada Premium comes in at $36,990 and adds forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rain sensing wipers, and air deflectors. “Cascada expands Buick’s lineup with a uniquely fun and personal driving experience. With a lower price than key competitors, it also promises to shake up the segment – and look good doing it,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. Source: Buick Press Release is on Page 2 Buick Cascada Priced at $33,990 Well-equipped convertible offers high levels of standard content, technology DETROIT – The top-down driving experience of the 2016 Cascada – Buick’s first convertible offered in the United States in 25 years – is priced at $33,990. When it goes on sale early next year, the Cascada will offer more standard content, a more powerful standard engine and a lower starting price than the Audi A3 Cabriolet. “Cascada expands Buick’s lineup with a uniquely fun and personal driving experience,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “With a lower price than key competitors, it also promises to shake up the segment – and look good doing it.” The 2016 Cascada – designed from the ground up as a convertible – comes well-equipped in a 2+2 configuration, with room for four adults. Performance is rooted in a 200-horsepower (149 kW) turbo engine, backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, with Buick’s sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension and a Watts Z-link rear suspension standard. Additional standard features: Acoustically and thermally insulated electro-hydraulic power roof that lowers in only 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph High-intensity discharge, articulating headlamps and front LED daytime running lamps; and LED taillamps Automated, spring-loaded and pyrotechnically activated rollover bars behind the rear seat that are linked to the air bag system IntelliLink system with 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen Navigation radio and seven-speaker premium audio system Rear Vision camera Remote start Dual-zone climate control Front and rear 12-volt power outlets Heat-reflective leather-appointed seating Heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments Heated, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel Twenty-inch aluminum wheels with bi-color finish Electric power steering Rear Park Assist A Cascada Premium model, priced at $36,990, adds: Forward Collision Alert Lane Departure Warning Automatic headlamp control with tunnel detection Front and Rear Park Assist Rainsense automatic windshield wipers Twenty-inch wheels with “diamond graphic” bi-color finish Front and rear air deflectors. The Cascada also offers plenty of storage space, including 13.4 cubic feet of cargo room with the top up and 9.8 cubic feet with the top down, as well as a 22.4-inch x 12.6-inch (320 mm x 570 mm) pass-through from the trunk to the passenger compartment. When the 50/50-split rear seat is folded, longer items such as skis and wakeboards can be stowed inside. View full article

After an emergency meeting held today, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn announced his resignation amid allegations that the automaker manipulated their diesel vehicles to meet emissions regulations around the world. "As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrongdoing on my part," said Winterkorn in a statement. "Volkswagen needs a fresh start - also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation." Since the announcement of Volkswagen's illegal software, the company had lost more than $26 billion in value over the last two days in the stock market. In a statement released by Volkswagen's Supervisory Board, a successor to Winterkorn will be considered at a meeting this Friday. The board also says in their statement that more people could be facing serious trouble in light of this scandal. Source: Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 Statement by Prof. Dr. Winterkorn "I am shocked by the events of the past few days. Above all, I am stunned that misconduct on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group. As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrong doing on my part. Volkswagen needs a fresh start – also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation. I have always been driven by my desire to serve this company, especially our customers and employees. Volkswagen has been, is and will always be my life. The process of clarification and transparency must continue. This is the only way to win back trust. I am convinced that the Volkswagen Group and its team will overcome this grave crisis." Statement from the Executive Committee of Volkswagen AG's Supervisory Board In a meeting on Wednesday, September 23, the Executive Committee of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG discussed in detail the manipulation of emissions data of Volkswagen Group diesel engines and came to the following conclusions: The Executive Committee takes this matter extremely seriously. The Executive Committee recognizes not only the economic damage caused, but also the loss of trust among many customers worldwide. The Executive Committee agrees that these incidents need to be clarified with great conviction and that mistakes are corrected. At the same time, the Executive Committee is adamant that it will take the necessary decisive steps to ensure a credible new beginning. The Executive Committee has great respect for Chairman Professor Dr. Winterkorn's offer to resign his position and to ask that his employment agreement be terminated. The Executive Committee notes that Professor Dr. Winterkorn had no knowledge of the manipulation of emissions data. The Executive Committee has tremendous respect for his willingness to nevertheless assume responsibility and, in so doing, to send a strong signal both internally and externally. Dr. Winterkorn has made invaluable contributions to Volkswagen. The company's rise to global company is inextricably linked to his name. The Executive Committee thanks Dr. Winterkorn for towering contributions in the past decades and for his willingness to take responsibility in this criticall phase for the company. This attitude is illustrious. Recommendations for new personnel will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Supervisory Board this Friday. The Executive Committee is expecting further personnel consequences in the next days. The internal Group investigations are continuing at a high tempo. All participants in these proceedings that has resulted in unmeasurable harm for Volkswagen, will be subject to the full consequences. The Executive Committee have decided that the company will voluntarily submit a complaint to the State Prosecutors' office in Brunswick. In the view of the Executive Committee criminal proceedings may be relevant due to the irregularities. The investigations of the State Prosecutor will be supported in all form from the side of Volkswagen. The Executive Committee proposes that the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG create a special committee, under whose leadership further clarifying steps will follow, including the preparation of the necessary consequences. In this regard, the Special Committee would make use of external advice. Further details about this will be decided at the Supervisory Board meeting on Friday. The Executive Committee is aware that coming to terms with the crisis of trust will be a long term task that requires a high degree of consistency and thoroughness. The Executive Committee will work on these tasks together with the employees and the Management Board. Volkswagen is a magnificent company that depends on the efforts of hundreds of thousands of people. We consider it our task that this company regains the trust of our customers in every respect. View full article

The LA Auto Show will be the home for the debut of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse next month. To mark the announcement, Buick has released a teaser of the next LaCrosse. The picture reveals a front end similar to the Avenir concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year with a new three-color tri-shield insignia set on a wing-shaped element. “The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same. Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. Buick goes on to say that the 2017 LaCrosse will ride on a new chassis that is lighter and stronger than the chassis that underpins the current model. There will also be a new multilink setup for the rear. Press Release is on Page 2 DETROIT – Buick today confirmed the all-new 2017 LaCrosse, with a preview of its Avenir concept-inspired design cues. A striking evolution from current Buick models, LaCrosse features a grille design that puts a new face on the brand, including a new, three-color tri-shield insignia set on a wing-shaped element. Contrasting with darkened waterfall grille bars and spanning the width of the opening, it connects the grille and headlamps, and emphasizes LaCrosse’s new sculptural surfacing. The design was introduced on the Avenir concept and was inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept. It’s a face all Buick models will adopt by 2018. “The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models.” The next-generation LaCrosse’s design is framed on an all-new chassis that is stronger yet lighter than the current model and serves as the foundation for a more dynamic driving experience. New technologies such as a five-link rear suspension contribute to a more responsive ride, while taking Buick’s signature quietness to a new threshold – and it’s a premium feature not found on many other full-size luxury models, including the Lexus ES. The 2017 LaCrosse debuts in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. View full article

The Nissan Altima is the second-best selling model in the midsize sedan class. But in a class so competitive where new models are introduced every couple of months, no one rests. Case in point is Nissan introducing a refreshed version of the Altima for the 2016 model year. Nissan is pulling some design cues from the new Maxima to use on the Altima. They include a new front fascia with V-shaped grille and LED headlights. Around back are a set of wider taillights. Nissan is quick to point out 2016 model boasts a 10 percent improvement in coefficient of drag, which is said to improve fuel economy. The interior largely stays the same except a new five-inch screen for the infotainment system comes standard on most trims, while a seven-inch screen is an option. The Altima's powertrains remain unchanged. That means a 2.5L four-cylinder with 183 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 251 pound-feet. Both engines come paired with a CVT. In terms of fuel economy, the 2.5L is rated 27 City/39 Highway (Mazda6 equipped with i-Eloop beats it by achiviing 40 MPG on the Highway), and 22 City/32 Highway for the 3.5L V6. New for the 2016 Altima is the introduction of the SR trim. Available with either engine, the SR offers unique wheels and rear spoiler for the exterior and a set of paddle shifters and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for the interior. Nissan says the SR model gets unique suspension tuning that reduces body roll by 20 percent over non-SR models. Nissan isn't saying how much the 2016 Altima will cost, but does say the model will go on sale later this year. Source: Nissan Press Release is on Page 2 New 2016 Nissan Altima adopts the latest design language for a fresh new look When Nissan rolled out a series of futuristic auto show concept vehicles a few years ago, few people believed that the boldly styled designs would ever see the light of a Nissan showroom. Yet against the odds they started coming. First, there was the Nissan Resonance Concept, a wild mid-size crossover concept that evolved into the 2015 Murano. Then Nissan Sport Sedan Concept strongly influenced the radical new 2016 Nissan Maxima. And, the new Nissan design language is making its way into more and more vehicles – including Nissan's best-selling vehicle in the United States, the Nissan Altima. For the new 2016 Altima the design team adopted key aspects of both the exterior and interior styling themes to give the popular mid-size sedan a fresh new appearance, including the "Energetic Flow" exterior styling theme and "Gliding Wing" interior layout. The front end of the 2016 Altima offers the most dramatic change, since all panels and pieces forward of the A-pillars are new – fascia, bumper, fenders, hood and lights. Two key elements are the redesigned V-Motion grille and boomerang-shape headlights, similar to those found on the Murano and Maxima. The look is dramatically different from the 2015 Altima design, with a wide, deeply sculpted lower bumper, integrated fog lights (SR, SV and SL models) and prominent chrome-trimmed grille. The reshaped headlight units incorporate halogen high beam and projector low beam lights. LED projector low beam lights and LED signature Daytime Running Lights that sweep into the wide raised hood are standard on Altima 3.5 SR and 3.5 SL grades (late availability) and available on 2.5 SR and 2.5 SL. Altima SR adds smoked headlight bezels. The rear of the new Altima is marked by a new sculpted bumper with a dark lower accent, a new trunk lid – with integrated rear spoiler on Altima SR models – and lower, wider boomerang-shaped combination lights that help provide a more expressive, higher quality appearance when approaching the vehicle from behind. The four-piece combination lights incorporate the tail- and stop lights, turn lamps and backup lights. Along with the revised appearance, the new Altima also offers a 10 percent improvement in coefficient of drag – to 0.26 Cd from the previous 0.29 Cd*. The changes come from the addition of an active grille shutter (three percent gain), underfloor aero cover additions (three percent) and the new front and rear fascia and windshield designs (four percent). The already extensive Altima color palette adds a new Deep Blue Pearl color for 2016, along with Java Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Cayenne Red, Pearl White, Glacier White and Storm Blue. Finishing off the new exterior appearance are dramatic new 17-inch and 18-inch machine-finish aluminum-alloy wheel designs. The 2016 Altima's refined interior design follows the new "Gliding Wing" design language, shared with Murano and also the new Rogue. Central to the new look is the revised C-stack with available 5.0-inch and 7.0-inch displays for the NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps and available NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps. In addition, the standard Zero Gravity front seats have been reshaped and the woven cloth seating and door panel materials feature a more open weave pattern, providing a premium look and feel throughout the Altima interior. The steering wheel has also been refined for 2016. The twin cupholders on the center console now accommodate mug handles in response to customer input. The new Altima SR grade includes blue sport interior accents on the steering wheel, door panels and seats – to contrast the Charcoal interior color. The SR also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, and leather-wrapped gear shifter. "As the best-selling vehicle in the Nissan lineup, it's important that Altima exemplifies 'Nissan-ness' inside and out," said Executive Design Director Mamoru Aoki. "With its fresh new look, aggressive SR model and strong connection to our all-new Murano and Maxima, the new Altima continues to stand out in a very competitive marketplace." 2016 Nissan Altima SR adds performance and style With the addition of the new SR model to the 2016 Altima line-up, Nissan is taking dead aim at one of the fastest growing areas of the mid-size sedan segment – sport variants. Among some competitors, the so-called "sport" grades account for nearly 40 percent of total sales. Altima already is one of the sportiest designs in the segment, however the company is taking a more Nissan-like approach, adding a level of true enhanced performance to go with the requisite larger wheels and spoiler. Better yet, in order to keep the new Altima SR affordable for younger buyers who might be moving into the mid-size sedan segment for the first time, the new SR grade is based on the Altima S, rather than the higher grade Altima SV or Altima SL. "Anyone can dress up a sedan with custom wheels and a body kit, but that's not in keeping with Nissan's longstanding performance heritage," said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "Altima SR features a 12.5 percent increase in cornering performance, and we're making SR available with our refined 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and our higher-powered 3.5-liter V6. It's like having your espresso shot in a choice of Grande or Venti®." This is the first time 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are offered on a 2.5-liter Altima model. "As the specs show, the Altima SR is a real performance vehicle for the masses – with features such as a 258-percent stiffer rear stabilizer bar for better rotation – it's not just a marketing package," added Loing. "We think it is a great addition to the already stellar Altima model lineup." View full article

Another day and more bad news for Volkswagen and their diesel engines. Let's begin with the latest. Automotive News is reporting that about 11 million Volkswagen vehicles equipped with diesel engines worldwide have the illegal software. Also, Volkswagen is planning to set aside 6.5 billion Euros ($7.3 billion) in the third quarter to cover the costs of addressing the issue. Volkswagen says the amount could change as the investigation continues. Also, France, Germany, Italy, and South Korea have announced today they will open investigations to see if Volkswagen rigged vehicles to pass their emission tests. The Detroit News has learned the EPA will be expanding their Volkswagen diesel investigation to the 3.0L V6 diesel engine used in a number of Audi vehicles, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg. This engine was certified for 2016, but in light of the mess with the 2.0L diesel-four, the EPA wants to check the V6. They were certified well before we knew what we know now,” said Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. Bloomberg has learned from sources that the U.S. Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Volkswagen after the German automaker admitted it had cheated on the EPA tests. This comes days after the Department of Justice announced a $900 Million fine for GM on the ignition switch mess. When asked about the investigation into Volkswagen, Justice Department spokesman Wyn Hornbuckle declined to comment. Next is a report from the Detroit Free Press that says the U.S. Congress' Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee will be holding a hearing into Volkswagen's emission standard violations. “Strong emissions standards are in place for the benefit of public health. We will follow the facts. We are ... concerned that auto consumers may have been deceived — that what they were purchasing did not come as advertised," said U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mi and Tim Murphy, R-Pa., said in a joint statement. A date hasn't been set for the hearing, but the statement does say it will happen in the new few weeks. Finally, we might have an answer as to how Volkswagen gamed the system in the EPA tests. Consumer Reports explained that the vehicles had two modes; "Dyno” and “On Road”. These modes are necessary as testing is done dynos and could cause the stability and traction controls to turn on. Once the testing is done and the vehicle is turned out, the vehicle goes back to the On Road mode. Somehow, Volkswagen's 'Dyno' mode was programmed to cut emissions. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Detroit News, Bloomberg, Detroit Free Press, Consumer Reports View full article