William Maley

One of the vehicles we were expecting to see at the Detroit Auto Show but didn't show was the Focus RS. Well it appears Ford has something special for that. The company has released a teaser video showing a camouflaged Focus RS doing a bit of sliding around in wet and dry conditions. The video also has a date, February 3rd. This is when Ford will reveal the Focus RS to everyone. Those hoping for Ford to release any technical details will be disappointed to hear that no information was released. Source: Ford View full article

We know that Volkswagen is in the midst of readying a seven-seat crossover and a long-wheelbase Tiguan as a part of a new product offensive for the U.S., but that may not be the only vehicle in the plans. Automotive News reports that Volkswagen is considering two other vehicles for the U.S. The first is the production version of the Golf R-400 concept. The concept which made its North American debut at the LA Auto Show in November packs 395 horsepower version of the Golf R's turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder. Hans-Jakob Neusser, Volkswagen’s development chief tells Automotive News the company is close to making a decision on whether the model should go into production. “We are just in front of the decision to do it or not, but I personally think that we have good conditions to do it,” said Neusser. If Volkswagen decides to put the Golf R-400 into production, expect the company to send this model to the U.S. The other vehicle up for consideration is a van. Michael Horn, CEO of Volkswagen of America says the automaker is studying whether a van makes sense for the U.S. market place. “We’re studying this, and personally I believe we should do something based on the technology which we already have in this market,” said Horn. There are two candidates for the van proposal. First is the next-generation Crafter van which is about the size of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The other van is the Caddy which competes with the likes of the Ford Transit Connect and Fiat Doblo (Ram Promaster City). Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

It would, but I think it would be losing one of the key selling points of the vehicle.

Infiniti has quietly shelved plans to build the LE electric concept car. Introduced back at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the LE was Infiniti's version of the Nissan Leaf in a sleek four-door sedan. The big story about the LE was that it used inductive charging - a driver could drive the LE over a plate which would allow the vehicle to charge. Originally, the LE was expected to go into production in 2014, but it never came to fruition. "We have to be a little pragmatic," said Michael Bartsch, Infiniti's vice president for the Americas to USA Today. Bartsch explained that the company needs to focus on high-volume segments. Now that doesn't mean Infiniti has cancelled the LE project. The automaker could be waiting on improvements such as range from the battery. Source: USA Today View full article

We're one step closer to learning about the next-generation Holden Commodore as the automaker has begun testing the new model in Austraila. This news comes from Stefan Jacoby, General Motor's Executive Vice President Consolidated International Operations. “We are driving this car already in Lang Lang,” said Jacoby. “I love that proving ground [and] the Holden engineering team will have a part to integrate this vehicle into the Australian market. It is very obvious that the successor needs to be stronger than today’s model, and we understand that better than anybody else, and we will do everything we can, with modern technology.” The new Commodore is expected to switch from the rear-wheel drive layout it has used for the majority of its life to a new front-wheel drive platform from the next-generation Opel Insignia. But Jacoby says the Holden version will look and drive differently than its platform mate. The Australian design team who played a key role in the design of the Buick Avenir and Chevrolet Bolt concepts will have a say in how the next Commodore will look like. As for the move to front-wheel drive, Jacoby said this; “I’m coming from a front-wheel-drive group, the VW/Audi group, and with this company we don’t believe there is a true disadvantage between a front-wheel-drive Audi at the time with BMW rear-wheel drive. I think it depends on how much you can bring to the road, in respect of sportiness, and active driving and not necessarily a decision on whether it is front- or rear-wheel drive.” Source: CarAdvice.com.au, Drive.com.au View full article

Stop me if you heard this or a variation of this story before. Jeep President and CEO Mike Manley told Australian media at the Detroit Auto Show that the brand is still considering whether or not do a Wrangler Pickup. “Firstly we are now well into the program for Wrangler renewal. It’s a longer-cycle program because of what the vehicle is. You know I am a big advocate of a Wrangler pick-up, [but] as part of that, the decision will or will not be made regarding a pick-up [variant]. From my perspective, it fits into the portfolio exactly,” said Manley. Now Jeep has been floating the idea of Wrangler Pickup for a number of years. In 2005, Jeep showed off the Gladiator, followed by the Wrangler JK-8 concept at the 2012 Moab Easter Safari. Both concepts received were well received by both the public and the press. However, executives haven't moved on either truck as they would be worried it would steal sales from the Ram truck lineup. Manley admits that the Wrangler pickup would be a big success in the International marketplace - for example, Australia's pickup segment made up a substantial 175,373 sales in 2013. But Manley also says trying to get around Ram is still a big hurdle to overcome. “I believe if I did a Wrangler pick-up, every international market would take it. For you it’s a big deal. [but] even if you take up a pick-up variant of an existing vehicle, the level of investment to do that is not inconsequential. Outside of my desire to have it I still have to make sure from an economic perspective it’s the right thing to do,” said Manley. Source: CarAdvice.com.au View full article

Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for the upcoming 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600, and not surprisingly, it costs as much as a house. The ultra-luxury model will hit dealers with a pricetag of $190,275 (includes a $925 destination charge). To put this into perspective, the Maybach is right between the standard S600 ($167,825) and the maddening S65 AMG ($222,925). For the almost additional $23,000 over the standard S600, the Maybach gets an additional 7.9 inches of wheelbase which is dedicated for the backseat. There are a number of tweaks for the backseat such as "Executive" rear seats with a stone massage function, and improved sound deadening. Other features include Burmeister audio system and hand-stitched leather door panels and headliner. The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 arrives at dealers in April. Source: Mercedes-Benz Pic Credit: Drew Dowdell Press Release is on Page 2 Mercedes-Benz Announces Pricing On All-New 2016MY Mercedes-Maybach S600 Segment-Leading Flagship to Start at $189,350* January 16, 2015 - MONTVALE, NJ The S-Class range has a long established tradition of setting the benchmark in the luxury segment, and the launch of the highly-anticipated new Mercedes-Maybach S600 in April will further assert its leadership position in the U.S. market. Priced from USD $189,350, this exceptional addition to the product lineup offers more than 8 inches in total length when compared to the standard S-Class and features a suite of intelligent safety technologies and exclusive appointments that complete the opulent package. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class seamlessly melds the perfection of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the incredible heritage and prestige of the Maybach nameplate. Mercedes-Maybach is not an equipment line. It is a sub-brand that introduces Mercedes-Benz vehicles in an even more exclusive form. Alongside Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach becomes the second sub-brand for Mercedes-Benz that was created for customers who demand the absolute best. These vehicles are distinguished by unparalleled interior appointments and extensive individualization options to fulfill the requirements of even the most discerning customers worldwide. The US market launch of the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is scheduled for April 2015. Its powerful V12 bi-turbo engine has an output of 523 hp. With a displacement of 5980 cc, the maximum torque of 612 lb-ft is available from 1900 rpm. Inside the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the level of wind noise is extraordinarily low and even surpasses levels found in the quietest car in the world – the S-Class Coupe. In fact, for rear seat passengers, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the world's quietest production sedan. Standard equipment includes a Driver Assistance Package (Intelligent Drive), MAGIC BODY CONTROL, Night View Assist PLUS, a Warmth and Comfort Package with a heated windshield, Head-Up Display, LED Intelligent Lighting System, Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System, Executive Rear Seat Package, Rear Seat Entertainment System and the Air Balance Package. * excluding MY2015 $925 destination/delivery charge View full article

Hyundai seems to be going backwards with the current Sonata. Unlike the previous model which was stealing sales from competitors, the newest model doesn't have the same effect. The reason? Looks. “I told the story to our parent company (of driving the old Sonata) home, (and) people were rolling down their window at stop signs, following me, (asking), ‘What is that? Where can I get it?", said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America CEO to Wards Auto. “And I don’t get that” with the new one. “That was free advertising, right? People would seek us out because we look different. And we don’t get that now.” When the current Sonata was shown at the New York Auto Show, Zuchowski said that the Sonata didn't have to shout with impressive design as the company has felt firmly established itself as a midsize sedan that had become top-of-mind for buyers. However, they realized that the Sonata hasn't reached that point. “If we’re priced comparably, and we appear comparable, it’s always difficult to win that battle with those more well-established, well-entrenched (models),” said Zuchowski. Hyundai is planning to redesign the current Sonata during its mid-cycle refresh, which according to Wards is expected to be around 2017 or 2018. “It’s hard to get anything (done sooner) than midcycle with the tooling involved,” said Zuchowski, adding Hyundai knows “exactly what we want to do, and we’re busy working on it right now.” Source: Wards Auto View full article

Ford's decision to use aluminum on the F-150 has paid off in big dividends in terms of weight, fuel economy, and performance. Now you would think that Ford would use aluminum in other vehicles. Not so fast says Ford's president of the Americas Joe Hinrichs. At the Automotive News World Congress, Hinrichs says that aluminum will stick with the trucks. “One of the big benefits you get from light-weighting ... you can tow more and haul more. You don’t get those same benefits to a customer on the car side. Truck buyers will pay for more capability, car buyers will pay for better fuel economy, but there’s other ways to get fuel economy in a car without the need to provide more capability," said Hinrichs. “I don’t think we’ll see a dramatic increase in all-aluminum cars.” That said, Ford is looking at ways to decrease the weight in their vehicles. One of those ways could be carbon fiber. "There’s a lot of costs associated with aluminum. But if the industry can find ways to reduce costs then there’s a point in the future where we’ll see more aluminum in more standard vehicles,” said Akshay Anand, analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Source: The Detroit News View full article

The past few months has seen Cadillac introduce new products such as the ATS-V and CTS-V. We'll also be seeing Cadillac's CT6 flagship in few months time. But Cadillac's president Johan de Nysschen says more products are on the way. Autoblog reports that Cadillac will be introducing eight new products by 2020 as part of a $12-billion investment into the brand. Here is what the brand has in store, New SRX in 2016. Will be the first crossover to feature the XT nomeclature Smaller sedan to take on the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA in 2017. Automotive News reports that this new sedan will utilize the Alpha rear-wheel drive platform 2018 sees a compact crossover that will sit under the SRX 2020 brings out the S-Class challenger There is also talk of a crossover that will sit between the SRX and Escalade, along with introducing new powertrains options such as plug-in hybrids, diesels, and electrics. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Autoblog Pic Credit - William Maley View full article

Lincoln has revealed all of the information on the MKX before its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show today. Based on the next-generation Ford Edge, the MKX looks like a larger version of the MKC with a similar profile and design cues as the split wing grille and HID headlights with LEDs. Inside, the MKX is much more upscale than the Edge with such items as faux brushed aluminum accents and wood trim. The center stack now features actual buttons for the climate control and audio, along with a screen for the infotainment system. The option list includes such items as 22-way power-adjustable front seats, a 19-speaker Revel sound system, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-keeping assist system. As for power, the base engine is the 3.7L V6 with 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Optional as we reported earlier this week is the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with 330-plus horsepower and 370-plus pound-feet of torque. An six-speed automatic is standard. Power is sent to the front-wheels, while all-wheel drive is an option. The Lincoln MKX will go on sale in the U.S. with pricing to be announced around that time. Following the U.S. launch, the MKX will be also sold in China, Canada, the Middle East, Mexico, and South Korea. Source: Lincoln Press Release is on Page 2 ALL-NEW LINCOLN MKX DELIVERS PERSONAL LUXURY TO ATTRACT NEW GLOBAL CUSTOMERS All-new Lincoln MKX delivers an engaging and personalized drive experience. Available advanced 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6, upgrades to body structure, chassis components help make this the most powerful, best-handling, quietest Lincoln MKX ever Dramatic, sculptured form defines all-new Lincoln MKX; redesigned interior combines stunning execution with luxurious materials Exclusive Revel® audio system – an automotive first – leads suite of new available features and technologies designed to enhance and personalize the luxury experience The all-new Lincoln MKX, debuting today at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, is designed to attract a wide range of customers in the United States and beyond by offering more technology, engine choices and personalization options. Lincoln MKX offers the first high-end Revel® audio system in a vehicle, an available advanced 2.7-liter EcoBoost® engine and two all-new available Lincoln Black Label limited-edition designer themes. “We are focused on delivering engaging and refined luxury vehicles with innovative and thoughtful technologies,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “The all-new Lincoln MKX reflects that focus.” The all-new Lincoln MKX goes on sale first in the United States this fall, followed by other markets including China, Canada, the Middle East, Mexico and South Korea. The Lincoln MKX further strengthens Lincoln’s position in the global midsize premium utility segment, which represents 11 percent of the global automotive luxury market and is expected to grow to 12 percent by 2018.* It is the one of the largest luxury segments in the United States, representing about one-quarter of the retail luxury automotive market. More power, greater agility Leading the engine choices for the new Lincoln MKX is the available advanced 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6. It is projected to deliver more than 330 horsepower and more than 370 lb.-ft. of torque, based on preliminary test data. The standard engine is a 3.7-liter V6, projected to deliver 300 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, based on preliminary test data. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with push-button shift and SelectShift®. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive optional. The addition of the integral link rear suspension, upgrades to the body structure and chassis components, make the new model the best-handling, best-riding and quietest Lincoln MKX ever. Available Lincoln Drive Control, a suite of ride-enhancing technologies, optimizes performance and offers three distinct modes: Normal, Sport and Comfort. The Lincoln MKX has standard electric power-assisted steering and is the first Lincoln to offer adaptive steering. “The new 2.7-liter EcoBoost adds a new level of performance to the all-new Lincoln MKX,” said Chief Program Engineer Elaine Bannon. “The focus is on delivering a total personalized luxury experience for our client: performance, quiet ride, power and technologies that make life easier, all in an environment wrapped in rich materials.” A host of helpful driver aids and technologies are available, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping system, blind spot information system, cross-traffic alert and a height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate. 360-degree camera, enhanced park assist Several available technologies, starting with the 360-degree camera, a first for Lincoln in the MKX, help make all kinds of low-speed parking situations easier. The available front camera deploys from behind the Lincoln Star badging between the two front grilles. The camera system also offers a 180-degree split view, which can be helpful in looking out in cross-traffic situations. The 360-degree view shows up to 7 feet all around the vehicle. Lincoln MKX has an ultrasonic sensing system with 12 sensors enabling the full range of available parking-assist features: front rear side sensing, perpendicular and parallel parking assist and park out assist. Key driver assist and safety innovations added The all-new Lincoln MKX adds pre-collision assist, which may help avoid or lessen the severity some frontal crashes with another vehicle or pedestrian in certain situations and conditions. If the system detects another vehicle or pedestrian, the system will first provide a collision warning and then the system will automatically apply braking if the driver has not taken any corrective action. Also new is the Auto Hold feature, which relieves the driver from having to press the brake pedal continuously to keep the vehicle stationary in traffic. Auto Hold releases the brakes when the accelerator pedal is pressed. First for Lincoln, to enhance driver visibility, available LED headlamps include a feature that adapts when accelerating from 0 to 35 mph by adding width to the low-beam pattern through the use of additional LED reflector elements. Elegance in motion The exterior design is dramatic, with a modern, contemporary silhouette and well-balanced proportions. Available adaptable full-LED front headlamps are subtly executed as blades, rather than projectors, aligned with the horizontal orientation of the split-wing grille. The interior design language creates an open yet cocoon-like environment that is as quiet as it is beautiful. The push-button gear shift creates a dramatic open suspension bridge that flows from the instrument panel to the center console, providing two tiers of open space. Elevated personalized luxury experiences New available 22-way adjustable front seats with active motion help reduce muscle fatigue in the upper legs and lower back through six adjustable air bladders in the cushion and five adjustable air bladders in the lower seat back. Further adjustments can be made through the four-way power head restraint and the power thigh extender. The thigh bolster deflates to make exit easier and reinflates after entry to the previous setting. Always-on, built-in connectivity is provided through an available embedded modem. Via a smartphone app that communicates with the vehicle, the available MyLincoln Mobile™ app gives owners the ability to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle, as well as schedule a remote start.** Exclusive Revel sound system Uncompromising acoustics and award-winning home theater audio quality comes to the Lincoln MKX through the available Revel audio system. The Revel Ultima system is standard on Lincoln Black Label editions and available on Reserve models. It features 19 speakers with point source architecture, positioning the tweeter and midrange speakers close together for superior audio quality. Further performance and refinement is provided by QuantumLogic® Surround Sound technology, which offers three listening modes – stereo, audience and on stage; patented Clari-Fi™ technology offering advanced, real-time music reconstruction for all compressed audio sources; and a 20-channel high-voltage hybrid amplifier for class-leading dynamics and optimized transparency. A 13-speaker Revel system designed for the ultimate audio quality experience is available on the all-new Lincoln MKX Select and Reserve. Two new Black Label themes Lincoln Black Label will be available at launch with four designer themes – two of which are all-new. One is inspired by the fashion, lifestyle and art scene of 1920s Paris, while the excitement, passion and pageantry of high-stakes thoroughbred horse racing create the vision for the second new theme. Modern Heritage and Indulgence also will be available on the new Lincoln MKX. Upgraded Lincoln Experiences When the driver with key fob is within approximately 9 feet, the lower LED daytime running lights gently brighten, while “welcome mat” is projected on the ground from the folded mirrors. Door handles are illuminated, too, tuned to the exterior color. Interior sequential lighting begins at the footwell, then illuminates the cupholders, pass-through, instrument panel, front door handles, front map pockets and rear doors. The lighting goes off in reverse order. View full article