William Maley

They want FCA's plan for Alfa. I think we'll get a better idea when the Guila, the long and coming compact sedan is finally introduced.

During Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' latest five-year plan, Alfa Romeo revealed that between 2016-2018 that it plans to introduce two new SUV/Crossover models. Autocar got some details on one of those crossovers. The yet-unnamed model will compete with the likes of the BMW X3 and Lexus RX. Alfa Romeo will utilize a a shortened version of the platform that currently underpins the Maserati Ghibli. Powertrains will range from turbocharged four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, to a twin-turbo V6 that is being worked on by Ferrari. An eight-speed automatic that Maserati is using on the Ghibli will be coming to this new crossover. Autocar says this crossover could go on sale in late 2016, possibly meaning we could get our first look at this crossover sometime next year. Related Stories: Chrysler Announces New Heads For Alfa Romeo and Ram Deep Dive: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Five Year Plan 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. View full article

Chrysler's supercharged 6.2L V8, named Hellcat, has been a sensation since it was first announced earlier this year. With 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, this engine put many sportscars and even supercars to shame. But according to Automotive News, the Hellcat may have never even happened. In early 2011, Fiat was in the process of figuring out plan for Chrysler and deciding where to spend money on product development. The Hellcat V8 was in the process of planning, but it was shelved and engineers were moved to other projects. However, engineers in SRT still dreamed about this engine making it into production, and pushed hard to bring it to life. Their efforts paid off as Chrysler gave them the green lights only four months after the project was shelved. The rest you can say is history. 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. View full article

Car and Driver had the chance to speak with Scion corporate manager Dave Harbuck, who let out that the automaker is planning to reveal two new models at the New York Auto Show next year. The first is a production model of the iM Concept that will debut in a couple week's time at the LA Auto Show. Many think that iM Concept is version of the Toyota Auris Touring Sports, a small wagon sold in European market. The second model is being kept under wraps for the moment. Car and Driver speculates that it could be the Aygo hatchback or the compact Verso MPV. 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. View full article

Jaguar has decided that the F-Type R Coupe needed some sharper claws. So at the LA Auto Show in a couple of weeks, the British luxury automaker will reveal an all-wheel drive version of the F-Type R Coupe. That means that 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque will now be flowing to all four wheels. Performance figures stand at 3.9 seconds for the run to 60 MPH and limited top speed of 186 MPH. What Jaguar is keeping quiet on is whether or not the all-wheel drive system will be available on the F-Type convertible or Supercharged V6 models. We'll likely learn about that in a couple of weeks. Jaguar also announced a new partnership with the Bloodhound SSC World Land Speed record group which will attempt to go 1,000 MPH next year. Part of this partnership will be a F-Type R Coupe AWD being used as a radio/backup vehicle when the group goes for their attempt. "Our target with engineering the all-wheel drive F-TYPE was to maintain the engaging rear-drive character that's so important to Jaguar sports cars, yet offer even greater dynamic capability. The result is a controllable, exploitable and blisteringly fast performance car in all weather and road conditions," said Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director for Jaguar. Source: Jaguar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 New All-Wheel-Drive Jaguar F-TYPE R Boosts Bloodhound SSC Record Bid - Jaguar announces major partnership with British World Land Speed Record Team Bloodhound SSC to make World Land Speed Record attempt in 2015 then target 1,000 MPH in 2016 - All-wheel-drive is one of a number of performance enhancements to the Jaguar F-TYPE range - the new F-TYPE range will debut at the LA Auto Show on 19 November 2014 - AWD Jaguar F-TYPE R carries out key communications test on the Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape, South Africa - View the AWD F-TYPE R Coupé in action on the Hakskeen Pan here: www.youtube.com/user/JaguarCarsLimited South Africa, 6 November: Today, the new all-wheel-drive Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé ensured the Bloodhound SSC World Land Speed Record programme passed a significant high-speed testing milestone. The test marks the start of a major technical partnership between Jaguar and The Bloodhound Project, with the ultimate aim of raising the world land speed record above 1,000mph and to assist in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers, which is the overall objective of the project. The current record stands at 763.035mph and was set by Andy Green in Thrust SSC in 1997. Andy will drive the Bloodhound Supersonic car. On the relatively soft surface of the Hakskeen Pan desert in the Northern Cape of South Africa, the stability of the AWD F-TYPE R Coupé and its dynamic ability - it will reach 60mph in just 3.9-seconds with a limited top speed of 186mph - enabled the successful completion of a vital communications test for the Bloodhound SSC team. Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar said:"Our target with engineering the all-wheel drive F-TYPE was to maintain the engaging rear-drive character that's so important to Jaguar sports cars, yet offer even greater dynamic capability. The result is a controllable, exploitable and blisteringly fast performance car in all weather and road conditions." The AWD F-TYPE R Coupé was driven flat-out by Bloodhound Project Director and former World Land Speed Record holder, Richard Noble who said: "We are absolutely delighted to announce Jaguar as a Main Partner to the Bloodhound Project. This is a very fine match - Jaguar is very strong on innovation and with its huge drive in advanced technology, education and motorsport track record, we have the perfect partner. Together we have developed outstanding inter-team synergy and this is a very special relationship. We are proud to carry the Jaguar branding on Bloodhound SSC." Fitted with the same radio equipment as the jet and rocket powered Bloodhound SSC, the F-TYPE was driven head-to-head at top speed with a similarly equipped jet flown at 500mph and just 50 feet above the ground. The combined closing speed of almost 700mph enabled the successful test of the system that will allow communications between the ground crew and Andy Green in Bloodhound SSC, which will run for the first time on the Hakskeen desert just twelve months from now. The addition of all-wheel-drive is one of a number of performance enhancements to the award-winning Jaguar F-TYPE range which will grow from six to 14 derivatives in 2015 - the full range will debut at the LA Auto Show on 19 November. The Jaguar Land Rover press conference will take place at 14:40 PST (22:40 GMT). Also at the press conference will be Andy Green, who will confirm the full extent of the technical collaboration between Jaguar and the Bloodhound Project. View full article

If you ever wanted to get a group of automotive writers angry and upset with you, just say or write the following words: I like the Mitsubishi Mirage. When I posted a picture of the vehicle and said those very words in a Facebook post, many automotive writers thought I had lost my mind. But I really did like it and began to wonder if I really had lost it or if everyone else missed the point of the Mirage. That’s what I decided to find out. Let's get something out of the way, the Mirage really doesn’t have any style. The best way I found to describe it is to imagine a kid making a car out of a tub of Play-Doh. What he or she will end up creating is something akin to the Mirage. That’s not to say Mitsubishi hasn’t tried its best to spruce up the Mirage’s looks. There is range of colors from bright green to purple to make the vehicle stand out, while the top of range ES model gets 14-inch alloy wheels. But you can only do so much to make a somewhat bland vehicle stand out. Inside, the Mirage is a mixed bag of what you expect in a cheap car and some surprises. The dashboard looks and feels decent with solid hard plastic and glossy black trim on the surround for the stereo and climate-control system. The door panels are another story as there isn’t very much padding for you to rest your arm and the plastic appears to be scratched by breathing on it. Seats are wrapped in a red-and-gray cloth that helps give the interior a bit of character. But the seats themselves do need some work. The front seats don’t have enough padding or support, which means don’t even try to attempt a long trip in this. The back seat has the same problems with support as the front, but head and legroom are decent. The big surprise with the Mirage’s interior is how much equipment you get. All models come with air conditioning, automatic climate control, power windows, and locks. This particular ES tester came fully stocked with keyless entry, push-button start, navigation, and backup camera. Keep in mind that this vehicle carries an as-tested price of $16,990. Impressive to say in the least. All Mirages come equipped with a 1.2L three-cylinder engine with 74 horsepower and 74 pound-feet torque. This can be paired up to either a five-speed manual or a CVT. While the power numbers seem minuscule, the Mirage doesn’t really need all of that power as it tips the scales at 2,051 pounds for my ES CVT tester. Around town, the Mirage does fine with leaving stop lights and keeping up with traffic. The freeway is another story as the little three-cylinder has to work its heart out to get you up to speed. Not helping matters is the engine noise as you're accelerating. I liken the noise to a lawnmower when you first start it up. On the plus side of the Mirage’s powertrain is the fuel economy. The EPA rates the Mirage equipped with the CVT at 37 City/44 Highway/40 Combined. In my week of driving in the Mirage, I got an average of 42 MPG. The Mirage is really mixed when it comes to driving. The suspension does a decent job of minimizing bumps and road imperfections. But out on curves, the Mirage feels like its going to tip. I kept thinking back to a line from an old television show where they were testing a 1971 Mercury Marquis and said this about the handling: “Through the pylon course, we asked ourselves questions like is it possible for a modern-day automobile to lean over far enough to fall off its springs? What would happen if it did?” The reason for this is the suspension is tuned for third-world countries. Mitsubishi decided to not to do any changes for US-Spec Mirage, a big mistake I feel. Steering has the feel of a stretching rubber band. As my week came to a close, I began to realize that I hadn’t lost my mind for liking the Mirage. Despite all of the problems and complaints I had about this car, I came away impressed. What Mitsubishi has done is built car that was built with the mindset of dirt-cheap driving. In this regard, Mitsubishi has succeeded. It might not be the best to drive, to look at, or to sit in for awhile. But if you want a vehicle with a low price tag and impressive fuel economy, then Mitsubishi has a vehicle for you. Disclaimer: Mitsubishi Provided the Mirage ES, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Mitsubishi Model: Mirage Trim: ES Engine: 1.2L MIVEC 12-valve DOHC three-cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 74 @ 6000 Torque @ RPM: 74 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 37/44/40 Curb Weight: 2,051 lbs Location of Manufacture: Chonburi, Thailand Base Price: $15,195 As Tested Price: $16,990 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge) Options: Navigation Package - $900.00 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. View full article