William Maley

The Audi A3 family is growing. By the end of the this summer, the standard A3 sedan will be joined by the A3 TDI, Cabriolet, and the S3 sedan. Audi has gone ahead and announced pricing for these three new variants. The A3 TDI will be the closest to the existing A3 sedan in price. With a pricetag of $33,495 (includes destination), the TDI sits between the base 1.8 FWD A3 ($$30,795) and the 2.0T A3 ($33,795). The TDI will use a new 2.0L turbodiesel four-cylinder with 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The TDI model will only come in front-wheel drive. Next is the A3 Cabriolet which begins at $36,495 for the 1.8 with front-wheel drive or $39,495 for the 2.0T with quattro. The Cabriolet comes with a soft top that the company claims that can be raised or lowered in 18 seconds, and be done up to 31 MPH. Wrapping up the trio is the S3 sedan which rings in at $41,995. The S3 uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 292 horsepower and quattro all-wheel drive. Other changes for the S3 include a sports suspension, 18- or 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, and more. Source: Audi Press Release is on Page 2 Audi announces pricing for all-new 2015 S3 Sedan, A3 Cabriolet and A3 TDI Sedan - Additions to A3 line-up expand the compact luxury segment offering a variety of body styles and powertrains to satisfy customer’s preference- All-new 2015 S3 Sedan, A3 Cabriolet and A3 TDI Sedan to begin arriving at dealerships late summer - The A3 family sets new standards in the entry premium market, with impressive standard features and an available 4G LTE data connection HERNDON, Va., June 19, 2013 – Audi today introduced pricing for the all-new 2015 S3 performance Sedan, A3 Cabriolet and A3 TDI clean diesel Sedan. These are the latest models to join the newly launched Audi A3 family, which went on sale in April and further expands the Audi S, Cabriolet, and TDI model lineups. The three new A3 variants all go on sale in the U.S. late summer of this year. Suggested retail pricing for the all-new A3 TDI Sedan, S3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet: A3 Sedan 2.0 TDI FWD S tronic: $32,600S3 Sedan 2.0T q S tronic: $41,100 A3 Cabriolet 1.8T FWD S tronic: $35,600A3 Cabriolet 2.0T q S tronic: $38,600 “Since its launch in April, the all new A3 Sedan has proven itself as a market share leader in the entry premium segment and is already one of the most popular models in the Audi lineup. In its infancy the A3 has established itself as a core contributor to the Audi U.S. success story,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “This growth will continue as we launch a variety of body styles and unique engines to suit a wide range of customer lifestyles and tastes.” The all-new 2015 Audi A3 model line-up offers new innovative technologies and the detailed craftsmanship found in larger flagship Audi sedans. Premium standard features such as leather seating surfaces, power panoramic roof, Bluetooth® technology with audio streaming, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, HD radio, power driver’s seat, split folding rear seatback and Audi pre sense® basic. The A3 line-up will also come equipped standard with the Audi signature Singleframe® grille, bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights. All A3 models offer available features including MMI® technology, 4G LTE connectivity, full LED headlights and a Bang & Olufsen® audio system. The new A3 family will feature the most advanced version of Audi connect®, including picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Facebook® and Twitter® alerts, access to more than 7,000 Web radio stations, personalized RSS news feeds and more. Also available in the A3 family is Audi drive select, this system allows the driver to adjust throttle response, shift points, and the electromechanical steering effort. Similar to other Audi models, Audi drive select has four settings that include Auto, Dynamic, Comfort, and Individual. S3 Sedan Now available for the first time in the U.S. the S3 Sedan expands upon the already sporty character of the A3 sedan, adding specific details that underscore the high-performance for which the Audi S lineup is known for. A powerful, high-output 2.0L TFSI® engine with quattro® all-wheel drive produces an impressive 292 horsepower. The S3 boasts a Singleframe® grille with aluminum-look, double horizontal bars and a chrome frame outline. Aluminum-look double ribs and honeycomb inserts fill the air inlets in the bumper and optional LED headlights add to an unmistakable look. The S3 will also come with a S3 specific sport suspension and unique S3 specific 18-inch wheels and optional S3 specific 19-inch wheels. Inside, the S3 adds further character by offering instrument dials that are in an S specific dark gray metallic finish with the numbers and needles in white. The tachometer features a three-dimensional S3 logo and boost pressure indicator. A leather-covered, multifunction sport steering wheel with the rim flattened at the bottom and S3 badging and standard shift paddles with aluminum details are also standard on the S3. A3 CabrioletNow offered for the first time in the U.S., the all-new A3 Cabriolet is available with either a 1.8T FWD or 2.0T quattro powertrain. The Cabriolet comes with a soft cloth top stretched over a lightweight kinematic mechanism made out of magnesium-steel, perfectly complementing the car’s sporty design. The top can be opened or closed electro-hydraulically in less than 18 seconds, even while driving up to 31 mph, all at the press of a button. The A3 Cabriolet also offers an active rollover protection system that helps protect the occupants in case of a rollover accident, as well as a fully automatic acoustic top with a glass rear window and thick inner foam layer. A3 TDI SedanThe Audi A3 TDI® Sedan offers consumers the fuel efficiency of the iconic TDI clean diesel powertrain. A powerful yet efficient 2.0 TDI FWD engine produces 150 horsepower and 236 lb-ft torque. Audi has been at the forefront of clean diesel since the introduction of TDI technology in the U.S. in 2009. Since then, more than 40,491 Audi TDI vehicles have been sold in the U.S., delivering an average of 30% better fuel economy and range than their gasoline counterparts (based on EPA fuel economy estimates). View full article

Yes.. I can show you BMWs and Audis that use L forL LWB models in China.

My eyes almost dropped out of my head as I reading through the window sticker on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG. $63,815 as equipped?! ARE THEY SERIOUS?! I get the CLA45 AMG features one of the most one of the most powerful four-cylinders on sale and that AMG worked its magic all over the place. But almost $64,000?! This had better impress I thought as I got into the vehicle. Well the CLA45's exterior does. The shape is very much a downsized CLS-Class and that is very much a good thing. The long-flowing front end, high belt line, sculpting on the doors, and short rear make the CLA a standout in the entry-level luxury class. This gets amped up with AMG bits such as new side skirts, front bumper, mesh grille, and rear diffuser. The only part I didn't like was the optional nineteen-inch, sixteen-spoke wheels. I just felt it made the design look like its trying too hard. Stick with the standard wheels. The interior is another story. While Mercedes-Benz and AMG have tried their best to make CLA45 AMG feel very luxurious and premium, there are parts where some cheapness make an appearance. For example, certain trim pieces look and felt cheap. Then there is the optional COMMAND infotainment screen which looks like Mercedes-Benz stuck one of those TomTom portable navigation units on top of the dash. As I said at the beginning, the CLA45 AMG has one the most powerful four-cylinders available today. That four-cylinder happens to be a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four with 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. But when you get into it for the first time and hit the accelerator, there is this dead zone of power before the turbo spools up. Most likely this is an effort to improve fuel economy. Once the turbo does spool up, power comes in rapidly. This is accompanied by snorty engine note. But the achilles heel of the CLA45 AMG is the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The transmission hesitates when you're leaving a stop and seems to be confused of when it needs to up or downshift. I found that putting the transmission in the manual mode and using the paddles made it more enjoyable. I think if Mercedes-Benz had a bit more time to work on this dual-clutch transmission, it would be so much better. On the handling front, the CLA45 AMG features revised suspension setup from AMG and a all-wheel drive system. Paired together, they make CLA45 AMG a joy to play around in. Body motions are kept in check, and the all-wheel drive system works its magic to keep power flowing and the vehicle on course. Steering has a nice heft to it and the feedback is plentiful. The only item I wish Mercedes would add is some sort of adjustable dampers. While I felt the firm ride was perfect on the curvy bits, it would be too much if I had to drive this daily. The CLA45 AMG has some things I do like, such as the powertrain and looks. But other parts like the transmission and certain choices on the interior make me wonder why. Throw in that as-tested price, and the CLA45 AMG just seems too crazy for its own good. Disclaimer: Mercedes-Benz Provided the CLA45 AMG for the MAMA Spring Rally Year: 2014 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: CLA Trim: CLA45 AMG Engine: 2.0L Inline-Four Turbocharged Engine Driveline: Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Gearbox, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 355 @ 5,500 Torque @ RPM: 332 @ 1,250 to 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - N/A Curb Weight: 3,494 lbs Location of Manufacture: N/A Base Price: $47,450 As Tested Price: $63,815 (Includes $925.00 Destination Charge) Options: Black “Red Cut” Leather w/ AMG Performance Seats - $3,750 Driver Assistance Package - $2,500 Multimedia Package - $2,370 Premium Package - $2,300 Panorama Sunroof - $1,480 PARKTRONIC with Advanced Parking Assist - $970 19” 16-Spoke Alloy Wheel ~ Black - $850 Mountain Gray Paint Color - $720 AMG Performance Steering Wheel - $500 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

For the past few years, Toyota was the only truck brand to use the SAE's J2807 towing standard to rate the maximum towing. Well another automaker has joined Toyota in using J2807. Today, GM announced the tow ratings for the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. GM says both models retain maximum tow rating of 12,000 pounds. But for a Silverado/Sierra 1500 to achieve that, you need to have a two-wheel drive double-cab model equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine and maximum towing package. Other configurations of GM's full-size truck lineup have seen their rating drop by an average of 400 pounds. For example, the four-wheel drive crew cab equipped with 5.3L V8 has seen its tow rating drop from 11,200 pounds to 10,800. "We engineered the new Silverado and Sierra 1500s to be our most capable light-duty pickups ever. For 2015, we will build on that strong foundation to implement SAE J2807 while maintaining robust towing capability across the lineup,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer on trucks. Source: General Motors 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 Updated trailer ratings showcase Silverado’s strength and capability Available 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 leads segment in horsepower and torque All 2015 Silverado 1500 trailer ratings based on SAE J2807 DETROIT – Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will maintain a 12,000-pound maximum available trailer weight rating as it transitions to new ratings for 2015 based on SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. “We engineered the new Silverado 1500 to be our most capable light-duty pickup ever,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer. “For 2015, we will build on that strong foundation to implement SAE J2807 while maintaining robust towing capability across the lineup. “For 2015, Silverado 1500 will continue to offer trailer weight ratings up to 12,000 pounds,” said Luke. “And, we will offer a number of configurations with trailer weight ratings of 9,000 pounds or more, enabling light-duty pickup customers to choose exactly the right truck for their towing requirements.” For 2014, Silverado, the North American Truck of the Year, led the light-duty pickup segment with a maximum available trailer weight rating of 12,000 pounds. The stronger choice for tough towing situations The 2015 Silverado 1500 will be available with a number of features engineered for serious towing: The available 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in any light-duty pickup, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Like other EcoTec3 engines, it combines proven performance with advanced fuel-saving technologies, seamlessly switching to four cylinders to improve efficiency in light-load driving. The available NHT max trailering package includes a 9.76-inch rear axle, heavy-duty rear springs, revised shock tuning for increased control, enhanced cooling, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Also included is an automatic locking rear differential, trailer hitch, and bumper-mounted 4- and 7-pin connectors. Combined, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 and max trailering package will give the 2015 Silverado 1500 2WD double-cab a 12,000 pound trailer weight rating. The comparable 4x4 version will have a trailer weight rating of 11,900 pounds. Silverado’s standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 and available 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 also will offer significant towing capability for 2015, with maximum available trailer weight ratings of 11,200 pounds for the 5.3L V-8 and 7,600 pounds for the V-6. (SAE J2807; see attached Trailering Tables for details.) Foundation for all 2015 Silverado 1500s is a fully boxed high-strength steel frame. Extensive use of high-strength steels in the frame and body structure also contributes to a quieter interior and more solid feel, and helps Silverado earn a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety in the newest government crash tests. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New Car Assessment Program. Like all new Silverados, the 2015 Silverado 1500 will have the best pickup coverage in America, including a 5-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, and is part of the family of the most-dependable, longest-lasting pickups on the road. 2015 Silverado 1500s will be available starting later this summer, with full availability in Q4 of this year. The 2014 Silverado has won more awards than any other pickup. Silverado was recently named Best Value Truck Line in America by Vincentric, in recognition that the Silverado family has the lowest cost to own of any full-size pickups. View full article

General Motors isn't the only automaker that is dealing with problems with the ignition switch. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced it is investigating the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Dodge Journey from the 2008 to 2010 model years due to ignition switch problems. NHTSA says they have been receiving complaints that the key can can shift from the “run” to the “accessory” mode while the vehicle is on the move. "While in this intermediate position, harsh roadway conditions or driver interaction with the ignition key can cause the switch to move to the ACC position which may disable the frontal air bags in a crash where deployment is warranted," NHTSA wrote in a investigation notice. NHTSA suspects a spring in the ignition switch is the likely culprit as it may may over-travel and leave the key between the 'run' and 'accessory' positions. Chrysler has issued a recall before back in 2011, but only for vehicles built within a ten-month period between 2009 and 2010. However, NHTSA has continued receiving complaints from people who had their vehicles serviced in the original recall. Also, owners of 2008 and 2009 vehicles have reported the same problem. In a separate investigation, NHTSA is looking into the 525,000 Jeep Commanders from the 2006 – 2007 model years, and the Grand Cherokee from 2005 – 2006 model years due to drivers bumping the key, causing it to be knocked into the accessory position. Chrysler says it will fully cooperate with NHTSA's investigation. Source: Auto Guide 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

I think we all want the latter, but the rate and amount of vehicles that GM has been recalling is kind of verging on absurd. Not that I'm complaining about it, I rather have someone out front.

While the promise of Chinese automakers entering the U.S. marketplace hasn't happened yet, the advent of Chinese-built vehicle could. A senior Volvo executive told Reuters that the Chinese-built long-wheelbase version of the S60 (S60L) will be exported to U.S. for the 2015 model year. A Volvo spokesman confirmed that the S60L would be coming to the U.S., but a timeline hasn't been set. Why is Volvo exporting vehicles from China? Money. The executive explained that the relationship between the U.S. dollar and Chinese yuan is less tumultuous than the dollar to euro (Sweden). "The dollar and the yuan have the best relationship, a more stable relationship than the euro and the dollar," said the executive. By exporting vehicles from China, Volvo expects the degree of risk of sudden currency changes to decrease. The U.S. isn't the only country being looked at for having vehicles exported from China. Russia is another country being looked at as well. Source: Reuters 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

Order guides are an interesting guide as they give us information on what's coming down the pipeline for a certain models. Such is the case for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon that will be going on sale later this year. Truck Trend got their hands on the order guides for both models and found out some intriguing information. Extended Cab models of both trucks will come standard with the 2.5L direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. That's up from the 193 horsepower and 184 pound-feet GM said earlier this year. A six-speed manual is standard across the range, with a six-speed automatic being optional. Max towing is rated at 3,500 lbs. Crew-Cab models get the 3.6L V6 as standard. Much like the 2.5L, the 3.6L specs are a bit different than what GM reported. The guide says the 3.6 produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet, compared to the 302 horsepower and 270 pound-feet as reported earlier. A six-speed automatic is standard. Max towing is rated at 7,000 lbs. Other bits of information that can be gleamed from the order guides include all models getting a rearview camera, four-way power adjustable driver's seat, and 4.2-inch infotainment system as standard equipment. Source: Truck Trend 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

It seems to be real. The 'it' we are referring to is the Ford Focus RS, which has been long rumored, but now appears to be real. A set of spy shots were released today showing a camouflaged Focus ST that is believed to be an RS mule. Clues that lead to this assumption begin up front with the heavily camouflaged front end that appears to have a larger front grille, possibly hinting at a larger engine. Rumors have a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300-plus horsepower. Along the side are a unique tire and wheel package: Nineteen-inch wheels wrapped in super-sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The front also appears to have large brakes, which are rumored to be from Brembo. The back has a new bumper with dual rear exhausts, not the center mounted one on the ST. One item still up in the air is whether the Focus RS will remain front-wheel drive, or go to a all-wheel drive setup. Source: Automobile Magazine 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

Style over substance: a theme that appears from time to time in the automotive design landscape. Examples include the Fisker Karma with its barely useable back seat and trunk, or the crossover coupes such as the BMW X6 and the soon to be departed Acura ZDX. Then there is the Infiniti QX70. Formally known as the FX, the QX70 blended distinctive styling and sports car performance into one bat-crazy crossover package. But does this package still make sense at all? If you were to ask me to describe the QX70 in one word, it would be, "wow". It's hard to believe that the design is going on six-plus years and still looks like it was just introduced. The overall look was designed with rear-drive vehicle proportions in mind. This is shown with a long front end and short rear. In 2012, Infiniti’s designers did some tweaks to the design with a new front grille and slimmer headlights to keep the QX70 looking new. While I wasn’t a big fan of the larger grille at first, I began to like it more and more as the week went on. However the six-year QX70 cannot hide its age inside as shown by the technology used. The instrument cluster utilizes a monochromatic screen for the trip computer and the center stack features the same infotainment system that has used on countless Nissan and Infiniti models. It’s hard to believe that a model which carries an almost $69,000 price tag is beaten by compact models that cost a third of it on the tech front. But there is some good news for the infotainment system. Infiniti is still one of the few automakers who provides physical buttons to access many parts of the infotainment system which makes using the system a breeze. As for materials, Infiniti lines the QX70 with leather on the door panels and dash, and nice blend of wood and metal. Space is very much at a premium in the QX70. While the front bucket seats provide ample support and number of adjustments, your legs may feel cramped due to the large center console and intrusion of the transmission. Back seat passengers don’t have it any better as legroom is very tight and headroom is nonexistent. If you plan on taking passengers, let it be a short a trip. Otherwise, fold the rear seats down to increase the cargo space. The QX70 has a choice of two different powertrains. The base is the 3.7L V6 that powers many vehicles in Infiniti’s lineup and also available is a 5.0L V8 engine. I had the latter which makes 390 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up to a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The V8 gives the QX70 performance usually seen on muscle cars. Step on the accelerator and V8 comes to life, getting you up to speed at a rapid rate and delivering a lovely exhaust note. Considering this model hits the scales at 4,562 pounds, the performance of V8 engine is something that needs to experienced. The seven-speed automatic delivers crisp and quick shifts, while the all-wheel drive system keeps everything in order. One big downside is the V8’s ability to chug premium unleaded. EPA rates the QX70 5.0 at 14 City/20 Highway/16 Combined. My average for the week landed around 15 MPG, thanks to the cold weather. But the QX70 isn’t just a straight-line performer. Show the QX70 some corners and it exhibits characteristics found on sports cars. It feels planted when going around a corner with little body roll, while steering is nicely weighted and provides very good feel. A lot of this can be attributed to the optional Sport Technology package which adds adaptive dampers and active rear steer. This does mean the QX70 is a bit of handful when driven daily as the stiff suspension provides a very bouncy ride when driven over rutted roads, even when the dampers are in the comfort setting. Wind and road noise are kept to bare minimum luckily. The QX70 makes sense, but only to a select group of people. It has its fair number of shortcomings, but it makes up for it with surprising performance from V8, impressive handling characteristics, and a design that really stands out in the crowd of luxury crossovers. For most, the 3.7L V6 will make the most sense. But for those who are power hungry and like to be a bit different, than the QX70 5.0 is worth a look. Disclaimer: Infiniti Provided the QX70S, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Infinti Model: QX70S Trim: 5.0 Engine: 5.0L V8 Driveline: Seven-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 390 @ 6,500 Torque @ RPM: 369 @ 4,400 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 14/20/16 Curb Weight: 4,562 lbs Location of Manufacture: Tochigi, Japan Base Price: $61,500.00 As Tested Price: $68,475.00 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: Sport Technology Package - $6,250.00 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