William Maley

The end of an era appears to be coming very soon. A new report from Bloomberg says Ford CEO Alan Mulally will step down and that Mark Fields, the current Chief Operating Officer will take his place sometime this year. Two sources tell Bloomberg that the move could be announced as early as May 1st. The departure of Mulally closes a chapter in Ford's history where he helped bring the company back from the brink of death and made the company very profitable. At the end of 2013, Ford reported a pretax earnings in North America to a record $8.78 billion. The departure also brings some much needed clarity to Ford's leadership structure. “We take succession planning very seriously and we have succession plans in place for each of our key leadership positions. For competitive reasons, we don’t discuss our succession plans externally,” said Susan Krusel, a Ford spokeswoman. Source: Bloomberg 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

A new report from Reuters says we'll get our first look at the new Maybach this November at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Guangzhou Motor Show. We've been hearing about the resurrection of the nameplate for the past few months, but weren't sure where it would fit in. Guesses pointed towards super S-Class with such amenities as reclining rear seats and folding tables. According to Reuters, the new Maybach will be a special version of the S-Class that will be 20 centimeters longer (about 7.8 inches longer) and will be the longest S-Class available till the return of the Pullman model. A source said to Reuters that Maybach will carry a pricetag that is "double the 165,000-euro ($228,000) asking price of its current flagship, the Mercedes-Benz S600." 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

The hot thing in the automotive marketplace, especially in the luxury car segment is compact crossovers. At the moment, we have the BMW X1 and Buick Encore. Before too long, the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class will be making an appearance. Now another luxury automaker is joining the fun. Yesterday at the Beijing Motor Show, Lexus unveiled the production NX crossover. Compared to the concept NX that was making the rounds last year, the production model loses some of the sharpness. It hasn't loss any of the dramatics though. The design still features the spindle grille, narrow headlights with L-Shaped LED strand sitting underneath, and sculpting along the bottom of the doors. Inside, the NX takes some ideas from the IS with a center stack that features a screen on top and controls right underneath. There is also the latest version of Lexus' Remote Touch system which now features a touchpad taking the place of the joystick. For the U.S., the NX will be offered with two powertrains: NX 200t: 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, Six-Speed Automatic NX 300h: 194 horsepower and N/A pound-feet of torque, CVT Both models come with front-wheel drive as standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. Lexus says the NX lineup will be available sometime later this year. Source: Lexus Press Release is on Page 2 All-New Lexus NX Compact Crossover Launches With Marque’s First Turbo Powertrain Available With Three Powertrains: Gasoline Turbo NX 200t, Naturally Aspirated NX 200, and Full Hybrid NX 300h Lexus Enters Luxury Compact Crossover Segment NX Reveal at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20 April 10, 2014 BEIJING – April 11, 2014 – There’s a first for everything! The all-new Lexus NX comes to market as the brand’s first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment and with the first turbo in the lineup. The NX will also be offered in naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrains. Powertrains will vary by region. The U.S. market will offer the NX 200t turbo and NX 300h hybrid. The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with unique exterior and interior features. Lexus will maintain its role as the luxury hybrid leader with six hybrid models including the NX 300h. The NX will be the fourth vehicle in Lexus’ luxury utility vehicle lineup and positioned below the popular RX. The Lexus LF-NX concepts, originally introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows, influenced the striking and emotional design of the NX. The sharply styled crossover will be revealed at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20. Chief engineer Takeaki Kato and his team developed NX as a luxury vehicle that provides versatility and details unexpected in its class to young, urban drivers. Exterior Design The NX was developed to have more agility than a SUV plus a bold, eye-catching exterior with its low profile and unique roofline. As with all Lexus vehicles, the aggressive exterior starts with the spindle grille. Innovative LED headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express Lexus’ bold styling. The front and rear wheel arches add to the NX’s wide and low, muscular stance with bold flares. The arches house standard 17-inch or available 18-inch wheels. The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set towards the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants. Subtle, luxury details are included in the innovative Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting. The rear is punctuated by Lexus’ signature ‘L’ shape combination lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, while the bodywork echoes the spindle grille design. Interior Design The NX’s cabin combines the structural beauty of a high-performance machine with luxury materials that maximizes functionality. The combination of hard metallic surfaces and contrasting soft materials help create a unique interior. A strong, center silver frame surrounds and defines the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and passenger. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack. Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. The NX possesses a low hip point adding to the connection of the driver to the vehicle and increasing overall head room. The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance. Technology The NX introduces an innovative all-new 2.0-liter gasoline turbo in NX 200t and a naturally aspirated engine in NX 200 with the choice of front and all-weather drive. Lexus also offers a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h. The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray to enable a mobile phone to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi-information Display, including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter, Heads-Up Display, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. View full article

Last year, Volkswagen made an announcement that shocked many of us. The Golf GTD, a GTI with a diesel was slated to come to the U.S. within the next couple years. But news coming out of New York may dash those dreams many of us had. Volkswagen of America's CEO, Michael Horn told reporters that the 2.0L turbodiesel engine used in the GTD cannot be built at company's engine plant in Silao, Mexico, and that the engine would have to be imported from Germany, rasing the cost. “The GTD would be a great car,” said Horn, but with that added cost, “the price point is not really attractive. So the probability is sort of diminishing.” Horn didn't say why the engine couldn't be built at the plant in Mexico. 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

Chicago brought us the 2015 Subaru Legacy and New York brings us the sister vehicle, the 2015 Outback. The fifth-generation model brings forth improved design, a better interior, and more tech. While the 2015 Outback 2015 Outback retains silhouette of the previous generation, the new model is much more sleeker thanks to smoother sheet metal and not as much body cladding. The front end is almost the same as the new Legacy with the hexagonal grille and new headlights. The side profile and back end are similar to the outgoing model. Inside, the 2015 Outback gains a bit more space almost three cubic feet more interior space and two cubic feet more cargo space with the rear seats folded. Subaru has added more premium materials and a new 6.2 inch touchscreen radio. Options include navigation, dual-zone climate control, Harman Kardon premium stereo, and heated seats to name a few. Much like the new Legacy, the 2015 Outback's powertrain lineup is a carryover. The base is a 2.5L boxer-four with 175 horsepower, or a 3.6L boxer-six with 256 horsepower. All engines come paired with a CVT and the company's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Subaru has added hill-assist and decent control to the 2015 model, along with revisions to the suspension to improve handling and comfort. The 2015 Outback arrives at dealers this summer. Source: Subaru Press Release is on Page 2 SUBARU INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2015 OUTBACK® AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Bolder design for roomiest, most capable Outback ever Fuel economy at the top of AWD crossover class with estimated ratings of 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway for Outback 2.5i Lineartronic® CVT now standard on all models Revised chassis and new Active Torque Vectoring for greater agility Enhanced Active AWD and new X-Mode for increased capability Quieter, more refined ride and new amenities New available Rear Vehicle Detection System featuring Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert New version of EyeSight® driver assistance system with improved camera performance New York - Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the all-new 2015 Outback, the fifth generation of the World’s First Sport Utility Wagon®, at the New York International Auto Show in the Jacob K. Javits Center. The 2015 Outback offers the roomiest interior, most capable chassis and highest fuel-efficiency in the model’s 20-year history. Its bold new design delivers an even more compelling blend of on-road agility, off-pavement control, ride comfort, interior refinement and safety technology. The 2015 Outback arrives in Subaru dealerships in summer 2014. The 175-horsepower 4-cylinder Outback 2.5i model is available in Standard, Premium and Limited trim lines, accompanied by the top-of-line 6-cylinder 3.6R Limited with 256 horsepower. All trim lines add more standard amenities, conveniences and new infotainment systems. The original Outback established a template for many competitive crossover models that followed, and the new-generation 2015 Outback further strengthens the melding of passenger- car and SUV attributes that crossover shoppers seek. The 2015 Outback exemplifies Subaru’s mastery of outdoors-oriented vehicle engineering, not just for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and raised ground clearance, but also for numerous details that help make it more convenient to load and carry cargo as well as items such as kayaks and bikes. Newly standard X-Mode, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist augment Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to assist the driver in navigating rough roads, slippery surfaces or steep inclines. New for 2015, all Outback models come standard with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), which features paddle-shift control switches and is instrumental in the Outback’s significantly improved fuel economy. Manufacturer-estimated ratings of 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined are up from 24/30/26 in the 2014 model. These figures place the 2015 Outback 2.5i at the top of the midsize crossover class, bettering front-wheel drive versions of some competitive crossovers. A new Active Grille Shutter system on the 2015 Outback 2.5i helps to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance when closed. Electric Power-Assisted Steering and improved aerodynamics also contribute to the increased efficiency in all models. Due largely to its new Lineartronic CVT, the 6-cylinder Outback 3.6R Limited also improves fuel economy, with manufacturer-estimated ratings of 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 combined vs. 17/25/20 for the previous version. Bold New Design Brings New Functionality The all-new 2015 Outback introduces a bolder look with crisper, sculpted lines that convey both its all-road capability and upgraded refinement. A new front fascia combines the hexagonal grille and bumper into one smooth piece. An aluminum hood reduces weight over the front wheels, which helps enhance steering response. In the Outback 3.6R Limited, new standard HID low-beam headlights give the car a more distinctive nighttime signature. Limited trim line models feature turn signal exterior mirrors. The 2015 Outback’s windshield is more raked, pulled forward 2.0 in. at the base. The new windshield angle, higher seating hip points, new front partition windows and door-mounted side view mirrors help improve visibility. The 2015 Outback maintains a footprint similar to the model it replaces. Wheelbase is increased by just 0.2-in., overall length by 0.6-in. and width by 0.7 in. The changes, though small, yield a roomier passenger cabin, at 108.1 cu. ft. (up from 105.4 cu. ft.). The added space includes gains in shoulder, front and rear hip and elbow room and rear legroom. The Outback’s cargo area has been enlarged to 35.5 cu. ft. behind the rear seats, up from 34.3, while maximum capacity with the standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks folded is now 73.3 cu. ft., up from 71.3. In addition, the load floor provided by the lowered seats now lays flatter, and new rear seatback release levers in the cargo area enhance convenience. The Outback continues with 8.7-in. ground clearance, which is higher than for some SUVs, yet with low step-in height for comfort. New step-style doorsills allow one to stand firmly when securing objects to the roof rails with integrated retractable crossbars and tie downs. A power rear gate with memory height is available on Outback for the first time. New Safety and Security Technology from a Safety Leader The 2015 Outback builds on the stellar safety performance of the previous model, adding new front seat-cushion airbags that help to keep occupants in place in a frontal collision. All trim lines come standard with a rear-view camera, and a new rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain airbags if an imminent rollover is detected. For added nighttime security, the 2015 Outback features new standard Welcome Lighting that automatically turns on cabin illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or departs the vehicle. The Limited trim offers a Keyless Access & Start system with PIN Code Access. The new Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection System, which is standard on Limited trims and available for the 2.5i Premium, offers three functions. Blind Spot Detection detects vehicles on either side of the vehicle, in the driver’s blind spots; Lane Change Assist detects fast-approaching vehicles in adjacent lanes, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert detects vehicles approaching from a perpendicular direction while reversing, such as from a driveway. LED indicators on the side mirrors alert the driver. Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses an indicator in the rear view camera display. The 2015 Outback offers the latest version of the EyeSight® driver-assist system, the highest-rated front crash prevention system by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Available for Outback Premium and Limited trim lines, EyeSight® uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology and integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. The 2015 Outback is projected to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, as the 2014 Outback did. Models equipped with EyeSight® also come with new Steering-Responsive Fog Lights. The feature, which works only when the fog lights are turned off, activates the left or right fog light independently, depending on vehicle speed and steering angle, to provide enhanced illumination in the direction of the turn. The fog lights are pre-aimed for maximum coverage in corners. Four- or Six-Cylinder BOXER Engine The 2015 Outback 2.5i is powered by a double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB series 2.5-liter BOXER engine that debuted for 2013 and now receives numerous enhancements for lighter weight, improved efficiency and quieter operation. Power is increased slightly, to 175 hp vs. 173 hp before. Peak torque remains at 174 lb.-ft. but is spread over a broader engine speed range for more responsive performance in all driving situations. In the Outback 3.6R Limited, the 3.6-liter BOXER 6-cylinder engine produces 256 hp and 247 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Notably, the 3.6 engine sustains at least 225 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm, making the Outback 3.6R Limited feel exceptionally smooth and responsive in everyday driving. Standard Lineartronic CVT For 2015, all Outback models now come standard with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), with the 6-cylinder model using a high-torque version. Changes made to reduce friction in the CVT contribute to higher fuel efficiency. Because a CVT does not shift gears, the driver enjoys smoother performance in all driving situations. The CVT’s selectable manual mode offers six pre-selected ratios to allow the driver to “shift” manually using steering wheel paddle switches. This feature can provide added driver control when driving down inclines, for example. Enhanced Agility and Quieter Ride Subaru extensively revised and retuned the MacPherson front strut suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension for greater handling agility and a more compliant ride – a difficult balance to achieve. New quick-ratio electric power-assisted steering delivers outstanding feel and also helps reduce fuel consumption. The Outback 2.5i is equipped with standard 17-inch wheels, and the Limited trim line features 18-in. alloy wheels. Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, fosters more neutral cornering by applying brake pressure to the inside front wheel. The Outback 2.5i now uses larger brakes previously available only on the 6-cylinder model, and all models now have ventilated rear discs in place of solid discs used previously. The Brake Assist safety system automatically applies maximum braking pressure in an emergency stop. The cabin blocks more sources of noise thanks to a new acoustic windshield, liquid-filled engine mounts, thicker panels in key locations (floor, toeboard, rear wheel apron, inner fenders) and expanded use of foam insulation and floor damping material. Greater Comfort and Refinement New soft-touch materials, thicker cushioning for armrests and the center console and new trim styles give the 2015 Outback a more premium feel. The driver faces a decidedly sporty instrument panel, highlighted by two binocular-style gauge pods with a center LCD information display -- 3.5-in. on cars without the EyeSight® driver-assist system and 5-in. on EyeSight® cars. An ECO gauge indicates and promotes fuel-efficient driving habits using color bars. The Premium and Limited-trim levels feature gauges with elegant blue ring illumination. The heater control panel integrates the digital clock and outside air temperature displays, with the time automatically corrected by GPS in navigation-equipped models. A new one-touch lane changer function for the turn signals adds convenience. Premium and Limited trim levels come equipped with standard auto up/down driver and front passenger windows with pinch protection. The Outback 2.5i Premium delivers impressive comfort with a 10-way power driver’s seat (with power lumbar support adjustment); dual-zone automatic climate control; the All-Weather Package (three-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer); upgraded infotainment system; an air filtration system; leather-wrapped steering wheel; fog lights, dark-tint privacy glass and more. The Limited trim line models offer the highest level of luxury ever in an Outback, adding to the Premium trim level content: perforated leather upholstery; two-position memory for the 10-way power driver’s seat; a 4-way power front passenger seat; dual-mode heated rear seats and a power rear gate with memory height. New Infotainment Systems Subaru significantly upgraded infotainment capability in the 2015 Outback. A new 6.2 Infotainment System in the Outback 2.5i provides AM/FM stereo and HD Radio®; Radio Data Broadcast System; single-disc in-dash CD player; 6.2-in. multi-function touch screen display with single-touch gesture control; Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Aha™ Infotainment, Pandora® Radio and iHeart® Radio; a rear vision camera; Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; iPod® control capability, USB port and aux. input jack. The Upgraded Infotainment System for Outback 2.5i Premium adds a 6-speaker audio system; 7-inch touch screen display with multi-touch control that offers swipe and scrolling gesture control; voice-activated controls; SiriusXM® satellite radio; a vehicle information display; SMS text messaging, iTunes® tagging capability and dual USB ports. A new high-end audio system standard for Outback Limited combines an AM/FM/HD Radio system with a harman/kardon® upgraded 576-Watt-equivalent GreenEdge amplifier. The system’s 12 harman/kardon speakers include a front center speaker and a rear subwoofer. GreenEdge technology provides increased audio performance and amplifier efficiency while consuming less power and reducing heat dissipation. The available navigation system’s interactive voice command system accepts natural language and phrases, and this functionality can also operate the dual-zone automatic climate control system. The center console armrest provides a storage area that can hold an iPad®. A covered and illuminated storage bin at the front of the console incorporates a USB port, 3.5mm AUX jack and a 12v power port. Models with high-grade audio or navigation feature two USB ports, making it possible to listen to music and charge two connected devices. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Enhanced Capability A newly refined version of the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD comes standard in all 2015 Outback models. The system’s electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls torque distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage. Taking input from acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate sensors, Active Torque Split AWD optimizes traction and steering response when accelerating through turns and curves, particularly when the road surface is slippery. All 2015 Outback models come equipped as standard with the X-Mode system, which debuted on the 2014 Forester. When engaged by a switch on the console, X-Mode optimizes engine output and CVT ratio position, increases Active All-Wheel Drive engagement and uses enhanced control logic for the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to reduce individual wheel spin. Engaging X-Mode also activates the new Hill Descent Control, which uses engine braking to help maintain a constant vehicle speed when the Outback is traveling downhill, enhancing vehicle control. New Incline Start Assist helps to momentarily minimize forward or backward vehicle rolling on inclines, and the electronic Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place until the driver presses the accelerator pedal to pull away from a stop. View full article

It is an upgrade in design, especially for the Challenger since it has the same interior since it was introduced in the late 2000s. I really cannot wait to get my hands on one.

I think its a different one judging from the name of the transmission.. I'll check in with Chrysler and see if its the same or not.

Well someone has spilled the beans and released the 2015 Dodge Charger and Challenger to the world before their official debut at the New York Auto Show tomorrow. Here's the 411 on both models. First up is the 2015 Charger and has undergone a major transformation with every body panel getting changed in some way. The front end is the most dramatic change with it taking some ideas from the Dart with a larger crosshair grille, slimmer headlights with with distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights, and a new bumper with separate LED running lights. Around back is a new trunk lid with a revised taillight. R/T models get a new lip spoiler that take the place of the raised spoiler. Inside, the Charger gets a new steering wheel, shifter knob, and interior trim choices. On the technology front, Dodge has fitted a new 7.4 screen into the instrument cluster and offers a choice of touchscreens up to 8.4 inches in the center stack. Owners will also get get trial access to Uconnect services, which include 911, roadside assistance, theft alert, voice texting and a Wi-Fi hotspot to name a few features. As for powertrains, the 3.6L Pentastar V8 and 5.7L HEMI V8 carry over with no changes in horsepower and torque. What has changed is a new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic is coming to the V8. Mechanical changes come in the form of new drive modes. The modes (normal, comfort, and sport) adjust throttle response, steering, and transmission. The 2015 Charger goes on sale sometime in the forth quarter. 2015 Dodge Charger Gallery Source: Dodge For Info On The 2015 Challenger, See The Next Page Meanwhile for the 2015 Challenger, it begins with some light changes outside. There is a new split grille, LED daytime running lights, revised tail lamps, and more pronounced power bulge. Inside, the dashboard is redesigned to fit a new range of touchscreens all the way up to 8.4 inches. A new seven-inch screen resides in the instrument cluster. As for the lineup, the 2015 Challenger is offered in six different variants. They are as followed: SXT and SXT Plus: Come with 3.6L Pentastar V6 R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, and R/T Plus Shaker: Come with the 5.7L HEMI V8 with 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Shaker models come with the Shaker hood. 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker: Come with the 6.4L HEMI V8 with 70 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Also pack Brembo brakes and twenty-inch aluminum wheels All models come standard with a six-speed manual, while an eight-speed automatic is optional across the board. Other changes for the 2015 Challenger include a new electric steering system with the choice of three different modes, Super Track Pak suspension upgrade, and a system where you can set throttle, transmission and steering performance to the way you want it. The 2015 Challenger goes on sale this fall. Source: Dodge 2015 Dodge Challenger Gallery View full article

I was hoping for so much... Maybe it will be good to drive. At least thats my hope.