GM’s Mark Reuss: Cadillac Isn’t Prepared for a Sports Auto, Chevy Code Is Dead, Modest-Block V-eight Isn’t in Danger

Cadillac’s new CT6 will not be the brand’s flagship, the new Ford Mustang did not influence the soon-to-debut new Chevy Camaro, and the small-block V-8 is not going anyplace. So said GM executive vice president Mark Reuss in a discussion with reporters at the New York auto show.

Reuss described the firm priorities thusly: “to grow Cadillac, and get Chevrolet back in the vehicle game, truly feed Buick and GMC, get Opel straightened around, and get our international operations profitable.”

At New York, of course, a lot interest was focused on Cadillac, what with the unveiling of the CT6. Right after explaining that a extended-wheelbase version is not in the cards, Reuss said that the CT6 “is not the flagship,” adding that “there’s a car above this.” He would not, even so, take the bait in referring to that larger-level entry as a production version of the swoon-inducing Elmiraj concept.

What about a dedicated sports vehicle for Cadillac? “The brand’s got to be ready to do some thing like that. Right now it’s not. I don’t consider doing a auto like that is going to adjust the brand image right now, either.”

Asked where is Cadillac in the method of rebuilding its reputation, Reuss was blunt: “Year one. I feel we’re talking to ourselves if we feel that we’re on the consideration list of people, in volume, in the luxury segment. So let’s get real about it, and preserve hammering, and keep creating excellent vehicles and trucks, and individuals commence to notice and want to attempt anything diverse, and that’s our opportunity. There’s a entire generation out there whose moms and dads drove BMWs and Audis and Mercedes, and they didn’t drive Cadillacs. We need to get on that consideration list with fantastic automobiles and trucks. In that sense, from a item-improvement standpoint, we’re a lot more than year one particular. From a brand standpoint, we’re year one particular.”

A Cadillac model smaller than the ATS observed here is unlikely.

From a solution standpoint, however, “we’re halfway there, because we’ve filled out half the portfolio that our competitors have.” While Cadillac will be adding a lot more models, it sounds as if these might not extend to the very bottom of the luxury segment. “We’re not going to fill out some of the decrease-finish factors with the depth of some of our competitors just to match them,” Reuss stated. He makes the point that given that GM has tiny, higher-mpg models in its other divisions, Cadillac does not want to field low-volume compliance automobiles in the way that other luxury brands may have to.

On the topic of low-volume niche goods, do not look for Reuss to ram through pet projects. “I consider a big basic way to consider about how the company’s diverse these days is we had single advocates—no matter what the market place data said—who would push a program into production. And some would be okay, and some would fail.”

Sounds like we’re talking about, oh, say, Bob Lutz. “I look at the [Pontiac] Solstice and [Saturn] Sky, and some of these cars—and I owned a Solstice, so I’m not talking out of school—but the car was okay. It was very pretty, it was extremely nice. But these are not moneymaking automobiles for us. And by the way we didn’t sell that many. I think gone are the days of an individual in my position pushing solution on men and women and attempting to sell and rally help on them. We’ve got to be consumer-focused.”

To that end, the sweet, rear-drive Chevy Code 130R concept coupe [pictured above] is dead. This despite Reuss’s prior enthusiasm for the project. “We looked at that and we looked at our competitors who have been doing things like that and what the market told us was that was not a great concept. The volumes of these issues were terrible.”

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Asked regardless of whether the 2015 Ford Mustang set a bar for the new Camaro, Reuss was a lot more succinct: “No.” He then added, “We did the vehicle way just before the new Mustang came out.”

What about the little-block V-8? Are its days numbered? “No. Do not see it taking place.”

GM’s Mark Reuss: Cadillac Isn’t Prepared for a Sports Auto, Chevy Code Is Dead, Modest-Block V-eight Isn’t in Danger

Buyers R Prepared: Very first 500 New Volkswagen Golf Rs Sell Out in 11 Hours

You do not need us to remind you, but speed is everything. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R is assured to have lots of go, thanks to its 292-hp turbocharged 2.-liter 4, dual-clutch automatic, and Haldex all-wheel drive. The hot hatch’s potential customers are fast, as well, having snapped up all 500 of the specific-edition preorder automobiles from VW in under 12 hours. And Volkswagen got out ahead of everyone when it announced the preorder sales rush via a tweet. See?

The initial 500 Golf Rs to locate homes all will be identical. They’re fully loaded, navigation-equipped Rs painted Lapiz Blue Metallic and with 19-inch “Cadiz” wheels. Other goodies incorporate bi-xenon headlights, adaptive dampers, a Fender audio program, and parking sensors. VW also is throwing in a serialized R watch, keychain, and VIN-certain certificate. The fortunate buyers of the cars each plunked down $ 500 as a reservation, and that outlay will be rolled into the R’s $ 39,910 acquire price tag when deliveries commence later this year.

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Didn’t snag a single of the unique Golf Rs? Do not worry—there is now a separate preorder list for eager VW fans. Or you could simply opt for the sublime and cheaper Golf GTI, or step up to the R’s slightly pricier but mechanically similar Audi sibling, the S3 sedan.

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Buyers R Prepared: Very first 500 New Volkswagen Golf Rs Sell Out in 11 Hours

Nine methods to get your vehicle prepared for winter

Winter is on its way – and that indicates we all face the improved threat of treacherous driving situations.

Breakdowns are also more widespread in the cold weather.

So this is the time to give your auto the once over, ahead of the temperature dips too low. Here’s out leading tips to get your car geared up for winter…

1. Check your battery

Battery difficulties are the most common cause for get in touch with-outs to breakdown services – and is it any wonder when heaters, lights, entertainment systems and windscreen wipers all put a strain on the battery?

The average lifespan of a battery is 5 years, so it may possibly be worth getting a replacement if your battery is old. Also, attempt to lessen the burden on the battery by turning off wipers, lights and heaters whenever feasible and practical.

2. Change your tyres

Tyres should have a minimum 3mm of tread during the winter months to sustain their grip on the road.

You may even consider switching to winter or all-season tyres, which are developed to handle the road greater in the course of cold and wet circumstances.

3. Pack an emergency vehicle kit

An emergency vehicle kit can be a lifesaver for the duration of a winter breakdown. Ideally, it should consist of a blanket, meals, water, torch and phone charger.

It’s also a good thought to carry a shovel, some jump leads and a tow rope in your automobile, just in case.

4. Keep your cool

It is important to check the car’s cooling technique in order to safeguard the engine when the temperature plummets. The coolant in the technique is essentially diluted anti-freeze, and most automobiles want a 50-50 mix of water and anti-freeze in the course of the winter.

It is very effortless to verify the level of coolant in the program, but it is a lot more hard to make certain the anti-freeze is the appropriate type and concentration. The handbook will give you the relevant data, but take the auto to a garage if you are in any doubt.

5. Leading-up your screen wash

The automobile windscreen is likely to get dirty in the winter, especially on a long journey, so prime up the screen wash routinely.

If your screen wash freezes, don’t just preserve pushing the pump button – you could blow a fuse and finish up with a larger issue that requires time and income to place appropriate.

6. Inspect your wiper blades

Windscreen wipers will not be efficient if the blades are damaged or corroded. Regular checks are therefore essential.

Winter climate reduces visibility, so you do not want dodgy wipers to make a bad situation even worse.

Also, keep in mind to switch off the vehicle with the wipers in park position. If not, they could stick to the windscreen in icy situations.

7. Lubricate locks and door seals

Doors and locks can stick in extremely cold temperatures. A squirt of WD40 can support. Or you could smear some Vaseline around the locks and door seals.

7 Check exterior lights

We do not usually verify that the exterior lights are working, but it is vital in winter when the nights draw in.

9. Fill up with fuel

Winter journeys can be unpredictable, so make certain you have plenty of fuel in the tank ahead of you set off. Don’t threat running quick – an unexpected diversion or a prolonged stay in a visitors jam could leave you at threat of operating dry, miles from property and at the mercy of the components.

Have I missed something? What are your ideas and strategies for safe and trouble-cost-free driving by means of the winter months?

Let us know in the box below…

Nine methods to get your vehicle prepared for winter

Are you prepared for the driving rain?

Driving rain. You see what we did there?

Final winter was the wettest on record. Components of the UK have been flooded with more than 500mm of rain, and if recent downpours are anything to go by, we could be in for more of the identical over the coming months.

If October’s higher winds and driving rain have taken you totally by surprise, you have possibly not given much believed to generating sure your automobile can cope with the conditions – a position nearly 3 quarters (73%) of UK motorists could locate themselves in, according to the outcomes of a TyreSafe survey.

The survey of over 1,000 motorists also identified just more than a quarter (27%) had checked their tyre tread depth in the last month, which is the maximum period advisable in between checks, whilst nearly a single-in-5 (19%) have never checked their tyre tread depth.

Tread very carefully

UK law stipulates auto tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm – you can measure this by putting a 20p coin in your tyre tread, if the outer rim is obscured, your tyres are legal – yet much more than a quarter (27%) questioned by TyreSafe believed it was less than this.

If your vehicle tyres do not have adequate tread depth you may possibly not be in a position to accelerate, brake or turn correctly, which leads to increased stopping distances – at 70mph you’ll need to have more than 600ft in the wet, the length of virtually 2 football pitches – and there’ll be a higher risk of aquaplaning.

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Tyred and emotional

Last year, illegal, defective or underinflated tyres have been the trigger of 968 casualties in the UK, although practically 3 million cars failed their MoT due to tyre issues.

And there’s no excuse to not get your tyres checked out as this month is Tyre Safety Month, meaning you can get a free tyre wellness check from tyre retailers across the UK.

Driving in rain

Once your tyres are up to speed you then need to make positive your driving is by adapting to the weather and road conditions, so right here are some best tips to keep protected on wet roads:

• Maintain effectively back from the vehicle in front as this will give you a higher stopping distance and enable you to see much more of the road ahead, providing you early sight of any upcoming hazards

• UK law states you need to use your headlights when visibility is lowered to the point you cannot see further than 100m ahead. If visibility is specifically undesirable, you can also use your rear fog lights, remembering to turn them off when visibility boost.

• If you find yourself aquaplaning your brakes will be of small use and steering will be unresponsive, so take your foot off the accelerator to slow down


• If you really feel the vehicle behind you is acquiring too close, specifically if spray from autos is decreasing visibility, sensible use of hazard lights can warn them to back off.

Elevated rainfall brings with it an elevated danger of flooding, so if you’re worried about driving via flood water, study Mark’s report Drivers get winter flood warning.

Are you prepared for the driving rain?

Datsun prepared for first appearance at Moscow International Autosalon

Datsun, the newest automobile brand on the dynamic Russian market, celebrates its first appearance at the prestigious Moscow International Autosalon (MIAS) today by showing 2 new models.

The Datsun on-DO sedan, launched earlier this year with the first customer deliveries due in September, will be joined by the brand new Datsun mi-DO hatchback which will be given its worldwide launch at MIAS. Sales of this dynamic new model are due to start in early 2015.

Datsun on-DO was revealed in April this year, with the order bank opened in July. Such was the interest in the car that Datsun received more than 2000 enquiries in the opening weeks.

The first deliveries will be made after the end of MIAS, but IT specialist Mikhail (29) from Omsk city – one of the first customers to place a pre-order for the car – has been invited to the show where he was given a symbolic key to mark this historic event.

MIAS has become a stage for global unveil of the second car in the Datsun model line-up for Russia.

The brand new Datsun mi-DO is a practical yet sporty 5-door hatchback with a strong masculine appearance: bold, distinctive and cool. Among its stand out features are its ‘face’;, dominated by Datsun’;s confident ‘D-Cut’; grille and which, in turn, is flanked by dramatically elongated projector headlamps that stretch virtually from grille to fender to create a look that differentiates sedan and hatchback at a glance.

Although sharing the same wheelbase and front-wheel drive chassis layout as Datsun on-DO, Datsun mi-DO is shorter overall to emphasise its driving dynamics. Both cars sit on a 2,476mm wheelbase, are 1,500mm tall and 1,700mm wide, but the new Datsun mi-DO is 3,950mm long compared to the Datsun on-DO at 4,337mm.

Datsun mi-DO is well equipped. Comfort and safety have been priorities: every version will have a driver and passenger airbag as well as ABS. Standard equipment will include a winter pack with heated seats and door mirrors while special attention has been paid to ensure road, engine and wind noise is kept to a minimum.

Power comes from a 87hp version of Datsun’;s 1.6-liter 8V engine, while a 4-speed automatic transmission is optionally available in place of the standard 5 speed manual transmission.

All Datsun customers will benefit from market leading support. So far there are 25 dedicated Datsun dealers in key regions of the country with 75 more due over the next 2 years. Every car will be backed by a comprehensive 3 year/100 000 kms warranty. To ease purchasing options, Datsun is offering a unique credit programme – Datsun Finance.

 “The Datsun concept of offering a new car from a foreign maker at a highly affordable price has struck a chord with Russian car buyers. Datsun might be a new name on the Russian market but its impact will be felt for years to come. Rest assured we are totally committed to the Russian market: our debut at MIAS marks just the beginning of the story,” says Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun.

The names Datsun on-DO and Datsun mi-DO reflect the cars’; international heritage, encompassing Japanese, English and Russian themes. DO is a Japanese word that means ‘moving’; and also refers to a ‘way’; of doing things. ‘on’; is the Russian word for ‘he’; while ‘mi’; sounds like the English word ‘me’; and personalises the car. Put together in Russian, they underline the individuality and personality of both cars.

Datsun prepared for first appearance at Moscow International Autosalon