Cadillac to Dial Back CTS Production as Brand-New ATS is Stealing Sales

If you build the right product, customers will come. The thing is, some of them may come from places you don’t want them to. The Cadillac ATScompact sports saloon is still young but after its launch in September, sales of its slightly bigger sibling, the CTS, dipped a mighty 40 percent in October.According to data from Edmunds, that’s no coincidence. The ATS might be intended as a direct BMW 3-Series rival yet the CTS is also one of the most cross-shopped models amongst its potential buyers.

The good news for the brand, apart of course from the recent Motor Trend comparison test outcome, is that the Munich’s saloon is also on that list.

It’s not a rare phenomenon for two models of the same brand to encroach on each other’s space, but it’s still one that all manufacturers do their best to avoid. That’s because they don’t want buyers choosing between two of their products; they want to win over other manufacturers’ customers.

Cadillac U.S. sales chief Chase Hawkins told Automotive News that the company won’t be stockpiling CTS inventory and then be forced to apply huge discounts, as it had done in the past to its great loss.

“We’ve planned for ATS to take some CTS customers out of the market who we otherwise would have seen”, said Hawkins. “We definitely are going to be producing fewer CTSs next year to create some of that space for ATS.”

Cutting back on the older model’s production rate is a short-term measure. Cadillac hopes that the problem will be solved when the two cars put some more distance between them. This will happen towards the end of 2013, when the next-generation CTS, which will be larger and pricier than today’s car moving up to BMW 5-Series territory, will hit the dealerships.

BBR Launches New Supercharger Conversions for Mazda MX-5 Mk3 Increasing Output Up To 258HP

Mazda aficionados, especially those interested intuning upgrades, are more than likely aware of BBR (Brodie Britain Racing), which has beentinkering MX-5 roadsters for quite some time now.

The UK-based company has added two new versions for the 2005-onwards MX-5s, aka Mk3/3.5, with 1.8- and 2.0-liter engines.

BBR has been developing its Cosworth-based supercharger for the past 12 months in order to perfect the upgrade kit for all different variants of the third-generation MX-5. In addition, BBR has also replaced the “piggy back” Interceptor engine control unit with a Starchip-developed remap.

The tuner's offerings start with the Stage One kit that includes, among other things, an Eaton 4th generation MP62 Supercharger, an intercooler, StarChip ECU, high flow calibrated injectors and replacement air box.

It brings the 1.8-liter engine's output to 217 bhp and its torque to 176 lb-ft (238 Nm), an increase of 93 bhp and 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) respectively compared to the stock Mazda engine.

The 2.0-liter unit gains 77 bhp in Mk3 and 83 bhp in the higher-revving Mk3.5 models, as well as 51 lb-ft (69 Nm) increase in both models, bringing output to 235 bhp and 241 bhp respectively.

MX-5 owners looking for more performance can opt for the Stage Two conversion, which in addition to the parts mentioned above, includes a new exhaust system, a performance air filter and a more aggressive tune for the ECU.

With the Stage 2 kit, output climbs by an impressive 107 bhp in the 1.8-liter engine, to 231 bhp and by 94 and 100 bhp in the 2.0-liter Mk3 and Mk3.5 versions, to 252 and 258 bhp respectively. Torque increases by 67 and 69 lb-ft (91 and 93 Nm) for the 1.8 and 2.0 engines.

The BBR-Cosworth upgrades are readily available with the Stage One kit priced at £4,995 (US$8,005) excluding VAT and the export DIY kit at £4,295 (US$6,884).

Stage Two costs £6,395 (US$10,250) excluding VAT, when fitted at the tuner's UK factory, while the export kit is more affordable at £5,455 (US$8,743).

By Andrew Tsaousis

PHOTO GALLERY

A Flashback to BMW's Short Film Series "The Hire", Which One is Your Favorite?

In 2001, BMW launched a hugely successful campaign called "The Hire", which was a series of eight short films, each roughly eight to ten minutes long.The movies were directed by established filmmakers like Ang Lee and the late John Frankenheimer, with actor Clive Owen taking on the role of the "Driver" who was hired by a different person in each movie to transport important people in a number of BMW cars.
While over a decade old now, BMW's film series remains wonderfully entertaining to this day.
The crew over at Hooniverse picked the fourth movie from the first season titled "The Star" featuring the M5 E39, which was directed by Guy Ritchie and co-starring Madonna, as their favorite flick.
But since everyone has their own favorites, we've added all eight short films for your viewing pleasure after the break. Feel free to check them all out and tell us which one you prefer in the comments section below.

VIDEO

Hennessey's 2013 Camaro ZL1 HPE700 Dyno'd and Track Tested

As fast as the regular Camaro ZL1 may be (actually, it's the fastest and most powerful series-production Camaro ever built), there's one company that believers there's always room for improvement: Hennessey Performance.

The Texas-based tuner offers four different packages for the 580hp Camaro ZL1 named HPE650, HPE700, HPE800 and HPE1000, with the numbers (approximately) representing the output of the car's 6.2-liter supercharged V8.

In Hennessey Performance's latest video, the founder of the company, John Hennessey, took some time off to show us the 2013 Camaro ZL1 with the HPE700 package that boosts the V8's grunt to 707bhp at 6,300 rpm on the crank in action.

There's also a second clip featuring the same manual gearbox model on the dyno, where it managed to spin the rollers at 678-horses and 601 lb-ft of peak torque at the rear wheels.

VIDEO

 

PHOTO GALLERY

Automobile Law Lemon

It is a common question. You have purchased a brand new car, one that is supposed to work properly. If it doesn't work properly, why doesn't the manufacturer just take it back and give you another one? Why do you have to use the lemon law to fix this problem?

If life was that simple, there really would be no reason for the lemon law or the Federal Breach of Warranty Laws we work with. The lemon law is in place to enforce manufacturers to take responsibility for their actions, whether it be paint peeling, a knocking engine, a faulty transmission, a leaky sunroof or problems with the door locks. This is a David vs. Goliath situation. You are one person going up against a billion dollar organization. The lemon law provides a common ground where your voice will be heard and your situation will be reviewed. While most people do not want to go the litigious route, the law provides a very feasible solution to your automobile problems.

There are auto lemon laws in all 50 states and they cover all passenger vehicles, including cars, trucks and sports utility vehicles. Click here for a complete rundown of all Lemon Law statutes. There are also other sites which provide auto lemon law information, and they can be found on our Lemon Laws & Consumer Statutes page. Click here for a list of lemon law firms across the nation.

State Lemon Laws apply to new cars, leased or purchased in most states, which suffer a nonconformity. A nonconformity is defined as a defect or condition which substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle. The Law applies to an automobile which can't be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. What is a reasonable number? It depends on the State's statute. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, two states we handle, we use three warranty attempts as a guideline. In PA, the first repair must be made in the first 12 months or 12,000 miles. In NJ, the first repair must be made in the first 18,000 miles or 24 months. In DE, the first repair must be made in the first year, regardless of mileage. As you can see, each law is different. It is important that you review your Law carefully or contact a local lemon law lawyer to find out if your vehicle applies.

The Lemon Law also sometimes applies to vehicles which are in the shop for extended periods of time within the first year, regardless of whether it's one constant problem or a series of problems. The Pennsylvania Lemon Law for example, covers cars in the shop 30 days in the first year. The New Jersey Lemon Law applies to cars in the shop 20 days in the first year.

Remedies under the auto lemon law are based upon the severity of the situation. You could be looking at a new car, or full buyback, or perhaps a partial refund or extended warranty and continued ownership of the car. In most cases, the legal representation under the Lemon Law is cost-free. In the states we handle, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Ohio, and New Hampshire the laws have fee shifting provisions where if the plaintiff prevails, the manufacturer must also pay all attorney fees and legal costs. If we accept your case, and for some reason you do not prevail, there is no charge. We are very pleased to offer 100% cost-free lemon law representation and there are other firms across the nation who provide this as well.

It is also important to note that even if your automobile falls outside the State Lemon Law, there is a chance that you could still seek remedy under Federal Warranty Statutes. Also, there are Unfair Trade Practice Laws, which protect consumers against automobile dealer fraud, odometer rollback, and used cars with lemon or salvage titles. It does not hurt to ask about your rights. Feel free to e-mail us with any questions and we will direct you to the right source.

Auto Century Insurance

When looking for vehicle insurance you are going to want to make sure that you evaluate organizations. One of those organizations is Modern day insurance. This organization was established by Louis Nurture in 1958 in the Los Angeles place. The organization was initially an inter insurance change. Although the organization started with just one personnel, it matured very quickly, and by 1966 it was providing in over $1 thousand $ $ $ $ in rates. This achievements would be a good days work by anybody's expectations, but Mr. Fosters’ organization was just getting started. By 1993 the organization was looking at over $1 billion dollars $ $ $ $ in rates and it has matured even larger ever since.

Why Buy From Twenty-first Millennium Car Insurance?

Clearly clients like Modern day insurance for a wide range of reasons. The main thing that is reported are the prices that they provide. Although the organization is able to bring in huge $ $ $ $ in rates, they are doing so because of a growing usage, not because of price increases. However many clients also grumble about what they see as some of the disadvantages of the organization.

21 Millennium Insurance Complaints

Many clients have made problems about the number of solutions provided by Modern day and the quality of those solutions. Many also maintain that the organization has dreadful client satisfaction. They say that the organization seldom reacts to calls from the clients, and this causes an frustrating environment for all engaged.

21st century vehicle insurance is in the unique place of being able to provide offers and special discounts, particularly to long run clients. Based on the fact that they have such a large usage, Modern day vehicle insurance provider is considering maintaining the clients that they have happy. The promotions that they are willing to provide will change a little bit from condition to condition and place to place. This implies that to learn more that concerns you more immediately, you are going to want to look into the promotions provided by your local division.

The age and achievements of Modern day has permitted it to provide solutions to all 50 declares in the U. s. States. This implies that in most locations it is a family name organization that many people have used at some point.

In common the organization may get low represents in certain areas. It is true that their client satisfaction may not be the best in the market. However, at the same time there are still some extras to be had by selecting them. If you are looking for a organization that will be able to give you the least expensive protection, then Twenty-first may very well be the way to go. Vehicle insurance policy is something that everyone who pushes must purchase anyway, so you might as well get the most affordable rate on that protection. If client satisfaction is a top main concern for you, then you may want to first consider other organizations. However, in this economic system Modern day is strongly suggested for saving your chequebook and maintaining you legal. This organization rates very high.

Auto Insurance

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