William Maley

Yes.. The CX-5's suspension and steering is what you expect of Mazda; Sporty and fun. Mazda's have rarely, if ever, been about being the fastest in a straight line. They've never much concerned themselves with 0-60 times. The Miata is considered one of the most sporty and fun cars you can get, yet in 0-60, even a Buick Lacrosse V6 is about a full second faster. I'm not sure the CX-5's relatively slow getup and go is an issue. I agree with that. I just kind of wish the low-end torque was a little bit lower in the RPM band.. All I'm asking. Otherwise, I like the 2.0L.

Besides the vibrating driver's side-view mirror, fit and finish is very good. I don't think any of the dash material isn't worthy, its average. I kind of wish Mazda would be a bit more daring, go off the deep end with your interiors. Well designed? Yes. Innovative? umm, no.

Yes.. The CX-5's suspension and steering is what you expect of Mazda; Sporty and fun.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 27, 2012 The Ram Tradesman HD was an interesting idea for pickup. Using the new Tradesman 1500 as a base, Ram slipped in the suspension and chassis bits from the 2500 HD. However according to PickupTrucks.com, the Tradesman HD will not be appearing for the 2013 model year and anytime after that. No concrete reason was given as to why the Ram Tradesman HD was given the boot. PickupTrucks.com thinks that with the new 2013 Ram 1500s beginning production and the HD versions getting ready for their redesign, the Tradesman HD wasn't a high-enough priority. Source: PickupTrucks.com 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 27, 2012 On the face of it, these spy pictures of a Subaru Impreza undergoing some hot weather testing might not deserve the attention of a news story. Its only when you notice the large vent on the hood that you realize why we're talking about. Say hello the next WRX. The vehicle in the spy photos looks to be mule for the next generation WRX and underneath the hood is likely the new turbocharged 2.0L Subaru FA engine. We're expecting a modest increase in horsepower and torque from the previous generation WRX. Source: Autoblog 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 27, 2012 If you walk into a BMW dealership and are wondering why certain 1, 3, and Z4 models are wearing the "is" badge, that's BMW distinction for their performance models that sit between the normal and M models. The 'is' badge will soon be going away though. According to Car and Driver, BMW will be replacing 'is' nomenclature with the M Performance Line. For those who need a quick refresher, the M Performance Line will give BMW vehicles tweaks from BMW's M division under the hood, exterior, and interior. So vehicles like the 135is and 335is will wear the M135i and M335i. The vehicles that are pegged to become M Performance Line vehicles include the 1-Series ,3-Series, Z4, and the upcoming 2-Series and 4-Series. Car and Driver says expect the first M Performance Line vehicle to arrive possibly next year. 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

Posted the first update..

Yes. The CX-5 needs more punch in low-end torque. Oh yes. The first day I drove it around I got 29 MPG. Even more shocking was the highway number I got out of it.. I talk about that in the update tomorrow. Yeah. I kind of wish Mazda would be a little more daring with the CX-5's interior. Otherwise, its pretty well put together. There is a SkyActiv diesel that Mazda says will be coming to the U.S. Coming to the CX-5, no one quite knows at the moment. Also, rumor has it a 2.5L SkyActiv four will be on the options list for 2014.

So SkyActiv is Mazda's umbrella name for all of technologies and weight-loss that is/will be appearing in their vehicles. Two of the well known bits are the SkyActiv-G engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The SkyActiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder engine utilizes direct-injection, a 4-2-1 exhaust manifold that allows the engine to have a compression ratio of 13:1* (*Note: Mazda3 SkyActiv only has a 12:1 compression ratio due to it not having the special exhaust manifold), and a unique piston design. This allows the engine to burn gas more efficiently. The six-speed automatic uses a torque converter at low speeds to get you off smoothly before switching to a clutch pack to provide lightning-quick shifts that rivals dual-clutch transmissions. These two pieces play a big role increasing fuel economy while retaining the fun that Mazda has been known for. Now, the CX-5 comes with the added benefit of being built from the ground-up with SkyActiv in mind. Part of the SkyActiv mission is to produce lighter vehicles. Compared to the outgoing CX-7, the CX-5 can weigh between 220 to 500 lbs less varying on equipment levels. That's due to Mazda using lighter materials and downsizing certain pieces of equipment, while making the vehicle stronger. Why should you care? Mazda is bucking the trend of having vehicles get heavier and resorting to hybrids and other fuel-saving tricks. Instead, Mazda is looking how to make the regular gas engine (and soon diesel) more efficient and making the vehicle much lighter while retaining the strength of heavier vehicles. Hopefully this explains

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 24, 2012 Yesterday, General Motors announced a $220 million investment into two plants in Ohio; Lordstown and Parma. Lordstown has been building the Cruze since 2010, while Parma handles parts for GM vehicles. The investment will be for tooling and equipment to build the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze. "Thanks to northeast Ohio's supportive business climate, we're able to build on a great foundation and steer the Chevrolet Cruze into the next generation. A special thanks goes to Governor John Kasich and his team at Jobs Ohio for their strong leadership and advocacy for GM and our employees," said GM Manufacturing Manager Arvin Jones. Which brings us onto what to expect from the next-generation Cruze. In the press release, Arvin "Jones said the new model will offer new exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy and an improved interior compartment and more storage space." Automotive News says the next Cruze will wear the same front end treatment as new Impala; a wider, flared-back grille that connects to the headlamps. Automotive News also says that GM is considering whether to add a hatchback or coupe for the next-generation Cruze lineup. The big rumor comes from Reuters which says that the next-generation Cruze will be the first GM vehicle to utilize a new compact platform known internally as D2XX. D2XX will combine two current GM platforms, Delta II (Cruze and Volt) and Theta (Equinox and Terrain), into one. The platform could underpin close to 2.5 million compact sedans and crossovers by 2018. When asked for comment, a GM spokesman declined. The next-generation Cruze is due out in Fall 2014 as a 2015 model. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), 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. Press Release is on Page 2 GM Commits Next-Gen Chevrolet Cruze to Ohio Plants Lordstown and Parma get $220 million investment and retain more than 5,000 jobs DETROIT – General Motors will invest $220 million for tooling and equipment to build the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze in two northeast Ohio plants retaining more than 5,000 jobs at facilities in Lordstown and Parma. The Lordstown Complex, with support from the metal center in the Cleveland suburb of Parma, has built more than 500,000 of Chevrolet’s top-selling compact passenger sedan since production began in September 2010. More than 1.6 million Cruzes have been built globally since 2009. "Thanks to northeast Ohio's supportive business climate, we're able to build on a great foundation and steer the Chevrolet Cruze into the next generation." GM Manufacturing Manager Arvin Jones said. "A special thanks goes to Governor John Kasich and his team at Jobs Ohio for their strong leadership and advocacy for GM and our employees." GM has invested more than $7.3 billion in its U.S. facilities since 2009. Production timing of the next-generation Cruze will be announced later. But Jones said the new model will offer new exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy and an improved interior compartment and more storage space. Preliminary work to clear space in the body shop at Lordstown has begun. The 2012 Cruze is among the best-selling compacts in the United States and was named “America’s Best Compact Car for the Money” by U.S. News and World Report. In a joint statement, UAW Local 1112 Shop Chairman Ben Strickland and UAW Local 1714 Shop Chairman Will Adams credited the Lordstown Team. “The men and women of Lordstown are working hard to keep the Cruze a top-quality small car choice. The next-generation of the Cruze is well earned and we are thrilled to be assigned work that will keep good-paying next generation UAW jobs in the state of Ohio for years to come.” The Lordstown complex has built more than 14.6 million cars in the 46 years since it opened in April 1966. In 2011, the Parma Metal Center shipped about 60 million parts and processed more than 1,000 tons of steel a day to serve the majority of GM vehicle lines produced in North America. Parma has more than 1,400 dies and can produce up to 100 million parts a year. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 24, 2012 General Motors will be closing down two Opel plants for a total of four weeks in response to a drop in demand for cars in Europe. A report from Reuters says an agreement between Opel and labor representatives will have two plants, Ruesselsheim and a component plant in Kaiserslautern, to halt production for a total of 20 working days between September and the end of the year. “The European automobile market is declining dramatically. Now, shortened working hours are the correct measure to bridge the weakness of the market,” said Opel's head of personnel, Holger Kimmes. The decision to halt production is a “Kurzarbeit” (German for “short work”). Kurzarbeit is a temporary measure that allows companies to shorten hours to deal with ininsufficient demand. Workers can be sent home without or with reduced pay, and will get unemployment benefits of up to 67% of their normal pay. 9,300 blue and white collar workers at Opel are affected. However, analysts said that closing down plants won't help at all. "Closing down plants for a few days isn't going to help Opel with its most pressing problem of overcapacity," said Frankfurt-based Commerzbank analyst Sascha Gommel. Source: Reuters, The Truth About Cars 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 24, 2012 This is a momentous occasion here in the Cheers & Gears Detroit Garage. For one, we welcome another new brand into fold. Also, its our first 2013 model year vehicle. Please welcome the 2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover. (I had a brief drive in a CX-5 back in May at the MAMA Spring Rally. You can check out my thoughts on it by clicking here.) This CX-5 is the mid-level Touring FWD model which starts at $23,895. That nets you a 2.0L SkyActiv-G four-cylinder producing 155 HP and 150 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic. Other standard equipment includes seventeen-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, a 5.8-inch touchscreen for infotainment, six-way power seat for the driver, Bluetooth, and blind spot monitoring. This car is fitted with two option packages. The Moonroof/Bose package adds a moonroof and a nine-speaker bose sound system. The technology package adds navigation, HID headlights, rain sensing wipers, and a few other items. That gives our CX-5 Touring a as-tested price of $27,005 (Includes a $795 destination charge). First impressions are these CX-5's 2.0L needs more power on the low end. Really don't like that I have to go above 2500 to 3000 RPMs to really get moving. Fuel economy is really good so far. 27 to 28 MPG is the average. If there is someone who can make a CUV fun to drive, that someone is Mazda I'll have more updates as the week with the CX-5 goes on, including how it fares when I take it on vacation. In the meantime, if you have questions, post them and I'll do my best to answer them. Update 1: I just finished up a 200 mile trip to Northern Michigan for vacation and to see some relatives of mine. The trip also revealed some of the CX-5's high and low points. The CX-5's seats are great for enthusiastic driving and short trips. However for long trips, you will be wishing for more comfort. Noticed the driver's side view mirror was vibrating while on the freeway, passenger's side wasn't. Somewhat worry some on a 6,000 mile example. EPA rates the CX-5 on the Highway with 32 MPG for the front-wheel drive model. On my drive, I exceeded that by a good amount. When I arrived at my destination, my average was 37.8 MPG. Wind and Road noise isolation is good, whether on the highway or in the city I'll have some more updates later on in the week. If you got questions, don't hesitate to ask them. 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 23, 2012 Following on the tire tracks of the new Range Rover, Land Rover has announced a refresh LR2 for the 2013 model year. Outside, the only changes of note are revamped headlights, new wheel designs and three additional exterior colors. Inside, Land Rover has added leather seats and a sunroof as standard equipment on all LR2 trims. Also, the LR2 gets a new dashboard, which features a 7-inch touch-screen display for infotainment. A second 5-inch screen is in the instrument cluster, for displaying primary vehicle-related info. The biggest change for the LR2 is under the hood. The old, thirsty 3.2L V6 has been swapped for a 2.0L turbo-four from the Range Rover Evoque. The 2.0L produces 240 HP and 250 lb-ft of torque and is 88 lbs lighter than the outgoing V6. Land Rover expects fuel economy to improve from the 15 City/22 Highway from the V6. The power is routed to a six-speed automatic down to a Haldex all-wheel drive system. The LR2 is also fitted with Land Rover’s Smart Regenerative Charging, which makes the alternator only charge the battery when the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy. Prices for the LR2 are: LR2 - $37,250 LR2 HSE - $39,750 LR2 HSE Lux - $42,350 (Includes destination and delivery charges). The new LR2 arrives at dealers later this year. 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. Press Release is on Page 2 2013 LAND ROVER LR2 Completely updated with a new engine, redesigned interior, and revised bodywork MSRP (Includes destination and delivery charges): LR2: $37,250 LR2 HSE: $39,750 LR2 HSE LUX: $42,350 At A Glance Completely updated for the 2013 model year, the Land Rover LR2 joins the Range Rover Evoque to provide compelling entries in the premium compact SUV market New 240 hp 2-liter turbocharged engine replaces the 3.2 liter inline six, offering increased horsepower, torque, and efficiency New exterior design elements give a sportier and more purposeful look Interior technologies from the Range Rover Evoque are now available in the Land Rover LR2 New dashboard layout including a new center console New colors for exterior paint and interior trim New standard 7-inch color touch-screen Available 825W Meridian surround sound system with 17-speakers for a concert-like experience New ‘Say What You See‘ (optional) prompted voice command system offers a screen guided and voice prompted voice interface[ii] Available Rear View Camera with ‘Hitch Assist’ Mahwah, N.J., August 23, 2012 – Land Rover has given the 2013 LR2 a complete revision, to deliver even higher levels of comfort, convenience and driving enjoyment. New colors, new exterior design features, upgraded interior equipment levels, and a new more powerful and more efficient engine. NEW POWERTRAIN A new lightweight turbocharged, direct injected 2-liter four-cylinder engine now powers the 2013 LR2. This engine delivers 240 hp at 5500 rpm and 250 ft-lbs of torque at 3200 rpm, providing a broader power band strong low-speed response. This represents an increase of 10 hp and 16 lb-ft respectively over the outgoing 3.2- liter naturally aspirated inline six. Not only does this lightweight engine produce more horsepower and torque than the outgoing six cylinder, it is also more economical. The all-aluminum 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is also 88 lbs lighter than the 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine it replaces. This new engine first appeared in the 2012 Range Rover Evoque and features advanced technologies such as high pressure direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. A high efficiency turbocharger delivers rapid response, and a fabricated steel exhaust manifold promotes quicker catalytic converter light-off. Piston rings and tappets have been coated to reduce friction and twin balance shafts ensure smooth operation. All LR2’s are equipped with Land Rover’s Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) which features Smart Regenerative Charging. This feature ensures that where possible, the alternator only charges the battery when the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy from deceleration, rather than consuming energy during engine operation. IPSM is part of Land Rover’s e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES program which aims to continually improve efficiency in every Land Rover. The engine is paired with an Aisin AWF21 six-speed automatic transmission engineered with advanced neutral logic control to reduce internal drag when the vehicle is stationary. The transmission also features a remote breather, routed above LR2's water wading depth (19.7 inch / 500 mm of water). Revised clutches and low viscosity oil also improve efficiency while adaptive shifting is available in both normal and sport modes. In sport mode, the auto transmission is programmed to hold low gears longer and to shift down more readily, to assist acceleration. CommandShift® allows manual sequential gear shifts. This transmission is coupled to a full-time four-wheel drive system features a Haldex rear axle differential. UPGRADED INTERIOR AND ELECTRONICS Interior equipment levels dramatically increase with a host of new features including three new colors. Every trim level of the LR2 comes with grained leather covered electric seats as standard. Standard dual sunroofs increase the bright and airy feel of LR2’s cabin and the front section opens and slides back over the second-row glass roof panel. The first thing you notice when entering the LR2’s contemporary looking cabin is a brand new center console with a 7-inch color touch-screen. Through this screen you can control an enhanced audio system from Meridian® and the optional satellite navigation system. The original Terrain Response® dial has been replaced by buttons for 2013. A shutter style door reveals additional storage space in the console. A new instrument cluster with a 5-inch screen displaying primary vehicle-related information, such as temperature and fuel levels, gear positions and Terrain Response® mode, now sits between the dials across the LR2 model range, complemented with steering wheel toggle switches to operate the clearest of drop down menus and vehicle set-up details. The HSE is equipped with a rear view camera with hitch assist. Cabin space and safety are improved with the introduction of an intelligent electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on. The system even takes into account whether the brakes are hot or cold. If hot, the system ‘wakes up’ periodically to ensure clamping force is not lost as the brakes cool down. Despite being operated by a single switch, the electric parking brake may still be used as an emergency brake, automatically selecting the most stable braking method by employing skid prevention techniques. An additional safety feature prevents the brake from being released unless the drivers’ seat is occupied. More convenience comes in the form of Passive Start which replaces the key docking system, meaning that as long as the key is somewhere inside the car, the engine starts at the touch of a button. Another new feature for LR2 is rear view camera capability. The view from the back of the vehicle is displayed on the Infotainment screen with dynamic lines representing the boundaries of the vehicle and your predicted path as you reverse. The system also incorporates ‘Hitch Assist,’ a graphic superimposed on the camera showing the position of the tow ball. A new ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system will prompt the driver visually with the commands he or she needs to speak in order to control functions in the audio, optional satellite navigation, and phone systems. The prompts are displayed in an easy-to-follow ‘step by step’ format on the screen. The navigation system is improved, now a faster hard drive-based system, which comes with such features as ECO Route planning, Dynamic Zoom, Visual Lane guidance, POI (Point of Interest) management and repeat TMC traffic guidance. You can also manage waypoints and store locations as well as POI locations by name. Two Meridian® audio systems are now available on the LR2. The first Meridian® system is equipped with a new 7-inch color touch-screen, 380 Watts of power delivered via an 11-speaker system that delivers exceptional stereo sound. Alternatively, customers can opt for the 825 Watt surround sound 17-speaker system with Trifield technology which provides a natural, enveloping, concert-like experience for all occupants. Each Meridian® system is equipped with subwoofers for a deep, bass sound and an Audyssey MultEQ audio tuning system. Both audio systems are also equipped with AM/FM and HD and Satellite radio tuners, while music players support CD, DVD, Virtual CD, iPod® and USB. There is also a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack for music players and Bluetooth® audio streaming to any supporting devices including headphones. The virtual CD system is hard drive based and can store the equivalent of up to 10 Audio CDs at full digital quality, and songs are identifiable using Gracenote®. HD Radio and Sirius XM Satellite Radio are also available. The HSE LUX includes the 825 Watt Meridian® surround sound audio system, Windsor leather seats and premium carpet mats, while the cold climate package includes heated front seats, heated steering wheel and windscreen with heated washer jets for those chilly mornings. DRIVING DYNAMICS Land Rover's engineers’ objectives for the driving dynamics of LR2 were to combine on-road behavior that is agile and refined, with legendary Land Rover off-road ability. Their approach started with the design of the suspension system, and was supplemented by leading edge technologies such as an intelligent permanent all-wheel drive system, Land Rover’s patented Terrain Response® system, and sophisticated traction and stability control systems. A key contributor to achieving excellent on-road performance is a fully independent suspension system with four corner coil-sprung struts. Front and rear anti-roll bars provide high levels of body roll control. The responsive rack-and-pinion steering is direct and fluid, with just 2.6 turns lock-to-lock. Rigidly mounted to the front sub-frame to improve lateral stiffness, the steering column is adjustable for reach and rake. Off-road it is, simply put, a Land Rover. Its capability starts with 8.26 inch (210 mm) minimum of ground clearance that can overcome rocky, sandy, rutted or muddy terrain. This also helps LR2 to wade through water up to 19.7 inch (500 mm) deep. The LR2 is rated to tow a 3500 lb (1585 kg) braked trailer. An 18-inch alloy wheel and tire combination is fitted and specifically tuned to the LR2. The wheels are low-pressure die-cast aluminum, and are fitted with all-terrain tires. HALDEX FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM[iii] An intelligent full-time all-wheel drive system is fundamental to delivering Land Rover's legendary on and off-road capabilities. The intelligent permanent all-wheel drive system has been developed in conjunction with Haldex, whose acclaimed center-coupling technology continuously alters the front-rear torque split, through a hydraulically operated multi-plate wet clutch. The system can pre-engage at rest to reduce wheel-spin from standing starts, engages quickly when traction loss is detected and disengaged quickly to optimize the response of the stability control systems. Its front-rear torque split adapts continuously to suit ever changing conditions. Only a small amount of torque is fed to the rear wheels under normal conditions, such as on a straight paved road, but in low traction or off-road situations, almost all the engine torque can instantaneously be delivered to the rear wheels, if required. This is an ideal arrangement that offers maximum grip in difficult conditions, yet minimizes rear drive – and therefore rotational losses, thus maintaining maximum fuel economy – when not required. The LR2’s Haldex unit is designed to allow up to 1106 lb.-ft. of torque transmission. Full torque transmission can be achieved in just 150 milliseconds. In effect, the new Haldex coupling gives the proactive engagement benefits of all-wheel drive and the efficiency and fuel economy of an on-demand system. The resultant system proactively engages all-wheel drive rapidly. A high-pressure pre-charge pump pressurizes the hydraulics in the center coupling as soon as the engine is started, allowing for all-wheel drive from rest. It also reduces the time taken to achieve full torque once wheel-slip has been detected – engaging within 15 degrees of wheel-slip rotation. TERRAIN RESPONSE® and OFF-ROAD DRIVING SYSTEMS The Terrain Response® system is one of the core Land Rover technologies that gives the LR2 its outstanding range of capabilities. It adapts the responses of the vehicle's engine, gearbox, center coupling and chassis systems to match the demands of the terrain. It optimizes drivability and comfort, as well as maximizing traction. Terrain Reponses® is a fully integrated system which manages: Engine Management Transmission Control Electronic Traction Control and Anti-lock Brakes: these slip and braking control systems are all adjusted and tuned by Terrain Response to offer optimum grip, braking power and safety on the chosen terrain Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): is designed to stop torque to a wheel after loss of traction, but in some off-road situations torque feed is still desirable, even when traction is being lost. Terrain Response® automatically adjusts the DSC so that appropriate torque is maintained Center Coupling Terrain Response® works continuously, however special programs can be selected by the driver for challenging terrain conditions such as grass, gravel, snow, mud, ruts, and sand. On the LR2, there are four Terrain Response® settings which the driver can choose via a rotary control: General Driving: provides a broad span of ability suitable for most on-road driving and easier off-road conditions Grass/Gravel/Snow: for slippery conditions, on-road or off-road Mud and Ruts Sand The Terrain Response® also changes the setting of the electronic center coupling, to optimize all-wheel drive in tough conditions. When Terrain Response® special programs are engaged, different transmission shift mappings are applicable, depending on the mode chosen. The Transmission Control Module also manages torque converter lock-up, which has different requirements depending on the selected Terrain Response® mode. Hill Descent Control (HDC): This system automatically restricts speed downhill, using the anti-lock brake system, and improves driver control on slippery descents. HDC is automatically engaged on appropriate Terrain Response® programs. Downhill speed rates vary according to which surface is selected. The LR2 has large vented disc brakes, front and rear, providing substantial stopping power. The large 12.5 in. (316 mm) front discs are ‘reverse vented,’ so they draw cool air into the disc over the central bell, which is then vented out from the rim of the disc. This approach improves thermal stability under severe braking. Rear brake discs are also substantial – 12-inch (302 mm) in diameter, and include a new Electric Parking Brake. In addition to the latest-generation four-channel anti-lock brakes, the modulator also controls Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which balances the distribution of braking force between front and rear, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), which boosts pedal pressure when full braking is required, and Corner Brake Control (CBC), which enhances rear-end stability when braking in corners. It also helps to control the Hill Descent Control, Electronic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems. The electronic modulator at the heart of the stability control systems on LR2 constantly monitors and, if necessary, adjusts both braking and engine traction to assist in maintaining control of each wheel. As well as reducing brake pressure, as in a conventional anti-lock (ABS) braking system, the modulator is designed to help generate positive hydraulic pressure to increase braking force in an emergency. Roll Stability Control is a sophisticated roll-over prevention technology from Land Rover. Gyroscopic sensing allows this system – linked to the electronic modulator – to compare the rate of change of body roll angle with the steered course. If necessary, incremental brake force is applied to specific wheels to reduce the chances ofa roll. Another innovation on LR2 is Land Rover’s patented Gradient Release Control system. Linked to the Hill Descent Control, it ensures that when releasing the brakes on extremely steep hills, brake-line pressure is released progressively when the driver’s foot is removed from the pedal, helping the driver maintain control. DESIGN As always with a Land Rover, functionality is a fundamental driver of design. The narrow front A-posts help achieve excellent all-round visibility. The hood castellations help the driver place the vehicle more accurately on the road or off the beaten track. The wheel stance and wide track help deliver agile handling and sure footed grip. The short front and rear overhangs and high underbody are essential for its’ off-road performance by maximizing approach and departure angles. The body-side protection guards against stone chips and helps keep the sills clean. Exteriors are offered with a selection of new body colors, as well as more new lighting, both front and rear, utilizing the latest in LED technology and sporting more contemporary design details for an integrated appearance. The three new colors that have been added to the LR2 range for 2013 are Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue. Exteriors gain a number of new integrated design features resulting in a coordinated and premium appearance. With the latest in Xenon and LED technology, the front and rear lamps have been revamped giving the LR2 a new look, set off with a new signature design graphic in the front running lights. The grille and fog lamp bezels now sport a bright finish and there are paint detailing changes to the front grille surround, insert bars and fender vent to harmonize the different elements. Externally, the LR2 HSE grill insert bars, fender vent and rear finisher strip have a light gloss silver finish whilst the grille surround is finished in gloss black. There are 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels as standard and two 19-inch wheel options. BODY STRUCTURE The LR2 uses unibody construction. Ultra-high-strength steel is used extensively in the LR2’s door beams and for various strengthening reinforcements. DP600 dual-phase steel – which requires special pressing because of its strength – is used for the A-posts, lower sills, cantrails, front side members and dash to help provide a weight-efficient passenger cell. Many of the bolt-on components fitted during final assembly also help improve structural integrity. A fully integrated front-end structure not only carries the cooling pack and front bumpers, but also substantially boosts the overall body stiffness. Even the hood-locking platform has been designed to help boost structural integrity, ensuring good load transfer from one front crash rail to the other. LR2 uses 100 percent double-sided zinc-coated steel panels as part of the sophisticated anti-corrosion and paint treatment. Vulnerable areas of the car, including the sills and lower doors, are coated in a tough thermoplastic cladding. A double bulkhead in the engine bay improves powertrain isolation and provides a clean area for components such as the ABS modulator, brake servo and wiper system. The cooling pack is protected by a strong thermoplastic undertray, while a structural steel undertray protects the engine. Bumpers are made from high-pressure injection-molded reinforced polypropylene. SAFETY The LR2’s long list of primary safety features – including its responsive handling, large four-wheel disc brakes and permanent all-wheel drive system – helps the driver avoid hazards. Another key to safety is maintaining excellent visibility under all conditions. The high ‘command view’ seating position provides visibility over traffic and a clear view of the road. The generous areas of glass on LR2 offer excellent all-around views. Large door mirrors offer a wide field of view. An electrically heated front windshield and heated washer jets are available to maintain visibility in low temperature conditions. Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights, both of which work via infra-red sensor technology, are standard on all models. Secondary safety starts with the strong unibody and its passenger cell. Front and rear crumple zones are designed to help absorb as much energy as possible during an impact. Side-impact protection is further assisted by the ultra-high-strength steel door beams, the strong and deep door sills and the raised seat position. All LR2 models feature seven airbags as standard equipment. The driver and passenger front airbags are designed to help provide head and chest protection and the front seat side airbags protect against side impacts. Full-length curtain airbags in the roof side structure are designed to help reduce the potential of head injury and roll-over ejection for front and rear occupants. An inflatable knee bolster helps protect the driver against leg injury from the steering column. The front safety belts feature pre-tensioners. Pedestrian safety is also a high priority, with 2.76-3.54 inch (70mm-90mm) of clearance between the upper hood and under-hood mechanicals in the critical zones. The excellent energy absorbing qualities of the hood further assist pedestrian protection. Price shown is MSRP. Includes destination. Excludes, tax, title, licence, retailer fees and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicles availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover retailer for details. [ii] Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Do not operate, adjust or view the navigation or multimedia systems under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Only use devices with voice commands when it is safe to do so. [iii] These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult owner’s manual or your local authorized retailer for more details. View full article

Actually the new Golf drops about 220 lbs from the previous model. (Story has been updated with this info).

So the Kizashi has left the garage and I'm really impressed with it. I have some complaints and worries about it that I will explain when the review comes out in a week or two. Final fuel economy average for the test.. 24.8 MPG. Just under the 25 MPG combined.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 23, 2012 Subaru has announced pricing for the new XV Crosstrek, aka the rugged Impreza. Starting at $21,995 (doesn't include a $795 destination charge), the XV Crosstrek gets rugged, SUV-like styling, a stiffened suspension, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance (about 3 inches higher than the normal Impreza). Standard equipment for the XV Crosstrek include a 2.0L boxer four-cylinder that produces 148 HP and 145 lb-ft of torque, five-speed manual, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with iPod integration, USB and AUX inputs, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The options list includes a CVT, leather, sunroof, and a navigation system. Fuel economy for XV Crosstrek is, Manual: 23 City/30 Highway CVT: 25 City/33 Highway The XV Crosstrek arrives at Subaru dealers later in the fall. Source: Subaru 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