William Maley

Well I can give some input on the AWD system. Like Reg said above, the system doesn't engage till you turn it on. The only way you know its on is a light in the gauge cluster. You can feel it working if you decide to floor the Kizashi on pavement or a gravel road. I will be trying the AWD system some more later on in the week. Fuel economy: Right now, I averaging about 23 to 25 MPG in mostly suburban and rural driving. I just finished doing a couple highway runs with my average being about 32 MPG. The Kizashi was on cruise control set at 70 MPH.

Have you thought about asking the person who handles Suzuki again?

I'm averaging 25 MPG at the moment, which is the combined EPA rating. I'm liking the cloth in the Sport GTS, along with the 10-Way power seats. I haven't tried the AWD system yet. There's a button on the driver's side which turns it on and off. I will likely try it later on in the week. I wouldn't go that far. I think the CVT is just as good as Nissan's.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 18, 2012 Fiat's 500 lineup has kind of been like the Goldilocks and the three bears story. First was the 500 which for some was too cold. Then came the 500 Abarth which for some was too hot. Now, Fiat has introduced the 500 Turbo which might be just right. The 500 Turbo uses a detuned version of the 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged inline-four found in the 500 Abarth. The 1.4L is good for 135 HP and 150 lb-ft of torque. All of that power goes through a five-speed manual transmission. Other performance enhancements include a new exhaust, sport suspension, better steering calibration, stiffer shocks, and upgraded brakes. Exterior changes for the 500 Turbo include a unique aero kit and smoked-out headlamps. Inside, the 500 Turbo gets sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, optional heated leather seats, and Chrysler's Beats by Dr. Dre audio system. Prices for the 500 Turbo start at $19,500* (excluding $700 destination charge) and will be arriving at your local Fiat dealer this fall. 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 New 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo: a New Flavor Hits the Sweet Spot in the Cinquecento Line-up Fiat 500 Turbo hits the sweet spot in the Cinquecento line-up New model amplifies the Cinquecento’s power, performance and personalization levels while keeping intact the character of the iconic 500 Beefed-up powertrain: turbocharged and twin-intercooled 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine for 135 horsepower, 150 lb.-ft. of torque, track-proven manual transmission and sport exhaust Precise handling: sport-tuned suspension, steering, front-lower control arms and high-performance brake system Dynamic styling: performance-designed fascias and side sills provide athletic appearance and deliver aerodynamic functionality Studio-quality sound: new segment-exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre audio system available for high-definition music experience the way the artist intended Fiat 500 Turbo arrives at FIAT Studios nationwide this fall with an MSRP of $19,500, becoming one of the most affordable turbo-charged vehicles in America Monterey, Calif. , Aug 17, 2012 - Today at the Concorso Italiano – one of the largest gatherings of Italian vehicles in North America – the FIAT Brand introduced the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo, touting a 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes, dynamic exterior design and sport-styled interior. The new Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call for enthusiasts who are drawn to the Italian style of the Fiat 500 but want more power and performance for their daily drive. “We listened to our customers” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “The new Fiat 500 Turbo is the answer to all the fans that loved the style of our Cinquecento but wanted more power and performance for their daily drive. With 135 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque, the Fiat 500 Turbo hits the sweet spot between the regular Cinquecento and the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth. The Fiat 500 Turbo balances and blends the best Italian flavors that our portfolio has to offer, becoming the perfect canvas for customization.” New 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo Behind its performance-designed front fascia, the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo features a single turbocharger, twin intercoolers and sport-tuned exhaust to deliver 34 percent more power (135 vs. 101 horsepower) and 53 percent more torque (150 vs. 98 lb.-ft.) compared to the Fiat 500’s naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine. Developed for high-output applications, the Fiat 500 Turbo is paired to the track-proven C510 five-speed manual transmission with a 3.35 final-drive gear ratio for quick acceleration and faster top speed, while achieving up to 34 mpg highway. In addition, the beefed-up powertrain features an intermediate shaft with equal-length and 23 percent larger (28.1 mm vs. 22.8 mm diameter in the Fiat 500) half shafts to mitigate torque steer. To handle the increased power and torque of the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, larger constant velocity (CV) joints with 53 percent greater torsional strength (2600 N•m vs. 1700 N•m in the Fiat 500) deliver added durability and refinement. For a more aggressive appearance, the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo features a pronounced front fascia, pushed 2.7 inches forward of the Cinquecento’s signature “whiskers and logo” face, to accommodate the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. Below, larger openings provide greater engine cooling, while twin “nostrils” are precisely positioned on both sides of the front fascia to maximize airflow in and out of the two intercoolers (both intercoolers are visible through the “nostril” inlets). Finishing off the front are new Gloss Black headlamps and parking lamp bezels for a more menacing look. The Fiat 500 Turbo features bolder side skirts to create a more vertical bodyside profile, while also enhancing its iconic Cinquecento shape. Behind the unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Nero (black) painted pockets, the Fiat 500 Turbo features a high-performance brake system with semi-metallic brake linings at all four corners, larger 11.1-inch ventilated front rotors for greater stopping power (up from 10.1-inch) and brake calipers lacquered in Rosso (red) paint. To make sure this Cinquecento properly handles the more powerful engine, the Fiat 500 Turbo features a unique lower control arm and the 500 Sport model’s sport-tuned spring rates, shock tuning and steering calibration. At the rear, a liftgate-mounted spoiler extends the roofline of the Fiat 500 Turbo and improves the hatchback’s aerodynamic behavior. New taillamps with Gloss Black bezels replace chromed units for a discrete look. Below, the two-piece rear fascia accentuates the road-holding stance of the Fiat 500 Turbo with a black-accented rear diffuser designed to optimize airflow, while a new sport-tuned exhaust provides an enthusiast-desired sound. Exterior colors for the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo include Argento (silver), Bianco (white), Grigio (gray), Nero (black), Rame (copper), Rosso (red) and all-new Verde Azzurro (green & blue.) Inside, the new Fiat 500 Turbo features sport-styled seating, sport-designed leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel accented with Argento (silver) stitching, and a Grigio/Nero (gray/black) seating and interior environment. For an even more upscale look, heated leather seating in Nero/Nero (black/black) or vivid Rosso/Nero (red/black) is available. The 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo arrives to FIAT Studios this fall with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,500 excluding $700 destination charge. New Beats by Dr. Dre audio system New for 2013, the segment-exclusive – and first-time-ever in a small car and FIAT automobile – Beats by Dr. Dre audio system offers passengers of the Fiat 500 Turbo a high-definition music experience the way the artist intended. The available Beats Audio studio-quality sound system includes six premium speakers, an 8-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel 368-watt amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 17, 2012 This time at the Cheers & Gears Detroit Garage is a newcomer, the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS AWD (takes breath). For $26,404 (the pricetag on the car) 2.4L inline-four, CVT Transmission, AWD, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, an appearance package, and a banging 425 watt Rockford Fosgate sound system. The Kizashi sits in a interesting position in the new car field. Its size and pricetag puts somewhere between a compact and a mid-size vehicle. Think the last generation Volkswagen Jetta. First impressions are mostly good. The interior is put together well, steering and handling is quite good, and the powertrain combo works well when you get above about 2000 RPMs. I'll have more thoughts as the week with Kizashi goes on. In the meantime, if you have any questions, post them and I will do my best to answer 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 16, 2012 Last month, we reported on Jaguar's move to a turbocharged-four and supercharged V6 engines for the XF and XJ models. Today, Jaguar officially announced the new engines and a AWD option for the XF and XJ. Starting off with the XF, the 2013 base model will have a 2.0L turbocharged-four from the Range Rover Evoque. The 2.0L is rated at 240 HP and 251 lb-ft of torque. Next up will be the 3.0L supercharged V6 which will take the place of the 5.0L naturally-aspirated V8 engine. The supercharged 3.0L is rated at 340 HP. The supercharged 5.0L V8 stays on. Next is the XJ which also gets the 3.0L Supercharged V6 in the XJ and long-wheelbase XJL. The 5.0L NA V8 will stay on the long wheelbase XJL Portfolio model. Both engines will come with a eight-speed automatic from ZF. AWD will also be an option on the XF and XJ, but only if you order the 3.0L Supercharged V6. Also available as an option is a stop-start system. Source: Jaguar 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 16, 2012 Fisker is looking to raise another $150 million to help keep the company afloat. "We need money on our balance sheet" to fund operating expenses. "And we need money to fund the development of the next car," said Ray Lane, a Fisker director and a managing partner at venture firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers to Reuters."We're raising some of that money now, and some later." The reason for the extra $150 million? Earlier this year, Fisker's request for $264.5 million in government was denied by U.S. Department of Energy. Couple that with development costs of the new Atlantic and production costs of the Karma and easy to see why they're asking for money. 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 15, 2012 The Hyundai Genesis went through a mid-cycle refresh last year which brought forth a new 5.0L V8, R-Spec package, and other items. However, we've learned from Hyundai that 2013 will bring more changes to the Genesis sedan. Starting off with powertrains, the 4.6L Tau V8 which was the Genesis' only V8 engine until last year will be dropped. Also saying farewell is the standard 5.0L V8 model, meaning you want the V8, you'll need to step up to the R-Spec model. All other Genesis sedans will use the 3.8L V6. Hyundai is also upgrading the Genesis' interior tech by including its Blue Link suite of telematics services and adding an eight-inch display to the center stack with a new controller in the console to move around the system. Hyundai says the new system is more intuitive and uses a 64 GB solid state drive. Source: Hyundai 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 HYUNDAI GENESIS OFFERS NEW ULTIMATE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH EIGHT-INCH SCREEN AND 64GB DRIVE Blue Link® Telematics with Award-Winning Zagat® Ratings Now Available COSTA MESA, Calif., Aug. 14, 2012 – Hyundai's award-winning Genesis sedan continues its premium segment leadership for 2013 with simplified model offerings and a new ultimate navigation system with Blue Link® telematics. The 5.0-liter direct-injected Tau V8 engine is now exclusively available in the fully-equipped 5.0 R-Spec model, the 4.6-liter V8 model is no longer available, and the 3.8-liter Lambda powertrain remains available with premium and technology packages, simplifying the Genesis line-up. For 2013, the Genesis 3.8 technology package and 5.0 R-Spec models offer a new optional eight-inch Driver Information System (DIS) display with navigation and an enhanced multi-media controller. This new display features a more intuitive user interface, integrating the same rotating dial with joystick-type function, enhanced voice-recognition commands and improved navigation screen layouts. New "hot keys" also give individuals more immediate control over the operating system to reduce driving distractions. The system uses a large 64GB solid-state drive, which allows generous music, image and video storage or Bluetooth music-streaming capability. 2013 Genesis Highlights Genesis model and powertrain line-up simplified: - 5.0-liter direct-injected Tau V8 engine now exclusive to 5.0 R-Spec model - Standard 5.0-liter model no longer available - 4.6-liter V8 no longer available - 3.8-liter V6 available in three equipment configurations - New optional eight-inch touchscreen display with navigation and an enhanced multi-media controller and Driver Information System (DIS) - Hyundai Blue Link® telematics available with Ultimate Navigation package A simple pop-up message now appears to help pair a phone and the voice-recognition software understands street addresses and cities, all in one sequential sentence. The route screen displays speed limits, details the next three navigation maneuvers, shows real highway signage and has junction views with lane guidance. Lane guidance outlines the lanes the driver needs to stay in when a highway splits. Junction view uses street and actual road signs images to match what the driver will see when arriving at the next maneuver. Integrated into the point of interest tool are Zagat® restaurant ratings, which help drivers to easily locate great places to eat. SiriusXM data services have also been enhanced, with Sports, Stocks and Weather information. HYUNDAI BLUE LINK® Blue Link combines safety, service and infotainment features to simplify owners' lives and reduce distracted driving and is now available on the 2013 Genesis, accompanied by a one-year complimentary trial period. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice-text messaging, POI web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, smartphone remote features and monthly vehicle reporting. Blue Link can be easily accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror, over the internet, or via a smartphone. Blue Link is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance. Blue Link Assurance package: - Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance - SOS Emergency Assistance - Enhanced Roadside Assistance - Blue Link Essentials package: Convenience: - Remote Door Lock/Unlock - Remote Horn and Lights - Panic Notification - Remote Engine Start - Alarm Notification - Quick Tips - Location Sharing - Voice Text Messaging Vehicle Diagnostics: - Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code - Maintenance Alert - Recall Advisor - Web Vehicle Diagnostics - Service Link Safeguard: - Stolen Vehicle Recovery - Stolen Vehicle Slowdown - Vehicle Immobilization - Valet Alert - Geofence - Speed Alert - Curfew Alert Blue Link Guidance package: - Turn-by-Turn Navigation Service - POI Search by advanced voice recognition system - POI Web Search and Download - Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition - Traffic Updates - Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices - Eco-Coach - Restaurant Ratings - Weather - More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at www.hyundaibluelink.com. THE MOST POWERFUL HYUNDAI V8 ENGINE EVER The heart of the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec model is the 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine producing 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 lb. ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. This Tau V8 represents the most powerful Hyundai engine ever, with a higher specific output (85.8 hp/liter) than its normally-aspirated premium luxury competitors. The Tau V8 engine family has been named to the prestigious Ward's Ten Best Engines list three times. This engine features a high-pressure direct injection system (over 2200 psi) that dramatically increases power and torque while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The Tau's high 11.5:1 compression ratio increases thermal efficiency and output. The Tau also has a rigid bed plate for improved block rigidity and lower NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) as well as camshaft carriers and a roller timing chain to improve valvetrain stability. Even more, this V8 offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), a tuned variable-induction system, and low-friction diamond-like coatings (DLC) on piston skirts, rings and tappets. Even with these impressive power increases, fuel economy is 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Tau 5.0-liter V8 is mated to an in-house eight-speed automatic transmission. This Hyundai-developed transmission adds two additional ratios to enhance acceleration, shifting smoothness, and transmission efficiency by six percent over the former six-speed. All eight-speed transmissions will include SHIFTRONIC® manual shift capability. In keeping with Hyundai engineering philosophy, the R-Spec also includes more aggressive chassis tuning, matching its corresponding powertrain enhancements for optimal dynamic balance. For enhanced body roll control, rear stabilizer bars are hollow in design and diameter is a robust 19 mm. R-Spec will offer a unique sport design 19-inch alloy wheel with premium machined finish. The R-Spec steering calibration has been matched to this unique wheel combination for optimized performance and driving refinement expectations in this segment. To complete the performance package, front brake rotors are an oversized 13.6 inches for enhanced heat dissipation in sporty driving. R-Spec will offer unique headlights with dark chrome inserts for a more distinctive front appearance. Further R-Spec designators can be found around the car's interior and exterior. An R-Spec bade on the rear lip and black R-Spec embroidered floor mats remind the driver of the performance waiting for them when they get behind the wheel. Genesis R-Spec is only offered in four sport-oriented exterior colors: Black Noir, Titanium Gray, Platinum Metallic, and, new for 2013, White Satin Pearl, each with Black leather interior and an all-black leather steering wheel to further differentiate the 5.0 R-Spec from the 3.8 model. DIRECT INJECTION LAMBDA 3.8-LITER ENGINE In keeping with its 5.0-liter V8 sibling, the Genesis 3.8-liter Lambda engine also has direct injection (GDI) technology and produces 333 horsepower and 291 lb. ft. of torque. It also has a high compression ratio of 11.5:1 for greater thermal efficiency. This direct-injected Lambda V6 produces a higher specific output (87.6 hp/liter) than its normally-aspirated premium luxury competitors. The 3.8-liter engine also has Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), variable induction, an all aluminum block and heads, steel timing chain and iridium-tipped spark plugs. Besides the generous horsepower and torque gains, direct injection technology produces a significant reduction in emissions. Further, a variable vane oil pump fitted to precisely match oil pressure with engine lubrication requirements for increases efficiency at all engine speeds. As a result, 3.8-liter GDI fuel economy is 29 mpg on the highway. All 3.8-liter engines are coupled to the same in-house eight-speed automatic transmission as the 5.0 R-Spec model. These all new transmissions perfectly compliment the new technology found in the new engines, delivering improved efficiency and performance across the Genesis range. CHASSIS FOR 3.8 AND 5.0 R-SPEC MODELS Hyundai engineers have precisely tuned the Genesis suspension to minimize the traditional compromises between handling precision and ride comfort. EXTERIOR DESIGN From the front view, Genesis has an aggressive front fascia with large intake openings and LED lighting accents. From the side view, one will notice the standard 17-inch alloy wheel and rocker panel design. In addition, the mirrors incorporate power-folding and puddle lamp functions, while the side window surround has a decidedly sporty brushed aluminum finish. From the rear view, one will notice the dual asymmetrical exhaust tips cleanly integrated into the bumper fascia. SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES Maintaining Hyundai's emphasis ondelivering leading safety technology, Genesis boasts world-class active and passive safety features to help both prevent accidents and maximize the well being of its occupants in the event of a collision. Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving safety technology with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints. The active front head restraints have been proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to help prevent whiplash. Daytime running lights come standard on the 2013 Genesis. Further, Genesis offers a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), available on the 3.8 Technology package and 5.0 R-Spec models. Whenever the system is activated, a warning chime and dial-integrated warning light alert drivers of their lane departure, allowing them to reposition the car smoothly into the correct position. Genesis' total of eight airbags includes advanceddual front airbags, front andrear seat-mountedside-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front andrear outboard seat occupants. Genesis has a total of eight ultrasonic sensors locatedon the front andrear bumpers. The sensors, alongwith the rear backup camera, helpdetect how close objects are when parking. Distance is indicatedon the in-dash screen and accompanied by an audible warningtone. Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lockdisc brakes with Brake Assist andElectronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Genesis 3.8 models have large 13.0-inch front rotors with four-piston fixed calipers, while 5.0 R-Spec models have larger 13.6-inch front rotors. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United Statesby Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S.are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 15, 2012 Lexus has so far redesign/refreshed most of their sedan lineup except for one, the IS. Well, we have some new information on what to expect on the new IS and IS-F and when they'll be coming out. The design of the new IS will draw heavily on the look of the new GS and revised LS, including the spindle grille and LED lighting. ''When you're a challenger brand and you're No.4 [in sales], you can't afford to be evolutionary,' said Lexus Australia's corporate marketing manager, Peter Evans in a interview with the Australia's The Age paper in June. The Age also speculates the new IS will ride on Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ platform and come with a range of four and six-cylinder engines, and a Hybrid. According to Car & Driver, the IS hybrid will only be for Europe due to Lexus defining itself as a luxury hybrid company. As for the IS-F, Autoblog believes the next-generation model will go with a twin-turbo V6 after a conversation with executives. The new IS will launch sometime in the 2014 model year. Source: Car & Driver, The Age, 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 15, 2012 When Ford launched the Fiesta in the United States in 2010, they had very high hopes for it. However, the Fiesta has been seeing its sales dip. So far this year, Fiesta sales are down 25% to 35,385 vehicles. The reason? Consumers are flocking to the Fiesta's big brother, the Focus. So far in 2012, the Focus has seen its sales go up by 31% to 147,877 vehicles. Ford is standing behind the Fiesta, despite the sales slide. “The small-car segment, given its size, the largest in the industry, is large enough for two vehicles,” said Erich Merkle, Ford’s U.S. sales analyst. 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 14, 2012 Earlier this morning, two pictures of what was allegedly the new 2013 Range Rover leaked on the web. Well, those two pictures were the real deal as Land Rover has released the details of the next Range Rover. The forth-generation Range Rover looks a lot like the outgoing model, especially in profile. There is also a lot of design influence from the Evoque in the new Range Rover; the sloped front end and roofline, and streamlined door handles. Inside, the Range Rover is a study on the art of minimalism. A few physical knobs, many controls as possible recessed into the surface, and a large screen make up much the front. Range Rover has also increased rear legroom by 4.7 inches. The big news of course is what the new Range Rover rides on. Underneath the body is an all-aluminum unibody structure with aluminum chassis structures. The move to aluminum helps drop almost 700 lbs of the new Range Rover. Land Rover has also fitted a a re-engineered adaptive air suspension, which is claimed to inspire more driver confidence. For the time being, Land Rover is being quiet on powertrains for the Range Rover. Its expected the natural-aspirated and supercharged V8s will carryover, and a supercharged V6 and diesel are under consideration. The new Range Rover arrives at your local Land Rover Dealer in December. 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 THE ALL-NEW 2013 RANGE ROVER Land Rover Introduces the Next Generation of the World’s Most Iconic Luxury SUV Unmistakably a Range Rover, a modern interpretation of iconic design cues Legendary Land Rover off-road capability with transformedon-road handling and agility Lighter, stronger and more refined. The world’s first SUV with an all-aluminum unibody structure Weight savings of up to 926lbs (420kg) when compared to the outgoing model delivers improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. A US specification V8 model is approximately 700lbs lighter than similarly equipped outgoing model A more spacious and luxurious interior provides a truly composed motoring experience for all occupants. Rear legroom increases 4.7 inches Adaptive dynamics suspension system further refines ride quality Enhanced all-terrain performance with the introduction of a new fully automatic Land Rover “Terrain Response 2 Auto®” system Designed and engineered in Britain at Land Rover’s development centers throughout the UK Manufactured in a new aluminum production facility at Land Rover’s Home in Solihull, United Kingdom Mahwah, New Jersey, USA, August 15, 2012 – The new 2013 Land Rover Range Rover has been engineered from the ground up to be the most capable, most refined Range Rover ever. Lighter, stronger, and with new levels of refinement, the next Range Rover reinforces its position among the finest luxury vehicles. As the fourth generation of the Range Rover line, this all-new model was developed from the ground up, capturing the innovative spirit and iconic design of the original model which changed the world of motoring when it was launched over 40 years ago. Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centers in the United Kingdom, the next Range Rover will be produced at a new manufacturing facility at Solihull, United Kingdom which employs the latest low-energy aluminum body construction technologies. The all-aluminum unibody structure is 39 percent lighter than the steel body in the outgoing model. This enables a total vehicle weight savings of up to 926lbs, depending on market and specifications. The US specification vehicle with the naturally-aspirated 5-liter V8 will be approximately 700lbs lighter than the outgoing equivalent. This new aluminum platform delivers significant enhancements in performance and agility, along with an improvement in fuel economy and reduction in CO2 emissions. In addition to the strong and rigid aluminum body, an all-new aluminum front and rear chassis architecture has been developed and paired with a with completely re-engineered four-corner air suspension. The luxurious ride has been retained, while the vehicle’s handling and agility have been sharpened. The new suspension architecture delivers flatter, more confident cornering abilities, with a natural and intuitive steering feel. John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director, said: “The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability. However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling.” Within the cabin, the all-new Range Rover provides occupants with a sensation of serene isolation, meeting the highest standards for Range Rover refinement. Measures like the rigorously optimized body structure and acoustic lamination of the windshield and side door glass have significantly reduced noise levels, while the new suspension architecture has enabled engineers to achieve heightened levels of ride comfort, refinement, and control. With over 4.7 inches more legroom than the outgoing model, the rear occupants benefit from vastly increased space and comfort. The option of a two place rear seating package provides for the ultimate in personalized rear-seat luxury. To deliver the characteristic effortless performance expected by customers, the Range Rover will continue to offer a choice of V8 engines in the North American market, enhanced by new eight-speed ZF automatic transmissions. Each new Land Rover model is extensively tested for durability and reliability. The new Range Rover has been subjected to Land Rover’s punishing on-and off-road test and development regime. A fleet of development vehicles covered millions of miles over 18 months, with arduous tests in more than 20 countries through extremes of climate and road surfaces. The all-new Land Rover Range Rover has a clean and elegant shape which is inspired by a fresh new interpretation of classic Range Rover design cues. While instantly recognizable as a Range Rover, the new vehicle takes a step forward with a bold evolution of the model’s iconic design language. The sumptuous interior incorporates distinctive Range Rover design cues, but executed with a very contemporary treatment. Clean, elegant surfaces are flawlessly presented using the finest leathers and veneers. “Designing the next generation Range Rover, following over forty years of success, came with a huge responsibility to protect the DNA of such an icon,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer. “Our design team worked incredibly hard to capture the elegant proportions and pure surfaces which have been a feature of the best Range Rover designs.” The all-new Range Rover has been engineered with the latest developments in vehicle technologies. Exclusive sound systems by renowned British audio specialists Meridian™ are standard. A thoughtfully designed split power folding upper and lower tailgate setup offers ease of access and versatility. Advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies are abundant. Amongst the innovations featured in the new Range Rover is the next-generation of Land Rover’s Terrain Response® system, which analyses the current driving conditions and road surfaces through on-board sensors, and automatically selects the most suitable vehicle settings program for the terrain. The all-new Range Rover will be available in over 160 markets worldwide, with North American customer deliveries scheduled to start in December 2012. These driver assistance features supplement safe driving habits. The performance of described vehicle technologies are influenced by a multitude of intervening factors and driving conditions and cannot defy the laws of physics. These features are not a substitute for the exercise of due care and sound judgment. Please consult your owner’s manual or your local authorized retailer for more details. Always remember to buckle up. View full article