William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 3, 2012 Chrysler’s SRT group has been on a bit of roll as late. Their lineup, which includes the Chrysler 300 SRT8, Dodge Challenger SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has been praised widely. But, all of those models mentioned come from other divisions in Chrysler. That appears to be changing with the new SRT Viper due out later this year, and SRT is hungry for more models of their own. Motor Trend reports that SRT could be getting two more models in the coming years. The first model is one that we have been hearing about for awhile; the Barracuda. The replacement to the current Dodge Challenger, the Barracuda will use a smaller version of the full-size LY platform (Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger) codenamed LA. The Barracuda is due out sometime in 2015. The second model could be one of two possibilities. Possibility one is a successor to the Dodge Ram SRT10. Whether it follows the same ideals as the past Ram SRT10 or goes down the Ford F-150 Raptor route, we’re not sure of. Possibility two is a small, two-seat sports car that could compete with the Mazda Miata. Source: Motor Trend 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 July 2, 2012 Automotive News reports that Mercedes-Benz is shelving a B-Class hybrid for the U.S., and is planning an electric version of it. "We want to bring another battery-powered vehicle to the market," a source at Daimler AG said. The electric B-Class will use the same platform as the new B-Class and have its electric powertrain provided by by Tesla Motors. Daimler AG currently owns owns a 4.7 percent stake in Tesla. As for the hybrid being shelved, the source said; "Zero-emission vehicles receive more favorable classifications and higher incentives than vehicles with a range extender. This is especially an issue in the U.S." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 2, 2012 While most automakers like Ford, Toyota, and General Motors have been putting a larger focus on infotainment systems, Honda has been playing it safe. Compared to the current crop of infotainment systems, Honda's system shows its age. The navigation and audio sources are somewhat severely dated. That will be changing for 2013. Wired's Autopia reports that Honda is readying a new infotainment system called Hondalink that will first appear in the Fit EV, due out sometime in July. After the Fit EV, HondaLink will be in the new 2013 Accord. Honda representatives say they don't know if the system will utilize a cellular modem or work through a smartphone. This is due to Honda moving many of its connected services away from satellite data. Honda's first move of connected services was at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, where Honda announced its partnership with Aha Radio. Aha Radio allows owners of Android and iOS devices to access thousands of streaming audio feeds that can be played on the head unit. Source: Autopia 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 July 2, 2012 General Motors has been quiet on the new Cadillac ELR since announcing it would go into production for the 2014 model year. However, Car & Driver has uncovered some information that shines some light of what we could expect of Cadillac’s new extended-range EV. It’s been bandied about that ELR would share the same Voltec powertrain used in the Chevrolet Volt, but rumor has it that the ELR will swap the current 1.4L engine and use a naturally aspirated variant of Opel’s newly-developed Ecotec MGE engine. The Ecotec MGE engine is the base for a future family of low-emissions, direct-injection four-cylinder engines that will eventually replace most of GM’s Family 1 engines. For those wondering what a GM Family 1 engine is, the 1.8L four used in the Sonic and Cruze is one of them. The Ecotec MGE engine block has been engineered to have a max displacement of 2.0L, though Car & Driver says expect the engine in the ELR to a 1.8L or less. Another problem facing the ELR is weight. Compared to the Volt, the ELR is expected come with a wealth of luxury appointments and refinement, which means added weight and less range on electric power. For 2013, the Volt gets a larger 16.5 kWh battery pack, which increased its electric range to 38 Miles. That gives us a hint the ELR might be getting a larger battery pack to overcome the added weight. Source: Car & 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 2, 2012 Automobile Magazine has gotten their hands on some information on what Land Rover could be planning for the Range Rover Lineup. Starting with the Range Rover itself, we know that Land Rover will be showing the next generation model sometime this year, most likely at the Paris Motor Show. But the report says that Land Rover is working a long-wheelbase version of the new Range Rover to appear a year after. The new long-wheelbase Range Rover will be six inches longer than a standard Range Rover and come with more luxuries. The long-wheelbase model will also come with four seats, instead of five. The next vehicle in the Range Rover family is the Range Rover Sport. Expected to come out in late 2013, the new Sport will be wider, lower, more aerodynamic, and aggressive than current model. The new Sport will also gain a third-row seat. Finally, there is the Evoque. Automobile Magazine says Land Rover is deciding whether to do a long-wheelbase, seven seat Evoque. The hold-up lies with the next-generation Freelander (a.k.a. Land Rover LR2 in the U.S.), as it will have a seven-seat model as well. Land Rover sees the two models overlapping, despite the two having different agendas and price points. Source: Automobile Magazine 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 June 29, 2012 Today, BMW and Toyota unveiled more of their plans from their partnership announced last December. The plans include development of a hydrogen fuel-cell system, collaboration on electric powertrains, work on lightweight technologies, and development of a new sports car. "Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation," said Norbert Reithofer, BMW's Chairman of the Board. "Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells. On the other hand, I believe BMW's strength is in developing sports cars. I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship," said Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota. This has people wondering what this partnership could bring. The obvious benefits include better range and faster charging times for EVs, lighter vehicles, and the possibility of more hydrogen vehicles. Also, the sports car announcement has a lot of people guessing. So far, we've heard everything from a resurrection of the Toyota Supra to a competitor to take on the Acura NSX. 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 BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation agree to further strengthen collaboration 29.06.2012 Companies sign MoU aimed at collaboration in four fields of technology Tokyo/Munich. Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), met today with Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at BMW Group headquarters in Munich to announce the planned expansion of their existing cooperation initiated in December last year. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at long-term strategic collaboration in four fields: joint development of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a future sports vehicle, collaboration on powertrain electrification and joint research and development on lightweight technologies. Also today, Norbert Reithofer and Akio Toyoda of TMC both signed a Joint Statement to reconfirm their companies' shared intention to strengthen the long-term, strategic collaboration between them. Reithofer said: "We aim to further strengthen our competitive position in sustainable future technologies. We signed an MoU to this effect today. Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation." Toyoda added: "BMW and Toyota both want to make ever-better cars. We respect each other. And I think this is shown by our taking the next step only six months since the signing of our initial agreement. Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells. On the other hand, I believe BMW's strength is in developing sports cars. I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship." In March 2012, the BMW Group and TMC signed a binding agreement on collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery cells. In addition, the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Europe entered into a contract under which the BMW Group will supply highly-efficient 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe, starting in 2014. Today's MoU represents the companies' agreement in December last year to identify and discuss other possible collaborative projects. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 29, 2012 Last Friday was a sad day for Mazda. That was when the final 13B Renesis Rotary engine rolled off assembly line in Hiroshima, ending a fifty year affair. Mazda first licensed the design for the rotary engine (also known as a Wankel engine) in 1961, with the Cosmo sports car being the first model to use a rotary in 1967. From there, the rotary engine would be used in a series of cars, including the RX-7 and RX-8 sports cars. However, the times are changing. The RX-8 can’t hold a flame to the current crop of sports cars in fuel economy, and failed to meet the European Union’s Euro 5 emissions regulations, excluding it from sale in Europe. Also, sales of the RX-8 have been falling. In 2004, Mazda sold about 24,000 RX-8s. This past year, Mazda only sold 2,896 RX-8s. There is some hope for those who are a fan of the rotary. “While the majority of the company’s engineering resources are focused on the development of our revolutionary Sky Activ technology, work does continue on the next-generation rotary,” Mazda told Autocar. .“Additionally, work continues on the use of fuels other than gasoline, taking advantage of the rotary’s unique ability to operate on multiple fuels without extensive reengineering.” Source: Bloomberg, Autocar 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 June 28, 2012 Earlier this month, National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS) bought up the assets of Saab, except for two key items; the name and logo of Saab. The Saab name and logo are under control of defense company Saab AB and truck maker Scania, and National Electric Vehicle Sweden has to ask for permission to use it. "Every use of the trademark had to be discussed. NEVS can't get hold of the Saab name until we've approved it. That is under discussion right now," Scania spokesman Hans-Ake Danielsson told Automotive News Europe this week. "We have to protect our good name and brand. We have to be sure the new owner will not jeopardize that name." Scania explained the decision to protect the Saab name and logo came from when General Motors bought up 50% of the passenger-car division of the company that included Saab AB, Saab Autos and Scania. NEVS spokesman Mikael Ostlund said: "All parties are looking for a solution as soon as possible." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 28, 2012 The average age of a vehicle in the U.S. has hit a record high. According to Experian Automotive, the average age of the 245 million vehicles registered in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2012 was 11 years. That's an increase of just over 2 months when compared to last year. Experian Automotive goes onto say that more than 52 million cars and trucks in the U.S. are 16 years or older. Experian Automotive's analysis also found that Ford has the most models on the road compared to any other automaker. That really shouldn't come as a surprise since the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 30 straight years. The top four automakers with the oldest models on the road include; Ford: 17.2% Chevrolet: 15.8% Honda: 10.4% Toyota: 7.3% The four most popular models are; Ford F-150: 3.4% Honda Accord: 2.6% Toyota Camry: 2.6% Chevrolet Sliverado: 2.0% Why are there more old vehicles on the road? For one, the recession and sluggish recovery has caused people put off buying or trading-in for a new or used car. Also, vehicles are just better built. During the 90's, improvement in quality picked up serious momentum. Source: CNBC 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