William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 25, 2012 Two months after NHTSA opened an investigation into the 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze due to fires, General Motors has announced a recall for 413,418 Cruzes for the 2011 and 2012 model years that were built in the United States through May 2012. The recall affects the Cruze’s engine shield located underneath the engine. The worry is that any fluids that might leak from above and land on the shield could collect and possibly ignite. Dealers will modify the Cruze’s shield and take around 30 minutes to complete. Also, GM is recalling 249 Cruzes that could have partially completed welds in their trunks. 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 Recalls Chevrolet Cruzes for Safety Modifications DETROIT – General Motors will recall 413,418 Chevrolet Cruzes in the United States for the 2011 and 2012 model years to modify the engine shield under the vehicle. This change will help prevent any liquids from being trapped in the engine compartment, where a fire could start and spread. In a separate safety recall, GM will inspect certain cars included in the first recall to assure all welds in the rear compartment were properly applied. Omitted or partially completed welds in up to 249 cars may affect the fuel tank strap secondary brackets attachment to the floor structure and a sub assembly to the rear floor pan. There are no known crashes, injuries or fatalities related to either recall. Only Cruzes built in Lordstown, Ohio, and sold in the United States and Canada and several hundred exported to Israel are affected. "The most important thing for our customers to know is that we are proactively working to assure the Cruze is the safe and durable car they purchased," said GM vice president of Global Quality Alicia Boler-Davis. "We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by these actions." All Cruzes with manual and automatic transmissions built in the United States from September 2010 through May 2012 are included in the engine shield modification. Improper engine oil change procedures on these vehicles can result in the spilling or dripping of oil. If oil contacts hot engine or exhaust system surfaces, and the engine shield, the shield may ignite and burn, resulting in a possible engine compartment fire. In Cruzes with manual transmissions, continuing to drive with a completely worn clutch may cause hydraulic fluid to be expelled from the clutch housing vent hole. Under certain circumstances, the fluid could be burning as it exits the vent hole. If it contacts the engine shield, the shield may ignite and a fire may spread to the engine compartment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary investigation in April of this year as a result of two engine compartment fires in 2011 model year Cruzes and later added the 2012 model year. Modifying the engine shield will take about 30 minutes in a Chevrolet dealership service department and will be conducted free of charge. No parts are involved and customers are encouraged to make an appointment with their dealer at their earliest convenience. Owner letters will mailed be beginning July 11. Inspection for the possible missing welds takes only a few minutes. In confirmed cases, the repair would take about three hours. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 25, 2012 “Patent Filing” really doesn’t scream excitement or surprise usually, except when it reveals what a certain vehicle could look like. Car & Driver uncovered some images of is purported to be the new Acura RLX. And, we’re kind of hoping this isn’t the production model. The images show the RLX getting a new front end that is very reminiscent of the current TL and ILX. The side and back is a choose-your-own design book, ranging from a a Lexus GS to a Chevrolet Cruze. We’ll find out if the images turn out to be the production model sometime later this year. 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

For now, this is just a dream for Maserati. I don't think this vehicle will the light of day.

Here's why. Maserati already has a two new sedans (The new Quattroporte and a smaller mid-size model) and a SUV (the to be renamed Kubang) which will hopefully bring some money in. They want to do something different. Going back to their roots of building a sports car and not something like a sedan or SUV.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 22, 2012 From the well that's an odd vehicle to test on the Nürburgring; new spy photos emerged of the now officially named Mini Countryman Coupe doing some laps on the ring. The Countryman Coupe differs from the standard Countryman with a sloping roof, rising beltline, and a redesigned rear end with a set of new taillights. The Countryman Coupe will sit on the Countryman's platform, however the coupe will be slightly longer and lower. Expect the Countryman's power and drivetrain lineup to be shared with the Coupe. The new Countryman Coupe will be revealed in September. Source: CarScoop, 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 June 22, 2012 From the well that's an odd vehicle to test on the Nürburgring; new spy photos emerged of the now officially named Mini Countryman Coupe doing some laps on the ring. The Countryman Coupe differs from the standard Countryman with a sloping roof, rising beltline, and a redesigned rear end with a set of new taillights. The Countryman Coupe will sit on the Countryman's platform, however the coupe will be slightly longer and lower. Expect the Countryman's power and drivetrain lineup to be shared with the Coupe. The new Countryman Coupe will be revealed in September. Source: CarScoop, 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. Click here to view the article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 22, 2012 From the well that's an odd vehicle to test on the Nürburgring; new spy photos emerged of the now officially named Mini Countryman Coupe doing some laps on the ring. The Countryman Coupe differs from the standard Countryman with a sloping roof, rising beltline, and a redesigned rear end with a set of new taillights. The Countryman Coupe will sit on the Countryman's platform, however the coupe will be slightly longer and lower. Expect the Countryman's power and drivetrain lineup to be shared with the Coupe. The new Countryman Coupe will be revealed in September. Source: CarScoop, 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. Click here to view the article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 22, 2012 From the well that's an odd vehicle to test on the Nürburgring; new spy photos emerged of the now officially named Mini Countryman Coupe doing some laps on the ring. The Countryman Coupe differs from the standard Countryman with a sloping roof, rising beltline, and a redesigned rear end with a set of new taillights. The Countryman Coupe will sit on the Countryman's platform, however the coupe will be slightly longer and lower. Expect the Countryman's power and drivetrain lineup to be shared with the Coupe. The new Countryman Coupe will be revealed in September. Source: CarScoop, 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. Click here to view the article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 22, 2012 Maserati is the odd one out in the Fiat hierarchy. Not able to compete with its sister brand, Ferrari, the brand once known for grand prix cars and mid-engined exotics, now builds soft, grand tourers. However, Maserati’s chief executive wants to change that. In a interview with Evo magazine, chief executive Harold Wester wants Maserati to go back to the olden days and is pushing for a new mid-engine sports cars. Wester said he would like the car to be “the most pure expression of Maserati sportiness possible.” His inspiration for this? The Alfa Romeo 4C. Wester, who is also the chief executive of Alfa Romeo was impressed with the reception of the 4C that he would like to bring some of the magic to Maserati. “Imagine having something like the Alfa Romeo 4C but for Maserati. It would have a carbonfibre monocoque and a mid-engined layout, just like the Alfa 4C, as this gives the stylists the most freedom to design something really stunning.” The new Maserati, to be called the GranSport, would utilize the 4C’s carbon monocoque construction. Power would come from a 4.7L V8 producing 454 HP. Weight for this new Maserati is targeted at 1200 kg or about 2645 lbs, which would undercut the Ferrari 458 Italia. The GranSport would be priced at the same level as the higher end Porsche 911s. “I want this car to be better to drive than a 911 Turbo, but I also want it to cost less. We won’t limit the production of this car, but I’d like to think that we will sell, let’s say, between 1500 and 2000 units a year,” Wester said. For now, this is just a proposal. Source: Evo 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 22, 2012 Spy photographers strike once again, this time getting shots of the new Accord Sedan and Coupe while undergoing some hot weather testing. Lets begin with the Accord coupe. The coupe mule caught in these pictures is almost identical to the concept shown at NAIAS in January. The front end features a wraparound grille and LED-infused headlights. There’s a noticeable character line running from front fender to the door handle. Next is the sedan which appears to be somewhat daring for Honda. Like the Coupe, the Sedan has a noticeable character line running down the doors. Also, the Accord sedan gets a more raked windshield and a extended roofline. And to top it all off, spy shots of the Accord’s interior have appeared. The big change is with the Accord’s center stack. Honda has realized that having a mess of buttons isn’t the best of ideas and has cut back on the amount and organized the buttons in a way to make it easier to find what you need. Also, the new Accord is taking some notes from the CR-V with its instrument cluster. The next accord will drop the pair of dials (speedometer and tachometer) and go towards a center speedometer with a with a digital display in its center. Left of the speedometer is the tachometer, while on the other side could be a fuel gauge. Source: Automotive.com, 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 June 21, 2012 The EPA gave its ratings for the Tesla Model S are they are very good. The EPA rates the new Model S at 88 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in the City, 90 MPGe on the Highway, and 89 MPGe combined. Range is estimated to be 265 Miles, a 12% decrease from Tesla’s original estimate. (Note, these EPA ratings are for the the top of the line Model S. We’ll learn what the ratings for the other Model Ss in time.) So where does the Model S fall into the EV MPGe ratings? Well it's behind the Honda Fit EV (118 MPGe), Mitsubishi i (112 MPGe), Ford Focus EV (105 MPGe), and Nissan Leaf (99 MPGe). But well ahead of the Coda Sedan (73 MPGe). However, the Model S is larger than any of the vehicles listed and can seat up to seven (five + two jump seats). 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 June 21, 2012 Chevrolet has revealed pricing for the 2013 Malibu lineup (excluding the Eco model). A base Malibu LS starts at $23,150 (includes $760 destination charge) and nets you a 2.5L Ecotec inline-four producing 197 HP. Standard features include a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, stability control, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, power windows and locks, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Next is the 1LT which starts at $24,765 and includes a seven-inch color touch screen, Chevrolet MyLink with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary input, and blue ambient lighting. If you have an extra $1,235, you can get into a 2LT which adds dual-zone climate control and color driver information center. The top of line Malibu LTZ starts at $28,590 and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips, a silver grille insert; fog lamps, LED taillights, eight-way power and heated front seats; leather seats, and remote start. Want a bit more oomph in your Malibu? You can get a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec four delivering 259 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque for the 3LT Malibu ($27,710) or the LTZ ($30,925). 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 More Content, Value for Base Malibu; Lower Price for LTZ 2013 Chevrolet Malibu priced from $23,150, including destination charge DETROIT – When the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan goes on sale this summer with an all-new 2.5L Ecotec engine and 10 standard air bags, it will carry a suggested retail price of $23,150, including a $760 destination charge. The midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate, the 2013 Malibu is available in LS, Eco, LT and LTZ models. Malibu Eco went on sale earlier this year, to be followed by the LS, LT and LTZ models. An all-new turbocharged Malibu LTZ will be available this fall – the first-ever turbocharged Malibu. The base prices for all Malibu models – with a $760 destination charge – are: LS (1LS trim): $23,150 LT (1LT trim): $24,765 LT (2LT trim): $26,000 Eco (1SA trim): $26,095 Eco (2SA trim): $27,705 LT (3LT trim with turbo): $27,710 LTZ (1LZ trim): $28,590 LTZ (2LZ trim with turbo): $30,925 The starting price represents a modest increase over the 2012 Malibu, at $22,870, but includes more content, features, safety equipment and technology. The base prices are lower for the uplevel LTZ models, which include all-new features such as Chevrolet MyLink with a seven-inch color-touch LCD screen, color LCD driver information center and dual-zone automatic climate controls. The 2012 Malibu was the highest-performing midsize car in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM announced Wednesday. All 2013 Malibu models deliver more cabin space, a quieter driving experience and greater performance from the new Ecotec 2.5L engine. It is standard in LS, LT and LTZ models (an Ecotec 2.4L eAssist is standard in Malibu Eco) and rated at 197 horsepower (147 kW) – nearly 17 percent more than the previous model. Its fuel economy will be competitive for the segment, with highway mileage expected to approach the mid-30s. The 2013 Malibu lineup also offers greater safety, with 10 standard air bags, as well as an available rearview camera system, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. It is also the first 2013 midsize car to earn double honors for safety, including a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. All models are covered by a transferrable five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Standard powertrain and chassis content: Ecotec 2.5L direct injection with continuously variable valve timing, rated at 197 horsepower (147 kW) Six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS Panic brake assist Electronic park brake StabiliTrak electronic stability control system Electric power steering (rack-mounted) MacPherson strut front suspension Four-link rear suspension Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels Standard exterior content: Active front lower grille aero shutters (LS, Eco, 3LT Turbo) Projector-beam headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control Fin-type combined OnStar/SiriusXM Satellite Radio antenna (body color) Acoustic-laminated, solar-absorbing glass Intermittent windshield wipers with structureless blades Standard interior content: Air conditioning Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD with MP3 playback SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with three-month trial period) Six-speaker sound system Bluetooth phone connectivity Cruise control Remote keyless entry Power windows with express down feature Power door and window locks Driver information center Tilt and telescopic steering column Steering wheel audio and cruise controls Driver’s footrest Overhead console Compass display Two auxiliary power outlets Rear center armrest with storage Standard safety content: Ten standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags, driver and front passenger thorax side-impact air bags, driver and front passenger knee air bags and head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seating positions) and rear outboard thorax side-impact air bags Safety belt pretensioners Tire pressure monitoring system OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections service, including Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock and more Uplevel features: In addition to the content included on LS models, Eco, LT and LTZ models add: Seven-inch color touch-screen with concealed storage behind it Chevrolet MyLink connected radio Bluetooth streaming audio for select phones USB port and auxiliary input jack Ice-blue ambient lighting Dual-zone automatic climate control (Eco, 2LT, 3LT and LTZ models) Color driver information center (Eco, 2LT, 3LT and LTZ models) On 2LT, 3LT and LTZ models, an available advanced safety package adds Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. A leather package for Eco (2SA) and LT (2LT/3LT) adds leather-trimmed seating and heated front seats. On LTZ, the following features are also standard: LED taillamps Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels Dual exhaust with bright chrome accents Silver grille insert Fog lamps Chrome door handles Leather-appointed seats Heated front seats Eight-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats with power lumbar Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Remote start Power sunroof (2LZ) An available premium package on the LTZ adds passive entry/keyless access, push-button starting, high-intensity discharge headlamps and driver’s memory seat and mirrors. Nineteen-inch wheels are also available. Exterior Colors: Silver Ice Metallic Black Black Granite Metallic Blue Topaz Metallic Summit White Crystal Red Tintcoat White Diamond Tricoat Taupe Gray Metallic Atlantis Blue Metallic Champagne Silver Metallic Interior Color/Trim Choices: Jet Black Jet Black/Titanium Jet Black/Brownstone Cocoa/Light Neutral Malibu Eco The Malibu Eco is Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient Malibu ever. It is the first Chevrolet to feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. That helps deliver an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway. All-new turbocharged powertrain Malibu’s first-ever turbocharged powertrain is offered on LT and LTZ. The Ecotec 2.0L turbo is SAE-certified at 259 horsepower (193 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm). Its peak torque is sustained from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm – a broad range that provides an immediate feeling of power in all driving conditions and helps produce 0-60 performance in 6.3 seconds. The 2013 Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. The Malibu is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea. In North America, Malibu is built at the Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plants. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 21, 2012 Despite an early showing yesterday, Aston Martin has officially revealed the new Vanquish. The Vanquish will take the place of the DBS when it goes on sale in 2013. The Vanquish’s exterior design is a blend of the current DBS and Aston’s One-77 super car. Underneath the sleek design, the Vanquish’s body is comprised mostly of carbon fiber. As we reported on Tuesday, the new Vanquish will ride on Aston Martin’s venerable VH platform, which has underpinned almost every Aston Martin since the early 2000s. Aston Martin says the new Vanquish is 25% stiffer than the outgoing DBS. Power will come from a 6.0L V12 producing 565 HP and 457 lb-ft of torque going through a six-speed automatic. Aston Martin isn't saying whether there will be a manual option for the Vanquish. 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 Aston Martin unveils its new hero: the Vanquish Aston Martin is today unveiling a stunning new luxury sports car – the Vanquish. Sitting proudly at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker's sports car line-up, this breath-taking new super grand tourer represents the zenith of current Aston Martin design and engineering. Vanquish points to an exciting and confident future for the historic brand. Vanquish is a new Aston Martin featuring the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre V12 engine that is considerably more potent than before. The design represents the latest take on Aston Martin's iconic visual language. Vanquish unquestionably sees the brand continue its enviable tradition of producing some of the most beautiful sports cars in the world. Styling cues such as the elegant new waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the One-77 supercar. Unmistakably an Aston Martin, the design shows a clear and coherent lineage from its heritage while providing an equally clear pointer to the luxury car brand's vibrant future. Closer inspection reveals details such as the stunning new Aero Duct on the rear boot lid. This elegantly devised passive engineering feature, which counteracts lift at the car's rear when travelling at speed, is a triumph of both design and technical ability. Performance, presence, style and great British craftsmanship – the new Vanquish has all these traits in abundance. Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Today's Vanquish is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin design ethos, engineering innovation and technical ability. It offers luxurious, continent-crossing capability and pure driving excitement without compromise. "Bearing the same name as the iconic original Vanquish that did so much to cement Aston Martin's reputation as a maker of great GT cars in the modern era, I believe the car unveiled today once again puts this great British brand at the top of its class. "The new Vanquish mixes beautiful design with impressive technology such as the superb new infotainment system. This is the latest incarnation of everything we know, informed and developed from One-77. It is the ultimate Super Grand Tourer – confident and assured – and is the newest representation of Power, Beauty and Soul." As happy on the streets of a bustling city as it is carving through the countryside or long distance motorway touring, the Vanquish offers a thoroughbred British luxury sports car that's also suited to everyday use. Powered by a significantly revised naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine mated to the proven Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox, the new car offers suitably impressive performance figures. The V12's power peak of 565 bhp (573 PS) makes it Aston Martin's most potent production model yet, outmuscled only by the strictly limited edition £1.2m One-77 supercar. The raw statistics speak for themselves: 573 PS at 6,750 rpm, 620 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph place the Vanquish firmly into supercar territory. Yet the brand's team of engineers have been working towards economy and emissions improvements, too. The latest engineering methods, innovative technologies and typically understated classic British design come together to make the muscular new Vanquish a true super GT. For instance, each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility of form. Meanwhile torsional rigidity is improved by more than 25%. Practical improvements such as a newly designed and significantly more spacious cabin and a boot that, at 368 litres, is more than 60% larger than that of the DBS, ensure the new Vanquish can carry sufficient luggage for even the most ambitious grand tourist. Designed and hand-built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon in Warwickshire the new Vanquish, available as a 2+2 or 2+0, sits atop a broad line-up of world-class sports cars including the exquisite DB9, sporty V8 Vantage and luxurious four-door Rapide. Dr Bez said: "The Aston Martin range is stronger now than at any time in our 99-year history. The new Vanquish represents the perfect way to signal the beginning of our centenary celebrations next year." Priced from £189,995 RRP first deliveries of the new sports car are expected to begin in the UK and Continental Europe late in 2012. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 21, 2012 The saga of what will power the next BMW M3 soliders on. So far, the leading contender is a twin-turbo V6. However, German website BimmerToday says the inline-six will be under the hood. Sources tell BimmerToday that BMW will equip the next M3 with 3.2L inline-six delivering 450 HP (480 HP with a performance package) and reach a top speed of 300 KPH (186 MPH). The fundamentals of the new engine come from the current M3’s 4.0L V8. Sources also reveal that BMW had built some prototype V6 engines for testing under the codename of "Apollo". We’ll see if the next M3 comes with a V6, inline-six, or something completely different when the production model is shown next year. Source: BimmerToday via BMWBlog 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