William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 5, 2012 UPDATE: Yeah, about the under $20,000 pricetag for the Veloster Turbo.. That appears to be bunk. The Truth About Cars got a hold of Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik asking to clarify the $1600 increase. Krafcik said the Veloster Turbo will add $1600 to the cost the Veloster, but with all of the added equipment, the price tag will be over $20,000. We'll see how much over $20,000 tomorrow. As for the Inside Line story, that has pulled a disappearing act. Click on the link and it will take you to a page not found. The orginal story follows below. William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 4, 2012 The Hyundai Veloster has been praised for its outlandish looks and is selling each one that comes off the truck. One complaint the funky car has been getting is the lack of oomph. Hyundai has shown the fix earlier this year at NAIAS with the new Veloster Turbo. Now, we've gotten a clue of what the Turbo model will cost. Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik revealed to Inside Line that Veloster Turbo will be $1,600 more than the base Veloster. The base Veloster starts at $18,075 (Includes $775 destination charge), meaning the Turbo model will be under the $20,000 mark. "There is lots of equipment difference between the base Veloster and the base Veloster Turbo," Krafcik said to Inside Line. The Veloster Turbo comes with a 1.6L DI turbo-four producing 201 HP, leather seats, and Hyundai's BlueLink communications setup. Available will be a ‘ultimate’ package which gets you a panoramic glass roof and a matte gray paint job. Hyundai will release pricing on the Veloster Turbo on Wednesday. Source: Inside Line

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 5, 2012 Its not everyday when news of an automaker refreshing their supercar comes out, but that is what Mercedes-Benz is doing. Today, the company announced the 2013 SLS AMG GT. The GT is to make note of the light refresh when it goes on sale in November. Starting under the hood, the SLS AMG GT naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 sees its output climb from 563 HP to 583 HP. Torque remains at 479 lb-ft. Mercedes claims a 0-60 run of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 197 MPH (electronically limited). Mercedes also recalibrated the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for quicker and more direct shifts in manual mode. The SLS AMG GT's suspension is stiffer thanks to recalibrated springs and dampers. Inside, the SLS AMG GT gets piano black accenting on the center console and doors, red seat belts and red-trimmed floormats, and a custom AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara grips. Press Release is on Page 2 The New SLS AMG GT June 05, 2012 The new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT boasts enhanced driving dynamics and even better on-track performance. With an enhanced maximum output of 583 hp (435 kW), a re-calibrated AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission and the redeveloped AMG Adaptive Suspension, the new SLS AMG GT – which is available both as a Coupé and a Roadster – has raised the bar even higher. As a further highlight, a new optional AMG designo STYLE interior package is now also available for the 2013 SLS AMG GT. According to Tobias Moers, Board Member and Head of Overall Vehicle Development for Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "The new SLS AMG GT demonstrates the sort of potential which lies in AMG's super sports cars. With its even higher levels of performance, the SLS AMG GT excites out on the race track in particular by providing an emotionally enjoyable and passionate driving experience." For MY2013 in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz will now exclusively offer the new SLS AMG GT. Available as a Coupe and Roadster, it will go on sale in mid-November 2012, replacing previous SLS AMG versions. Masculine and decidedly athletic the new SLS AMG GT is distinguished by darkened headlamp and tail light lenses a unique wheel color and red-painted brake calipers. The wing-shaped cross fins and the star recess in the radiator grille are given a new high-gloss black finish, as do the exterior mirrors and the fins on the hood and front fenders. The AMG logo on the right of the trunk lid also features the additional letters "GT" to clearly identify this new model. One look at the technical specifications highlights the fact that AMG successfully elevated the dynamic profile of the SLS AMG GT even further. The maximum output of the AMG 6.3-liter V8 front mid-engine has been increased to 583 hp at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is maintained at 479 lb/ft at 4750 rpm. These changes yield a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.6 (est) seconds with a max speed of 197mph (electronically limted) The key data at a glance: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GTCylinder arrangement V8 Valves per cylinder 4 Displacement 6208 cc Bore x stroke 102.2 x 94.6 mm Compression ratio 11.3:1 Output 583 hp at 6800 rpm Max. torque 479 lb/ft at 4750 rpm Fuel economy 14 city / 20 highway / 15 combined Acceleration 0-60mph 3.6s (est) Top speed 197mph* Please note, preliminary figures. * electronically limited Mercedes-AMG has achieved the output of 583 hp through internal dethrottling measures in conjunction with an increase in peak combustion pressure. The SLS AMG GT M159 6.3-liter eight-cylinder engine responds with even greater agility to accelerator pedal movements and excites with even sportier-tuned performance characteristics. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission located on the rear axle is more direct and aggressive in the manual "M" transmission mode. Thanks to newly developed gear change logic and optimised transmission control, it has been possible to shorten reaction time significantly during shifts. When changing gears manually via the alloy shift paddles on the AMG Performance steering wheel, gear change are executed crisply and markedly quicker than previously – all of which is ideal when striving to achieve ambitious lap times on a closed race circuit. These changes in shift reaction time and feel provide an even more emotional experience for the driver. The automatic double-declutching function when downshifting is also more pronounced in the SLS AMG GT. Due to a modified engine mapping profile that changes the engine torque delivered in manual mode, the shift procedure is even quicker than previously – and is accompanied by some passionate acoustic feedback for the driver. Overall, the optimization of the dual clutch transmission complements the sportier focus of the SLS AMG GT perfectly. New AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension It is not just the enhancements to AMG’s M159 6.3-liter V8 and the optimized dual clutch transmission which are responsible for increasing the driving dynamics of the SLS AMG GT. The newly developed AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension also enhances the vehicle's sportiness. In the case of the SLS AMG GT, Mercedes-AMG has combined the sophisticated suspension layout of twin aluminium wishbones all round with specially tuned variable, electronically controlled dampers. Compared with the AMG Adaptive Suspension from the 2012 Model Year SLS AMG, the new AMG Adapative Performance Suspension for the SLS AMG GT features stiffer and more aggressive spring/damper tuning for a more dynamic feel. "Sport" mode is tuned as the optimum setting for undulating road surfaces and routes requiring increased suspension travel – such as found on rural roads or the legendary North Loop of the Nürburgring, for example. The control algorithm of the AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension reacts best to fluctuations in the road surface with a tendency towards lower/softer damper force levels. The resulting effect is the best possible performance by effectively preventing body roll for enhanced contact with the road when adopting a sporty driving style. The enhanced driving dynamics and even better race track performance are measureable: as part of an internal comparison with the SLS AMG, the SLS AMG GT is able to achieve faster lap times on a race track. "Sport plus" provides higher/firmer damping forces and features specific control algorithms which have been adjusted for a decidedly sporty driving style on routes with a level road surface - such as when trying to achieve ambitious lap times on a race circuit such as Hockenheim. Selection of suspension modes via the AMG DRIVE UNIT Depending on the driving conditions, speed and vehicle load, the AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension adjusts the damping characteristics at lightning speed and automatically reduces the roll angle of the body. The two modes can be selected via a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The activated suspension mode is indicated by means of indicator lamps on the button and the display in the AMG main menu. As standard, the vehicle comes with 265/35 R 19 tires on the front and 295/30 R 20 tires on the rear, fitted to weight-optimized AMG forged light-alloy wheels featuring a 10-spoke design and that are inlayed in a matte black finish and with machine polished high-sheen finish on the face of the wheel. Three additional optional AMG light-alloy wheel styles/colors are also available. Interior with consistently sporty highlights The interior of the SLS AMG GT features a distinctivly sporty design: combining the high-quality, exclusive ambience of a true AMG model with the emotional atmosphere of a racing car. The sports seats covered in designo leather, feature center sections finished in Alcantara® and are accented with an embossed AMG crest on the head restraint. Complimenting the styling design of the seats, Alcantara® is also found as an accent on the door panels. These premium materials are combined with red seat belts, red trimmed floormats and red contrast stitching thoughout the interior on the sports seats, center console, dashboard, and door panels. The high-gloss black trim on the center console and door panels perfectly match the new high-gloss black finish found on the trim rings of the air vents and the real metal insert on the AMG Performance steering wheel. The steering wheel has been enhanced as well with side grips finished in Alcantara®, a flat bottom section and now features a new red 12 o'clock marking for easier orientation while driving. The instrument cluster of the SLS GT has also been visually enhanced with new black dials and a black accent surrounding the LED shift lights. AMG designo STYLE interior package for all SLS AMG GT Also now available with the introduction of the SLS AMG GT, is a new, highly exclusive option in the form of the AMG designo STYLE package. This expressive option is available in three different color combinations in both single and two-tone finishes. It comprises a distinctive upholstery design featuring full designo leather with a contrast stitching and a diamond quilt design on the seats and door panel inserts. Other highlights include designo leather for the entire dashboard, the beltlines, door armrests and the handrest on the centre console. AMG floor mats are in black with porcelain leather edging and the roof lining and parcel shelf (Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster) are finished in porcelain Alcantara.® Seat piping is also finished in contrasting colors which offer an exciting highlight and underscores the exclusive, hand-finished nature of this new styling package. Available color combinations include mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey/porcelain and mystic red/porcelain. Other attractive optional extras for the SLS AMG GT include (extract): AMG carbon-fiber exterior mirrors AMG carbon-fiber engine compartment covers AMG Interior Carbon-Fiber package (carbon-fiber trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels) AMG carbon ceramic high-performance composite braking system AMG Performance Media AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in additional colors AMG carbon-fiber interior trim Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system The specific assembly area for the SLS AMG is located in the largest Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen. The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine comes directly from the AMG engine workshop in Affalterbach, where it is hand-assembled according to the traditional "one man, one engine" philosophy. 40 significant awards for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG The SLS AMG has succeeded in winning numerous comparison tests against a host of international competitors conducted by the international specialist media – both as the gullwing model and the Roadster. Since its world premiere at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2009 and the presentation of the SLS AMG Roadster in May 2011, the super sports car from Mercedes-AMG has picked up a total of 40 awards – including such major prizes as the "German Design Award", the "Red Dot Design Award", the "Golden Steering Wheel 2009", "Classic of the Future", "Sports Car of the Year", "Best Performance Car" and "Legends on Wheels".

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 5, 2012 Volvo appears to have their heart set on a luxury coupe, or that is what Inside Line is reporting. Sources inside Volvo say the company is considering a coupe and convertible that will sit above the current C70. The C90 would compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe and convertible. If given the green light, the C90 will use Volvo's new Scalable Platform Architecture that will underpin the XC90 and other vehicles. Power will come from a range of four-cylinder gas, diesel engines, and a plug-in hybrid model. Source: Inside Line

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 5, 2012 If you were thinking about purchasing a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, you're out of luck for the time being. The Detroit News reports that Chrysler is telling dealers that it's no longer accepting wholesale orders for the new 2012 500 Abarth. When the Abarth went on sale in late April, over a thousand customers had put a deposit down. Fiat decided to up the amount from thousand to 3,000 Abarths to help with increased demand. Sources say the Toluca, Mexico plant building the 500 Abarth has reached its limit. So what does this mean for customers who place an order for Abarth now? They'll be waiting for the 2013 500 Abarths to roll off the line. "The Fiat 500 Abarth is unstoppable. Dealer orders for the Abarth dramatically exceeded the number of units we had scheduled for production. We had to schedule additional production to try and keep up with the demand. Most Abarth units are sold within one day," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Fiat Brand. Source: The Detroit News

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 4, 2012 Nissan made big news earlier this year with promise of five new models over the course of this and next year. So far, we've seen the new Altima and Pathfinder in concept form. Now, some spy shots of the new Sentra have been released. Decorated in zebra camouflage, the next Sentra's shape mimics the new Altima from front to back. Under the hood, Nissan could be placing a 1.8L DI four-cylinder under the hood, which will come with either a CVT or a six-speed manual. Other changes include LED taillights, metal-finish accents on the interior, and a Altima-like instrument panel. Source: Autoblog

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 4, 2012 Chrysler design chief Ralph Gilles says design changes are coming for future Chrysler products. The current lineup is known for their boxy design aesthetic, but Gilles says that's not in line with the industry. Speaking at the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, a gathering of Michigan political and business leaders, Gilles says aerodynamics are becoming an important design aspect. He uses the Audi A7 and the new Toyota Avalon as vehicles that can have the aerodynamic design usually associated with sports cars. "The wind is starting to sculpt these vehicles," Gilles said. Gilles said Chrysler will be abandon the boxy look and go for a sleeker look, starting with the next generation 200 and 300. "We'll have no choice but to be some of the most wind-swept vehicles that you've ever seen." How does Chrysler plan to accomplish this? Gilles told reporters that his design team spends between 200-300 hours in the wind tunnel, analyzing the aerodynamics during the vehicle's design stage. Chrysler has also been putting more emphasis on hiring people with experience in fluid dynamics to help further their understanding on aerodynamics. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 4, 2012 This morning in Texas, Ford pulled the covers off the refreshed 2013 F-150. While not a dramatic refresh, the 2013 F-150 does include a number of enhancements to bring it in line with the rest of the Ford lineup. The exterior gets new grills (XLT and below: two bars. Lariat and above: three bars), optional high-intensity discharge headlamps, and some new 18- and 20-inch wheel options. Also available on the options list are power telescoping and folding outside rearview mirrors. Inside, the F-150 gets a set of revised gauges and a driver-configurable LCD screen sitting in the middle. Also, the higher end F-150s (Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and the new Limited) will get the MyFordTouch infotainment system. Models below that will get a new 4.2-inch LCD center-stack screen that will give more readable radio and HVAC information. The new F-150 arrives later this year. Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Reveals 2013 F-150, Celebrating Rugged F-Series Pickups and 65-Year Future Farmers of America Relationship Today Ford celebrates introduction of the 2013 F-150, featuring updated design and all-new driver controls technology, with Future Farmers of America (FFA) members, alumni and educators Ford Motor Company, a continuous FFA sponsor since 1948, has provided $7.1 million in Built Ford Tough® scholarships to tomorrow’s farmers since 1997 For 2013, F-150 introduces new front-end styling and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch® voice-activated driver controls and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps BRUCEVILLE, Texas, June 4, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today celebrates introduction of the new 2013 Ford F-150 – part of the best-selling line of pickups in America – with the agricultural professionals and leaders of tomorrow. “Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “The 2013 F-150 demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our trucks with new features and capabilities, allowing F-Series owners to be increasingly productive.” For 2013, the Ford F-150 receives new front-end design and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch® with voice-activated driver controls and available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. “Farm families have always represented an important F-Series truck constituency,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager and FFA sponsor board member. “For these multitasking customers, a Ford pickup means family transportation, economic livelihood, rugged capability and reliability. Like FFA, Ford pickups are an enduring agricultural tradition, and we are delighted to join forces with them to reveal the new F-150 models.” America’s pickup For 2013, the most fuel-efficient and capable light-duty pickup on the market continues to push forward with updated design and advanced technologies. F-150 also adds even more breadth to its expansive lineup with a new Limited luxury model and availability of the groundbreaking EcoBoost® engine, powerful 6.2-liter V8, electronic-locking rear axle and Hill Descent Control™. Outside, the F-150 lineup gets bold new grilles combining fresh designs with instantly recognizable F-Series cues highlighted on the XLT model revealed today. New HID projector headlamps are available as a segment-first technology to deliver improved visibility and increase driver confidence. HID technology provides exceptional lighting performance while contributing a distinctive look with stylish L-shaped lamps. F-150 style also is enhanced with new 18- and 20-inch wheels offered in various trim packages. Segment-exclusive power-telescoping and power-folding trailer-tow sideview mirrors add flexibility and convenience when operating in tight quarters, while enabling class-leading visibility. F-150 pickups are available in three new hues including Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic. Truck-focused technology The 2013 Ford F-150 adds Ford’s award-winning SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist® and Vehicle Health Report as standard equipment in XLT series and above. This enables hands-free, voice-activated control of enabled mobile devices. Buyers may choose from an optional suite of SYNC Services, including Traffic Information, Turn-by-Turn Directions, Business Search, Send to SYNC from Google Maps and MapQuest, News, Sports, Weather and Horoscopes. F-150 also introduces SYNC paired with a new 4.2-inch LCD center-stack screen that provides enhanced displays of audio and climate-control functions. In addition, the instrument cluster contains a 4.2-inch driver-configurable LCD productivity screen including menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications. Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum and Limited series models are equipped with SYNC with MyFord Touch, adding voice control to more vehicle systems coupled with an all-new, large 8-inch LCD color touch screen mounted in the center stack. This package adds a media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks. Ford’s unique truck interface allows drivers to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs, such as wearing work gloves. This premium system can be augmented with an available voice-activated Navigation System, SD map-card reader, point-of-interest storage and integrated SiriusXM Travel Link. Interior design The 2013 F-150 offers a range of interior updates. The new 4.2-inch multifunction display and MyFord Touch interfaces gave designers the opportunity to deliver a more modern center stack and control layout. Several new environment colors include a Steel Gray interior on Lariat and a Black interior for King Ranch. Both of these series receive upgraded wood grain appliqués to enhance premium style. The aggressive FX Appearance Package now adds Alcantara seat inserts that amplify its sporty persona. The Platinum series – synonymous with high-end trucks – offers new choices of Black or Pecan leather seating. F-150 continues to offer a wide array of models and packages, allowing buyers to tailor their Ford pickup to their individual needs and preferences. Fuel-efficient capability From the powerful yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost® engine to the mighty 6.2-liter V8, the most powerful eight-cylinder engine in the segment, F-150 offers an engine to meet the needs of every customer. Each engine across the F-150 lineup is mated to a fuel-saving electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, with tow packages and STX series and above adding SelectShift® capability. F-150 engine choices include: 3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6 Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2) Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors 5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8 Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors 21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2) Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors 6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8 Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4x2) Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow 3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost engine 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors Unsurpassed 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway vs. all competitors “The 2013 Ford F-150 adds more style and technology that sets a benchmark for capability and efficiency in light-duty pickups,” said F-150 Marketing Manager Raj Sarkar. “We continue to focus on the no-compromise solution for our customers, giving them all of the conveniences and technologies they want with the capability they need and the fuel efficiency to go further.” FFA and Ford – making a difference Future Farmers of America is a dynamic youth leadership development organization that changes lives by empowering its 540,000 members to set a course for the future. FFA operates within the context of agricultural education to complement classroom and laboratory instruction with hands-on experiential learning, useful life skills and individual motivation. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their leadership potential, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Ford’s FFA alliance gets a boost from supporting Ford dealerships serving agricultural markets. For the 2011-12 academic year, the Built Ford Tough® Scholarship Program and 285 participating Ford dealers awarded a total of 540 individual $1,000 grants for post-secondary education. Now in its 15th year, the Built Ford Tough Scholarship Program, the Ford Fund, and participating Ford dealers have awarded $7.1 million in grants. Built Ford Tough Trucks also sponsors the affiliated National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Lifetime Achievement Awards and an FFA chapter grant program. In 2011, six winning chapters were each awarded a $3,000 grant to support local initiatives. Ford has sponsored FFA since 1948, the same year Ford F-Series pickups first went on sale.