William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 17, 2012 Ford has announced today that dealers will begin taking orders on the new C-Max Hybrid, due out later this fall. The C-Max Hybrid will carry a base price tag of $25,995 (excluding destination charge), which undercuts its closest competitor, the Toyota Prius V by $500. The C-Max Hybrid will come equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack delivering an estimated 141 HP. Fuel economy numbers hasn't been released, but Ford does say it will be America’s most “fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle”. Features for the C-Max Hybrid include hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, active park assist, MyFordTouch, and SmartGauge with EcoGuide. SmartGauge with EcoGuide shows real-time fuel economy and uses gauges to help drivers maintain a fuel-efficient driving style. Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Begins Taking Orders for C-MAX Hybrid – America's Most Affordable, Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Utility Vehicle Ford dealers are now taking orders for the Ford C-MAX Hybrid, which will be more affordable than Toyota Prius v while achieving better fuel economy Class-exclusive technologies include hands-free liftgate, active park assist for easier parallel parking and next-generation SmartGauge® with EcoGuide to help customers increase their fuel economy C-MAX will launch this fall as part of Ford's power of choice strategy to deliver leading fuel economy across its lineup while tripling electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013 DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2012 – Ford dealers are starting to place orders for America's most affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle – the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid – with innovative technologies such as a hands-free liftgate, spaciousness for five passengers and cargo as well as the fun-to-drive character shared with well-handling cars including Ford Focus. The C-MAX is a compact hybrid utility vehicle and the company's first dedicated line of hybrids. The 2013 C-MAX Hybrid will be available this fall with a base price of $25,995 – approximately $500 lower than the Toyota Prius v's base price. The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid will follow later this year with better electric-mode fuel economy and overall driving range than the Prius plug-in hybrid. "C-MAX Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology and functionality than Prius v – and C-MAX Hybrid customers will pay less at the dealership and at the pump," said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "Ford is delivering the power of choice for leading fuel economy across its lineup – from EcoBoost to electrified vehicles – because customers increasingly want to save money at the pump, even as gas prices rise over time." The C-MAX Hybrid blends fuel economy with performance, with projected best-in-class horsepower and torque along with Ford's third-generation powersplit technology that allows for higher speed while in electric mode than Toyota Prius v. C-MAX Hybrid benefits from 20 years of research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology driving it, with many of Ford's almost 500 hybrid vehicle-related patents contained within. That means that along with SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, drivers get class-exclusive features like hands-free liftgate (offering hands-free cargo access with a simple kicking motion), SmartGauge® with EcoGuide, regenerative braking and an advanced lithium-ion (li-ion) battery pack that is being used for the first time in a Ford hybrid. C-MAX Hybrid – being built on Ford's global C-segment platform – also benefits from a proven design and nameplate with more than 156,000 units of the gasoline version sold in Europe since its 2010 launch. Room to move C-MAX Hybrid is a compact hybrid utility vehicle jam-packed with features and room for five people and cargo. The vehicle has a high roofline (63.9 inches) offering ample interior space and flexibility. C-MAX Hybrid offers 99.7 cubic feet of passenger space compared with 97 cubic feet in Prius v. The spacious C-MAX Hybrid also provides greater headroom in both front and rear seats than Prius v (41/39.4 inches vs. 39.6/38.6 inches). For cargo, C-MAX Hybrid has 60/40 split-fold rear seats that easily fold flat with 54.3 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 24.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Tech-savvy C-MAX Hybrid features the company's innovative hands-free liftgate, allowing for quick and easy access to the cargo area without messing with keys. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob the user keeps in his or her pocket or purse that tells the car it's OK to engage. The same motion can close the liftgate. The vehicle also features the newest version of MyFord Touch to help inform, enlighten, engage and empower drivers. MyFord Touch offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs. C-MAX Hybrid also offers the next generation of SmartGauge with EcoGuide. Designed to help drivers get the most from the C-MAX Hybrid, information such as instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed on the left cluster to help drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects the vehicle's efficiency. The left cluster also shows Brake Coach, a feature that helps drivers optimize their use of the braking system so that driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques. In the right cluster, redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency – as drivers improve their efficient driving, they are rewarded with more leaves. Quality and ingenuity The 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is new, but its software and hardware technology have been evolving for nearly two decades. C-MAX Hybrid is powered through the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Hybrid uses the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine – a powerful and fuel-efficient engine and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered. The electric motor of the C-MAX Hybrid is powered by an advanced li-ion battery system designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Ford's critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles. C-MAX Hybrid also offers Ford's next-generation powersplit architecture that allows the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions and work with the engine at higher speeds. In the C-MAX Hybrid, the li-ion battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. Further, the regenerative braking system can recapture more than 95 percent of the braking energy that would otherwise be lost, and is able to use that power to help charge the battery. C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging. Made in U.S.A. C-MAX Hybrid is being produced at Ford's Wayne, Mich.-based Michigan Assembly Plant alongside Focus, Focus Electric and Focus ST. More information about MAP can be found online here. It is one of five electrified vehicles Ford plans to produce in North America in 2012. In addition to C-MAX Energi, the other vehicles include Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. More information about Ford's electrified vehicle lineup can also be found online here. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 17, 2012 The Porsche "Baby Boxster", the long rumored roadster that would become the entry-level model for Porsche appears to be canned. We had previously reported on the "Baby Boxter" troubled fate back in January when the Volkswagen Bluesport project also looked to be faltering. In a interview with German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung, Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller said the company has dropped plans to build a sub-Boxster, a move that could likewise seal the fate of the Volkswagen sister car. "We would do no good to the brand if we were to lose traditional Porsche customers" by pursuing a smaller Boxster model, said Muller. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 17, 2012 After months of speculation, rumor, and hearsay, GM let the cat out of the bag today. Coming late next year as a 2014 model, the Chevrolet SS RWD sedan. (Yes, SS is the actual name). The SS sedan will be based on the Holden Commodore sedan and it will be it will be used by NASCAR Sprint Cup teams starting at the 2013 Daytona 500. At the moment, Chevrolet isn't saying much about specifics. We're expecting a small-block V8, manual transmission option, and to be sold in limited numbers. “As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale. The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America in a press release. The lead up related to this: Chevy’s Upcoming SS Sedan May Give Way to a New Ute and Wagon Did OnStar Accidentally Confirm An SS Model In 2014? Rumorpile: GM Trademarks SS... Why Now? Impala Leaping Out of NASCAR, Unnamed Model Taking Its Place Press Release in on Page 2 Chevrolet Announces New SS Performance Sedan Will compete in 2013 NASCAR and arrive in showrooms as 2014 model DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced the return of a V-8 powered, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan to the U.S. lineup, the Chevrolet SS. The SS will also be Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar and will debut in its race configuration at the 2013 Daytona 500. The limited production version of the Chevrolet SS will be a 2014 model and will arrive in dealer showrooms in late 2013. It is the first time in 17 years that Chevrolet will offer a rear-wheel-drive sedan for sale in the United States. Chevrolet has a long history of using the SS (Super Sport) designation on high-performance models of some of its most enduring nameplates. The SS designation first appeared in 1957 on a Corvette prototype race car built under the guidance of Zora Arkus-Duntov with the plan to enter it in the Le Mans 24-hour race. The first production vehicle offered with an SS option was the 1961 Impala – 453 were built with the performance upgrades which included a modified chassis and suspension, power brakes, a steering column mounted tachometer and unique wheels and tires. The latest SS model in the Chevrolet lineup is the fifth-generation Camaro, which debuted in 2010. The Chevrolet SS will be a derivative of the award-winning global rear-wheel-drive architecture that spawns performance vehicles like Chevrolet Camaro and Holden’s upcoming VF Commodore. The much anticipated Australian-built car will benefit from significant technology advances which enhance overall performance. “As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it.” Chevrolet was America’s best-selling performance car brand in 2011 with Camaro and Corvette accounting for one out of every three sports cars sold in the United States. The addition of the SS should strengthen Chevrolet’s position as a leading performance brand. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 17, 2012 Fisker has a lot of problems: money, delays, and an investigation into a Karma fire are just some of them. And it doesn't look like the problems are going to end soon. Inside EVs got their hands on some leaked documents that were dated "a few weeks ago" dealing with the new Atlantic sedan. First the bad news. Originally, Fisker said that production would begin in late 2012 before hitting the market in early 2013. The leaked document states “negotiations with the DoE have become more complicated and are expected to take longer than originally expected”, delaying the Atlantic’s 2013 launch by several months. In fact, Fisker's Deleware plant won’t even begin building prototypes until mid-2013, with full production not expected to begin in mid-2014. The documents also reveal other details about the Atlantic, including pricing and performance specs. The Atlantic will use a 300 HP engine from BMW that's capable of a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds and get emissions of 50g of CO2 per km. Pricing will be around the $50,000-$60,000 range, putting it in the same company with the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF. When asked by AutoblogGreen about the documents, a Fisker representative said, "As these documents are obviously leaked investor documents and highly confidential, I am not prepared to comment any further." Source: Inside EVs, AutoblogGreen Related: Fisker Atlantic makes its debut in New York View full article

Compact

So far, the Verano is doing a great job with the Detroit Roads: soaking up the bumps and potholes. Coming from the Malibu Eco, I'm finding the Verano an improvement. Its somewhat hard to gauge corners and backup in certain situations, but I'm ok with it. Yes, it has Buick IntelliLink. I can't really answer the comparison with SYNC since I haven't played with it. I hope to fix that soon. Somehow I'm averaging 28 MPG in mixed driving at the moment, I keep updating on this. I think both are very appealing, it depends on what you want. For me, I would with the Verano at the moment. But that could change when I get the chance to drive the 2.5L Malibu I'm finding the back seats comfortable with a good amount of headroom. Legroom is ok, but taller passengers will complain