William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 7, 2012 While GM has shelved their small diesel for their half-ton trucks, Ram looks to be soldiering on with their plans for a diesel 1500. Some new spy shots have caught a Ram 1500 single-cab with an odd thing. On this truck, the rear fender happens to be covered with soot, leading us to believe this happens to be a diesel 1500. Left Lane News speculates that under the hood lies a version of the Italian-built VM Motori 3.0L diesel V6 that will power the 2013/2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 3.0L V6 produces 240 HP and over 400 lb-ft. of torque. Source: Left Lane News View full article

Next month.. R/T and the 2.4L will follow along sometime in the third quarter

Whenever we decide to stock up clutches They're coming..

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 2, 2012 If you have been wondering why there has been a lack of news here on Cheers & Gears for the past couple of days, I can explain why. Right now I'm in Austin and just finished up driving the new Dodge Dart. I will have a first drive report sometime next week, but I wanted to give some quick impressions about it. Compared to the Caliber, the Dart is a drastic 180 turn. The Dart's overall look has a lot of Italian influence with smooth surfaces and sexy curves. But the Dart is still a Dodge and lets you know about it. The front carries Dodge's crosshair grill. Step around the back and the back light bar from the Challenger and Charger makes an appearance. As for the Dart's interior, its a massive step forward with flowing lines, soft touch materials, and technologies like an optional 8-inch touchscreen. One downside is lack of legroom for back seat passengers. Three powertrains are available for the Dart: a 2.0L Tigershark four-cylinder, a 1.4T four-cylinder, and a 2.4L Tigershark four. At the Dart event, only the 2.0L and 1.4T were available to drive. The 2.4L four will be out later this year with the R/T. The 2.0L Tigershark produces 160 HP and 148 lb-ft of torque and can go through either a six-speed manual or automatic. During the drive, I found 2.0L and automatic to be a fine companion as power came smoothly, even though you had to climb above 3,000 RPMs to find it. Dodge says the Dart gets fuel economy of 25 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. During the time I had behind the wheel, I averaged about 29 MPG. As the 1.4T, I didn't get the chance to drive it due to the models equipped came as six-speed manuals and I can't drive a manual. A dual-clutch transmission is due out later this year and hopefully I will get the chance to check it out. As for the drive, the Dart is a sweetheart. The Dart's suspension tip toes the lines of sport and comfort. One moment, the Dart provides excellent handling around the twisty roads of Texas. The next, the Dart is providing a smooth and quiet ride. Steering is heavy and direct, something that is very appricated. I will have more thoughts on the Dart later next week. If you guys have any questions, I will do my best to answer them. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 1, 2012 From the Twilight Zone file: USA Today reports that 6.5% of new vehicles sold in the first quarter were equipped with a manual transmission, which is more than double of vehicles sold with them in 2007. It's also the highest amount since 2006 when 7.2% vehicles were sold with manual transmission. The take rate is more impressive when you take into account that 19% of the 2,360 different models on sale offer a manual. The increase is attributed to the lower prices of manual transmission vehicles, fun factor, and ease of operation. The increased interest of manual transmissions by buyers have surprised automakers. For example, Ford says that 10% of Focus demand is for a manual transmission. Orignally, Ford had planned on 4 to 4.5% demand for a manual. Source: USA Today View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 1, 2012 Thanks to the folks at FordSTNation.com, we know now what the starting price of the 2013 Ford Focus ST will be. $23,700 (excluding the $795 destination charge) will get you into a 247 HP hot hatch according to a leaked spec sheet. The pricetag undercuts the four-door GTI by a $100 and the Mazdaspeed3 by $300. The spec sheet also reveals two equipment groups adding on an additional $2,505 and $4,840. A fully loaded ST will cost around $29,000. Source: FordSTNation.com via The Truth About Cars View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 29, 2012 For the past six months, we've been following rumors about what will replace Volkswagen's 2.5L five-cylinder engine that is used in the Jetta, Golf, Beetle, and Passat. Last November, a report from Car & Driver stated the 2.5L will be replaced by a 1.8T. Then in January, Volkswagen executives hinted the Jetta, Beetle, and Golf could get the 1.4T that will be under the hood of the upcoming Jetta Hybrid. Now, Car & Driver reports the 1.8T for the Jetta, Beetle, and Golf is back on the table according to a source. Car & Driver speculates with Volkswagen's ambitious sales goal by 2018, it will be more efficient and more cost-effective to minimize the number of engines it offers. Source: Car & Driver View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 29, 2012 This past week at the SAE World Congress in Detroit, Google says that self-driving cars can be on U.S. roads within the next few years. We don't know what it's going to take to show its safer than a driver. It's much sooner than the next decade," said Google project manager Anthony Levandowski. Levandowski revealed that Google is in talks with auto makers and suppliers about working with them on the technology. "All options are open. From giving the technology away to licensing it to working with Tier 1s, Tier 2s, working with the OEMs, building a car with them, everything is open and we're trying to figure out which paths make the most sense. We're talking to basically every car company to see what their level of excitement is and how do we work with them." But before Google's prediction of self-driving cars on roads within the next few years come true, there will be many legal and insurance hurdles to get over. So far, Google has successfully lobbied legislation in Nevada for testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads. Google is now in talks with insurance companies about creating policies that would cover autonomous vehicle owners. Also, the company is planning to log at least 1 million miles on the technology before its allowed in the real world. Currently, Google said they have logged about 250,000 miles on their fleet of ten Toyota Priuses. Source: The Detroit News View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 27, 2012 Ferrari's replacement for the Enzo supercar will be the prancing horse's first hybrid. "We are entering the market with our Formula One-derived hybrid system, which will slash fuel consumption and increase performance," said Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa. The hybrid system, called HY-KERS, improves fuel consumption by 40% while slashing the time it takes to accelerate from 0 to 124 MPH by 3 seconds compared with a Ferrari model without the system in testing. Ferrari says the system will add about 265 pounds to a car. To help offset the addition, Ferrari will cut more weight out and use more carbon fiber. Source: Autoweek View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 26, 2012 It only seemed like a few months ago when Ford was showing off the new GT500 at the L.A. Auto Show and it was announced that it would be producing 650 HP and 600 lb-ft of torque. However, the GT500 wasn't certified by the SAE. If a report from the Team Shelby message board prove to be accurate, the 2013 GT500 has finally gotten its official figures. Those figures are 662 HP and 630 lb-ft of torque. Jamal Hameedi, Ford’s SVT team chief engineer and Jim Owens, Vice President of marketing for Shelby revealed the data during an interview. Source: Team Shelby Forum View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 26, 2012 General Motors' CEO, Dan Akerson recently said that he would like to see GM’s next CEO come from within the company ranks. “My preference would be for it to be an internal candidate just because as you might expect, in any company in any industry, it’s less disruptive,” Akerson said at the 2012 Automotive News China Conference. Akerson told The Wall Street Journal earlier this month that GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky is on the list of candidates with a shot at replacing him as CEO. Also on that list are North America chief Mark Reuss and global product head Mary Barra. When asked how long he would continue on as GM CEO, Akerson hinted at a timeframe of two to five years. "I owe the board, as every CEO does, what happens if I get run over today? What would I recommend you do, tomorrow? But that's not what we're really worried about. We're worried about what happens two to five years from now." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 26, 2012 Audi has given their midsize crossover, the Q5, a mid-cycle refresh. Not that you actually can tell on the outside or the inside. Both got subtle styling changes and updates. The big news on the Q5 refresh is what lies under the hood. The only engine sticking around is the base 2.0T with 225 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. Everything else is all new. Replacing the 3.2L V6 is Audi's supercharged 3.0T (don't ask why they didn't use an S instead of a T) producing 272 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque. Also, coming is a 3.0L diesel churning out 245 hp and a eye-watering 428 lb-ft of torque and a Hybrid model that pairs the 2.0L Turbo and a 54 HP electric motor which together produce 245 HP and 354 lb-ft of torque. Press Release is on Page 2 High-performance SUV with many talents – the updated Audi Q5 - Completely updated Q5 model series - New engine-transmission pairings are up to 15 percent more efficient - Audi connect services set new benchmark for infotainment INGOLSTADT, Germany, Apr 24, 2012 - Sporty, spacious, comfortable and multifunctional – the Audi Q5 has a versatile and successful character. Now the mid-class SUV is even more attractive, efficient and sporty – adding many new solutions in design, infotainment, chassis and engines. The Q5 hybrid quattro, the brand’s first production hybrid model, unites the power of a V6 with the fuel economy of a four cylinder. Engines Audi is launching its updated Q5 with five engine options: three TDI and two TFSI engines. All of these engines combine direct fuel injection with charging, and a start-stop system is standard in all versions. Although most of the engines have enhanced performance, their fuel consumption values were reduced by up to 15 percent. The most efficient Q5 series engine is the 2.0 TDI; Audi offers it in two versions. In the version with 105 kW (143 hp) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque, the four-cylinder engine in combination with manual transmission and front-wheel drive has an average fuel consumption of 5.3 liters of diesel per 100 km (44.38 US mpg) – and a CO2 equivalent of 139 grams per km (223.70 g/mile). The 75 liter (19.81 US gallon) fuel tank enables driving ranges of up to 1,400 km (870 miles). The Audi Q5 with 130 kW (177 hp) and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque (with S tronic and quattro drive) has a fuel consumption value of 6.0 liters per 100 km (39.20 US mpg). The 3.0 TDI delivers 180 kW (245 hp) and 580 Nm (427.79 lb-ft) of torque. The V6 diesel – which appears in a new, advanced design and is always paired with a seven-speed S tronic and quattro drive system – accelerates the Q5 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 US mpg). The gasoline engines of the updated Audi Q5 also feature state-of-the-art technology. A highlight of the TFSI engine line-up is the new two-liter, four-cylinder engine that has numerous innovations such as in the control of valves and their stroke, innovative thermal management, the fuel injection system, turbocharger and integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head. The new 2.0 TFSI outputs 165 kW (225 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft). Its fuel consumption (with a manual transmission) is 7.6 liters per 100 km (30.95 US mpg). Producing even more power is the new 3.0 TFSI – the three-liter V6 with supercharging, which replaces the 3.2-liter engine. This engine outputs 200 kW (272 hp) of power and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque. Key performance data: zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds, top speed 234 km/h (145.40 mph), combined fuel consumption of 8.5 liters per 100 km (27.67 US mpg). Transmissions Each of the engines in the updated Q5 has an optimal transmission system. The four-cylinder engine operates with a manual six-speed transmission as standard equipment. The highly convenient eight-speed tiptronic is available as an option for the 2.0 TFSI with 165 kW (225 hp); it is standard in the 3.0 TFSI. The sporty seven-speed S tronic, on the other hand, is standard in the 3.0 TDI and available as an option in the 2.0 TDI with 130 kW (177 hp). The transmissions are integrated in the innovative thermal management system of the four-cylinder versions, a system that significantly shortens the warm-up phase after a cold start. All transmissions have wide gear spreads – the long gear ratios in the upper gears reduce fuel consumption, while the short gear ratios of the lower gears improve dynamic performance in highway driving. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is standard with all but one engine – only the 2.0 TDI with 105 kW (143 hp) has front-wheel drive. Normally, the center differential distributes engine power to the rear and front axle at a ratio of 60:40, but it can redistribute the power at lightning speed when necessary. The torque vectoring system finishes its job with finely tuned brake interventions. Chassis The chassis of the Audi Q5 – with its five-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension – adds new refinement and comfort in the characteristics of the springs, shock absorbers and stabilizers. The new electro­mechanical power steering system gives the driver a better feel for the road with direct gearing. The system – which adjusts its power assist to vehicle speed – does not consume any energy in straight-line driving, reducing fuel consumption by about 0.2 liters per 100 km. The Q5 has 17-inch aluminum wheels and size 235/65 tires (18-inch wheels from 165 kW [225 hp]). Audi and quattro GmbH can deliver wheels with up to 20-inch diagonals and tires up to 255/45. Customers who are particularly focused on sports performance can order the S line sport suspension. The electromechanical parking brake may be supplemented with the optional Audi hold assist, and the standard downhill assist function controls vehicle speed on steep descents. Electronic stabilization control (ESC) adapts its interventions to characteristics of the road surface. Another high-end feature in the Audi Q5 is the Audi drive select system. It lets the driver vary the characteristic of the accelerator pedal, the shift points of the automatic transmission, amount of power steering assist and operation of the automatic air conditioning system via four modes, including an efficiency mode. When an Audi navigation system is ordered, a fifth mode is added that is largely user-programmable. In addition, three optional components may be integrated in Audi drive select. They are adaptive cruise control, chassis with damping control and dynamic steering, in which the steering gear ratio is modified as a function of vehicle speed via a harmonic drive system. At performance limits in driving through curves, it compensates for understeer and oversteer by intervening with slight steering pulses. The Audi Q5 also performs very well on rugged terrain. Its maximum climbing angle is 31 degrees. The vehicle’s approach and departure angles are each 25 degrees, while its ramp angle is 17 degrees. The vehicle’s ground clearance measures 20 centimeters (7.87 inches). Exterior styling The Audi Q5 is progressive and sporty, spacious and functional. Its styling, with a coupe-like roof line and wrap-around tailgate, visualizes all of these properties – and it is now acquiring distinctive new traits. The interior design of the headlights has been modified; the LED daytime running lights of the optional xenon plus units are shaped as curved bands that surround the headlights. Audi also offers the optional adaptive light with dynamic cornering light and static turning light. The horizontal lines of the high-performance SUV’s front end are emphasized more strongly. The high-gloss black Singleframe grille has beveled upper edges; its vertical chrome struts and the Audi rings have a sculpted look. The modified bumpers integrate air inlets with high-gloss black inserts and fog lights with chrome rings. When xenon plus headlights are ordered, the tail lights are also designed with a layout of visually uniform LED light bands. The diffuser insert and the tailpipes that taper at the bottom have been redesigned – in two versions, depending on the engine. Roof rails and crossbars are standard equipment. There is a range of 15 colors, including four new colors. As options, Audi can deliver an S line exterior package or an offroad styling package; both give the Q5 a unique look with their design details and the colors of add-on parts. The updated SUV is 4.63 meters (15.19 feet) long, 1.90 meters (6.23 feet) wide and 1.65 meters (5.41 feet) tall. Its drag coefficient is 0.33 and its frontal area is 2.65 m2 (28.52 square feet); the curb weight of the base version is 1,755 kg (3,869.11 lb). The engine hood and trunk lid consist of aluminum, while a large share of the car’s structural elements integrate ultra-high-strength steels; they reduce weight and improve crash safety. The high-performance SUV’s interior has a solid and highly comfortable look. Audi received the “Euro Car Body Award” for the Q5 body – the most prestigious award in car design. Interior The interior of the Audi Q5 has made additional strides in refined styling. Many of the user controls have narrow chrome trim; the steering column control stalks, ignition key and instruments were given subtle modifications. The narrow panels of the center console are high-gloss black. All steering wheel versions, including versions with shift paddles, reflect the new Q-specific styling. The ergonomics have also been fine-tuned. The central media component, MMI navigation plus, now has four buttons, and its volume dial has an additional skip function. Other refinements have been made to the controls for the seat heating, the new highly efficient air conditioning system, the Audi drive select system and the multifunction steering wheel. Extras worthy of special mention are the convenience key, three-zone automatic air conditioning system and climate-controlled comfort seats with a ventilation function. The panoramic glass roof also creates a pleasant atmosphere in the interior. An uncompromisingly high quality of workmanship is a matter of pride at Audi. Selections of materials, colors and upholstery fabrics have been updated – three new interior colors, three fabric and three leather qualities and a total of 35 different combinations offer plenty of latitude when it comes to customization. Large fabric-upholstered surfaces are standard on the door trim panels; inlay options include three wood veneers and one aluminum version. The S line sport package offers a black interior; sport seats and elegant trim components make it even more elegant. The package is completed by 19-inch wheels with 235/55 tires, a sport suspension and the exclusive exterior color Daytona Grey, pearl effect. The design packages, Audi exclusive program and Audi exclusive line offer other exclusive choices. The Audi Q5 is a car with outstanding practical talents when it comes to recreational and family activities. It offers ample interior space with a long wheelbase of 2.81 meters (9.22 feet). The seatback angles can be adjusted on the rear seats. When these seats are folded – which is very easy using the remote seatback unlatching feature – the cargo capacity increases from 540 to 1,560 liters (19.07 to 55.09 cubic feet). Audi offers an optional rail system for the cargo space, an electric drive for the tailgate, folding front passenger seatback and rear seating system with ten centimeters (3.94 inches) of longitudinal adjustment together with cargo pass-through feature. The Audi Q5 is also a powerful towing vehicle with up to 2.4 metric tons of trailer load, depending on the engine and hill incline. Driver assistance systems In the updated Q5, the driving is relaxed and carefree – in part due to the highly developed assistance systems from Audi. The driver information system with rest recommendation is a standard feature. If the system detects that the driver’s attentiveness is waning – based on steering wheel movements and other parameters – it recommends that the driver take a break from driving. Assuming a central role among the optional assistance systems is adaptive cruise control. The radar-based cruise control system controls the distance to the car ahead in traffic; at speeds under 30 km/h (18.64 mph) it can initiate hard braking if it detects an impending collision. Audi active lane assist can support the driver with small steering interventions to stay on track in a lane. Audi side assist monitors the space behind the Q5 to support the driver in changing lanes. Infotainment systems and Audi connect Audi offers a broad selection of infotainment systems in the updated Q5. Positioned at the top: the Bang & Olufsen sound system and MMI navigation plus with a large hard drive, seven-inch color monitor, 3D graphics and DVD player. Many system details have been improved, e.g. voice control and the optional digital radio reception. The system is a standard feature in the Q5 hybrid quattro, together with the Audi sound system and color driver information system. The Bluetooth car phone online perfectly complements MMI navigation plus. Its integrated WLAN hotspot lets passengers surf the Internet and email with their mobile devices. For the driver, it brings customized Audi connect online services into the car, such as Google Point of Interest search by voice control, navigation with Google Earth images and Google Street View. Audi traffic information online, a service of Audi connect, offers the driver up-to-the-minute information about traffic on the selected route. Another new feature is the smartphone app Audi music stream. Q5 drivers can use it to receive more than 5,000 Internet radio stations, and they can save their favorites to their cell phones. The selected program accesses MMI navigation plus via WLAN, and its audio signal is output over the audio system loudspeakers. Web radio is also controlled from the vehicle’s user terminal. Audi Q5 hybrid quattro The Q5 hybrid quattro, the first hybrid model from Audi, is designed as a highly efficient parallel hybrid. Propulsive power is supplied by a 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque as well as an electric motor with a peak output of 40 kW (54 hp) and peak torque of 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft). Together, the two power sources can briefly output a system power of 180 kW (245 hp) and a system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.1 seconds and can reach a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). In pure electric mode, it can cover up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph). In this mode, its top speed is 100 km/h (62.14 mph), while its combined fuel consumption is just 6.9 liters per 100 km (34.09 US mpg). A highly modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission transfers engine power to the drivetrain without requiring a torque converter; its mounting space is taken by the electric motor, which is combined with a multi-plate clutch. The clutch engages and disengages the electric motor and the TFSI. A compact and lightweight lithium-ion battery system with 1.3 kWh energy capacity stores electrical energy. A complex air cooling system maintains battery temperatures within a suitable window. The driver switches between the three driving modes with a button and with the tiptronic gear selection lever. The EV characteristic map prioritizes the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the internal combustion engine and electric motor. The S mode and the manual shift gate of the tiptronic are configured for a sporty style of driving. Within these constraints, the hybrid control module chooses the best operating mode at any given time. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro can be driven with just the TFSI, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. It can also recover energy during deceleration, or it can boost output for powerful acceleration when both drives work together. Outside, the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro can be recognized by its fully painted bumpers and by the hybrid-specific ten-arm turbine design of its wheels. 19-inch wheels are standard; 20-inch wheels are optional. Inside, special instruments display the hybrid’s operating state – such as the powermeter, which replaces the tachometer. Prices Despite extensive vehicle upgrading and the addition of new features, the price of the Audi Q5 has barely risen for customers. For example, the 2.0 TDI with 130 kW (177 hp) costs just 150 euros more than the previous model with 125 kW (170 hp); its base price is 39,900 euros. The high-performance SUV will arrive at dealers later this summer. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 25, 2012 A few days after we caught wind of GM trademarking the SS nameplate, a blogger uncovered an interesting entry in a OnStar document. Christopher Price found on OnStar's vehicle compatibility guide that the 2014 Chevrolet lineup includes an "SS Performance" entry. Could this be the mysterious RWD Chevrolet sedan that we've been hearing about for the past few months? Source: christopherprice.net, Motoramic View full article