William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 12, 2012 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced has announced plans to update the agency's current vehicle safety standards to include a mandatory brake-throttle override system. The system would ensure that the brake will overpower the gas pedal when the two are applied at the same time and bring the car to a stop. The hope is to curb the amount of unattended acceleration cases. The new standards will apply on all cars, trucks and buses regardless of weight. "America's drivers should feel confident that anytime they get behind the wheel they can easily maintain control of their vehicles - especially in the event of an emergency. By updating our safety standards, we're helping give drivers peace of mind that their brakes will work even if the gas pedal is stuck down while the driver is trying to brake," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a statement. The public will have sixty days to leave a comment on the proposal. Press Release is on Page 2, The Proposal is on Page 3 USDOT Proposes Updated Safety Standard to Prioritize Braking Control, Reduce Risk of High-Speed Unintended Acceleration for Nation's Cars April 12, 2012 'Brake-Throttle Override' requirement will reduce the risk of high-speed unintended acceleration involving a stuck or trapped accelerator pedal WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today proposed to update existing safety standards to ensure drivers can better stop a vehicle in the event both the brake and accelerator pedals are depressed at the same time. NHTSA research indicates a "Brake-Throttle Override" requirement will help reduce the risks of high-speed unintended acceleration and prevent crashes involving a stuck or trapped accelerator pedal by allowing the driver to maintain control through normal application of the vehicle's brakes. "America's drivers should feel confident that anytime they get behind the wheel they can easily maintain control of their vehicles - especially in the event of an emergency," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "By updating our safety standards, we're helping give drivers peace of mind that their brakes will work even if the gas pedal is stuck down while the driver is trying to brake." The NHTSA proposal aims to minimize the risk that drivers will lose control of their vehicles as a result of either accelerator control system disconnections or accelerator pedal sticking or floormat entrapment. The proposal would amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 124, Accelerator Control Systems, by updating the throttle control disconnection test procedures for all passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks and buses, regardless of weight. For vehicles that have Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kilograms) or less, the proposal would also require manufacturers include a Brake-Throttle Override (BTO) system to ensure the vehicle would stop if both the brake and the accelerator pedals are simultaneously applied. Many manufacturers are already including BTO systems in their vehicle fleets. "We learned as part of the comprehensive NASA and NHTSA studies of high-speed unintended acceleration that brake override systems could help drivers avoid crashes," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "While NHTSA's defect investigation program will continue to monitor and consider consumer complaints of any potential vehicle safety issues, this proposal is one way the agency is helping keep drivers safe and continuing to work to reduce the risk of injury from sticky pedals or pedal entrapment issues." Members of the public are encouraged to provide comment on NHTSA's "Brake-Throttle Override" proposal and will have 60 days to do so once the proposal is published in the Federal Register. For additional information on NASA and NHTSA's studies of high-speed unintended acceleration, visit www.nhtsa.gov/UA. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 12, 2012 The Detroit News is reporting the explosion that happened yesterday at the General Motors Tech Center in Warren was caused by gases venting from an experimental battery pack. The explosion which happened yesterday morning in a battery lab was liken to a natural gas explosion. Gases from experimental battery gathered in the room during extreme testing and ignited. The explosion caused damaged to the at least part of the global battery lab inside the Alternative Energy Center and injured five people. GM spokesman Alan Adler said one employee was kept kept overnight at a hospital for observation. Source: The Detroit News View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 12, 2012 We've been talking about the new Jeep Liberty for the past couple of months. We've learned so far the new Liberty will use Fiat's new CUSW Plus platform, and come with a new 3.2L V6 and nine-speed ZF transmission. Now, some new spy shots from Automobile Magazine show a new powertrain undergoing some tests. The spy shots show a raised Alfa Romeo Guiletta mule (Jeep Liberty) wearing a prominent sticker warning that premium gasoline must be used. The front end features a large intercooler. If this Jeep mule does have a turbocharged engine, it could be the 1.4L turbo four from that will be offered in the 2013 Dodge Dart. Also, there is a rumored turbocharged version of the Tigershark 2.4L four-cylinder. Source: Car & Driver View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 11, 2012 Despite an early peek in a press photo for the new GLK, Mercedes-Benz has now revealed the lightly facelifted 2013 G-Class. The G-Class' shape continues to be same albeit with some minor changes for 2013; a restyled grille, with standard models receiving three prominent slats new LED running lights, redesigned side-mirror housings, new tail lamps, and a new set of alloy wheels. Powertrains include the 5.5L V8 (G550) producing 388 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque and a 5.4L turbocharged V8 (G63 AMG) producing 544 HP and 560 lb-ft of torque. Elsewhere, the G-Class will also come with 3.0L turbodiesel and a turbocharged V12 AMG version. All powertrains will go through Mercedes-Benz's seven-speed 7G-tronic gearbox, with the G63 AMG getting a standard automatic stop/start function. Power is sent to all four wheels with a trio of differential locks providing added traction while going off the road. Inside, the G-Class gets a new gage package and the latest version of Mercedes-Benz's COMMAND infotainment system. The new G-Class makes its debut at the Beijing motor show later this month, with sales beginning in August. Press Release is on Page 2 The New 2013MY G-Class Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly restyled the G-Class, its iconic luxury off-road vehicle. In particular, the interior is characterized by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials, and the instrument cluster and center console have been completely redesigned. The driver is greeted by a new color instrument cluster display between two new round dials. Other standard features include the latest COMAND infotainment system featuring mbrace2, including a navigation system and internet access. New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the exterior appearance of the luxury off-roader. New standard safety features include the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS. A new addition to the range is the 2013 G63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO stop/start system as standard. The 2013MY G-Class will be in U.S. showrooms this August. Since it was originally conceived in 1979 as a vehicle to be used primarily in tough off-road terrain, the G-Class has undergone an astounding evolution. Over the course of 33 years, Mercedes-Benz has refined what was initially a very practically-oriented off-road specialist by giving it a premium interior and road-going qualities on par with those of the premium sedans from Mercedes-Benz. The G-Class today is considered the top model among luxury-class cross-country vehicles, and has provided the gene pool for other very successful SUVs built under the Mercedes-Benz brand. The G-Class has been voted off­roader of the year countless times over the past years, most recently this year. A comprehensive range of features ensures that this classic cross-country vehicle remains in a class of its own in the off-road sector. These highlights include new engines, a significantly extended range of appointments, a new, even more luxurious interior and a few discreet external modifications that nevertheless manage to preserve the timeless, classic design – virtually unchanged since 1979 – that has made the G-Class a true automotive style icon. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years. In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state-of-the­art, powerful engines, a further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features, as well, of course, as its now legendary off-road capabilities. At the same time the design remains true to its down-to-earth, unmistakable style.” Discreet exterior modifications, a complete new look inside The external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors. The AMG version also features a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvers, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake calipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the emotive appeal of its exterior. The instrument panel and center console have been completely redesigned to include new controls and generously proportioned, exclusively designed trim elements. These give the interior of the SUV a fresh, premium look. Drivers will now find a TFT color display in the instrument cluster between the two round gauges. A large color screen, conveniently positioned in the center, is part of the COMAND system and incorporates a DVD changer and the standard COMAND Controller. This new infotainment system offers, amongst other features, a navigation system with special additional off-road functions, voice-operated controls and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. In order to ensure that the G-Class nevertheless does not lose any of its character, certain specific design elements in the interior have been preserved. The G-Class retains the grab handle on the front-passenger side, the switches for the three differential locks – clearly aligned within the driver’s field of vision and highlighted in silver trim – and the redesigned shift lever in the lower section of the center console. New standard safety features include DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera. The ESP® system has been completely revised and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function. Further individualization options from the exclusive designo range are available as enhancements to what is already a very high-quality interior. Sophisticated engines with high power reserves The available engines for the 2013 G-Class include the powerful 5.5-litre V8 gasoline engine in the G550, which has an output of 388 hp and offers excellent torque of 391 lb-ft. The engine is mated to the familiar 7-speed automatic transmission. This sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1960 has once again been thoroughly revised, and optimized with regard to both consumption and comfort. New to the range is the G63 AMG with V8 biturbo engine with 544 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque, which features the ECO stop/stop system as standard. Superior off-roader The technical qualities of the G-Class continue to be highly prized. The tremendous torque of its engines makes the luxury off-roader an excellent vehicle for towing, while its three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle characteristics make it an unrivalled proposition in rough, off-road terrain. Quick Reference Performance/Availability: On-Sale: August 2012 2013 G550: 388hp, 391 lb-ft (Previously 382hp, 391 lb-ft) 2013 G63 AMG: 544hp, 560 lb-ft New Standard Feature Highlights: PARKTRONIC Blind Spot Assist DISTRONIC PLUS LED Daytime Running Lights Color instrument cluster display Tablet-style COMAND screen COMAND Controller mbrace2 New Optional Feature Highlights: G63 AMG variant Red brake calipers (G63 AMG) View full article