William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 11, 2012 CBS Detroit affiliate WWJ reports that the GM Tech Center in Warren was rocked by an explosion earlier this morning. Deputy Fire Chief Gary Wilkinson said the explosion happened around 8:50 a.m. at the Alternative Energy Center research center. The cause of the explosion is likely a lithium-ion battery. Wilkinson also said two people have been rushed to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, although a statement released by GM says one has been sent. GM spokesman Greg Martin told The Detroit News, "We’re aware of an incident this morning at one of our labs at the GM Tech Center that required a fire and emergency response. All employees are accounted for, and we’re trying to learn more details and we’ll share them when we can.” We'll update this story as soon as we get more information. UPDATE: Green Car Reports published a statement from GM about the explosion. GM says the explosion was unrelated to the Chevrolet Volt or any other production vehicle, instead saying it was a prototype battery undergoing extreme testing. Source: CBS Detroit, The Detroit News, Green Car Reports View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 11, 2012 The sub-compact market is heating up with vehicles like the Chevrolet Sonic, Kia Rio, and Hyundai Accent providing tough competition. One of the vehicles who kicked off the return of sub-compact vehicles, the Ford Fiesta, is getting a refresh. Car & Driver got their hands on some spy shots of a Ford Fiesta hatchback and sedan undergoing some testing. The Fiesta will take on some Ford's design cues seen on the Taurus and new Fusion. The front end will get an Aston Martin-esk grill layout and new headlights. Around the back, the sedan new taillights and a reshaped trunklid that brings it in line with the Focus. As the hatchback, changes are unknown for the time being. Also, expect Ford's new 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost engine to possibly replace the current 1.6L four-cylinder. Expect to see the refreshed Fiesta make an appearance later this year or sometime next year. Source: Car & Driver View full article

We're likely to get the next Scirocco, which is due out sometime next year.

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 10, 2012 Car & Driver has found some new documents filed by Chrysler with NHTSA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) showing two new Fiat 500 models. The first model is the 500T Sport. In documents filed with NHTSA, the 500T Sport appears on Fiat's 2013 model-year offerings. The 500T will only come in a two-door hatchback offering. As for powertrain, a CARB filing shows a turbocharged 1.4L engine being used several Dodge Dart models, the Fiat 500 Abarth, and another Fiat 500. Officially, we know the Dart and 500 Abarth to use the turbo 1.4L. The other 500 is presumed to be the 500T. The second model is the 500 Abarth Convertible. Currently sold in Europe and other places, Fiat hasn't said if it would make its way to the states. The 500 Abarth Convertible is expected to share to the Abarth's 1.4L turbo four producing 160 HP and 170 lb-ft. Source: Car & Driver View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 10, 2012 The self-driving car; a dream that has talked about and tested for many years. But the dream could be a reality by 2020 according to a former GM R&D Chief. Larry Burns, former head of GM’s r&d division spoke yesterday at University of Michigan Robotics Day said predicted that self driving vehicles will be on U.S. roads by the year 2020. Burns goes even farther, saying the tech needed for self-driving will be available in 2015. “By 2015 we’re going to have auto companies selling features that are akin to cruise control on steroids. We’re in this five- to 10-year window when it’s going to be really exciting… By 2020 we’ll have self driving cars,” said Burns to Automotive News. During his time at GM, Burns oversaw he development of a self-driving Chevrolet Tahoe SUV nicknamed Boss, which won the DARPA Urban Challenge in 2007. However, development of self-driving vehicles screeched to halt when GM went into bankruptcy. However, search engine giant, Google has taken the torch with self-driving vehicle development for the past several years. The work being done by Google will likely play a major role into getting the technology into hands of people. But there are many hurdles to figure out before we see self-driving vehicles on our roads. Burns is confident those barriers will eventually work themselves out. “We’re going to have to have policies and laws to figure out whose liable when driving this car,” he said. “As an innovator, you’ve got to anticipate all of this. I think the market is really going to be the thing to drive this, not the government.” Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 10, 2012 During the first generation Porsche Cayenne's life, Porsche unveiled the Cayenne GTS. The Cayenne GTS was a hardcore performance version that offered a tuned naturally-aspirated V8 engine and other tweaks to make it one of fastest SUVs for its time. Now, Porsche is doing a new Cayenne GTS that will be shown at this month's Beijing Auto Show. The GTS is based on the Cayenne S, with which it shares a naturally-aspirated V-8 engine. Horsepower has been increased by 20 horsepower to 420. Transmission choice will be an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive will be standard. Performance figures for the Cayenne GTS stand at 5.4 seconds for 60 MPH and a top speed of 162 MPH. Outside, the Cayenne GTS is lowered by 20 mm, gets gloss-black trim and bodywork from the Cayenne Turbo, 20-inch RS Spyder wheels with a unique offset, a sports exhaust system with matte black twin tailpipes, and two new available colors: Peridot Metallic and Carmine Red. Inside, the GTS gets custom eight-way sport seats with Alcantara accents, while for the first time the GTS gets a Sport Chrono package, which allow owners to monitor performance. Porsche is also introducing a Sound Symposer that the company says, “channels authentic engine intake sounds into the cabin.” The new Cayenne GTS arrives at Porsche dealers in August with a base price of $82,050. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 9, 2012 One of the vehicles that many auto enthusiasts in the U.S. have been clamoring for the past few years is the Volkswagen Scirocco, a small coupe based on the Golf platform. But, when the next Scirocco comes around, we could be getting it. VW Group of America's CEO, Jonathan Browning told Automotive News that he is lobbying to bring the Scirocco here. "That's a piece of the lineup that I would dearly love to see here." Browning explained that when current Scirocco was launched in 2008, the financial crisis was in full swing and Volkswagen saw there would be too much risk with launching it in the U.S. at the time. Browning also revealed that there is a chance the diesel powered Volkswagen Alltrack might make its way to North America as well. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 9, 2012 Here at Cheers & Gears, we been bemoaning Lincoln's decision to stick with MK-insert letter here naming system. But, the three letter naming system seems to gaining some traction. Ford marketing manager Kate Pearce told the Detroit Free Press that the MKZ is now the third-most recognized nameplate in Lincoln’s lineup, behind the recently departed Town Car and Navigator. "We're starting to see more recognition of the nomenclature. It will take time but we're seeing the gap of recognition close between old names like Continental and Town Car and the new names." Source: Detroit Free Press View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 9, 2012 A new study published by R.L. Polk said only a third of hybrid owners bought another in 2011. The study showed that only 35% of hybrid owners bought another. Take out the most popular hybrid, the Toyota Prius and the number falls to 22%. Brad Smith, director of Polk's loyalty management practice told Automotive News the biggest problem for hybrid vehicles is the advancements made with conventional gas engines. "The premium price points for hybrids are just too high when so many conventional small and mid-size cars have improved fuel economy," Smith said. However, hybrid vehicles are making an impact for automakers. Smith said hybrid vehicles seem to attract new buyers and help retain them. That is especially true for Toyota, a brand that has pioneered hybrids. In 2011, Polk found that 60% of Prius owners back in the market bought a Toyota. The study also showed 41% of Prius owners in the market bought another Prius or a hybrid wearing a Toyota badge. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

The Fisker Atlantic, which debuted this week at the New York Auto Show, could built somewhere else besides their facility in Wilmington, Delaware. "The whole plan has changed," said Fisker CEO Tom LaSorda to Automotive News. "Wilmington is our primary site…but there are other options. We have to look at what's best for the company and the shareholders." LaSorda went onto say that a decision on where the Atlantic will be built will be made by the end of summer. This would cause another delay on the vehicle, which was set to begin production sometime within the second half of 2012. Asked if Wilmington was chosen, how fast could Fisker get the facility up and running, LaSorda said "really quickly." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 5, 2012 This week in the Cheers & Gears' Detroit garage is the 2012 Chevrolet Sliverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab. It's equipped with the 5.3L Vortec V8, six-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive. This happens to be the first pickup truck that I have driven for an extended period of time and it brings up an interesting problem. The first time I drove the Silverado, I described it as driving a tank. The tall ride height and long hood make you feel like that you're driving the widest vehicles on earth. The slow and heavy steering doesn't help with that feeling at all. Since then, I've gotten over the wide feeling I get when driving around in the Silverado. The 5.3L V8 and six-speed automatic work well together. The engine delivers the right amount power when needed and the six-speed automatic delivers smooth shifts. So far, I'm averaging about 16 MPG in mostly city driving. Part of that can be attributed to the cylinder deactivation, which is very seamless. But there is one big problem with this Silverado. The Big Problem Explained on Page 2 If you have been reading reviews/comparison tests of the Sliverado and Sierra for the past year or so, one of the complaints that is brought up is the interior. And I have to agree to with them. When you first step in to the Silverado, you feel that you have entered a time warp. The materials used inside range from decent to "they're still using that?" In 2006 when the Silverado was launch, this would be ok. In 2012, the materials makes it feel older than it really is. Otherwise, the interior is pretty well screwed together and the optional navigation system works well. I'll be testing the hauling capabilities during the Easter holiday and will post some updates. Send in your questions in the meantime. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 5, 2012 Today, General Motors announcing pricing for the Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Spark. The Spark will start at $12,995 (includes destination) for the base LS model. The base LS includes 10 airbags, air conditioning, power windows, OnStar and 15-inch alloys. Next up is the 1LT trim, costing $14,495. The 1LT will include seven-inch color touchscreen, USB connectivity, satellite radio, keyless entry, power mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth, visor mirrors, and floor mats. The top level 2LT, costing $15,795 will include a unique set of 15-inch wheels, sportier body-color fascias, fog lamps, exterior brightwork, heated, leatherette-covered seats, and a leather-wrapped wheel. All models will come equipped with a 1.2L Ecotec four-cylinder and a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic is optional. The Spark arrives at Chevrolet Dealers sometime later this year. As for the Cadillac XTS, its base price starts at $44,995 for the base, front-wheel-drive model. The base model includes dual exhaust, 10-way power front seats, passive keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated leather upholstery, eight-speaker Bose stereo, Sapele wood trim, "cut and sew" dash and trim, high-intensity-discharge headlights, rear parking sonar and 19-inch aluminum wheels. Also on the base model XTS is Cadillac's new CUE multimedia system with a standard 8-inch touch display. Magnetic Ride Control, a rear air suspension, and Brembo brakes. Instead of offering model trims, the XTS will offer "option collections". The "option collections," are Luxury, Premium and Platinum. AWD will also be available. The XTS will debut in May. Press Releases are on Page 3 & 4 2013 Spark Packs Technology and Features into Small Price Mini car comes in three trim levels starting at $12,995 including destination DETROIT – Chevrolet is taking the guesswork out of the car-buying process with a new, simpler approach to pricing and packaging for the 2013 Spark. When the mini car goes on sale later this year, Spark will be available in three well-equipped trim levels starting at $12,995 including destination. Spark is a sporty, fuel-efficient, four-passenger, five-door hatch designed to excite first-time car buyers and city dwellers with bold styling, attention-grabbing colors – including Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink – engaging driving dynamics, the personalized connectivity of MyLink, and the safety of 10 standard air bags. Spark also offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars such as the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and Scion IQ. “With the Spark Chevrolet has the opportunity to connect with a new generation of car buyers who expect more from every product they purchase,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Global Marketing. “So we wanted to make the process of choosing a Spark as simple as possible by reducing the number of stand-alone options and providing more standard content to each trim level at a competitive price.” Spark LS starting at $12,995 includes: Standard 1.2L Ecotec engine and five-speed manual transmission Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, rear window wiper, auxiliary input jack, outside temperature display and trip computer 15-inch alloy wheels 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seat Comprehensive safety package including 10 air bags, electronic stability control with traction control and brake assist OnStar Directions & Connections plan standard with six-month introductory subscription Spark 1LT starting at $14,495 includes LS standard content and adds: Standard 7-inch color touch radio with Chevrolet MyLink, Bluetooth connectivity for select phones, steering wheel audio controls, USB port and Sirius XM Radio with three-month trial subscription Other standard convenience features include power door locks with remote keyless entry, theft deterent system, outside power mirrors, floor mats, visor mirrors, and cruise control Spark 2LT starting at $15,795 includes all 1LT standard content and adds: Unique 15-inch alloy wheels Fog lamps Exterior appearance enhancements including silver painted roof rails; chrome lift gate handle, exhaust outlet and beltline molding; body-color lower rocker molding; front and rear body-color sport fascias with unique front upper and lower grille inserts On the interior, leatherette seats and heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel A 4-speed automatic transmission is available on all models for $925. The only other available options include an engine block heater for $75 and Black Granite paint for $195. Chevrolet MyLink in the Spark will include Pandora internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio apps. Later in the model year, the recently introduced GogoLink – an embedded smartphone application that delivers full-function navigation including live traffic updates – will be available. Pricing for GogoLink will be announced later. Spark is the only car in its segment to provide the added value of a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the safety and security of OnStar. High-tech Cadillac XTS is New Definition of Luxury CUE, new in-car user experience, and Magnetic Ride Control standard DETROIT –The 2013 Cadillac XTSluxury sedan, Cadillac’s most technologically advanced car yet, will be available at U.S. dealerships later this spring with a starting price of $44,995 including destination The all-new XTS is the only car in its class with standard Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s-fastest reacting suspension technology. Also standard and making its debut in the XTS, is CUE, Cadillac’s breakthrough in-vehicle user experience for control and connectivity. Three option collections will be offered on the XTS: Luxury, Premium and Platinum. The XTS Platinum model represents the highest level of technology and luxury, including a unique front appearance, wheels and interior colors, materials and trim. An advanced all-wheel-drive system, using Haldex technology to transfer power front-to-back, and side-to-side along the rear axle, will be offered on all three trim levels above the standard model. “The all-new XTS redefines our approach to the luxury sedan by combining advanced technology, stunning design and confident performance,” said Don Butler, vice president Cadillac marketing. “XTS brings new and exclusive technology, while still delivering the space and elegance that is Cadillac’s DNA.” Cadillac is preparing for the debut of CUE first automotive use of capacitive touch, the technology used by many of today’s best tablets and smartphones. A new CUE iPad Application, which replicates the center screen that is the hub of the system, is being used to familiarize dealers with the experience as well as provide videos and information. The App will be opened to the public via the App Store in May as the XTS launches. “We're taking advantage of the fact that CUE is parallel technology to tablets,” Butler said. “CUE is intuitive, in part because its control and command structure aims to be consistent with popular devices millions of people already use. The App adds to this by literally putting CUE into your hands, even before you can get into the car.” Cadillac also will use OnStar to provide live assistance to XTS owners for CUE questions. And Cadillac dealerships will contain certified technology experts to familiarize shoppers and drivers with the system. View full article