William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 14, 2012 The Volkswagen BlueSport concept, a mid-engine diesel powered concept shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show has been hitting some bumps in the road to production. According to Autocar, the future of the BlueSport is in danger due to the company not finding enough sales to justify it. The biggest problem lies with Volkswagen of America, which believes having a sports car in its U.S. lineup is low-priority at the moment, even though Volkswagen has a plan to sell 800,000 vehicles in the U.S. by 2018 and the U.S. being the world’s largest market for sports cars. “To get to 800k units, we don’t need to keep adding to our portfolio of models. We’re concentrating on our core models,” said VW of America boss Jonathan Browning. Without the backing of Volkswagen of America, the BlueSport likely won’t get anywhere near the roughly 50,000 projected global sales per year it requires to get off the ground. “There is no official release for the project. It’s not a technology problem, but of finding enough customers. I don’t have enough [sales] volume to get the go-ahead,” said Volkswagen’s engineering boss, Uli Hackenberg. Hackenberg said the enginnering of the vehicle is done, now they’re just waiting to see if Volkswagen can make a business case. The delays are also causing the BlueSport’s design to date quickly which could play a factor into whether the vehicle is produced or not. Also, the delays are causing problems for Audi and Porsche which are producing sister models to the BlueSport. Source: Autocar View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 14, 2012 To those who are worried about Nissan abandoning the SUV market with Pathfinder moving to a crossover, worry no more. Car & Driver has learned that Nissan isn't going to a unibody frame for the Xterra. Enginners familiar with the development of the Xterra told the magazine the Xterra will continue to share its DNA with the Frontier pickup. This means people who want something durable when going off the beaten path, Nissan will have a vehicle for them. Those who want something won't be heading into the trails can always goes towards Nissan's Rogue crossover. Source: Car & Driver View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 13, 2012 2011 was a good year for diesel vehicles. A report done by the from the Diesel Technology Forum says sales of diesel vehicles in 2011 rose 27.4%. The report states the overall growth of diesel vehicles in 2011 was at 10.2%, putting the increase ahead of the curve. Interestingly enough, the group says sales of hybrid vehicles were down 2.2%. The report also states sales of diesel vehicles grow to over 6% of the U.S. market by 2015 and reach as high as 7.4% in 2017 when more diesel models hit the market. Press Release is on Page 2 A diesel version of the hot-selling Chevrolet Cruze will begin sales in the U.S. in 2013 Mazda will become the first Asian car manufacturer to sell diesel cars in the U.S. when it introduces its SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine here The S350 BlueTEC marks the return of the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz S-Class to the United States in 2012 after a 17-year absence The Volkswagen Passat, which was recently named the Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year, began production of the Passat diesel in its new Chattanooga, TN plant in the summer of 2011. "While most auto makers have clean diesel autos on the market in Europe, Asia and Australia, there are growing indications that even more diesels are on their way to the U.S. market," Schaeffer said. By 2015, Baum and Associates expects diesel car sales to grow to 6.0 to 6.5 percent of the entire U.S. market, compared to just over 3.0 percent today. The research firm J.D. Power & Associates sees the U.S. diesel market share growing steadily to 7.4 percent by 2017. ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 13, 2012 Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne on comfirmed on Wednesday that a new Ram Dakota is being worked on. Sergio also said that there was a "better than 50 percent chance" the truck will be a unibody. Now if that seems like bad news, there is some good news. Marchionne said that diesel power in the new Dakota is a likely option. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is set to get a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 in the U.S. next year, so spreading the cost of the engine over several vehicles would be to the company’s advantage. Also rumored to get the turbodiesel is the Dodge Durango. Source: Inside Line, Ward's Auto View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 13, 2012 Chrysler could be canning the Dodge Avenger within the next few years. In a interview with Reuters, Reid Bigland, head of the Dodge brand said the company could cut one of their midsize sedans. "Chrysler Group will likely consolidate around one midsize car in the future," said Bigland. Both the 200 and Avenger saw their sales grow last year (87,033 and 64,023 respectively) thanks to improved drivetrain options and new interiors. However, the two still lag far behind their competition. By dropping one of their models, Chrysler can reduce the costs in marketing and development while dropping the risk of having one model steal sales from the other. "If we have two cars that are very similar, it does split dealer focus. Consolidating around one very competitive entry certainly has its advantages," Bigland said. Most point towards the Avenger being cut due to its lower sales compared to the 200. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 13, 2012 Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress, Ford's global marketing chief Jim Farley said the company is accelerating the One Ford global product development plan by reducing the number of platforms from eleven to nine and moving the date from 2014 to 2013. "It's a decision to accelerate the reduction of complexity. Derrick [Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development] and his team have committed to accelerating the process," Farley said. When asked which platforms would be cut, Farley decline to answer. The revised plan calls for 85% of Ford's global sales volume by 2013 to be built on nine platforms, of which five will be global platforms and four regional platforms. The five global platforms are: B (Ford Fiesta) C (Ford Focus) C/D (Ford Fusion) Light Truck (Global Ranger) Commerical Vehicle (Ford Transit) Source: Autoweek View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 12, 2012 Porsche is in a drop-top mood. This week, the company premiered the new 911 Cabriolet at the Detroit Auto Show. Now, the company has released details of the upcoming 2013 Boxster. Like the 911, the Boxster's design is more evolutionary than revolutionary. The front end gets revised headlights and a new lamp/air intake setup. Around back, there's a new spoiler that blends into the taillights. Mechanically, the Boxster has changed a lot. The new Boxster rides on a heavily revised chassis with a bigger footprint thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider track. The Boxster has also lost a bit a weight thanks to a new lightweight body. Porsche isn't saying how much lighter the new Boxster is compared to the outgoing model. Power will still come two flat-six engines. The base Boxster gets a 2.7L flat-six producing 265 HP, an increase of 10 HP over the previous model. The Boxster S comes with a 3.4L flat-six producing 315 HP, an increase of 5 HP. Two transmissions will be available; a six-speed manual and Porsche's seven-speed PDK. Porsche will show the new Boxster at Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning sometime in the summer. Press Release is on Page 2 2013 Porsche Boxster: Lighter, more muscular, more distinctive and more fuel-efficient ATLANTA, January 12, 2012 – Never before in the history of the Porsche Boxster has a change of generation been so comprehensive. The open-top two-seat car receives an entirely new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis. The new Boxster weighs less than the previous generation and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. These new dimensions are coupled with larger wheels and a new electromechanical power steering system to significantly enhance the mid-engine sports car's driving dynamics. The new Boxster boasts superior performance and is also up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than previous models on the European cycle. The new Boxster benefits not only from an increased wheelbase but also shorter overhangs, while the windscreen has been shifted forward. The passengers are enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric top, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. The interior concept offers the occupants more space and reflects the new Porsche outline with a raked center console, which, originating with the Carrera GT ensures improved ergonomics in all models. The new sports car generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Both models are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function. The base model's new power unit delivers 265 hp from a 2.7 liter displacement – ten hp more than its larger displacement predecessor. Technically, it is now based on the 3.4-liter engine of the Boxster S. This now delivers 315 hp, which is five hp more than before. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option. Both sports cars achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK. With gear changes without interruption to the power flow, the Boxster sprints from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Boxster S in 4.7 seconds. To enhance driving dynamics yet further, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear axle differential lock. The new Boxster models are expected in U.S. showrooms in early summer 2012. The basic list price iwill be $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, not including a $950 destination charge. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 12, 2012 General Motors is doing something special for the 60th Anniversary of Chevrolet Corvette. The company is marking the occasion with a special 2013 Corvette 427 convertible, complete with some hardware from the mighty Z06 and a 60th Anniversary Corvette package for all models. Under the hood of the special 2013 Corvette 427 convertible lies a 427-cubic-inch LS7 V8 producing 505 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque, making this the most powerful Corvette convertible ever built. A six-speed manual will be the only transmission option available. The 427 convertible will also have the same rear axle as the Z06, and magnetic ride control. The special edition Corvette convertible will utlize many carbon fiber components including including a raised hood, fenders and floor panels. A carbon-fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional. GM says the 60th Anniversary Corvette convertible can hit 60 MPH in 3.8 seconds, reach the quarter mile in 11.8-seconds, and a top speed of over 190 mph. Also, GM will offer an 60th Anniversary Corvette package for all models. The package includes an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents, ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and some 60th anniversary badging. The very first 60th Anniversary Corvette 427 convertible will hit the auction block at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson classic car auction in Arizona this month. Album: 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 7 images 0 comments Press Release is on Page 2 Corvette Marks 60 Years of Performance with 427 Convertible DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models. “The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.” The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer. Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history. Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car. Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available. The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including: Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition) Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders Carbon fiber floor panels The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible’s curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That’s better than: Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet – 6.90 Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder – 7.58 Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible – 7.82 Ferrari California Convertible – 8.31 The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph. The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1. Corvette 60th Anniversary Package All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top. Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and the “60th” logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof. For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates. Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program. Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including Hendrick team driver and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon. Team owner Rick Hendrick helped launch the Drive to End Hunger program with AARP and the AARP Foundation. The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger. A legacy of 427-powered Corvettes Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced. The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered – an “L30” version rated at 390 horsepower and the “L72,” which cranked out 425 horsepower. Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque. The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as “427/435” cars, these ’67 models – especially the convertibles – are especially sought-after collector cars. The “L88” delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969. In 1969, a special “L89” 427 engine combined the L71’s induction system with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately 100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet built two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold as crate engines to racers. By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance Commemorative Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition models Rare and low-production examples of the Corvette have been around since its 1953 introduction, but Chevrolet didn’t begin building commemorative models until 1978, when the 25th Anniversary model – also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette – was offered. The Corvette was in its third generation then and at the close of that epoch in 1982, a Collectors Edition was offered, as well. Those special models launched what has become a tradition for the Chevrolet Corvette, which has offered milestone anniversary and generational collector-edition models ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible represents the first time a Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition are being offered in the same year – and available on the same car. Below is a list of the Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition models, as well as production numbers and their distinguishing features. YEAR MODEL FEATURES PRODUCTION 1978 25th Anniversary Two-tone silver exterior with gray leather interior 15,283 1982 Collector Edition Silver-beige exterior color with lower graphic accent; silver-beige leather interior; bronze-tinted roof panels; cast aluminum “fin” wheels and unique VIN identification 6,759 1988 35th Anniversary White lower body with white 17-in. wheels, with black roof and dark removable roof panel; special badging and embroidered seat logos; all-white leather interior 2,050 1993 40th Anniversary First anniversary model offered in coupe and convertible body styles; Ruby Red exterior with special badging; Ruby Red leather-covered seats 6,749 1996 Collector Edition Sebring Silver exterior with special badging; silver 17-inch ZR-1-style wheels; “Collector Edition”-embroidered seats; optional LT4 5.7L engine with 330 hp 5,412 2003 50th Anniversary Special 50th Anniversary Red exterior; specific badging and champagne-color five-spoke wheels; Shale leather-trimmed interior 11,632 2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe and convertible models in LeMans Blue with Shale leather-trimmed interior; Z06 model in LeMans Blue with silver stripe graphics and carbon fiber hood 4,829 (coupe/convertible) 2,025 (Z06) 2013 60th Anniversary 427 Convertible Collector Edition Arctic White with Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior and blue top (convertibles); special badging; optional stripe package; 60th logo gauge cluster and sill plates 427 Convertible Collector Edition with LS7 engine; carbon fiber hood, fenders and floor panels; 19-in./20-in. wheels with Michelin PS2 tires; std. Magnetic Selective Ride Control; 427 hood badges TBD TBD View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 12, 2012 Fiat has announced pricing for the new 500 Abarth. The small hot hatch will begin at $22,000, plus a $700 destination charge. That’s a $4700 difference between this and lower end 500 Sport model, but you do get a lot for that extra coin. The 500 Abarth comes with a modified version of Fiat’s 1.4L MultiAir Turbo engine, which delivers 160 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque. Other bits include a an Abarth-tuned suspension and brakes, tuned dual exhaust system, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Abarth performance seats, accent stitching, Bluetooth connectivity and a Bose premium audio system with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The $4700 difference also includes a one-day driving school taught by the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Press Release is on Page 2 FIAT Brand Announces U.S. Pricing for New 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Starting at $22,000, the Fiat 500 Abarth unleashes legendary Italian performance onto American streets Designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car at an attainable price Fiat 500 Abarth customers entitled to segment-exclusive, full-day Abarth Driving Experience Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 11, 2012 - The FIAT brand today announced U.S. pricing for its new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $22,000 (not including destination). Faithful to the “small but wicked” saying coined for Karl Abarth’s cars in the 1960s, the Fiat 500 Abarth arrives to America with the racing traditions that have made it a success on European roadways and racetracks: world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited production volume. “The Fiat 500 Abarth feels like a double shot of espresso straight to your veins,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “With its wicked attitude, it will reward adrenaline fans who no longer need to pay six figures to feel the rush of true Italian performance.” The race-inspired Fiat 500 Abarth comes standard with many performance features, including the all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine delivering 160 horsepower (119 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. (230 N•m) of torque, Abarth-tuned suspension, brake systems and dual exhaust, turbo-boost gauge with integrated LED shift light and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Driver and passenger performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, racing-harness pass-through and accent stitching. The Fiat 500 Abarth also comes standard with BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication, Bose premium audio system and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Abarth Driving Experience for New Owners Included in the price of each 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is the opportunity for new owners to attend a segment-exclusive driving experience at no additional charge. The Abarth Driving Experience is an entire day of full-throttle training, guided by professional instructors from the Richard Petty Driving Experience to ensure fun and top-level instruction in a safe and structured setting. “Seduction” Digital Spot Reaches Nearly 3 Million YouTube Views The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth and its digital spot titled “Seduction” made their debuts at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 60-second social media spot promoting the 500 Abarth seduced more than 1 million YouTube viewers in its first week and now has reached nearly 3 million views. Without having ever been aired on television or cable networks, it has rapidly spread through the web and gained global attention. It represents the unique characteristics of the Fiat 500 Abarth as a sensual and strikingly stunning model and takes a peek at what happens the first time a customer encounters the race-ready vehicle. The spot ends with a sexy and edgy message, “The Fiat 500 Abarth. You’ll never forget the first time you see one.” The “Seduction” digital spot was created in partnership with The Richards Group and can be viewed at the FIAT brand’s YouTube site or via the following link: http://www.youtube.com/fiatusa View full article