William Maley

World

I'm not surprised by this. Detroit has so many other problems to get through first before they even begin thinking about doing this.

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 16, 2011 For the longest time, Jeep enthusiasts have been clamoring for a Wrangler pickup. The closest Jeep has come to making this dream come true is offer a kit called JK8 Independence that changes a Wrangler Unlimited into a Wrangler Truck. And the kits are flying off the shelf. Ward’s Auto reports that Mopar was estimating orders for the kit to be around 200-300. However, dealer orders for the kit are around 400. Mopar President Pietro Gorlier said Mopar is stepping up and getting kits sent out to dealers. Of course, thoughts turn to whether this means a production version will come out. Gorlier said that public response will play a huge part in future of a Wrangler pickup but warned the company “needs to balance the excitement of those who are blogging with real [sales] numbers.” But Gorlier does point out Jeep President Mike Manley has gone on record as saying that the next redesign of the Wrangler could include a pickup option, though no definite plans have been announced. Source: Ward’s Auto Related: Mopar Puts JK-8 Kit Up For Sale View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 16, 2011 This morning, the final Ford Ranger rolled off the Twin Cities assembly line, ending the twenty-nine year life of Ford’s compact truck. The Ranger was introduced back in 1982 as 1983 model and came into the growing market of compact trucks, becoming one the best selling trucks. In 1993, Ford revised the Ranger and got a Mazda counterpart, the B-Series a year later. With both four-cylinder and V6 engines, manual or automatic transmissions, and two or four-wheel drive, the Ranger and B-Series became a formidable force in the sales charts throughout the 90’s. But during the 2000s, the demand for small pickups began to fall from 6% to 2% in 2010. The Ranger still stood strong despite using technology from the stone age and limited marketing, selling 60,000 last year. Ford has said there will no direct replacement for the Ranger and will push people towards the F-150. Dealers and and customers say that is a poor idea, especially with GM, Ram, and other readying their next small trucks. The ending of Ranger production also signals the end of the Twin Cities assembly line which has been building vehicles for 86 years, ranging from the Model T to the Ranger. Source: Auto Guide View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 15, 2011 The Detroit Auto Show is just around the corner and more automakers are releasing some information about what they will be presenting. This time it's Nissan saying they will be showing off two concepts. Concept #1 is the Pathfinder. Nissan says the concept will inspire the next-generation Pathfinder's styling before the it goes on sale later next year. The rumorpile has the next Pathfinder dropping it's body-on-frame architecture and going towards a unibody architecture. Concept #2 is a all-electric van that Nissan says is suitable for both families and businesses. The van concept previews a production model, possibly from Nissan's NV vans. Press Release is on Page 2 NISSAN ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 2012 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW The worldwide debut of two concept vehicles will highlight Nissan's presence at the upcoming 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. An all electric van concept, which underscores Nissan's leadership in zero emissions vehicles and the Nissan Pathfinder preview concept, which provides a sneak peek at the next generation of Nissan's longest running nameplate in the U.S., will be unveiled during the NAIAS press preview days, beginning Monday, January 9. In addition to full access to Nissan's global concepts during both days of the show, media interviews will be available with Nissan team members. Nissan Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Ghosn will also be the opening keynote speaker at the Automotive News World Congress on Tuesday, Jan. 10 in Detroit. Nissan NAIAS Highlights: - The Pathfinder Concept, which previews the all-new look, style and attitude that Nissan will bring to the SUV segment when the next-generation Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012 at Nissan dealers nationwide. - Nissan's innovative electric van concept. This concept previews a future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy cargo space, while offering a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction. - A Nissan NV outfitted as a "Food Truck" with a local Detroit flair showcases the vehicle's flexibility and user-friendly features, but acts as a culinary cornerstone for media hospitality throughout both press days. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 15, 2011 The current Kia Forte is a nicely styled and nicely priced compact car. However, when the Forte in the same group as the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, and Chevrolet Cruze, it seems to be forgotten. But Kia isn't giving up. If these sketches from Kia World are to be believed, the next Forte will be noticed. The sketches show the next Forte borrowing heavily from the styling of the Kia Optima. The next Forte is expected to shown sometime in 2012. Source: Kia World View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 15, 2011 Guy Lofalk, the court-appointed administrator of Saab’s voluntary reorganization is quitting his post. “The Saab companies and Guy Lofalk have jointly requested that Guy Lofalk will be dismissed as administrator and that lawyer Lars-Henrik Andersson is appointed as a new administrator," said a statement on the Vanersborg District Court website. Saab spokesman, Eric Geers stated that it was Lofalk’s own decision to quit. However, reports from the Swedish media conflict with Geers statement, indicating that Victor Mueller, CEO of Saab parent company Sweidsh Automobile, was eager for Lofalk to leave. The Vanersborg District Court was originally going to decide whether to approve Lofalk’s application to end the reorganisation process for Saab tomorrow, but has been pushed to next week in light of the news. Source: Autocar Related: Saab Gets Two Lifelines View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 15, 2011 Yesterday, the Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill that would overhaul the nation's auto safety laws. The bill includes measures to raise the maximum fine for automakers that delay recalls from $17.35 million to $250 milllion. The bill also includes measures that would give states grants for banning texting while driving or the use of cell phones by teen drivers, increase funding for research, improve the vehicle recall database and website, create a hotline for mechanics, dealers and auto workers to complain anonymously about safety problems with vehicles, and new regulations on pedal placement, push-button ignition and electronic performance issues. Automakers are mixed on the bill. All of them back certain measures of the bill, but disagree on the raised fines. A coalition of groups, which include the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Association of Global Automakers, National Association of Manufacturers and American International Automobile Dealers Association sent a letter to congress opposing the increase. "The proposed increases are so out of proportion either to the current penalty structure or the penalty structure for other manufacturers under the Consumer Product Safety Act as to appear unfairly punitive. The proposed increases should be scaled back to a more appropriate level," the letter states. Automakers also note that in 2010, the number of road deaths fell to its lowest number since 1949 (under 33,000). The senate hopes to include the bill in a highway reauthorization bill coming early next year. Source: The Detroit News View full article

I'm amazed with the new interior. It's shows how much GM is stepping up with that.

Not that it makes too much of a difference, but the current V6 is a 3.5L, rated at 270hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It amazes me how many typos are in these articles. Doh... I was probably thinking of something else when I was writing this. It's been fixed now.

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 14, 2011 Today, Cadillac has revealed the powertrain lineup for their new ATS sedan. The lineup includes two fours and a six. The base ATS engine will be naturally aspirated 2.5L I-4 engine. GM hasn't released any details about it, but it looks like to be the same engine found under the new Chevrolet Malibu, which gets 190 HP and 180 lb-ft of torque. The next engine up is a 2.0L turbocharged I-4.Now before you go out and think this is the same engine you find in the Regal Turbo and GS, it's not. This 2.0L turbo is a part of a new Ecotec engine lineup and will use an electronically controlled twin-scroll turbocharger to keep its torque curve flat. The 2.0L Turbo is rated at 270 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque. The ATS will be the first vehicle to use this engine and could possibly find it's way into the new Malibu. The top engine is the venerable 3.6L direct injected V6 making 318 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque. Press Release is on Page 2 New 2.0L Turbo Engine Boosts the Cadillac ATS 135 horsepower per liter among top-performing engines in the world Compact ATS debuts at North American International Auto Show in Detroit DETROIT – A new high-performance 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine will debut in the all-new 2013 Cadillac ATS compact luxury sedan, which will be revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in January. The Cadillac-tuned, direct-injected engine will produce an estimated 270 horsepower (201 kW). At 135 horsepower per liter, it will be one of the most power-dense automotive engines, besting the highest-performing engines from luxury competitors such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes. “This engine is the perfect match for the new ATS, which will be a refined performance luxury sedan,” said Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of Global Marketing. “The 2.0T has an exceptionally smooth and responsive power curve that will make the ATS nimble, quick and fun to drive.” The new 2.0T highlights a broad engine lineup that will power the ATS which is slated to begin production next summer. Cadillac will also offer a normally aspirated 2.5L four cylinder engine and a 3.6L V-6 engine in the ATS. The 2.0T builds on the advanced-technology heritage of previous GM turbo engines with features that enhance efficiency, durability and refinement. Among the 2.0T engine’s highlights: a direct-injection twin-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing; twin-scroll turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler; forged-steel crankshaft with modular balance shaft system; and a two-stage variable-displacement oil pump with jet-spray piston cooling. Overall engine friction is reduced by up to 16 percent. The low-friction design means engine power is delivered more efficiently. Proprietary computational fluid dynamics analysis techniques were used to develop an all-new combustion system with a higher compression ratio, which also helped boost efficiency. “The 2.0T is one of the most advanced and efficient engines of its kind, and contributes to the ATS’s exceptional balance of performance and great fuel efficiency,” said Mike Anderson, chief engineer for the 2.0T engine. The 2.0T has a wide torque curve, delivering 90 percent of its peak 260 lb-ft. of torque (353 Nm) from 1,500 rpm to 5,800 rpm – giving the ATS the feeling of immediate power, whether from launch at a stop light or during higher-speed maneuvers, such as passing. The turbocharger generates up to 20 pounds of boost and its twin-scroll design helps optimize power availability, virtually eliminating turbo lag and helping deliver a broad power band. “It has the exhilarating, responsive power available when you want it, yet can provide the fuel efficiency that will make the ATS a fully competitive vehicle in global markets,” Anderson said. At 135 hp/L, the ATS 2.0T four-cylinder turbo engine has the highest power density among key competitors, including: Audi A4’s 2.0L turbo (105.5 hp/L) BMW M3’s V-8 (103.5 hp/L) Lexus IS F’s V-8 (83.2 hp/L) Mercedes-Benz C250’s 1.8L turbo (111.6 hp/L) Additional details on the ATS will be announced at the 2012 NAIAS. The ATS will be built at the Lansing Grand River plant alongside the Cadillac CTS Sedan, Coupe and Sport Wagon and V-Series performance cars. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 14, 2011 Next month's Detroit Auto Show is becoming more interesting as the days go by, with the new Dodge Dart, Mercedes-Benz SL, Cadillac ATS, Honda Accord, three Acuras, and now the Buick Encore. Buick released their first teaser shot of the new small crossover this afternoon. From what the picture shows the Encore will carry many Buick design trademarks, including a chrome waterfall grille, porthole vents and almond-shaped headlights with xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with a blueish hue. Buick has also revealed the Encore will feature "QuietTuning" technology and will offer a similar feature and options packages to current Buick vehicles. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 14, 2011 Last time on the story of Saab; Guy Lofalk, the court-appointed administrator of Saab’s voluntary reorganization filed paperwork to end the reorganization and the Swedish courts would make decision this Friday. But like all other times, Saab has found a lifeline to keep them afloat. This time, Saab has found two. Lifeline #1 comes from Youngman Automotive who sent Saab 3.45 million Euros (about $5 million U.S. dollars) to cover immediate tax expenses this week. But that's not all; Youngman is promising a further $26.4 million payment this week to cover unpaid salaries and $13.2 million more by the end of December. Lifeline #2 comes from Swedish courts. Originally, the Court told Saab they had until tomorrow to present a case on why the court should continue the voluntary reorganization. Well, the Court has moved the hearing to next week. Source: Reuters, Left Lane News View full article

Yeah.. Although, the bread slicer grills are closely behind it

Yesterday, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended a nationwide ban on using any personal electronic devices while driving. The recommendation was made to all US states. So what kind of personal electronic devices are we talking about? The NTSB’s director was specific about wanting to ban phone calls, texting, updating your status on facebook, etc. However, the director was less specific on possible provisions that would allow specific driving related uses like GPS. NTSB cited studies regarding electronic device use while driving and accident data in it’s recommendation, stating the danger is real and the time to act is now. The NTSB doesn’t have the power to create or enforce restrictions, it can influence federal regulators and state and local governments to create bans. Currently in the US, nine states and the District of Columbia ban talking on the phone while behind the wheel and thirty-five states ban texting while driving. Press Release is on Page 2 No call, no text, no update behind the wheel: NTSB calls for nationwide ban on PEDs while driving Following today's Board meeting on the 2010 multi-vehicle highway accident in Gray Summit, Missouri, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called for the first-ever nationwide ban on driver use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) while operating a motor vehicle. The safety recommendation specifically calls for the 50 states and the District of Columbia to ban the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices (other than those designed to support the driving task) for all drivers. The safety recommendation also urges use of the NHTSA model of high-visibility enforcement to support these bans and implementation of targeted communication campaigns to inform motorists of the new law and heightened enforcement. "According to NHTSA, more than 3,000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents", said Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving." "No call, no text, no update, is worth a human life." On August 5, 2010, on a section of Interstate 44 in Gray Summit, Missouri, a pickup truck ran into the back of a truck-tractor that had slowed due to an active construction zone. The pickup truck, in turn, was struck from behind by a school bus. That school bus was then hit by a second school bus that had been following. As a result, two people died and 38 others were injured. The NTSB's investigation revealed that the pickup driver sent and received 11 text messages in the 11 minutes preceding the accident. The last text was received moments before the pickup struck the truck-tractor. The Missouri accident is the most recent distraction accident the NTSB has investigated. However, the first investigation involving distraction from a wireless electronic device occurred in 2002, when a novice driver, distracted by a conversation on her cell phone, veered off the roadway in Largo, Maryland, crossed the median, flipped the car over, and killed five people. Since then, the NTSB has seen the deadliness of distraction across all modes of transportation. In 2004, an experienced motorcoach driver, distracted on his hands-free cell phone, failed to move to the center lane and struck the underside of an arched stone bridge on the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia. Eleven of the 27 high school students were injured; In the 2008 collision of a commuter train with a freight train in Chatsworth, California, the commuter train engineer, who had a history of using his cell phone for personal communications while on duty, ran a red signal while texting. That train collided head on with a freight train - killing 25 and injuring dozens; In 2009, two airline pilots were out of radio communication with air traffic control for more than an hour because they were distracted by their personal laptops. They overflew their destination by more than 100 miles, only realizing their error when a flight attendant inquired about preparing for arrival. In Philadelphia in 2010, a barge being towed by a tugboat ran over an amphibious "duck" boat in the Delaware River, killing two Hungarian tourists. The tugboat mate failed to maintain a proper lookout due to repeated use of a cell-phone and laptop computer; In 2010, near Munfordville, Kentucky, a truck-tractor in combination with a 53-foot-long trailer, left its lane, crossed the median and collided with a 15-passenger van. The truck driver failed to maintain control of his vehicle because he was distracted by use of his cell-phone. The accident resulted in 11 fatalities In the last two decades, there has been exponential growth in the use of cell-phone and personal electronic devices. Globally, there are 5.3 billion mobile phone subscribers or 77 percent of the world population. In the United States, that percentage is even higher - it exceeds 100 percent. Further, a Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study of commercial drivers found that a safety-critical event is 163 times more likely if a driver is texting, e-mailing, or accessing the Internet. "The data is clear; the time to act is now. How many more lives will be lost before we, as a society, change our attitudes about the deadliness of distractions?" Hersman said. A synopsis of the NTSB report, including the probable cause, findings, and a complete list of the safety recommendations, will be available online after the meeting. The NTSB's full report will be available on the website in several weeks. View full article