William Maley

Rumorpile: 8.7L V10 For The Next Viper? William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 27, 2011 We're still a couple years away from SRT releasing the Viper out into the wild, but that isn't stopping rumors from flying around. We know that there is a new Viper on the way and has been testing for the past year. Now, Allpar is reporting the new Viper will use a 8.7L V10 engine, making it the largest displacement engine ever used in a Chrysler production car. Horsepower and torque ratings hasn't been said, but it would be safe to assume it would be above the 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque of the previous Viper. Allpar is also reporting production of the next generation Viper will begin sometime in fall 2012, with the car debuting in 2013. Source: Allpar

Consumer Reports Release Their Annual Car Reliability Survey: Ford Down, Chrysler Up William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 27, 2011 Consumer Reports released their annual Car Reliability Survey and the results were not kind to Ford. The blue oval saw their ranking drop from 10th to 20th on the survey due to three models; the new Explorer, Focus and Fiesta. Each of the three vehicles were ranked below average in reliability during their first year on the market due to issues with MyFord Touch and the dual-clutch transmissions in the Fiesta and Focus. General Motors also saw a drop in rating with Buick, Cadillac, and GMC. Chevrolet was the only brand for GM to stay where it was at. The big shock was Chrysler which saw it, Dodge, and Jeep go up dramatically on CR’s survey. Chrysler can thank the 200, Dodge Durango, and Jeep Grand Cherokee which all got good results. However, Consumer Reports says the big three still have their problems. Out of the 97 domestic cars in the survey, 35 cars were below average. Source: Consumer Reports

Are You The Final Toyota FT-86? Maybe William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 27, 2011 Today, pictures of what could be a final version of the Toyota FT-86 were released. The pictures are from a leaked Modellista brochure, which is a in-house tuning arm of Toyota. The car shown looks very close to first FT-86 concept with some added bits from Modellista, including an aero kit and several other accessories. Also, the picture of interior closely matches spy shots of camouflaged FT-86s. We'll find out if this is production version of the FT-86 next month at the Tokyo Motor Show. Source: 7Tune, FT86 Club

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Audit Into NHTSA Reveals Problems William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 26, 2011 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently had an audit done after congressional leaders gave the department some harsh criticism over the handling of Toyota Motor Corp.'s sudden acceleration recalls. The results of the audit casts a dark shadow. The audit found NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation doesn't track whether it has reviews a consumer complaint. Nor does it document well how the defect assessment panel decides whether to open a preliminary investigation. The audit also found there was no process for deciding whether to seek outside assistance and should "develop a formal training program to ensure staff has the necessary skills and expertise". Between 2002 and 2009, 15 of NHTSA's 23 defect investigators took training courses related to automobile technology, dynamics and crashes. NHTSA said it plans to complete a review of its defects office by April 2013. Source: The Detroit News

Coming To SEMA: Lexus 2013 GS 350 F Sport William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 26, 2011 http://www.cheersand...-gs350-f-sport/ Lexus has been making amends for not having a performance brand till now with the F. The past few years have brought forth the LFA Supercar, IS-F sedan, and F Sport package for the current IS sedan and convertible. Now, Lexus has just unveiled an F Sport package for the new GS Sedan. The GS F Sport package includes new set of 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned adaptive suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, new bushing, and bigger brakes up front. Rear-drive models will also get variable steering, while the interior gets a new driver's seat, unique trim and available red leather. Top it all off with a more aggressive aero kit and the GS is transformed into a GS-F light. The GS F-Sport package makes it debut at next week’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. Press Release is Below Lexus to Reveal All-New 2013 GS 350 with F SPORT Package at 2011 SEMA Show - F SPORT Package Features 19-Inch Staggered Width Wheels - Dynamic Handling with F SPORT Tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) - Stopping Power with New Larger Front Brakes with High Friction Pads TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 25, 2011 – Lexus will reveal the all-new 2013 GS 350 mid-size luxury sedan with F SPORT package at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. The Lexus press conference to reveal the 2013 GS 350 with F SPORT package will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m. PDT at the outdoor Lexus exhibit tent, located between the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Following the press conference, media will have an opportunity to experience track rides in the all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package. The GS 350 with F SPORT package will be on display at the Lexus tent from Nov. 1 – 4. JT Grey Racing Lexus LX 570 Team driver, Joe Bacal and race car driver, Scott Pruett will be on hand signing autographs on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 12:00-1:00 p.m., respectively, at the Lexus tent. Joe Bacal will also be available to sign autographs throughout the day on Nov. 2. Building on the excitement of the fourth-generation GS 350 which was revealed at Pebble Beach in August, the GS 350 with F SPORT package was designed to engage driving enthusiasts with factory engineering and the ability to take performance to an entirely new level. Unique to the F SPORT package will be aggressive 19-inch wheels, F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), thicker anti-roll bars, bushing changes, and new larger front brakes with high friction pads. In addition, rear-wheel drive (RWD) models will be equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS). Inside, the all-new package also features a sporty attitude with a new 16-way power driver's sport seat, unique interior design treatment and available F SPORT exclusive Cabernet Red leather interior. "The all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer our customers more agility and a sportier appearance," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The racing-inspired F SPORT components were precision engineered for this vehicle, providing quality performance without compromise." Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance As with the GS 350, the GS 350 with F SPORT package is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, with four cams, and four valves per cylinder and dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. At 306 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful base engines in the segment, as well as the only one with both port and direct injection. It propels the car from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and at the same time, fuel economy has been improved. Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph can take just 3.0 seconds, and improved engine sound characteristics complement the bolder, more energetic personality of the new GS. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission has paddle shifters and sport driving functions as standard equipment. The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan - including faster shifts, and downshift throttle blips - to support four driving modes that can be operated by toggling the Lexus Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver can customize the driving experience using ECO, Sport S and Sport S+ modes. An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions. The system can vary front-to-rear torque balance from 50/50 to as much as 30/70, depending on driving conditions, for exceptional control. Chasis/Body/Susension/Tires/Brakes To provide a more engaging driving experience, including a new aerodynamic body, a completely new platform with a wider stance and stiffer structure, a transmission with quicker shifts, distinctive engine sound and exhaust notes, and better seat support, Lexus engineers looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for inspiration. The new platform has been designed to be more rigid. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track, wider by almost two inches, works in combination with a revised suspension design to help ensure a more solid stance and superior cornering performance. The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that helps retain tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly. The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung weight and results in significant improvements in agility, roll damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. The GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer an optional newly developed Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) for those seeking more agility. This leading edge platform technology offers Lexus' first integration of DRS; Electric Power Steering; and Variable Gear Ratio Steering. Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. LDH helps to optimize the vehicle slip angle. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering. The latest generation of Lexus' unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system coordinates Lexus Dynamic Handling; the Anti-lock Braking System; Traction Control; Vehicle Stability Control; and Adaptive Variable Suspension. Adaptive Variable Suspension helps front and rear wheel control and provides agile, sharp and confident driving behavior with a more direct response to the driver's actions. The LDH system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input, to a maximum DRS angle of 2.0 degrees. At most speeds below 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions. In certain conditions at speeds over 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction. Further coordinating DRS with VGRS and AVS, the Lexus Dynamic Handling system will automatically customize the adaptive suspension tuning and active safety systems to suit road conditions, vehicle speed and driving style, giving drivers the confidence to fully utilize the exceptional driving performance of the GS with F SPORT package. The GS 350 RWD with F SPORT package will be exclusively equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels paired with 235/40/19 front and 265/35/19 rear tires, the widest rear tires ever on a Lexus sedan. The wider width wheels allow for a sportier look, and will also help provide added traction. All-wheel drive (AWD) models will be paired with 235/40/19 all-season tires in the front and rear. Safety/Security Features As with the GS 350, the GS 350 with F SPORT package will be standard equipped with 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for both front driver and passenger. Rear seat occupants have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped with side curtain airbags. Also standard are new Whiplash Injury Lessening front seats designed to help limit excessive head movement, and help decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries in certain types of rear-end collisions. Standard seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and outboard rear seats further assist occupant protection. Available options to help further enhance occupant safety include a Pre-Collision System, which uses the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System to provide early warning of certain objects traveling directly ahead that might result in a front-end collision. The system also uses a Lexus-first infrared camera with new scanning technology to monitor the driver's eyes. In the event that the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate maneuver, the system will initiate braking intervention up to 1.2 seconds prior to impact, helping to lessen the severity of the collision. With available Lexus Dynamic Handling, PCS will help further mitigate the occurrence of a collision. Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display; a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). GS is the first in its segment to offer LKA with active steering torque to provide a small amount to assist in maintaining course, while the LDW feature alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane. Exterior Design The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus' design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency for low coefficient of drag. Following the inspirational design cues of the IS line-up and CT 200h, the F SPORT package separates itself from the GS line-up with distinctive exterior details. To display its aggressive attitude, the GS 350 with F SPORT package will be outfitted with a sport front bumper and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique F SPORT mesh grille inserts and F SPORT badging. The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. Air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts. This distinctive Lexus design feature combined with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps further express the vehicle's confident and dynamic character. The headlamps use a projector beam design, adding a strong, chiseled appearance and excellent illumination. Fins incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk area all help direct air over and past the car. The rear bumper underbody area was designed for reduced wind resistance to help keep the car firmly planted on the ground. From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan with a road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion. Width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches add an athletic stance-enhancing the vehicle's dynamic presence. The rear bumper features a distinctive exhaust diffuser and centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design. The GS 350 with F SPORT package will feature two new colors: Riviera Red and Liquid Platinum, and also be available in Starfire Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl and Obsidian. Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum exteriors. The GS 350 will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appears finely polished. Interior Design To complement the aggressive-looking exterior of the F SPORT package, the interior will feature an exclusive design treatment with smooth striated aluminum trim, unique perforated leather trim, black headliner and aluminum pedals. Distinctive F SPORT badging will be showcased on the steering wheel. Focusing on the driver, the F SPORT package will feature a new 16-way power sport seat for increased lateral support. The driver's seat will include a Lexus-first with power side bolsters, thigh support, adjustable seatback and four-way lumbar. To complete the uniqueness of the F SPORT package, a striking Cabernet Red leather interior will also be available. Painstaking attention to detail was applied to the GS cabin as well, to create a balance of luxurious and technological amenities and emotional design. The new layout of the long, sculpted dash gives the driver and front passenger a sense of roominess through its clean center stack and new, large high-resolution center control display placed deep near the front windshield. Most of the comfort and convenience controls, such as audio and climate, were relocated to provide a cleaner and more sophisticated dash layout. The interior includes a number of embedded premium upgrades as standard equipment. A new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated, a first-in-class technology. A next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive operations control. The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with the controller, eliminating the need to reach out. Remote Touch also reduces eye movement and helps users operate functions with reduced effort and distraction. A standard rear back-up camera helps add convenience. The finely crafted cabin detail is complemented further by ambient lighting that unobtrusively welcomes and guides the user into the vehicle, providing a carefully designed experience. New white LED lights are sequentially lit to illuminate the areas around the doors, center console and footwells. A new analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot, adds a unique touch, at once both modern and traditional. "The GS 350 with F SPORT Package will be a distinctive offering of luxury and excitement," said Templin. "With its dynamic handling, stopping power and true sporty feel this F SPORT package will be sure to please our enthusiasts." PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR GS 350 WITH F SPORT PACKAGE Horsepower 306 hp @ 6,400rpm Torque 277 lb-ft @ 4,800rpm Transmission Six-speed sequential-shift with paddle shifters Electronic Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) Seating Capacity 5 Overall Length (in.) 190.9 Width (in.) 72.4 Height (in.) 57.3 Wheelbase (in.) 112.2 Driven Wheels Rear or All-Wheel Drive Curb weight (lbs.) 3,715 (RWD) 3,890 (AWD) Brake type Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM) Wheel size RWD 19" x 8" (Front), 19" x 9" (Rear) AWD 19" x 8" Tire size RWD 235/40/19 (Front) 265/35/19 (Rear) AWD 235/40/19 (Front and Rear) 0 – 60 mph Estimated 5.7 seconds Top Track Speed Estimated 142 mph (electronically limited) MPG (City/Hwy/Comb.) 20/27/23 (RWD) 18/25/20 (AWD)

No pricing till sometime in November.

More Details On The Camaro ZL1 William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com October 25, 2011 GM has been very open on releasing details for the Camaro ZL1. But certain nitty-gritty details weren't coming out about the car, until now. A Chevrolet Dealer recently spilled the guts on the ZL1 ordering brochure at the Camaro5 fourms and we now know the official numbers and so much more. As was talked about before, the Camaro ZL1 will arrive with a 6.2L V8 producing 580 horsepower, at 6,000 rpms, along with 556 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpms. Power goes through either a six-speed manual (standard), or a six-speed automatic with TAPshift steering wheel controls. The Camaro ZL1 tips the scale at 4,120 lbs (for the no-options manual version) which is 260 lbs heavier than a base Camaro 2SS. Weight distribution is 51% to the front and 49% in the rear. Standard features include heated leather seats with microfiber suede inserts with six-way power adjustements, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, unique alloy pedal covers, ZL1 door sill plates, Boston Acoustics-provided premium audio, complete with nine speakers, four auxiliary gauges including boost, rear park assist, rear camera display in the mirror and more. The option list for buyers include a power sunroof, stripe package, exposed carbon fiber hood insert, interior suede microfiber package (covers steering wheel, shift knob and shift boot), automatic transmission and forged aluminum wheels. Now for the juicy bits: The ordering brochure confirms a unique “mohawk-style” hood, which features a functional air extractor and is made of carbon fiber. Also, there is a mention of a head-up display, displaying shift lights, lateral g-forces and for ZL1s equipped with the automatic, gear indication. If this has wet your appetite for a ZL1, you can head down to your Chevrolet dealer on October 29th to order one. Source: Camaro5