William Maley

Last year at the SEMA Show, Chevrolet teamed up with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) to produce the Colorado ZR2 AEV concept. This truck was fully kitted out for overlanding duties with a revamped suspension, new bumpers and skid plates, a snorkel, Warn winch, bed rack, and an air compressor. It seems Chevrolet is planning to make this into a production model. Off-Road.com learned from a Chevrolet dealer that GM at their annual dealer meeting showed off a model called the Colorado ZR2 Bison. “The AEV truck they revealed looked nearly identical to the concept vehicle with some minor differences,” the unnamed dealer said in email. The differences are most likely the absence of the bed rack and air compressor from the concept. What would likely carry over are the larger fenders, meaty off-road tires, upgraded suspension, and underbody protection. The dealer also said that the Bison will be available at dealers soon according to Chevrolet officials at the meeting. Source: Off-Road.com View full article

We know that Volkswagen is planning a high-performance GLI variant of the new Jetta that is expected in the near future. Thanks to Autoblog, we have gotten some interesting information about what we should expect. Speaking to a Volkswagen representative, Autoblog learned that the new GLI will feature a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder. It is expected to be the same engine found in the GTI which produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. There will be a choice of either a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch. The representative also said the GLI would swap the torsion-beam rear suspension found on the standard Jetta for a multi-link independent setup. Expect to see the Jetta GLI make its debut during the next auto show season, possibly at LA or Chicago. Source: Autoblog View full article

Chevrolet has revealed the two extremes of the Silverado family, the 1500 and the Class 4, 5, and 6 trucks. But the HD variant has yet to make its debut. Today, Chevrolet dropped a teaser for the upcoming 2020 Silverado HD. This would be ok if it was a couple of months out from being shown, but Chevrolet isn't planning to show until late 2019. That's right, we have an 18-month wait. The photo shows the top half of the Silverado HD's front end and it looks tough. We can see the headlights being similar in shape to the 1500 and the Chevrolet script running the whole length of the grille. We're expecting a number of grille inserts depending on the trim. A chrome-ringed hood scoop provides extra cooling for the engine - possibly a diesel engine. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 CHEVROLET TO REVEAL THREE ALL-NEW SILVERADOS IN 18 MONTHS Next-gen Silverado HD previewed prior to its 2019 reveal DETROIT — Chevrolet announced that the next-generation Silverado HD will debut next year, as a 2020 model. It will be the third all-new truck in the Silverado lineup revealed in just 18 months, joining the 2019 Silverado 1500 and the 2019 Silverado 4500/5500/6500HD. “Chevrolet already fuels the most successful truck manufacturer in the industry,” said Alan Batey, global head of Chevrolet. “With a completely new, expanded range of Silverado models on the horizon, we expect to see even more truck buyers in Chevrolet showrooms.” The next-generation Silverado HD is designed for the specific priorities and needs of heavy-duty truck customers. On-road testing of the new Silverado HD prototypes will begin in the near future to reach Chevrolet’s increased durability and validation standards, and the bolder, larger proportions of the truck will be instantly apparent. More product information will be provided next year, with the first production models scheduled to roll off the assembly lines in Flint, Michigan, in the third quarter of 2019. View full article

Last month, we reported in the rumorpile that the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata could be packing more power - 181 to be exact. A new report from Road & Track has a couple more details on the engine of the 2019 MX-5 Miata, along with some other tidbits. A leaked document from a Mazda dealer in Canada made its way on to the Miata.net forum (which has been taken down at the time of this writing). According to R&T, the document confirms that the 2019 MX-5 Miata will produce 181 horsepower from a 2.0L four-cylinder. We also learned that torque sees a small bump from 152 to 155 pound-feet. The 2.0L in question will come with a number of new parts including “ultra-light” pistons, lighter connecting rods, intake manifold, throttle body, and high-flow exhaust system. Other details for the 2019 Miata, Will get Mazda's Smart City Braking system and backup camera Finally will have a telescoping steering wheel Source: Road & Track View full article

The past few years at Volkswagen haven't been smooth sailing with the diesel scandal coming to light with various executives being fired or stepping down, sales taking a nosedive, and various fines. Matthias Müller who has been Volkswagen AG CEO since the scandal broke has been trying his best to get the company back on track. But that might not be enough for him to keep his job. Bloomberg and German paper Handelsblatt have learned from sources that Müller will be stepping down as CEO on Friday. Possibly taking his place is Herbert Diess, head of the Volkswagen brand. According to Reuters, the decision will take place during a meeting of Volkswagen's supervisory board. "Volkswagen is considering a further development of the management structure of the group which would also be associated with personnel changes in the board of management," said Volkswagen in a statement. Reportedly, the Porsche and Piech families - the biggest shareholders of Volkswagen - were in agreement to replace Müller. We'll keep you posted if any new developments pop up. Source: Bloomberg, Handelsblatt Global, Reuters View full article

Ford has unveiled the fourth-generation Focus today at events in Germany and China. Available as a sedan, hatchback, and wagon, the model will go on sale in Europe and China later this year. The Focus is the first Ford model to undergo the company's revamped product development process that involves talking and studying current Focus customers around the world. This allows Ford to tailor the Focus to the needs and wants of each global region. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Focus has a bit more style. The overall profile reminds us a lot of the Mazda3 with a flatter nose and a lot of sculpting. The overall size is about the same as the current Focus, but it uses a longer wheelbase which will increase overall interior room. Inside, the new Focus features a new dash design that is simpler and has an infotainment system on top. An 8-inch touchscreen will be available featuring Sync3. Other tech features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, telematic services, and a wireless charging pad for mobile devices. The powertrain lineup will comprise of a turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder, turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder, and 2.0-liter turbodiesel. Transmission choices will either be a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The engines should be more efficient as Ford has dropped up to 194 pounds out of the Focus' curb weight. A new chassis and suspension design promises better handling. Ford will be offering their suite of active safety features known as Co-Pilot360. This includes adaptive cruise control, active lane control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. But what about the U.S.? Ford says the next-generation Focus will arrive on our shores sometime in the second-half of next year. Further details will be announced at a later date. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 All-New Global Focus Is The Most Innovative, Spacious, Connected And Fun-To-Drive Focus Ever All-new global Ford Focus is the culmination of research with Focus customers around the world and human-centered design processes to understand and satisfy their unique needs around the world. This is why the all-new Focus features: Innovative Technologies: High-speed internet connectivity, all-new Ford CoPilot360™ – a suite of advanced driver assist features to help drivers move more safely, confidently and freely – available wireless charging for mobile devices and more More Comfort and Space: Available sedan, estate/wagon and hatchback styles with a more inviting and accommodating interior and more passenger space than ever Better Driving Experience: More fun to drive, thanks to an all-new suspension, all-new gasoline, EcoBoost gasoline and EcoBlue diesel engines and a fast-shifting all-new 8-speed transmission Focus signals the future of the company’s Product Development process and global Ford vehicles – flexible enough to be sold around the world and win in each market, with tailored lineups including multiple body styles, new models and engines – while still maintaining highly efficient common architectures and modules The all-new Focus goes on sale in Europe and China this year and North America in 2019 DEARBORN, Mich., April 10, 2018 – Ford today introduces the all-new Focus car for global customers, featuring the latest advanced and affordable technology with more comfort and space and a better fun-to-drive experience. Redesigned from the wheels up after hundreds of hours studying and speaking with Focus customers around the world, the next-generation Focus will be tailored to each global region, even as the company becomes more efficient. “We’re evolving our successful One Ford strategy to find new ways to create a sporty-looking small car our customers will love,” said Jim Farley, president of Global Markets. “We’ll tailor which cars in the Focus line-up we offer in markets around the world to ensure we best meet customers’ different needs and preferences.” The all-new Focus features 4-door sedan, 5-door estate/wagon and 5-door hatchback body styles, depending on the market. Today, Ford is revealing the luxurious Focus Vignale, sporty ST-Line, adventure-oriented Active and upscale Titanium in Europe and ST-Line and Titanium in China. Ford will introduce Focus in North America closer to its on-sale date next year. Focus Signals Future of Ford Vehicles The all-new Focus is one of the first vehicles delivered using Ford’s revamped product development process, which uses human-centered design to better deliver the models, features and technologies customers around the world truly value. For the next-generation Focus, that means: A longer hood with cab-rearward interior that provides a strong, reassuring on-road presence. While it looks bigger than the previous Focus, its overall dimensions are unchanged so it’s still easy to move about urban environments More interior space for all passengers, so it’s easier to get in and out of the car, and more cargo area in larger global Focus models Advanced design with aerodynamics that look modern while helping to improve efficiency In addition, human-centered design allows each market to tailor their Focus line-up, creating new models targeted to specific customer groups, such as the new sport ST-Line or adventure-focused Active models for the new Focus. Through the use of globally common but flexible architectures and modules, Ford is able to deliver visually differentiated Focus variants to appeal to diverse customer needs while maintaining a high level of commonality and low complexity. Even as Ford finds ways to deliver new and additional Focus variants – which for many markets will bring a richer mix of Focus models – the company is working to reduce complexity and improve quality. Ford has reduced the number of orderable configurations by as much as 92 percent versus the previous Focus, reducing from up to 360 configurations to as few as 26, depending on the global market. This complexity reduction helps Ford lower and control costs while ensuring Focus customers can more easily and quickly find the model that meets their needs. While it starts with Focus, this approach will further strengthen with future Ford vehicles as the company moves from individual vehicle platforms to all-new flexible vehicle architectures paired with modular “families,” streamlining common components such as engines, electrical systems and high-end features, such as sunroofs. Innovative Technologies For customers around the world, the all-new Focus majors in advanced and innovative technology that keeps customers connected and safely on the road. The all-new Ford Focus debuts Ford Co-Pilot360™, a suite of advanced driver assist technologies to help drivers move more safely, confidently and freely. Available technologies, which will vary by region, include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) enhanced with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centering for effortlessly negotiating stop-start traffic Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System with new camera-based predictive curve light and Sign-based light that pre-adjust headlamp patterns for improved visibility by monitoring bends in the road and – for the first time in the industry – road signs A new version of Active Park Assist that now also operates gear selection, acceleration and braking to enable fully automated maneuvers at the push of a button Evasive Steering Assist, a segment-first technology that helps drivers steer around stopped or slower vehicles to help avoid collisions As part of Ford’s vision to deliver smart vehicles for a smart world, 90 percent of its new global vehicles will be equipped with internet connectivity by 2020. This includes the new Focus, which will come with FordPass Connect embedded modem technology. This allows Ford customers to turn the vehicle into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices. In addition to helping drivers plan faster, less stressful journeys with Live Traffic updates for the navigation system and enabling occupants to stream entertainment on the move, FordPass Connect allows a range of convenient features via the FordPass mobile app, including: Vehicle Locator, helping owners find their car in sprawling shopping mall car parks Vehicle Status, for checking fuel levels, alarm status, oil life and more Door Lock Unlock, to remotely allow access to your Focus Remote Start A new available wireless charging pad beneath the instrument panel enables passengers to easily charge compatible smartphones and mobile devices. Devices can remain connected via Bluetooth to Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system while using wireless charging. SYNC 3 also is available with a 203 millimeter (8-inch) color touchscreen that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. SYNC 3 also allows drivers to control audio, navigation and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple voice commands. More Comfort and Space Focus’ interior comfort is more refined and upscale. Even the instrument panel positioning is optimized for getting in and out of the car. An electric parking brake and rotary gear shift dial frees up space and provide easier access to bins and cup holders for the driver and front passenger. A narrower center console – enabled by relocating switches and controls to the touchscreen – features soft knee pads for more comfort. Additional space is delivered for backseat passengers by extending the wheelbase and flat floor. Shoulder-room increases by nearly 61 millimeters (2.4 inches) and knee clearance and legroom grows by nearly 51 millimeters (2 inches) and 71 millimeters (2.8 inches), respectively. The heating and air-conditioning system heats and cools the cabin faster and more quietly. Special attention was paid even to the shape of the sideview door mirrors, which were designed to help reduce that air throbbing effect that can occur when one window is lowered at speed. The Focus team also thought about pet friendliness. For wagon customers, rear cargo space is designed to comfortably accommodate large pet carriers, with up to 1,650-liters / 58 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the front seats when the rear seats are folded. There’s even an available “Easy Fold Seat” feature to quickly lower the seats with the pull of a lever. Ford’s Hands-free liftgate technology allows access to the wagon cargo space with a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper. Also, the cargo cover now fits neatly beneath the new flexible load floor when not needed. Better Driving Experience The all-new Focus remains true to its 20-year legacy of class-leading driving dynamics. It’s more fun-to-drive with improved refinement, thanks to an all-new chassis and suspension with a 20 percent improvement in torsional rigidity for better body control. An all-new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system provides more responsive, intuitive and engaging steering feel. All-new Focus offers standard Drive Mode Technology – including Normal, Sport and Eco modes – for the first time, enabling drivers to adjust engine and transmission response, steering feel and Adaptive Cruise Control to match the driving situation from sporty to efficiency-minded. In China, the all-new Focus offers a range of advanced gasoline engines, including the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, plus an all-new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine optimized for high torque at low rpm. In Europe, Focus brings two additional options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline and 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel. North American powertrain options will be announced closer to launch. Ford’s new optional quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission is engineered to further optimize fuel-efficiency and deliver responsive performance. Features include: Adaptive Shift Scheduling, which assesses individual driving styles to optimize gearshift timings for a more stable, engaging and refined driving experience Adaptive Shift Quality Control, which assesses vehicle and environmental information to help adjust clutch pressures for consistently smooth gearshifts The all-new Focus goes on sale in Europe and China this year and North America in the second half of 2019. View full article