William Maley

There were concerns that Volkswagen would not be able to come up with a fix for their 1st-generation 2.0L TDI models that would meet the approval of various U.S. regulators. But never say never as the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board have given their approval for Volkswagen's proposed fix for 326,000 vehicles with this engine. Reuters reports the fix will involve Volkswagen making numerous upgrades to the hardware and software, including a new emissions catalyst. This will make these vehicles legal, but drop average fuel economy figures by 2 mpg. “To obtain this approval, VW submitted test data and technical information that demonstrates that the modification will reduce emissions without negatively affecting vehicle reliability or durability. VW will thoroughly identify any differences in vehicle attributes (such as fuel economy) so owners may make an informed choice,” said the EPA in a statement. Volkswagen still needs to come up with a resale plan for 2009-2014 TDI models that were bought back as part of their settlement. Reuters says a plan is due in the coming weeks. Source: Reuters View full article

Chevrolet has revealed pricing for the upcoming 2018 Traverse. The base L will set you back $30,875 (includes destination) and rise to $52,995 for the top-line High Country, Most models will come with a 3.6L V6 producing 305 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive will be standard on most models except the High Country which gets AWD. Here is a breakdown of what most models will come with, L: Keyless entry, push-button start, automatic tri-zone climate control, 7-inch touchscreen, and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. LS: Privacy glass and the option of all-weather floor mats. LT: 18-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power seat for the driver, and captain chairs for the second row. LT Leather: Leather upholstery, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, surround vision camera system, heated front seats, power liftgate, and 8-inch touchscreen. Premier: 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, heated second-row seats, wireless phone charging, and power adjustments for the steering wheel. High Country: Polished 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, and power-folding third-row seat. One model that Chevrolet has not priced is the Traverse RS. The front-wheel drive-only variant packs a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE STARTS AT $30,875 Redesigned SUV offers more standard convenience, storage and comfort features DETROIT — Chevrolet today announced pricing for the all-new 2018 Traverse starts at $30,875. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price includes the destination charge, but excludes tax, title and additional dealer fees. Customers can visit Chevy.com/Traverse to build, configure and price the 2018 Traverse. Redesigned from the ground up, the new Traverse offers best-in-class maximum cargo space and more passenger space than Explorer, Pilot or Highlander. Traverse also offers seating for up to eight with an enhanced roster of standard convenience, storage and comfort features — with built-in connectivity working to put an end to the eternal question: Are we there yet? “The all-new Chevrolet Traverse has a bold, new look that complements the full functionality our SUV customers demand. It’s designed to help make life on the road easier, and to look good while doing it,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “With creature comforts, convenience features and technologies to entertain passengers, Traverse is the total package.” The 2018 Traverse lineup offers customers even more trim choices, featuring L, LS, LT, and Premier, along with the all-new sporty RS and top-of-the line High Country trim levels. A Redline package will also be available on Premier, featuring a blacked-out appearance with red accents. The 2018 Traverse comes loaded with standard content: Convenience Enhanced Smart Slide® seat to provide easy access to the third row, even with an empty forward-facing child seat in place using the LATCH system USB charging in all three rows Teen Driver technology Rear Seat Reminder4 Rear Vision Camera Keyless Open and Start 12-volt power outlet Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors Capless fuel fill Storage Best-in-class max cargo volume of 98.2 cubic feet Hidden underfloor cargo storage totaling 3.2 cubic feet “Truck-sized” center console Twenty-three storage spots throughout for passengers in all three rows Dedicated storage for mobile phones Comfort Active noise cancellation Automatic tri-zone climate control Humidity sensor that detects moisture and diverts air to the windshield to help prevent fogging Connectivity Built-in OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot1 allows customers to connect up to seven devices, and customers in the U.S. are offered access to an unlimited prepaid Wifi data plan for $20 per month2 plus tax, enabled by AT&T Standard support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Compatibility subject to terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smart phone Steering wheel-mounted phone and audio controls Chevrolet MyLink infotainment systems help keep passengers connected Owners can manage their vehicle remotely and check diagnostics with the myChevrolet mobile app3 via their smartphone Additional available features include: Rear camera mirror provides a video view, displaying a wider, less obstructed field of view compared to a traditional rearview mirror Surround Vision cameras provide a bird’s eye view of the vehicle to help make reversing, parking or trailering easier A new, hands-free power liftgate that projects a Chevrolet bowtie emblem on the ground is standard on Premier and High Country Power-folding third-row seat is standard on High Country Heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats standard on Premier and High Country Heated second-row outboard seats are standard on Premier and High Country Heated steering wheel is standard on Premier and High Country Wireless device charging is standard on Premier and High Country Available hidden storage behind the articulating radio screen Power liftgate. 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Those who crave a V8 model from Holden might not need to wait too long after the current Commodore finishes its run. Motoring has learned from sources that GM has given the go-ahead on sending the next-generation Corvette and current Camaro to Australia. The Corvette, which the report states will be the mid-engine model - will come as a right-hand drive model from the factory. The Camaro is a bit of a different story, however. According to Motoring, the Camaro will be converted to right-hand drive via conversion process done by Walkinshaw Group - the people behind Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). Walkinshaw Group boss Ryan Walkinshaw and HSV's Tim Jackson were lobbying GM to back this project for a bit and it seems their efforts may have paid off. Mark Reuss, Executive Vice President of GM's global development and former head of Holden is said to be a fan of this project. Why did Walkinshaw want GM's backing? This will give them discount pricing on Camaros they bring in. The report says Walkinshaw is aiming for sub-$90,000 AUD (about $71,000) pricetag for a high-spec SS version. Holden and HSV Dealers have been allegedly told about this plan. HSV declined to comment on this report, but sources say an announcement is imminent. This could be only for the current generation Camaro. As reported back in March, GM is working on a right-drive version of the next-generation Camaro - due in 2021. Source: Motoring.com.au View full article

Great Britain is planning to ban the sale of conventional gas and diesel vehicles from 2040 to help reduce air pollution. The government announced this in a paper published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). "There should be no new diesel or petrol vehicles by 2040," said environment minister Michael Gove to BBC Radio. This is part of the government's £2.7bn blueprint for tackling air pollution. This includes investments going towards building out a charging infrastructure, more efficient public transport, and promoting walking and bicycling. It needs to be noted that the ban will not affect models with hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains - early reports said all gas and diesel vehicles would be banned. This announcement comes a few weeks after France made a similar announcement to ban gas vehicles by 2040. Source: Reuters View full article

The Chevrolet Cruze Diesel comes at a time where diesel is being burned at the stake. Due to Volkswagen’s cheating on emission tests, the fuel has been vilified around the world. It also has meant more extensive testing, investigations into possible cheating from different automakers, and companies scrapping plans to introduce diesel models. Yet, General Motors sees an opportunity to take advantage of as there might be a group of diesel enthusiasts that still want a small and fuel-efficient sedan. The regular Cruze impressed me when I reviewed it earlier this year. Can the diesel do the same? Under the hood is an all-new turbocharged 1.6L diesel four-cylinder with 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Impressive numbers to say in the least. This is paired up to a six-speed manual (what I had) or a nine-speed automatic. In terms of fuel economy, the diesel is rated at 30 City/52 Highway/37 Combined with the six-speed manual, and 31/47/37 with the nine-speed automatic. The first thing I noticed when driving the Cruze Diesel is how much quieter it is. When I drove the last-generation Cruze Diesel back a few years ago, I described it being noisier than a cab-over truck at idle. The new engine is much better. The only real signs of it being a diesel are when you start it up after letting it sit for awhile. Otherwise, the engine produces little to no clatter that diesel engines are known for. Taking off from a stop, the diesel feels quicker than the standard gas engine. A key reason for this is torque arriving at a low 2,000 rpm. More impressive is how don’t always need to downshift when you need to make a pass. The engine has a fair amount of power on tap for these situations. The manual transmission is easy to use as going through the gears felt effortless and it was easy to figure where in the shift pattern you were. The clutch is light, but has a long travel. Still, you will be able to find the catch point very easily. The only downside to the manual is a very short first gear. Leaving a stoplight, you’ll find out very quickly that you need to shift immediately. For a time, I tried starting the vehicle in second. While this improves the overall drivability of the vehicle, I found it slightly tough to leave a stop somewhat cleanly. Fuel economy? I saw an average of 42 MPG in mostly city driving for the few days I had it. Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to put the Cruze on a long highway trip. But from reviews I have seen, you can easily get 50+ MPG. Everything else about the Cruze Diesel is mostly the same as the Cruze I drove late last year. The ride is smooth on most road surfaces. Road and wind noise are kept to near silent levels. Handling is about average as the Cruze goes a corner with body motions kept in check, but steering lacks the weight and feel some drivers are looking for in enthusiastic driving. It is a shame that the Diesel sedan doesn’t get the option of the RS appearance package as it makes the Cruze more interesting to look at. The standard design is ok with a similar profile to the Volt. But the back is where the design unfurls as it looks very plain compared to the rest of the model. Not helping is the silver-blue paint finish which makes it look somewhat dull. The interior is a pleasant and comfortable place to sit in with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and plenty of room for passengers. A 7-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet MyLink comes standard, while an 8-inch system with navigation is available as an option. I have to admit I like this system slightly more due to the simpler interface. I do wish the touchscreen was better at detecting when one of the touch buttons is pressed. The touchscreen system was slightly hit and miss at detecting this. Pricing for the Cruze Diesel begins $23,795 - about $2,270 more than similar equipped Cruze LT manual. Part of the price increase is due to the Diesel getting the Convenience Package - includes a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, keyless start, and remote lock - as standard. With the Leather Package, our as-tested price of came $25,795. The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is much better than the model it replaces with a more refined engine that delivers an impressive stream of power and high fuel economy numbers. It doesn’t hurt that the Cruze is a well-rounded compact to boot. But it is going to be a tough sell in this time where diesel is considered a great evil. Chevrolet might only be able to bring diesel fans to the Cruze Diesel, which is a great shame. Disclaimer: Chevrolet Provided the Cruze Diesel, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2017 Make: Chevrolet Model: Cruze Trim: Diesel Engine: 1.6L Turbodiesel DOHC Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Manual, Front-wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 137 @ 3,750 Torque @ RPM: 240 @ 2,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 30/52/37 Curb Weight: 3,091 lbs Location of Manufacture: Lordstown, Ohio Base Price: $23,795 As Tested Price: $25,795 (Includes $875.00 Destination Charge) Options: Leather Package - $1,125.00 View full article

General Motors isn't the only one considering putting vehicles on the chopping block. The Detroit News has learned from three sources that Ford is considering ending production on three models for the U.S. - the Fiesta, C-Max Hybrid, and Taurus. Sources say the Taurus would be first to go in late 2018. The Fiesta would follow suit either in late 2018 or 2019. The C-Max would be the last model to end production in early 2019. Ford said they would make an announcement concerning the C-Max at a later date. The company declined to comment on the other vehicles. The Taurus has been long rumored to be cut from Ford's lineup due to poor sales. This was further bolstered by the company unveiling a new Taurus for China, but not for the U.S. back in 2016. Rumors about the Fiesta leaving the U.S. lineup began last year when CarScoops learned from a source that the next-generation Fiesta would not come to the U.S. due to there not being "enough demand to justify the costs." Earlier this week, Romanian site 0-100 spoke with Fiesta program manager Robert Stiller who said this, "The previous model was a global Ford product, and with the new generation we are targeting only Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” said Stiller. “In North America, especially in the US, China and Latin America, the demand for such cars is declining, and we are reacting accordingly.” Source: Detroit News, CarScoops, 0-100.ro View full article