William Maley

Continuing MINI's growth spurt is the Clubman Concept which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The Clubman Concept features dimensions of 166 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 57 inches tall. Compared to the current Clubman, the concept is 10.2 inches longer and 6.7 inches wider. This bigger size allows MINI designers to add two rear doors. Other design cues to take note of are the rear doors that are split and the horizontal taillights. Inside, the Clubman concept has a unique dashboard design. Its oval shaped and looks like it floating thanks to backlighting. One item that MINI is keeping quiet is what will power the Clubman Concept. Source: MINI Press Release is on Page 2 MINI TO UNVEIL CLUBMAN CONCEPT AT GENEVA AUTO SHOW 26.02.2014 MINI Clubman Concept is a new class in terms of space, function and supreme elegance Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 25, 2014... At the 2014 Geneva Auto Show MINI presents the MINI Clubman Concept, showcasing a new brand philosophy for a higher class of automobile. 26 centimeters longer and just under 17 centimeters wider than the current MINI Clubman, the Concept comes over as sophisticated, cool and elegant. The iconic design is supplemented by high-quality details, plenty of space for functional features and selected materials. Refinement of the hallmark MINI styling ensures instant recognition, both on the exterior and the interior. The extensive color and material concept redefines contemporary elegance and high-end quality in this segment. Four doors and five seats offer plenty of utility space, thereby supporting an active lifestyle. Classic MINI design features such as the hexagonal radiator grille, Side Scuttles, the Black Band, short overhangs and elliptical front and rear headlights ensure high recognition value from every angle. Length: 4223 mm, width: 1844 mm (not incl. mirror), height: 1450 mm. Integrated aerodynamics as an essential part of the exterior design. The interior design interprets typical MINI shapes and colors, presenting an effortless and elegant combination of high-end quality and functionality. An elaborate color and material concept in the interior with exclusive materials and unexpected details. The Center Instrument with newly conceived user interface creates an event-controlled interaction space with touch operation. A new class for the future of MINI "The MINI Clubman Concept shows how the MINI Clubman could be taken a step further: more interior space, a greater sense of high-end quality and yet still clever, bold and distinctive. In short: more car, more MINI," says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, explaining the approach to this model. For over 50 years now, MINI has stood for maximum use of minimum space. 26 centimeters longer and just under 17 centimeters wider than the current MINI Clubman, the MINI Clubman Concept applies this aspiration to a new class of automobile. As Head of MINI Design Anders Warming explains: "With the MINI Clubman Concept we are presenting a car with space, flair and style in a segment where the focus is mainly on function and utility. With clever ideas, emotional design and a cool blend of colors and materials, it offers an overall experience which remains unique in this segment to date." Supreme, dynamic, elegant – the exterior design Even with larger exterior dimensions, the MINI Clubman Concept is instantly recognizable as a typical MINI. With the characteristic agility of the MINI proportions, the prolonged roof line clearly reflects the car's extensive utility space. It also gives the silhouette a distinctive elegance, underscored by generous surfaces. The powerful, warm Berry Red color shows surfaces and shapes to optimum effect. The roof in the color "Blade" - a metallic grey - creates an elegant contrast with the warm red of the corpus. Classic MINI design icons such as the hexagonal radiator grille, Side Scuttles, Black Band and the typical lights are designed in precise, high-end style. The modern, reduced interpretation of these features gives the MINI Clubman Concept a more sophisticated, charismatic look. The themes of aerodynamics and air ducting are clearly highlighted in the exterior design. All openings and outlets are integrated in the geometry and elegantly shaped. Clearly defined wheel arches and the roof spoiler accentuate the car's dynamic appearance, underscoring the overall impression of sporty flair. Typical MINI in every detail - the front section Seen from the front, the circular headlamps, hexagonal radiator grille and roof with add-on look clearly identify the MINI Clubman Concept as belonging to the MINI family. The radiator grille is strikingly elaborated and incorporates the bumper in the front section. The bumper is finished in Black Chrome, adding a touch of exclusive style to this functional element. Elaborate details such as the three-dimensional structure of the chrome ribs inside the front grille further enhance the front section. The high quality standards of the MINI Clubman Concept even extend to the surface modelling. Fine edges add precision and presence to the generous surfaces. In the lower area of the front-end design there is a continuous air inlet which highlights the breadth of the MINI Clubman Concept, thereby emphasizing its solid standing on the road. Meanwhile a finely wrought chrome rib appears to hover inside the air inlet, giving this sporty detail a touch of exclusive appeal. In the outer section of the front apron there are so-called AirCurtains - an aerodynamic feature that gives the wheel arches an aerodynamically optimized closure. These dynamically surround the lower part of the front section like two brackets. Plenty of space for characteristic dynamism - the side Reduced to the essentials, the side view instantly conveys the qualities of the MINI Clubman Concept: a long wheelbase, flatly positioned windows and short overhangs reflect characteristic MINI agility. At the same time, the long roof line and the typical two-box design clearly emphasize the car's high level of functionality and its generous utility space. Meanwhile the four doors reflect the extended exterior dimensions and increased functionality. Generous surface expanses elongate the side, while at the same time subtle surface modelling and precise lines make the silhouette appear flat and dynamic. Three chrome elements give the side section a sense of exclusivity with modern understatement. At the front, the Side Scuttle incorporates the filigree mirror base and turn indicator in an elongated element whose shape is echoed by the two electrical door openers. Integrated flush with the surface, these draw a line back to the rear which is taken up by the rear door handles. Above this, the surrounding shoulder line in chrome offsets the corpus of the car from the greenhouse and roof in hallmark MINI style. This so-called Waistline Finisher embraces the entire passenger cell, reinforcing the exterior graphics so typical of the brand. The 19" light alloy rims in bicolor Black Chrome and Chrome finish are the highlight of the side view. A clear cup formation gives the elaborate multi-spoke design a highly dynamic touch. In between, glossy accents are added by non-cupped polished surfaces. Aerodynamic details for optimum air ducting The MINI Clubman Concept is the first MINI to be fitted with a so-called AirBreather at the side. The AirBreather echoes the design theme of the AirCurtains in the front apron, cutting dynamically into the surrounding Black Band. The elaborate double roof spoiler at the rear is shown to best advantage from the top view. The third brake light is integrated in between the two wings of the roof spoilers in Formula 1 style. There are also two longitudinal sections of plexiglass which run across the entire length of the roof like rally stripes. In conjunction with the roof spoiler, this means that the distinctive dynamic air typical of MINI is applied to the MINI Clubman Concept from a bird's-eye perspective, too. Typical MINI Clubman: split doors for increased loading convenience - the rear The MINI Clubman Concept is broad and athletic in the rear view. The familiar MINI cascading - a staggering of multiple layers - gives the automobile a very solid standing and a muscular wheel orientation when seen from the rear. The most striking rear elements are the characteristic split doors. The typical continuous door frame is no longer made of sheet metal. The door graphic itself provides the frame surrounding the entire rear section like a discreet bracket. This newly elaborated design gives the whole rear a reduced, modern appearance. The horizontally positioned rear lights have a highly detailed finish. Their shape underscores the car's broad standing and the dynamic orientation of the rear section. Selected chrome accents such as the "Clubman" inscription, the MINI emblem on the left-hand door and the door handles are specific details which emphasize the high-quality aspiration of the MINI Clubman Concept. As in the front section, the aerodynamically optimized bumper finishes off the rear to the road. A functional detail in the rear apron is the Smart Opening function: a sensor underneath the bumper allows the tailgate to be opened using your foot if you do not have a free hand. Exclusivity and function interpreted in contemporary style - the interior design Along with the exterior, the interior of the MINI Clubman Concept has also grown to larger dimensions. With four doors and five fully-fledged seats, the MINI Clubman Concept offers plenty of space for the pursuit of an active lifestyle. The new dimensions are brought to life by means of generous surfaces and more sophisticated spatial effect. The underlying design theme in the interior is the characteristic ellipse. Precise and contoured in its shaping, it comes over as more sophisticated while clearly displaying its origins. Around the ellipses, the interaction between several levels and surfaces adds lightness and a three-dimensional feel to the interior. The unusual materials are especially worthy of mention: nubuck leather in a light Sky Blue, patent leather in rich Berry Red and black soft nappa leather ensure an exclusive interior atmosphere which is highly expressive. In between, elements in patinized silver add high-end accentuations. The patina gives them the character of familiar, fondly used items. Decorative strips in blue limed ash grain convey cool, modern elegance. The two highly expressive fabrics Tweed Grey and Black Twill set an attractive counterpoint to the classic value attributes of wood, leather, silver, thereby creating the familiar MINI interior experience. Small details such as the buttons with Union Jack embossment on the seats and central console, contrast stitching, piping or red accentuation surfaces in the sun blinds which only appear when these are folded down all add a touch of surprise to the mature character of the MINI Clubman Concept. High-end sophistication and presence - the instrument panel The interior element of the MINI Clubman Concept with the most powerful presence is the leather-covered instrument panel. With a surround in blue limed ash grain and a white porcelain finish, the black upper section of the instrument panel has a hovering appearance. Indirect rear lighting of the gap reinforces this impression and gives the area in front of the driver and front passenger an extremely high-end ambience. The linear air vents have patinized, silver-plated surrounds. Between the air vents there is an area in Black Chrome which can be back-lit if required that provides additional information for the driver and front passenger. The suggested "Faded Diamonds" rhombus pattern gives the Black Chrome surface a particularly high-quality structure. The lower section of the instrument panel is finished in Berry Red patent leather, providing an extrovert yet sophisticated contrast to the more discreet design of the upper half. Multi-layered and light - the door design The newly interpreted ellipse in the side runs dynamically across the two doors to create a visual link between front and rear. The armrests in blue Nubuck leather appear to hover in the doors, while behind them there are practical storage compartments. The decorative surfaces in the doors have indirect backlighting to underscore the inviting, contemporary ambience. The side mirrors and roof liner recede discreetly into the background due to use of high-quality fabric Tweed Grey in salt-and-pepper look, while the quality weave of the fabric Black Twill with classic black-and-white contrast on the floor and mats makes for an elegant finish. The concept of spatial function in the rear is rounded off with clever storage facilities in the split doors as well as a double load floor. The pouches in the doors are elaborately fitted with Nubuck leather in Silk White. They are placed within convenient reach and help make optimum use of space in the luggage compartment. The double load floor provides additional storage capacity. Intelligent controls The display area in the center console (160mm x 150mm) adapts according to the content selected or the situation on the road. Three "intelligent" toggles are assigned the relevant content according to selected content or driving functions. Above and beyond this, the three toggles can also be freely programmed and assigned particular functions according preference. The haptic quality of the toggles means that the various functions can be operated during travel without looking. Here the MINI Clubman Concept has taken classic operating elements that have been a part of MINI for 55 years and consistently advanced them. View full article

For the past few years, General Motor’s pickups were getting sand kicked in their faces by Ford and Ram. The two truck manufacturers were introducing refreshed models with new powertrains, improved interiors, and clever technologies that made GM’s models look and feel old news. While the sales numbers showed a fair number of Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras were being sold every month, everyone, including GM knew sales were being stolen away. All the company could do was wait for their next-generation trucks to be finished. Come late 2012 when GM introduced the next-generation Silverado and Sierra pickups. The new pickups promised more power, efficiency, and refinement. Do GM’s next-generation trucks have what it take on the competiton? To find out, I went back to back with the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado. When GM showed the next-generation Silverado and Sierra for the first time, many people (your’s truly included) said that the new models didn’t look that much different from the models they would replace. Well I would like to take that back as I think GM has really done an amazing job with the designs. Both trucks are nearly identical twins with embellished front and rear fenders, chrome trim pieces on the doors, and integrated bumper steps in the truck bed. The only real difference between them is in the front. The Silverado sticks with the front-end design that has been present since 1973 with a large spilt grille and a set of rectangular headlights occupying either end. The Sierra takes more of a chance with its front end design. The three-bar grill is much more imposing and a set of squared headlights feature a string of LEDs. Out of the two, I prefer the Sierra as it gives off a more imposing identity. The most important feature of any truck besides what is under the hood has to be the bed and GM made some important changes here. The tailgate has a torsion bar to make it easier to open and shut, and prevents it from slamming down onto the bumper. The bed features a spray-in liner, adjustable tie-down mounts, and LED lights underneath the bed rails to make it easier to see when loading and unloading in the nighttime. The biggest problem for the previous Silverado and Sierra was their interiors. Cheap materials and a design that was aging very quickly proved to be the biggest thorn in the back. The next-generation trucks remedy this problem with a much more modern interior design that puts function above form. The layout has a number of knobs and toggle switches that make it easy to control most of the functions. There are two 12-Volt outlets, a 120-Volt outlet, and seven USB ports. A bit overkill you might think. But I found the large number of power outlets very useful when I lost power at my house and was able to do some of my work from the Sierra for a good part of the day.Good thinking GM. On the material front, there is an abundance of soft-touch materials throughout the interior and real aluminum trim used on the dash. While the Ram 1500 has the overall edge on interiors for trucks, the Silverado and Sierra aren’t far behind. Comfort and space has been improved over the previous models. The front seats are more supportive and wrapped in leather. On both trucks, the seats came equipped with heat and cooling. In the back, head and legroom is very generous. No one will feel like they have been sent to the penalty box. One area that still needs some work is the infotainment system. Chevrolet’s MyLink and GMC’s Intelilink system are handsome to look at and easy to comprehend thanks to a well-designed layout and off-screen controls to control certain aspects. But, MyLink/Intelliink are still experiencing some slowness. For example, it takes a few seconds for the navigation to respond when I decide to either zoom in or out. But that isn’t the worst of MyLink/Intelliink problems. The Sierra had a problem where it wouldn’t play anything out of my iPod or my phone via the bluetooth system. Meanwhile, the Silverado had its system crash and reboot while I was driving. Thankfully, either problem only appeared once during my time with the trucks, but it tells me that General Motors needs to update the systems as soon as possible. For thoughts on the powertrain and ride, see the next page A large change for the next-generation Silverado and Sierra lies under the hood. GM introduced a new range of EcoTec engines which include such technologies as direct-injection, variable cam timing, and cylinder deactivation. While the engine lineup is much the same as before (4.3L V6, 5.3 V8, and 6.2L V8), the new engines are more powerful and feature improved fuel economy. Both trucks came equipped with the volume engine; the 5.3L V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This is fed through a six-speed automatic to a four-wheel drive system. Two-wheel drive comes standard. For most buyers, the 5.3 is more than enough. Acceleration is smooth and power is always ready for you whenever you needed it. Never once did I think that I needed or wanted more power. What I did want was a better response from the throttle. Driving around in the Sierra for the first time, I was surprised how far I had to push the throttle to get it moving. My best guess to the sluggish response is to improve fuel economy. [alignleft][/alignleft] Speaking of fuel economy, both trucks with the 5.3L V8 are rated at 16 City/22 Highway/18 Combined. My average in both trucks landed around 16 MPG. I have a hunch that with more highway and rural driving, I could have easily gotten the combined number. For the ride, GM sticks with a leaf-spring setup for the trucks. While you might think this would make the Silverado and Sierra ride like a bucking bronco, GM was able to tune the springs in such a way to make it feel more like luxury sedan. Even when driven down a rutted road, the two trucks were able to keep passengers very comfortable. Steering comes in the form of an electric system and provides good feel and weight. As for wind and road noise, GM employed a number of tricks such as triple door seals and spray-in sound deadening on along the firewall and transmission tunnel. These tricks really quiet down NVH levels and could give certain luxury cars a run for their money. At first glance, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 might not have the showstopping features that Ford and Ram have been introducing into their trucks for the past few years. But after spending some time with the trucks, I came away very impressed. GM took the basic truck recipe, leaf springs and all, and made it much more refined. It also gives something GM hasn’t had in a long time; a blueprint which the company can use to build off. That is something I hope comes into play soon as the new Ford F-150 is just around the corner. Disclaimer: General Motors Provided the Silverado and Sierra, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Chevrolet Model: Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Trim: LTZ Z71 Engine: 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 355 @ 5600 Torque @ RPM: 383 @ 4100 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 16/22/18 Curb Weight: 5218 lbs Location of Manufacture: Silao, Mexico Base Price: $43,650.00 As Tested Price: $49,080.00 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: Driver Alert Package - $845.00 Chevrolet MyLink w/Color Touchscreen and Navigation - $795.00 LTZ Plus Package - $770.00 6" Chrome Assist Steps - $700.00 Heated & Cooled Seats - $650.00 Leather Seats - $325.00 Trailer Brake Controller - $230.00 Moveable Upper Tie Downs - $60.00 LED Lighting, Cargo Box - $60.00 Year: 2014 Make: GMC Model: Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Trim: SLT Engine: 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 355 @ 5600 Torque @ RPM: 383 @ 4100 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 16/22/18 Curb Weight: 5218 lbs Location of Manufacture: Silao, Mexico Base Price: $43,610.00 As Tested Price: $49,045.00 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: SLT Crew Cab Value Package - $2,195.00 Driver Alert Package - $845.00 GMC IntelliLink w/Color Touchscreen and Navigation - $795.00 Heated & Cooled Seats - $650.00 SLT Preferred Package - $400.00 Leather Seats - $325.00 Trailer Brake Controller - $230.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Two weeks ago, General Motors announced a massive recall that involves 778,562 Chevrolet Cobalts built between 2005 to 2007 and Pontiac G5s built in 2007 because of a faulty ignition switch that slip out of the run position if jostled or if any weight was applied to the key in the cylinder. Now this problem has caused 22 accidents and claimed the lives of six people since the air bags didn't deploy since the key was turned away from the run position. Now a GM spokesman pointed out at the time that the lack of air bags weren't the only factor in these fatalities; high speed, alcohol, not wearing a seat belt, and going off the road played a role in the six different fatalities. At that time, GM told owners to remove non-essential items from their key rings and get to their nearest dealer for a free replacement of the switch. Well today, GM has expanded the recall to an additional 588,000 vehicles bringing the total amount to over 1.6 million vehicles. The vehicles announced in this additional recall are, 2003-07 Saturn Ion 2006-07 Chevrolet HHR 2006-07 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky Along with the addition of the vehicles to the recall, the number of crashes and fatalities has increased to 31 and 13 respectively. In a statement, General Motors says they have begun the process of letting owners owners of the affected vehicles know. But it will go further by reaching out to social media and its customer care centers. But this may be only the beginning of problems for GM. Last week USA Today got their hands on documents in a court case concerning the death of pediatric nurse Brooke Melton. In 2010, she got into a accident with her 2005 Cobalt, killing her. A dump of the vehicle's black box showed that before the crash, the key was not in the run position, thus turning off the vehicle and causing the vehicle to lose control. During the trial, a GM engineer said the problem appeared when testing the Cobalt before went on sale. This was confirmed by documents filed by GM to safety regulators yesterday. Engineers were able to replicate the problem and an inquiry was opened. However, no action was taken after lead time, cost and effectiveness of potential solutions were taken into account. The paperwork goes on to say that in 2005, GM started getting reports that Cobalts were losing power when a driver inadvertently hit the key or the steering column. The company issued a service bulletin telling dealers that the likely cause came down to a heavy or large key ring. Dealers were told to notify customers to remove non-essential items from the key ring. During the 2007 model year, GM transitioned to a new ignition switch. But it was a few years ago that GM started getting reports of accidents in Cobalts where the airbag didn't deploy. It was discovered that the key was turning into the accessory position. With this, GM has opened itself up to the potential of lawsuits. "The chronology shows that the process employed to examine this phenomenon was not as robust as it should have been. Today's GM is committed to doing business differently and better. We will take an unflinching look at what happened and apply lessons learned here to improve going forward," said GM North America President Alan Batey. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), USA Today, (2), General Motors Press Release and GM's Filing is on Page 2 GM Expands Ignition Switch Recall Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac Solstice, and Saturn Ion and Sky included Company Launches Process Review DETROIT – General Motors is expanding the recall of certain 2003-2007 model year vehicles to correct a condition with the ignition switch that may allow the key to unintentionally move or switch to the "accessory" or "off" position, turning off the engine and most of the electrical components on the vehicle. In addition to 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5 and Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada only, GM is separately recalling 2003-2007 Saturn Ions, 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHRs, and 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky models. The affected U.S. vehicle population, including those vehicles recalled Feb. 13, totals 1,367,146. This expanded vehicle population raises the number of reported incidents involving frontal crashes, in which the recall condition may have caused or contributed to the non-deployment of the frontal airbags, to 31 involving 13 front-seat fatalities. As part of the recall, GM is taking steps to address customer concerns and working with its suppliers to increase parts production and accelerate availability. GM will notify all affected customers that in addition to recalling their vehicles and performing repairs at no charge to them, GM and its dealers will work with customers on an individual, case-by-case basis to minimize inconvenience associated with the recall. "Ensuring our customers' safety is our first order of business," said GM North America President Alan Batey. "We are deeply sorry and we are working to address this issue as quickly as we can." Going beyond required written notification, GM, through its customer care centers and social media teams, is using customer records and communications channels to notify affected customers of the recall and additional actions the company is willing to take to relieve their concerns and minimize inconvenience. GM is recalling these vehicles because the ignition switch torque performance may not meet GM specifications. If the torque performance is not to specification, and the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off road or experiences some other jarring event, the ignition switch may inadvertently be moved out of the "run" position. The timing of the key movement out of the "run" position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the airbags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes. Dealers will replace the ignition switch to prevent the unintentional or inadvertent key movement. Until this correction is performed, customers should use only the ignition key with nothing else on the key ring. As always, customers should drive responsibly and use their safety belts. On Monday, the company submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a detailed chronology associated with its initial recall of the ignition switch torque performance condition in Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s and Pursuits. The chronology outlines events that happened during the time that elapsed between receiving the first field reports and issuing a recall. "The chronology shows that the process employed to examine this phenomenon was not as robust as it should have been," said Batey. "Today's GM is committed to doing business differently and better. We will take an unflinching look at what happened and apply lessons learned here to improve going forward." View full article

Car and Driver is reporting that the next-generation Audi RS4 will retire the naturally-aspirated 4.2L V8 engine and use a turbocharged V6 engine. This is due to the upcoming emission regulations coming soon to Europe which are very stringent. Now the decision to go with a turbocharged V6 engine strikes us as odd since Audi currently has supercharged V6 that is being used in a number of their models. However Car and Driver says Quattro GmbH, the folks behind RS, is looking towards turbo power for future models. Car and Driver also reports that a decision on whether or not the next-generation RS4 will come to the U.S. hasn't been made. Source: Car and Driver William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article