William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 5, 2013 When an automaker introduces a new version of an iconic vehicle, there is a sense of trepidation from the fan base of whether or not the new version will live up to expectations or not. Case in point is the Ford Mustang. Rumors have been swirling for the past for years about what was in store for the next-generation model and many worried that Ford would miss the point of what made the Mustang special. Well Ford introduced the 2015 Mustang this morning and we have to say Ford kept what made the Mustang special in this new model. The 2015 Mustang's design is a mix of other Ford vehicles and previous Mustangs. The front features a similar front clip design as the new Fusion and a set of of wrap-around headlights. The long hood remains as does a bulge in the hood. Possibly the biggest change to the Mustang's design is long roof slope which transitions to a short trunklid. This gives the 2015 model a fastback shape that hasn't been seen since the late sixties and early seventies. Moving inside, Ford designers say the 2015 Mustang's interior was inspired by aircraft cockpits. Taking a look at the interior with the layout of the gauges, controls, and a long strip of metal running along the dash, we can see it. The 2015 model will feature better materials, more interior space, and MyFordTouch. Under the hood will reside the choice of three different engines. The base is the 3.7L V6 with 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Next is a new 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder that will offer at least 305 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Wrapping up the engine lineup is a 5.0L V8 with 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual and six-speed automatic with paddle-shifters are the available transmissions. The big change for the Mustang is the transition from a solid-rear axle to a integral-link independent rear suspension. The front suspension also sees a change with a new perimeter subframe and double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system. This allows Ford to fit larger brakes and tires. Ford will introduce driving modes tweak the throttle response, steering weight, and stability control settings. Launch control will be available on the V8 model. The 2015 Mustang will arrive at dealers next fall. Source: Ford William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Mustang Marks 50 Years with All-New Sleek Design, Innovative Technologies and World-Class Performance All-new sophisticated design clearly inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage evolved to attract wider array of customers and expand global market availability Mustang now available with three engines offering a broader power of choice – a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort The next chapter in the life of the iconic pony car begins today as the all-new Ford Mustang – loaded with innovative technologies and delivering world-class levels of performance – is simultaneously revealed around the globe in six cities on four continents. "Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. "The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they've never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford." Mustang's impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world's most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time ever, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia. "We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang – an American automotive icon that symbolizes optimism and freedom for millions of people around the world," said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. All-new shape, yet unmistakably Mustang The clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements – including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with contemporary execution. "You only get one chance to make a first impression, and when you see this car you immediately see a Mustang strong and true," said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, The Americas. Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including: - A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track - The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass - Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals - Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin. The new top lowers twice as fast as before, and has a sleeker profile when folded for open-air motoring. The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control. The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags. The Mustang experience The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience that makes drivers just want to get in and hit the road. With more options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The upgraded V6 and V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang. Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions. "This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to, with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road," said Dave Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer. The Mustang EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable performance and projected segment-leading fuel efficiency. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with output projected at more than 305 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. With at least 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect. Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control. Most nimble pony ever When life throws drivers a curve, the all-new Mustang sets new handling benchmarks for the brand, delivering world-class dynamics and ride quality. "We already set a very high standard for Mustang's dynamics with Boss 302, and our goal was to go above and beyond that with this new car," said Pericak. Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride. The new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes. This is expected to be the best stopping Mustang yet, with three available brake packages. At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling. Smarter than your average pony The all-new Mustang features a significant amount of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control and connectivity when they want it. From Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC® and MyKey® in every Mustang built, plus available Track Apps, MyColor gauges and new Shaker Pro audio system, drivers will be able to customize their time behind the wheel. The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they can take control of how the car behaves. On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can tap the toggle switches on the console to quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time. The advanced new Ford-developed stability control system is tuned to maximize Mustang's dynamic capabilities. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, Mustang GT includes standard launch control that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time. When it's time to back off and relax for the drive home, available advanced driver-assist features including Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control can help ease the load, while SYNC AppLink™ lets drivers control their smartphone apps to listen to their favorite form of entertainment. 50 years of Mustang April 17, 2014, marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the original Ford Mustang and each 2015 model celebrates the milestone with a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the words "Mustang – Since 1964." Mustang will continue to be built in the United States at Flat Rock Assembly Plant. "From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right," said Pericak. "We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is quicker, better-looking, more refined and more efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people have associated with Mustang for half a century." 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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 5, 2013 Auto Express has learned that Lexus will unveil a new compact crossover at the Geneva Motor Show next March. This new model will be heavily influenced by the LF-NX concept shown at the Frankfurt and Toyko Motor Shows. The production version will likely be toned down, but expect the sharp lines to stay. Powertrains will include a hybrid that uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, and a new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Interesting thing about these two engines is that both were shown in the LF-NX concept. Auto Express says the new compact crossover will go on sale next summer. We'll keep a close eye on this. Source: Auto Express 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

Very much so: November Sales: Toyota Camry: 30,386 Honda Accord: 27,093 Nissan Altima: 24,604 Ford Fusion: 22,839

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 4, 2013 When Chevrolet introduced the Corvette Stingray at the Detroit Auto Show last year, we knew that the madness was only beginning. Before long, new versions of the Z06 and ZR1 would be making their way out. Well General Motors has announced that the 2015 Corvette Z06 would be debuting at Detroit Auto Show in January. We can gleam some information from the teaser shot that GM has released such as lightweight-looking alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile Michelin Pilot Sport Cup and a carbon-fiber side skirt. Source: General Motors William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Chevrolet to Introduce 2015 Corvette Z06 at Detroit Show Most-capable Corvette ever will lead industry's broadest range of performance cars DETROIT – Chevrolet will introduce the 2015 Corvette Z06 next month at the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit. It will be the most track-capable Corvette ever, designed to deliver supercar levels of performance through unique powertrain, chassis and aerodynamic features. The debut of the Corvette Z06 will complete Chevrolet's performance-car lineup, which will also see the addition of the Corvette Stingray convertible, Camaro Z/28 and SS sedan. "Chevrolet is America's favorite performance car brand, and for 2014 we are going to offer enthusiasts more choices than ever before," said Alan Batey, senior vice-president, Global Chevrolet. "No other manufacturer will be able to match the breath of performance cars from Chevrolet." Chevrolet Sells One out of four performance cars in 2013 For the first 11 months of 2013, Chevrolet has accounted for approximately 25 percent of all performance car sales in the U.S. as Corvette and Camaro continue to lead their respective segments. Corvette outsold its closest competitor, the Porsche 911, for the first 11 months of 2013. This is all the more remarkable given Corvette production was halted for six-months, in order to upgrade the Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant to build the 2014 Corvette Stingray. In November, Corvette sales jumped 229 percent year-over-year, as demand for the new Stingray continues to outstrip supply. Camaro also outsold its closest competitor, the Ford Mustang, for the first 11 months of 2013. Camaro enters December with a 4,093-unit lead in total sales. More importantly, Camaro has an estimated 10,000-unit lead in retail sales. If that lead continues through the end of the year, 2013 will be the fourth consecutive year Camaro has been the best-selling sports car in the U.S. Four new Performance Cars for 2014 The sales lead for Chevrolet is expected to accelerate as the brand adds four new performance cars to the lineup, including: - First full calendar year of sales for the 2014 Chevrolet SS sedan: The all-new SS, which went onsale in October of 2013, is based on a race-proven, global platform that underpins the Camaro, Caprice police vehicle and, in Australia, the high-performance Holden VF Commodore. Elements including lightweight aluminum hood and deck lid panels help give the SS a nearly 50/50 weight balance, while the performance of its 6.2L V-8 – rated at 415 horsepower – and six-speed automatic transmission enables 0-60 mph acceleration in five seconds flat. - First full year of sales for the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible: The Stingray Convertible, which goes on sale this month, shares identical chassis tuning and performance technologies with the coupe, with structural changes limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. As such, the Stingray Convertible requires no sacrifices for a drop-top driving experience, offering up to 460 horsepower /465 lb.-ft. with the available performance exhaust system; capable of more than 1 g in cornering; and sprinting from 0-60 in under 4 seconds. - Arrival of the 2014 Camaro Z/28: The Camaro Z/28, which arrives in dealers in the second-quarter of 2014, will be the most track-capable Camaro ever. Recently, the Z/28 logged a 7:37.40 lap on Germany's legendary Nürburgring road course, a time comparable with some of the world's most prestigious sports cars – and the Z/28 lap was completed in the rain. - Debut of the 2015 Corvette Z06: The all-new Corvette Z06 will make its public debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Production is expected to begin in late 2014. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 4, 2013 The smallest crossover that Audi currently sells is the Q3, but the automaker thinks that is too big. So the German automaker has released a teaser shot of the upcoming Q1 Crossover. "The Audi Q1 is part of our broad-based SUV strategy. It is designed on the basis of the modular transverse engine concept and will round off our Q series at the bottom end," said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi. The sketch released by Audi shows the Q1 having similar looks to the Crosslane concept shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Other bits of information given by Audi is that the Q1 will be part of 11 new models which the automaker plans to launch by the end of the decade, will begin producing sometime in 2016, and that it will be based on a modular transverse-engine platform. Source: Audi William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Ingolstadt, 2013-12-02 Audi decides on development of Q1 as a new member of the Q family - Production of the new compact SUV as of 2016 at the plant in Ingolstadt - Audi CEO Rupert Stadler: "The Q1 is a key component of our growth strategy." - Chairman of the General Works Council, Peter Mosch, welcomes the decision There is to be an addition to Audi's Q model family. The Board of Management and the Works Council of AUDI AG today announced that a new model will roll off the assembly lines in Ingolstadt as of 2016: the Q1. "The Audi Q1 is part of our broad-based SUV strategy. It is designed on the basis of the modular transverse engine concept and will round off our Q series at the bottom end," stated Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. As an attractive entry into the Q family, the new model will make a strong contribution to the company's ongoing growth and will strengthen its international competitiveness. Audi is continuing its model offensive with the Q1; by 2020, the automaker will expand its product range from the current 49 to more than 60 models. By then, Audi will reach total unit sales of more than two million automobiles each year. The decision to produce the new model will help to secure utilization of capacity at the main plant in Ingolstadt over the long term. At this site, Audi produces models in the A and B segments, namely the A3 and A3 Sportback and the A4/A5 family. Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council, welcomes the decision: "This is a clear commitment to Ingolstadt as a production site. We will continue to make all efforts to develop the plant even further as the leading technological site of the Audi Group." The decision on the new model is regarded as proof that employee codetermination secures jobs and that the internationalization of the Audi group is not taking place at the expense of the sites in Germany. The Q family currently comprises the Audi Q3, RS Q3, Q5, SQ5 and Q7. The Q5 is the global market leader in its direct competitive environment. This year, Audi had already delivered 194,430 units of the Q5 to customers by the end of October, which is 17 percent more than in the prior-year period. Approximately 230,000 units of this model are planned to be built in 2013, which is more than half of the total Q volume. The proportion of the company's total production volume accounted for by SUVs will be about 28 percent this year, and is planned to rise to more than 35 percent by 2020. Overall, Audi has produced and delivered to customers more than 1.5 million automobiles of the Q family since the market launch of the first SUV in 2006. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 4, 2013 When Toyota introduced the refreshed Yaris subcompact last year, they also introduced a new tagline which is somewhat questionable. The tagline was "Yaris, it's a car!" So we know the Yaris is a car and not anything else, but is it one that you should go out and spend your money on? I spent a week with the 2013 Yaris L three-door to find out. Let's start with the obvious: This particular Yaris is a three-door model, which happens to be the only three-door subcompact on sale in the U.S. As for the design, Toyota cleaned up the Yaris by smoothing out some of the lines and removing some questionable details such as a single black push button/handle found on the previous model's tailgate. The front also sees some minor changes with a new front clip and headlights. Inside, the Yaris has just the bare essentials. This is due to this particular model being the base L. There is a wide dash that is mostly bare aside from the radio and climate controls sitting in the middle. Materials are pretty poor with hard plastic along the dash and door panels that look very cheap. I know that the Yaris L is a cheap car, but other vehicles with similar starting price use better materials. Two examples of this are the Kia Rio and Chevrolet Sonic. As for features, it's an odd game of 'it has this, but not that'. You get a radio that is very much familiar to the Scion FR-S and comes with CD, USB and Aux inputs and Bluetooth. Also standard is air conditioning. What isn't standard is a height adjustment for the front seats and remote mirrors. For those, you have to step up to the LE which costs only costs $935 more when compared to the price of the L model when equipped with the automatic. As for seating comfort, the front seats provided sufficient support. Without the ability to adjust the seat height, I always felt that I was sitting atop a milk crate while driving. The back seats provide decent legroom. Headroom is tight for those above 5'5" as your head will be touching the roof.For more on the engine and what it's like to drive, see the next page. Powering the Yaris is a 1.5L DOHC four-cylinder engine with 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual comes standard on the L 3-Door, but our tester was equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission. With all of this 'performance', the Yaris L shows significant signs of struggle. You have to have your foot close or almost to the floor to attempt passing, merging, and even trying to keep up with traffic sometimes. The four-speed automatic does its best to try and keep the vehicle moving, but you can tell it's working its heart out. This is a vehicle that deserves an extra 20 to 30 horsepower and torque, and two more gear ratios. Fuel economy wise, the EPA rates the Yaris L 3-Door at 30 City/35 Highway/32 Combined. My average for the week was 32.1 MPG. That is good, but competitors with a bit more oomph can match and exceed that. The Yaris L's ride is actually surprising. When you think of a subcompact, you think darty and sporty. The Yaris is not quite that. The ride is actually very soft, which means you don't feel bumps and road imperfections that much. It also means the Yaris isn't the vehicle you want to have some fun with thanks to the suspension and skinny tires. The steering weight is right in the middle, but kind of numb in feel. This isn't a deal breaker at all. What could be a deal breaker is the amount of road, wind, and engine noise coming into the cabin. There were times when I had to turn up the radio because of the cacophony of noises.Toyota completely missed the mark with the 2013 Yaris. It seems that the team working on it were trying to build a vehicle for the 2000s when everybody else was trying to build one for this decade. Just looking at the Yaris and comparing it to other vehicles such as the RAV4 and Avalon, I know Toyota can do much better. That's not even the biggest problem for the Yaris L; it's the poor value for the money. As I eluded to earlier, you can step up to the LE 3-Door for only $935 more which nets you height adjustment, remote mirrors, cruise control, and loads of other features. Why would you buy the Yaris L over the LE? The only reason I see is that you have $935 in your pocket, but you also have a bad value. You could also check out the Nissan Versa Note or Kia Rio LX for around the same money as the Yaris L and get much more equipment and a better value for money argument. The Toyota Yaris L is indeed a car... and that's about all anyone, even Toyota, can think of to say about it. Click Pictures to Enlarge Disclaimer: Toyota Provided the Yaris, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2013 Make: Toyota Model: Yaris 3-Door Trim: L Engine: 1.5L 16-valve DOHC with VVT-i four-cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Four-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 106 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 103 @ 4,200 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 30/36/32 Curb Weight: 2,315 lbs Location of Manufacture: Kanegasaki, Japan Base Price: $15,095 As Tested Price: $16,477 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge) Options: Rear Spoiler - $329.00 Carpeted Floor Mats/Cargo Mats - $180.00 Cargo Net - $49.00 First Aid Kit - $29.00 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