William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 6, 2013 The roller-coaster ride of the Toyota GT86 Convertible rumors appears to have crested. According to What Car?, Toyota has canned GT86 Convertible project for the timebeing. No apparent reason was given for the cancellation, but there is speculation that the added rigidity needed could have added too much weight for the coupe, ruining it's perfect weight balance. The report does say the project could be 'fast-tracked' if Toyota's management wants to restart the project once again. Source: What Car? 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 4, 2013 A new report from Edmunds says Mazda's middle and senior-ranking engineers are pushing for the revival of rear-wheel drive models for the brand. The reasoning for this is that is would let the brand become more in line with the MX-5 and RX coupes and provide an edge for the automaker. However, Mazda's top management is resistant to the idea since the cost of developing new platforms is too high and their current crop of new vehicles is doing very well. Edmunds does float out the idea of Mazda extending their partnership with Alfa Romeo. The two are currently working on a roadster that will spawn the next Alfa Spyder and MX-5. Alfa has also been rumored to be working on new rear-drive sedans. Perhaps something could happen here... Perhaps. Source: Edmunds 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 4, 2013 The Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to release their results of fuel economy audits done on twenty vehicles. Christopher Grundler, head of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality tells Automotive News the audits looked at a specific portion of the test cycle known as the coast-down test. The coast-down test has a vehicle run up to 80 MPH and then is allowed to glide to a stop. This test measures the aero of the vehicle, the rolling resistance of the tires, and amount of friction in the drivetrain. That data is then put into a dynamometer that an automaker uses to run its vehicle through the EPA test. This is what tripped-up Hyundai and Kia in their fuel economy ratings for a certain number of vehicles last year. With the EPA's small staff, it typically only audits a small number of automaker's mpg results for new vehicles. Plus, the coast-down test was never really a focus of their investigations. That changed in 2010 as EPA wanted to deter automakers from inflating their fuel economy ratings. Grudnler declined to reveal specifics of the EPA’s report, but did say "will be very interesting to some people." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 3, 2013 Earlier this year, famed corvette tuner Callaway showed a design study for a Corvette Stingray shooting brake called the AeroWagon. The AeroWagon takes a standard Corvette Stingray and replaces the back end with a new wagon-shaped back end made out of carbon fiber. At the time, Callaway said if demand was great, the company would produce the AeroWagon. Jump forward to this week and Callaway announces that will put it the AeroWagon into production, with models arriving in January. Pricing for the AeroWagon will start at $15,000 for the shooting brake tail end in carbon fiber and $16,500 for the shooting brake tail end painted in the color of the Corvette. Should be mentioned that the prices are on top of the pricetag of the Corvette Stingray. Source: Callaway 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 3, 2013 Ever wonder why more automakers are jumbling letters and numbers together to name vehicles? Its because there are less names that automakers can legally use around the world. "It's tough. In 1985 there were about 75,000 names trademarked in the automotive space. Today there are 800,000," said Russ Clark, director of marketing for Chevrolet. "The truth of the matter is, across the world, there is hardly a name or a letter that hasn't already been claimed by one car manufacturer or another. You can go through the alphabet - A, B, C and so forth - and you will quickly see that almost all available letters are taken," said Infiniti's president, Johan de Nysschen. That's why you see automakers get creative. In the case of Infiniti, the company announced they would changing over to a new naming scheme where Q + number are for passenger cars, and QX + number for SUVs and crossovers. The company got a lot of heat for this, but the company says this system will be less confusing in the long run. Other automakers like Chrysler are going back to their past to get names for their new vehicles, i.e. Dodge Dart. However with a change in name, there comes a large cost. According to Larry Dominique, president of ALG, the cost of marketing a new vehicle is around $100 million in advertising. If it has a new name, the advertising costs double. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 3, 2013 The SRT Viper has been one of the most anticipated vehicles of this year. But it seems that anticipation isn't bringing many buyers. Automotive News is reporting that Chrysler is cutting back on Viper production from nine to six per day, and will be reassigning a number of employees to different facilities. "We're really looking at the reality of this type of car in this economy, as well as us controlling the market and making sure that we don't overbuild," said SRT CEO Ralph Gilles. A good thing since there 565 Vipers sitting on dealer lots at the moment. Dealers have only sold 426 Vipers since going on sale, a far cry from the 2,000 units per year target set by the company. For now, Gilles said that SRT would begin visiting Viper dealers in the Southeast next month to allow buyers to test-drive factory-owned Vipers. This program will head north in the spring. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 2, 2013 At the press launch of the 2014 Soul this week, Kia announced that an electric version of the Soul would be coming out sometime next year. This is Kia's first electric vehicle that will be sold in the U.S. The company isn't saying much about the vehicle, only saying that more information will be revealed "at an upcoming major U.S. auto show." "Eco-consciousness already comes standard on the all-new Soul with 85-percent of its materials able to be recycled at the end of its lifespan, and the Soul EV will further demonstrate Kia's engineering capabilities as well as our commitment to producing vehicles with reduced environmental footprints," said Orth Hedrick, executive director of product planning of Kia Motors America. Source: Kia 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 KIA MOTORS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR FIRST All-ELECTRIC VEHICLE IN THE UNITED STATES Electrified Version of the All-New Soul Urban Passenger Vehicle Scheduled to Arrive in 2014 - Kia's first EV in the U.S. will combine the Soul's funky and iconic design with new styling cues aimed at improving aerodynamics and distinguishing it from non-EV Souls - Soul EV will be powered exclusively by a battery for gas-free driving and zero emissions - Images of the Soul EV will be release closer to launch Minneapolis, Oct. 1, 2013 – At the media launch of the all-new 2014 Soul, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced plans to offer an all-electric version of the company's iconic Soul urban passenger vehicle in select markets in 2014. Already one of KMA's best-selling vehicles, an all-electric variant is a natural extension of the Soul's urban-friendly place in the brand's lineup of award-winning vehicles. More details about the Soul EV's powertrain, range/MPGe, packaging and go-to-market strategy will be announced at an upcoming major U.S. auto show. "Eco-consciousness already comes standard on the all-new Soul with 85-percent of its materials able to be recycled at the end of its lifespan, and the Soul EV will further demonstrate Kia's engineering capabilities as well as our commitment to producing vehicles with reduced environmental footprints," said Orth Hedrick, executive director of product planning, KMA. "The Soul has always been a terrific choice for drivers in urban environments, and the all-new version's blend of technology, refinement, style, improved dynamics and value has allowed us to create a car that is as efficient as it is fun to drive." Kia Motors was recently ranked by Interbrand as one of the "50 Best Global Green Brands," and Soul EV will be the second alternative-fuel Kia vehicle to be offered for sale in the U.S. The award-winning Optima Hybrid was introduced in 2011 and for 2013 sees a number of enhancements including numerous powertrain refinements for smoothness and drivability, including a more robust 47 HP electric traction motor, a stronger Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) and a more powerful 47 kW Lithium Polymer battery. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 2, 2013 To say the current crop of mid-size sedans is downright impressive would be massive understatement. We have sedans that can be compared with more expensive models in styling, are fun to drive, and get fuel economy numbers that only compacts and subcompacts were getting a few years ago. It's hard to place where the starting point is for this current group of mid-size sedans, but I have a possible answer. The year is 2010. Hyundai introduced the next-generation Sonata to the marketplace and it was a suckerpunch to the midsize marketplace. Here was a mid-size sedan that brought forth amazing styling, impressive powertrain tech, and value for money that no one else could match. Everyone knew that a new, credible challenger had arrived and it was time to step up. After four years since its introduction, the Sonata is beginning to show its age when compared to its competitors. Sales though haven't slowed down at all. Can the current Sonata still stand tall or is it time for the curtain to fall on this sedan? The Sonata is still an impressive looking sedan. Despite going on almost four years in the marketplace, the Sonata looks like it was just released. You can tell that Hyundai's designers were influenced by the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS as the two share a similar shape. Other details to take note are dual exhausts and a set of eighteen-inch wheels. The interior is a whole another story as it looks and feels very old. Someone at Hyundai must have been going through a dark period since there are large swaths of black throughout. There is black plastic and soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels. The seats are draped in black leather and mesh fabric. The only bright spot inside is the contrasting silver trim pieces along the center stack. So far, the Sonata SE ties with the Nissan Rogue SL for the most depressing interior of 2013. Another problem for the Sonata, at least for me, was the front seat adjustment. When I first got into the it, I felt like I was sitting too high. But when I tried to lower the seat, I was at the lowest position. Now I happen to be 5'7" tall and usually can find a comfortable position in a vehicle, not in the Sonata. After a couple days of driving around, I got used to the position. It does make me wonder if someone taller than me would have the same problem. As for back seat space, headroom comes at a premium due to the sloping coupe roofline. Legroom though is decent. Hyundai still has the value argument down to a T. SE models come standard with a proximity key, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and Hyundai's BlueLink telematic system. For an extra $2,900, you can order the SE Navigation and Sunroof package which includes navigation, sunroof, a Dimension Premium Audio System, and backup camera. It's an option package I highly recommend. With the outside and inside stories done, lets look at the Sonata's powertrain. Hyundai was the first automaker to drop the V6 engine and replace it with a turbo-four in the midsize class. The 2.0L turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder packs 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0T only comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddles on the wheel. The 2.0L turbo is quite peachy. Imagine a bottle rocket being shot off and not slowing down, that's Hyundai's 2.0L turbo in a nutshell. The 269 pound-feet of torque spans from 1,750 rpm to 4,500 rpm (torque peaks at 3,500 rpm), meaning the Sonata 2.0T doesn't suffer from turbo lag and pulls off the illusion of being a bigger engine than it really is. Even more surprising: the 2.0T doesn't exhibit the thrashiness or buzzing that you would expect in a four-cylinder. The six-speed automatic works excellent as the computer puts the vehicle in the right gear at the right time. There are paddles but I didn't use them due to the reluctant nature of the automatic. Just leave it in drive and let the transmission do its thing. Fuel economy wise, I was on the low-end of the Sonata 2.0T's ratings. My average for the week landed around 22.0 MPG which happens to be the same as the 2.0T's City rating. If you have a lighter foot, you will likely be closer to the combined rating of 26 MPG. Out on the highway, I got close to 34 MPG rating with an average of 32. The Sonata SE model differs from the base GLS and top trim Limited in its suspension as it gets sport-tuned springs and dampers. Out on a curvy road, the Sonata SE does feel somewhat sporty. The revised springs and dampers helps the SE model feel much more planted and reduce body roll. Don't think it's in the same league as the 2014 Mazda6 though. The Sonata SE's steering doesn't feel like its connected to the vehicle. I know that I'm turning the steering wheel and the vehicle is moving, but there isn't that feedback coming through the steering wheel. Plus, if you push the Sonata hard, it begins to show signs of body roll. Moving off the twisty roads and onward to the freeway and streets, the Sonata SE shines here. The suspension copes very well when driven over rutted roads. Road and wind noise are mostly kept in check. Close to four years on, the Sonata is still a very impressive sedan. Sure, the interior is darker than Alaska during the winter solstice and provides one of the oddest seating positions that I have ever experienced. But Hyundai got the fundamentals right with the Sonata; a handsome design, punchy engine that gets decent fuel economy, comfortable ride, and pricetag that cannot be beat. The current Sonata started a revolution in the midsize sedan and the fact it's still selling so well means the next-generation model has a tough act to follow. Disclaimer: Hyundai provided the Sonata 2.0T, insurance, and one tank of gas. Year: 2013 Make: Hyundai Model: Sonata Trim: SE 2.0T Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC D-CVVT Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Horsepower @ RPM: 274 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 269 @ 1,400 - 4,500 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/34/26 Curb Weight: 3,452 lbs Location of Manufacture: Montgomery, Alabama Base Price: $25,895.00 As Tested Price: $29,205.00* (Includes $775.00 destination charge) Options: SE Navigation and Sunroof Package - $2,900.00 Rear Spoiler - $250.00 Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with HomeLink and Compass - $250.00 Carpeted Floor Mats - $100.00 iPod Cable - $35.00 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

I might be able to give an answer to this since I'll have a RAV4 XLE in for review in late November.