William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 18, 2013 A few weeks ago, Chrysler put on a defying stance by saying no to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration order to recall about 2.7 million Jeep SUVs due to concerns of fires erupting from rear-end collisions. "Chrysler Group has been working and sharing data with the Agency on this issue since September 2010. The company does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective," the company said in a statement. Today, the company changed course and announced they would recall the 2.7 million Jeep SUVs (1993-2004 Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty). Chrysler dealers will do an inspection on the affected vehicles, and the rear structure will be upgraded if necessary. Chrysler still disagrees with NHTSA that a safety defect is apparent. "Chrysler Group’s analysis of the data confirms that these vehicles are not defective and are among the safest in the peer group. Nonetheless, Chrysler Group recognizes that this matter has raised concerns for its customers and wants to take further steps, in coordination with NHTSA, to provide additional measures to supplement the safety of its vehicles." Source: Chrysler 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 Chrysler Group and NHTSA Resolve Recall Request June 18, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have resolved their differences with respect to NHTSA’s request to recall 1993-2004 Jeep® Grand Cherokee and 2002-07 Jeep Liberty vehicles. As a result of the agreement, Chrysler Group will conduct a voluntary campaign with respect to the vehicles in question that, in addition to a visual inspection of the vehicle will, if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle to better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts. Chrysler Group’s analysis of the data confirms that these vehicles are not defective and are among the safest in the peer group. Nonetheless, Chrysler Group recognizes that this matter has raised concerns for its customers and wants to take further steps, in coordination with NHTSA, to provide additional measures to supplement the safety of its vehicles. Chrysler Group regards safety as a paramount concern and does not compromise on the safety of our customers and their families. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 18, 2013 Buick has announced the pricing for the 2014 LaCrosse that will arrive at dealers later this summer. The refeshed model will start $34,060* (includes $925 destination charge). Standard equipment on the LaCrosse includes General Motors' eAssist mild hybrid system with 184 horsepower and the ability of getting 36 MPG on the highway. Other features include Buick's next-generation IntelliLink system, an eight-inch reconfigurable color display, and eight air bags. On the options list, you can order a 3.6L V6 with 304 horsepower at no cost. EPA rates the 3.6L at 18 City/28 Highway MPG for the front-wheel drive model and 17 City/26 Highway MPG for the all-wheel drive model. There are three big option packages available for the 2014 LaCrosse, Driver Confidence I: Adds Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, articulating high-intensity discharge headlights, and a head-up display. Costs $2,125. Driver Confidence II: Adds Adaptive Cruise Control, an Automatic Collision Prep system, and the Safety Alert Seat. Costs $1,745 and must have the Driver Confidence I package. Ultra Luxury Interior: Adds ark stained Tamo Ash wood throughout the cabin, jet black synthetic suede on the headliner and vanity mirrors, and Semi-Aniline full leather seats in sangria color. Costs $2,495. Source: Buick 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 Buick LaCrosse Priced at $34,060 New sedan arrives with fresh styling, new technology and added luxury DETROIT – The 2014 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan goes on sale later this year with a suggested retail price of $34,060, including a $925 destination charge. Standard equipment includes next-generation IntelliLink connectivity, an eight-inch reconfigurable color cluster display, eight air bags and an eAssist powertrain that offers an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg. An all-new Ultra Luxury interior package is available for owners looking for the highest in fashion and comfort. The package includes a unique dark stained Tamo Ash wood throughout the cabin, jet black synthetic suede on the headliner and vanity mirrors, and Semi-Aniline full leather seats in sangria color. It is available on select trim levels as a $2,495 option. Every 2014 Buick offers a full suite of active safety technologies, and two available package groups comprise the offerings for LaCrosse. A Driver Confidence I package includes Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, articulating high-intensity discharge headlights, and a head-up display for $2,125. The Driver Confidence II package includes Adaptive Cruise Control, an Automatic Collision Prep system, and a patented Safety Alert Seat that directs the driver’s attention using vibrations through the surface of the seat bottom. It is a $1,745 option that must be paired with Driver Convenience I. LaCrosse is available with all-wheel drive on many V-6 models for customers who want the most sure-footed traction possible. On-demand traction is delivered via an advanced Haldex all-wheel drive with an electronic limited slip rear differential. A 304-hp 3.6L V-6 engine is a no-cost option for the LaCrosse. With EPA estimates of 18 city/28 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models and 17/26 mpg for all-wheel drive, the 2014 model gains 1 mpg highway for both models and 1 mpg city for front-drive. Other standalone options include various wheel choices, Bose audio, navigation, rear seat entertainment, and a sunroof. Additional equipment, including rear park assist, a rear vision camera, passive entry and passive start, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade, and real-time dampening, are included as standard equipment in various LaCrosse equipment groups. Every 2014 LaCrosse comes standard with two years or 24,000 miles of included regular maintenance and five years of OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob services. Regular maintenance includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections. OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob services allow owners to lock and unlock the vehicle’s doors or activate remote start (on applicable models) using a smartphone app. “LaCrosse is Buick’s flagship sedan,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. “The 2014 model’s beautiful design, intuitive technology and exclusive interior materials show the best of a luxury brand that has grown sales for three straight years.” View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 18, 2013 In a effort to help out its struggling European operations, General Motors will further intertwine Opel/Vauxhall engineering efforts with Buick. "What we're trying to do is bring together the product development teams much more closely," said GM CEO Dan Akerson, so that "there will be all sorts of synergies, I believe, between Opel-Vauxhall and Buick." Currently, Buick sells three different Opel models in the U.S.: Encore (Opel Mokka), Regal (Opel Insignia), and Verano (Opel Astra). So what will this mean in the future? Well, expect more Opel products to arrive as Buicks in the coming years. 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 June 17, 2013 Back at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Audi unveiled the quattro concept. The concept marked the 30th anniversary of the original quattro being introduced. Talk of a production model came and gone, leaving us wondering if there was the chance of a quattro rebirth ever happening. A new report from Autoweek says it could happen. Sources tell the magazine that Audi is preparing a new quattro concept that could be shown as soon as the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The new concept will pay homage to the Sport quattro, introduced back in 1984. Details on this vehicle are somewhat scarce, but sources say the concept will use a modified A5 platform and have many of design cues seen on the 2010 concept. Power will come from a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 with over 600 horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system will be standard. Initial estimates on performance are a 0-60 MPH time of less than 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. Source: Autoweek 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 June 17, 2013 A new report from Edmunds says that Land Rover will bring over diesel-hybrid powertrain for its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport to the U.S. within the next couple of years. Previous reports said that Land Rover would only sell the the diesel-hybrid Range Rover in Europe due to the strict emissions regulations in the U.S. and the demand for diesels being on the low end. However, Land Rover has changed its stance due to Europe's upcoming Euro 6 emissions standards that will take effect in September 2014. The Euro 6 emissions standards will bring Europe more in line with the U.S.' standards, which will allow manufacturers to bring vehicles over to the U.S. without that many changes. Diesels have been also gaining in popularity here in the U.S. Recent figures show diesel car and SUV sales in the U.S. grew 24 percent from 2010-2012. That's not everything. Edmunds says turbodiesel V6 and V8 engines are being readied for the U.S. 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 June 15, 2013 Almost a year after BMW introduced the new 3-Series, the roundel has introduced the coupe variation with the 4-Series. Yes, we're still scratching our heads as to why BMW thought this was a good idea. The 4-Series' look is very much a 3-Series with two less doors and a lot of body sculpting. There is also wider front and rear tracks. Inside is the same story with coupe have the interior as the sedan and similar trim lines – Luxury, Sport and M Sport. Powering the 4-Series is either a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four (428i) with 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, or turbocharged 3.0L inline-six (435i) with 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come with six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmission; and BMW's XDrive AWD system. Pricing for the 4-Series starts at, 428i: $41,425 428xi: $46,925 435i: $43,425 435xi: $48,925 (includes destination charge) The new 4-Series arrive at dealers in the summer. Source: BMW 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 The All-New BMW 4 Series Coupe The latest chapter in the story of famous BMW Coupes. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 14, 2014 6:00pm EDT/3:00pm PDT... The all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe marks the beginning of a new era for coupes at BMW. Launched as the latest generation of BMW's sporty mid-size Coupe, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe embodies the very essence of dynamics and aesthetic appeal in the premium segment. The "4" in its title headlines this new product line for the Coupe and emphasizes not only its stand-out design, but that any way you look at it, the new 4 Series Coupe represents something more than its BMW 3 Series cousins – 3+1, if you will. At the same time, as a true BMW Coupe, the new nomenclature brings the new BMW 4 Series Coupe in line with the larger 6 Series and 8 Series Coupes. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe will be offered as both a 428i, featuring BMW's award- winning TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and as a 435i with the multi-award winning Twin Power Turbo 3.0-liter inline six. Both will be available with a standard 8-speed sport automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Both will also be offered with a choice of rear- wheel drive or with optional xDrive, BMW's intelligent all-wheel drive system. The 2014 BMW 428i Coupe will have a base MSRP of $41,425, and the 2014 BMW 435i Coupe will have a starting price of $46,925. Both prices include destination and handling. The 2014 428i xDrive Coupe and 435i xDrive will start from $43,425 and 48,925 respectively, again inclusive of destination and handling. All four variants of the BMW 4 Series Coupe will arrive in US showrooms late this summer. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe is visibly larger in width and wheelbase than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe, and its stretched silhouette sits considerably lower to the road. This, together with its BMW-typical short overhangs, long hood and set-back passenger compartment with flowing roofline, give the BMW 4 Series Coupe a visual balance. The car's striking front end – with its characteristic BMW design features, such as the double- kidney grille, four round headlights and a large air intake in the front apron – is keen to display its family ties with the BMW 3 Series. New elements of the BMW 4 Series Coupe are the Air Breathers, which are positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches to reduce drag. The Coupe's muscular wheel arches and wide track give an aggressive stance, with its prominent horizontal lines. Individual equipment lines for the interior and exterior. The interior of the BMW 4 Series Coupe presents a combination of sporty allure and exclusivity. All the controls central to driving are arranged ergonomically around the driver ensuring comfortable access to all functions. In the rear compartment, contoured seats continue the sporty theme of the BMW 4 Series Coupe. Recessed head restraints and broad, continuously molded side supports give the rear bench the appearance of two individual seats. High-grade material combinations and finish quality accentuate the premium feel of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe. Customers can choose the Sport or Luxury Lines as alternatives to standard specification. M Sport is another alternative. All three allow visible individualization of the car's exterior and interior appearance. Sharp driving dynamics befitting The Ultimate driving MachineTM The defining characteristics of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe are its driving dynamics and aesthetics. As always, BMW engineers have placed special focus on steering accuracy, precision, linear control response, and agility to fortify the new BMW 4 Series Coupe as the latest shape of The Ultimate Driving Machine. Sophisticated chassis technology, near- perfect 50:50 weight distribution, fine-tuning in the wind tunnel, and lightweight construction all contribute to meet that goal. The all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe has a longer wheelbase, wider track and lower ride height than the previous-generation BMW 3 Series Coupe. Its lower suspension brings the car's center of gravity down to below 20 inches (500 mm), giving it the lowest center of gravity of any car in the current BMW line-up. As a result, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe is inherently one of the sportiest series-produced cars in the BMW range. BMW EfficientDynamics – A holistic philosophy. In addition to its sporty driving dynamics, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe offers outstanding fuel efficiency. This is a result of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, which can be found in almost every aspect of the new model. The car's lightweight construction and aerodynamic features – headlined by the groundbreaking Air Curtains and Air Breathers – also help to maximize efficiency. At its core, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe has been engineered for performance excellence, while other features including Auto Start-Stop and on-demand operation of ancillary units help lower fuel consumption and emissions as well. Use of ECO PRO mode gives the potential to cut fuel use by as much as 20 percent. BMW ConnectedDrive. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe uses a combination of driver assistance systems and mobility services (available as standard or optional under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner) to increase safety, comfort and infotainment usage ease and convenience. Among the highlights are a new generation of BMW Navigation System, which offers extra capability, sharper graphics and 3D elements for the map display, the full-color BMW Head-Up Display; Driving Assistant Plus, which warns the driver of a potential collision with a pedestrian, the intelligent; glare-free LED High Beam Assistant and the latest iteration of BMW Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go. As far as infotainment is concerned, efficient interface technology enables the integration of smartphones and numerous Bluetooth office functions. The latter also offers the driver the option of a dictation function with full speech recognition. Each feature has been carefully integrated to minimize the chances for driver distraction while the vehicle is in motion. Design: Timeless aesthetics blend with individuality and sporty ability. The launch of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe marks the arrival of the latest generation of BMW's sporty premium mid-size Coupe. The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe, which celebrated its world premiere at the NAIAS 2013 in Detroit, previewed the development of BMW's design language which can now be seen in the production model. Its styling promises a commanding presence on the road, stand-out dynamic ability and unbeatable driving pleasure. The "4" in its title spearheads this new era for the BMW Coupes and emphasizes its even sharper sporty dynamics and increased presence that place the new BMW 4 Series Coupe a step beyond the already-legendary BMW 3 Series range. Athletic elegance, impeccable proportions. The proportions of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe differ significantly from those of the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe. Although only an inch (26 mm) has been added to the car's length (182.6 in / 4,638 mm), a 2-inch (50-mm) longer wheelbase (110.6 in / 2,810 mm) and a roofline that now runs 0.6 inches (16 mm) lower than before (53.6 in / 1,362 mm) enhance the stretched coupe's profile. These dimensions combined with the BMW 4 Series Coupe's characteristically short overhangs, long hood, set-back passenger compartment and flowing roofline to produce a visually balanced silhouette. The athletic appearance of the BMW 4 Series Coupe is particularly emphasized by its 1.7inch (43-mm) increase in the width (71.9 in / 1,825 mm). Notably, the rear wheel arches mark the car's broadest point, giving a more aggressive stance. As a result, 1.8-inch-(45-mm) wider front track (110.6 in / 1,545 mm) and full 3.1 inches (80 mm) of extra width at the rear axle (62.7 in / 1,593 mm) promise – even at a standstill –further improvements in sporty characteristics for which BMW is known. Eye-catching front end with prominently sporty contours. Signature BMW front-end design features, such as the double-kidney grille and four round headlights, undoubtedly identify the 4 Series Coupe as a BMW. It is unmistakably the 3 Series' sibling, although the differences are apparent. The optional eye-catching full-LED headlights, with their hexagonal design, and the slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille form a single unit and strengthen the athletic presence of the BMW 4 Series Coupe on the road. Below the headlight line, the BMW 4 Series Coupe features a large air intake in the front apron. On the far left and right-hand edges of the air intakes are the additional small vertical apertures for the Air Curtains. These vents improve the airflow around the outside of the front wheels and help cut fuel consumption at higher speeds. Flowing lines shape the elegantly sporty silhouette. Its precise lines define the outline of the BMW 4 Series Coupe. The subtly sloping roofline creates a smooth transition into the rear, and accentuates the sporty profile of the flanks. The side window with frameless glass and the signature slim-line BMW Hofmeister kink at the trailing edge of the C-pillar create a dynamic visual tension. Below the windows, the double swage line – made up of two character lines running alongside each other – familiar from the BMW 3 Series along with the door sill line strengthen the body's wedge shape. The small, shrinking shadow below the swage line above the rear wheel flows directly into the flared rear wing, emphasizing the car's potential and hallmark BMW rear-wheel drive. Located just rearwards of the BMW 4 Series Coupe's front wheels are Air Breathers designed to reduce drag around the wheel arches. The Air Breathers and Air Curtains underline the sporty character of the car's design and provide evidence of the aerodynamics devised by BMW as part of its BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy. Prominently flared wheel arches project signature sporty character. The sporty character of the BMW 4 Series Coupe extends into the design of the rear. The horizontal lines and stretched tail lights positioned at the outer edges of the rear draw attention to the flared wheel arches and wide track. The sloping rear window has a lowering effect on the car's tail and gives the body an even more aggressive look, and also shows off the car's shoulders. The L-shaped taillights of the BMW 4 Series Coupe flow into the car's overall design. They continue the path of the swage line from the flanks, creating a link to the rear end. Interior. The interior of the BMW 4 Series Coupe incorporates sporty styling and pure quality together. In the front of the cabin, an approach known as layering – i.e. the utilization of space through the structuring of lines and surfaces into layers – gives the cabin a driver orientation without excluding the front passenger. All the controls central to driving are arranged ergonomically around the driver providing ready access to all functions. Automatic seat belt valets, a Sport steering wheel, circular instruments in black-panel look and the free-standing, flat-screen iDrive monitor give a sense of functional elegance. The iDrive Controller – properly located for easy reach on the center console – and the armrest between the front seats give the cabin usability and comfort. The dynamic horizontal lines of the instrument panel extend into the optional two-tone door and side panel trim, wrapping around the driver and front passenger. In the rear compartment, contoured seats bring the sportiness of the 4 Series Coupe to all passengers. Recessed head restraints and continuously molded side supports give the rear bench the appearance of two separate seats. The backrest of the BMW 4 Series Coupe's rear seat can be folded down in 40:20:40 segments. Folding down the center segment creates a large through-loading gap, which can accommodate several pairs of skis or snowboards while still allowing space for four people on board. A BMW ski or snowboard bag is available from the BMW Accessories catalogue. The trunk can also be opened remotely using the optional Smart Opener as part of the Comfort Access feature; a short movement of the foot under the center of the rear bumper is all it takes to raise the trunklid. Sport and Luxury Lines as well as M Sport available for personalization. High-class material combinations, exclusive colors and opportunities for personalization define the premium feel inside the new BMW 4 Series Coupe. As well as the basic trim level, whose material and color concept accentuates the car's classic character; customers have a choice of two BMW Lines as well as the popular M Sport to add individual touches to the car's exterior and interior. The Sport Line and Luxury Line embody different takes on the car's character, adapting the design and color scheme for the kidney grille and air intakes, exterior mirror caps, Air Breathers, trim strips in the front and rear apron, door sill strips and range of wheel rims to set the car apart externally from the basic trim level. Sport Line: The Sport Line adds extra depth to the BMW 4 Series Coupe with a selection of exterior body features in high-gloss black. A sport suspension is included for rear-wheel drive models, setting an exciting tone for the driving experience. The standard high-gloss black B-pillars and black wrap-around window strip give the car an even sportier look, along with nine molded high-gloss black kidney grille slats in a chrome-colored surround. The three black air intakes in the front apron and the likewise black Air Breathers draw the eye to the car's aerodynamic features. 18-inch or optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels (435i only) in twin-spoke design provide a more performance-oriented look. From the rear, the BMW 4 Series Coupe with Sport Line can be identified by the black trim strip level with the rear apron and the black exhaust tips. Inside the car, black and red accents, such as the red trim rings in the inner circle of the instrument dials and red stitching on the sport steering wheel, provide a pronounced contrast. An anthracite-colored headliner is also included to reduce sun glare during dynamic driving. The available Coral Red interior includes Coral Red leather sport seats, red door panel trim and a red lower section for the instrument panel. Luxury Line: High-gloss chrome touches give the exterior of the BMW 4 Series Coupe a particularly elegant and exclusive appeal. 11 kidney grille slats with chromed fronts and matte black sides, two high-gloss double bridges in the front apron's outer air intakes and chromed Air Breathers all offer elegant touches. The chrome window surround is another visual highlight, with special 18-inch or optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels (435i only) available. The BMW 4 Series Coupe Luxury Line is recognized from the rear by a high-gloss chrome strip in the rear apron and the chrome exhaust tips. The interior also stands out with various chrome elements, such as the surround for the audio and air conditioning system. High-gloss wood strips, leather seats with stitching and a choice of two upholstery variants in four colors highlight the possibilities in the Luxury Line. Exclusively available for the BMW 4 Series, Ash Grain anthracite fine wood trim surfaces and a Pearl Gloss Chrome metal inlay round off the Luxury Line features. M Sport: Customers wishing to endow their new BMW 4 Series Coupe with as much traditional Driving Machine character as possible may opt for M Sport. It includes an M aerodynamic package including numerous body components (front apron with large air intakes, rear bumper with diffuser, side skirts) and high-gloss Shadow Line trim. The exterior paint shade Estoril Blue Metallic is available only with M Sport on the 4 Series Coupe. M Sport is further distinguished by 18-inch or optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels (435i only) in M design. Inside, features such as M door sill finishers, an M leather steering wheel and an M driver's footrest complete the atmosphere. Technical features of this package include M Sport suspension (rear-wheel drive models only) and M Sport Brakes (also a stand-alone option on all 435i Coupes and an optional upgrade on 428i Coupe when M Sport is chosen) which includes calipers painted in blue finish. Hallmark BMW set-up makes the difference. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe benefits from BMW's customary approach of splitting steering and drive forces between the front and rear axles, which is the ideal platform for balanced driving characteristics, directional stability and agile handling. It also has a 50:50 weight distribution, which sets it apart from its competitors. Taking into account its low center of gravity, unique chassis set-up and lightweight construction, the 4 Series Coupe is an exceptionally dynamic overall package which will satisfy every type of driver. A rigorous focus on sports performance. The chassis construction of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe is based on that of the latest BMW 3 Series Sedan, although its springs and damping, axle kinematics and elastokinematics have all been tailored precisely to the engaging character of the new Coupe. The chassis engineers have managed to make further improvements to the agility and accuracy offered by the chassis, thanks to modification and fine-tuning of variables such as the camber angle, the track and the roll center. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the front section of the car help to further enhance steering precision and feedback. Double-pivot strut-type front suspension with anti-roll bar. The front suspension of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe combines maximum stiffness with minimum weight. Aluminum torque struts, wishbones and swivel bearings bring a reduction in unsprung weight. At the same time, the engineers optimized the kinematics of the double-pivot suspension for agility and precision. Adjusting the position of the control arms in the swivel bearings from their arrangement on the latest BMW 3 Series Sedan gives the car a .7-inch (19-mm) lower roll center, which has a positive effect on driving performance. An additional strut between the front axle subframe and body sill creates a stiffer overall connection between the front wheels and the car's main structure, so the transverse forces generated on entry into corners are transferred to the car more directly. The BMW 4 Series Coupe responds more directly to the driver's steering commands and displays more sporty characteristics and greater agility. And that means it carves through corners with ease and precision. Five-link rear suspension enhances the car's engaging character. The rear axle of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe is a key component in its driving characteristics, but that does not mean comfort has been overlooked. This construction is based on the five-link concept, and its elastokinematics have been tuned specially for this sports coupe. In addition, extra-wide mounts and supports on the wheel carriers for track and camber, slightly repositioned pivot points, stiff control arms and suspension subframes, and the use of thrust arms to connect the suspension with the body all provide an excellent basis for an extremely sporty and dynamically exceptional overall set-up. The result is precise and assured wheel location, directional stability in any driving situation. Aerodynamic features around the rear suspension also contribute to driving precision. Servotronic steering standard, Variable Sport steering optional. A standard feature of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe is the Servotronic system which provides speed-sensitive power assistance. The system's precise programming results in sharper steering feel, feedback, precision, accuracy and immediate response. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe can also be equipped with Variable Sport steering as part of the optional Dynamic Handling Package. This provides a somewhat "quicker" on-center steering ratio which then varies depending on the amount of steering "lock" (angle) applied by the driver. The result is even more-lively steering during the "turn-in" phase of cornering, and excellent stability mid-corner and on corner exit. Powerful standard braking systems with lightweight construction. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe comes equipped with powerful swing-caliper or fixed-caliper brakes and large, inner-vented brake discs. The calipers on the front brakes are made of aluminum. As well as low unsprung weight, the brakes also stand out with their high heat tolerance, excellent wet braking performance, ease of use and excellent feel. A brake pad wear indicator and the Brake Drying function are standard on all models. Intelligent lightweight construction concept and aerodynamic fine-tuning. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe's lightweight construction makes a contribution to the car's performance qualities. The use of high- and ultra-high-strength multi-phase steels maximizes the body's strength, without driving up the weight. Components which are central to rigidity are made from micro-alloyed steels. The body's front end is 60 percent more rigid than that of the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe and so has benefits beyond agility and steering precision alone. Most impressively, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe tips the scales at up to 99 lb (45 kg) less than its predecessor, depending on the engine and equipment specified, despite having grown significantly in terms of dimensions. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe highlights its aerodynamic qualities with a Cd (drag coefficient) of 0.28. Changes to the front apron and the rear of the car have gotten the coupe aerodynamic lift qualities that match the figures of the current BMW M3 Coupe. Another factor here is the design of the underbody: the aerodynamically-optimized structure incorporates smooth panels extending to the sides, under the engine compartment shield and around the front section of the exhaust tunnel. Together, they seal the underbody to the wind. Air Curtains and Air Breathers. The aerodynamic fine-tuning process is incorporated in every area of the body. The BMW Air Curtains in the front apron reduce turbulence – and therefore drag – around the front wheels. The wheel arches and the air deflectors in front of them were also designed with aerodynamics in mind. The new Air Breathers positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches divert some of the air flowing through the wheel arches, thereby reducing air resistance. M Sport suspension, adaptive suspension and M Sport brakes. The M Sport suspension included is part of the Sport Line and M Sport. It works with a firmer spring/shock absorber set-up and stiffer anti-roll bars, and its kinematics/ elastokinematics (bushings and bearings) have also been tweaked to suit the new BMW 4 Series Coupe. The M Sport suspension also includes 18-inch or optional (435i only) 19- inch light-alloy wheels. Alternatively, customers can select a lowered (non-xDrive models) Adaptive suspension, included in the Dynamic Handling Package, which adjusts the electronic damper mapping to each road surface and driving situation. The driver can also use the Driving Experience Control switch to vary the basic suspension settings between comfort and sport, according to personal preference. For performance-minded customers, BMW offers the M Sport Brakes. The aluminum fixed calipers (four-piston at the front, two- piston at the rear) and large discs combine low weight with short stopping distances. Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode: extra-sporty or efficient driving modes at the touch of a button. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe also offers drivers the ability to change between sporty, eco or comfort settings, depending on mood or preference. Using the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode on the center console, drivers can select between ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT or SPORT+ (most models). Each of these selections will activate different settings for the powertrain and suspension components. In SPORT mode, throttle response is improved and the steering becomes more direct. If the automatic transmission is fitted, the gearshift points are also altered for sportier driving. Depending on the car's specification, different settings can be selected for the powertrain and chassis components. In SPORT+ mode, the Dynamic Stability Control thresholds are raised and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is activated. The electronic limited-slip function for the rear differential can then provide better acceleration out of corners or sharp bends. Powerful engines maximize dynamic performance. Owning a coupe reflects a driver's passion for elegant lines, performance driving and high- class dynamics. The state-of-the-art powertrain technology under the skin of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe ensures it delivers an engaging driving experience that satisfies even the most demanding expectations. Longitudinally front-mounted, inline engines powering the rear wheels continue BMW's tradition in creating a drive concept that delivers great driving pleasure. Both engines available for the new BMW 4 Series Coupe use BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which combines sporty performance characteristics with improved efficiency. Available from launch are an inline six-cylinder engine for the BMW 435i Coupe and a four-cylinder unit for the BMW 428i Coupe. These award-winning engines not only supply the BMW 4 Series Coupe with outstanding acceleration and elasticity, they also keep the cars weight down to improve driving dynamics and lower fuel consumption. The elite athlete: award-winning inline six-cylinder engine. The new BMW 435i Coupe gives full value to performance-minded drivers thanks to a refined high-revving inline-six engine with instant power delivery and great fuel efficiency. Equipped with High Precision Direct Injection and Valvetronic fully variable valve control, the 3.0-liter engine with aluminum crankcase develops maximum output of 300 hp between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm. Peak torque of 300 lb-ft is generated at 1,200 rpm and remains on tap up to 5,000 rpm. The multi-award winning six-cylinder engine allows the new BMW 435i Coupe to accelerate from 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds with the 6-speed manual transmission, and only 5 seconds with the 8-speed automatic, on the way to an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph) top speed, when equipped with performance tires. Low weight, high performance: the four-cylinder for the BMW 428i Coupe. Smooth power delivery, available torque, high revs and low weight define the 2.0-liter four- cylinder turbocharged engine. BMW's engine technology package – including High Precision Direct Injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, Double-VANOS variable camshaft control and Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology – offers high performance potential combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The cutting-edge four-cylinder engine of the new BMW 428i Coupe generates maximum output of 240 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 255 lb-ft, which the driver can access between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. This allows the 428i to sprint from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), when equipped with summer performance tires. The engine gives a smooth power delivery from the moment it spins above idle to the upper regions of its engine speed range along an almost linear curve. Optional 6-speed manual transmission. The no-cost optional 6-speed manual transmission features easy gear changes, precise shift travel and optimum gear spacing for the new BMW 4 Series Coupe (not available for 428i xDrive). For spirited drivers, the interface where the power from the engine is relayed to the drivetrain is critical to maximizing the car's performance. The manual transmission uses its high shift quality to allow for powerful sprints and rapid, short bursts of speed, and also helps to reduce fuel consumption. 8-speed Sport automatic transmission. The high-performance 8-speed automatic transmission – with its extra gears, quick gear changes and delightful shift comfort – is perfectly matched to the character of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe. With only small changes in rpm between gear ratios, the ideal gear is on hand in virtually any situation out on the road. Many technical features and internal efficiencies ensure powerful acceleration and short bursts of speed are possible with no additional fuel consumption over the manual transmission. The 8-speed automatic's intelligent control technology enables quick shift and reaction times and direct downshift capability. Drivers may also shift gears using paddles on the steering wheel. Drivers can choose between Normal and Sport transmission modes using the gear shift lever or the Driving Experience Control switch. BMW xDrive: intelligent all-wheel drive available as an option. As an alternative to rear-wheel drive, the BMW 435i Coupe and BMW 428i Coupe can also be specified with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. As well as sharing all the traditional virtues of all-wheel-drive systems – such as increased traction, safety and the optimum transfer of engine power to the road – BMW xDrive can also reduce oversteer or understeer that may occur in cornering situations. In the process, it enhances agility and precision, e.g. when turning into corners or when accelerating strongly out of them. Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO PRO mode. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe comes with the Auto Start Stop function. Another standard feature is Brake Energy Regeneration, which ensures that – as far as possible – power for the vehicle's electrical system is generated during braking and coasting. ECO PRO mode is effective in helping the BMW 4 Series Coupe driver maintain an efficient and economical driving style. As well as tweaking the accelerator's responses and the engine management system, ECO PRO also benefits from intelligent energy and climate management. The system gives the driver tips and ideas – relevant to the driving situation at hand – on how to reduce fuel consumption even further through adjustments in personal driving style. Average fuel consumption can be cut by up to 20 percent in ECO PRO mode, with a corresponding boost to the car's range on a tank of fuel. On-demand operation of ancillary units saves energy. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe's ancillary components also play a role in the car's intelligent energy management. Examples include the on-demand coolant pump, the map-controlled oil pump and the Electric Power Steering system, which only consumes electricity when steering assistance is actually required. The special air conditioning compressor works on the same principle. As soon as the driver switches the air conditioning off, the belt drive to the compressor is disconnected to minimize power drain. Intelligent lightweight design reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The use of lightweight materials makes a significant contribution to efficiency and agility, and helps to give BMW cars their impressive dynamic capability. Weight savings can be found in every area of the development process. As well as the use of plastics and cutting- edge composite materials, the increased deployment of aluminum components in the engine and chassis construction has also reduced the weight of the corresponding assemblies. The results are impressive: although the new BMW 4 Series Coupe has grown in terms of dimensions, it's between 44 lb (20 kg) and 99 lb (45 kg) lighter than its predecessor. BMW Assist: Standard with 10 years of eCall with enhanced Automatic Collision Notification and BMW Teleservice. BMW Assist will be standard on the new 4 Series Coupe. It will include 10 years of eCall emergency calling and enhanced Automatic Collision Notification as well as BMW Teleservice. BMW Assist eCall includes enhanced Automatic Collision Notification, which includes the groundbreaking Urgency Algorithm, developed in cooperation with the William Lehman Injury Research Center in Miami. In addition to the vehicle's exact position and direction of travel, details of the vehicle model and all the data gathered by the sensors in the car are relayed to the call center as well. This information provides indications as to the nature and severity of the collision, while the deployment of the car's restraint systems gives an idea of the number of people injured and allows frontal, rear, side or even multiple collisions to be identified and differentiated. The Urgency Algorithm transmits the likelihood of severe injury. On the basis of all accident-related data, the call center decides which and how many emergency services are required at the accident site (e.g. doctor, paramedic, fire brigade, helicopter). The data also enables the first responders to alert the appropriate medical care for those involved in the accident before they have even arrived at the scene. The call center will also stay in contact with the vehicle's occupants until the emergency services arrive, speaking to them in their native language where possible. As well as automatic activation, the system also allows the driver or front passenger to trigger the emergency call manually in order to help other road users in distress by alerting the call center. TeleService tells the driver if and when maintenance is required. Fixed service intervals become a thing of the past, because the intelligent maintenance system, Condition Based Service, constantly monitors your vehicle's service needs. When necessary, the vehicle communicates service-relevant data to the nearest BMW Service Center by making an Automatic BMW TeleService Call. BMW iDrive: The BMW 4 Series Coupe gets the latest version BMW's groundbreaking user interface has undergone constant improvement and development since its inception in 2002. On the heels of its most recent update, BMW's iDrive will see significant enhancements for model year 2014. Not only will more models receive the latest iDrive 4.2, but the system gets enhancements that improve the user experience in the areas of navigation, Advanced Real Time Traffic Information, connectivity, entertainment, online access and voice commands. One example is the ability to engage automatic time setting. When active, the time will automatically be adjusted for Daylight Saving or Standard time as well as changes in time zone while traveling. BMW Navigation – Touchpad, Point-of-Interest voice search and enhanced route tailoring among highlights The latest BMW navigation system, which is optional on the new BMW 4 Series Coupe, has received many enhancements. Before setting out, the prescribed route can be tailored to avoid certain areas, for example, if the user anticipates heavy traffic or knows of construction on that route. The system will recalculate the route to avoid the selected area. Multiple areas to avoid can be selected for a given route and the size of coverage is fully adjustable. The online Google search function has been enhanced for customers who subscribe to BMW Online. Users can now search for points-of-interest (POI) via voice. Once the user has spoken their POI, the navigation system can then guide the driver to their desired destination. Advanced Real Time Traffic Information was significantly enhanced for iDrive 4.2 to provide a clearer view of traffic congestion using green, yellow and red indicators along the route to indicate the degree to which roads are clear or congested. The traffic incident view has been enhanced again to provide more precise indications in red of the specific location of stopped traffic. When equipped with the BMW navigation system, the new 4 Series Coupe will include the new iDrive controller with Touchpad. The touchpad is integrated into the top of the controller and does not require a separate location. Phone numbers, contact names and address can be written out directly on the touchpad. The user can seamlessly switch between the touchpad and the controller while information is being entered. The touchpad can also be used to zoom in and out on the interactive map. High-res projection in color: the Head-Up Display. One of the highlights of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe is the latest-generation full-color Head-Up Display. HUD projects key information onto the windshield to appear directly in the driver's field of view to minimize the time the driver has to look away from the road. Depending on the vehicle specification, not only is the current speed displayed, but speed limits and passing restrictions are also flashed up for the driver's benefit, along with navigation instructions and various warning messages. The variety of driver assistance systems available for the new BMW 4 Series Coupe brings the amount of information that can be shown in the Head-Up Display to a whole new level. The intensity of the projections adapts automatically to the light conditions and follows the illumination of the cockpit dials. The positioning of the projections on the windscreen can also be adjusted using the iDrive Controller. Active Driving Assistant warns the driver of a possible collision with pedestrians. A camera fitted to the rear-view mirror scans in front of the vehicle and uses image processing to detect any people or vehicles within its field of vision. When it recognizes a risk of collision with the vehicle in front, the system produces an audible warning and a visual signal appears in the instrument cluster or the optional Head-Up Display (if specified) to alert the driver. Should a collision be unavoidable, automatic moderate hazard braking is actuated. During urban journeys in sufficient light conditions, if the system detects a potential collision with a pedestrian, it warns the driver and, if necessary, triggers automatic hazard braking. In both cases – in addition to the warnings – the vehicle's brakes are automatically primed for emergency braking and the activation thresholds of the Brake Assist system are lowered. The Lane Departure Warning system is also a part of the Driving Assistant option. A system of many talents: Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. The latest development stage of the familiar Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (ACC Stop & Go) uses a front-mounted camera on the rear-view mirror in addition to the full-range radar sensors to provide an enhanced interpretation of the traffic situation ahead. When driving in slow-moving traffic or traffic jams, the driver is able to safely move along with the flow of traffic and let the vehicle's automatic systems handle the tasks of stopping, pulling away again and approaching junctions where there are already vehicles waiting ahead. Combining radar and video data in this way improves detection of other vehicles and reduces the system's reaction time. If a vehicle ahead brakes very sharply in free-flowing traffic, requiring the driver to take action, he or she is prompted to do so by a two-stage warning. Active Cruise Control with automatic distance control is now available at speeds between 20 and 130 mph (30 km/h and 210 km/h). The intelligent cruise control function remains active at speeds above 130 mph (210 km/h). Using sensors and camera monitoring: Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning systems. Among the convenience and safety-enhancing assistance systems on offer are Active Blind Sport Detection and Lane Departure Warning, with the latter available as part of the Active Driving Assistant option. These systems use radar sensors and camera monitoring to alert drivers to potential collision risks when changing lanes or if they veer out of lane unintentionally. It also issues a warning when driving too close to the vehicle ahead. LED High Beam Assistant with intelligent control. The BMW 4 Series Coupe is available with the option of full-LED headlights, which provide a further safety boost when driving at night. The optional High Beam Assistant in conjunction with full-LED headlights ensures that the driver can enjoy optimal visibility at all times without having to switch manually between high and low beam. The High Beam Assistant adapts to the traffic situation by switching to low beam on one or both sides. Superb overview not just when parking: Surround View, Side View, Top View and Parking Assistant. In addition to the rear view camera and Park Distance Control, customers are also able to get the Surround View function with Side View and Top View, which provides a bird's-eye view of the BMW 4 Series Coupe and the area around it. It enables the driver to carry out precise maneuvers in tight spaces. If the car is moving at a speed under 12 mph (20 km/h), the Side View function can additionally be activated to allow the driver to keep an eye on cross-traffic. Another convenience system is the Parking Assistant system, which is able to maneuver the car into parking spaces parallel to the direction of travel. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedal while the Parking Assistant takes care of the steering. The new BMW 4 Series Coupe is a technical tour-de-force which is, at its heart a true BMW Sport Coupe. The 2014 428i Coupe and 435i Coupe will arrive in US showroom late this summer. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 14, 2013 The new Ford Fusion has become an instant hit with consumers. It's currently in a four car race for the best selling midsize sedan in American and has helped Ford crack into the east and west coast markets, two places where Ford has lagged in sales. With all of that success, Ford is finding itself with a Fusion supply problem. “Inventory is going to be real tight during the summer months,” said Erich Merkle, Ford’s U.S. sales analyst to The Detroit News. According to Wards Auto, Ford is currently sitting on a 39 day supply of Fusions. To put it another way, if Ford stopped production of the Fusion, they would have enough supply to last 5 1/2 weeks. The industry average for supply stands at 60 days. Most of this is coming from the coasts which have taken a huge liking to the Fusion. Ford currently builds the Fusion at its Hermosillo, Mexico plant, and later this year will begin building the Fusion at its Flat Rock, MI plant. The plant in Mexico can produce about 300,000 Fusions annually; Flat Rock can add another 100,000 Fusions annually. Ford is planning to send more Fusions out to the coasts to help stabilize inventory. “Clearly, it's a matter of getting more stock out to those regions of the country and that's what we plan to do in the fall when we get Flat Rock on line,” said Merkle. “Although midsize is still the best-selling segment, in terms of growth, things have stabilized. With such competitive products from the four automakers, it's going to be a very, very tight race to try and own the segment outright,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Source: The Detroit News 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 June 14, 2013 Monday: Chevrolet Malibu Turbo Wednesday: GMC Acadia Denali Friday: Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ Black Diamond How do you write a review on a vehicle that will be going away after this year? This thought had been rolling around in my mind since the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ Black Diamond Edition arrived for a few days of evaluation. You can’t suggest any improvements since they will never be implemented, nor give a clear indication of whether you would recommend a vehicle or not. It seems like a futile exercise. But after giving it some serious thought, I felt the best way to do this review is to figure out what went wrong and determine the Avalanche’s legacy. Let’s dive in shall we? The current Avalanche, which was introduced back in 2006 as a 2007 model still looks as fresh as the day it was first shown. You have to give General Motors a round of applause for designing such a handsome group of machines that are a part of the GMT900 platform family. Draped in black paint, the Avalanche’s exterior shows that a simple design with minor touches such as a chrome grille, twenty-inch aluminum wheels, and chrome trim pieces works very well. The only real exterior design change to make note of is the Black Diamond emblem next to back doors, denoting that this is final year of the Avalanche. Stepping inside the Avalanche, the simple design theme continues. While other truck manufacturers are going with many shapes, buttons, and screens, the Avalanche’s dash is very clean and logically laid out. Gauges and controls are within easy reach and can be read at a quick glance. Passenger comfort in the Avalanche is excellent. Front passengers are treated to very supportive seats that are power adjustable and provide heat and cooling. Back seat passengers will find enormous amount of head and legroom. One downside the to the Avalanche’s cabin is the materials. I’ve complained about this before in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra Denali HD reviews, and will be doing it again with the Avalanche. For a vehicle with an as-tested pricetag of $51,295, using hard plastics and glossy, plastic wood is a massive no-no. Now, I have sat in the new GM trucks and it seems GM has learned its lesson. I just wished they learned it sooner. The big selling point on the Avalanche was its unique midgate. Basically, there is a tailgate that sits between the bed and cab. Flip the tailgate down and you expand the standard 5’3” bed to a whopping 8’2” bed. You can expand the space even more by removing the bed lid and rear window. The process of expanding the bed is very easy; just flip the seats down, turn a couple of knobs to unlock the midgate, and turn a latch. Well done, GM. The Avalanche is powered by GM’s familiar 5.3L Vortec V8 engine, which produces 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. While on paper the engine sounds perfect for the vehicle, on the road it’s a bit of a different story. Step on the accelerator and the V8 makes a lovely noise that makes you think you’re really moving. It’s only when you look down at the speedometer that you realize you’re really not. This is thanks to the Avalanche’s 5,803 lb curb weight, which makes the 5.3L V8 somewhat overmatched. Thankfully, the six-speed automatic in the Avalanche is a high point. The transmission shifts very smoothly and is quick to go down a couple gears when passing power is needed. Fuel economy on the Avalanche is rated at 15 City/21 Highway/17 Combined. During my six day evaluation of the Avalanche, I recorded an average around 15.2 MPG. On the highway, I saw my fuel economy rise to about 20 MPG. One place that the Avalanche really surprised me is with its ride. I was expecting the ride to be bouncy and too firm. But taking the Avalanche out for the first time, I was shocked on how smooth the ride was. The suspension seemed to smooth out the imperfections and potholes that dot the roads of the Metro Detroit area. Much of this can be traced to Avalanche having the same suspension tuning as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and not the Silverado. At the end of the six days that I had the Avalanche, I found it to be a very capable and impressive truck. The capability the midgate offers can’t be matched by any other truck, nor can any other truck match the comfort and space of the Avalanche. It seems to be a jack of all trades that works. If you’re interested in an Avalanche, you should head over to your Chevrolet dealer...Right now. Going back to beginning of the review, I left two questions unanswered. First, what went wrong with the Avalanche? Well, nothing went wrong with the Avalanche per se. Sales began to plummet at a steady rate after 2003, when the truck recorded its best sales of 93,482. Over time, truck manufacturers introduced four-door versions of their light-duty trucks that ultimately caused the downfall of the Avalanche. Second, what will be the Avalanche’s legacy? That’s a tougher question to answer right now. It could just fall to the wayside in automotive history or it could have a spot in it. It seems GM is hoping the latter happens since all of Avalanche models for 2013 are Black Diamond Edition to mark the end. GM should be proud with what they accomplished with the Avalanche. It might not have been a success in the sales chart, but it was a true success as trying to be something different in the class. Disclaimer: General Motors provided the vehicle, insurance, and one tank of gasoline. Year - 2013 Make – Chevrolet Model – Avalanche Trim – Black Diamond LTZ Engine – Vortec 5.3L SFI V8 Driveline – Four-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM – 320 @ 5,400 RPM Torque @ RPM – 335 @ 4,000 RPM Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 15/21/17 Curb Weight – 5,803 lbs Location of Manufacture – Silao, GJ Mexico Base Price - $47,885.00 As Tested Price - $51,745.00 (Includes $995.00 destination charge) Options: Sun & Entertainment Package - $2,435.00 Heavy Duty Trailering Package - $230.00 Trailer Brake Controller - $200.00 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 June 14, 2013 Monday: Chevrolet Malibu Turbo Wednesday: GMC Acadia Denali Friday: Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ Black Diamond How do you write a review on a vehicle that will be going away after this year? This thought had been rolling around in my mind since the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ Black Diamond Edition arrived for a few days of evaluation. You can’t suggest any improvements since they will never be implemented, nor give a clear indication of whether you would recommend a vehicle or not. It seems like a futile exercise. But after giving it some serious thought, I felt the best way to do this review is to figure out what went wrong and determine the Avalanche’s legacy. Let’s dive in shall we? The current Avalanche, which was introduced back in 2006 as a 2007 model still looks as fresh as the day it was first shown. You have to give General Motors a round of applause for designing such a handsome group of machines that are a part of the GMT900 platform family. Draped in black paint, the Avalanche’s exterior shows that a simple design with minor touches such as a chrome grille, twenty-inch aluminum wheels, and chrome trim pieces works very well. The only real exterior design change to make note of is the Black Diamond emblem next to back doors, denoting that this is final year of the Avalanche. Stepping inside the Avalanche, the simple design theme continues. While other truck manufacturers are going with many shapes, buttons, and screens, the Avalanche’s dash is very clean and logically laid out. Gauges and controls are within easy reach and can be read at a quick glance. Passenger comfort in the Avalanche is excellent. Front passengers are treated to very supportive seats that are power adjustable and provide heat and cooling. Back seat passengers will find enormous amount of head and legroom. One downside the to the Avalanche’s cabin is the materials. I’ve complained about this before in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra Denali HD reviews, and will be doing it again with the Avalanche. For a vehicle with an as-tested pricetag of $51,295, using hard plastics and glossy, plastic wood is a massive no-no. Now, I have sat in the new GM trucks and it seems GM has learned its lesson. I just wished they learned it sooner. The big selling point on the Avalanche was its unique midgate. Basically, there is a tailgate that sits between the bed and cab. Flip the tailgate down and you expand the standard 5’3” bed to a whopping 8’2” bed. You can expand the space even more by removing the bed lid and rear window. The process of expanding the bed is very easy; just flip the seats down, turn a couple of knobs to unlock the midgate, and turn a latch. Well done, GM. The Avalanche is powered by GM’s familiar 5.3L Vortec V8 engine, which produces 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. While on paper the engine sounds perfect for the vehicle, on the road it’s a bit of a different story. Step on the accelerator and the V8 makes a lovely noise that makes you think you’re really moving. It’s only when you look down at the speedometer that you realize you’re really not. This is thanks to the Avalanche’s 5,803 lb curb weight, which makes the 5.3L V8 somewhat overmatched. Thankfully, the six-speed automatic in the Avalanche is a high point. The transmission shifts very smoothly and is quick to go down a couple gears when passing power is needed. Fuel economy on the Avalanche is rated at 15 City/21 Highway/17 Combined. During my six day evaluation of the Avalanche, I recorded an average around 15.2 MPG. On the highway, I saw my fuel economy rise to about 20 MPG. One place that the Avalanche really surprised me is with its ride. I was expecting the ride to be bouncy and too firm. But taking the Avalanche out for the first time, I was shocked on how smooth the ride was. The suspension seemed to smooth out the imperfections and potholes that dot the roads of the Metro Detroit area. Much of this can be traced to Avalanche having the same suspension tuning as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and not the Silverado. At the end of the six days that I had the Avalanche, I found it to be a very capable and impressive truck. The capability the midgate offers can’t be matched by any other truck, nor can any other truck match the comfort and space of the Avalanche. It seems to be a jack of all trades that works. If you’re interested in an Avalanche, you should head over to your Chevrolet dealer...Right now. Going back to beginning of the review, I left two questions unanswered. First, what went wrong with the Avalanche? Well, nothing went wrong with the Avalanche per se. Sales began to plummet at a steady rate after 2003, when the truck recorded its best sales of 93,482. Over time, truck manufacturers introduced four-door versions of their light-duty trucks that ultimately caused the downfall of the Avalanche. Second, what will be the Avalanche’s legacy? That’s a tougher question to answer right now. It could just fall to the wayside in automotive history or it could have a spot in it. It seems GM is hoping the latter happens since all of Avalanche models for 2013 are Black Diamond Edition to mark the end. GM should be proud with what they accomplished with the Avalanche. It might not have been a success in the sales chart, but it was a true success as trying to be something different in the class. Album: 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ Black Diamond 21 images 0 comments Disclaimer: General Motors provided the vehicle, insurance, and one tank of gasoline. Year - 2013 Make – Chevrolet Model – Avalanche Trim – Black Diamond LTZ Engine – Vortec 5.3L SFI V8 Driveline – Four-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM – 320 @ 5,400 RPM Torque @ RPM – 335 @ 4,000 RPM Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 15/21/17 Curb Weight – 5,803 lbs Location of Manufacture – Silao, GJ Mexico Base Price - $47,885.00 As Tested Price - $51,745.00 (Includes $995.00 destination charge) Options: Sun & Entertainment Package - $2,435.00 Heavy Duty Trailering Package - $230.00 Trailer Brake Controller - $200.00 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. Click here to view the article

RX450h and it does come in AWD