William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 1, 2013 Just when you think the news about Fisker couldn't get any worse, it has. Last Thursday, Reuters learned from a source that Fisker has hired the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis to advise on a possible bankruptcy filing. The source says the company is “considering bankruptcy while it pursued alternatives.” Fisker has also furloughed its U.S. work force this week to preserve cash. Last month has been tough on Fisker as the company saw its founder and chairman, Henrik Fisker resign due to "several major disagreements" with top management. It also saw its efforts to find a investor erode away as Geely and Dongfeng dropped their bids due to the terms of the Department of Energy loans Fisker has. Sources say chief executive Tony Posawatz, visited China last week to try to rekindle those deals. The bad news doesn't stop there though. Fisker has a payment due to the Department of Energy on April 22nd. Fisker isn't saying how much the payment is, but judging from these moves. Source: Reuters 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

Oops, I'm not quite sure how I wrote extended cab when it should have been double cab. Its been fixed.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 1, 2013 Just to get this out of the way, this is not an April Fools story. Today, General Motors announced certain details on their new pickups. The details concern figures on the 5.3L V8 and the base prices for the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. We'll start with the new EcoTec 5.3L V8 engine. The engine which will be a $895 option of the Silverado and Sierra produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque – increases of 40 horsepower and 48 pound-feet compared to the 5.3L V8 used in the 2013 model. This allows the Sierra and Silverado to have a max payload of 2,102 pounds and a max tow rating of 11,500 pounds* (when equipped with the Max Trailer Package). More impressive are the fuel economy numbers. GM says the 5.3L V8 has best-in-class fuel economy numbers with 2WD models returning 16 City/23 Highway/19 combined and 4WD models returning 16 City/22 Highway/18 Combined. GM says they will reveal specs on the 4.3L V6 and 6.2L V8 engines at a later date. As for pricing, Chevrolet and GMC announced the base prices for the regular, extended, and crew cab models. 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Regular Cab: $24,585 Double Cab: $28,610 Crew Cab: $32,710 2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab: $25,085 Double Cab: $29,110 Crew Cab: $33,210 (Note: Prices include a $995 destination charge) Source: GM 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 Releases are on Pages 2 and 3 2014 Silverado Delivers Power, Efficiency and Value Best fuel economy of any V-8 pickup – EPA estimated 23 mpg highway Better fuel economy than 2013 Ford EcoBoost V-6 Base prices carry over from current models DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced initial pricing, performance data, and EPA fuel efficiency estimates for the 2014 Silverado 1500, raising the bar in the fiercely competitive light-duty pickup segment. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the new 2014 Silverado regular cab will start at $24,585, including a $995 destination freight charge, the same base price as the 2013 model. For that price, the 2014 Silverado regular cab, which starts production this summer, will include a number of major improvements: A more powerful, more efficient EcoTec3 engine, A six-speed automatic transmission, A stronger, quieter cab with an all-new interior, Four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors A new bed with standard box rail protectors and CornerStep bumper The base starting prices for the Silverado crew cab, the first model to launch later this spring, and for the new double cab Silverado, which replaces the extended cab, also will be the same as for the corresponding 2013 models. Buyers of all 2014 Silverados also will receive a standard scheduled maintenance program for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. Up to four maintenance visits are included in the price of the vehicle, each one of which includes a regularly scheduled oil change, oil filter replacement, tire rotation and multi-point vehicle inspection, based on the schedule in the vehicle owner’s manual. “The 2014 Silverado is new from hood to hitch,” said Alan Batey, vice president, U.S. sales and service. “When you combine the innovative features of the new Silverado with base pricing equivalent to 2013 models and standard scheduled maintenance, Silverado becomes a great choice for pickup customers, helping them save money when they buy – and when they drive.” Proven V-8 power with better efficiency than a turbo V-6 The 2014 Silverado launches later this spring with crew cab models equipped with the all-new 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8, which is expected to power three out of four Silverado 1500s. Chevrolet today announced EPA estimates of 23 mpg highway for 2wd models, and 22 mpg highway for 4x4 models. That is better than any V-8 competitor, and beats the EPA estimates for the 2013 Ford EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 for both 2wd and 4x4 models. Silverado’s 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 is SAE certified at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, with more than 300 lb-ft of torque available from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm for responsive performance under a broad range of real-world conditions. “Silverado’s available 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 gives customers the best of both worlds,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for Silverado. “Customers get the proven power and dependability of a V-8 truck engine, with better fuel economy than a leading competitor’s smaller turbocharged V-6.” “EcoTec3 builds on 58 years of V-8 experience and trillions of real-world miles,” said Luke. “The 2014 Silverado will give customers class-leading V-8 fuel efficiency and the peace of mind that comes with a proven V-8 design, a combination no competitor can match.” Best available towing rating of any light-duty pickup Demonstrating the capability of the 2014 Silverado and its 5.3-liter EcoTec3 engine, double cab 2WD models equipped with the available max towing package, available later this year, will have towing ratings of up to 11,500 pounds, more than any light duty pickup currently on the market. To further save customers money and reduce inconvenience, Silverado’s 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 is designed to operate on regular 87 octane gasoline even when towing or hauling. Silverado will also offer later this year a standard 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6 that is expected to offer exceptional torque and towing capability for a standard V-6, and an all-new 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8, with even more power, torque, and towing capability than the 5.3-liter V-8. Final performance data and EPA estimates for these engines will be available in the coming months. Seamlessly switch to four-cylinder operation Silverado’s combination of capability and efficiency results in part from its EcoTec3 engines, which provide the proven power of a large-displacement truck engine when needed, then switch seamlessly to four-cylinder operation under lighter loads. “In creating the 2014 Silverado 1500, we looked at a wide variety of powertrain configurations, and concluded that large-displacement truck engines could best provide the payload and towing capability that truck customers require, with the long-term dependability they expect,” said Luke. “Silverado’s EcoTec3 technology eliminates the fuel economy penalty that often goes with rugged, high-torque truck engines. With our EcoTec3 engines, truck customers don’t have to do more with less – more work with smaller engines. They can keep the benefits of a larger displacement engine and still get better fuel efficiency.” All three EcoTec engines feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing, a combination not found in competitive trucks. The engines also use a compact overhead valve design and weight-saving components such as aluminum blocks and cylinder heads to reduce the mass of the engines for additional energy savings. Other features that give the 2014 Silverado impressive capability include frames made from high-strength steel; rugged six-speed automatic transmissions; larger, stronger rear axles for V-8 models; and an updated suspension with two-stage multi-leaf rear springs. Among the other updates for 2014 are a stronger, quieter cab; revised steering, suspension and brakes; and ingenious solutions for managing cargo in the bed. The broadest portfolio, the right tools for the job The 2014 Silverado 1500 crew cab will be joined later this year by a regular cab model and a new double cab model, which replaces the extended cab and features forward-hinged rear doors for easier access to the back seat. Also coming soon are new heavy duty pickups and an all-new midsize truck based on the successful global Colorado. "Chevrolet will have the broadest portfolio in the business," said Luke. "No one will be better positioned to offer each and every truck customer the right tools for the job." Additional Details and Data 2014 Silverado base MSRP: Regular cab: $24,585 Double cab: $28,610 Crew cab: $32,710 Includes $995 destination freight charge. Excludes tax, title, license and optional equipment. Silverado 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 355 hp (265 kW) @ 5600 rpm 383 lb-ft of torque (518 Nm)@ 4100 rpm; more than 300 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm Maximum available towing rating: 11,500 pounds* Maximum available payload rating: 2,102 pounds EPA estimated fuel efficiency: 16 mpg city, 19 mpg combined, 23 mpg highway (2wd) 16 mpg city, 18 mpg combined, 22 mpg highway (4x4) Horsepower and torque ratings are SAE certified using 87 octane regular gasoline. * With Max Trailer Package, available later this year 2014 Sierra V-8 Fuel Economy Tops Ford EcoBoost V-6 Pricing announced for new full-size truck with premium features, advanced tech DETROIT – The all-new 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup truck arrives at dealers later this spring with the best V-8 pickup fuel economy in the industry. Sierra’s new 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 uses direct injection, cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing to achieve EPA estimates of 16 mpg city and 23 highway with two-wheel drive or 16/22 with four-wheel drive. In addition to highway estimates that are 2 mpg higher than a comparable 2013 Ford V8 pickup and 3 mpg higher than a Ram V8, Sierra’s new V-8 fuel economy estimates also measure higher than those of the 2013 Ford F-150 EcoBoost V-6. The new 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 combines its leading fuel efficiency with performance and capability. With an SAE certified 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque – increases of 40 hp and 48 lb-ft compared to the 2013 model – Sierra’s new 5.3L offers a class-leading towing capacity of up to 11,500 pounds. Most GMC owners – three out of four last year – will opt for the 5.3L V-8 engine, which is an $895 option. “In the core of the full-size truck market, the 2014 Sierra is second to none,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. “Truck owners expect durability, capability and fuel efficiency, and this latest generation of our proven V-8 is designed to deliver on those expectations.” The 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 is just one of three more efficient new engines for the Sierra. With a standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 that arrives this summer and a long list of standard features, the 2014 Sierra will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $25,085, including a destination charge of $995. Compared to the 2013 Sierra, the new model adds a standard 4.2-inch radio display, a locking tailgate, projector headlamps, a CornerStep rear bumper, cloth seats (versus vinyl in other trucks), DuraLife brake rotors and other all-new features. The truck’s all-new 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission is engineered to offer improved efficiency and capability, with additional details coming later. Sierra also will be available later this year with an all-new 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 with even more power, torque and capability than the 5.3L. Additional specifications for the 6.2L will be released later. Every 2014 Sierra 1500 comes with Pro Grade Protection which, in addition to a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, includes two years or 24,000 miles – whichever comes first – of standard scheduled maintenance. Coverage is included in the price of the vehicle and includes up to four regularly scheduled oil changes, oil filter replacements, tire rotations and multi-point vehicle inspections, based on the schedule in the vehicle owner’s manual. Customers will be eligible whether they lease or purchase and the coverage is completely transferable between owners. Additional Details and Data 2014 Sierra base MSRP: Regular cab: $25,085 Double cab: $29,110 Crew cab: $33,210 Includes destination freight charge. Excludes tax, title, license and optional equipment. Sierra 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 355 hp (265 kW)@ 5600 rpm 383 lb-ft of torque (518 N-m)@ 4100 rpm; more than 300 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm Maximum available towing rating: 11,500 pounds* Maximum available payload rating: 2,102 pounds EPA estimated fuel efficiency: 16 mpg city, 19 mpg combined, 23 mpg highway (2wd) 16 mpg city, 18 mpg combined, 22 mpg highway (4x4) Horsepower and torque ratings are SAE certified using 87 octane regular gasoline. * With Max Trailer Package, available later this year View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 1, 2013 Alfa Romeo is reportedly a part of a deal that is currently under negotiations between Fiat and Audi. Sources close to the situation tell Wards Auto the deal involves Alfa Romeo and Fiat’s Pomigliano assembly plant which currently makes the Fiat Panda. If the deal was to go through, this would mark the return of Alfa Romeo production under Audi. Also on the table is Fiat’s Magneti Marelli parts unit. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has mentioned before that he would be willing to let go of its parts arm in order to raise cash. Audi has gone on the record saying that it would like acquire a components manufacturer and establish a new R&D arm in Italy, where it now has a considerable stake thanks to Lamborghini and Ducati. When asked for comment, both Fiat and Audi declined to. Source: Wards Auto 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 30, 2013 What Car? recently had the chance to chat with Kia U.S.' design chief Tom Kearns at the New York Auto Show this past week. Kearns revealed that the company is considering a model to compete with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. "We have made a model of an affordable, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive coupe," said Kearns. Insiders at Kia have reportedly said if the company decides to go forward with this idea, it could make Kia a more ' aspirational and emotional brand.' 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 30, 2013 A group of Ford customers have filed a class action lawsuit in West Virginia alleging that vehicles were not equipped with the proper safety equipment to prevent unintended acceleration. According to Reuters, the suit lists thirty vehicles built between 2002 and 2010 with electronic throttle control systems but without a brake override system. The vehicles in the suit include 2004-2012 F-Series pickups and the 2005-2009 Lincoln Town Car. (A full list of vehicles in the suit will be at the end of the article.) "They're trying to be compensated for their economic losses by having overpaid for cars that contained defects," said Adam Levitt, a partner at Grant & Eisenhofer and head of the law firm's consumer practice group. "Had they and the other class members been aware of these defects, they either wouldn't have bought the cars or would have paid a lot less for them." In response to the suit, Ford issued a statement that points towards studies done by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that state unintended acceleration is mostly caused by driver error. "NHTSA's work is far more scientific and trustworthy than work done by personal injury lawyers and their paid experts," Ford said in a statement. "In rare situations, vehicle factors, such as floor mats or broken mechanical components, can interfere with proper throttle operation, and manufacturers have addressed these rare events in field service actions. Vehicles named in the suit: Ford: 2005-2007 500 2005-2009 Crown Victoria 2005-2010 Econoline 2007-2010 Edge 2009-2010 Escape 2005-2010 Escape Hybrid 2005-2010 Expedition 2004-2010 Explorer 2007-2010 Explorer Sport Trac 2004-2010 F-Series 2009-2010 Flex 2008-2010 Focus 2005-2007 Freestyle 2006-2010 Fusion 2005-2010 Mustang 2008-2010 Taurus 2008-2009 Taurus X 2002-2005 Thunderbird 2010 Transit Connect Lincoln: 2003-2006 LS 2006-2008 Mark LT 2009-2010 MKS 2010 MKT 2007-2010 MKX 2006-2010 MKZ 2005-2009 Town Car 2006-2010 Zephyr Mercury: 2002-2005 Cougar 2005-2009 Grand Marquis 2009-2010 Mariner 2005-2010 Mariner Hybrid 2006-2010 Milan 2005-2007 Montego 2004-2010 Mountaineer 2008-2010 Sable Source: Reuters 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