William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 18, 2013 The next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one the mostly anticipated car launches of this year since it breaks new ground in technology and innovation for the entire industry. The new S-Class, codenamed W221 looks to continue that trend as evidenced by some new interior shots released by Mercedes and spy shots of the exterior. We'll start with the interior. Mercedes-Benz has filled the S-Class with a load of new technologies, the centerpiece being two 12.3 inch high-resolution screens. One takes the place of the gauge cluster while the other is a touchscreen for the infotainment system and climate control via Mercedes-Benz's mBrace2 - a cloud-based entertainment and information delivery system coming out later this year. The new climate control system, called "thermotronic" features completely autonomous adjustment options for driver and passenger and "active perfuming system," as part of its to individually customize the smell of the vehicle interior. No word if the pine tree air freshener will be one of the smells. Passengers will be coddled in the S-Class thanks to "energizing" massage (fourteen separate air bladders in the seatbacks) , active seat ventilation with reversing fans, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated armrests (door and center). Now onto the new S-Class' exterior. Road & Track got their hands on some new spy shots which show the new S-Class in the flesh and it looks to be an evolution of the current design. The new S-Class loses the flared wheel arches on the current model, but gains creases along the side similar to the CLS. Also making an appearance is a massive grille, vertical LED taillights, panoramic roof, and a trunk lid borrowed from the CL. We'll have more information the S-Class when it makes its official debut in May. Source: Road & Track, Mercedes-Benz 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 18, 2013 The new Cadillac CTS will be introduced next week at the New York Auto Show, but the brand decided to announce the engine lineup for it this week. The big news for the CTS is the introduction of the twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 good for 420 horsepower and 430 pound-feet. That is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination runs to 60 MPH in 4.6 seconds, a top speed of 170 MPH, and returns an estimated MPG of 17 City/25 Highway. “The new Cadillac Twin-Turbo brings a new dimension of technologically advanced performance to the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer. “Delivering power and sophistication, it marks another large step forward in the product-driven expansion of Cadillac.” This engine will also be available in the 2014 XTS. Other engines for the 2014 CTS will include the 2.0L turbo-four making 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.6L V6 with 321 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Source: Cadillac 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 Cadillac Twin-Turbo Debuts in All-New 2014 CTS Sedan 2013-03-18 420 horsepower (313 kW) / 430 lb-ft of torque (583 Nm) – SAE certified Most power-dense six-cylinder in segment at 118 hp/liter Cadillac’s first twin-turbo engine and eight-speed automatic transmission DETROIT – Cadillac today announced details of a new Twin-Turbo V-6 engine and eight-speed transmission – firsts for the brand and signature features of the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS midsize luxury sedan debuting next week at the New York Auto Show. The Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 is the most power-dense six-cylinder engine in the midsize luxury segment – a 3.6L with 118 horsepower per liter (88 kW/liter) – and the eight-speed automatic enhances fuel economy and acceleration over a six-speed automatic. “The new Cadillac Twin-Turbo brings a new dimension of technologically advanced performance to the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer. “Delivering power and sophistication, it marks another large step forward in the product-driven expansion of Cadillac.” Rated at an SAE-certified 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 430 lb.-ft. of torque (583 Nm), it is the most powerful V-6 ever from General Motors. It also has 15 percent greater power density than BMW 535i’s turbocharged 3.0L six, which is rated at 300 horsepower (223 kW), for a ratio of 100 horsepower per liter (74 kW/liter) – and even the BMW 550i’s TwinPower 4.4L V-8, rated at 400 horsepower (298 kW), or 91 horsepower per liter (68 kW/liter). Power density is a measure of efficiency for an engine’s size. A pair of smaller turbochargers and an efficient charge air cooler help provide more immediate power delivery. Additionally, approximately 90 percent of the 3.6L Twin-Turbo’s peak torque is available from 2,500 rpm to 5,500 rpm, giving the engine a broad torque curve that customers will feel as strong, willing power in almost all driving conditions, such as accelerating or overtaking traffic on the highway. Those features help the new CTS sedan reach 60 mph from a standstill in an estimated 4.6 seconds and achieve an estimated top speed of 170 mph (274 kph). The new Cadillac Twin-Turbo will expand the performance envelope of the upcoming 2014 CTS midsize luxury sedan, launching this fall in the United States. The engine will also will be offered in the 2014 XTS large luxury sedan this fall. The new engine is a comprehensive upgrade on the 60-degree, 3.6L DOHC V-6 offered in today’s SRX, XTS and ATS. However, almost every component is unique. New features include: All-new cylinder block casting All-new cylinder head castings Strengthened connecting rods Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength 10.2:1 compression ratio Patented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts Two turbochargers produce more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa) Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves All-new direct injection fuel system Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness. The 2014 CTS sedan will also feature the naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6 rated at 321 horsepower, as well as a 2.0L turbocharged engine rated at an estimated 272 horsepower. Proven foundation, new features Because the Cadillac Twin-Turbo is based on the same architecture as the existing naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6, it benefits from many proven technologies including dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and direct injection. Key features also include: A durable forged steel crankshaft that contributes to greater high-rpm smoothness A friction-reducing polymer coating on the piston skirts, as well as fully floating wrist pins that help reduce friction Pressure-actuated oil squirters drench the underside of each piston and the surrounding cylinder wall with an extra layer of cooling, friction-reducing oil A cast aluminum oil pan is stiffer to improve powertrain rigidity and reduce vehicle vibration. It bolts to the transmission bell housing as well as the engine block, eliminating points of vibration. The cylinder block casting is unique to the turbocharged engine with cast-in provisions for turbocharger coolant and oil connections, as well as positive crankcase ventilation passages. It uses nodular iron main bearing caps for greater strength to manage the higher cylinder pressures that come with turbocharging. The cylinder heads are also unique to the Cadillac Twin-Turbo. They feature a high-tumble intake port design that enhances the motion of the air charge for a more-efficient burn when it is mixed with the direct-injected fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber. The topology of the pistons, which feature centrally located dishes to direct the fuel spray from the injectors, is an integral design element of the chamber design, as the piston heads become part of the combustion chamber with direct injection. “The high-tumble heads were developed with advanced modeling programs that helped us determine the optimal design in less time and with less trial and error,” said Richard Bartlett, assistant chief engineer for the 3.6L engine. “Literally hundreds of simulations were performed to optimize the port flow, injector spray angle and pattern, and piston topology to produce a highly efficient yet powerful combustion chamber.” Large, 38.3-mm intake valves and 30.6-mm sodium-filled exhaust valves enable the engine to process tremendous airflow. In some conditions, the continuously variable valve timing system enables overlap conditions – when the intake and exhaust valves in a combustion chamber are briefly open at the same time – to promote airflow scavenging that helps spool the turbochargers quicker for faster boost production. Hardened AR20 valve seat material on the exhaust side is used for its temperature robustness, while the heads are sealed to the block with multilayer-steel gaskets designed for the pressure of the turbocharging system. As with the naturally aspirated 3.6L, the heads feature integral exhaust manifolds, although upper and lower water jackets were added to the heads to provide uniform temperature distribution and optimal heat rejection. On top of the heads, new aluminum cam covers enhance quietness and are designed with greater positive crankcase ventilation volume to support the turbo system. Integrated charge air cooling Another unique feature of the Cadillac Twin-Turbo is its efficient manner of processing the pressurized air charge through the cylinder heads and into the combustion chambers. A single, centrally located throttle body atop the engine controls the air charge from both turbochargers after the temperature is reduced in the intercooler. This efficient design fosters more immediate torque response, for a greater feeling of power on demand, and reduces complexity by eliminating the need for a pair of throttle bodies. Using a pair of smaller turbochargers rather than a single, larger turbo also helps ensure immediate performance, because smaller turbochargers spool up – achieve boost-producing turbine speed – quicker to generate horsepower-building air pressure that is fed into the engine. The Cadillac Twin-Turbo’s integrated charge air cooling system also contributes to its immediate response, because the compressors blow through very short pipes up to the intercooler. With no circuitous heat-exchanger tubing, there is essentially no lag with the response of the turbochargers. In fact, airflow routing volume is reduced by 60 percent when compared with a conventional design that features a remotely mounted heat exchanger. “It is a very short path from the turbos to the throttle body,” said Bartlett. “The compressors draw their air directly from the inlet box and send their pressurized air through the intercooler basically immediately, giving the new CTS a tremendous feeling of power on demand.” The charge-cooling heat exchangers lower the air charge temperature by more than 130 degrees F (74 C), packing the combustion chambers with cooler, denser air for greater power. The twin-brick configuration of the heat exchangers is similar in design and function to the 6.2L supercharged “LSA” engine used on the current CTS-V Series. “The LSA engine showed us the efficiencies of mounting the intercooler on top of the engine, especially when it came to packaging and maintaining a short, unobstructed path for the air charge,” said Bartlett. “It’s efficient and effective – and we wanted to build on that experience.” The air cooler system achieves more than 80 percent cooling efficiency with only about 1 psi (7 kPa) flow restriction at peak power, for fast torque production. Vacuum-activated wastegates Unique vacuum-actuated wastegates – one per turbocharger – and electronic vacuum-actuated recirculation valves are used with the 3.6L Twin-Turbo for better management of the engine’s boost pressure and subsequent torque response for smoother, more consistent performance across the rpm band. A wastegate is used to regulate the boost pressure of the engine. It provides a method to bypass the exhaust flow from the turbo’s turbine wheel, which can be reintroduced into the exhaust stream – via a bypass tube – to maintain optimal turbine speed across the rpm band. Conventional wastegates are pressure-activated, allowing control of the actuator. The Cadillac Twin-Turbo’s vacuum-activated wastegate valves provide more consistent boost control, particularly at lower rpm, to enhance low-rpm torque, for a greater feeling of power at low speeds. They are independently controlled on each engine bank to balance the compressors’ output to achieve more precise boost pressure response. The wastegates also work in concert with the recirculation valves to eliminate co-surge from the turbos – a condition that can result in dynamic flow reversal, such as the moment immediately after the throttle closes. This overall system integration contributes to the engine’s smoother, more consistent feeling of performance. In addition to the vacuum-actuated wastegates and recirculation valves, the engine employs dual mass air flow sensors and an integral inlet air temperature/humidity sensor, a dual-compressor inlet pressure sensor and dual manifold pressure sensors. Eight speeds, no waiting The Cadillac Twin-Turbo is paired with a high-performance, paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission that offers efficiency and performance advantages over a six-speed transmission – including 1.5-percent greater fuel economy. The new paddle-shift eight-speed delivers smooth, quick shift performance – as quick as 0.3-second on wide-open-throttle upshifts – with the quietness, smoothness and refinement Cadillac customers expect. Smaller gear steps – closer ratios – support world-class performance, with quicker, more imperceptible shifting. The wide, 6.71 gear spread of the transmission enables the CTS to deliver strong performance at all rpm levels, while achieving good fuel economy on the highway. A “tall,” 0.69-ratio eighth-gear also helps maintain a low engine speed of approximately 1,800 rpm at 70 mph – about 200 rpm lower than a six-speed – which not only enhances efficiency but contributes to a quieter driving experience. Complete electronic control of the transmission enables it to select the best gear for the driving conditions, allowing the transmission to “skip” one or more gears, if appropriate, when up-shifting or down-shifting. In manual mode, torque converter lockup is used in gears two through eight to balance performance and efficiency, while preserving the maximum torque multiplication in first gear for optimal launch performance The CTS development team tailored the transmission for the high torque output of Cadillac 3.6L Twin-Turbo, which included stronger gear sets and a greater number of clutch plates. The team also wove in driver-selectable performance features enable the transmission to hold lower gears during certain performance-driving situations, for a more connected and responsive driving experience with the new turbocharged engine. Paddle-shift control enables the driver manual control of the gear changes, for the ultimate feeling of control of the turbocharged CTS. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 18, 2013 The current Chrysler 200 will have a short 2014 model year according to some internal documents. Automotive News got their hands on the documents and report that production of the 2014 Chrysler 200 will start in July at Chrysler's Sterling Heights plant in Michigan and end in the second week of January. A bit surprising since production usually would run well through 2014. This has led everyone to think the next-generation 200 is just around the corner. This is further substantiated by Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne saying the introduction of the new 200 would be delayed till early next year. All we know about the next 200 is that it will be much more sleeker than the previous model, utilize the same platform as the Dodge Dart, and come with a nine-speed transmission. As for the Dodge Avenger, the documents don't reveal any information. 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 14, 2013 Earlier this week, we gave some details on what BMW has in the pipeline for the U.S. this year. One of those items was a new turbo-four diesel engine for the 3-Series. Today, BMW has announced the new diesel 3-Series will make its debut at the New York Auto Show this month. Called the 328d, it uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that's rated at 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The run to 60 MPH takes about about 7.2 seconds. BMW estimates 328d "could well exceed 40 mpg," on the EPA Highway Mileage estimate. 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 BMW Concept Active Tourer and BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo to Make North American Debuts; Diesel-Powered BMW 328d to Make U.S. Debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show on March 27 BMW Enhances ConnectedDrive with Four Newly Approved BMW Apps and the Additions of BMW Assist eCall and TeleService as Standard in most 2014 models for 10 Years BMW-Designed Team USA Bobsled to be Displayed Woodcliff Lake, NJ - March 14, 2013… Following BMW’s pioneering philosophy of sustainable mobility, BMW will introduce the Concept Active Tourer for the first time in North America at the 2013 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, March 27th at the BMW stand from 11:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan (655 W. 34th Street at 11th Avenue).The automaker will also feature two new additions to its award-winning 3 Series line-up, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo and the diesel-powered BMW 328d. Offering a glimpse of further innovations in store for the premium compact segment, BMW introduces theConcept Active Tourer – a new plug-in hybrid concept which combines comfort and functionality with dynamics and style while showcasing several innovative solutions. Featuring an elongated wedge-shaped silhouette, athletic proportions and typical BMW lines, this concept car features a 3-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with an electric motor which allows for nearly 95 mpg. The Concept Active Tourer will also feature a “Cool Shade” composite glass roof which uses “Suspended Particle Device” technology allowing the driver to make the roof crystal clear or darken with the touch of a button. BMW first redefined the Gran Turismo segment with the BMW 5 Series GT by adding first-class seating for four with space for luggage – and now introduces the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. Based on the iconic BMW 3 Series, a car that has appeared on “Car and Driver’s” 10 Best list for 22 consecutive years, the 3 Series GT features a longer wheelbase, more rear seat room and flexible luggage space with an optional panoramic moonroof. The 3 Series GT will arrive in the U.S. this summer and will be available with either an award-winning TwinPower Turbo 4 cylinder or inline 6-cylinder engine. The diesel-powered BMW 328d will make its U.S. debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show, joining the BMW 3 Series lineup and strengthening BMW’s position as one of the country’s most efficient automakers. The BMW 328d will be powered by a TwinPower Turbo 4 cylinder engine, delivering 180 hp and an impressive 280 lb-ft of torque – propelling the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds while getting mileage that could well exceed 40 mpg (official US EPA estimates will be available closer to the launch of the 328d). With the hallmark performance of a BMW 3 Series and increased efficiency of a diesel engine, the BMW 328d will serve as the new benchmark in its class. The slate of approved BMW Apps will expand to include new partnerships. Through these partnerships drivers will soon be able to listen to their favorite audiobooks read aloud, or share their location with friends and family. Music and radio fans will enjoy new functionality in their BMW via their mobile device. BMW vehicle amenities will for the first time include a 4G LTE mobile hotspot accessory that connects with the car’s antenna to provide blazing-fast wireless Internet speeds inside the car for devices such as laptops, iPad and smartphones. BMW will also announce that, beginning later this year, most 2014 models will feature BMW Assist eCallemergency call service for 10 years as standard equipment as well as TeleService, which tracks vehicle maintenance needs and automatically alerts the driver and local dealer. BMW Assist eCall includes enhanced automatic collision notification that not only places an automatic call in the case of a collision but also, through a ground-breaking algorithm co-developed with the William Lehman Injury Research Center, can send an assessment of the likelihood of severe injury in order to better prepare first responders. Also featured on the BMW stand will be the BMW designed two-man bobsled developed in collaboration with the USA Bobsled & Skeleton Federation (USBSF). BMW of North America is the Official Mobility Partner of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and has applied its world-class design expertise – namely the application of BMW EfficientDynamics – to pair intelligent lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber, with optimized aerodynamics to design the new sled. BMW hopes to help Team USA win its first Olympic gold medal in two-man men’s bobsled since 1936. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 13, 2013 Kia could be producing production versions of the the GT Concept (shown at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show) and the Provo Concept (2013 Geneva Motor Show). Auto Express talked Kia Motors Europe’s VP of Marketing and Product Planning, Benny Oeyen. Oeyen said the they're looking at producing a coupe version of the GT Concept. “The GT is close to being approved and going into production, but, as with all our cars, they have to be developed on a sound financial footing,” said Oeyen. As for the Provo, Oeyen said the company is very keen on producing a production model. The model would be based on the same platform as the Rio and become Kia's halo model for small cars. “The provo is a possible niche we can venture into. Our brand is currently rational, but there’s space for a B-Coupe. We will now do some market research to see if people would buy it – it has to make financial sense,” said Oeyen. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 13, 2013 Earlier this week, Land Rover released a teaser shot of the new 2014 Range Rover Sport and announced that it would be shown at the New York Auto Show later this month. Well today, some pictures leaked out of what is purported to be the 2014 Range Rover Sport. The new Sport looks to be a mishmash of Evoque up front and Range Rover in the back. Compared to spy shots and the teaser shot, the model shown in the picture matches up pretty close. We'll find out if this is the real deal or not later this month. Source: Automobile, Sam Moores Photography 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 13, 2013 The current Chevrolet Impala holds the title of being the queen of the fleet market. Last year, nearly 75% of the 169,351 Impalas sold went to the fleet market (about 127,013 vehicles). With the new Chevrolet Impala just around the corner, General Motors would not like to have a repeat of that. Chevrolet marketing chief Chris Perry said yesterday at the media launch of the 2014 Impala that Chevrolet will sell the old Impala to fleets for one more year. Those fleets looking to get their hands on the 2014 model will have to wait till next year. GM's goal is to drop fleet sales of the Impala to around 30%. “The Impala has become more of a fleet car over the last several years, and this allows us to continue to meet that demand for our fleet customers,” Perry said. This move allows GM to to capitalize on the popularity of the current Impala for fleets. It also allows the new Impala to re-position itself as the flagship for Chevrolet. The new Impala arrives in April. Source: Auto Guide, 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 13, 2013 Henrik Fisker, founder and executive chairman of Fisker Automotive has resigned today. In a statement sent today, Fisker Automotive said “the main reasons for his resignation are several major disagreements that Henrik Fisker has with the Fisker Automotive executive management on the business strategy.” “Given the confidential nature of this matter, at this point in our process we can only confirm that the company has received detailed proposals from multiple parties in different continents which are now being evaluated by the company and its advisors. The company is pleased with the level of interest from potential partners, which underscores the attractiveness and relevance of Fisker's proven EV powertrain technology, design and strategy,” Fisker Automotive went on to say. We'll be updating this story as soon as we have more information. Source: Fisker 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 13, 2013 Volkswagen has chosen New York as the place to show the North American version of the Mark 7 Golf. Coming as 2015 model, the Mark 7 Golf will be shown in three different variations; the base 1.8L TSI engine, the TDI, and the hot GTI. Volkswagen says the new Golf arrives in North America in the first half of 2014. Source: Volkswagen 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 2015 Volkswagen Golf to Make its US Debut in New York NYIAS Press Days: March 27 & 28 Three Golf versions will debut in New York The 2015 Volkswagen Golf is bigger inside and out, lighter, more fuel efficient, and safer than the vehicle it replaces. The seventh-generation Golf is the first Volkswagen to use the new MQB components matrix and will offer new safety features-such as collision avoidance and lane departure systems-as well as new engines and infotainment options. At the New York International Auto Show, Volkswagen is debuting all three of the Golf versions that will go on sale next year: the entry-level TSI model; the thrifty TDI Clean Diesel; and the sporty GTI. The TSI and GTI use new versions of the EA888 turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine, while the TDI gets the new EA288 diesel engine. The 2015 Golf will go on sale in the first half of 2014 and will be built at Volkswagen's Puebla, Mexico, factory. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 12, 2013 Audi's current diesel offerings stand at two with the A3 hatchback and Q7 crossover. That will be increasing to six with the A8 TDI coming in the spring and the Q5, A6, and A7 TDIs arriving in the fall. There is one model missing in this list and that is the A4, but that will be changing with the next-generation model. Audi of America President Scott Keogh told reporters today that the next-generation Audi A4, due out in 2014 will come with option of a 2.0L TDI engine. Audi previously hinted at a diesel for the current A4, but Keogh said it didn't make sense. "This deep in its life cycle, it didn't make any sense to do all that dramatic re-engineering and re-architecting of the car to basically only have a two-year selling period," said Keogh. 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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 12, 2013 The next Lincoln Navigator will lose its a V8 and go with EcoBoost V6. This news comes from Lincoln Global Director Matt VanDyke via Motor Trend. The EcoBoost in question will the 3.5L that currently is in the F-150. With 365 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, this is a very respectable increase from the Navigator's current 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet. There is also talk of the 3.7L V6 with 302 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque appearing as the base engine. Is there any chance of a V8 appearing in the next Navigator? Probably not as VanDyke said that Lincoln is going all EcoBoost. Meanwhile at Ford, the next Expedition will likely get the 5.0L V8 with 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The Expedition might also get the 3.7L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost, though the EcoBoost might be a Lincoln thing only. Source: Motor Trend 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 12, 2013 Automobile Magazine got their hands on a document issued by BMW to its dealers detailing what products would be arriving to dealers. The information, to say in the least is very interesting. We'll start with the big news first: diesels. July will be the month when BMW will begin production of the 3-Series with a diesel engine. The engine in question is a 2.0L inline-four that will be available in rear or all-wheel drive models. Wearing the 328d badge, it will be available in a sedan and a first for the U.S., a wagon. In other diesel news, the 5-Series will also be getting a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six diesel. Models equipped with this engine will wear the 535d badge and have the choice of rear or all-wheel drive. Production begins in July. Meanwhile on the new product front, the third-generation X5 begins production in July at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina Factory. The new X5 will come with a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six and 4.4L twin-turbo V8. A diesel will be added later in the year. Also new is the 2-Series, which takes the place of the 1-Series coupe and convertible. Models will include the 228i (2.0L turbocharged inline-four) or the hot M235i (3.0L inline-six) and will begin production in November. Source: Automobile 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