William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 27, 2013 The new trend in improving fuel economy is adding gears to the transmission. We've been seeing a number of vehicles equipped with eight-speed transmissions, but Land Rover is one upping the competition by introducing a new nine-speed for the Range Rover Evoque. Developed by ZF, the ZF 9HP nine-speed transmission will take the place of the Evoque's current six-speed automatic. The new nine-speed automatic is lighter than the outgoing six-speed, provides better fuel economy and lower emissions, and improves the Evoque's off-road capability (if you decided to take your Evoque off-road). The ZF 9HP nine-speedfeatures such tech as a adaptive shifting system that customizes that transmission whatever driving style, skip-shift function that avoids the need to move through the gears sequentially, and "Fast-Off" and "Curve" modes that offer two different ways of upshifting. The new nine-speed will be available on the Evoque starting in 2014. Source: Land Rover Album: Range Rover Nine-Speed Automatic 2 images 0 comments 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 Land Rover To Demonstrate The World's First Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission Land Rover announces new ZF nine-speed automatic transmission for transverse applications Increasing the number of gear ratios to ninewill help reduce emissionsand improve efficiency Lower gear ratios enhance all-terrain and all-weather capability Adaptive shift system matches and remembers customer driving style for a tailored driving experience Land Rover is lead partner on this project with ZF, a world leader in transmission technology (MAHWAH, NJ) February 26, 2013 - Land Rover will demonstrate the world's first nine-speed automatic transmission for a passenger car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The ZF 9HP transmission is designed for transverse applications, and is one of the most efficient and technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle. Land Rover is the lead partner with ZF on this project. Increasing the number of gear ratios from six to nine will help reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Smaller ratio steps also give improved response during acceleration, with improved shift quality and refinement. A higher top gear improves efficiency by lowering engine speed, which also improves comfort and reduces noise when cruising at highway speeds. The 9HP is quite robust and complements the all-terrain capability expected of a Land Rover vehicle while delivering exceptionally high levels of refinement and efficiency. The lowest ratio in the 9HP is lower than the existing six-speed transmission and is designed for off-road use, towing, and on-road conditions like steep gradients. Whereas the existing six-speed transmission makes downshifts sequentially, the 9HP has a skip-shift function for much swifter downshifting to meet rapid deceleration demands. If the driver requests a downshift when the vehicle is travelling too fast for the selected gear, the transmission will remember the request and make the shift when the speed drops to an appropriate level. "Fast-Off" mode measures the rate of throttle release, anticipates further requests by the driver for high power, then holds the gear if necessary. The torque converter incorporates a multi-stage damper system for smoother pull away and improved refinement. An innovative adaptive shifting system matches the driver's mood within seconds, sharpening up during brisk driving and then seamlessly shifting to a more economical program when taking a more relaxed driving approach. Additionally, "Curve Mode," detected acceleration/deceleration forces, and pedal position all control upshift timing. The 9HP is masterfully packaged and despite the extra three gear ratios is only 0.24 inches (6mm) longer and actually weighs 16.5 lbs (7.5kg) less than the outgoing six-speed transmission. The compact packaging is achieved by using a number of innovative design features: A new compact hydraulic vane-type pump, two patented dog clutches replacing bulkier conventional clutch packs, and a nested gear set. Land Rover and ZF are on-going partners in transmission development; having jointly developed fully integrated transmission solutions in the Range Rover, Land Rover LR4 and Range Rover Sport. The new nine-speed transmission will be produced at ZF's Gray Court facility in South Carolina, USA. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 27, 2013 Are you wanting the new C7 Corvette Stingray, but are a bit wary of the pricetag? A new report says GM is prepping a lower-cost Corvette. Motor Trend is reporting that General Motor is working a low-cost model of the the C7 Corvette due out in 2015. The new model, called Corvette Coupe will be very different from the Corvette Stingray. For starters, the name will not have Stingray anywhere at all. The Corvette Coupe will also have changes to the front fascia and fender, and rear diffuser. Power will not come from the Stingray's 6.2L V-8. Instead, the Corvette Coupe will use a 5.3L V8 engine with direct injection producing 400 horsepower. We'll be keeping on eye on this to see if this comes true or not. 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 February 27, 2013 Ford has revealed the pricing for the 2014 Fiesta ST which will start at $22,195 (includes $795 destination charge). That will come with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four cylinder with 197 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque, and a six-speed manual transmission. The price makes the Fiesta ST $505 cheaper than the Fiat 500 Abarth and $1,805 cheaper than the Mini Cooper S. Options include partial-leather Recaro seats, MyFord Touch infotainment and navigation, seventeen-inch dark alloy wheels, power moonroof, and two unique colors, Molten Orange and Green Envy. Source: Ford 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 February 26, 2013 Ahead of its offical debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen pulled back the curtain on the seventh-generation GTI. Based on the seventh-generation Golf, the new GTI an uprated version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder used in the sixth-generation GTI. Power figures stand at 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. You can get a performance pack which bumps horsepower to 230. A six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch will be your transmission choice. There will also be a stop-start system to save fuel and reduce emissions. Exterior design cues will include unique fascias, side skirts, rear diffuser, it includes 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and chrome tail lamps. Inside, the iconic 'tartan' cloth is there along with a black headliner, a sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and other special touches. The 2014 GTI goes on sale in Europe in May. As for North America, Volkswagen is keeping quiet on what our version will come with and a date till a later time. Source:Volkswagen Album: 2014 Volkswagen GTI 5 images 0 comments 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 VOLKSWAGEN DEBUTS NEW GTI AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW - Available with two levels of power for the first time: standard 220 horsepower or 230 hp with performance pack (European model) - Offers 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to previous GTI - On sale in Europe starting in May, 2013 Wolfsburg, 27th February 2013 – Following tradition, Volkswagen will introduce the latest version of the Golf GTI at the Geneva International Motor Show. For the first time, the iconic hot hatch is available at launch with two power levels: 220 horsepower; or 230 hp with the optional performance pack. The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine (TSI®) that makes 220 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque in standard form. Volkswagen is offering a factory- installed performance pack for the first time, which boosts power to 230 hp. Both versions are equipped with a Stop-Start system, fulfill the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014, and attain the same excellent DIN gas mileage figure of 39.2 mpg-which equates to 139 g/km of CO2-when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. This means that the new GTI offers an 18 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, the 220- and 230-hp GTIs return 36.8 and 36.2 mpg respectively (equivalent to 148 and 150 g/km CO2). The sporty nature of the Golf GTI is reflected in its red-painted brake calipers, twin chrome tailpipes, and a lowered sport suspension. The exterior of the compact hatchback also scores with 17-inch "Brooklyn" GTI wheels and 225/45 tires, special side skirts, a rear diffuser, and smoked LED taillights with LED license-plate illumination. Visually, the interior is highlighted by sport seats with the "Clark" tartan pattern, a black headliner, and red ambient lighting. The car also offers classic GTI features such as a sport steering wheel, GTI shifter knob grip and instrument cluster, special trim inserts, and stainless- steel pedals and foot support. Standard features include the progressive steering system; "Climatronic" automatic climate control; park assist; Volkswagen's latest touchscreen infotainment system; and a winter pack that includes heatable front seats. Customers can choose from three body colors: "Tornado Red", "Black" and "Pure White". In Germany, the car goes on sale in May with prices starting at 28,350 euros. Overview: Market launch in Europe: May 2013. Debut of first-generation Golf GTI: 1976. Engine: Four-cylinder TSI (turbocharged direct-injection). Layout: front, transverse. Displacement: 1984 cc. Bore and stroke: 82.5 x 92.8 mm. Compression ratio: 9.8:1. Power: 220 hp (162 kW) @ 4500 rpm; Performance pack: 230 hp (169 kW). Torque: 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) @ 2500 rpm. Transmission/drive type: Manual six-speed; DSG six-speed dual-clutch; front-wheel drive. Fuel consumption/CO2 emissions (manual): 39.2 mpg; 139 g/km CO2. Performance (manual): 0-62 mph in 6.5 sec: Max speed; 153 mph (230 hp: 6.4 sec; 155 mph). Unladen weight: 2978 lb (base version) (*preliminary data) View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 26, 2013 The slow drip of information from McLaren on the new P1 Supercar rolls on with the company releasing the performance figures and price tag. The P1's performance figures put it in a very special class where the likes of Bugatti and Koenigsegg live. The figures are as followed: 0 - 100 KPH (62 MPH): less than three seconds 0 - 200 KPH (124 MPH): less than seven seconds 0 - 300 KPH (186 MPH): around seventeen seconds. Top speed of 218 MPH To help bring the P1 to a stop, McLaren fitted a new type of carbon ceramic disc that dissipates heat more effectively to give the vehicle better cooling and braking performance. McLaren says the P1 will come fully equipped for track and road-going uses. The pricetag for the new P1 will be $1.15 million. McLaren says there will only be 375 P1s built for the world. Source: McLaren Album: McLaren P1 6 images 0 comments 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 McLaren Automotive announces performance figures for the McLaren P1™ Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) provides astonishing acceleration: 0 to 300 km/h (186 mph) in less than 17 seconds, more than 35% faster than the legendary McLaren F1 Top speed electronically limited to 350 km/h (218 mph) The production number has been limited to 375 units Base price in the US is $1,150,000 Fully equipped as standard for road and track use Production model is almost unchanged from the original design study McLaren Automotive has announced the final numbers, images and information relating to the McLaren P1™ ahead of a global reveal in just a few days at the 83rd International Geneva Motor Show. The race-inspired Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) gives the McLaren P1™ astonishing performance. Zero to 100km/h (62 mph) will take less than 3 seconds, zero to 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 7 seconds, and zero to 300 km/h (186 mph) will be achieved in no more than 17 seconds. This is 11 seconds faster than the legendary McLaren F1 road car. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (218 mph). The McLaren P1™ has translated to production form with very little changed from the prototype shown at the Paris Auto Show. In fact just one change-the addition of LTR ducts ahead of each of the front wheels to further aid cooling and optimise downforce. McLaren has announced a global production number of just 375 units – a figure that will ensure the McLaren P1™ will remain a rarity. McLaren has also announced that the car will have a base price of $1,150,000 in the US and have a specification that fully equips the car for both road and track use. The company prides itself on designing performance cars that their owners can use regularly so the McLaren P1™ comes standard with a comprehensive specification list. The options list is limited to only bespoke content that a customer might wish to add through McLaren Special Operations, and fitted luggage. As already announced, the McLaren P1™ will have the combined force of two highly-efficient powerplants, offering the optimum mix of superb throttle response, day-to-day drivability and top speed. A mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine is substantially enhanced featuring, for example, larger turbochargers and a highly effective electric motor, to give a combined output of 916PS (903 bhp) and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm. This ensures instantaneous throttle response through the rev range, more akin to a naturally aspirated engine. Emissions of less than 200g/km on the EU combined cycle are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode, while the Formula 1-derived DRS and IPAS technologies offer an increase in straight-line speed and an instant boost of power. The tires fitted to the McLaren P1™ are specially developed P Zero Corsas, which have been developed with McLaren's technology partner, Pirelli. The team at Pirelli has been involved throughout the entire development program, and this has seen the tire testing phase integrated into the schedule, as a key performance component. The final compound and construction has been developed and optimised during testing, and the end result is a tire that is finely tuned specifically to the performance and handling characteristics. To rein in the power produced by the twin powerplants, the McLaren P1™ is designed to offer braking performance more associated with a GT3 or sports racing car. Developed by McLaren's Formula 1 partner Akebono, the system features a new type of carbon ceramic disc, which has previously seen service in space, but never before used on a road car. Stronger than conventional carbon ceramic, the material dissipates heat more effectively, giving the highly efficient braking system exceptional stopping and cooling capability. The system also boasts significantly reduced weight, and a bespoke ceramic layer coats both friction surfaces to give an attractive mirrored finish. The car can also be driven solely in electric mode. In city driving, with an average speed of 30 mph, this could mean up to a 20km range. More than enough for an owner to enter, for example, a city center Zero Emissions Zone, have dinner and return home. View full article