William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 15, 2013 Honda is teasing a Civic wagon concept for the Geneva Motor Show in March. The wagon concept according to Honda strongly hints at the production model which is expected to arrive later this year. The sketch shows the wagon will utilize the European Civic hatchback’s hidden rear door handles creating a almost two-door shooting brake look. The roofline is sloping which helps with the shooting brake look. We’ll have more information on the Civic Wagon Concept when the Geneva Motor Show starts. Before you ask, the Civic wagon will not be coming to the U.S. Source: Honda 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 Civic Wagon Concept and the Next Generation NSX Concept Take Centre Stage at Honda's 2013 Geneva Motor Show Display 6 February 2013 Two new Honda Concept models will be making their European debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show showcasing an exciting future of new models and technology for the brand. The Civic Wagon concept will be lining up alongside the next generation NSX Concept and the CR-V featuring the new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine to give a taste of what’s to come from Honda over the next couple of years. Civic Wagon concept model Honda will be taking the wraps off the Civic Wagon concept model which strongly hints at the design direction of the final production version.This new derivative will strengthen the Civic range and will be built at Honda’s manufacturing facility in Swindon. Evolution of Honda NSX Concept Also making its European debut is the new Honda NSX Concept which suggests a potential direction for the next-generation NSX’s interior design. The exterior design stays true to the original concept styling, maintaining its low and wide stance with the dynamic and alluring proportions that are highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing. CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC The CR-V is the next model in Honda’s European line up to benefit from the new Earth Dreams Technology engine series as it joins the Civic in offering the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine. The CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC will be available in two-wheel drive only, with manual transmission to provide an exceptional balance of performance and economy. The 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine is the lightest engine in its class and will help the CR-V to deliver energetic performance, agile handling and low running costs for customers. The CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC will also be built at Honda’s manufacturing facility in Swindon and will be available from Autumn 2013. The Honda Press Conference will take place at 13:15hrs CET on Tuesday 5th March on the Honda stand (stand number 4250).

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 14, 2013 After the whole Hyundai-Kia mileage fiasco, the EPA says it will be conducting more fuel economy audits. Jeff Alson, a senior EPA engineer said at a conference about the government’s 2025 fuel economy standard that the agency performs “routine audits” of manufacturer's mileage claims, but does admits more can be done. “We’ll probably do more of that in the future than we did in the past,” Alson said. Alson also told the conference that the EPA also needs to do a better job of communicating real-world mileage with customers. “Everybody wants a label that tells you exactly what you’re going to get, but obviously that’s not possible. A good general rule of thumb is that real-world fuel economy is about 20 percent lower than the lab numbers.” 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.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 14, 2013 We're just a few days away from the introduction of the production-ready Chevrolet SS and to help us tide it over, Holden has unveiled the VF Commodore SS V Show Car. The VF Commodore SS V looks be the serious performer in the Commodore lineup. The front has a smaller grille, re-styled front bumper, and a sculpted hood. Along the side are new side skirts and twenty-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in beefy tires. In the back, Holden fitted a spoiler and new rear bumper with a diffuser and quad tailpipes. Inside the SSV, Holden put in sculpted leather seats with a suede stripe running down the center, flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum trim pieces, and suede accents on the dashboard and doors. As with the other VF Commodore models, Holden is keeping quiet on what lies under the hood of the SS V. Its safe to assume that a V8 engine producing somewhere in the range 400+ horsepower. We'll likely learn what's under the hood of the SS V when the Chevrolet SS is introduced this weekend. Source: Holden Album: Holden VF Commodore SS V Show Car 9 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 HOLDEN SIGNALS VF COMMODORE PERFORMANCE INTENT WITH STRIKING NEW SPORT LUXURY SHOW CAR Holden has taken the wraps off its stunning new performance sedan show car ahead of the VF Commodore’s international debut as the Chevrolet SS Sports Sedan in the USA this weekend. Unveiled as a precursor to the new VF Commodore sport luxury range, the new VF SS V show car applies a serious performance edge to the luxury hero concept Holden previewed in the VF Calais V earlier this week. The new VF Commodore will introduce a range of technology firsts for an Australian car, including Reverse Traffic Alert, Head-up Display, Blind Spot Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Auto Park Assist when it arrives in Australian showrooms mid-year. The VF Commodore sport luxury range is more refined than any car previously produced by Holden, embodying the same design sophistication, premium appointments and attention to detail as the Calais V luxury sport concept. The SS V has a mature, new aerodynamic exterior design, which has been finished in eye-catching custom Fantale orange metallic paint specially created by Holden for the show car. Inside, the SS V benefits from a sleek, new interior design layered with up-scale finishes of suede, galvano chrome, gloss black and perforated leather with accent stitching. The result is a premium-grade cabin detailed with motorsport-inspired touches including carbon fibre look cross-car applique, stitched leather instrument binnacle and sports profile leather steering wheel. Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said the new VF SS V show car is a class above any performance vehicle ever created by Holden. “When it came to our sport luxury range, we wanted to create an Australian performance car that would be at home just about anywhere in the world,” he said. “VF Commodore’s pure driving enjoyment and advanced technology are good enough to seriously challenge any large performance sedan on the planet. “We’ve also packaged VF’s performance and technology in a stylish and sophisticated design that will be right at home on any street from George Street, Sydney to 5th Avenue, New York City. “And this will become reality when Mark Reuss President of General Motors North America, unveils the VF Commodore as their top-of-the-range Chevrolet sports sedan at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway in Florida tomorrow.”   VF SS V Show Car Exterior True to tradition, the SS V-Series show car is designed for maximum look-at-me impact. The performance show car is a custom-finished, ‘amped up’ pointer to the VF sports range, to be launched mid-2013. It’s muscular design is enhanced with a bespoke paint job in brilliant metallic orange, contrasted against glossy black multi-spoke wheels. Striking exterior treatment aside, the preview gives prospective buyers an idea of whatto expect when Holden’s VF sport luxury range makes its showroom debut. Under spotlights, the show car’s glowing finish emphasises the more sculpted, layered surfacing and bolder graphics that give the VF SS V-Series Commodore a powerfully different sports design character and complement its classic rear drive performance car proportion. Peter Hughes, Holden’s Design Manager, Exteriors, said the creative team relished the task of preparing a hero show car version of the upcoming VF SS V-Series Commodore sedan. “We wanted to put something out there that made a bit of an impact,” he said. “The design was an exercise in exploring future options and gauging buyer reactions. We may get some polarised opinions, but that’s all part of the process of experimenting with different ideas and anticipating market trends. “The surfacing of the new VF is inherently more flamboyant and contemporary. And the fresh front and rear end sports graphics on the SS V in particular are really vibrant and distinctive. “Factor in all the things we know and love about the Commodore – its great stance, silhouette and proportion – and we had a great canvas to work with. “The SS V show car isn’t too far removed from the final design intent – we’ve just amped it up a little. Holden Designer Manager, Colour and Trim, Kirsty Lindsay, said the team developed a unique paint colour and finishes to complement the SS V’s sleek exterior design and set it apart from the luxury sport-themed Calais V. “The gloss black paint on the hand-machined double five-spoke wheels is a custom finish, while the cool gunmetal chrome detailing on the front fascia and the vertical fender vents is less overt, more in tune with this car’s luxury persona,” she said. “With the fusion of gloss black elements, the gunmetal chrome and that sensational orange metallic finish, we wanted to blur the boundary between luxury sports tourer and dramatic sports machine”. VF SS V Show Car Interior The show car’s impressive cabin layout is the real deal – entirely new and close to mainstream VF SS V production design intent. The theme is well-appointed sport luxury: dark-toned, subtle and sophisticated. The feel is first class. This is a carefully considered ergonomic design, defined by the use of high-quality materials, careful tailoring, craftsmanship and comfort. Nothing has escaped attention – from the instrument panel and centre console with its advanced infotainment graphic interface to the motorsport-inspired steering wheel, the switches, the shifter and the new electric park brake. Bolstered sports-profile seats are tailored in soft, jet-black leather and suede with perforated leather inserts and contrast stitching. There are reflective accents in galvano chrome and gloss black; new instrument graphics gleam in deep-cowled cluster housings beneath a stitched leather binnacle. Sharon Gauci, Holden’s Chief Designer, Colour and Trim, says the design philosophy behind the VF SS V-Series sport luxury interior represents a departure from previous models. “It’s evolved from a bold approach into something more in tune with the sophisticated technological nature of this car,” she said. “The sport interior retains all the classic sports cues but pays tribute to Holden’s performance heritage in a more understated way. “We took a jet black background palette and enlivened it with silky chrome highlights and tactile, soft-textured materials. “There’s real cohesion between decorative elements such as the deck and twin needle accent stitching that’s repeated on the seats, the doors and the instrument panel. “The sports DNA may be more subtle, but it’s apparent everywhere around you – from the central accent stripe on the seats to the perforated leather inserts, the carbon fibre look cross-car applique, the SS-V Series embroidered ID on the instrument panel, alloy-faced pedals and the traditional red-lit graphic displays”. SS V-Series show car exterior feature highlights: Custom Kandy ‘Fantale’ metallic paint finish Twin five-spoke 20-inch wheels, hand-machined in billet aluminium, custom finished in gloss black Front Brembo brake calipers finished in gloss silver Wide, dominant front fascia features traditional sports grille and a prominent lower air intake, both laced in custom gunmetal chrome Sculpted, jewelled halogen projector headlamps with black bezels curve into prominent front fenders, flared, aero-modified wheel arches Muscular lower fascia incorporates LED daylight running lamps and black bezel fog lamps, custom gunmetal chrome accents, outboard extensions integrated into sharp sports rockers Prominent VF aluminium hood with centre crease emphasises performance potential; two raking spears sweep from the A-pillars Low, wide VF rear sports fascia – streamlined graphics with integrated tail lamps, aluminium decklid, body-colour bib spoiler, custom gloss black finish sports valance incorporating licence plate and quad V8 exhausts In profile, vertical fender vents and window surrounds are finished in custom gunmetal chrome SS V-Series show car interior feature highlights: All-new instrument panel with integrated centre stack combines high-resolution Holden MyLink infotainment system with 8-inch touch screen, climate and other controls Ergonomically advanced design relocates controls to more convenient positions, introduces console-mounted electric park brake control Cowled, angled instrument dials flank a LCD Driver Information Display screen with colour graphics All-new seat structures combine sports back and high-bolstered side support High-quality, layered finishes in smooth soft-feel leather and suede with perforated leather inserts are accented by contrast twin-needle and deck stitching Sports profile leather wrap steering wheel design is motorsport-inspired Ice blue ambient lighting illuminates lower centre console and door pull recesses Extra large dual cupholders can accommodate a wide range of container sizes

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 14, 2013 The BMW X6 is one of those vehicles that many ask why. Why does it exist? Well there is some reason as to why BMW is going ahead with a next-generation model, due within the eighteen months. Autocar reports that the next-generation X6 will get a more aggressive appearance, helping differentiating itself from the X5. The X6 will be using the X5’s platform, which will be shorten for the X6.Under the skin, the X6 will retain its monocoque chassis, but use much more high-strength steel. Powertrains will likely remain the same but with some new tweaks. That means the 3.0L turbocharged inline-six and 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8. There is also talk of a new X6 ActiveHybrid being worked on. Source: Autocar 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.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 14, 2013 It has been long rumored and caught on camera, but now it can come out. Chrysler announced today that the 2014 Ram 1500 will come with the option of diesel V6 engine, making it the only light-duty pickup to come with a diesel in the marketplace. “Truck owners have been emphatically asking for it, and Ram will be the only manufacturer to offer a diesel powertrain in the half-ton segment with the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. The half-ton truck market is incredibly competitive, and although we’re honored the Ram 1500 has received a number of prestigious awards, we cannot rest on what we have accomplished, we must keep pushing.” said said Fred Diaz, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico in a statement today. The diesel V6 in question is the 3.0L VM Motori engine that will be used on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The engine will be mated to a eight-speed automatic. Chrysler is being quiet on power outputs for the Ram 1500 diesel, but we wouldn't be surprised if it matches or is slightly above the 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that the 3.0L produces in the Grand Cherokee. The diesel option arrives in the third quarter of 2013. Source: Ram 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 Ram to Build Industry’s Only Light-duty Diesel Pickup 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel to deliver best-in-class fuel economy, a title already owned by the 2013 Ram 1500 Clean diesel features low CO2 emissions and impressive V-6 capability Diesel engines praised for outstanding range and torque Ram first to market with game-changing technologies February 14, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Beginning in third-quarter 2013, Ram will become the only brand to offer a small-displacement diesel for its half-ton line of trucks. The 2014 Ram 1500 will offer a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, mated with the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class torque and impressive capability. “Truck owners have been emphatically asking for it, and Ram will be the only manufacturer to offer a diesel powertrain in the half-ton segment with the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “The half-ton truck market is incredibly competitive, and although we’re honored the Ram 1500 has received a number of prestigious awards, we cannot rest on what we have accomplished, we must keep pushing.” The 2013 Ram 1500 won Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year, The North American Truck of the Year and Truck of Texas -- a rare trifecta in the pickup segment. Building on the award-winning truck, the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will further stretch its best-in-class fuel economy title lead and continue to raise the innovation bar in one of the automotive industry’s most customer-loyal segments. “The Ram 1500 with 3.0-liter V-6 turbo EcoDiesel and TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission deliver on the demands of truckers by providing best-in-class torque, fuel economy and range. There’s no doubt that being the only truck manufacturer to offer this game changing technology will provide Ram with a competitive advantage.” The new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel is among today's most advanced diesel engines. Its emissions are 60 percent less than those produced by diesel powertrains 25 years ago. The impressive combination of torque and fuel economy marks new levels of performance for small V-6 engines. Ram’s newest turbo diesel engine is manufactured by VM Motori, a Chrysler Group diesel engine supplier since 1992. Over the past 10 months, the Ram Truck brand has set an aggressive product cadence. Ram’s big push began in April 2012 with the introduction of the Ram 1500 with class-leading 25 mpg fuel efficiency and innovative features such as Active Level four-corner air suspension. The Ram Brand followed that news with the launch of the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups. Their 30,000-pound trailer-tow rating – more than three tons more than their closest competitor -- and 850 lb.-ft. of torque are at the top of their class. Most recently, Ram introduced the new 2014 Ram ProMaster van with its own list of best-in-class features, including fuel efficiency, payload, cargo capacity and lowest cost of ownership.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 13, 2013 Everyone has been going somewhat crazy with a PowerPoint presentation given to analysts at Deutsche Bank by Ford. The reason? Well, one of the slides in the presentation has a Ford Edge that's not like the current model. That has everyone thinking that the Edge in the presentation is what the next generation model will look like. The somewhat blurry image from the slide shows the Edge keeping its current shape. The only changes are a new front clip with redesigned grille, headlamps, and lower fascia with integrated fog lights. Is this the next-generation Ford Edge? We don't know if it is or not. Source: BlueOvalForums.com 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.