William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 7, 2013 Kia pulled the wraps off a very unique and luxurious concept called the Cross GT at the Chicago Auto Show today. The Cross GT could hint at what a luxury crossover could come from Kia. The Cross GT's design has some elements of the GT Concept shown at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The crossover has a a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a wide stance. The back doors open up suicide-style, which offers better access to the back seat. On the roof, Kia designers placed hexagonal skylights. Inside the Cross GT, Kia used Reclaimed walnut wood trim on the dash, leather seats, a buttonless, touch-screen infotainment system up front, and flat screen monitors with Internet access for rear seat passengers. Powering the Cross GT concept is a 3.8L V6 paired to Kia's hybrid system that provides a combined output of 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. That is hooked up to a eight-speed automatic and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. While its just a concept for now, expect to see certain elements of the Cross GT to make it into Kia's future models. Source: Kia Album: Kia Cross GT Concept 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 KIA UNVEILS STUNNING NEW CROSS GT CONCEPT CUV AT 2013 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW Combining the Beauty and Elegance of the GT Concept with the Functionality of a Crossover Inspired by the power of nature while pushing the boundaries of technology Cross GT takes Kia design in a bold new direction that hints at the future of the brand’s premium aesthetic in a larger package CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2013 – Blurring the line between Kia’s gorgeous GT concept and a luxury CUV, Kia Motors America (KMA) today slipped the silk off the beautiful Cross GT concept at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Amid the popping strobes of cameras, the Cross GT stunned onlookers with its elegant yet powerful stance, confirming once again Kia’s now-well-established reputation for world-class design. The Cross GT seamlessly melds high technology with nature, creating a harmonious partnership between driver and vehicle that also respects our global environment. Purely conceptual, the Cross GT reveals Kia’s intentions to potentially offer a larger premium CUV than the current Sorento. “The debut of the GT in 2011 heralded a new frontier for Kia, both from a design and a business perspective,” noted Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Corporation president and global chief of design. “It beautifully illustrated to the world that the brand was ready to explore the possibility of perhaps one day offering a full-size rear-drive luxury saloon. The Cross GT, with its raised stance and large cargo area, allows us to envision the GT in the form of a full-size luxury crossover.” While the GT’s lines were penned in Frankfurt, Germany, the Cross GT hails from Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, Calif., the house that breathed life into the Track’ster, KV7 and Soul’ster concepts, and most recently the all-new production 2014 Forte sedan. Based on the GT chassis, the Cross GT’s proportions are similar to its rear-drive stablemate with short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an aggressively wide posture. But the Cross GT offers even greater visibility thanks to its taller stature and features all-wheel drive for improved performance and all-weather capability. Drawing inspiration from nature, driven by technology and bathed in gorgeous Fusion Copper, the Cross GT is powered by an efficient hybrid powertrain that looks to reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint while providing the uncompromising performance that’s expected of a large, luxury crossover. Utilizing a state-of-the-art 3.8-liter V6 hybrid, 8-speed automatic and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive, the Cross-GT’s powertrain matches the sophistication of the exterior and interior designs. Backing the V6 is an evolution of Kia’s parallel hybrid system, a pancake-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and transmission. The electric motor is neatly packaged under the rear floor. Combined, the V6 and electric motor produce 500 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, with an all-electric range of 20-miles - sufficient to enable exhilarating performance, while delivering superior fuel economy and fuel efficiency. While strictly a concept powertrain, Kia’s proven hybrid technology, combined with all-wheel drive are thought-provoking ideas that may one day find their way into a production vehicle. While clearly a member of the same bloodline as the award-winning Sorento, the Cross GT cuts an even more imposing figure. At 122.0 inches, the Cross GT’s wheelbase is longer than Sorento’s by 15.7 inches, and its overall length of 192.8 inches is 8.4 inches greater than Sorento. The 79.1-inch width is 4.9 inches wider than Sorento, but the Cross GT’s overall height of 65.3 inches is actually 1.6 inches shorter, giving the concept a lower roofline than most large CUVs. The Cross GT is designed to easily accommodate four passengers and their cargo in luxurious surroundings, but the large greenhouse, airy cabin and gently sloping hood give the Cross GT a nimble feel that’s at home in crowded urban environments. The Cross GT’s sophisticated image is enhanced by the dual rear-hinged doors, more commonly referred to as “suicide” doors. The unique configuration allows for easy access to the rear bucket seats and affords generous views of the Cross GT’s premium textures and materials. The cargo compartment is accessed through a “clam shell” design that incorporates a traditional glass hatch and a tailgate. Use of advanced LED technology creates a strong and unique lighting identity that dramatically highlights Kia’s signature grille. Letting light into the cabin is a multi-paneled sky light with hexagonal glass inserts that enhance the Cross GT’s premium design aesthetic. Inside, the Cross GT exemplifies modern luxury while remaining firmly grounded in nature. Anchored to the central tunnel, the four Almond-Terra-colored leather-covered bucket seats appear to float within the cabin, lending an open, modern feel. Inspired by fine equestrian saddles, the seats feature contrasting stitching and are tanned with vegetable oil using natural dyes and no chemicals. Use of re-harvested American Walnut across the sweeping instrument panel and 100 percent eco-friendly renewable wool felt throughout the vehicle also add to the Cross GT’s environmentally friendly appeal. The Cross GT’s subsystems, including HVAC, telematics and entertainment, are accessed via an easy-to-use touch screen and central mouse control technology that keeps the driver’s hands on the wheel at all times. The rear passengers have the ability to access the Internet and infotainment options through flat panel screens mounted to the headrests of the front seats. A large storage compartment has been incorporated beneath the flat load floor in the cargo area behind the rear seats. So just how much of the Cross GT is concept and how much is reality? “As witnessed by the introduction of the all-new Cadenza at the recent Detroit Auto Show, our customers are looking to the Kia brand to offer relevant vehicles in the premium segments that take value to new levels of sophistication,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA. “The Cross GT is the next logical step in that evolution. And while only a concept today, it signals one possible design direction we may explore for the future.” View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 7, 2013 Back in 2007, Toyota surprised everyone by introducing the current-generation Tundra full-size truck at the Chicago Auto Show. This year at the Chicago Auto Show, Toyota hopes to do it again with the introduction of the 2014 Tundra. The 2014 Tundra brings forth a "chiseled" and "modern industrial" design with a taller grille, revised three piece bumpers, squarer sheetmetal, new bed and tailgate, and revised taillights. Inside, Toyota ditches the plastic-fantastic interior of the current model and goes towards a more luxurious design with a redesigned instrument cluster and center stack. Powertrains are carried over from the current Tundra which are, 4.0L DOHC V6 - 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, Five-Speed Automatic 4.7L DOHC i-Force V8 - 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque, Six-speed automatic 5.7L DOHC i-Force V8 - 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, Six-speed automatic Toyota has also improved the shock-absorber valving to help avoid some of the rear-end chattering that was common in the previous Tundra. The 2014 Tundra will also come with a few segment-first technologies like all models getting a backup camera as standard equipment, a blind spot warning system, and a new cross-traffic alert system. The 2014 Tundra will be available in the base SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, and the all-new “1794” Edition which will compete with Ford's F150 King Ranch. The 2014 Tundra arrives at dealers in September. Source: Toyota Album: 2014 Toyota Tundra 17 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 Toyota Unveils 2014 Redesigned Tundra Full-Size Pickup Truck at 2013 Chicago Auto Show CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2013 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the redesigned 2014 Tundra full-size pickup truck at a press conference at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Tundra has been a quality leader with Toyota’s DNA of quality, dependability and reliability. The industry has recognized Tundra with a myriad of awards over the last 12 years, including winning the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study for seven years running in the Full-Size Pick Up segment. Not resting on its laurels, the 2014 Tundra will be redesigned, inside and out, representing the first major change since the launch of the current generation for the 2007 model year. The redesigned Tundra continues to be a truck with true American roots that was once again engineered by Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and its new look designed by Calty Design Research centers in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor. Finally, Tundra continues to be assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, in San Antonio, Texas. “Toyota prides itself on listening to its customers and the development of the 2014 American-born Tundra is a perfect example,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Tundra’s new exterior design and all-new interior were inspired by customer feedback requesting a more chiseled exterior and refined interior with improved driver ergonomics, and easy-to-use technology, giving customers more of what they want instead, in addition to what they need.” The 2014 Tundra will have a grade strategy consisting of the hard-working SR, volume-leading SR5, the well-appointed Limited, and two premium grades: “Platinum” and the all-new “1794 Edition.” The new 1794 Edition is a tribute to the ranch, founded in the year 1794, on which the Tundra plant is located in San Antonio. Tundra is offered in three cab styles, two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab and four-door CrewMax, all available in 4x2 and 4x4. Significantly New, Unique Exterior Designs; Distinct Look for Each Grade Inside and out, each grade embodies a specific theme through distinct designs that go beyond just badging. The Calty design team set out to create a bold and powerful exterior to embody Tundra’s performance capability. The all-new front design integrates the hood and grille for a chiseled and modern industrial image. Designers increased the size of the front fascia and tightened up the surfaces and character lines to punctuate Tundra’s pulling power and wide stance. The chrome grille has a taller, bolder look visually connecting the upper intake to the lower bumper. The front lower bumpers are now a three-piece design, allowing for grade differentiation and less expensive replacement parts. In addition, the fenders and wheel wells have been squared-off for a wide and sturdy stance. An all-new bed design helps carry the chiseled character lines all the way down the profile, leading to a rugged new bed and tail gate, with an integrated spoiler and “TUNDRA” stamped into the sheet metal, creating a one-piece forged look. The integrated spoiler in the deck helps with fuel efficiency, while the tail lamps express a tool-like quality to match the appearance of the body. Like the front bumper, the rear bumper changes from one piece to three, for lower replacement costs. An All-new Spacious Interior; Each Grade With a Unique Identity Calty’s design team worked closely with the product planners and Tundra engineers to develop an all-new bold interior focusing on styling differentiation between grades and improving the availability of features most important to truck buyers. The all-new interior variations are thematic and cater to a specific customer with a specific budget. Ergonomic improvements include easier driver access to controls as the reach to the audio and HVAC controls was reduced by 2.6 inches. Large knobs have been retained so they can be operated with or without work gloves. Overall passenger comfort was improved with an all-new front and rear (CrewMax) seat design and improved front seat ventilation. In addition, front seats have additional travel, and CrewMax rear seats can now be folded up for additional cargo carrying capability while maintaining a comfortable seating back angle. The interior has a rugged, interlocked construction with an all-new instrument panel. The meters feature 3-D metallic rings and individual gauges grouped in a clear, easy-to-see design with a center-mounted multi-information display screen. The console design holds multiple storage areas for personal items and electronics plus additional padded surfaces and accent stitching in premium grades. Both Double Cab and CrewMax will be available with a bench or bucket seats for the front row. The interior of the SR5 features a “professional gear” theme, with unique driver and passenger zones, metallic accents and bold contrasting fabric. Most importantly, the all-new design uses premium surface treatments to enhance interior quality and durability. The Limited grade has an “active premium” image with leather seating surfaces matching soft-touch stitched door and console surfaces, and wood-style interior trims. The Limited will be available with Black, Sand Beige and Graphite leather-trimmed interiors and will have standard auto HVAC controls. The Platinum grade has been completely redesigned for the next generation of personal use truckers. It features perforated black leather-trimmed seats with double-stitched diamond plate leather, door and instrument panel inserts, and chrome seat and console accent badging for an upscale yet urban feel. In addition, Platinum uses premium leather never before used on a Toyota truck and comes with many standard amenities, including a 12-speaker JBL audio system with Entune™, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The 1794 Edition reflects a western lifestyle theme and includes exclusive premium saddle brown leather seating with embossed leather and ultra-suede accents. Matching soft-touch materials also accents the shift console, the front and rear door trim, and the instrument panel. Like the Platinum, the 1794 Edition includes an array of standard features that includes heated and ventilated front seats, JBL audio and Entune, navigation and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Three Engine Options Remain Among Segment’s Most Capable Several enhancements have been implemented on the 2014 Tundra to improve performance. Shock-absorber valving has been re-tuned to improve Tundra ride quality over harsh surfaces. Steering feel and straight line stability has been improved due to steering system improvements. These improvements reduce the inputs from road variations and imperfections, resulting in improved straight line stability and less driver fatigue. Patented aerodynamic stabilizer fins are added to the outside surface of the rear tail lamp lens, and the outside mirror bases. These patented “Aero-Fins” reduce the air turbulence along the sides of the vehicle resulting in improved straight-line stability during normal driving conditions and while towing. Interior cabin noise is reduced from an improved design of engine compartment NVH treatments and innovative engineering to reduce sound transmission from the engine compartment to the vehicle cabin. Tundra continues to offer three proven powertrains. A 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6 is standard on Tundra Regular and Double Cab models and produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. peak torque. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic. The available 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8 offers 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and the 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque, in both gasoline and “Flex Fuel” variants. Both V8’s come standard with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. All Tundra engines feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency. The SR and SR5 grades will ride on 18-inch styled steel wheels, while the Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition will ride on all-new 20-inch alloy wheels specific to each grade. Tundra remains the only full-size pickup in the segment to adhere to the SAE J2807 towing standard. When equipped with a tow package, Tundra has a maximum tow capacity of 10,400 pounds (4x2 Regular Cab). All 2014 Tundras Feature a Number of Segment Firsts Tundras will feature a number of segment firsts, including a new Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a standard back-up camera (viewed from the audio display screen), and standard Bluetooth. Additional standard features include a 3.5-inch multi-information display in the gauge cluster. The Limited grade adds eight-way power driver seat, standard chrome door handles and outer mirrors, 20-inch alloy wheels and a deck rail system. The Platinum and 1794 Edition come standard with a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory and a four-way power passenger’s seat, both with heat and ventilation, power moonroof (CrewMax only), parking sonar, and Display Audio with Navigation, Entune and JBL. Toyota’s STAR Safety; Segment First Blind Spot Monitor with Cross Traffic Alert The 2014 Tundra will be the first in its segment to be equipped with a standard backup camera on all grades, and the first truck in its segment to offer a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (Platinum and 1794 Edition). All Tundra models will also feature the standard Toyota Star Safety System™ that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop (SST) brake override technology. Smart Stop Technology is designed to automatically reduce engine power when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time under certain conditions, helping the driver bring the vehicle to a stop. Tundra will be equipped with eight standard airbags including front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA) in all models, driver and front outboard passenger airbags with an Advanced Airbag System, and the segments only driver and front outboard passenger knee airbags. Additional safety features include manual headlamp leveling and standard LED Daytime Running Lights (Platinum and 1794 Edition). The redesigned 2014 Tundra will reach Toyota dealers in September. 2014 TUNDRA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS POWERTRAINS 4.0 Liter V6 270 H.P. @ 5600 RPM 278 lb-ft Torque @4400 RPM 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 4.6 Liter V8 310 H.P. @ 5600 RPM 327 lb-ft Torque @3400 RPM 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. 5.7 Liter V8 381 H.P.@ 5600 RPM 401 lb-ft Torque @ 3400 RPM 6-Speed Automatic Transmission DIMENSIONS (inches) Overall length: 228.7 (Std Bed) Overall width: 79.9 Overall height: 76.2 Wheelbase: 145.7 (Long Bed) TRUCK BED DIMENSIONS (inches) Bed length 78.7 (Std Bed) Bed width (between wheel wells): 50.0 Bed width (wall-to-wall): 65.0 Bed depth: 22.2 View full article