William Maley

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

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 7, 2013 Volkswagen is giving the current-generation GTI a swan song here in the U.S. by introducing two limited edition models at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. The first limited edition model is the GTI Wolfsburg Edition that adds eighteen-inch Laguna wheels, throwback golf-ball shift knob, and red-stitched floormats. A six-speed manual GTI Wolfsburg Edition starts at $25,890, while a DSG version will cost $26,990 (both prices include $795 destination charge). Volkswagen says only 2,000 GTI Wolfsburg Editions will be built and arrive at dealers sometime in first quarter. The second limited edition GTI model from Volkswagen is the Driver’s Edition GTI. The Driver's Edition takes a GTI equipped with the Sunroof and Navigation Package and adds eighteen-inch Laguna wheels, throwback golf-ball shift knob, red-stitched floormats, and leather seats. Pricing for the Driver’s Edition GTI starts at $30,490 for the six-speed manual and $31,590 for the DSG. Only 3,000 Driver’s Edition GTIs will be built and arrive in the second quarter of this year. Also being shown at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show by Volkswagen is the Beetle convertible R-Line. The Beetle convertible R-Line is the fifth model in Volkswagen's R-Line lineup and comes with nineteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on lower-profile all-season tires, bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights, flat-bottom, multifunction leather steering wheel, leather seats, and aluminum pedals. The Beetle convertible R-Line is due later this year. 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 and 3 VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES LIMITED-EDITION GTI MODELS Acclaimed hot-hatch receives two new trims to close the 2013 model year Wolfsburg Edition with six-speed manual starts at $25,095 Driver’s Edition with six-speed manual starts at $29,695 Herndon, VA / Chicago, - Volkswagen announced today that it will offer two limited-edition models for the GTI for the 2013 model year. The GTI Wolfsburg Edition and GTI Driver’s Edition will be offered in limited quantities for the final model year of the sixth-generation hot-hatch. The limited-edition models are available in four-door guise only and are offered in three colors—Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray, and Deep Black. The first to go on sale is the GTI Wolfsburg Edition, which will be in dealerships during the first quarter of 2013. Featuring the well-equipped GTI’s standard trim, the Wolfsburg Edition adds 18-inch “Laguna” wheels, a retro-themed golf ball shifter knob, and red-stitched carpeted floormats. The Wolfsburg Edition will start at $25,095 for a six-speed manual transmission version or $26,195 when equipped with a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. There will be a total of 2000 Wolfsburg Edition models. Arriving early in the second quarter of 2013 is the GTI Driver’s Edition. This takes the GTI Sunroof and Navigation package and adds the 18-inch aluminum-alloy Laguna wheels, a golf ball shifter knob, red-stitched carpeted floormats, and partial leather seat coverings. Just 3000 units will be sold in the U.S., priced from $29,695 with the manual transmission and from $30,795 for the version with the six-speed DSG gearbox. Every GTI Driver’s Edition buyer also receives a Certificate of Authenticity along with a special package of GTI gear that includes a hat, keychain, and parking sign. VOLKSWAGEN INTRODUCES PERFORMANCE INSPIRED R-LINE® TRIM ON BEETLE CONVERTIBLE R-Line specification offers another level of sportiness to the all-new Beetle Convertible lineup Joins the CC, Tiguan, Touareg, and the Beetle coupe as the fifth car in the R-Line family Herndon, VA / Chicago, - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show that it will offer the R-Line trim on another model for the U.S. market. Joining the CC R-Line, Beetle R-Line coupe, and the recently introduced Tiguan R-Line and Touareg R-Line, the Beetle Convertible R-Line will be added to the Volkswagen line-up for model year 2014. Augmenting the Beetle Convertible Turbo’s impressive list of standard equipment, the Beetle Convertible R-Line adds performance-inspired exterior and interior treatments. On the outside, the R-Line features unique 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on lower-profile all-season tires. Paired with the Beetle Turbo’s sport-tuned suspension, the combination gives more dynamic driving characteristics. Additional enhancements include an R-Line badge on the front grille and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs. Inside, the Beetle Convertible R-Line features “metallic-finish” dash and door trim; a sporty flat-bottom R-Line multi-function leather steering wheel; stainless-steel R-Line scuff plates; aluminum sport pedals; and leather sport seating surfaces. Other interior appointments include the RNS 315 navigation system; Keyless access with push-button start; and the award-winning Fender® Premium Audio System, which delivers rich sound via a 10-channel, 400 watt amplifier with eight speakers and a rear subwoofer. Beetle Convertible R-Line pricing will be announced closer to launch later this year.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 7, 2013 Looking for coverage about the vehicle appearing at the Chicago Auto Show? Look no further. Cheers & Gears will be providing coverage of the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Redline Ford Fiesta ST Global RallyCross Car and Focus TrackSTer Kia Cross GT Concept 2014 Kia Forte 5-Door Mopar 13' Dart Nissan's Peformance Trio: 2013 Juke NISMO, 2014 370Z NISMO, 2014 GT-R Track Edition 2013 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van 2014 Ram ProMaster 2014 Toyota Tundra 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR 2013 Volkswagen GTI Special Editions and Beetle R-Line Convertible 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.