William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 10, 2013 Yesterday, we introduced you to most of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup. We didn't mention one model though, the new E63 AMG since Mercedes didn't release any information. Till today when Mercedes-Benz let loose the information and pictures of the new E63 AMG Sedan and Wagon. Outside, the E63 AMG sedan and wagon carry many of the changes seen on the new E-Class sedan and wagon. There is a set of full LED headlights, a twin-blade grille, 10-spoke, 19-inch titanium gray alloys, and what Mercedes-Benz calls 'A-Wing' air intakes under the bumpers. There's also a new S-Model which adds high-sheen rim flanges, red brake calipers, high-gloss treatment on the A-wing, and "S" badge on the trunk. Inside, there is black interior with contrasting gray stitching, silver seat belts, a flat-topped and flat-bottomed Nappa leather steering wheel with Alcantara inserts, and a 1,200-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo. Under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 producing either 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque on the standard model, and 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque on the S. All of that power is sent to a seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT dual-clutch transmission with four different drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Manual) and to a permanent "performance-oriented" all-wheel drive system that's biased 33/67 front-to-rear. The AWD system addsaround 154 pounds to the car's weight. There's also AMG adaptive sports suspension (front has steel, while the back uses an air suspension) and electronically controlled damping and Torque Vectoring Brake system. S-Model gets a limited-slip rear differential. Performance figures are staggering. 0-60 MPH takes 3.6 seconds on the standard E63 and 3.5 seconds with the S. Top speed is 155 MPH (electronically limited) or 186 MPH when equipped with the AMG Performance Package. The E63 AMG sedan and wagon arrives later in the summer. Source: Mercedes-Benz Album: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 12 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 New benchmark for performance, dynamic purpose and efficiency The new E63 AMG 4MATIC and S-Model MONTVALE, NJ - Mercedes-AMG continues to emphasize performance, dynamic purpose and efficiency: The new 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC now features a redesigned, performance-oriented AMG all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment and is also available as an especially powerful S Model with output of 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The 5.5-liter AMG V8 Biturbo continues to be the benchmark of efficiency: No other competitor in this segment offers this combination of maximum performance and low fuel consumption. Permanent all-wheel drive is standard on all U.S. models – which also feature a power increase from 518 hp to 550 hp with a peak torque of 531 lb-ft. With this step Mercedes-AMG now for the first time offers powerful passenger cars with an all-wheel-drive system designed for vehicle dynamics. The 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC goes on-sale in the U.S. this summer. With the introduction of the new custom-tailored models, Mercedes-AMG offers its customers even more individuality than before. The 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC is more powerful and sports a more dynamic outfit than all its predecessors: Even at first glance the new AMG design philosophy is immediately apparent. The new "twin blade" radiator grille and a new "A-wing" in the AMG front fascia define the exclusive appearance. As before, the top-of-the-line E-Class AMG model is available as a sedan and wagon. Also adding significantly to the new models' appeal is the marked improvement in the price-performance ratio: E63 AMG 4MATIC customers now get even more power, better vehicle dynamics and a more extensive list of standard equipment. The new product logic also benefits the CLS63 AMG: Like the E63 AMG 4MATIC, the CLS63 AMG is available as an S-Model and with the performance oriented AMG all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC as standard. The addition of the E63 AMG and the CLS63 AMG means there are now also two all-wheel-drive passenger car models available from Mercedes-AMG besides the successful ML63 AMG, GL63 AMG, and G63 AMG SUV's. Additional models equipped with the performance-oriented AMG all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC such as the CLA45 AMG will follow this year. Ola Källenius, CEO Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "The philosophy of Mercedes-AMG is driving performance. With the new model variants of the E63 AMG 4MATIC and CLS63 AMG 4MATIC it is also becoming clear that we offer our customers even more individuality than before. In particular the S-Models represent the most attractive offer in the competitive segment and score decisive points with a significant improvement in their price-performance ratio: The most power and the highest torque in the segment, the new performance-oriented AMG all wheel-drive system, the new design and a significantly more extensive standard-equipment package are among the outstanding strengths of the new high-performance automobiles from Affalterbach. With the innovative all wheel-drive S-Models we will reach new customers and markets." Tobias Moers, head of overall vehicle development and member of the management board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "We have significantly honed the dynamic profile of the 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC and the CLS63 AMG 4MATIC with the exclusive S-Models. Only AMG offers customers power and torque figures of such magnitude. Our AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine is still the world's most efficient V8 built in series production. With the newly developed performance-oriented AMG all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC we not only deliver the best acceleration figures in the competitive segment, we also offer our customers markedly better vehicle dynamics than ever before." With an acceleration time of 3.5 seconds for the sprint from rest to 60 mph, the S-Model of the E63 AMG 4MATIC holds an undisputed top position in the competitive environment; the electronically limited top speed is 186 mph. In addition to the power increase, the performance-oriented AMG all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC with a power distribution of 33 to 67 percent (front/rear axle) is also a major factor. Perfect traction during acceleration effectively prevents any losses due to wheel slip. On the new S-Model the AMG 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine produces a peak power output of 577 hp and delivers a peak torque of 590 lb-ft – an increase by 27 hp over the previously available AMG Performance package option. The increase in performance and power is made possible by modifications to the engine management system, an increase in the peak injection pressure and a hike in maximum boost pressure from 13.0 to 14.5 psi. The base model also adds 32 hp and 15 lb?ft and now produces 550 hp of power and a peak torque of 531 lb-ft. Despite the added power and improved performance all E63 AMG 4MATIC models deliver high efficiency, low fuel consumption and low emissions. The AMG 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine is still the most efficient series-production V8 engine in its performance segment – and that with significantly more displacement than the direct competitors. AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission for a personal setup Maximum individuality and custom-tailored dynamics are the strengths of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. Four drive programs, "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual), provide each driver with a personal setup. In "C" mode the ECO start/stop function is active and shuts off the eight-cylinder engine when the car is at a standstill. In addition, the driver experiences smooth transmission characteristics with comfortable and early gearshifts. In "C" mode the car generally starts in second gear. In the "S", "S+" and "M" transmission modes the engine and transmission are significantly more agile and the ECO start/stop function is deactivated. Perfectly tailored to a spirited driving style is the partial suppression of the cylinders. A brief and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection under open throttle results in even faster gearshifts and a more aggressive exhaust note. An automatic rev-matching function for downshifts and the RACE START function are also part of the standard features of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. Performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC for maximum dynamics The performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system sends 33 percent of the engine torque to the front and 67 percent to the rear axle. The rear-biased torque split ensures the high level of vehicle dynamics typical of AMG and maximum driving pleasure. The three-stage ESP® system is specifically calibrated to the permanent all-wheel-drive system. In "Sport Handling" mode the Torque Vectoring Brake applies the brakes to selected wheels in the interest of supreme agility: As a result, unwelcome understeer is prevented. During cornering a targeted brief brake intervention on the inside rear wheel affects a defined turn-in of the vehicle. The standard AMG all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC improves road safety and traction on wet or wintery roads. Optimal traction is ensured by a multi-plate clutch with a locking force of 37 lb-ft, which increases road adhesion particularly on ice and snow. The technical basis is a transfer case for the additional power take-off to the driven front axle. It is integrated into the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with minimum additional space requirements. The torque is transferred by the power take-off to the front axle via a drive shaft. The power from the front differential is transferred to the left half shaft by an intermediate shaft that runs in a sealed shaft tunnel in the engine oil pan. This compact and weight-optimized design results in a comparatively low added weight of just 154 lbs for the all-wheel-drive components. E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC with limited-slip rear differential Mercedes-AMG goes even one step further on the E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC. In keeping with its philosophy of "Driving Performance" the most powerful E-Class is equipped with a limited-slip rear differential. This high-tech package increases traction even further. The effect: Even better vehicle dynamics and more driving pleasure, in particular on the racetrack. All 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC models are equipped with the AMG Adaptive sports suspension with electronically controlled damping system. The front axle features a steel suspension, the rear axle an all-air suspension system. A push of the button with the shock absorber symbol in the AMG DRIVE UNIT is all it takes to switch the electronics from "Comfort" to "Sport" or "Sport plus." In conjunction with newly developed aluminum axle components this results in significantly more grip and agility while maintaining the vehicle's neutral handling during fast cornering. The S-Model's elastokinematics were perfectly tuned for performance and offer the driver optimal neutral handling at the limit as well as better feedback and grip. The E63 AMG 4MATIC's track on the front axle is 1.9 inches wider than the standard E-Class sedan and offers significantly better stability at high cornering speeds and better road feel. A more negative camber on both axles additionally improves lateral dynamics. The perfect complement is the electromechanical AMG sports speed-sensitive steering. In conjunction with the variable power assist dependent on the selected suspension mode, the direct steering ratio of 14 : 1 provides particularly agile cornering capabilities. The 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC features high-sheen 10-spoke AMG alloys painted titanium gray as standard. The front axle features tires in size 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) on AMG alloys in size 9.0 x 19 and 9.5 x 19. Only the powerful S-Model comes with 10-spoke alloys painted in matte titanium gray with high-sheen rim flanges. AMG carbon ceramic high-performance braking system available as an option As of course with all AMG cars, the 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC also comes with an ultra-powerful AMG high-performance brake system. Vented and cross-drilled brake discs with a generous 14.2 in? diameter are fitted front and rear. Because of the special stresses they face, the front discs feature compound (two-piece) technology that has been tried and tested in motor racing. Brake calipers painted silver with white AMG lettering and six pistons (front) and four pistons (rear) provide responsive, fade-resistant deceleration and shortest stopping distances. The S-Model can be additionally identified by red brake calipers. AMG carbon ceramic high-performance brakes are available as an option exclusively on the S-Model – recognizable thanks to even bigger brake discs with a diameter of 15.8 in? and the "AMG Carbon Ceramic" logo on the specially painted brake calipers. Their advantages: The discs are 40 percent lighter, reducing the unsprung masses and improving vehicle dynamics, agility and ride comfort. The ceramic discs are also much harder, resulting in an extended service life and in increased resistance to extreme loads and heat. Unmistakable design with even more dynamic purpose and exclusivity Dynamic purpose and performance are not only the focus of the fascinating technology of the new E63 AMG 4MATIC; the design also consistently transports these defining characteristics. Visually the AMG high-performance automobile sets new trends as the first AMG model to show off the new AMG design philosophy. Dominating elements are the silver-chrome AMG "twin blade" radiator grille and the so-called "A-wing." The new three-dimensional air control element extends across the entire width of the AMG front fascia and sports the stylized "A" distinctive of AMG vehicles. The "A-wing" painted in body color with silver-chrome trim strip frames the three generously dimensioned cooling-air inlets. Black flics on the side air inlets ensure optimal airflow to the cooling modules; on the bottom a front splitter painted in body color contributes to increasing downforce. Convex and concave surfaces join the new, sculptured front end of the E63 AMG 4MATIC to the distinctive widened fenders, on which the "V8 BITURBO" lettering provides an indication of the superior engine power. The side air outlets, the black mesh and the two chrome-plated dual tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system emphasize the width of the vehicle in the rear. The black diffuser insert with pronounced fins lends the rear of the E63 AMG 4MATIC a strong touch of racetrack ambiance. S-Model with even more striking design features The 2014 E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC differs from the base model in numerous restyled and even more striking design features. The "A-wing" in the front has a black high-gloss finish; the front splitter and the striking three-dimensional inserts of the side skirts sport a silver-chrome design. The silver-chrome trim strip and the two unmistakable dual tailpipes of the AMG sport exhaust system provide a powerful effect in the rear. The AMG separation edge painted in body color (sedan only) reduces lift at high speeds. The 10-spoke AMG alloys, painted matte titanium gray and featuring high sheen rim flanges, and the large tires in sizes 255/35 R 19 in front and 285/30 R 19 in the rear fill out the wheel wells perfectly. Red brake calipers and an AMG logo with contrasting black "S" on the trunk lid are further features of the S-Models. Interior with dynamic-exclusive interior The interior of the E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC comes with – depending on customer preferences – gray contrasting seams on the AMG sports seats, the door center panels, the armrests of the doors and the center console. The interior also features silver-colored seat belts in conjunction with a black interior. The grip areas of the black Nappa leather steering wheel rim with flattened top and bottom is finished in Alcantara® with gray contrasting seams. The front head restraints of the AMG sports seats are embossed with AMG crests. The redesigned AMG instrument cluster carries an "S AMG" logo on the 200 mph speedometer with red needles. The standard equipment also includes AMG door sill panels backlit in white, power rear roller blinds (sedan only) in addition to many other details. Distinctive to all E63 AMG 4MATIC models are highest quality materials, excellent workmanship and the exclusive ambiance. The new AMG-specific analog clock in IWC design between the two central ventilation outlets serves as an appealing focal point. Highlights of standard equipment on all E63 AMG 4MATIC models also include: • AMG door sill panels • AMG sports pedals made from brushed stainless steel with rubber studs • ATTENTION ASSIST • COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST • Metallic paintwork • All-LED headlights The following styling and trim options are available: • AMG Carbon-Fiber Exterior Styling package • AMG Night package (A-wing with trim strip, front splitter, inserts of the door sill panels, exterior mirror housings and rear fascia trim strips in high-gloss black, dual exhaust embellishers black chrome-plated) • AMG carbon-fiber engine cover • AMG high-sheen forged wheels with 5-twin-spoke wheel bolt cover, painted titanium gray • AMG trim elements carbon-fiber/piano lacquer finish • designo styling elements Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround-sound system A particular highlight in the selection of optional equipment for the E-Class Sedan and Wagon is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system. Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG have created this high-end sound system together with renowned Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen. The sound system is of course capable of Dolby Digital 5.1 playback and provides an exclusive music experience with unparalleled sound. The basis for this is not only the 1,200 watt amplifier and the 14 high-end speakers with neodymium drivers, but also the distribution of the music signals that is precisely controlled by the sound processor. This integrated digital sound processor (DSP) provides drivers with the option of selecting a special B&O sound menu on the COMAND system. In True Image™ mode individual sound settings for the front, center and rear can be selected. The effect: A realistic sound experience at the selected listening position. The "Sound Mode" menu also has various preset sound modes that allow choosing between a high-end "Reference" studio sound and a spacious surround sound. While "Reference" puts the focus on the sound presentation of the artist, the special surround sound mode delivers a spacious surround-sound experience. In particular live recordings or concertos result in a unique panoramic sound in the vehicle without altering the naturalness of the recording. 50-watt illuminated tweeters with acoustic lens technology arranged in the mirror triangle add special highlights. High-end Bang & Olufsen aluminum speaker covers in silver chrome with Bang & Olufsen logo additionally signal the exceptional position of the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround-sound system. The U.S. market launch of the new all-wheel-drive E63 AMG 4MATIC and the E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC will begin in the Summer of 2013. Quick Reference: Availability: Summer 2013 Models/Performance: • E63 AMG 4MATIC Sedan: AMG biturbo 5.5-liter V8 (550 hp, 531 lb-ft) • E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Sedan: AMG biturbo 5.5-liter V8 (577 hp, 590 lb-ft) • E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon: AMG biturbo 5.5-liter V8 (577 hp, 590 lb-ft) New Standard Feature Highlights: • Performance-oriented 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (33/67 power distribution) • Power Increase (+32 hp, +15 lb-ft) • Redesigned exterior with integrated star and AMG twin-blade radiator grille • All-LED Headlights • COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST • ATTENTION ASSIST 2.0 New Optional Feature Highlights: • S-Model Configuration • Power Increase (+27 hp, +59 lb-ft) • Limited slip rear differential • 10-Spoke AMG Matte Titanium Grey alloy wheels with high-sheen rim flanges • High-gloss black "A-wing" • Red Brake Calipers • Contrast stitching on seats, door trim, armrests and center console • Silver seat belts (black interior only) • Alcantara steering wheel grips • 'S' badging on trunk and speedometer • AMG Carbon Fiber Engine Cover • Carbon Fiber Exterior Styling Package • Forged twin 5-spoke 19" wheel • Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG High-End Surround-Sound System View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 9, 2013 Nissan revealed the refreshed 2013 Leaf today, saying the model will have improved charging times and better efficiency than the 2012 model. The 2013 Leaf has been fitted with a a new 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger that will cut the charging time from seven to four hours when plugged into a 220-volt charger. Nissan has improved the efficiency of the Leaf by improving the aerodynamic qualities, wider range of regenerative braking, a new "B" drive mode that increases regenerative braking during deceleration, and a more efficient heating system. Nissan says these changes will improve the Leaf's range but don't say how much. The Leaf will also have a new S model which will become the base model. The Leaf S will lose out on such features as alloy wheels, a 7-inch dashboard display, cruise control, a navigation system and two of the six speakers. SL models gain leather seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. Nissan also announced they are ramping up production of the Leaf at their Smyrna, Tennessee. Source: Nissan Album: 2013 Nissan Leaf 10 images 0 comments 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

I'm not sure where the R/T will go. Maybe it will be a detuned SRT4. I can't be certain.

Well there's speculation that the TSX and TL would merge into one model, thus giving space to the ILX... Whether that comes true or not, we shall see.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 9, 2013 The Acura ILX hasn't been the success that the company has hoped for. Acura only sold 12,251 ILXs in 2012, which is way off the 30,000 goal they had set for the year. Acura admits this freely. “(The ILX is) not hitting our sales expectations. Consumers have told us they like the 2.4L and they wish they had an automatic, but they say the midrange vehicle is underpowered and they don’t see the value in it.” American Honda President John Mendel said to reporters at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The ILX comes in three different variations: a base 2.0L with an automatic transmission, a 2.4L with a six-speed manual, and a 1.5L hybrid model with a continuously variable transmission. This isn't the first mistake Acura has made with the ILX. Reviewers have complained that 2.4L doesn't offer the technology package that brings such features as navigation while the 2.0L and Hybrid offer it. “We’re doing some value enhancements on the car. We’re planning some as we go forward. But I think, overall, we have a good plan for ILX. It is bringing in buyers to Acura we had wanted, as in first-time luxury (buyers) or move-ups," Mendel said. Hopefully those enhancements include an automatic and a tech package for the 2.4L. Source: Wards Auto 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