William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 8, 2012 The rumors of the next-generation of the Focus RS have been like a roller-coaster ride. There has been rumors dealing with the Focus RS being put on the back burner for a Fiesta RS, the Focus RS sharing its engine with the next generation Mustang, and what could be the possible engine specs.Now, we have some more track to add. Auto Express is reporting that the next-generation Focus RS will utilize a new 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder that could be producing as much as 350 HP. This engine could also be used in the next-gen Mustang. Transmission-wise, the Focus RS will utilize a six-speed manual. There are debates going on in Ford whether to use a version of the company's PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox. “There is a trend to go to dual clutch, but they are heavier. Whether we should have a manual and a PowerShift is still up for debate,” said Chris Caven, calibration controls engineer at Team RS. Like the previous Focus RSs, the next-generation will send all 350 HP to the front wheels. To help alleviate of the torque-steer, understeer, and other problems, Ford is working on new active limited-slip differential - E-Diff. “You could drop a mechanical diff in as we did with the old Focus RS, but an E-diff would take that a step forward in that you can really optimize traction in all situations,” said Team RS powertrain engineering manager Len Urwin. The new Focus RS will be arriving sometime in 2014. Source: Auto Express 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 7, 2012 Hurricane Sandy was the largest storm in the Atlantic in US history, and the economic damage is beginning to come into view. Automotive News is reporting that around 15,000 new vehicles will be scrapped due to storm damage. About 40% of those are Nissan and Infiniti vehicles that were determined to be unfit for sale. Toyota is next with the possibility of having to scrap close to 4,000 vehicles. Other automakers that have announced they would have to scrap vehicles include, Honda/Acura: 3,440 vehicles Chrysler: 825 vehicles Hyundai: 400 vehicles Fisker: 320 vehicles Kia: 200 vehicles General Motors and Ford haven't come out with estimates at the moment and no one is saying how much replacing the wrecked vehicles will cost. Those numbers pale in comparison with estimate put out by the National Automobile Dealers Association which say that 200,000 vehicles could be replaced. 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. View full article

Happy Birthday Drew

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 7, 2012 Land Rover is embarking on a plan to expand its lineup to 16 models by 2020 to cut a big slice out of the booming SUV market. Autocar spoke with Land Rover’s design director Gerry McGovern who explained the company would separate the range into three categories: luxury, leisure and utility. The 'luxury' lineup will be made up of the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Evoque. There also happens to be six models currently on the planning table that include a Evoque XL and convertible, and a three-door baby Range Rover. Next is the 'leisure' lineup which will be made up the Freelander (LR2 in the states) and LR4. There will be a new LR2 that will be similar in size to the Evoque and come in a five- and seven-seat versions. The next LR4 could switch to an aluminium platform, and compete with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML. Finally we get to the utility category which will be made up of the next-generation Defender lineup. The next-gen Defender will have design cues from the DC100 concept and come in a five and seven seat versions, along with a pickup. 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. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 6, 2012 Much like the competition, Kia offers a variety of powertrains in their midsize sedan competitor, the Optima, to meet the demands of consumers. There’s a base four-cylinder model, a turbocharged-four taking the place of a V6, and hybrid model. I’ve reviewed the base four-cylinder Optima back in July, and found it to be one of best midsize sedans on sale. Now it’s time to see where the Optima Hybrid can match the high bar set by the regular Optima or not. The differences between a normal Optima and an Optima Hybrid are very noticeable on the exterior. The biggest giveaway that you’re driving an Optima Hybrid besides the hybrid badge on the back is a unique set of seventeen-inch alloy wheels. Other changes Kia has done to the Optima Hybrid include a revised rear fascia and a new rear spoiler. On the interior, Kia has changed the instrument cluster to one that gives information on how much battery charge there is left, an eco gauge, and a small color screen providing trip computer info. The optional navigation unit (part of the $5,350.00 premium technology package) has a screen providing information about the system. The Optima Hybrid’s powertrain is made up of a 2.4L gas engine producing 166 HP (@ 6,000 RPM) and 154 lb-ft of torque (@ 4,250 RPM), an electric motor producing 40 HP (@ 1,400-6,000 RPM) and 151 lb-ft of torque (0 - 1,400 RPM), and a 270V lithium-polymer battery. Total output of the hybrid system is 206 HP and 195 lb-ft of torque going through a six-speed automatic. The best way to describe the Optima Hybrid’s powertrain is ‘almost fully realized’. When pulling away from a stop, the Hybrid pulls away quickly whether on electric or hybrid power. On open roads and in traffic, I never found myself wishing for more power since the powertrain is able to keep up. The downside to this system is the transition from electric to hybrid power is very noticeable. When the switch happens, you can hear the gas engine hesitate for a brief moment and feel some sort of vibration. The Optima Hybrid got EPA ratings of 35 City/40 Highway/37 combined. However a few weeks after turning the Optima Hybrid back in, Hyundai and Kia announced they had overstated fuel economy on certain 2011-2013 vehicles. The Optima Hybrid was one of those vehicles affected and has revised EPA fuel economy numbers of 34 City/39 Highway/36 combined. During the week, I averaged 37.2 on mostly rural and suburban roads. On the freeway, I hit 40 MPG with the cruise control set on 70 MPH. Kia didn’t change much with handling and ride of the Optima Hybrid, which means the sporty and composed ride from the standard Optima remains. Steering on the Optima Hybrid is the same as the normal Optima as well; not a lot of feel and a surprising amount of heaviness to it. Wind and road noise on the Optima Hybrid were kept to a minimum. The Kia Optima Hybrid is very good first effort. Building upon a good base of the normal Optima, the hybrid model possesses very good performance and decent fuel economy for the class. Kia does need to work on smoothing out the transition from electric to hybrid power though. There is one problem for the Kia Optima Hybrid, the competition. On paper, the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the new Ford Fusion Hybrid best the Optima Hybrid in fuel economy ratings. The only thing Kia can fight back with is the amount of equipment that you can get for the price. The Optima Hybrid I had in for review cost $32,500.00. But for that price, I got heated and cooled front seats, heated back seats, panoramic sunroof, navigation, a premium sound system, and much more. To try and match the equipment level of the Optima Hybrid, you’ll have to spend a few thousand more on the competitors. Is that enough though to convince someone to check it out? If you’re looking for a midsize hybrid to stand out, check out the Optima Hybrid. If fuel economy is a concern, look at the Camry and Fusion. Disclaimer: Kia provided the vehicle, insurance, and one tank of gasoline. Year - 2012 Make – Kia Model – Optima Hybrid Trim – N/A Engine – 2.4L Four-Cylinder, Electric Motor Driveline – Front-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM – (Gas) 166 HP (@ 6,000 RPM) , (Electric) 40.2 HP (@ 1,400 to 6,000 RPM), (Combined) 206 HP Torque @ RPM – (Gas) 154 lb-ft (@ 4,250 RPM), (Electric) 166 HP (@ 0 - 1,400 RPM), (Combined) 195 lb-ft Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 34/39/36 Curb Weight – 3,490 lbs Location of Manufacture – Hwasung, South Korea Base Price - $25,700.00 As Tested Price - $32,500.00 (Includes $750.00 Destination Charge) 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