William Maley

After months of speculation, the wait is over. This morning, Ford announced the new 2016 Shelby GT350 Mustang. Lets begin with the most important part of any Shelby, the engine. Under the hood is a 5.2L V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft producing over 500 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. What's the big deal with a flat-plane crankshaft V8 you may ask? Well a flat-plane crankshaft V8 can produce more power and rev higher than a standard V8. This is due to how the flat-plane crankshaft V8 is setup. The connecting rods of the pistons lie 180 degrees from each other, not the standard 90 degrees seen on most V8 engines. This power will flow to the rear-wheels via a six-speed manual and limited-slip differential. Under the skin, the Shelby GT350's suspension has been stiffen thanks to a wider front track, recalibrated spring rates and bushings; lowered ride height, and a optional lightweight tower-to-tower brace. The GT350 will also be the first Ford product to come with MagneRide dampers, which continually adjust to match road conditions and driver demands. A set of two-piece, cross-drilled rotors with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers help bring the GT350 to a stop. "When we started working on this car, we wanted to build the best possible Mustang for the places we most love to drive – challenging back roads with a variety of corners and elevation changes – and the track on weekends. Every change we made to this car was driven by the functional requirements of a powerful, responsive powerplant – nimble, precise handling and massive stopping power," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. Source: Ford http://youtu.be/yC6tKvEy6t0 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 SHELBY GT350 MUSTANG: THE LEGEND RETURNS All-new Shelby® GT350 Mustang is a thoroughbred capable of tackling the world’s most challenging roads and racetracks GT350 is powered by a unique, high-revving flat-plane crankshaft 5.2-liter V8 engine that will produce more than 500 horsepower – the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever Advanced materials, MagneRide dampers, aggressive brakes and finely tuned aerodynamics push the performance of Mustang to previously unmatched levels LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2014 – One of the most iconic performance Mustang nameplates of all time is returning, Ford confirmed today with the reveal of the all-new Shelby® GT350 Mustang. The original Shelby GT350 introduced in 1965 established Mustang’s performance credentials. The all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang, featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever, is a world-class performance vehicle, designed to tackle the planet’s most challenging roads – an all-day track car that’s also street legal. The new GT350 builds on Carroll Shelby’s original idea – transforming a great every-day car into a dominant road racer – by taking advantage of a dramatically improved sixth-generation Mustang to create a truly special driving experience. Driving enthusiasts behind the wheel of a Shelby GT350 can expect to be treated to the most balanced, nimble and exhilarating production Mustang yet. Ford engineers took an innovative approach with GT350. Rather than develop individual systems to perform well independently, every component and shape is optimized to work in concert; balance is the key. While paying rigorous attention to detail, the team pushed the envelope with cutting-edge materials and technologies. “When we started working on this car, we wanted to build the best possible Mustang for the places we most love to drive – challenging back roads with a variety of corners and elevation changes – and the track on weekends,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Every change we made to this car was driven by the functional requirements of a powerful, responsive powerplant – nimble, precise handling and massive stopping power.” Track-tuned driveline Early in development of the GT350, it was decided a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 engine would best suit a track-focused Mustang. “The final product is essentially an all-new powerplant unique to GT350 – and one that takes true advantage of the new chassis dynamics of the Mustang platform,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Global Performance Vehicles. The new 5.2-liter engine is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft, an architecture typically found only in racing applications or exotic European sports cars. Unlike a traditional V8, where the connecting rods are attached to the crankshaft at 90-degree intervals, this design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180-degree intervals. The 180-degree, flat-plane layout permits a cylinder firing order that alternates between cylinder banks, reducing the overlap of exhaust pressure pulses. When combined with cylinder-head and valvetrain advancements, this permits better cylinder breathing, further extending the performance envelope of the V8. The result is the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever, at more than 500 horsepower, with a torque peak above 400 lb.-ft. The track capability is enhanced by the output characteristics of the engine – the 5.2-liter V8 features an exceptionally broad torque curve. Combined with its high-revving ability, the flat-plane 5.2-liter V8 gives drivers an enormous amount of performance and flexibility within each gear of the lightweight six-speed manual transmission. A standard Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential optimizes cornering grip and straight-line traction. “Make no mistake, this is an American interpretation of a flat-plane crankshaft V8, and the 5.2-liter produces a distinctive, throaty howl from its four exhaust tips,” said Hameedi. Balanced dynamics The new Mustang platform is the strongest in the history of the brand, with torsional stiffness increased 28 percent over the previous model. That stiff structure ensures the suspension geometry remains consistent, even under hard driving on back roads and tracks. Front stiffness is further improved on GT350 with a cutting-edge injection-molded carbon fiber composite grille opening and optional lightweight tower-to-tower brace. The front track has been increased while spring rates and bushings have been recalibrated all around, with ride height reduced compared to Mustang GT. For optimum handling, the wheels need to respond quickly to the contours of the road and driver input. Reducing unsprung mass is key to improving that response, but a balance must be struck between taking mass out of a suspension and delivering truly capable braking performance. Due to the significant speeds the car can develop, GT350 features the most track-credible brake system ever offered on a Ford vehicle in terms of absolute stopping power, fade resistance and brake pedal feel. The brakes are two-piece cross-drilled iron discs mounted to aluminum hats. At the front are massive 394-millimeter rotors clamped by Brembo six-piston fixed calipers with integrated caliper bridges, while 380-millimeter rotors at the rear utilize four-piston calipers. GT350 makes use of extra-stiff 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – 10.5 inches wide in front, 11.0 inches in the rear – clad in state-of-the-art Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with GT350-specific sidewall construction, tread face and compound. The custom tires are designed to deliver maximum grip on the road or at the track. Ultra-quick responsiveness to changing conditions is provided by the first-ever Ford application of continuously controlled MagneRide dampers. The dampers are filled with a hydraulic fluid impregnated with iron particles; when an electric current is passed through the fluid, a near-instant adjustment of the suspension performance can be made. With wheel position sensors monitoring motion thousands of times per second combined with other vehicle data, changes can be made to each corner independently every 10 milliseconds for optimum handling performance. This is a system designed not just to make the car handle better but to instill greater confidence in even the best driver. Obsession to detail “Everything we changed on GT350 is purely functional-driven design, with the goal of improving the overall performance of the car,” said Chris Svensson, Ford design director, The Americas. “We optimized the aero shape of the car, and then fine-tuned what was left to increase downforce and cooling airflow.” All bodywork from the windshield forward is unique to this high-performance model and up to two inches lower than Mustang GT. The new aluminum hood has been lowered and sloped, compared to the base Mustang, tightly wrapped around the engine for the smallest possible aerodynamic signature. Front and rear aero elements have been balanced to work together on the track. The fascia has been resculpted to provide the aggressive lower front splitter with maximum pressure and a ducted belly pan delivers significant downforce. The hood outlet acts as a heat extractor while also reducing underhood lift at high speed. At the rear, much of the engineering was focused on creating an aggressive functional diffuser doing double duty to increase downforce and provide cooling air to the optional differential cooler, and a subtle lip spoiler across the trailing edge of the decklid increases downforce without adding excess drag. The athletic stance of the all-new Mustang is further accentuated with recontoured aluminum front fenders to accommodate the wider front track and wider wheel arches. Front fender vents work with vented inner fenders to draw out turbulent air in the wheel wells and smoothly direct it down the side of the car. The forward-angled grille is designed with individual openings to draw air through the radiator, high-pressure engine air intake, cooling ducts for the front brakes and, optional with the Track Pack, an engine oil cooler and a transmission cooler. Focus-driven cockpit changes Like everything else about GT350, the interior has been optimized for driving, beginning with the specially designed Recaro sport seats with a unique cloth. Hundreds of hours and many prototypes went into a seat that is both comfortable in daily driving and capable on the track. A flat-bottom steering wheel makes it easier for the driver to get in and out, and is more ergonomic on the racetrack. Gauges are upgraded to reflect the enormous performance capability of the car. Chrome and bright finishes have been reduced or eliminated to prevent sun glare that may distract the driver. The advanced technology inherent to Mustang has been deployed for duty in the Shelby GT350. An all-new integrated driver control system allows selection of five unique modes that tailor ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, MagneRide tuning and exhaust settings, depending on driver preference, to achieve maximum performance. Drivers are invited to test them all. Drivers interested in comfort, convenience and entertainment upgrades may select the Tech Pack, which includes power, leather-trimmed seats; Shaker Audio; 8-inch MyFord Touch® LCD touch screen; and dual zone electronic temperature control, to name a few features. “We took the best Ford Mustang yet and massaged every aspect of the car that affects the performance driving experience,” said Hameedi. “We tested endlessly on the most challenging roads and tracks in the world, and we believe serious drivers will love the Shelby GT350 Mustang.”

Since Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division came online earlier this year, they have been primarily focused on building high-performance models such as the Jaguar Project 7 and Range Rover Sport SVR. But a recent interview with the head of SVO shows the division has some other ideas in the works. “There are four different types of cars we want to do at SVO. There are on-road performance cars, all-terrain performance cars that we haven’t done so far, luxury derivatives and what we’re calling collector’s editions, like the Project 7," said John Edwards, head of SVO. “On-road performance is fairly easy; you just think about ‘M’ and ‘AMG’ and think how can we apply the same thinking. All-terrain is slightly different; clearly much more appropriate for Land Rover than Jaguar. Land Rover has that all-terrain capability built into all its products, but we need to give customers the permission to use it.” The last line of Edwards' response is interesting to say in the least. What does he mean by 'we need to give customers the permission to use it?' Again John Edwards, “For example, the material for the seats; it’s leather versus a material that’s very durable and very hi-tech. It’s about ground clearance, it’s about wheel and tyre combinations, it’s about underbody protection, because actually the capability of the cars is class-leading anyway in most cases.” Edwards didn't go as far to mention which models are being considered for this change, but hinted that the Range Rover could be one of the first models. 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.

Let us go back in time to March of this year. It was at the Geneva Motor Show where Audi introduced the world to the third-generation TT Coupe and Cabriolet. Audi gave out information on what certain markets could expect with the TT, but the U.S. was left out. Well, Audi will be bringing over the 2016 TT Coupe and Cabriolet for its North America debut at the LA Auto Show next week. Compared to the European-Spec Audi TT, the North American TT is slightly different in power and model variations. The base TT uses a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, down 10 horsepower and 14 pound-feet to the European model. The TTS packs 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 2.0L. Compared to the European model, the North-American version is down 18 horsepower. Those hoping to row their own gears will be disappointed. The North-America TT will only come with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. One other note: while European markets have a choice of either coupe or cabrio for the TT and TTS, North America will only get that choice for the TT. The TTS will only available in a coupe. Audi says the 2016 TT line will go on sale in the second half of 2015. Source: Audi Press Release is on Page 2 An icon returns: all-new Audi TT makes its U.S. debut at LA Auto Show - 2016 Audi TT Roadster and TTS Coupe make U.S. debut at Los Angeles Auto Show- TT sets a new benchmark for in-vehicle technology with the virtual cockpit - a fully digital instrument cluster powered by the first automotive NVIDIA® Tegra® 30 processor integration - Driver-oriented interiors, sports-car performance and leading technology solidify the TT model line as an icon HERNDON, Va., November 13, 2014 – The quintessential design icon has become a next-generation driving machine. The 2016 Audi TT Roadster and TTS Coupe will make their U.S. debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show representing the all-new TT model line. Featuring an exciting new design characterized by the use of innovative technologies and driver-focused performance, the all-new Audi TT once again will make its stamp on Audi history. “The original Audi TT set a new standard for automotive design with its quintessentially clean Bauhaus lines,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “The all-new TT combines incredible technology, performance and design that epitomizes our brand and sets a new standard all its own.” The Audi TT Coupe and Roadster will feature a 2.0L TFSI engine with 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The sporty Audi TTS Coupe will feature a turbo 2.0L TFSI engine with 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. All models feature quattro permanent all-wheel drive for exceptional dynamics, excellent traction and superb grip with the Audi drive select system standard. The Audi drive select system allows the driver to adjust the shift points, throttle response, steering and the standard magnetic ride suspension on TTS, by selecting between dynamic, auto, comfort and individual modes. The quattro system has specifically been tuned for the TT/TTS to continuously shift power to the wheels that grip and has a rear-wheel bias when the Audi drive select is in the dynamic mode. The unique quattro calibration utilizes sensors that measure wheel slippage every 10 milliseconds to adjust power. This gives the quattro system the ability to shift up to 100% of power to the rear or the front axle when needed. Audi has vigorously updated the electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch, which uses software tailored to the TT and the TTS. Its slim design, which eliminates the pressure accumulator used in the previous generation, reduces the unit’s weight by 3.3 lbs. The TT will be available as coupe and roadster and the TTS will be available as a coupe only. All TT models are available with a six-speed dual clutch S tronic® transmission that provides smooth, quick shifts. Iconic Technology The Audi TT revolutionizes the way the driver interacts with the vehicle through the innovative virtual cockpit. An entirely digital instrument cluster, the virtual cockpit replaces traditional gauges and interfaces for a customizable driving experience. Unveiled at the Consumer Electronic Show earlier this year, the virtual cockpit combines the functions of a central MMI monitor with a conventional instrument cluster in one unique, 12.3-inch TFT display with superb 3D graphics and brilliant clarity. For seamless processing speed, the quadcore Tegra 30 processor from the Tegra 3 series from NVIDIA is utilized. With a processing speed of over one gigahertz, the four-core chip can work together with a special 3D graphics program to perform more than eight billion computing operations per second. The graphics processor generates 60 frames per second, ensuring that the needles of the speedometer, rev counter and navigation are displayed with absolute precision. Google Earth™ maps appear across the entire virtual cockpit and resolve instantaneously when zooming in and out or when making menu selections. The all-new Audi TT will also feature the most advanced version of Audi connect®, including picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Facebook® and Twitter® alerts, access to more than 7,000 Web radio stations, personalized RSS news feeds and more. Audi connect is powered by 4G LTE and includes an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for passenger devices. A newly-designed MMI system streamlines the data entry process with an MMI Touch pad and MMI Navigation Plus with Bluetooth interface and voice control for compatible devices (not available on TT Roadster). The virtual cockpit is controlled by the multifunction steering wheel or via the MMI controls in the center console which includes the MMI touch pad integrated into the MMI rotary dial. Iconic Design The third-generation Audi TT features the unmistakable profile of the iconic first-generation TT, with short overhangs, broad wheel arches and a lean a muscular stance. Standard full LED headlamps exude modern sports car appeal, with a broader and flatter Singleframe® grille, sharp contours across the hood, round exhaust tailpipes and rear spoiler. As with all Audi S models, the TTS receives additional differentiation that includes unique front splitter/diffuser, quad exhaust tips and alu optic mirrors as well as standard S model specific sport seats on the interior to mention a few. The S model design elements paired with the powerful engine and the standard magnetic ride suspension make the TTS a true performance car for everyday use. The all-new TT front end and floor assembly are made of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components, while the superstructure comprises aluminum castings, extruded sections and panels. The luggage compartment of the coupe models has a capacity of 10.8 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks up. Folding down the split rear seats increases the cargo capacity to a highly functional 25.1 cubic feet. New HVAC controls eliminate the need for a conventional dash console and integrate fan speed, air vent selection and temperature directly into the center of the three central vents further underlining the clean, uncluttered design of the interior. Controls for the available heated seat controls are also integrated in the air vents further eliminating buttons and switches from the interior. An available Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 680 watts features 5.1 Surround Sound, a 14-channel amplifier and 12 loudspeakers provides a stunning sonic experience. LED accent lighting surrounding the front door mounted speakers add to the interior ambiance. The TT and TTS will arrive on US shores during the second half of 2015 as 2016 model year vehicles. Pricing and equipment will be announced closer to on sale date.

In the comment section of our Cadillac ATS-V preview, someone asked the question if the ATS-V would go racing. Well the answer is a resounding yes. Cadillac pulled the sheet of the new Cadillac ATS-V.R. today at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The ATS-V.R. is the latest track weapon that Cadillac Racing will be using the World Challenge series starting next year. Power comes from the LF4.R, the racing version of the Twin Turbo 3.6L V6 producing up 600 horsepower. The LF4.R features larger, twin BorgWarner turbochargers; larger intercoolers; direct, side-exiting exhaust; and lightweight aluminum block and heads. Other changes for the ATS-V.R. include a wicked body kit to provide improved aero, a carbon fiber front splitter, and eighteen-inch racing tires. “This car sounds wicked and screams like it's ripping holes in the air. I love it,” said Andy Pilgrim, Cadillac Racing driver. “We have paddle gear shifters for the first time, and I'm enjoying the new tools. The engine torque is remarkable, as always, pulling strongly out of the corners.” Now Cadillac has built the ATS-V.R. to meet FIA GT3 regulations which means that you could possibly see the race car running in more than 30 different GT series around the world. ”The V-Series is the highest expression of Cadillac’s rising product substance. Elevating and expanding the V-Series is the next logical step in Cadillac’s growth, including this new race car developed in GT3-specification, enabling us to pursue racing on a more global scale,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. One more thing. Cadillac revealed in that the ATS-V will be available in coupe and sedan. Source: Cadillac Related Stories: Leaked: 2016 Cadillac ATS-V 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 For Release: Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, 1 p.m. EST Cadillac Introduces All-New ATS-V.R Race Car Up-to-600-horsepower race car meets international FIA GT3 specifications AUSTIN, Texas – The next generation of Cadillac’s V-Series elite, high-performance cars began today with the introduction of an all-new race car, the Cadillac ATS-V.R. Set to begin competition in 2015, Cadillac debuted the new race car at the Circuit of the Americas, one of country’s pre-eminent racing venues. The ATS-V.R is the racing extension of the upcoming 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, which channels more than a decade of V-Series engineering experience into the brand’s first compact performance model. The ATS-V Coupe debuts next week, along with the ATS-V sedan, at the Los Angeles Auto Show and arrives track-capable from the factory next spring. The new, up-to-600-horsepower ATS-V.R meets international FIA GT3 specifications, a highly coveted pedigree that allows it to potentially run in more than 30 different GT series around the world. Other marques in this ultra-competitive racing class include Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche. The FIA is the governing body for worldwide motorsport, with the GT3 class representing a specific set of specifications for racing cars based on production models. ”The V-Series is the highest expression of Cadillac’s rising product substance,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “Elevating and expanding the V-Series is the next logical step in Cadillac’s growth, including this new race car developed in GT3-specification, enabling us to pursue racing on a more global scale.” The heart of the ATS-V.R is the LF4.R, the racing version of the Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6 in the award-winning Cadillac CTS Vsport. Specific technical upgrades for the GT3-spec race car include larger, twin BorgWarner turbochargers; increased capacity intercoolers; competition engine management and a direct, side-exiting exhaust. The lightweight aluminum block and heads are counterbalanced by a rear transaxle unique to the race car, giving the ATS-V.R a weight distribution of 49 percent front, 51 percent rear. “This car sounds wicked and screams like it's ripping holes in the air. I love it,” said Andy Pilgrim, Cadillac Racing driver. “We have paddle gear shifters for the first time, and I'm enjoying the new tools. The engine torque is remarkable, as always, pulling strongly out of the corners.” Among the many modifications performed to meet FIA GT3 specifications, the fenders of the ATS-V.R were redesigned to contain FIA-mandated tire sizes. Other modifications include an aero kit that gives the ATS-V.R a strong stance, and a carbon fiber front splitter – complemented by corner-mounted dive planes – that provides frontal aerodynamics. A full under tray directs air beneath the car to the rear diffuser, which helps create a downforce-producing effect and plants the 18-inch racing tires to the track. Since its inception in 2004, Cadillac Racing has amassed 26 wins, 91 podium finishes (including wins) and 22 pole positions with the CTS-V sedan and CTS-V Coupe race cars. Cadillac is a five-time winner of the Pirelli World Challenge Manufacturer Championship, including the series’ past three seasons, as well as 2005 and 2007. Team Cadillac drivers won the Pirelli World Challenge Driver’s Championship in 2005 with Pilgrim and in 2014, 2013 and 2012 with driver Johnny O’Connell. “The Cadillac ATS-V.R is a 170-mph billboard for the next generation of Cadillac’s V-Series,” said O’Connell. “On top of its power, its aerodynamic package should pay off in the fast corners and I’m looking forward to unleashing it.” ### Cadillac ATS-V.R Specifications Model Cadillac ATS-V.R Construction Reinforced eight-point welded roll cage; carbon fiber hood, deck-lid, front fenders, doors, rear fenders Engine LF4.R 3.6L, Twin-Turbo V-6 with production aluminum block and heads, up to 600 HP@7400 RPM torque 520 ft-lb (unrestricted), developed and built by GM Powertrain Fuel supply 120 liter (31.7 gallons) fuel cell Engine management Bosch MS5.1, programmable Turbocharging BorgWarner EFR Series twin-turbochargers, boost set to FIA specifications Intake Carbon fiber with integral high-capacity water-to-air-intercoolers Exhaust Side exit direct exhaust from turbos, no mufflers Transmission Xtrac sequential six-speed rear-mounted transaxle; steering wheel-mounted paddle shift; no lift shift; limited slip differential with 3.13 final drive Traction control Electronic, driver adjustable Brakes Brembo, six-pot front with 380mm rotor, four pot rear with 355mm rotor; Bosch ABS M4 controls with driver-adjustable modes Suspension Three-way Penske adjustable shocks, front and rear independent SLA suspension Chassis Reinforced production unibody with race-designed safety cage Pedals Close-ratio foot pedal box, accelerator, brake, clutch pedals Steering ZF hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering Wheels BBS 12” x 18” aluminum front and 13” x 18” rears Tires Racing tires, front 315/680 x 18, rear 325/705 x 18, series spec Aero kit Carbon fiber five-piece aero kit including side skirts, front splitter, fascia and dive planes, rear diffuser and rear bumper cover Dry weight (lb/kg) 2,900 /1,315 Other features Motorola two-way radio; Pratt & Miller-developed side-impact-reducing crush box, carbon fiber custom-molded cool seat and competition driver air conditioning system; Willans six-point racing driver seat belts; dash display rearview cameras

Have you gone out and shopped for new vehicle recently? Are you overwhelmed by the variety of vehicles on offer? For example, if you decide to get a Porsche 911, you have the choice of 22 models. No, that isn't a misprint. Meanwhile other automakers have an array of models that carve out new niches and and mix existing body styles. Consider this, Audi sells 50 different variants around the world, a five-fold increase from the 90's when the German luxury automaker only sold 10 different variants. There has to be a point where automakers reach the point of too much and begin cutting back on their lineups, right? PwC, a consulting firm tells Bloomberg that by 2018, some automakers will begin to level off their lineups. The reason for automakers leveling off their is increased costs in development and production, and better differentiate their offerings to consumers. How bad is a large lineup for automakers? Detlef Kuhlmey, sales manager at Autohaus Kramm in Berlin tells Bloomberg that not many consumers get to see the full lineup because of how many choices there are. “Carmakers look for something special to present,” Kuhlmey said. “To most customers it doesn’t really matter.” Also trying to explain the small differences between the models adds a level confusion for dealers. A case of automaker shrinking their lineup is PSA Peugeot Citroen. Europe's second-largest automaker is planning to cut back their global lineup from 45 to 26 vehicles by 2024 in a effort to return to profitability. Others are going the opposite way. Mercedes-Benz is planning to add 11 new models by 2020. “All these options reduce the likelihood that people will choose any, and reduce satisfaction when people do choose,” Lots of choices are helpful when people know what they’re looking for, but “in general, people don’t know exactly what they want,” said Barry Schwartz, the Swarthmore College social theory professor who wrote “The Paradox of Choice.” Source: Bloomberg 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.

And for something completely different. Chevrolet is bringing a wild concept car to the LA Auto Show next week that will be a part of the Vision Gran Turismo, a program where automakers design concept cars that can be played in Sony's Gran Turismo racing game. Their entrant for Vision Gran Turismo is the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT Concept. For those who aren't up on their racing history or were born after the 70's, the Chaparral name is key part in American racing. Founded by Hap Sharp and Jim Hall, Chaparral produced some of the widest race cars ever to hit racing circuits. The team would be known for their achievements in aerodynamics and ground effects, along with taking home some impressive wins. What's the connection with Chevrolet? Well the Chaparral cars used the Chevy V8 engines to provide power. From the teaser Chevrolet has released, the Chaparral 2X VGT Concept looks to be on the extreme edge as far as concepts go. The design was done by GM Advanced Design Studio and with input from Jim Hall. "It will serve as an example of what our designers are capable of when they are cut loose, no holds barred, A fantasy car in every sense of the word," said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. Source: Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet to Show Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo Concept Boundary-pushing, Chevy-powered race cars changed motorsports design DETROIT – When racers Jim Hall and Hap Sharp founded Chaparral Cars in 1962, few could have guessed how they would shake up the conformities of the racing world – and fundamentally change it. Through pioneering applications of aerodynamics and aerospace technology, and a partnership with Chevrolet Research and Development, Chaparral Cars advanced the science of racing cars. It also triumphed on the track over well-established sports car companies from around the world, using Chevrolet horsepower. It was that spirit of innovation that inspired the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT concept race car developed for the Vision Gran Turismo project, which celebrates the 15th anniversary of PlayStation® racing game Gran Turismo by inviting manufacturers to give fans a glimpse into the future of automotive design. It will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nov. 19, and gamers will be able race the Chaparral 2X VGT following the release of an online update for Gran Turismo 6 during the holiday season. "Jim Hall and Chaparral blended the art of racing with science in an unprecedented way, changing the sport forever and inspiring a new generation to experiment with aerodynamics and unconventional materials," said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. "His race cars were four-wheeled physics projects that proved innovation – and a strong Chevy race engine – could drive you to the winner's circle." GM's Advanced Design Studio, with input from Jim Hall, designed the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT concept. "It will serve as an example of what our designers are capable of when they are cut loose, no holds barred," said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. "A fantasy car in every sense of the word." The first Chaparral, a conventional, front-engine race car, was built by Dick Troutman and Tom Barnes in 1961. In 1962 Jim Hall and Hap Sharp – who had purchased one of the original Chaparral racers – formed Chaparral Cars, Inc. and immediately began the design and construction of Chaparral 2, a mid-engine car with an aerospace-inspired semi-monocoque fiberglass chassis. It was powered by a 327-cubic-inch Chevrolet small-block V-8 engine and would later incorporate an innovative torque-converter transaxle. In its first race at Riverside, in 1963, Hall qualified the Chaparral 2 on the pole position and set a track record in the process. In 1964, he won the United States Road Racing Championship (USRRC) and, in 1965, the Chaparral 2 scored its biggest coup on the racetrack, winning the prestigious 12-hour race at Sebring – upsetting historically dominant international teams. Chaparral Cars soon partnered with Chevrolet Research and Development to help develop the pioneering methods and materials Hall envisioned, including the composite monocoque chassis, lightweight-alloy powertrain systems, automatic transmissions for racing and progressive, active aerodynamics. The partnership also spawned ground-breaking vehicle data acquisition technology. In 1966, Chaparral introduced the radical 2E race car for SCCA's Can-Am series. With a large, high-mounted wing to produce downforce, it represented a milestone in aerodynamics applied to race cars, providing as much as 240 pounds of downforce at 100 mph. Phil Hill and Hall scored a 1-2 finish that year at Laguna Seca. A year later, the Chaparral 2F, a high-winged coupe build for World Championship Endurance competition, set the fastest lap in five of the eight races that season. Hall's pursuit of handling-enhancing downforce, which allowed a race car to enter and exit corners faster, while ensuring high-speed stability on the straights, reached its zenith in 1970, with the introduction of the radical Chaparral 2J. In addition to a thundering Chevrolet big-block V-8 engine, it featured a separate motor to drive a pair of fans that exhausted air beneath the car, essentially producing suction-derived downforce. The Chaparral 2J's unconventional, fan-driven downforce system was as effective as it was controversial. In four races it grabbed three pole positions – and then it was banned by the race series' sanctioning body. Hall and Chaparral continued racing throughout the 1970s, including the 1970 season of the Trans-Am Series, when Hall drove a Chaparral-prepared Camaro Z-28. The company scored a win at the 1978 Indianapolis 500, with Al Unser Sr. driving a Chaparral-prepared Lola racecar. In 1979, Chaparral built its own Indy car, the 2K, which powered Johnny Rutherford to the Indianapolis 500 win in 1980, along with the USAC and CART series championships that year. The Chaparral 2, 2D, 2E, 2F 2H, 2J, and 2K are displayed in the Chaparral Gallery of the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland, Texas.