William Maley

Automotive News got their hands on a letter that was sent to Ford dealers revealed some of the deliver dates for the upcoming 2015 F-150. The letter written by Ford's distribution planning manager Kevin Giacomini and allocation and commodity manager John Bradley said that the 3,000 dealers in the U.S. will be getting stock towards the end of the year. But if you have special ordered a F-150 or are ordering for a fleet, those trucks will not be heading to dealers till February of 2015. “We understand the desire to get the customer units as quickly as possible, but do not want to compromise our commitment to quality for the sake of a few additional weeks of delivery,” the letter states. Also causing this delay is that Ford is staggering the changeover for the F-150 at two of their plants. Starting today, the Dearborn truck assembly will shut down and begin the changeover process to ready itself for the production of the 2015 F-150 later in October. In the meantime, the Kansas truck assembly will keep producing the current model. The Kansas truck assembly will shut down early next year to do its changeover. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

A new report from Germany's Auto motor und sport (via Automotive News) says that Volkswagen is working on a new Golf that will be due out in 2017, just under three years after the current model has begun arriving in the U.S. The eighth-generation Golf is expected to be lowered and wider than the current model, along with a restyled front end and new taillights. Other changes for the eighth-generation model include an automatic parking system, automatic braking with pedestrian recognition, heads-up display, and the ability ti access and use smartphone apps through the Golf's touchscreen. The new Golf will still use the MQB modular platform, but feature new engines that are expected to be lighter than the current crop. Source: Auto motor und sport, 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

With new fuel economy regulations coming around the corner, many automakers are trying a number of things to meet those upcoming standards. Case in point: Ford is using aluminum in the next-generation F-150, and General Motors is reportedly doing the same for their next full-size truck. What about Ram Trucks? A new report says the brand will be sticking with steel for the time being. Reuters has learned from two sources that when Ram gives their truck a refresh in 2017, aluminum will not be in the picture. The earliest that Ram would add the material is after 2020 when the truck will be redesigned. This move could either hurt Ram if aluminum proves to be ticket for sales, or could actually help if reports of aluminum stockpiles are short because of more automakers using it in their vehicles. Source: Reuters 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

The C&G reporters will always post their own stories and welcome being emailed if you see a story not being listed here yet. But it is also OK with duplications as we do see that from time to time and we get multiple peoples input. No problem on this. Yeah, we don't mind duplicates. Unless they are on the front page, which only applies to the reporters. Also, if there is a story or an idea you have, send it our way.

General Motors has announced pricing for the most powerful vehicle ever built. The new 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will start at $78,995 for the coupe and $83,995 for the convertible. The Z06 will be offered with a 6.2L supercharged V8 with 650 horsepower, a choice of either a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, and three different trim levels. Available options include the Carbon Fiber Ground Effects package with enhanced aero for $2,995, and the Z07 Performance Package with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, upgraded tires, and improved aero for $7,995. "The 2015 Corvette Z06's performance and technical capabilities place it in the elite fraternity of supercars. Very few cars in the world deliver 650 horsepower, true aerodynamic downforce, carbon fiber and performance technologies such as Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management and an electronic limited slip differential – and none gives the driver a transmission choice or the choice of a coupe with a removable roof panel or a full-power-top convertible," said Harlan Charles, Corvette product and marketing manager. 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 2015 Corvette Z06 Priced at $78,995 American supercar delivers unprecedented performance, technology DETROIT – The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – the most powerful and technologically advanced model in the iconic car's 62-year history – will be offered at a suggested retail price of $78,995 while the convertible model will start at $83,995, Chevrolet announced today. "The 2015 Corvette Z06's performance and technical capabilities place it in the elite fraternity of supercars," said Harlan Charles, Corvette product and marketing manager. "Very few cars in the world deliver 650 horsepower, true aerodynamic downforce, carbon fiber and performance technologies such as Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management and an electronic limited slip differential – and none gives the driver a transmission choice or the choice of a coupe with a removable roof panel or a full-power-top convertible." Leveraging learnings from the Corvette Racing program, the $2,995 Carbon Fiber Ground Effects enables the Corvette Z06 to produce true aerodynamic downforce for increased stability at high speeds. The package adds a functional carbon fiber front splitter, carbon fiber rocker panels, and a larger rear spoiler. For the ultimate performance, the Z07 Performance Package is available for $7,995, adding Brembo carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors that improve braking performance and contribute to better handling through reduced unsprung weight. The Z07 package adds adjustable front and rear aerodynamic components to the Carbon Fiber Ground Effects package for unprecedented aerodynamic downforce and Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires for enhanced grip. "The Z07 performance package enhances overall performance to make the Corvette Z06 one of the most track-capable cars you can buy off the dealership floor and still drive it to work every day," said Charles. Z06 models are offered in 1LZ, 2LZ and 3LZ trims. A range of available features enables customers to tailor the look and feel of their Z06, including: - Premium Package with leather-wrapped interior - Aero-enhancing carbon fiber ground effects package - Performance Data Recorder and navigation - Competition sport seats offered in leather or sueded microfiber - Carbon fiber interior trim and carbon fiber convertible tonneau cover inserts - Visible carbon fiber roof panel (Coupe) - Tintcoat exterior colors, several available wheel finishes and several available brake caliper colors. Most powerful, technologically advanced Corvette ever The Z06 rejoins the Corvette lineup for 2015 with a stronger aluminum frame than previous models, an aero package designed to produce performance-enhancing downforce and an all-new, supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine rated at an SAE-certified at 650 horsepower (485 kW) and 650 lb-ft of torque (881 Nm). That makes it the most powerful production car ever from General Motors and one of the most powerful production cars available in the United States. To balance performance and efficiency, the LT4 leverages the same trio of advanced technologies introduced on the Corvette Stingray – direct injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing – and leverages them with a new, more efficient supercharger. Combined with the fuel-efficient multi-speed transmissions, aerodynamic design and lightweight construction, they help make the new Z06 surprisingly efficient. The Corvette Z06 also leverages other technologies introduced on the Corvette Stingray, including the strategic use of lightweight materials and advanced driver technologies, with calibrations tailored for its capabilities. The aluminum frame structure, for example, is 20 percent stiffer than the previous, fixed-roof Z06. Additional technologies support the car's tremendous performance capabilities and enhance the driving experience, including: - Third-generation Magnetic Selective Ride Control dampers are standard and can be adjusted for touring comfort or maximum track performance via the standard Driver Mode Selector - Performance Traction Management is available in the Track mode of the Drive Mode Selector and offers five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving - Launch control is available in Track mode for manual and automatic transmissions, providing maximum off-the-line acceleration - An electronic limited-slip differential, also standard equipment on Z06, adjusts the rate at which the limited slip engages, to balance between steering response and stability in different driving conditions with more aggressive performance in Sport and Track modes. The Z06 offers three increasing levels of aerodynamic downforce: - The standard Z06 features a front splitter, spats around the front wheel openings, a unique carbon-fiber hood with a larger vent, and an aggressive rear spoiler. - The available carbon-fiber aero package – in either carbon flash paint or a visible carbon-fiber finish – adds a carbon-fiber front splitter with aviation-style winglets, carbon fiber rocker panels, and a larger rear spoiler with a fixed wickerbill, which combine to create true aerodynamic downforce - The available Z07 package adds larger winglets to the front splitter, along with an adjustable, see-through center section on the rear spoiler for track use. With this package, the Corvette Z06 delivers the most aerodynamic downforce of any production car GM has tested. Drivers can monitor the Z06's performance without taking their eyes off the road via a color head-up display (standard on 2LZ and 3LZ trims) that, among the range of performance readouts, displays a g-meter in Track mode. The Z06 also offers the award-winning, industry-first Performance Data Recorder – or PDR – which enables users to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track. The racing-derived system is included with the available navigation system. Editors: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price includes destination charges but excludes tax, title, license, optional equipment and dealer fees. View full article

A new report from Reuters says the Ford is working on a dedicated hybrid model that will take on the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt. Two sources tell the news service that the new model, codenamed C240, will use Ford's new C2 platform. This new platform will also underpin the next-generation Focus and Escape. C240 will also be more efficient than the blue oval's current hybrids thanks to improved battery technology and and the use of lightweight materials such as aluminum. The new model is expected to go into production in 2018, with global sales starting a year after. Source: Reuters 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

Currently, the Challenger and Charger Hellcats are basking in the performance spotlight at Chrysler. But before these two models arrived, the model that had the spotlight was the Viper with its 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. But the Viper wants the spotlight back. Allpart has gotten two reports of supercharged V10 engines being delivered to Chrysler. Allpar speculates the supercharger will allow the Viper to sit above the 707 horsepower from the Hellcat V8 and possibly get 800. But it comes down to whether or not the current internals of the Viper can handle all of that power. Allpar notes that current transmission, the Tremec TR-6060 can handle up to 650 pound-feet of torque. There is a transmission from Tremec, the “Magnum XL” which can handel 700 pound-feet. But to get that into the Viper, it would require some changes to the vehicle. We'll be keeping a close eye and ear to this story. Source: Allpar 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 bet it does as well.

2015 brings a big change for the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray as the six-speed automatic transmission says adiós and the eight-speed automatic says hello. The new eight-speed features a more aggressive first gear ratio and lower rear axle ratio. This allows the 0-60 MPH time to drop from 3.8 to 3.7 seconds and a improved quarter mile time of 11.9 seconds (times are for the Corvette Stingray equipped with the Z51 package). Fuel economy also sees a slight bump with Corvette Stingray now getting 29 MPG on the highway. City and combined numbers are still the same (16 and 20 MPG respectively). "The Corvette Stingray is a great example of how we are leveraging engineering and technology to improve both efficiency and performance. No other car can match 460 horsepower, 0-60 mph in better than 3.7 seconds, and 29 mpg on the highway," said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain in a statement. Source: Chevrolet William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster Press Release is on Page 2 8-Speed Automatic Makes Corvette Faster, More Efficient DETROIT – The all-new, paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission makes the 2015 Corvette Stingray faster and more fuel efficient, with 0-60 acceleration of only 3.7 seconds and an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway. "The Corvette Stingray is a great example of how we are leveraging engineering and technology to improve both efficiency and performance," said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain. "No other car can match 460 horsepower, 0-60 mph in better than 3.7 seconds, and 29 mpg on the highway." The Stingray's 0-60 performance is 0.1-second quicker than the previous six-speed automatic, contributing to a quicker quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.9 seconds – a 0.1-second improvement over the six-speed auto. Its 29-mpg highway rating represents a 3.5-percent increase over the six-speed. New eight-speed models are EPA-rated at 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg combined. In fact, the Stingray's stingy fuel consumption on the highway is not only better than sports car competitors such as Porsche 911 Carrera (28 mpg), Audi R8 V-8 (20 mpg), Jaguar F-Type R (23 mpg) or Nissan GT-R (23 mpg), it tops conventional cars with smaller engines, like the Subaru Outback six-cylinder (27 mpg), Volkswagen Passat six-cylinder (28 mpg) and Mercedes-Benz C350 coupe (28 mpg). The greater performance and efficiency enabled by the available, GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic is due primarily to its 7.0 overall gear ratio spread, which enhances off-the-line performance with a more aggressive first gear ratio – 4.60 vs. 4.03 on the six-speed – helping achieve the quicker 0-60 time. It also delivers world-class shift times that rival the best dual-clutch design. Combined with a new, numerically lower 2.41 rear axle ratio vs. the 2.56 gear used with previous six-speed automatic models, engine rpm is reduced by 8 percent (123 rpm) on the highway at 70 mph. The lower engine speed reduces fuel consumption. Z51-equipped models retain a 2.73 rear axle ratio. The new paddle-shift eight-speed automatic complements the performance generated by the Corvette Stingray's LT1 engine – rated at 455 horsepower or 460 horses with the available performance exhaust system – which uses advanced technologies including direct injection, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) to make more power with less fuel. Advanced composite materials in the body structure and a lightweight aluminum frame, as well as aluminum and magnesium suspension components, support the Corvette's efficiency with a low curb weight of only 3,298 pounds /1,499 kg (Stingray coupe). They also enhance performance by giving the Stingray an excellent power-to-weight ratio of 7.25 – or one horsepower for every 7.25 pounds of mass. That's better than Porsche 911 Carrera's 8.7 ratio and Audi R8 V-8's 8.3 ratio. For those who prefer a traditional manual-shifting driving experience, the 2015 Corvette Stingray is available with a seven-speed manual that delivers 0-60 times of 3.8 seconds and EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway. View full article

Chrysler has announced some new appointments to its leader which take effect immediately. Head of the Ram Truck brand Reid Bigland becomes the new head of Alfa Romeo in the North America. Robert Hegbloom, who was the brand director of Ram Trucks becomes the head of the brand. With these appointments, both Bigland and Hegbloom become members of Chrysler's NAFTA Leadership Team. Bigland also gets a seat on Fiat Chrysler Group Executive Council – the highest decision-making body for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Source: Chrysler 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 Chrysler Group Announces Executive Appointments August 18, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today announced that Reid Bigland is appointed Head of Alfa Romeo Brand for the NAFTA region. Bigland continues as Head of U.S. Sales and as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chrysler Canada. He will also continue as a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team and the Fiat Chrysler Group Executive Council (GEC). In addition, Robert Hegbloom is appointed Head of Ram Truck Brand. In his new role, Hegbloom will become a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team. Both appointments are effective immediately. "I am delighted to be able to announce these appointments. Reid has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in managing Chrysler's consistent rise in sales and market share in both Canada and the U.S.," said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO, Chrysler Group and CEO of Fiat S.p.A. "The addition of Alfa Romeo to his portfolio of responsibilities is an indication of how committed we are to the establishment of this brand in the North American market, a process that has already started with the introduction of the Alfa Romeo 4C. Much more is expected from this brand in the next few years as outlined in our five-year plan presented on May 6, 2014, and Reid's seniority and experience are ideal for the significant task that is now getting underway. "Reid has been working intensely with Bob in the establishment of the Ram Truck Brand after separation from Dodge, and it is appropriate that Bob now be given the opportunity to continue and intensify the work started by Reid. "These appointments are a clear reflection of the value we at Chrysler place on people development and the nurturing of leadership skills. Both Reid and Bob have grown tremendously as leaders in the last five years, and the time has come for them to have expanded leadership roles." Hegbloom previously served as the Director of Ram Truck Brand. He has held a series of positions with increasing responsibility supporting the Company's truck brand. Hegbloom joined Chrysler in 1986. View full article

Cadillac has some big things coming in 2015. Dave Leone, Cadillac’s chief engineer told reporters last week in California that 2015 will see the introduction of the long-rumored and speculated flagship. Possibly wearing the name of the LTS, this news seems to confirm a report from earlier this month which said the model would debut at next year's New York Auto Show. Along with the flagship, Leone also said that 2015 will also see a redesigned SRX and the ATS-V. “This is going to be a fantastic year for Cadillac,” Leone said. 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. Click here to view the article

Its that time again

Stop me if you have heard this before: Motor Trend is reporting that next Corvette ZR1 is going to a mid-engine layout according to a number of sources. One of the sources follows this up by saying the next-generation Corvette will also go to a mid-engine layout, Now this isn't the first time there have been reports of a mid-engine Corvette. Since the early sixties, reports of Chevrolet doing a mid-engine Corvette have been reported. This is only helped with General Motors showing a number of mid-engine Corvette concepts over the years. So what makes this rumor different from all the other ones? A few items. First is that the next-generation Camaro will utilize the Alpha platform, which could mean the next Camaro may end up being lighter than the current C7. Motor Trend speculates that if a Cadillac ATS equipped with the turbo 2.0L and six-speed manual weighs around 3,433 pounds, a next-generation Camaro with that same powertrain setup could weigh less. As for the C7 weight: 3,450 pounds when equipped with the seven-speed manual. Then there is story from earlier this year where General Motors applied for the "Zora" trademark. Zora is for Zora Arkus-Duntov, the man who made the Corvette the American performance icon it is today. Arkus-Duntov was a huge proponent of the mid-engine layout, which led him to create the CERV I and CERV II (CERV is short for Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle). Finally, GM was apparently working on a mid-engine C7 Corvette design before the company went into bankruptcy. But with bankruptcy, and the departure of Bob Lutz and former Corvette chief engineer Tom Wallace retired, the project was canned. While a mid-engine Corvette would be a sight to see, for now we'll put this into the 'we can dream' file. Source: Motor Trend 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

Many people see the Cadillac ELR as General Motors' direct competitor to the Tesla Model S, but GM's head of global product development, Mark Reuss says it isn't. “People like to say the ELR is, but it’s really not. It’s a different car, it’s a different price point. It’s way-different technology,” Reuss said. Ruess goes onto say that he isn't sure if the company has a direct competitor to Tesla. So why do many people consider the ELR a competitor to the Model S? Probably from a quote from former GM CEO Dan Akerson back in September. "If you want to compete head-to-head with Tesla, and we ultimately will, you want to do it with a Cadillac,” Source: The Detroit News 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

The next Land Rover Defender will be coming out in the next few years and it will not look like the DC100 Concept shown a few years back. According to Autocar, the DC100's was considered to be too bland to wear the Defender nameplate. Gerry McGovern, the design director said the new model will look completely different from the concept and has been 'frozen'. The next Defender will reportedly use the platform from the Range Rover, albeit with changes to make it stronger. 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