William Maley

I will admit that I have a thing for high-performance luxury flagships because of the sheer contradiction of them. Here is a type of vehicle whose main purpose is to coddle their passengers and provide smooth ride, and then drop in a bunch of performance goodies to make it into something completely different. But I never had the chance to drive one of these vehicles. That changed at the MAMA Spring Rally back in May where Mercedes-Benz had a 2014 S63 AMG 4Matic available for drives. Lets begin with the S-Class itself. The new model I think is one of the best looking S-Classes in quite a while. It takes the last-generation model and refines it. The front end is more imposing with the large grille and headlights, while the three-pointed star takes its requisite spot on top the hood. The back end gets a new trunk lid and revised styling for the tailights. AMG adds some subtle changes such as front bumper with larger air vents, larger matte-finish wheels, different finishes for the trim, and the endless amount of AMG badges. The only thing I would change is the black wheels as it ruins the look of the S63. Inside, the S63 AMG is pure class. Mercedes still knows how build a well-crafted interior in their higher-end models with high-quality wood, leather, plastic, and metal everywhere. The seats could rival a laz-a-boy recliner for how comfortable they are. The wide number of adjustments, heat, ventilation, and massaging function are the icing on top. Technology is everywhere with two massive screens stretching across the driver's field of vision. One screen features gauges and trip computer functions, while the other handles infotainment needs. Power comes from a twin-turbo 5.5L V8 engine with 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired up to a seven-speed automatic and Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Sorry, no rear-wheel drive is available for this model. Step on the throttle and the S63 moves at rate that only performance sports cars can achieve. 60 MPH is reached in a scant 3.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 186 MPH. Driving on the back roads in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, it shocked me how quick the S63 can get up to speed. But more shocking is how the model rides and handles. The S63 is fitted with an air suspension that adjusted from comfort to sport, larger anti-roll bar, and a stiffer subframe carrier. These changes make S63 handle surprisingly well with no feeling of body lean and feeling very planted. It cannot fully mask the size of S63 though, which is ok. Put the suspension in comfort and it becomes a normal S-Class with a smooth ride and no hint of wind/road noise. Steering has good feel and weight no matter if you decide to drive around town or a back road. The S63 AMG 4Matic shows that Mercedes can make their top-of-line luxury sedan become a really enjoyable driver's sedan. You'll just have to pay a very pretty penny for the chance. Disclaimer: Mercedes-Benz Provided the S63 AMG 4Matic For The MAMA Spring Rally Year: 2014 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: S-Class Trim: S63 AMG 4Matic Engine: 5.5L Twin-Turbo V8 Driveline: Seven-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 577 @ 5,500 Torque @ RPM: 664 @ 2,250 - 3,750 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 15/23/18 Curb Weight: N/A Location of Manufacture: Sindelfingen, Germany Base Price: $139,500 As Tested Price: $164,535 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: Burmester High-End 3D Sound System - $6,400 Black/Black Exclusive Napa Leather - $4,450 Driver Assistance Package - $2,800 Warmth and Comfort Package - $2,600 Night View Plus - $2,260 Twenty-Inch AMG 10-Spoke Forged Wheels - Black - $2,200 Surround View Camera - $900 Red Brake Calipers - $700 AMG Performance Steering Wheel with Dinamica Side Grips - $500 Air Balance Package - $350 View full article

Every luxury automaker it seems has gone mad for SUVs. Companies like Lamborghini, Bentley, and even Rolls-Royce are hard at work on a SUV. But it seems that one has possibly gone back on their plans. Back in 2009, Aston Martin showed off the Lagonda SUV concept. Reactions to the concept were mixed to say in the least. But former CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez said the company was considering go ahead with the project. Now Aston Martin's Director of Design, Marek Reichman hints that SUV may have been axed. “We first showed the Lagonda SUV concept back in 2009. We still have plans for the brand. There might be some surprises in the marque’s re-establishment into the market place, but as a very unique coachbuilt experience. And that’s probably what’s most befitting of the brand,” said Reichman to Piston Heads. “It’s more. It’s the reinvention of the marque, the brand, but done in a very, very limited way. It’s not something we believe that is a mass product.” What are these plans? A possible one is an exclusive four-door sedan. Earlier this year, spy shots captured a distinctive four-door sedan undergoing testing by Aston Martin. The speculation is that sedan will be a Lagonda. Source: Piston Heads, Autoblog William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Earlier this week, we reported on the rumor that the Opel Ampera was to go away once the next-generation Chevrolet Volt was introduced. Well it seems to be true. Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann tweeted that the Ampera is on its way out. But another electric vehicle will take it place in the future. "After the eventual run-out of the current generation Ampera, we'll introduce a successor product in the electric vehicle segment. Our next electric vehicle will be part of our massive product offensive – with 27 new vehicles in the 2014-2018 time frame. We see eMobility as important part of the mobility of tomorrow and we will continue to drive down costs & deliver affordability," Neumann said on twitter. So what could this new EV be? Autoblog Green speculates it will not be the Chevrolet Spark EV, but something completely different. Stay tuned. Source: Autoblog Green William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

General Motors has announced another set of recalls that will cover 717,949 vehicles. Unlike the previous set of recalls, this set doesn't include any dealing with the ignition switch. Here are the recalls: 414,333 vehicles equipped with the power height-adjustable driver or front passenger seats could have a bolt that holds height-adjuster actuator may become loose or fall out. If this happens, the seat can freely move up and down, and cause a safety hazard when involved in a accident. 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX 2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox 2010-2012 GMC Terrain 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse 2011-2012 Buick Regal 2011-2012 Chevrolet Camaro 124,008 vehicles will need to have their lower seat track inspected due to an incomplete weld on the seat-hook bracket assembly. If the weld is deemed insufficient, the track will be replaced. 2013-2014 Buick Encore 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS 2014 Cadillac CTS 2014 Cadillac ELR 2014 Chevrolet Caprice 2014 Chevrolet SS 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 2014-2015 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty 120,426 vehicles with two bulbs in each front turn signal have a unique problem. If both bulbs in one turn signal burn out, the turn signal arrow will rapidly flash. However if one bulb burns out, the turn signal will not rapidly flash. Dealers will reprogram the body control module to fix the condition. 2011-2013 Buick Regal 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 57,242 vehicles equipped with belt-drive electric power steering could lose part or all the power steering due to due to a poor electrical ground connection. This is due to paint possibly seeping in and behind the grounding nut. Dealers will inspect the system, clean the paint off the nut, and update the power steering control module software. 2014 Chevrolet Impala 1,919 vehicles may have a lower control arm bolt that was not fastened to specification. This can cause a noise to come from the front suspension and the separation of the lower control arm from the steering knuckle, causing a loss of steering. Dealers will inspect the left and right hand lower control arm attaching bolts and make sure the bolts are tighten to the right spec. 2014 Chevrolet Spark 22 vehicles equipped with roof carriers may have been attached with the wrong retaining nuts, causing holes or tears in the roof rail air bags if they deploy. 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban 2015 GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali For those keeping track, GM has issued 60 recall campaigns since the start of this year, affecting close to 30 million vehicles. Source: General Motors Press Release is on Page 2 GM Announces Six Recalls for Varying Safety Issues DETROIT – General Motors today announced six safety recalls covering 717,950 recent model vehicles in the U.S. "These recalls signify how we've enhanced our approach to safety," said Jeff Boyer, vice president, Global Vehicle Safety. "We are bringing greater rigor and discipline to our analysis and decision making. If we identify an issue – large or small – that might affect the safety of our customers, we will act decisively." The recalls cover: 414,333 2011-2012 model year Chevrolet Camaro; 2010-2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; 2011-2012 Buick Regal and LaCrosse; and 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX models in the U.S. equipped with power height adjustable driver or front passenger seat structures. In these vehicles, the bolt that secures the height adjuster actuator may become loose or fall out. If the bolt falls out, the seat will move up and down freely because it is no longer attached at the height adjuster. The vehicles are safe to drive, but customers should not use the power height adjustable feature until dealers can replace the height adjuster bolt. GM is aware of one crash and three injuries but no fatalities related to this condition. 124,008 model year 2014 Chevrolet Caprice, 2014 Chevrolet SS, 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado LD and HD, 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS, 2014 Cadillac CTS, 2014 Cadillac ELR; 2013-2014 Buick Encore; and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra LD and HD vehicles because certain vehicles may have an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly. A loss of power to a laser welding machine may have resulted in an incomplete weld, according to data collected from the machine between July 2013 and January 2014. Dealers will inspect the weld. If it is sufficient, no further action is necessary. If it is insufficient, dealers will replace the lower seat track at no charge. Less than 1 percent of welds are expected to require seat track replacement. GM is unaware of any crashes or injuries as a result of this issue. 120,426 2011-2013 model year Buick Regal and 2013 model year Chevrolet Malibus equipped with front turn signals that use two bulbs in each front turn signal. While the driver would get a rapidly flashing turn signal arrow in the instrument cluster if both bulbs in one turn signal were burned out; if only one bulb on either side burns out, there would be no signal to the driver. Dealers will reprogram the body control module to fix the condition. GM knows of no crashes, injuries or complaints related to this issue. 57,242 2014 Chevrolet Impalas equipped with belt-drive electric power steering. On certain vehicles, customers may experience reduced or no power steering assist at start-up or while driving due to a poor electrical ground connection to the Power Steering Control Module. If power steering is lost, a warning message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds. Steering control can be maintained because the vehicle will revert to manual steering mode, but would require greater driver effort particularly at low vehicle speeds. Paint may have seeped behind the nut on the power steering control module ground stud. Dealers will inspect and clean paint from behind the ground nut, re-torque the nut and update the power steering control module software at no charge. GM is aware of one crash but no injuries or fatalities related to this condition. 1,919 2014-2015 Chevrolet Sparks imported from Korea that were assembled with a lower control arm bolt not fastened to specification. The condition could result in noise from the front suspension and separation of the lower control arm from the steering knuckle while driving resulting in loss of steering control. Dealers will inspect the left and right hand lower control arm attaching bolts to assure they are tightened to specification. GM knows of no crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition. 22 2015 model year Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali vehicles in the U.S. In these vehicles, the roof carriers may have been attached with the wrong retaining nuts, resulting in holes or tears in the roof rail air bags if they deploy. Eight of these vehicles are in dealer stock and will be repaired before being sold. View full article

Not sure about that one.. Considering I drove one a few weeks after the Accent. Review incoming.

At one time, the subcompact was seen as the penalty box in the automotive marketplace. The reasons for buying one were the low cost and high fuel economy. But in return, subcompacts were devoid of many comforts found in larger vehicles such as air conditioning, power windows, and automatic transmissions. Now subcompacts are seen as a real choice in the marketplace and automakers have had to step up to make their models feel like an actual vehicle. One of the automakers who has made this change was Hyundai. Their entrant in the subcompact marketplace, the Accent, was the poster child of the no frills, cheap commuting vehicle. But with the most recent model, Hyundai has moved it up the food chain to better compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Fit. But does the Accent belong in this playground, or is it just a pretender? There are two ways you can describe the Accent Hatchback’s design. One is that the model is quite boring and plain looking when compared to other subcompacts. The other way is to say the Accent Hatchback is sophisticated and matured. The Accent doesn’t have quite the flair of the fludic sculpture as other models, but does feature some sculpted curves along the doors, a distinctive character line running from the front fender to the rear, and a set of sixteen-inch alloy wheels that come standard on the SE model. Much like the exterior, the Accent Hatchback’s interior can be described as being plain or classy. Like most subcompacts, the Accent does feature its fair share of hard plastics. But the plastic is very solid and Hyundai used textured plastics on certain parts of the interior to make it feel somewhat premium. The center stack is well laid out and easy to glance at. My Accent SE tester came very well-equipped with Bluetooth, iPod and USB connections, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and satellite radio all as standard. One complaint I have with Hyundai and Kia vehicles is the lack of thigh support in the front seat when sitting in them for long periods. The Accent falls into this category as well. I don’t know if it's the way I have the seats adjusted or if there isn’t enough padding on the seat that causes this for me. Moving to the back, the Accent Hatchback does pretty well in this regard with a decent amount of head and legroom. Being 5’7”, I was very comfortable sitting in the back. Cargo space stands at 21.2 cubic feet with the seats up and 47.5 cubic feet which puts its in the mid-pack of the subcompact class. All Accents come equipped with a 1.6L DOHC four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up to a six-speed automatic. The Accent does take a little bit of wringing to get to the sweet spot in the powertrain. But when you’re leaving a stop, it doesn’t feel like the vehicle is gasping for power. Hyundai made sure it was very easy to get up speed on city streets. On the fuel economy front, the Accent SE is rated by the EPA at 27 City/37 Highway/31 Combined. My week’s average landed around 30 MPG. The Accent’s ride quality feels like a bigger vehicle with the suspension doing an excellent job of minimizing impacts from bumps and potholes. Noise isolation is also pretty decent with wind and road noise kept to a minimum. Those who are thinking of taking the Accent on their favorite road will be slightly disappointed. The Accent doesn’t quite have the same handling characteristics as the Chevrolet Sonic as it leans a little bit more and doesn’t quite feel as solid. Steering is light, but has a decent amount of feel for those who feel on going a sporting drive. The 2014 Hyundai Accent SE shows that it belongs in this playground. While it might not have the looks or driving dynamics as many of the subcompact competitors, the Accent has some positives to it. It begins with a fair number of standard equipment, followed by a engine that delivers very good grunt and a ride that feels like a bigger vehicle. It’s a very compelling choice in the class. Disclaimer: Hyundai Provided the Accent SE, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Hyundai Model: Accent Hatchback Trim: SE Engine: 1.6L DOHC GDI Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 138 @ 6,300 Torque @ RPM: 123 @ 4,850 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/37/31 Curb Weight: 2,635 lbs Location of Manufacture: Ulsan, Korea Base Price: $17,395 As Tested Price: $18,315 (Includes $810.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpeted Floor Mats - $110.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Has it really been seven months since Ford unveiled the 2015 F-150 at the Detroit Auto Show? Yes it has. Since that time, the blue oval has been keeping its lips shut on the power and towing numbers for the F-150. Well today, Ford has decided to reveal some of those numbers. We'll begin with the new base engine, the 3.5L V6. Not be confused with the 3.5 EcoBoost, the new 3.5 V6 makes 283 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the outgoing 3.7 V6, the 3.5 is down 19 horsepower and 23 pound-feet. That shouldn't be as noticeable you might think as the new F-150 is about 700 pounds lighter than the current model. Towing and payload numbers for the 3.5 4x2 model stand at 7,600 and 1,910 pounds respectively. Next up is the new 2.7 EcoBoost V6. Horsepower stands at 325, while torque is rated at 375 pound-feet. In the 4x2 guise, the 2.7 can carry 2,250 pounds in its bed and tow up to 8,500 pounds. Ford hasn't released information on the 3.5 EcoBoost V6 or 5.0L V8 at this time. Source: Ford 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 ALL-NEW FORD F-150 2.7-LITER ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE DELIVERS V8 CAPABILITY AND PERFORMANCE Tougher, lighter 2015 Ford F-150 welcomes two new engines to its four-engine lineup, providing choices to meet almost any customer need – from hauling tools to towing trailers High-output 2.7-liter EcoBoost® with standard Auto Start-Stop broadens engine lineup by providing mid-range V8-like towing capability of 8,500 pounds, payload of 2,250 pounds, 325 horsepower, 375 lb.-ft. of torque Standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing delivers impressive power and efficiency with towing of 7,600 pounds that can't be beat, 1,910 pounds of payload, 283 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque Use of high-strength steel and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy plus smart engineering saves up to 700 pounds, improving power-to-weight ratio and allowing for gains in towing, performance and efficiency With its new 2.7-liter EcoBoost® with standard Auto Start-Stop and new 3.5-liter V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing, the 2015 Ford F-150 resets the bar in light-duty pickup truck performance, capability and efficiency. "The 2015 F-150 is the most capable F-150 yet, while shedding up to 700 pounds," said Bob Fascetti, vice president, Powertrain Engineering. "These two new V6 engines – the 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost and normally aspirated 3.5-liter Ti-VCT – set a new standard for Ford for capability and efficiency." 2.7-liter EcoBoost power The high-output, twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 features an entirely new design that delivers power and performance in a strong, smart package. The engine produces 325 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque – improving the power-to-weight ratio of the 2015 truck by 15 percent over the 2014 5.0-liter V8-equipped F-150 with similar torque output, thanks to vehicle light-weighting. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost 4x2 has a maximum payload rating of 2,250 pounds and maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds, ideal for meeting mid-range capability needs. Boosting 2.7-liter EcoBoost fuel efficiency is the debut of standard Auto Start-Stop technology for F-150. This technology, specially tuned for truck customers, shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop. When the brake is released, the engine restarts quickly. Auto Start-Stop helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions when the truck is stopped and the engine is off. The technology is off when towing or in four-wheel-drive mode. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine also features Ford's first use of a compacted graphite iron cylinder block in a gasoline engine, the same material used in Ford's 6.7-liter Power Stroke® turbo diesel V8 in Super Duty trucks. The composite CGI/aluminum cylinder block saves weight while providing strength where it's needed most for durability. Advanced technology, power and efficiency combine to create an engine for F-150 that boasts more than twice the horsepower, torque and towing capability of the Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck with identical displacement 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. Ford testing shows the 2.7-liter EcoBoost also outperforming Ram 1500 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3-liter V8 while towing a 7,000-pound enclosed trailer up Davis Dam in Arizona. This is the same grade the Society of Automotive Engineers uses for its J2807 towing testing standards, which the 2015 Ford F-150 will follow. 3.5-liter V6 tuned for responsive power Thanks to vehicle weight savings, the standard 3.5-liter V6 with Ti-VCT offers a 5 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio over the larger 3.7-liter V6 in the 2014 F-150, with better fuel efficiency and performance. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 283 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine has a maximum payload of 1,910 pounds and a maximum tow rating of 7,600 pounds – unsurpassed for standard V6 light-duty pickup trucks. Designed for impressive power and durability, the 24-valve 3.5-liter V6 features a valvetrain with direct-acting polished mechanical buckets with twin independent variable camshaft timing for impressive torque across a wide rpm range. Six-bolt main bearing caps, a fully counterweighted forged steel crankshaft and cast exhaust manifolds are designed for heavy-duty operation. Both the upper and lower intake manifolds of the 3.5-liter V6 are tuned for responsive power, and both the intake manifolds and cam covers are composite-formed to reduce weight. The die-cast aluminum cylinder block features bay-to-bay breathing to reduce internal pumping losses, while a deep-sump oil pan contributes to extended oil-change intervals. Advanced materials save weight Extensive research by Ford engineers led to the use of more advanced materials on the 2015 F-150 than found in previous trucks. Military-grade aluminum alloys make the new truck's body lighter, stronger and more resistant to dents. Overall, F-150 is up to 700 pounds lighter – helping the truck tow and haul more, accelerate and stop faster, and operate more efficiently than the previous F-150. High-strength steel in the frame and high-strength aluminum alloy throughout the body produce an inherently stiffer truck with greater dent and ding resistance. The aluminum upper body sits on a fully boxed ladder frame with more high-strength steel than ever to make it stronger yet lighter. In addition to the new V6 engines, the all-new 2015 F-150 offers the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost and the 5.0-liter V8 with Ti-VCT, providing a comprehensive, capable and efficient engine lineup to meet the specific needs of Ford truck customers. View full article