William Maley

Since its beginnings as a military truck back in the forties, the Dodge Power Wagon has earned a reputation of being a off-road vehicle that could take on anything in its path. The 2014 Power Wagon continues that well-earned reputation with improvements to make it a bit more functional for the daily drive. Using the bones of the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab, Ram begins the changes with a larger 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that will make 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. A cylinder-deactivation system and six-speed automatic transmission should help improve fuel economy. Under the skin, Ram has taken the coil spring setup idea from the 1500 and applied it to the heavy duties with a three-link front and five-link coil rear setup. Ram hasn't forgot about the Power Wagon's trump card; off-road ability. That starts with a new Articulink system on the front suspension which includes a front sway bar disconnect to allow for additional flexibility and articulation. There is also Bilstein monotube shocks at all four corners, manually engaged Borg-Warner transfer case, larger rear axle, front and rear electronic-locking differentials, 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratec tires, and a electric Warn winch can handle 12,800 pounds. This allows the Power Wagon to list such specs as a 34-degree approach angle, a 23.5-degree departure angle, a breakover angle is 25.5 degrees, and fording up 30 inches of water. The 2014 Power Wagon will start at $45,690 (includes $1,195 destination charge) for the base Tradesman. The SLT trim begins at $50,340 and comes with the Power Wagon graphics, red grille inserts, LED taillights, and LED turn signals. The Laramie trim completes the lineup with the addition of chrome grille, monotone paint scheme with painted wheel arches, and polished wheels. That model begins at $56,015. Ram will be officially introducing the 2014 Power Wagon at the New York Auto Show next week, with models arriving at dealers this summer. Source: Ram William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 New 2014 Ram Power Wagon—The Most Off-road-capable Pickup—Has Evolved from America’s First Mass Production 4x4 Simply no other pickup on the market matches Power Wagon’s on- and off-road capability Standard 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 with best-in-class 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque features unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 miles Unique “Ram Articulink” front suspension system incorporates high movement joints and sway-bar disconnecting system, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation Ram engineering continues to lead Heavy Duty segment innovation with new 5-link coil rear suspension to deliver best-in-class ride and superior axle control Ram Power Wagon features standard front and rear electronic-locking differentials for true four-wheel-drive and maximum traction Standard Warn 12,000-lb. electric winch mounted behind the front bumper will recover competitor’s trucks stuck in the mud Up to 10,810 pounds of towing capacity New exterior design: colors, lighting, wheels, grilles and tri-color graphics Introduced in 1945, Power Wagon was first mass-production 4x4 pickup April 9, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram Truck brand’s quest to build the best pickups continues. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel delivers the industry’s best fuel economy at 28 MPG. Ram’s Heavy Duty truck line owns best-in-class towing at 30,000 lbs. and best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) at 37,600 lbs., but there’s an additional title Ram Truck has always held: the most off-road-capable pickup. Built to master the most rigorous off-road trails, the 2014 Ram Power Wagon is based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab, but features a number of off-road-specific engineering enhancements, including a unique suspension with more than two inches of lift, locking differentials and a 12,000-pound winch to give the truck a significant advantage over all production pickups. “Capability is top of mind with heavy-duty pickup truck customers. Ram trucks are expected to work every day without breaking a sweat,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The 2014 Ram Power Wagon fills a need for those who travel into extreme terrain for rescue or recreation, while delivering on-road civility and the towing capability expected from a heavy-duty truck.” The 2014 Ram Power Wagon engineering story begins with a new frame, suspension and top-of-segment off-road technology and equipment complemented by the new, best-in-class 410 horsepower, 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. “The Ram Power Wagon’s heritage dates back to 1945. It holds a special place in the line-up as an example of engineering innovation and off-road capability,” said Mike Cairns, Director—Ram Truck Engineering. “It may look similar to a Ram 2500 Heavy Duty but under the skin is a unique story, giving the Power Wagon its best-in-class off-road pickup competence.” The Power Wagon nameplate was produced from 1945 through 1980. Early trucks were based on the Weapons Carrier (WC) series of Dodge ¾-ton military-use trucks built during World War II. The Power Wagon went on to become a well-known civilian vehicle and continued the lineage of Dodge four-wheel-drive trucks from the 1930s, proving basic four-wheel-drive design concepts and representing a significant predecessor to the many four-wheel-drive trucks in modern use today. The iconic truck was reintroduced in 2005 and now exists as an independent model under Ram Truck Brand. POWERTRAIN Compelling numbers tell the best-in-class story of the standard 6.4-liter HEMI 16-valve V-8 engine: 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and a peak torque rating of 429 lb.-ft. (582 N•m) at 4,000 rpm. The engine calibration is unique to Power Wagon in order to enhance its off-road maneuverability and finesse. When driving in four-wheel-drive "Low," the throttle response softens and the idle speed increases by 100 rpm (from 650 to 750 rpm) — providing added control when ascending and descending off-road obstacles at slow speeds. The legendary HEMI architecture provides the foundation of the 90-degree V-8. But its advanced technology is decidedly forward-looking. Cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) delivers greater efficiency and elevated refinement. These attributes are manifested in reduced pumping losses and lower emissions. Pumping losses are further reduced by variable-valve timing (VVT). Efficiency is a hallmark of the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, starting with Chrysler Group’s trademark Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology. When conditions allow, as in highway cruising, the system seamlessly shuts down four cylinders to conserve fuel. The engine features an active dual-runner-length intake manifold optimized specifically for the Ram Heavy Duty lineup. The result is improved low-end torque without sacrificing high-end power. Efficiency is further reflected in revised positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system, which is integrated in the intake manifold. The resulting benefit is improved oil efficiency. Heat is the enemy of durability. But the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 includes such features as: Robust/high-volume oil cooler Oil jets for piston cooling Aircraft grade, stainless steel gaskets and fasteners for improved durability at high temperatures In addition, computational fluid dynamics was employed to optimize the cooling circuit in the block, heads and water pump. With upgraded valve-seat material to fight wear and anchored by a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder heads and forged-steel crankshaft, it is little wonder the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 boasts a five-year / 100,000-mile warranty. The new 6.4-liter HEMI is offered with the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission and connects to a part-time, manual-engagement Borg Warner BW 44-47 transfer case. The Power Wagon’s axles are the pinnacle of durability. Built by American Axle Manufacturing, the units measure 9.25 inches in the front and 11.5 inches in the rear (increase from 10.5 inches), delivering power via a 4.10:1 ring and pinion ratio. Robust rear axle shafts are upgraded to 38 mm, providing rotating force directly to the 33-inch tire/wheel combination. Both axles include electronic locking differentials driven by electro-magnetic actuators. New for 2014, all Ram Heavy Duty trucks incorporate a segment-exclusive front axle disconnect system. When conditions warrant, front drivetrain components are disconnected to reduce parasitic loss and improve overall efficiency. The system provides a gain in fuel efficiency of up to 1 mile per gallon (mpg). Additional axle data: FRONT REAR9.25 AAM 11.5 AAM Front Pinion: 98.3 mm Rear Pinion: 121.3 mmFront Ring Gear: 235 mm (9.25 inches) Rear Ring Gear: 292 mm (11.5 inches) Front Axle Shaft Diameter: 35 mm Rear Axle Shaft Diameter: 38 mm SUSPENSIONThe 2014 Ram Power Wagon features an all-new suspension system, some of which was specifically designed for the Power Wagon, including Bilstein shocks, control arms, spring rates and more than two inches of lift. In the front, the entire Ram Heavy Duty line features an advanced three-link front suspension to ensure roll stiffness. Greater roll stiffness reduces body roll or lean, and is an important characteristic in taller vehicles and especially trucks with heavy payloads. Roll stiffness is measured by the amount the truck’s body tips side-to-side, independently of the wheels, during cornering. The Ram Power Wagon packages a unique-to-model design of the standard three-link suspension system with Bilstein monotube shocks. The Ram Articulink design incorporates high movement joints at the control-arm-to-axle mount, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation. Additional suspension flex is achieved via the class-exclusive electronic disconnecting sway bar, which allows the front axle to move more independently of the truck’s frame. The driver-actuated "Smart Bar" disengagement is possible in both four-wheel drive "High" or four-wheel drive "Low" at speeds below 18 miles per hour. As a safety feature, the Smart Bar automatically re-engages at speeds above 18 miles per hour, increasing roll stiffness. Heavy Duty trucks generally have rear suspension equipped for constant, heavy payloads. This usually leads to a harsher ride when unloaded. Ram innovation leads again for 2014. All Ram 2500 Heavy Duty trucks, including the Power Wagon take lessons learned from the Ram 1500 and add an all-new, segment-exclusive five-link coil rear suspension system for best-in-class ride and handling. The exclusive five-link coil design provides better articulation over obstacles than a leaf spring system and the robust coil springs are more than up to the task of handling heavy payloads. Although the 2014 Ram Power Wagon is loaded with off-road components, owners will appreciate payload up to 1,490 pounds and towing capacity up to 10,810 pounds. The five-link coil design incorporates support at all major points of force. Leaf spring suspensions struggle to combat axle wrap by using staggered shock absorbers (one mounted on the front of the axle tube and one mounted on the rear of the axle tube). The superior design of the five-link coil system functionally resists unwanted axle rotation. Leaf spring configurations also lack lateral support, forcing the leaf ends and shackles to hold against lateral loads — a task they're not particularly good at and one reason competitive leaf-sprung rear suspensions shutter on rough surfaces. Because of the unique five-link axle control and natural rotation, U-joints in the driveshaft run smoothly and with less vibration through the suspension’s range of motion, an advantage not shared with leaf springs. Another benefit of coil springs is less unsprung mass and elimination of stick-slip friction found between the leaf springs. Additionally, links are engineered in-line with frame rails, so overall packaging is better, not to mention an overall weight reduction of more than 40 pounds when compared to a leaf-spring configuration. The rear suspension also includes Bilstein monotube shocks, and on some models, a Bilstein dampener links the top of the rear axle to the frame, providing additional control, bringing the Ram 2500 far beyond what competitors offer for axle control. The 2014 Ram Power Wagon's combined axle and suspension package adds to greater suspension articulation, a determining factor when negotiating extreme obstacles. With Smart Bar engaged, the Ram Power Wagon reaches a Ramp Travel Index (RTI - a measurement of a vehicle's suspension articulation) of 510 (26-inch vertical height). DESIGN The 2014 Ram Power Wagon receives a variety of exterior design treatments, each unique to the three trim levels. All models are bookended with chrome front and rear bumpers. The bold chrome front bumper neatly hides a Warn 12,000-lb. winch with nothing to show except a single heavy gauge steel cable and pronounced hook that attaches to one of the two massive front tow hooks. The unique 17-inch forged and polished aluminum wheel designs are wrapped in 33-inch tires and feature exposed lug nuts with a small center cap. On the Power Wagon Tradesman trim, monotone paint covers the truck. The grille-surround and inserts are colored black as are the headlamp filler panels and wheel flares. A Power Wagon decal spreads across the bottom of the tailgate. The SLT trim features the most visible change. The crosshair grille divides the frontal area into four quadrants. Truck color decides whether or not the SLT-trimmed Power Wagon receives the special red billets in the four quadrants (Bright White, Flame Red, Black, Bright Silver and Granite Crystal) providing quick identification of the Power Wagon package. Bi-functional halogen projector headlamps, underlined with an LED array are set into a dark background. Two-tone paint and rear-bound, Tri-color Carbide Blade graphics are matched to the Power Wagon colors. The new graphics come in two slightly different color variations, depending on vehicle paint. In conjunction with the side graphics, a large Power Wagon decal covers the bottom of both side doors. The LED trend is carried to the rear tail lamps and a theme-matched Power Wagon graphic adorns the base of the tailgate. Black wheel flares and door handles round out the SLT trim. The Laramie trim is more understated. The truck features an all chrome grille and bi-functional halogen headlamps set into a chrome background. As in the SLT, LEDs serve as markers in the front and rear. The monotone painted body and wheel flares combine with polished wheels and a unique Power Wagon chrome tailgate badge, giving the Laramie Power Wagon a sleeper appearance considering its capability. Of course, as with all Laramie trim level Ram trucks, the interior is top notch with leather seating surfaces, premium materials and soft touch points. For 2014, the Ram Power Wagon offers up to 12 different colors depending on model: True Blue, Maximum Steel, Deep Cherry Red, Blue Streak, Black Gold, Western Brown, Prairie, Flame Red, Bright White, Black (monotone), Bright Silver and Granite Crystal. GROUND CLEARANCE AND PROTECTIONNew to Power Wagon and providing optimal balance between on-road civility and off-road capability are 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, which feature a beefy tread pattern to help grab ledges along the trail and deliver optimum traction through sand, mud and snow. Larger tires and a suspension lift contribute to the Power Wagon’s 14.5-inch ground clearance, compared to 12 inches on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty. The truck’s approach angle is boosted to 34 degrees, the departure angle is increased to 23.5 degrees and the breakover angle is enhanced to 25.5 degrees. This gives the Ram Power Wagon significant clearance for navigating a variety of severe inclines and declines as well as providing up to 30-inches of water-fording capability. Underneath the 2014 Ram Power Wagon are generous underbody protection components. Fore-aft bars bring together the transfer case and fuel tank skid plates, resulting in armor that minimizes underside damage and rock wedging. FRAME Ram Heavy Duty trucks feature frames built with high-strength 50,000 psi steel, including eight separate cross-members, hydroformed main rails and fully boxed rear rails for optimal strength and mass efficiency. Chassis controls on the new Ram Heavy Duty ensure outstanding noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) measurements and ride and handling characteristics. Wide front frame rails enable front suspension springs to be positioned slightly outboard – an enabler for generating positive roll stiffness. A large plated-structure interface to the frame brings a lengthened weld surface creating a stiff, robust front section. The design ensures optimum mass efficiency with no need for reinforcements to deliver strength, despite shape complexity. Center frame rail sections are roll-formed, an efficient means for maintaining consistent strength in less complex longitudinal sections. In the rear portion of the new frame, the structure includes fully boxed rear rails and offers a factory-installed rear axle cross-member. STEERINGThe hydraulic steering system features recirculating ball steering gear, which delivers precise on-center feel despite the vehicles immense towing and payload capacities. BRAKES Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all 2014 Ram Heavy Duty Truck models. Front rotors measure 14.17 inches (373 mm) in diameter and are clamped with dual-piston calipers; rear rotors are 14.09 inches (356 mm) also use dual-piston calipers. All Ram Heavy Duty trucks feature standard four-channel electronic stability control (ESC). BODYThe Ram Heavy Duty is equipped with robust engine, transmission and body mounts, including pioneering hydro-mounts at C-pillar positions for class-leading noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics despite the truck’s aptitude for higher payloads and towing. The Power Wagon features a standard Class 5 receiver hitch with four- and seven-pin connectors on the bumper. A tailgate handle-mounted, high-definition rear camera backup system is available with dynamic imaging in the 8.4-inch display. Also, an optional cargo-view camera located in the center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) provides a view of the bed for monitoring payload. ELECTRICAL As the Ram Heavy Duty continues to offer more featured content, it created the need for a technology that allows more information to be electronically communicated within the truck. The Powernet electrical architecture system allows both high and low-speed data networks to be equipped with as many as 40 individual modules, all designed to improve vehicle performance and enhance the comfort and safety of driver and passengers. Within the Powernet high-speed network, each module (e.g., electronic stability control) processes its individual data and transmits the appropriate commands within the vehicle to activate any additional systems (e.g. anti-lock brake system and cruise control). A majority of the commercial truck customers need to tie into the electrical system and certain fleet customers require access to vehicle information to even be considered, especially ambulance packages and some utility companies. A best-in-class vehicle system interface module (VSIM) is capable of communicating between aftermarket modules and various factory control modules. The VSIM upfitter interface module features a total of 53 circuits, including lighting controls, door position, and throttle and transmission position. The class exclusive module acts as a secure gateway to the vehicles’ electrical systems and data bus architecture to enable safe, secure plug and play connectivity for upfitter friendliness. The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty is equipped with intelligent battery sensor technology, which continually measures the flow of current in and out of the battery. The system is an enabler for intelligent load shedding, systematically shutting off select electrical systems onboard the vehicle when the battery is running low to help prevent further depleting the battery. The new Power Wagon offers a dual-alternator system – the first of its kind for 3/4- and 1-ton pickup trucks with gas powertrains –combining 220- and 160-amp units for 380-amps of total best-in-class output. ADDITIONAL FEATURESRam Heavy Duty customers can enjoy the convenience of power folding mirrors and a combination, power rear-sliding window with defrost. Also, one-touch, central locking includes the RamBox cargo management system and tailgate power locks, creating a convenient solution for locking all exterior doors and storage lids. Spray-in bedliner, auto rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam headlamps also are available, adding to a truckload of content. Total Cost Of Ownership And Unsurpassed Powertrain Warranty - Five Years/100,000 Miles Operating costs are of great consideration for owners who use their trucks for work. The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty holds class-leading features in: Fuel economy Extended maintenance cycle (oil change of 15,000, fuel filter life on diesel) Brake life with advanced engine exhaust brake and largest brakes in the segment The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty is backed with an unsurpassed five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. The powertrain-limited warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a covered powertrain component – engine, transmission and drive system. Coverage also includes free towing to the nearest Ram Truck dealer, if necessary. The warranty also is transferable allowing customers who sell their truck during the warranty period to pass the coverage on to the new owner. The standard five-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for the Ram Heavy Duty, from the body to the electrical system. MANUFACTURING The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty is built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico. View full article

Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sent General Motors a 27 page document with 107 questions that dealt with the massive ignition switch recall that affects 2.8 million vehicles worldwide and is linked to 13 deaths. NHTSA gave the company a deadline of April 3rd to finish answering all of the questions. Well its a week after the deadline, NHTSA has announced it will fine GM $7,000 per day starting on April 3rd because the company hasn't answered all of the questions and being slow to respond. At this current time, the total fine stands at $28,000. In a letter released last night, NHTSA said General Motors hasn't answered a third of its questions, including several that required no special technical expertise such as what data it looked at when deciding not to issue a recall before this year. "These are basic questions concerning information that is surely readily available to GM at this time. It is deeply troubling that two months after recalling the vehicles, GM is unwilling or unable to tell NHTSA whether the design of the switch changed at any other time," said the agency. NHTSA also warned that it could ask the Department of Justice to force GM's hand. Now NHTSA does state that General Motors sent the agency a note on March 20th saying that it would need more time to answer the questions. Then on on April 4, GM told the agency that it wouldn't be able to answer all the questions since it has an ongoing outside investigation by former U.S. attorney Anton Valukas. He is looking into GM's handling of the recall that goes back to 2001. As you might have guess, NHTSA isn't exactly pleased about this. “You explained that GM did not fully respond because an investigation by Anton Valukas and his team was in progress. This was the first time GM had ever raised Mr. Valukas’ work as a reason GM could not fully provide information to NHTSA in this timeliness investigation. Mr. Valukas’ investigation is irrelevant to GM’s legal obligation to timely respond to the special order and cooperate fully with NHTSA,” said NHTSA general counsel O. Kevin Vincent. General Motors spokesman Greg Martin tells The Detroit News the company has been fully cooperative by handing over 271,000 pages of information. “GM has produced nearly 21,000 documents totaling over 271,000 pages through a production process that spans a decade and over 5 million documents from 75 individual custodians and additional sources. Even NHTSA recognizes the breadth of its inquiry and has agreed, in several instances with GM, to a rolling production schedule of documents past the April 3rd deadline. We believe that NHTSA shares our desire to provide accurate and substantive responses. We will continue to provide responses and facts as soon as they become available and hope to go about this in a constructive manner. We will do so with a goal of being accurate as well as timely,” said Martin. Martin didn't say if the company would contest the fine or not. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Detroit News, Motoramic 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

You know Fiat has a bigger version called the 500L.. Its on sale at the moment.

New York looks to be the big show for Dodge this year. The brand announced yesterday that they'll showing off the revised 2015 Charger and Challenger at the show. The 2015 Charger looks undergoing some major changes judging from a teaser shot released by Dodge which shows the blunt, angry looks are changing into something a bit smoother. As for the Challenger, Dodge says in the release "features a new powertrain combination that is sure to get enthusiasts "abuzz." Could this mean that the rumored Hellcat V8 with up to 640 horsepower will play a key role? Also expect tweaks to the front and rear end, along with a revised interior. We'll have full details on these two models in a couple week's time. Source: Dodge Press Release is on Page 2 DODGE TO SET BIG APPLE AND CAR ENTHUSIASTS ABUZZ WITH REVEAL OF ITS TWO ICONIC MUSCLE CARS April 7, 2014: Auburn Hills, Mich. - Dodge is giving an early look at its new 2015 Dodge Challenger and the 2015 Dodge Charger, both of which will be revealed Thursday, April 17 at the New York Auto Show, just ahead of the Dodge brand's 100th anniversary this summer. Inspired by the classic Dodge Challenger, the iconic muscle car is new from the inside out for 2015 and features a new powertrain combination that is sure to get enthusiasts "abuzz." The world's most-successful, four-door muscle car – the 2015 Dodge Charger – will also take the stage at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. The new Charger receives a full-body makeover with nearly every single body panel being resculpted. The result? Check out the reveal in New York to see this sleeker, more modern appearance. To see the new 2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger revealed live in New York at 11:30 a.m. EDT, go to www.dodge.com or watch the Livestream webcast. View full article

Last Thursday, Beijing Automotive (BAIC) made an interesting announcement. Reuters reports the company is looking into buying a "mid to high-end brand" in Europe or the United States. If you're wondering, they have a number of companies in mind, but don't give out any names. President Dong Haiyang told reporters at a briefing in Beijing that this would allow them to break into the global marketplace much quicker. The company already some ties in the automotive world mostly in Europe. First, the company bought the bulk of the technology that underpins the last-generation Saab 9-3 and 9-5 sedans from GM back in 2009. Then last week, the company signed a joint-investment agreement with Diamler to work on doubling production by 2015. 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

Fiat has announced some changes are incoming for the 2015 500 lineup. For starters, the 500 Turbo and Abarth models will now have the option of a six-speed automatic. Previously both models could only be equipped with a five-speed manual. The brand hopes the option of the automatic will bring more people into the showrooms. Other changes for the 500 lineup include the introduction of a seven-inch high-definition TFT instrument display that will display vehicle and infotainment data; a redesign center stack, and new color choices. "Since launching in March 2011, more than 135,000 Fiat 500 cars have been sold in North America. We continue to improve the successful 500, retaining its unique Italian flavor while adding unique features, such as a 7-inch TFT display, and incorporating Bluetooth streaming and a more functional center console,"said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC. The 2015 Fiat 500 lineup arrives at dealers this July. Source: Fiat 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 Fiat 500 Lineup Now Features Innovative Instrument Panel with New 7-inch High-Definition Display - Seven-inch HD TFT display helps drivers to easily monitor and configure vehicle information - Other interior updates for driver convenience include Bluetooth streaming audio and a revamped center console with an additional USB port- Three new exterior paint colors for 2015 are Giallo Moderna Perla (modern pearl yellow), Laser Blu (bright metallic blue) and Billet Argento (billet silver) April 7, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2015 Fiat 500 vehicle lineup, to be showcased at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, will include a number of interior enhancements for increased driver convenience and ease of use, including an advanced instrument panel with a 7-inch high-definition TFT (Thin Film Transistor) cluster display. The new 7-inch TFT cluster allows drivers to easily monitor data like speed, fuel level, Eco index and trip information. While on the main screen, an image of the vehicle is surrounded by information, including distance traveled, gas mileage and range. A parking screen helps drivers while moving in reverse if the vehicle is equipped with Rear Park Assist. Other screen options include a radio screen that displays information about the station selected and a telephone screen showing call information. When the vehicle is in Sport mode, the TFT display becomes more aggressive in appearance, complementing the Sport mode's more engaged driving experience. The TFT display will be standard on the 2015 Fiat 500 Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth models, and optional on the Pop. Other interior updates for 2015 include a redesigned center console. To make it more useful for drivers, the revamped console includes a new cup holder design and an additional, conveniently located USB port that is fully functional and integrated with the radio. The 2015 Fiat 500 models will also include Bluetooth streaming audio in addition to the already standard Bluetooth phone connectivity. "Since launching in March 2011, more than 135,000 Fiat 500 cars have been sold in North America," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC. "We continue to improve the successful 500, retaining its unique Italian flavor while adding unique features, such as a 7-inch TFT display, and incorporating Bluetooth streaming and a more functional center console." On the exterior, new paint colors for 2015 are Giallo Moderna Perla (modern pearl yellow), Laser Blu (bright metallic blue) and Billet Argento (billet silver). In addition to the interior improvements across the Fiat 500 lineup, the Fiat 500 Abarth, Abarth Cabrio and Turbo will add a six-speed automatic transmission as an option for 2015. The 2015 Fiat 500 lineup will be available in studios beginning in July 2014. View full article

I think it was Reuss either last year or the year before saying that not having the Cruze hatchback here was not a wise decision. I wouldn't be surprised if we see one this time around.

I highly doubt Toyota played any role in this...

Grand Sport actually came to my mind when I was working on this story.

The New York Auto Show is just a couple weeks away and news of what will be appearing is beginning to show up. Autoblog has learned that Chevrolet will have three major debuts at the show. The debuts will include new version of the Corvette, an updated 2015 Cruze, and a "important new addition to our small-vehicle lineup." Lets begin with the Corvette. Autoblog speculates that it could track-focused version of the Z06 model, limited-edition package, or something else. We keen to thinking its the latter two at this time. Then there is the 2015 Cruze. As we reported last week, spy shots of what is purported to be the 2015 model was caught in China. Will it be the same? The last model debut intrigues us as it doesn't seem to hint at a replacement for either the Spark or Sonic. Could it be a subcompact crossover? We'll have the answers in a couple week's time. Source: Autoblog 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 biggest complaint laid before the 2015 Subaru WRX aside from the styling is the lack of a hatchback. This is a bit odd since the last-generation WRX hatchback made up 50 percent of sales in the U.S. But a new report says Subaru is reconsidering this. Motoring.com.au talked with Masuo Takatsu, Subaru's general manager for the WRX. He said the company is thinking about bring back the hatchback. “We have received strong interest from the US, where the hatchback was 50 per cent (of previous-generation WRX sales), so we're now considering,” Takatsu said. “The main target for WRX is the US, Japan is number two, Australia number three. Basically, we target these three market" Takatsu explained that a lack of resources led to there being no hatchback and more interestingly, a automatic version of the STi. Source: Motoring.com.au 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

General Motors' troubled brand, Opel announced some major changes this past week. For starters, the company announced that it would be pulling out of China in January of 2015. The German marque said poor sales was the major reason as to the brand's departure. In 2013, Opel only sold 4,365 vehicles through twenty-two dealers. That pales in comparison to Buick which moved 810,000 vehicles through 650 dealers. "This is a long overdue decision. It would have cost hundreds of millions of euros to raise awareness of the Opel brand and to expand the distribution network. Buick, however, is one of the market leaders in China and we plan to intensify our future collaboration, with several projects currently under examination," said Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann. More intriguing is the announcement for Opel's Ruesselsheim, Germany plant. The automaker announced a €245 million ($337 million) investment into the plant for a new model that will be announced later this year. Opel announced that Ruesselsheim would be home of a future model that will be sold in the U.S. as a Buick. This bit of news furthers the plans of intertwining Buick and Opel. What could this new model be? We been hearing rumors that it could be the Adam or Cascada convertible. We'll keep you updated. Source: Opel 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 Opel Invests 245 Million Euros in Ruesselsheim Investment for additional vehicle for main German plant at end of decade Additional production of a Buick model for North America Change of export strategy for Chinese market Ruesselsheim. On top of four Insignia variants and the Zafira Tourer, which will be produced as of January 2015, the Ruesselsheim plant will get two additional vehicles later in the decade. This was decided by the Opel Supervisory Board at its meeting this week. A significant investment of 245 million euros will be made to build an additional model. Due to competitive reasons, details about this car will not be announced until the end of the year. The Supervisory Board also gave the green light for the future production of an additional variant of the Insignia. The Ruesselsheim plant has been chosen for the assembly of a future model which will be sold in the US under the Buick brand name. Start of production will also be in the second half of the decade. "With the investment in a new, additional model for Ruesselsheim, we will take another important step in our multi-billion dollar model offensive with which we will pave the way for Opel’s profitable growth,” said GM President and Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Dan Ammann. "And the Buick production in Ruesselsheim will further improve our capacity utilization," added Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. ”The decisions of the Supervisory Board for the production of a Buick and for the investment in an additional model for the Rüsselsheim plant are based on the recently concluded collective agreement. They are part of our extended growth strategy and are further evidence of GM’s confidence in Opel," said Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, Head of the Opel Works Council and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board. In addition, Opel has decided to change the export strategy for the Chinese market. As of January 2015, sales of the Opel brand in China will cease. "This is a long overdue decision,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “It would have cost hundreds of millions of euros to raise awareness of the Opel brand and to expand the distribution network. Buick, however, is one of the market leaders in China and we plan to intensify our future collaboration, with several projects currently under examination." Last year, 22 Opel dealers in China sold a total of 4,365 vehicles. In comparison, Buick – with 650 dealers – sold about 810,000 vehicles in China, including several that were co-developed with Opel. Globally, Buick set an all-time global sales record last year, delivering 1.032 million vehicles worldwide. Buick was GM’s third largest passenger car brand after Chevrolet (4.984 million units) and Opel/Vauxhall (1.064 million units). View full article

Mitsubishi Motors March Sales Best In Six Years CYPRESS, Calif., April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported historic March sales of 8,996, a 70 percent increase over the March 2013 total. It was the best single month of sales for Mitsubishi since August 2008, and also the best March sales in six years. The U.S.-built Outlander Sport led the way with an all-time record monthly sales total of 3,264, up 33.7 percent compared to March 2013 sales. Outlander Sport was introduced in 2010 and had a previous record monthly total of 2,634 (June 2013). The all-new Mitsubishi Mirage had 1,499 units sold, also an all-time best for the model which was introduced in September 2013. "We're extremely pleased to see what we can do when the entire Mitsubishi organization puts it all together for a month," said MMNA EVP of Sales, Don Swearingen. "We are encouraged that consumers are proving that the mix of safety and fuel efficiency that we're offering in our brand is what they want. We're going to start our new fiscal year with a bang in April by upping our advertising exposure and continuing extremely attractive incentives for customers who visit our showrooms and see what all the excitement is about." Highlights of March sales include: Total Mitsubishi sales are up 24.0 percent year-to-date. Outlander sales were up 59.9 percent for the month and are up 22.4 percent year-to-date. This was the best month of sales for Outlander in six years. Outlander Sport sales were up 33.7 percent for the month and are up 37.0 percent year-to-date. Lancer sales were up 72.4 percent for the month. It was the best month of sales for Lancer since August 2008. Lancer Evolution sales were up 27.1 percent for the month and are up 15.3 percent year-to-date.

Volvo Announces March Sales U.S. Sales Up 10.3 Percent ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (April 1, 2014) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) reported U.S. sales of 5,915 units for the month, a 10.3 percent increase versus March 2013. The top seller for March was the S60 sports sedan with 2,384 units sold, posting a 21.8 percent increase versus March 2013, followed by the XC60 with 1,701 units sold. New this year and rounding out the 60 cluster, the V60 sportswagon is in dealerships now and combines the driving dynamics of a luxury sports sedan with the space and utility to support an active lifestyle. Thanks to Volvo’s new Drive-E engine family, the V60 features best-in-class fuel economy, with the T5 Drive-E FWD achieving 37 highway / 25 city / 29 combined mpg. The V60 is also offered with two of Volvo’s existing engines, the V60 T5 AWD and the V60 T6 R-Design AWD.

Kia Motors America Announces March Sales Optima and Soul Nameplates Achieve Record Monthly Sales; All-New K900 Flagship Sedan Begins to Arrive in Select Showrooms IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today reported March sales of 54,777 vehicles, a 11.5-percent increase over the same period in 2013 and led by record monthly sales of the U.S.-built* Optima midsize sedan the and Soul, with 16,310 and 13,992 units sold, respectively. Included in the second-best March total in company history are the first retail deliveries of the all-new K900 luxury sedan, which began arriving in select showrooms in limited supply last month. "2014 marks Kia's 20th anniversary in the U.S. and our performance in March helped first quarter sales rise 4.8-percent over last year, thanks to strong consumer traffic and the ongoing popularity of the Optima and Soul," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA. "With K900s now arriving in dealerships, Kia's product portfolio is more refined than ever and offers world-class design, advanced technology and outstanding quality in every segment we compete in, from subcompact to luxury."