William Maley

Fisker's new owner, the Wanxiang Group out of China plans to restart production of the Karma plug-in hybrid sedan within a year or so. Pin Ni, head of the U.S. unit for Wanxiang tells Reuters the company plans on restarting production in Finland possibly this year and sell them in U.S. and Europe. At the moment, Ni says the company is working on finalizing business plans for the brand and hasn't worked out what the sales target for the Karma will be. Ni went onto say that production could move to the U.S. with with "a potential partner out of Michigan." That possible partner could be VL Automotive, the company who is taking Fisker Karmas and dropping in V8 engines. Along with restarting Karma production, Wanxiang plans to finish development of the Atlantic sedan. The model, which was positioned to be the volume model for Fisker was planned to go into production in 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

I'm right there with you

The return of Alfa Romeo to the U.S. saga looks to be coming to a close. The Detroit News reports that the first Alfa Romeo vehicle, the 4C will be arriving in the U.S. in late June. However, it will not be at many Fiat dealers as expected. The report says the 4C will be sold at Maserati dealers and "the best-performing Fiat dealers". “We’re also going to allow the best-performing Fiat dealers to participate. Those dealers know who they are. ... It’s really a question of efficacy in representing the Fiat brand. It’s simple dealer metrics," said Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne last month. However, Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau tells the News that the Fiat dealers who are getting the chance to sell 4C haven't been told yet. The 4C will be the only Alfa Romeo on sale in the U.S. till next year. That is when the Giulia, Giulietta, and the Spider are expected. But then again, we've heard time and time again that these vehicles are coming in 2012, only to be pushed back. “It doesn’t matter how many they sell. What they need the 4C to do is attract attention. It needs to make a statement," said Stephanie Brinley of IHS Automotive. Brinley goes onto say that more Alfa models should quickly follow up to keep the momentum going. “The 2015 products really need to come in 2015. Otherwise, they will lose momentum.” 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

Thanks to early release of photos before the official showing at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Ford has come clean and revealed the 2015 Focus. The most noticeable change on the Focus is the front fascia, which adopts the Aston Martin-esq grille. Other changes to the front include reshaped headlights, hood, and front fascia. The rest of the vehicle appears to be the same as the current model. Inside, the 2015 Focus gets new trim pieces and the addition of buttons if MyFordTouch is equipped. A back-up camera is standard, while Ford's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) becomes an option. The 2015 Focus will also become the second model in the U.S. gain the the 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder producing 123 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. This engine will only be available with the six-speed manual transmission. All other powertrains will carry over. The 2015 Focus will go on sale in the second half of this year. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 World's Best-Selling Nameplate Gets Even Better: Ford Reveals Sophisticated New Focus with 1.0-Liter EcoBoost Redesigned Ford Focus delivers new exterior design, completely revised interior and advanced new technologies for improved customer comfort and safety 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine raises the competitive bar for fuel efficiency New Focus will offer driver-assist technology including a standard rearview camera, along with available lane-keeping system and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 24, 2014 – The 2015 Ford Focus, the world's best-selling nameplate, is expected to hold onto this coveted title with a bold new look that emulates other recent Ford vehicle designs and more advanced technologies that improve driver comfort and safety. The new look and added technologies were revealed today at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the world's largest exhibition for the mobile industry. "We have taken the title of world's best-selling nameplate to impressive new heights with the redesigned Focus," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president of The Americas. "Its combination of compelling, modern design and the most high-tech interior in the class will appeal to contemporary consumers who desire a small car with very sophisticated features. What makes Focus so attractive to consumers today – being great to drive, delivering exceptional fuel economy and value, and offering leading-edge in-car technologies – is amplified with the new Focus." Award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost In addition to a host of styling and technological advances, the new Focus will offer the remarkably efficient, fun-to-drive, award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine with a six-speed transmission – surpassing the fuel efficiency of the previous model, and once again raising the bar amongst the competition. Twice already, automotive journalists have named Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost powerplant International Engine of the Year, for 2012 and 2013. "The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is proof that excellent fuel economy and performance can come in one package," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. "Focus is already known for bringing together efficiency and fun, and our latest addition will bring consumers a whole new level of enjoyment – on the road and at the pump." The smallest engine in the company's growing EcoBoost family will increase the choice for Ford customers in the United States, as Fiesta is already available with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine. In Europe, where it is already on five nameplates, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost accounts for 32 percent of sales of the current-generation Focus and 26 percent of Fiesta sales this year. Robust demand for the 1.0-liter in Europe has prompted Ford to double production capacity at its state-of-the-art plant in Cologne, Germany, to more than 1,000 engines a day. EcoBoost technology combines smaller-displacement engines with turbocharging, direct injection, variable valve timing and proprietary Ford software to bring customers outstanding performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines can deliver significantly better fuel economy than larger-displacement gasoline engines. Stylish new Focus The new Focus will arrive with a more stylish, bold look. It features a restyled hood and grille, signature lighting for the headlamps and taillamps, new rear lamp clusters and a restyled trunk lid. Four-door and five-door versions will be available in the United States. Inside, colors and materials have a clean, modern look, with satin chrome detailing, new seat trims, switches and an available heated steering wheel. Storage is improved with a new center console incorporating adjustable cupholders, and a new, easier-to-access glove box. Advanced technologies A package of sensors brings a new level of convenience for compact car customers by adding driver-assist technologies including a rearview camera and an available Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and lane-keeping system. Standard on Focus for the first time, the rearview camera will appear on either a 4.2-inch screen or the 8-inch screen that comes with MyFord Touch®-equipped cars. BLIS uses two multiple-beam radar modules, the same used with cross-traffic alert, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels, one on each side. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding sideview mirror, providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching. Should a Focus driver start to drift out of the current lane without a turn signal on, the available lane-keeping system provides a warning through a series of steering wheel vibrations that mimic a rumble strip. If the unintended lane departure is not corrected by the driver, the aid function of the system actively applies steering torque to help the driver direct the car back toward the center of the current lane. SYNC AppLink New Focus drivers will also have access to powerful new capabilities thanks to a host of new functions developers can integrate as they modify their apps to communicate with enhanced SYNC® AppLink™. Android and iOS smartphone owners can download more than 60 AppLink-enabled apps from the Apple App Store and Android market. New functions include: Connected apps can access a variety of real-time vehicle data such as speed, acceleration, odometer and location information that can be used by the app to further customize and personalize the user experience. For example, access to the in-vehicle GPS signal can enable more precise and accurate location-based services than phone sensors More consistent user experience thanks to voice pass-through capability. This enables developers to use on-device or cloud-based voice-recognition systems to evaluate driver commands, meaning drivers can use the same set of voice commands to control an app when connected to the vehicle as they would use when not connected Notifications read aloud as a driver enters the car, with no need to touch the phone. Best of all, alerts are available any time a mobile device is connected to SYNC AppLink, even if the app is not currently active. This means a driver could get an alert about a traffic jam ahead while listening to the radio or using another app In addition to the many advancements in exterior styling, interior design, powertrain and technology, the new Focus will also benefit from suspension and chassis upgrades. These include a new shock absorber valve design providing improved interior quietness, a new electronic stability program system with less intrusion and improved comfort, and a change to the rear suspension to give drivers a more connected feel to the road. The 2015 Ford Focus goes on sale in the second half of 2014. View full article

Previously we've heard Maserati's upcoming crossover, the Levante, would be using the Jeep Grand Cherokee as base. But now, that appears not to be the case. Speaking with CNNMoney, Maserati CEO Harald Wester said the Levante would not use the Grand Cherokee's platform. Motor Trend adds that a engineer recently hinted that Maserati is opting for the Quattroporte/Ghilbi's platform to underpin the Levante. Now this isn't the first time Maserati has changed their mind with the Levante. When the model was first announced, it was planned to be built at Chrysler's Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit. Then last year, Maserati announced that production would take place at Fiat's Mirafiori factory in Turin, Italy. Source: CNNMoney, 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

First there was GTI. Then came GTD. Now, Volkswagen has revealed the brand new GTE that will debut next next month at the Geneva Motor Show. The GTE follows in the footsteps of the GTD with offering hot hatch performance and improved fuel economy. The difference is how the GTE performs the feat. Under the skin is a plug-in hybrid system comprised of 1.4L turbo four (producing 148 horsepower) and a electric motor (producing 101 horsepower) that make a combined 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed DSG gearbox that has been built with hybrid vehicles in mind. A 8.8 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery finishes off the powertrain. Performance figures are as followed: 0 - 62 MPH: 7.6 Seconds Top Speed: 81 MPH on Electric Power, 135 MPH when Gas Engine is on Range on Electric Power: 31 Miles Driving Range: 584 Miles Combined Fuel Economy: 157 MPG on European Cycle Recharge Time: 3.5 Hours from a conventional home outlet, 2.5 Hours at a public charging station As for styling, the GTE incorporates elements of the GTI and e-Golf. However, the GTE has blue accents in places where the GTI would have red accents. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels come as standard, while seventeen and eighteen-inch wheels are optional. Volkswagen hasn't announced a release date or if the GTE will come to the U.S. in their release. Our best guess as to the GTE's fate of coming to the U.S. is that it will not. Source: Volkswagen 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 VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS THE PLUG-IN HYBRID GOLF GTE New plug-in hybrid marries sustainability and performance Golf GTE can be driven up to 31 miles in all-electric mode; the total theoretical driving range is 584 miles European Driving Cycle combined fuel economy of 157 mpg System has 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque GTE is the third GT in the Golf model series, following GTI and GTD Golf GTE has a top speed of 135 mph and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.6 seconds Wolfsburg / Geneva, March 2014 — Volkswagen is the first automaker worldwide to offer a model line with a full range of conventional and alternative powertrains. The new Golf GTE plug-in hybrid, which will be presented at the Geneva International Motor Show (March 4 to 16, 2014) is the fifth powertrain to be offered in the Golf, adding to gasoline, diesel, CNG and full electric versions. The Golf GTE has an NEDC hybrid combined fuel economy rating of 157 mpg (equivalent to 35 g of CO2) and has an all-electric range of 31 miles along with an overall range of 584 miles. GTI, GTD, GTE. The Golf GTE name is in line with the GTI and GTD abbreviations—two sporty icons of the Golf range. The first GTI in 1976 invented the term “hot hatch” and is currently the most successful compact sports car in the world. The “I” in the name stands for electronic fuel injection while the “D” in GTD, introduced for the first time in 1982, stands for diesel fuel injection. The latest versions of these two best-selling Golf sports cars were introduced in 2013. Now Volkswagen has transferred its sporty compact car philosophy to a third model—the Golf GTE. The new Golf GTE has two engines: a 1.4-liter 148 horsepower turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine and a 101 hp electric motor. These combine to provide the stated system power of 201 hp. If the electric motor is the sole source for propulsive power, the Golf GTE is capable of speeds of up to 81 mph. When the full power of the system is harnessed, the GTE sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds and achieves a top speed of 135 mph on the autobahn and race courses. Of more significance is the superior pulling power of the Golf GTE thanks to its alliance of a gasoline engine and electric motor that produces a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft. This torque sets this first “GTE” apart from other plug-in hybrid models. Despite its power and torque, the Golf GTE remains one of the world's most efficient cars. If you mainly run short distances, you can drive in emissions-free all-electric mode for days, weeks, and months. The battery takes about three and a half hours to charge fully from a conventional wall outlet. If the battery is charged using a wallbox or a public charging station, the charging time is shortened to approximately two and a half hours. Thanks to the control options on the Golf GTE, the driver can also ensure on longer trips that only the electric motor is used in an urban area. The automobile revolution has a name – MQB. The variety of products in the Golf lineup— TSI (including GTI), TDI® (including GTD), TGI (powered by CNG), e-Golf, and Golf GTE—is made possible by the modular transverse matrix, abbreviated to MQB. This modular technology platform, initially introduced with the current Golf in 2012, is synonymous with an automotive revolution because Volkswagen engineers have created the prerequisites for a high-volume model, such as the Golf, to accept all drive types. This explains why Golf models with gasoline, diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid drives can be manufactured from bumper to bumper at Volkswagen factories. As soon as developments make it possible, the first Golf with a hydrogen fuel cell will become part of the range. Golf GTE plug-in hybrid systemAs mentioned, the new Golf GTE is driven by a 148-hp TSI turbocharged and direct-injection gasoline engine and a 101-hp electric motor. The electric motor is supplied with power from a high-voltage 8.8 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that is charged from a socket behind the VW logo in the radiator grille. The battery weighs 265 pounds, or about eight percent of the GTE’s 3360-pound curb weight. The GTE has a six-speed DSG® automatic transmission that was developed specifically for hybrid vehicles. Volkswagen integrated the electric motor in the transmission housing. Additional hybrid drive components also include the power electronics (which converts the battery's direct current to alternating current for the electric motor) and a charger. An electro-mechanical brake servo and an electric air-conditioning compressor safeguard optimal and energy-efficient operation of the brakes and air conditioning, especially for the GTE’s “e-mode”. The Golf GTE can be driven in various intuitively named modes. For instance, the driver can push a button to intentionally switch to the “e-mode” which makes the Golf GTE a zero-emissions vehicle. The driver can also use the button to switch to “GTE mode”, which activates the sporty side of this new Golf. Design and features The Golf GTE contains a pioneering, environmentally friendly, and sporty plug-in hybrid system. All of this is combined with a suspension that offers equally sporty handling and high levels of comfort. Exterior. Volkswagen Head Designer Klaus Bischoff's crew created a look that merges GTI insignia with those of the e-Golf, creating an unmistakable identity. Klaus Bischoff explains the differences: “The presence of the electric drive is visually expressed by the prominent C-signature of the daytime running lights on the Golf GTE. Meanwhile, all other front design elements bridge to the GTI.” In those places where red dominates on the GTI, blue is used in the GTE. Bischoff continues: “A radiator crossbar running into the headlights provides further sporty accents within the context of Volkswagen electric mobility.” Like the e-Golf, the four-door Golf GTE will launch with LED dual headlights as standard. The turn signals, parking light, and smoked numberplate lighting also use LED technology. Side skirts and a roof-edge spoiler provide further parallels with the GTI and GTD. Meanwhile, the aerodynamic 16-inch (standard), 17-inch, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels were designed especially for the GTE. Interior. Like the exterior, the sporty interior of the Golf GTE reveals a clear relationship to its other two GT series counterparts. However, just as on the exterior, the interior’s red accents have also turned to blue. Klaus Bischoff says: “Volkswagen's e-mobility color of blue creates attractive contrasts in the car’s seating, decorative seams, and material design. Moreover, the blue ambience lighting builds a visual bridge to the world of e-mobility.” The light blue decorative seams on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, on the edges of the floormats, on the seats, and on the shifter grip are perfectly matched with the exterior features of the Golf GTE. Golf GTE-specific instruments and displays Touchscreen. All Golf cars are equipped with a touchscreen. In the case of the Golf GTE the high-resolution 6.5-inch “Composition Media” radio system is standard. The “Discover Pro” radio-navigation system is available as an option. Both units are equipped with many additional functions on the GTE. These include a “driving range monitor", an “energy flow display”, “zero emission statistics”, “e-manager”, and—with the optional navigation system—the “360° driving range”. Additionally, all Golf GTE owners can download the “Volkswagen Car-Net e-Remote” app to their smartphone free-of-charge and use it to control functions and access information. Driving range monitor: shows the current electric driving range of the GTE as well as the additional driving range potential from deactivating any auxiliary features that consume electricity. Energy flow display: shows the power flow when accelerating (blue arrows) and when braking or regenerating (green arrows) as animated graphics. e-manager: can program up to three departure and charging times; the Golf GTE ensures the set temperature and battery charge status at a defined time. Parallel to this, heating or cooling of the interior can be activated using standard air-conditioning while charging. Air conditioning therefore does not hinder the battery charging process, thereby extending the electric range. 360° range: the current radius in “e-mode” is shown by the 360° range in the local map. The inner area shows the range for an outward and return trip, the outer area the range for a one-way drive. Charging stations can be displayed and incorporated in the route as intermediate stopovers. Car-Net e-Remote. Using the “Volkswagen Car-Net e-Remote” app it is also possible to make several of these settings and requests for information via a smartphone or the Car-Net website. In detail, the app can program the departure time, air conditioning, charging the battery, accessing vehicle data, and the vehicle's status. Power meter. The power meter supplements the tachometer on the left-hand side of the instrument cluster; it displays how much system power is currently being used or the intensity of battery regeneration. The speedometer remains on the right-hand side. The color display which is located between the power meter and the speedometer (multifunction display “Plus”) also permanently shows the electrical driving range and the current operating mode. View full article

I'm thinking that want to give the ATS-V some breathing room before the CTS-V comes out. Just speculating here.