Drew Dowdell

Drew Dowdell - March 28th, 2012 - CheersandGears.com Not wanting to be outdone by Ford's announcement today of the Ecoboost V6 powered 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, Chevrolet release a full photo spread and press release of the refreshed 2013 Chevrolet Traverse crossover. The new Traverse sports a new face that steps away from Chevy's traditional horizontal split grill design. Along with gaining the industry wide standard traditional trapezoid grill with 3 horizontal bars and chrome ring, the traverse gains new front fender sculpting and new tail light treatments. The refreshed interior gets a new dash and a 6.5-inch color touch screen radio and available MyLink system. Press release on page 2 2013 Chevy Traverse Gives Families New Gathering Space · New athletic exterior debuts Chevrolet crossover utility face · More refined interior with class-leading space for cargo and up to eight passengers · New and industry-exclusive safety features including front center air bag · Improved car-like ride and handling NEW YORK – The new 2013 Chevrolet Traverse crossover-utility vehicle offers families a new gathering space with greater style, refinement and safety. It goes into production later this year, building on the space, comfort and efficiency that have made Traverse popular. “The new Traverse is a family vehicle without compromise,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Global Marketing and Strategy. “It is more capable than many sport-utility vehicles, with as much room as a minivan and better functionality than both. The Traverse is clever, capable and confident – and there when you need it most.” The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has a new, athletic exterior design, complemented by a more expressive front end that introduces a new face for Chevrolet crossover utilities. The front features a new shape supported by a powerdome hood, a three-bar upper and two-bar lower grille design, new lamps, chrome accents around the grille and fog lamps, and sculpted front corners similar to the Malibu sedan. The new design captures the overall character of Chevy’s new car lineup, for a consistent family resemblance. “We have injected a stronger presence into the Traverse exterior by focusing on the details,” said Phillip Zak, GM director of exterior design. “The small but important changes give it a more vibrant personality that more closely reflects the lifestyles of the families who rely on the Traverse to get them through their busy lives.” At the rear, redesigned lamps and the license plate pocket are positioned in the new liftgate for a sportier look. New family gathering space Space is the hallmark of the Traverse interior. With its class-leading spaciousness, comfortable and flexible seating for up to eight adults, and more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its segment, the 2013 Chevy Traverse builds on these established attributes by offering an interior environment with new features and refined appointments. Upgraded materials include soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and front door uppers, contrasting stitching, chrome and silver accents, and available blue ambient lighting that flows through the cabin. A new center stack showcases a 6.5-inch color touch radio with the available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. MyLink allows customers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones for hands-free calling through the audio system and Bluetooth streaming of popular internet radio favorites Pandora and Stitcher. The center stack also has large and illuminated climate controls that are easier to use and have a more upscale feel. The front seats now feature articulating head restraints that can be adjusted up or down and fore and aft for greater comfort. The eight-way power passenger seat includes leather trim. New wood trim treatments are standard on LT and LTZ. Adding to the overall feel of quality, the fit and finish of the interior panels have been improved on all models. The new Traverse will come with three interior color choices, in cloth or leather, including Ebony and Mojave, Light Titanium and Dark Titanium, and Ebony. Passes the parent test The Traverse passes the parent test with three rows of seating standard on all models, flexible seating configurations, class-leading people and cargo-carrying capacity, and family-friendly entertainment and other features. Traverse’s second-row seat comes with a pair of captain’s chairs or a three-passenger bench. Each incorporates Traverse’s child-friendly, second-row SmartSlide feature that enables unobstructed access to the third-row bench seat with one hand – and is easy for children to operate. The third-row seat can comfortably accommodate three adult passengers. Traverse’s 24.4 cu. ft. (691 liters) of cargo room behind its third row is larger than many full-size utility vehicles. Traverse also has easy-to-operate safety belts, up to 12 cup holders and an available rear-seat entertainment system. Efficient power and car-like ride Traverse has a long 118.9-inch (3,019 mm) wheelbase, with a wide 67.8-inch (1,721 mm) front track and 67.4-inch (1,712 mm) rear track – a combination that enables smooth, stable ride and handling characteristics. Efficiency in the Traverse comes from a technically advanced 3.6L V-6 with fuel-saving direct injection technology and continuously variable valve timing. It is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with improved shift feel that results in more confident acceleration when the driver needs additional power to enter the highway or pass another motorist. The engine is SAE-certified at 288 horsepower (215 Nm) and 270 lb.-ft. of torque (366 Nm) with dual exhaust (281 hp/210 kW and 266 lb.-ft./361 Nm with single exhaust). Its direct injection fuel delivery helps produce power similar to many V-8 engines and uses regular unleaded gasoline. The transmission controls have been revised to provide quicker and more consistent shifts. Along with additional transmission hardware changes, the Traverse is expected to continue to deliver among the best fuel economy ratings of any eight-passenger (FWD) utility vehicle. Ride and handling improvements have been made through the use of rebound springs in the front struts that increase roll control. New shock valving has been employed for low-velocity control to deliver a smoother ride at lower speeds. The available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction. Traverse maintains capability to deliver improved ride and handling, offering utility-like towing capacity of up to 5,200 pounds (2,358 kg). Smart and safe family hauler The Traverse is among the safest vehicles on the road today, previously earning top honors and recognition from leading third-party organizations and in government crash testing. For 2013 it enhances its safety reputation with the industry’s first front center air bag. It is engineered to provide additional restraint to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle. When a severe impact occurs, the air bag deploys in milliseconds from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and inflates between the driver and front passenger, providing added protection for both front occupants. “While no restraint technology or feature can address all body areas or all potential injuries, the front center air bag is designed to address field-relevant, side-impact crashes that are not addressed by current regulatory or consumer metric test conditions,” said Gay Kent, GM executive director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness. “It works with the vehicle’s other air bags, safety belts and structure to deliver a safer occupant environment.” Additional safety and security features: · Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems (standard on LTZ) use radar to watch spots the driver may not see – and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions. Standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for outboard occupants in all seating rows. In addition to providing protection in moderate-to-severe side crashes, the roof-mounted head curtain air bags will deploy in a rollover to help provide increased occupant protection and containment. StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology is standard on all models and incorporates full-function traction control. Standard rearview camera system is designed to provide the driver with added capability to view what is in the rearward path of the vehicle. · Standard four-wheel-disc brake systemwith ABS featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation. · Safety belt pretensioners reduce forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts, along with load-limiting retractors that help limit the belts’ impact on the occupants’ chest. The dynamic locking latch plate locks to hold the occupants’ pelvis in place. · LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system is included in outboard second-row seating positions. · Tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models. · Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants. · Standard hill start assist brakes help reduce the tendency of a vehicle to roll forward or backward on a hill after the brake pedal is released by momentarily retaining pressure on the brake discs. OnStar Features OnStar is standard on all Traverse models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of a crash. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies. · OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. · Six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance comes on all Traverse models. The feature is easy to use because all directions are sent to the car by an advisor, without the need to stop. Turn-by-Turn can be cost-effective, since map updates and aftermarket navigation systems are not needed. · Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps police track the vehicle. · OnStar Mobile App allows owners with Android™ or Apple™ smart phones to remotely start the engine, lock and unlock doors and view vital vehicle information such as tire pressure, fuel tank level, range, remaining oil life, etc. For 2013, Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models (with two LT packages: 1LT and 2LT), in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. It is built in Lansing, Mich. Pricing is not announced. Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com # # # 2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE SPECIFICATIONS Overview Model: Chevrolet Traverse Body style / driveline: crossover-utility vehicle / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Construction: body-frame integral EPA vehicle class: sport utility vehicle Manufacturing location: Lansing Delta Township Assembly, Lansing, Mich. Key competitors: Honda Pilot; Ford Explorer Engine Type: 3.6L V-6 DI VVT Displacement (cu in / cc): 217 / 3564 Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 Block material: cast aluminum Cylinder head material: cast aluminum Valvetrain: DOHC; four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing Fuel delivery: direct, high-pressure fuel injection Compression ratio: 11.3:1 Horsepower (hp / kW): 281 / 210 @ 6300 (single exhaust)* 288 / 215 @ 6300 (dual exhaust)* Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 266 / 361 @ 3400 (single exhaust)* 270 / 366 @ 3400 (dual exhaust)* Recommended fuel: regular unleaded Max. engine speed (rpm): 6700 Emissions controls: dual close-coupled converters; two pre- and two post-oxygen sensors EPA fuel economy: 17 / 24 (FWD) 16 / 23 (AWD) Transmission & Power Take Off Unit (PTU) Manufacturer: GM Type: Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed FWD/AWD automatic transmission Gear ratio (:1) First: 4.48 Second: 2.87 Third: 1.80 Fourth: 1.41 Fifth: 1.00 Sixth: 0.74 Reverse: 2.88 Final drive ratio: 3.16 Chassis / Suspension Front: coil-over strut; direct acting stabilizer bar; full perimeter isolated cradle Rear: linked H-arm independent suspension; coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers mounted on isolated sub-frame Steering type: hydraulic rack-and-pinion; straight ratio and variable effort Steering ratio: 16.1 Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.89 Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 40.4 / 12.3 Brakes Type: four-wheel disc Rotor diameter (in / mm): front: 12.8 x 1.1 / 325 x 29, ventilated rear: 13 x 0.8 / 331 x 20, ventilated Anti-lock braking system (ABS): Bosch 8.0 Chassis Controls: ABS / ETC / ESC w/rollover mitigation Wheels / Tires Wheel size and type: 17 x 7-in; steel 18 x 7.5-in; machined cast aluminum 20 x 8-in; machined cast aluminum Tire size and type: P245/70R17 ALS blackwall P255/65R18 ALS blackwall P255/55R20 AL3 blackwall Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase (in / mm): 118.9 / 3019 Overall length (in / mm): 203.7 / 5173 Overall width (in / mm): 78.4 / 1991 Overall height (in / mm): 72.8 / 1846 (w/roof rails); 69.7 / 1770 (w/o roof rails) Track Front (in / mm): 67.8 / 1721 Rear (in / mm): 67.4 / 1711 Curb weight (lb / kg): 4713 / 2138 (FWD) 4956 / 2248 (AWD) Min. ground clearance (in / mm): 7.2 / 183 (FWD and AWD) Interior Seating capacity: 7 or 8 Headroom First row (in /mm): 40.4 / 10264 (w/o sunroof); 38.6 / 979 (w/ sunroof) Second row (in / mm): 39.4 / 1000 (w/o sunroof); 38.73 / 983 (w/ sunroof) Third row (in / mm): 37.8 / 960 (w/o sunroof); 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof) Legroom First row (in / mm): 41.3 / 1049 Second row (in / mm): 36.8 / 937 Third row (in / mm): 33.2 / 843 Shoulder room First row (in / mm): 61.5 / 1563 Second row (in / mm): 61 / 1549 Third row (in / mm): 57.6 / 1463 Hip room First row (in / mm): 58 / 1472 Second row (in / mm): 57.8 / 1467 Third row (in / mm): 48.3 / 1227 Cargo volume Behind first row (second-row seat folded and third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L): 116.3 / 3293 Behind second row with third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L): 70.3 / 1990 Behind third row with cargo management system removed (cu ft / L): 24.4 / 691 Capacities EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 150.8 / 4269 Fuel tank (gal / L): 22 / 83.3 Engine oil (qt / L): 5.5 / 5.2 Transmission fluid (qt / L): 9.5 / 9.0 (Dexron VI only) Cooling system (qt / L): 11.8 / 11.18 Max towing capacity (lb / kg): 5200 / 2358 GCWR (lb / kg): 10250 / 4649 (FWD) 10450 / 4740 (AWD) GVWR (lb / kg): 6411 / 2908 (FWD) 6459 / 2930 (AWD) *SAE certified. Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

Drew Dowdell - March 28th, 2012 - CheersandGears.com Ford unveiled a new Explorer Sport today equipped with a 350+ horsepower Ecoboost V6 and four-wheel drive. Specifically targeting the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T with the 5.7-liter Hemi, Ford is anticipating the the Explorer Sport to have an advantage of 3mpg city and 2mpg highway over the Jeep and Dodge. The Explorer Sport gains additional chassis reinforcement and larger brakes that both improves handling and maintains the Explorer's 5,000 pound tow rating. Styling changes include package specific 20 inch machined wheels, a special grill with low-gloss mesh combined with high-gloss bars and the Explorer name spelled out in raised letters across the hood. The 2013 Explorer Sport will be manufactured at Ford's Chicago facility and will be available for sale later this year. Press release on page 2 New Ford Explorer Sport: Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance SUV Features Inspired Design Cues, EcoBoost V6 Engine Ford Explorer Sport is a new addition for the 2013 model year, featuring EcoBoost® 3.5-liter V6 engine for greater performance feel and projected top fuel economy among gasoline-powered, high-performance sport utility vehicles Explorer Sport gives customers an interior inspired by designer accessory fashions, sporty exterior design cues and specially tuned suspension components DEARBORN, Mich., March 28, 2012 – The first-ever performance version of the Ford Explorer arrives this year with the highest projected fuel economy among gasoline-engine-powered, high- performance SUVs. With a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine making at least 350 horsepower and four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System™, Explorer Sport delivers enhanced on-road dynamics with sporty design cues inside and out. “Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.” Power, capability, fuel efficiency Completely new for 2011, the Ford Explorer has been winning over customers with its improved on-road handling, impressive comfort and convenience technologies, and fuel economy never before delivered by an SUV. For the 2013 model year, Explorer Sport brings high-performance SUV power and projected fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway – anticipating 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines. It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. “Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.” The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency. The chassis also has been specially reinforced, making Explorer Sport stiffer and improving its handling. Explorer Sport also brings a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with a faster ratio, providing more responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off. Ford’s newest SUV comes standard with larger brakes for shorter stopping distances and better performance while towing. Explorer Sport also has received special terrain management settings for tackling sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent. “Upgrading to Sport specification enabled us to maintain the standards of traditional Explorer capability plus delivering the highest highway fuel efficiency among gasoline-engine-powered, high-performance, three-row SUVs,” Widmann said. Subtle, sporty design elements Sport builds on Explorer’s muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup. Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué. The Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars. The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement. Subtle Sport and EcoBoost badges at the rear finish the liftgate. Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts. The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats. Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates. Comfort, convenience, connectivity As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include: 4WD with Terrain Management System Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control 10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar First-row heated seats Compass and exterior temperature display Rear view camera SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options as well: Active park assist Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert Inflatable rear seat belts 110-volt outlet PowerFold mirrors Intelligent access with Push-Button Start Remote Start Adjustable pedals with memory Dual-panel moonroof Power liftgate Class III trailer-towing package Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility. It will arrive in dealerships later this year. # # # About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.