GM May Kill Pontiac and GMC in an Effort to Cut Costs
GM may be close to a June 1st bankruptcy filing if the automaker can't restructure. In an effort to show that the automaker is serious GM may kill Pontiac and GMC in an effort to further cut costs. Killing Pontiac and GMC would eventually mean that GM would only have three brands: Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac. The Saturn, Saab and...
Fiat Could Cancel Deal With Chrysler if Labor Costs Aren't Cut
Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne has told the Globe and Mail and mail that the possible partnership with Chrysler will succeed if the automaker cannot cut labor costs. Marchionne told the newspaper that the partnership only has a 50-50 chance because of the lack of progress in talks with union leaders. He also stated that Canadian unions have been especially resistant. "Absolutely...
Opel Insignia OPC and Vauxhall Insignia VXR Unveiled with 325 HP
Although Opel and Vauxhaull's parent company GM may be having some financial problems, Opel and Vauxhall are still moving ahead with the unveiling of the 325 horsepower Insignia. The Vauxhall version of the hot Insignia is dubbed the Insignia VXR and the Opel version is dubbed the Insignia OPC. No matter which name the Insignia receives, both models feature the...
Cadillac Converj Concept Given the Green Light?
According to Motor Trend, GM has approved the Cadillac Converj Concept for production. The extended-range electric coupe is based on the same architecture that powers the Chevy Volt. GM execs want the car on the market by 2011 as a 2012 model. In addition a source claims that GM is also working on a crossover that will use the same...
GM Reportedly Has Almost a Two Year Supply of the Pontiac G3 on Dealer Lots
Late last year when GM announced plans to sell a Pontiac-badged version (G3) of the Korean made Chevy Aveo, many of us asked why. Well apparently car buyers have asked the same question or have at least ignored the thinky revised Chevy Aveo that is now also sitting in Pontiac showrooms as the Pontiac G3. Last month Pontiac only...
Mercedes-Benz Says No to an AMG E-Class Coupe
Mercedes has decided to not replace the CLK63 AMG. The CLK is officially being replaced by the larger E-Class coupe in Mercedes lineup and Mercedes has stated that it has no plans to release an AMG version of the new coupe. The apparent reason has to do with the positioning of the new coupe. The E-Class coupe moves up a...
Aston Martin Rapide Four-Door Officially Puts Out 470 HP
Aston Martin has officially uncovered the upcoming four-door Rapide with the release of a single side image. From the single photo, its apparent that the production version remains very close to the original show car that first appeared in 2006. One noteworthy design element is what Aston Martin refers to as "swan wing" doors. The two rear doors rise upwards...
IIHS Tests Subcompacts Against Midsize Sedans and the Results Are Not Great
The IIHS has released the crash test results involving three subcompact/ minicars into a midsize sedan from the same automaker and the results are not pretty. Normally crash test results involve a vehicle crashing into a deformable barrier, which most of the time is not accurate in the real world. Most crashes involve two vehicles crashing into each other. In...
Toyota A-BAT Concept to Remain a Concept…At Least for Now
Toyota unveiled the A-BAT Concept last year and according to sources it had been given the green light, but thanks to the current state of the auto industry, plans have been put on hold. The Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck "A-BAT" featured a unibody platform and hybrid powertrain in a small compact pickup truck. The concept also featured a cab forward...
GM is Recalling Almost 1.5 Million Vehicles Due to Potential Car Fires
NHTSA has just announced that GM is recalling 1,497,516 vehicles due to potential engine fires. The vehicles being recalled are powered by GM's 3.8L V6. In some of these vehicles engine oil may drop from the engine onto the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough the oil could ignite and a fire could spread to the plastic spark...
