Earlier this week, General Motors surprised German official and labor unions by backing out of plans to sell Opel to Magna International and Russian bank Sberbank. CEO Fritz Henderson said that the Detroit automaker now hopes to get the European government to help it restructure Opel but could use some of its $50 billion it received from the U.S. government.

GM’s decision to keep Opel will probably include it cutting around 10,000 jobs. Henderson said that GM will seek assistance from the European government to help pay for the estimated $4 to $5 billion restructuring costs.

He said that Opel will be able to pay for most of the restructuring itself.

“Part of it is from … GM,” Henderson said. “Things have improved there, as far as liquidity position. … That would be our principal source of doing it.”

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Free Press

According to Saab’s Director of Global Operations Knut Simonsson, the Swedish automaker is working on a new concept car that will hint at a future small model for the brand.

“It’s going to be very important and will indicate what the Saab message is going to be,” Simonsson said.

The concept will make its debut within the next 12 months and will take Saab into a segment that it is not currently present in.  The model would fit below the 9-3.

Even after you see the concept within the next 12 months, don’t expect to see a compact Saab on the roads anytime soon. The company is still regrouping as it joins Koenigsegg and breaks away from General Motors. More important right now are the replacements for the 9-3 and the 9-5.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Inside Line

Under Fiat SpA, Chrysler has dismantled a team of engineers dedicated to developing a range of electric-vehicles. The move marks a major reversal for Chrysler, which had used its ENVI department and its electric-car program in order to receive $12.5 billion in federal aid.

In August, Chrysler took a $70 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and test a fleet of 220 hybrid pickups and minivans that are now scrapped from its turnaround plan that CEO Sergio Marchionne announced earlier this week. Spokesman Nick Cappa said that on Friday, Chrysler had disbanded ENVI for a more traditional organization.

“Envi is absorbed into the normal vehicle development program,” Cappa told Reuters.

Under the new plan presented by Marchionne, ENVI’s chief Lou Rhodes will become the executive in charge of developing electric-cars for both Fiat and Chrysler.

Originally, Chrysler had plans to launch its first electric-vehicles by 2010. It had pledged to have 500,000 electric-cars on the road by 2013.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Reuters

Hummer, which is on its way to becoming owned by China’s Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, announced updates to its 2010 Hummer H3 and H3T mid-sized SUVs. The new additions include new colors and an available E85 Flex Fuel 5.3L V8 engine.

The 5.3L V8 Flex Fuel engine makes 300-hp with a maximum torque of 320 lb-ft. It is mated to GM’s Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

The new color choices for 2010 include Red Rock Metallic, Silver Stone Metallic, and Canyon Metallic.

Pricing for the 2010 Hummer H3 start at $33,390 while the 2010 H3T starts at $30,915. The H3T Alpha starts at $35,680. All models will hit dealerships next month.

Make the jump for the press release.

2010 Hummer H3 and 2010 Hummer H3T:

Press Release:

HUMMER Introduces Biofuel Capability, New Colors for the 2010 H3 and H3T

DETROIT – HUMMER announced today updates to the 2010 HUMMER H3 and H3T midsize all-terrain vehicles including the addition of three new exterior colors and an available E85 Flex Fuel capable 5.3L V8 engine as part of its commitment to offer a biofuel powertrain in all body styles by 2010. Both H3-based vehicles will begin arriving in dealerships before the end of 2009 in North America.

“In 2007, HUMMER committed to offer a biofuel powertrain in every vehicle by 2010 and follows through on that promise with the addition of a new 300-horsepower, E85 Flex Fuel capable 5.3L V8,” says James Taylor, HUMMER CEO. “This is just the first step in HUMMER’s evolution to offer responsible, yet highly capable all-terrain vehicles. Future models will be lighter, more efficient and will continue to offer the best blend of off-road capability and on-road performance.”

The new 5.3L V8 Flex Fuel engine is standard in all 2010 Alpha series’ models and is a powerful and efficient member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm). An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.

A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.

HUMMER also continues to expand customer choice with the introduction of three new premium colors for 2010, which include Red Rock Metallic, Silver Stone Metallic, and Canyon Metallic.

The H3 and H3T feature an extensive list of standard equipment, including full-time electronic four-wheel drive; Hill Start Assist; Stabilitrak electronic stability control system; four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control; roof-rail side curtain airbags and dual-stage frontal air bags with passenger sensing system; tire pressure monitoring system; OnStar; bluetooth hands-free capability and HUMMER’s premium five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty plan.

Pricing for the 2010 model year H3 remains unchanged from 2009, with a starting MSRP of $33,390. H3T pricing begins at $30,915, a slight $165 increase from 2009. HUMMER has lowered the 2010 H3T Alpha price $335 with a new MSRP of $35,680. All 2010 models also include destination charges of $780.

The 2010 HUMMER H3 and H3T are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in December 2009.

About HUMMER

HUMMER is premium all-terrain vehicle manufacturer, with a product line-up that consists of the H2, H2 SUT, H3 and award-winning H3T. HUMMER models are available today in 38 countries around the globe.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Nissan has released a concept sketch of a new light commercial electric-vehicle based on the NV200 Concept.

“The low-cost multi-purpose vehicle would allow ambulance drivers to drive directly into the hospital or van and taxi drivers to enter urban areas where CO2 emissions are restricted,” Nissan said in a statement. “The van is one of four electric vehicles Nissan has announced for the future.”

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled its production Leaf electric-car, which will be launched in Japan and the U.S. in late 2010. CEO Carlos Ghosn also confirmed that it will release a four-seater Infiniti electric compact car and a production version of the Nissan LandGlider concept.

Nissan Light Commercial Electric Van:

2010 Nissan LEAF EV:

- By: Kap Shah

While most people who retire spend their life golfing or living in a beach house, 101 year old Virgil Coffman likes living in the fast lane. The centenarian recently became the oldest known owner of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Which Camaro did he purchase? A 400-hp, bright yellow, Transformers edition Camaro SS.

“Impressed by the overall design, Virgil was ultimately sold on the cars’ easy handling. After owning nearly 40 cars in his lifetime, he follows the philosophy that if you want something, get it,” GM said in a statement. “These days Virgil says he can’t go anywhere without strangers asking him about his car and he’s already planning road trips for next summer.”

Coffman has officially became our favorite 100+ year old person.

Click through for a video to see Coffman behind the wheel of his new Camaro.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition:

- By: Omar Rana

A source close to General Motors said that Bob Lutz, the company’s marketing head, will become chairman of the supervisory board of Opel to help the restructuring plan. Lutz, 77, will not take a direct management role in Opel the source said. He is already a member of the Opel supervisory board, which meets three to four times a year.

Earlier this morning, it was reported that the current CEO of Opel, Carl-Peter Forster, is leaving GM of Europe after the Detroit automaker decided to keep Opel instead of selling it to Magna International.

GM said that it expects the restructuring of Opel to cost 3 billion euros ($4.42 billion USD).

- By: Omar Rana

2010 has certainly been a banner year for the GM by way of luxuriously and sleekly redesigned vehicles. We had the opportunity to test out the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS, and we must say – there was little left to be desired. The ‘10 LaCrosse breaks Buick’s mark as the automobile for grandparents with its sleek design, premium interior, and superior handling. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also named the sedan a 2009 Top Safety Pick.

The Enclave SUV proved that if Buick creates a well-designed and well-executed vehicle, new car shoppers will give it a chance. Will the LaCrosse sedan be a similar success? Let’s find out.

Click through to read more and to view the high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS:

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Specifications:

Base Price: $33,015.
Price as Tested: $33,960.
Engine: 3.6L V6 VVT Direct Injection – 280-hp/259 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 6-Speed Hydra-Matic 6T40.
Curb Weight: 3,948 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 7.0 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 17/27 mpg (city/highway).

Exterior:

The exterior has a very elegant yet fairly sporty look with its sculpted design scheme of what could best be described as ‘angular curves,’ and with its high rear-end and aggressive front-grille design, the car comes off as almost bullet-like. According to the exterior design team, the front headlamps and grille were all designed to look as if they were three individual pieces of art fused into one. To them we say; well done. The front halogen fog lamps and chrome-tip dual exhaust embedded into the rear-bumber serve as bookends to one of the most attractive exteriors when it comes to the mid-size sedan market. Our 2010 LaCrosse CXS came with 18″ chrome-plated wheels finish of the exterior with a dynamic flair, and the power heated outside rear view mirrors with driver auto-dimming bring the interior’s luxury amenities to the outside. (The fog lamps and 18″ chrome-plated wheels are not available on the CX model, and optional on the CXL)

The ’sculpture’ that is the 2010 LaCrosse stands at 59.2 inches in height, 73.1 inches in width, and 197 inches in length. All of this sits on a 111.7 inch wheelbase and carries an estimated curb weight of 3,948 pounds on the CX model, 4,018 pounds on the CXL with front-wheel drive, and 4,065 pounds on the CXS model.

How does the exterior of the LaCrosse compare to its rivals? Well, while Acura still thinks its milk-mustache grille on the TL is something positive and while Lexus’ ES still remains mundane and dull, the Buick LaCrosse (we feel) eats its competitors for lunch when it comes to styling. Who would have thought that someone would ever say that about a Buick.

Interior:

The interior of the 2010 LaCrosse is without question one of the most luxurious interiors on the market today in terms of build quality and design. The swooping dash and interior door panels flow seamlessly so that as a passenger or driver, you will feel nestled in a pod of comfort and luxury; quiet luxury and comfort as the 2010 LaCrosse also offers one of the quietest rides on the market today. The center console sweeps up from the shift-knob and meets the dash to create a hub that houses AM/FM/CD/XM stereo (or a navigation system if you opt for one), automatic climate control knobs, and power-lock buttons. The dash cascades out in dramatic fashion from the center stereo and connects to the beautiful, leather-upholstered interior door panels that sweep back and disappear behind the front seats.

The front bucket seats on our $33,105 LaCrosse CXS (that’s the starting price) were adorned in plush and supple leather, and offered 8-way power adjustability for the driver. Other cool standard features on our CXS test-model included a Harman/kardon 11-speaker, 5.1 Matrix sound system with USB port. Is that it? Apparently so. One (or a couple) bone we had to pick with the $33,105 LaCrosse CXS was that it didn’t have a sunroof, which is a $995 option; nor did have Xenon headlamps, a $695 option. We’d rather have those two options over 18-inch chrome wheels – the 18-inch aluminum wheels would’ve done just fine.

Buyers going for the base $27,835 2010 LaCrosse CX, will get a bunch of standard features including OnStar, cruise-control, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, single-zone climate control.

Those that go for the 2010 LaCrosse CXL, which starts at $30,395 for the FWD model, will enjoy extras such as:

• Automatic Dual-Zone Air Conditioning
• Auto-Dimming Inside Rearview Mirror
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Heated Leather-Appointed Seats
• Power Driver Lumbar Support
• Remote Start

Those that want a little more can go for the $33,765 LaCrosse CXS which has everything from the CXL but adds:

• Harman/kardon 11-speaker, 5.1 Matrix sound system with USB port
• USB Stereo Connectivity
• 110 V Power Outlet
• Heated and Ventilated, Perforated Leather-Appointed Seats

Besides the sunroof and the xenon headlamps, buyers can also choose the $1,995 navigation and audio system option (AM/FM/XM stereo, single CD/DVD player, 40GB Hard Drive Device, MP3 playback, HDD-based navigation and rearview camera system) or the $1,295 rear seat entertainment system.

When compared to the interiors of its Japanese rivals, the Acura TL and the Lexus ES, the Buick LaCrosse definitely stands up strong – if not pulls out ahead in some cases.

Performance:

No matter how discriminating the buyer, no one in their right mind purchases a Buick with the expectation of a sporty, performance oriented ride. If you are, then there is a BMW 5-Series for that.  That being said; for what the 2010 Buick LaCrosse actually is, we thought it rode and handled exceptionally well.

All models come standard with a MacPherson strut front suspension, power brakes, and StabiliTrak stability control system that includes traction control and brake assist.

The basic model, the LaCrosse CX, is powered by a 3.0L V6 that makes 255-hp and a peak torque of 217 lb-ft. Buick will later add a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder Direct Injection engine mated to a 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40 transmission. The result is a machine that will put out 182 horses and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. All of this is supported by the front end MacPherson struts and 4-link rear suspension, and controlled by a power rack-and-pinion steering system.

The CXL derives its power from a more powerful 3.0L V6 VVT Direct Injection engine that comes mated to the same 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40 transmission. The more powerful engine on the CXL is realized with the output of 45 extra horses for a total of 255-hp on the FWD model and 252-hp on the AWD model. The FWD model achieves 217 lb.-ft. of torque while the AWD gets 215 lb.-ft. Both models are supported by the front end MacPherson struts and H-arm rear suspension, and have the same power variable effort magnetic rack-and-pinion steering system found on the CXS. Rear Park Assist is also available on both CXL models, and standard on the CXS.

Our test 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS was powered by a 3.6L V6 VVT Direct Injection engine and the same transmission as its two baby siblings. The 2010 LaCrosse CXS produces a total of 280-hp and a maximum torque of 259 lb.-ft. 0-60 mph comes in at 7.0 seconds. EPA estimated fuel-economy comes in at 17/25 mpg and we managed a total of 18.4 mpg over the full week.

Overall:

As compared to its key competition as identified by GM; the Acura TL, Toyota Avalon, Lincoln MKZ, and Lexus ES350, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse arrives as best in class. The phenomenal price tag on this superior product is enough to entice one alone; the CX carries a starting MSRP of $27,835, the MSRP on the CXL is $30,395/$32,570(AWD), and the CXS carries a starting MSRP of $33,765. The ride, amenities, comfort, and styling offered by the LaCrosse give even the finest interiors a run for their money, though none that rival the LaCrosse come as modestly priced.

Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright ©2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

We’ve previously heard that Rolls-Royce is working on an electric version of the Phantom. Well, before the electric Phantom hits the streets, Roll-Royce will put out a hybrid version of the new Ghost. According to AutoCar, the Rolls-Royce Ghost will share its green-technology with the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Engineering the Ghost hybrid will be fairly straightforward since the F01 7-Series and the Ghost share the same rear-wheel-drive platform. Joining the Ghost’s 563-hp 6.2L V12 will be a new electric-motor with a mild hybrid application. No electric-only driving will be possible. The hybrid Ghost will also feature automatic start-stop technology that will save fuel in the future. The 20kW/155 lb-ft electric-motor will sit between the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption on the hybrid Ghost should be 15 percent better than its standard model, which manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg.

Click here for more news on the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

In what we think is a good decision, General Motors said that its other plug-in hybrid offerings will not have Volt branding on them to identify with the compact plug-in hybrid that will launch later next year. By contrast, Toyota is planning to make a family of hybrid vehicles that will carry the Prius badging.

“Our thought is to take the Volt technology to other products,” Brent Dewar, chief of global operations for Chevrolet said. “The Volt was the original vehicle that we started, but I wouldn’t see that as a brand marketing direction for us.”

Dewar said that the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid would pave the way for more vehicles based on the same Voltec technology; however, the Volt name will not be found anywhere on GM’s future electric-vehicles.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

According to a report by Spiegel Online, the head of General Motors’ European business, Carl-Peter Forster, is leaving the company after GM’s board of directors decided to keep Opel last week. A former BMW executive, Forster had strained ties with GM after being in favor of the Magna deal.

Forster was expected to head Opel under Magna International. His departure from General Motors would mark the first high-profile manager to exit as a result of GM’s decision to keep Opel and restructure it. Spiegel Online said that GM plans to replace Forster with Nick Reilly, who is the head of international operations based out of Shanghai.

A GM Europe spokeswoman declined to comment but Opel said that Forster was still be chairman and an announcement would be made should there be changes.

Last week, GM said that it expects the restructuring of Opel to cost 3 billion euros ($4.42 billion USD), which it says lowers the costs associated with outside bids for the brand.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

Wish that the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG looked more like the old Gullwing? Well, ever since the launch of the SLS AMG at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the folks at Gullwing-America have been working on their own version of the new Stuttgart supercar – the Gullwing 300SL Panamericana.

After seeing the new 2011 SLS AMG coupe, Arturo Alonso, Gullwing-America’s chief engineer, went back to the drawing board and decided to add a new grille, ribs on the hood and fenders and other touches from the original Gullwing. The kit consists of seven body parts made from Hybrid Aluminum and carbon fiber.

Buyers can add two side vents, a set of chrome touches including a new grille frame, new oval dual xenon headlamps, 19 or 20-inch Gullwing America wheels and a sport tuned muffler system. Owners can also add racing stripes on the front fenders in any combination they desire.

Power still comes from the 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a peak torque of 479 lb-ft of torque from the SLS AMG.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Gullwing 300SL Panamericana (Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Gullwing America

While we still await the arrival of the road-going Mini Countryman Crossover, which has now been delayed to March 2010, Prodrive is reportedly prepping the vehicle for a possible WRC entry for Mini. According to a report by Autosport, a World Rally Car version of the Countryman is likely to be launched at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The publication says that Prodrive has been working on a new generation Mini WRC for much of 2009, developing the parts required without actually working on a base model.

“Right now there is nothing to say and I don’t think there will be anything to say until the spring, said Technical director David Lapworth. “This is not an official statement from me, it’s just the way things look. That said, it’s going to be very difficult to keep this thing under wraps.”

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Autosport (via MotoringFile)

The German Design Council said that it will present a 2010 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Audi A5 Coupe. What does the Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group, Walter de Silva have to say about that?

“The Audi A5 Coupé is the most beautiful car I’ve ever designed and is well on its way to becoming a design icon. I’m therefore thrilled by this accolade, as it also validates my hard work. The A5 Coupé clearly has an automotive personality all its own. It is an absolute highlight of Audi’s progressive and stylish design language. The A5 is naturally a very powerful and supremely sporty automobile. Yet it isn’t the least bit aggressive or arrogant.”

This prestigious design award will be presented as part of the opening ceremony of the International Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt on February 12, 2010. Audi sold some 112,000 units of the A5 Coupe worldwide between its launch in June 2007 and late September 2009.

Personally, we’re bigger fans of the Audi S5.

- By: Kap Shah

Starting in 2012, we can expect to see an influx of Fiat-based Chrysler Group LLC vehicles, according to Automotive News. Joseph Veltri, VP of product planning for Chrysler unveiled the product plan on Wednesday. 56 percent of Chrysler’s vehicles will be derived from Fiat platforms by 2014, Veltri announced in the plan.

Chrysler projects a $5 billion operating profit by 2014, CFO Richard Palmer announced during an eight-hour program outlining Chrysler’s strategy for the next five years.

Palmer predicts that U.S. sales will more than double during that time from 950,000 units sold this year to 2 million units sold. The plan also calls for each Chrysler brand to receive new nameplates that build off of Fiat platforms.

Chrysler’s 5-Year Product Plan:

- By: Stephen Calogera

It was not even a year ago when Ford relinquished half of its stake in Mazda Motor Corp., and Seita Kanai, Mazda’s head of r&d, says that there will be fewer joint projects between the two companies such as the shared platforms and drivetrains that were developed over the course of the 30-year relationship.

“The Ford-Mazda partnership is cited often as an example of a successful international alliance of automakers. Ford first took an equity stake in Mazda in 1979 and brought Mazda under its control in 1996 as the Hiroshima carmaker struggled to survive. But by late last year the tables were turned, and a cash-strapped Ford sold a large part of its stake to raise capital,” Automotive News says of the two companies’ relationship.

Major elements of the de-integration include; Fords presence on the Mazda board being cut from 3 representatives to 1, separate drivetrain strategies, and Ford’s implementation of in-house developed platforms and phasing out of Mazda’s platforms.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Earlier this morning we saw the lightest model available in Porsche’s lineup – the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder. We now have a video of it in action – check it out after the jump.

Click here to view our original post on the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder.

Refresher: Weighing in at 2,811 pounds, the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder is powered by a 3.4L 6-cylinder engine with direct fuel-injection making 320-hp. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission and the Sports Chrono package, the Boxster Spyder goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 166 mph with the roof open.

Make the jump for the video.

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder:

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder:

- By: Kap Shah

Two days ago we saw Chrysler’s brand new logo leaked via the U.S. Patent Office website. We now have the official high-res logo from Chrysler. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments section after the jump.

Chrysler Logo:

- By: Kap Shah