General Motors and SAIC to jointly develop small engine and dual clutch transmission

General Motors has reached an agreement with one of its primary Chinese partners, Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp. (SAIC), on the joint development of powertrains for small vehicles.

GM and SAIC will develop and produce a family of four-cylinder engines ranging from 1.0- to 1.5-liters with direct injection and turbocharging. The GTDI engines should cut fuel consumption by around 20 percent compared to similarly-sized engines with equivalent output.

The engine will be used in GM and SAIC vehicles in China and around the world, and to go along with the new engine, the partners will also develop a small dual-clutch transmission that should provide a 10 percent boost in efficiency over current six-speed torque converter automatics. Work on the engine and transmission will occur at GM's powertrain engineering center in Pontiac, MI and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai.

GM has yet to announced when the new powertrains will debut in production, but mid-2011 is a safe bet.

[Source: General Motors]

Buick

2010 Buick LaCrosse

 Buick 

Buick

1973 great, Buick Biviera

Classic car: Buick Skylark Coupê

Buick Regal

1987 Buick Grand National

Buick History
Buick originated as an independent motor car manufacturer, the 'Buick Motor Company, incorporated on May 19, 1903 by Scottish-American David Dunbar Buick (who invented the overhead valve engine on which the company's success was based), Detroit , Michigan. Later that year, the struggling company was purchased by James H. Whiting (1842-1919), who moved it to his hometown of Flint, Michigan, and brought in William C. Durant in 1904 to manage its new acquisition. Buick sold his stock for a small sum upon departure, and died in modest circumstances twenty-five years later.
Durant after the acquisition of Buick soon became the largest car maker in America. Using the profits from this, Durant embarked on a series of corporate acquisitions, calling the new mega-corporation General Motors.
At first, manufacturers understand that General Motors competed against each other, that soon ended with Durant. He wanted to be a General Motors division to target one class of each purchaser, and in his new scheme Buick was near the top, only one was the Cadillac brand had more prestige.
In 1911, Buick introduced its first closed-body car,  four years ahead of Ford.  In 1929, Buick Motor Division launched the Marquette sister brand, designed to bridge the price gap between Buick and Oldsmobile, however , Marquette was discontinued in 1930.
Today Buick retains that position in the GM lineup. The target of the Buick was a client who wanted a comfortable car, but possibly not quite rich enough to afford a Cadillac or not desiring the ostentation of one, and I wanted a car on the market definitely above the norm. Buick is one of the oldest brands in the world, as the Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Peugeot, Cadillac, Daimler and the discontinued Oldsmobile.
Speculation  existed, however, as to whether GM will eliminate the Buick brand to cut costs. This followed the temporary suspension of GM's planned Zeta project to develop new rear wheel drive cars fitting the Buick market niche . GM also has started consolidating of Buick, Pontiac and GMC trucks into a single dealer franchises, which makes it simple to eliminate the Buick brand without leaving dealers devoid of product. However, with the development of the Zeta platform still ongoing (including the development of the 2006 VE Commodore and Chevrolet Camaro), it may be likely that Buick will survive still.
Buick began consolidating its lineup in 2005, replacing the Century and Regal with the LaCrosse (known as the Buick Allure in Canada), and the LeSabre and Park Avenue with the Lucerne in 2006. Both of its SUVs, the Rendezvous and Rainier were discontinued in 2007 to make way for the new 2008 Enclave, while the slow-selling Terraza minivan also was abandoned in 2008. That leaves the marque with just three models in the United States. There have been rumors about Edmund'seMotor Trend Buick will have a roadster sedan in 2010, which could mean that the marque survive beyond May 2009.
There is speculation that future Buick models will have interior and exterior designs with an increasing influence of China Buick. This is due to the overwhelming success of the Buick and a high reputation in China. Motor Authority has also written that it will introduce the Buick Excelle Buick in the United States in 2008.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Cobalt. tuning

1967 Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet Volt. Amazing electric car.

Chevrolet Spark, nice small car

2008 Chevrolet Camaro engine picture

Chevrolet Corvette 2009

New 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, wallpaper

Chevrolet Logo

Cheap car Chevrolet  ( 2009)

Chevrolet Camaro 2008

Chevrolet

Gm Chevrolet Captiva

Cadillac

Cadillac Sixteen concept car - Great wallpaper (

Cadillac Sts (2008 )

Cadillac cien Concept car

Armored Cadillac DeVille lowrider

Classic 1961 Cadillac DeVille

Cadillac Xlr

Cadillac Escalade 2007

Cadillac Cts V

Cadillac Wtf - Concept car

Cadillac Cts

Cadillac Eldorado Fleetwood Black 1967

Cadillac CTS 2008

Cadillac History:
Founded in 1902 as Cadillac Automobile Company was purchased by General Motors and thirty years later had become a symbol of the high standard of luxury. Cadillac became a pioneer in automotive technology as several cars completely closed, and the automatic start replacing the old cranks and uncomfortable. During the First World War, the Cadillac aircraft engines had a technical, paying them 100% of its production capacity. In the year 1924 the Cadillac company offered a lot of color and chrome paintings, while other automakers offered only in black. In this decade, the automaker innovates once again by becoming the first company in the industry to use a designer, Harley Earl, in place of an engineer to design the bodywork of their Cadillac cars in 1927. The following year, GM has also incorporated two major companies producing car bodies for exclusive CADILLAC, Fisher and Fleetwood, which contributed greatly to the improvement of the line brand automobiles. In fact the methods of precision created by Leland, associated with pioneering the use of advanced technologies has created an image of quality and reliability around the brand Cadillac. Another factor that has contributed to increase the prestige of the brand was the fact that it has become the preferred artistic emerging class of Hollywood of the 20s onwards. The image of that era artists like Clara Bow, William Boyd, Joan Crowcroft, Dolores Del Rio and Marlene Dietrich, reaching in CADILLAC cars in the "Avant Premiere" of his films ended lending the brand a lot of "Glamour" the Hollywood of those years. Other classes also have embraced the brand's models were the heads of state, members of the nobility, magnates, artists and intellectuals from other areas renowned.

Spy shots: Cruze-based Buick compact sedan

General Motors is still more than a year away from launching the Chevrolet Cruze sedan in North America. But now Buick is preparing to unveil a new entry-level model which is based on the GM’s FWD Delta II platform that underpins the Chevrolet Cruze. The upcoming Buick compact sedan will likely be offered as a global model like the Cruze.

In terms of styling, the baby Buick will feature traditional Buick design cues, such as a waterfall grille, and with these latest spy shots we get a first opportunity to see the interior for the first time. The Buick compact sedan also shares much in common with the 2010 Opel Astra, a model that also shares the same platform, which means there’s a chance it could be produced at Russelsheim plant in Germany.

U.S. versions are likely to be built at GM’s Lordstown plant in Ohio alongside the Cruze. The new model will almost certainly be offered in China as well, considering that is Buick’s biggest market.

Engine options should mirror that of the Cruze, which means a range of compact four-cylinder units in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged forms, with both petrol and diesel options.

The other benefit of the Delta II platform is the possibility of a plug-in hybrid version using Volt technology, although GM is more likely to use other brands such as Cadillac to expand its plug-in hybrid range.

The new sedan will be launched until sometime in 2012, possibly as a 2013 model.

2010 Buick LaCrosse adds new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder engine

The powertrain lineup of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse already includes the 3.0L and 3.6L V6s as previously revealed, now Buick has announced they will be adding the fuel efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine to the upcoming 2010 LaCrosse.

To get a balanced mix of fuel efficiency and performance, the direct-injected 2.4-liter Ecotec boasts 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm) of torque. More importantly, the engine is expected to return 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. For comparison, the LaCrosse's 255 hp 3.0-liter V6 and 280 hp 3.6-liter V6 average an estimated 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

All the three engines available in the LaCrosse lineup will feature direct injection technology. “Direct injection is a key component of GM’s ongoing strategy to use advanced propulsion technology to help us deliver more fuel-efficient cars today and in the future,” said Tom Stephens, vice chairman, Global Product Development. “GM is using multiple technology pathways to achieve increased efficiency and to diversify energy sources – and we’re applying them where they make the most sense for customers when it comes to efficiency, performance and cost.”

The LaCrosse main competitors, the Lincoln MKZ and Acura TL are not available with four cylinder engines. So Buick expects it has an advantage even before the street-level comparisons begin.

The 2.4-liter Buick LaCrosse will be offered "later this year" with a base price slightly below the 3.0-liter LaCrosse of $27,085.

Saab 9-4X coming by 2010

Saab’s split from General Motors and pending sale to supercar company Koenigsegg will apparently have no major affect on the Swedish automaker’s future model launches, such as that of the upcoming 9-4X crossover.

According to GM's executive director of product and marketing for Cadillac, Hummer and Saab, Steve Shannon, the 2011 Saab 9-4X crossover will launch next yea. Speaking with Automotive News, Shannon explained that the 9-4X will be positioned as the replacement for the poor selling 9-7X. The 9-4X will be similar in size to BMW’s X5 but pricing should be closer to that of the X3 and Volvo XC60 – two of the Saab crossover’s prime targets.

The new crossover will share much in common with the recently-revealed Cadillac SRX and is to be manufactured by GM at the same Ramos Arizpe facility in Mexico as the Cadillac later this year.

These spy photos of the 9-4X testing in Europe show an almost completely undisguised look of the new crossover. No specific details have been offered. But it’s reported that the 9-4X will run a 284hp (209kW) petrol V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It will also get 18in alloys shod with 255mm tires and a Haldex-sourced AWD system with an electronic differential. A diesel version is expected to be offered in Europe, developing 185kW and 550Nm of torque.

While development work on the 9-4X appears to be almost complete, Saab will be introducing two models before the arrival of the new crossover - the smaller 9-3X crossover and the all-important 2010 9-5.

Tengzhong to complete Hummer deal by October, keep U.S. production

Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, the surprise bidder for General Motors Corp’s Hummer brand, said on Sunday the deal should be complete by October.

According to Tengzhong general manager Yang Yi, the company has no plans to take Hummer technology or equipment from the U.S. to China, meaning that the truck brand's offerings should remain North American produced for the foreseeable future.

It’s concerned that Tengzhong will have difficulty in meeting the country’s tough new fuel economy measures. But Yang Yi said　"We want to make a green Hummer," he said. "We think the Hummer has huge potential in emerging markets."

To comply with the 2016 fleet-wide 35.5mpg standard, Taylor confirmed that there will be some product changes. "You'll see a broader lineup. That means more models and alternative powertrains that meet the federal regulations," he explained. One of these new models could be an entry-level H4, which has been speculated on since 2007.

Taylor also revealed that Tengzhong will retain Hummer’s 150 U.S. dealerships. The deal is expected to secure more than 3,000 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, engineering and at Hummer dealerships around the country.

Tengzhong plans to keep the current Hummer management team on board to make sure the products live up to the Hummer standard for quality and design. But it’s unclear if the company will base its headquarters in the U.S. or China. No matter what, "There will not be a China Hummer and a U.S. Hummer," said Yang. "There is only one Hummer."

Chevrolet builds the 1,500,000th Corvette, prices 2010 Grand Sport

The Chevrolet Corvette has been going on for about 60 years as America's iconic supercar, spawning imitations in the past and inspiring allegiance from Corvette aficionados around the world over the decades. Yesterday, Karen Rafferty, Chevrolet Product Marketing Director, announced the recent production of the 1,500,000th Corvette at GM Bowling Green Assembly plant. This is a serious milestone.

"The 1.5 millionth Corvette is a great example of how Chevy is America's brand", Rafferty said. "For nearly 60 years we have built America's Sports Car and this milestone is a solid proof point."

The 1.5 millionth Corvette, built on May 28, is a white convertible 3LT with red interior and black top. Incidentally the first, 500,000th and 1 millionth Corvettes built in 1953, 1977 and 1992 respectively had similar features.

Along with the announcement of the sales landmark, Chevrolet released pricing for the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport. The standard coupe GS starts at $55,720 and the GS convertible starts from $59,530.

"The Corvette Grand Sport achieves a 0 - 60 time in less than four seconds, pulls 1.0g on the skid pad and still boasts an impressive 26 highway mpg," Karen Rafferty said. "These numbers are unmatched by any of Corvette's competitors." The 2010 Grand Sport was unofficially priced just over a week ago, but the official announcement today confirms those numbers.

Obviously, GM will be leveraging its most iconic products to help rebuild the company's image in the wake of its massive bailout and bankruptcy. The new Grand Sport sport is a step in the right direction, however, adding performance and value to an already impressive American sports car.

GM’s financial troubles won’t impede Chevrolet Volt development

The much anticipated Chevrolet Volt, the car pegged with rescuing GM from impending financial doom, is about to start the next phase of testing despite threats of bankruptcy looming on the horizon. Development work on the Volt is continuing uninterrupted and the first fleet of prototypes with actual Volt bodies and interiors will begin testing by the middle of the year. Until now GM had been using Chevrolet Cruze bodies to test the upcoming Volt powertrain.

At the moment, the car is slated to hit dealerships in late 2010 and this goal appears to be on track. "At this point in time, I know of no reason why we can't be in production by November of 2010," GM product development chief Tom Stephens told Automotive News.

Something that has been delayed, however, is which of the three other surviving GM brands - Cadillac, Buick or GMC - would get a vehicle with the Volt's hybrid powertrain. The most likely option will be Cadillac, which reportedly is planning to produce a version of its Converj plug-in hybrid concept.

GM is also working on the second-generation Volt already, displaying the high hopes that upper management is pinning on the car.

Meanwhile, making the Volt as efficient as possible is of key concern to GM - this means examining every aspect of the car for any points where energy consumption can be reduced. Following this tack, GM is even putting a more frugal stereo in the car to make the Volt's electric-only range as high as possible, among other things.

Along with its current financial troubles, another thorn in the side of GM lies in the expected take-up rate on the Volt, and whether consumers will embrace it as much as upper management is hoping. One of the key concerns in this area is the infrastructure needed for the Volt, such as charging points. Incentives such as free parking in certain places may be put in place to entice customers more readily to the Volt.

Conversely, concerns about infrastructure far outweigh any concerns about the effect on the electrical grid - in fact, the largest problem for the Volt lies in the lack of charging facilities in urban areas where the Volt is most likely to be used. Whatever solution GM comes up for this, it'll have to come quick if the Volt is to be as big a success as they are hoping.

Opel planning electric city car based on 2004 Trixx concept

GM first unveiled the Trixx concept in 2004 as a city-micro car similar, for example, to the Toyota iQ. Now, Despite its financial woes on the back of General Motors’ money troubles, Opel is still working on developing its own new models and technologies, including what could prove to be the European division’s first all-electric vehicle. While it’s long been anticipated that Opel would follow sister brand Chevrolet's footsteps in terms of how it will launch its new electric range, this is only partly true.

While Chevrolet's Volt will be coming to Europe under the guise of the Ampera plug-in hybrid, Opel is reportedly working on a new car that would do away with the range-extending petrol engine - making it purely electric.

As a city car, it would be significantly smaller than the Volt, however, reports surrounding it suggest that there will still be enough room for four people and their luggage. According to AutoExpress, the new electric city car will be based on 2004’s Opel Trixx Concept and borrow battery technology from its Ampera big brother.

Without the petrol range-extender, the Trixx is likely to have a driving range of only around 90 miles, but as it would be billed as a city car this isn't likely to present too much of a problem. What will prove to be a problem, however, is the price of the battery packs. At current prices, putting a cell in the Trixx would cost around $12,000 alone - making the car a relatively expensive proposition as a city car.

Opel is yet to confirm its production but if given the green light we should see the compact electric car on the market by 2012.

Cadillac to replace BLS with global model based on Epsilon II platform

Cadillac knows its future lies in small cars, especially if it wants to be considered a global player, but GM’s financial woes means the company has had to pare back some of its more ambitious plans. In the latest viability plan, GM CEO Fritz Henderson revealed that Cadillac would have to scale back on its European expansion plans, while development of new diesel models plus a RWD 3-series rival have been put on hold. Instead, the GM luxury division will focus on its performance in existing markets, including North America, parts of Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as well as the development of a sub-CTS model based now on the FWD Epsilon II platform.

Epsilon II is a global platform, which underpins cars like the upcoming 2010 Buick LaCrosse and Opel Insignia, and according to MotorTrend it will also be used for a replacement for Cadillac’s poor selling BLS. Codenamed GM 166, the new car will be available in both FWD and AWD and will be priced somewhere between the LaCrosse and CTS. Expect pricing to fall around the $34,000-$35,000 mark, pitting as a prime target for the Lexus ES 350.

This sub-CTS model is expected to be Cadillac’s highest volume model but it won’t be just another BLS. Instead, the car has been described as a brand new global model with “dedicated architecture and content.”

According to the source, GM 166 will be bigger than its LaCrosse and Insignia cousins and will arrive sometime in 2011. The bad news is that the much-hyped 3-series rival, rumored to be based on a brand new RWD platform called Alpha, is most likely dead.

Source from: motorauthority.com/

GM Saturn, sell or drop?

What’s the future of GM’s Saturn? Sell or drop?

The ailing Detroit carmaker confirmed in its most recent viability plan that it accelerate the demise of the brand to the end of this year, with either a sale or cessation of business marking the end of General Motors' involvement with Saturn. Earlier this month we heard about a new investment group by the name of Telesto Ventures reportedly planning to buy Saturn outright and source its own models from several overseas suppliers, though the accelerated time table may make that difficult to achieve.

GM manager Jill Lajdziak revealed to Automotive News that the struggling Detroit 3 carmaker is trying to find a new vehicle supplier for Saturn by September 1. The announcement was also made to Saturn dealers, who at this point are still confused and uncertain as to the direction the brand will take. Beginning next month, Saturn executives and GM higher-ups will listen to different proposals and choose the best deal for both companies. The bottom line is clear, however, with GM saying in its latest viability plan, "If a sale of Saturn does not occur, we intend to phase out the Saturn brand by the end of 2009."

Some of the proposals coming in would alter Saturn's retail operations dramatically. One of the most popular is the previously mentioned Telesto option. Under this proposal, the overseas models sourced by Telesto would not be branded as Saturns, but would rather be sold under various brand names. A Telesto spokesman explained that the Saturn brand would become "similar to a Best Buy model in that customers deal with Best Buy because of the customer experience not because they are the only place to buy a Samsung or a Sony TV".

Presumably there will also be foreign carmakers vying for the brand itself - creating brand recognition in the crowded U.S. market is difficult for foreign start-ups, and having the Saturn brand as a launching pad may seem very attractive to certain manufacturers.

A somewhat mysterious coalition of Saturn's dealer-run Franchise Operations Team and an unknown partner - possibly Telesto - has also revealed plans to take over Saturn if the brand is abandoned by GM. Only time will tell what result is final, but with 2009 nearing its midpoint it won't be long.

Corvette Grand Sport is back

The Grand Sport name last appeared on the Corvette in 1996, commemorating the end of the C4 era. Only 1,000 copies were built, all painted Admiral Blue. It also pays homage to five hand-built racing Corvettes from 1963 ordered up by chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov .Now, the Corvette Grand Sport is back!!

Set to roll in later this year as a 2010 model in both coupe and convertible bodystyles, the new Grand Sport combines the standard Corvette LS3-based powertrain with widebody styling and a race-bred suspension, and gives Corvette fans a new performance option between the standard model and sexy Z06.

The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires, revised shocks, new stabilizer bar and spring specifications and new gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of up to 1.0g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60mph acceleration versus the standard LS3-powered models.

The engine’s output has been kept at 430hp (321kW) and 424lb-ft (575Nm) of torque, however, an optional two-mode exhaust system boosts output to 436hp (325kW) and 428lb-ft (580Nm).

Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. The manual transmission also comes with specific gear ratios, while automatic models get a modified rear axle ratio.

Specific modifications for the Grand Sport coupe and convertible include wider front and rear fenders with unique badging, a Z06-style front splitter and rear spoiler, new brake ducts, unique 18in wheels with 275mm tires up front and 19in units shod with 325mm rubber in the rear, Z06-spec brakes include 355mm rotors with six-piston calipers up front and 340mm rear rotors with four-piston calipers.

All of the Corvette's exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport and an available ‘Heritage’ package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery.

Opel launches 2010 Insignia OPC

Opel’s new Insignia OPC will make its world debut at the Barcelona Motor Show with the first deliveries to begin this fall, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model.

Packing 325hp (242kW), a sophisticated AWD chassis and a sub-six second 0-60mph time, it is set to take the midsize performance saloon market by storm. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe, and in the past has been used for cars like the Astra and compact Corsa hatchbacks.
OPC cars typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. In the UK, the car will be known as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR.

The new Insignia OPC is the first model from the performance division to be offered with AWD and is available in hatch, saloon, and wagon bodystyles. Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, an adaptable AWD system with an electronic Limited Slip Differential and a 10mm reduction in ride height over the standard Insignia.

The HiPerStrut system is unique to the OPC model and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.

Complementing these features are standard 19in alloy wheels (20in lightweight forged alloys are optional), revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with color-keyed calipers and vented and cross-drilled discs.

Drive comes from a 2.8L V6 turbocharged engine rated at 325hp (242kW), which is enough to send the car from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph.

The sporting theme continues inside with Recaro front seats, a new steering wheel, gearknob and unique moldings, as well as different instrument graphics and sill plates.

GM’s Cadillac Converj given production green light

One of the most exciting cars from January’s Detroit Auto Show was the Cadillac Converj concept car, which General Motors used to showcase its plug-in hybrid technology in a luxury platform. Despite the concept featuring one of the most striking designs we’ve seen in a while, GM vice chairman Bob Lutz said it was designed so that any eventual production version would look “exactly like” the show car, hinting that we may eventually see such a car in showrooms.
The company’s financial state, however, says the opposite, but there remains a chance the Converj may make it out of the economic storm. GM in its viability plan presented to Congress in February outlined plans for two new plug-in hybrid vehicles, and today MotorTrend is reporting that the stylish concept has been given the green light for production.

According to an inside source, the new model will be on the road by 2011 if GM’s financial situation improves. The car would be based on the same Delta platform as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, and power would also come from the same Voltec plug-in hybrid system. The source also revealed that a seven-seater MPV plug-in hybrid was in the pipeline – already previewed by the 2008 Chevrolet Orlando concept.

The Cadillac plug-in hybrid would feature extra batteries to power a higher-output electric motor than the one in the Volt. The styling of the vehicle would also be slightly different to the Converj concept as much of internal structure, such as the firewall, would need to be sourced from the taller Volt.

GM has consistently stated that its Voltec plug-in hybrid system would be used in other models to spread the investment costs as much as possible, and reports of a Cadillac plug-in hybrid date back as far as last August.

Source from: http://www.motorauthority.com/report-cadillac-converj-headed-for-production.html