Chevy Spark, aka Beat

Chevrolet Corvette

2011-04-28T21:12:00.001-07:00

Set to be unveiled this weekend, the updated model is outfitted with new seats, a revised steering wheel and a padded center console. Furthermore, new options include a Bose audio system, a technology package (with GPS navigation) and colored brake calipers (in red, yellow, silver or gray).
The mid-level Z06 can be ordered with Performance Traction Management, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, a carbon fiber hood and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires which are "essentially street-legal versions of a racing tire."
Likewise, the ZR1 gains a new PDE performance package with a full-width rear spoiler and new aluminum wheels equipped the aforementioned tires. More notably, the car also has a revised transmission - with taller gearing - which enables it to achieve an additional 2 mpg highway.

Chevrolet Volt garage fire

2011-04-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

The cars were a brand-new 2011 Chevrolet Volt with just 2,000 miles on the odometer and a converted all-electric Suzuki Samurai that the homeowner, Storm Connors, converted himself years ago. At this early stage, it is impossible to tell if one or the other vehicles was the cause of the blaze – or if it was one of the charging systems or the garage's electrical system – but firemen who responded to the 911 call said that this is one angle that the investigators will look in to. Local news channel WTNH reports that Connors, "likes his cars too much to think having them charging in the garage started the fire." Another news channel, WFSB, says that, "fire officials suspect an electric hybrid car may have sparked" the blaze.You can watch a video news report of the aftermath after the jump. Interestingly, Connors himself has commented on AutoblogGreen stories in the past, so our thoughts go out to a reader who is dealing with a terrible loss. Hat tip to Pete!

Chevrolet Camaro

2011-03-29T23:38:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet Camaro Imagine our disappointment when we sampled the Camaro, in both V6 and V8 guise, and found that it just didn’t work. With a driving position that has you sitting on top of, rather than inside the seat, the visibility of a WWII machine gun nest, nest and a steering system that used Cream Of Wheat as hydraulic fluid, the Camaro Coupe is unpleasant to drive, even with a sweet V8 soundtrack and the ability to make bystanders gawk in wonderment.

On the upside, the chassis isn’t that bad, and the LS3 V8 delivered all of the magic that we expect from a Chevrolet Camaro small-block. But as a closed top sports car, we found ourselves longing for the lighter, less powerful, but more rewarding Ford Mustang GT every single time.
V6 OR V8: IT’S YOUR CHOICE BUT IT WILL COST YOU

On paper, the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible isn’t too far off from the coupe. A 3.6L V6 making 312-horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque appears as the base engine and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox, while the LS3 V8 is available exclusively with the 6-speed manual, and pumps out a brawny 426-horsepower V8 and 420 lb-ft of torque. Automatic V8s get an L99 V8 with 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of twist.

Chevy Cruze 2LT

2011-03-29T01:04:00.000-07:00

Chevy Cruze 2LT Rather than take yet another kick at the compact can, GM has effectively abdicated development of their newest small car, the Chevrolet Cruze, to other divisions across the globe, most notably Opel and GM Daewoo Auto Technology Company (yes, that Daewoo). Built in 8 factories (located everywhere from Australia to Kazakhstan) and sold in over 60 countries, the Cruze has to satisfy a dizzying set of demands, serving everyone from affluent North Americans who may buy the car for their adult children, to overtaxed Europeans who will pay incredible sums for what they consider a “family car.”

The North American launch of the Chevy Cruze 2LT was delayed by about a year, but the Cruze ended up arriving here at the best possible time – the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra are all long in the tooth and due for a re-design. The new Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus are only now hitting dealers, and cars like the Suzuki SX4 are on the radar of almost nobody. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the Chevy Cruze 2LT has the upper hand in a segment devoid of new product – but that means that GM won’t be able to blame anyone else should the Cruze suddenly stall in the marketplace.

Chevrolet Volt - we miss the point?

2010-10-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated by the importance of passing on the Chevrolet Volt. What fascinates me even more is the detail of the gearbox.

The instinctive reaction of many fans, was disappointed that GM's revolutionary electric car is not so revolutionary after all. Sure, GM could have to be clear about the technical implementation earlier in the product cycle.

The "cleanup" and a media campaign that we now live is about the failure. The Volt has a mechanical bond (in terms of gears, shafts and couplings) between the gasoline engine and the tires hit the road. Yes, we were all impressed, it is not.

However, there is a danger that we would be overwhelmed by our own "It's not really electric" I almost cynical, but after wading through tons of GM press materials -.. Full sun and good intentions - to show me a couple of technical notes and pictures, which works exactly like the car and found it a very impressive piece of technology ..

I think the fact that there is a direct power transmission allows the engine to the wheels in certain situations (most engines), which generate losses and generally make the system more efficient, is something that should be welcomed. I do not understand the objections. The purpose of the exercise is ultimately to drive more economical.

Now we want to push GM to crack down on, to do with them. Preferably in the form Ampera, the United Kingdom.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Diva edition by Fenice Milano

2010-10-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Between the gallons of chrome and the Spirit of Ecstasy protruding from its prominent grille, the contemporary offerings from Rolls-Royce have become a favorite among the bling crowd. But there are always those looking for something more outlandish. We thought Mansory had them covered with their take on the Ghost, but even that's looking subdued in comparison to Fenice Milano's Diva.
Decked out in more gold than an aging Mediterranean playboy's neck, the Diva edition takes the borderline tasteful way over the top. The hood, grille, side sills and mirrors have all been coated in 24-karat gold, as has the interior, along with custom teak, leather and Alcantara trim. It's enough to make Liberace spin in his grave, and if you're wearing your gold D&G sunglasses, you can check it out for yourself in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Magnaflow Exhaust System Pro Performance 4 in. Tubing O.D. Size, Rear Side Exit, Single System

2010-07-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

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Rahal poised to make series return as sub for injured Conway

2010-06-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

Graham Rahal looks set to return to the Izod IndyCar Series for the upcoming race at Iowa Speedway on June 20.

The 21-year-old son of 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal is negotiating with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to become the latest--and perhaps last--replacement for Mike Conway.

Conway was injured on the next to last lap of the Indianapolis 500 when his car flew into the catch fence in turn three after running over the left-side wheels of Ryan Hunter-Reay, whose car had slowed dramatically as it ran out of fuel.

Conway is expected to miss the rest of the season as his fractured back heals without surgery. He has had one surgery and a procedure on his lower left leg that was fractured in the crash. He was released from an Indianapolis hospital June 4 and is expected to return to his U.K. home later this week.

Rahal drove for his father’s team, Rahal Letterman Racing, at Indy, finishing 12th after starting seventh. He spent three pre-Indy races with Sarah Fisher Racing, finishing ninth in the race in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Tomas Scheckter drove Conway’s No. 24 car last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, where he finished 13th.

Porsche Tequipment

2010-05-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

Porsche Tequipment – Click above for high-res image gallery

For those Porsche fans who were unable to acquire a 911 Sport Classic, of which only 250 were built, Stuttgart is now offering some of the bits that make up the Sport Classic car on an à la carte basis. Among the most popular items are likely to be the Fuchs wheels that feature the classic five-spoke design used from 1966 until the early-1980s. The wheels come in 8.5x19 front and 11.5x19 rear sizes.

Those who bought a Porsche (except the 911 Turbo) in the last couple of years with the dual clutch PDK gearbox can now also get the turbo steering wheel retrofitted to their car. The non-turbo steering wheels all had spoke-mounted toggle switch shifters. The Turbo wheel features racing-style metal paddles mounted on the back of the wheel.

While the paddle shift wheel is only visible to the driver, owners of a 997 series 911 can share in Porsche's racing heritage on the outside as well. A new aerokit front fascia and replacement rear wing makes new 911s look like the racers from the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. All of these parts are available in Europe now and should be offered Stateside soon.

Gallery: Porsche Tequipment

After a Rocky Start, Honda's CR-Z Joins U.S. Hybrid Derby

2010-03-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

Honda Motor Co.'s new CR-Z sporty hybrid is the car that nearly wasn't. According to Automotive News, the hatchback was almost killed twice because engineers weren't convinced it was a unique concept and because U.S. bosses originally didn't want it.

When Norio Tomobe was appointed chief engineer of the project in the summer of 2004, the car was still a blank sheet. And in the early years, the working model had a traditional gasoline engine. "I really struggled for a new idea, and we decided to start over from scratch. The hybrid finally gave us the wow factor," he said.

Today, critics assail the CR-Z as neither especially fuel-efficient nor sporty. And Tomobe is quick to admit at least one thing he wishes the CR-Z had: "more horsepower." He said he would like a Type R sporty version of the CR-Z someday with a spunkier power-to-weight ratio that lives up to its sporty styling.

But in the meantime, the CR-Z is an exercise in compromise. It was conceived as a 1.3-liter car for Europe but was given a 1.5-liter engine to appeal to U.S. drivers. It aims to be sporty with a six-speed

stick-shift option but also comes in a version with continuously variable transmission to squeeze out extra fuel economy. Click here for more from Automotive News on how the Honda CR-Z hybrid almost failed to make it to U.S. showrooms.

Tokyo Auto Salon man Phil Alex

2010-01-17T22:29:00.000-08:00

Our Tokyo Auto Salon man Phil Alex with the help of friends Mike and Aaron put their photo cameras to exceptional use today capturing the booth sirens on film for your enjoyment. And as you will soon find out, the Japanese tuning show is only interesting in terms of car presentations but also in terms of female presences... Feast your eyes out in our high-resolution mega gallery after the break.

Photos by Phil Alex , Mike and Aaron

Exclusive Interview with the Head of BMWNA Product Planning and Strategy

2010-01-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

Exclusive Interview with the Head of BMWNA Product Planning and Strategy/BMW Motorsport Manager, Martin Birkmann – A Look into the Future World of ///M Cars, Racing, and Current Engine Tech. At the recent 2010 NAIAS, we got a chance to speak with Martin Birkmann who is the Head of Product Planning and Strategy with BMW NA, as well as BMW Motorsport Manager in the U.S. If you haven’t already, we advise you get some coffee brewing or pop-corn popping – what follows is extremely interesting information about current and future BMW products.

With BMW’s new engines, the revamped N54 and now the N55, what have you upgraded on the N54?

Martin Birkmann: With the N54 we’ve basically changed the mapping of the engine, pressure of the engine, given it a more sporty, more torque, and peak oriented performance curve.

What are the differences between the N54 and N55?

Martin Birkmann: At first glance we’ve changed something in the architecture, we made the engine more compact, but in terms of costumer benefit the biggest change is the application of VALVETRONIC. With variable valve lift we eliminate the throttle and so we’ve made the engine again more efficient than the N54. The N55 is maintaining the N54’s base performance level, but gives you a lot of enhancement on the efficiency side

Will we see the N55 engine across the range?

Martin Birkmann: We started announcing the N55 for the 5 series GT so you can expect to find it in the regular 5 series sedan, one series, and we’ll roll it out for more and more applications.

With the new 5 series, what kind of changes can we expect to see on the new M5?

Martin Birkmann: I think it’s been widely speculated and confirmed that we’ve somewhat seen the dawn of the end of the NA engine. M is no exception, we’ve launched our first turbo M engines and I think that will be the biggest difference if you look at the tech spec sheet – that we will go with turbo charging for the M5. There is speculation that I don’t want to comment about; we will clearly see a change in the transmission strategy, we are still examining the need for a second transmission variant. We’ll know more about that as we go forward, as you know, every one should know that BMW NA in persona is a big proponent of manual transmissions and three pedal vehicle operation, but it’s not a trend that you see in the market gaining a lot of momentum right now. Our customers want more semi-automatic transmissions, so that’s a must, and everything else is a can. We’ll see as we approach the launch of the car.

What clear future do you see for BMW and racing?

Continued

Read Article

Jyuichi Wakisaka and Andre Lotterer took the overall GT500 win in the team's Lexus SC430 last year

2010-01-11T00:51:00.000-08:00

SuperGT Lexus LFA GT500 – Click above for image gallery

Take a look at the field of 2010 SuperGT competitors and something's amiss. Nissan's been campaigning its new GT-R in the series for two years and Honda recently revealed the HSV-010 before its inaugural run in the series this May. What's missing? A new competitor from Toyota.

Jyuichi Wakisaka and Andre Lotterer took the overall GT500 win in the team's Lexus SC430 last year, but that model is not long for this world, so it's just a matter of time before Toyota fields a new car in the series. So what's set to take the SC430's place? The answer's obvious: the Lexus LFA.

Although Toyota's yet to confirm the LFA's entrance (we're expecting an announcement later this year), Iain Chandler, a skilled 3D artist hailing from Australia, has rendered a GT500-class LFA, complete with six sets of livery. While it's far from official it's a pretty good indication of what to expect when Toyota finally pulls the trigger, and Lotterer seems to approve – he posted the images on his site.

SuperGT Lexus LFA GT500 Renderings

Federal indictments have been handed down to 10 Nevada emissions testers

2010-01-11T00:28:00.000-08:00

Emissions tests are often part of the registration renewal ritual for many car owners. Some appreciate being able to breathe deeply, others see it as a de facto tax, while still another group of automotive unfortunates have cars that won't pass without much expensive work. Whether for purely financial reasons, or a chafing anti-authoritarianism, some drivers elect to circumvent the system.

Federal indictments have been handed down to 10 Nevada emissions testers for falsifying emissions tests. The ten testers allegedly accepted cash stipends for "clean scanning" a car. Normally during a Nevada emissions test, vehicles are plugged in via their OBD-II port and the Vehicle Identification Number is entered into a computer. The computer then scans the car's on-board system and passes or fails the automobile. "Clean scanning" is a deception whereby a different vehicle, one that will pass, is connected to the computer, and the VIN of a failing car is entered. More than 1,000 vehicles are believed to have been falsely passed this way by the indicted.

Fooling around with the federal Environmental Protection Agency has these 10 individuals facing up to two years of incarceration and maximum fines of $250,000 per person. Is it mere coincidence that this high-stakes game of palm greasing happened in Vegas?

Even Peugeot and Citroën were in on the action

2010-01-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

Hope for France: Left to right, Gilles Vidal, Jean-Pierre Ploué and Thierry Metroz

There was a time when "France" and "design" were nearly synonymous, at least in the automotive sphere. Delahaye, Voisin, Bugatti, Talbot-Lago (including the high-water mark Figoni et Falaschi "Tear Drop" cars), etc. Prewar, no one had anything on the French. Even Peugeot and Citroën were in on the action; the former producing the elegant 402 and the latter building the glorious Traction Avant.

However, after the Great Depression and post-WW2 auto shakeout, the scenery changed. Sure, Citroën still had a few design masterpieces left in the tank - the 2CV, the DS and SM. Peugeot made some excellent cars (205, 404) but they certainly weren't lookers. Then a few years back, Peugeot bought Citroën. Since that time, Peugeots have become wildly bizarre-looking, while Citroën has produced exactly one beauty, the C6. Point being, France's automotive designs are a far cry from their prewar glory days.

PSA Peugeot Citroën wants to change that trajectory. Under PSA design leadership of Jean-Pierre Ploué, Gilles Vidal has taken over design of Peugeot and Thierry Metroz is now in charge of how Citroëns look. Metroz might have an easy time of it, as Ploué has to some degree set Citroën on a halfway righteous path. Again, we're big fans of the big C6 and in truth, the C3 and DS3 are pretty much OK-looking as well. Monsieur Gilles, however, has his work cut out for him. Have you looked at a 3008 or an 807 lately? Not so hot.

The 535i Gran Turismo

2010-01-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Marketing does funny things. Recently the word "coupe" has been rendered null and void of meaning by crafty marketing types behind cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW X6 and Volkswagen CC, while the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has sucked every last ounce of truth, honesty and passion from the term "Gran Turismo." It's now just advertising flim-flam. The BMW 8 Series was a grand tourer. The 535i Gran Turismo? We hear it's very practical...

We mention co-opting of the terms "coupe" and "Gran Turismo" because marketers pulled a similar stunt back in the early '70s with the phrase "Personal Luxury Car." Some cars did fit the definition well (roughly, a luxury coupe exists where practicality and efficiency are traded in favor of style, plush and image), others did not. For example, in the U.S. where we like our luxury by the yard, a 1971 Buick Riviera is a perfect example of a personal luxury car. An AMC Matador Brougham complete with Oleg Cassini interior isn't. Regardless of reality, by 1973 every car with two doors and faux-vinyl seats got tagged with the PLC label. As such, the phrase "personal luxury car" became meaningless.

Apropos of all that, Mercedes-Benz was kind enough to let us test its two-door version of its new W212 E-Class, the 2010 E350 Coupe. The new model marks the first time in three generations that Mercedes has offered a coupe version of what's generally considered to be its sauerbraten und spätzle. You'd have to go back to Bill Clinton's first term (that's pre-Lewinsky) to find the two-door W124 E-Class. Obviously, the B-pillarless two-door qualifies as a coupe, but a personal luxury car? Or, dare we say it, a GT?

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

President Obama to attempt to force Japan into including American automobiles in its C4C program

2010-01-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Like everywhere else on the planet, new car sales are down in Japan (17 percent versus 2008 levels, to be exact). And, like a number of other countries, Japan has decided to spur automobile sales by creating a cash-for-clunkers-style program at a cost of $3.7 billion. Unlike similar programs from other countries, including the one that ended late last year in the U.S., Japan has drafted a set of rules that strongly favors its own automakers – in effect precluding American cars from qualifying for sales incentives of up to $2,830 per vehicle. Eighty-seven percent of all Japan's domestic models qualify.

By way of comparison, there were multiple C4C bills considered by U.S. policymakers, and the program that eventually went into effect allowed any and all sufficiently fuel efficient vehicles to qualify for its incentives, regardless of their country of origin. After it was all said and done, 319,300 out of a total of 677,000 (just about half) of all C4C sales were Japanese cars.

According to the Detroit News, a number of American lawmakers, including Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, have called Japan's program "discriminatory and fundamentally unfair... unacceptable and outrageous." To highlight her displeasure over Japan's insular auto market – to wit, imports make up less than five percent of all new car sales in Japan – Sutton has introduced a bill this week urging President Obama to attempt to force Japan into including American automobiles in its C4C program. What are the chances of it passing? Something about snowballs comes to mind...

General Motors and Chrysler looking at slipping sales

2010-01-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

This just in from Hard Numbers News: From 2000 to 2007, an average of 16.8 million vehicles were sold in the States. In 2008, that figure dropped to 13.2 million. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the tally for 2009 is expected to put the sales needle somewhere around 10.4 million. According to Bloomberg, that would make last year the worst for new car sales since 1982, when there was not only a recession but also 25 percent fewer Americans.

The good news: sales began to rise at the end of 2009, having sustained themselves nicely after the revelry of cash-for-clunkers. The final data isn't in yet, but Bloomberg's survey of analysts suggests two months of gains in November and December. Predictions estimate that Ford, Toyota, Honda and Nissan saw increases, with General Motors and Chrysler looking at slipping sales.

The silver lining? Meager sales could "indicate significant pent-up demand." That kettle of demand is going to take some time to boil, but a rise in household spending is penciled in for late 2010, along with greater availability of credit, and a drop in unemployment numbers is in the forecast as well. The road to recovery will be a slow one, but hopefully with the turn of the calendar year will come a turn in fortunes for the U.S. economy.

the V10 is bespoke to the LF-A and won’t be used in any other car

2010-01-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

In these very last days of 2009, some Japanese magazines are spreading the rumor that Lexus is working on a very hot version of the GS luxury saloon, allegedly called GS-F, which will get the firm’s V10 engine used in the LF-A supercar, to rival BMW M5. Now apparently Lexus has responded to this by tweeting! They say that the V10 is bespoke to the LF-A and won’t be used in any other car. They didn’t comment on the existence of GS-F though.

So as it’s usually the case, there must be a GS-F in the works but it certainly won’t be getting the V10. This makes more sense actually, because as we’ve reported earlier, BMW will replace theV10 engine of the M5 with a twin-turbo V8 in the upcoming model. Mercedes too has plans to drop the big and thirsty V8s in favor of more efficient turbo engines, so even if Lexus is to rival the M5 or E63, they would come up with something in the same league.

And as a side note, the GS’s face is too dull for a weapons-grade V10 such as LF-A’s 4.8 liter! It looks good as a hybrid, but as a performance saloon?! The M5 will eat it for breakfast!

Normally when an automaker updates a model

2010-01-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Roadest - click for high-res gallery

Normally when an automaker updates a model, even if it's just a quick cosmetic change, the earlier version is treated like cheek meat – nobody wants it unless it's a real good deal, and the dealers just want them gone. Mitsubishi evidently thinks its home-market will be kinder to the compact crossover-ute-thing we know and love as the Outlander.

While a new Evo-esque beak has been grafted onto our Outlander for 2010, the softer, older version will continue to be offered to JDM buyers alongside a more cosmetically aggressive model. To avoid confusion, a country-specific rhinoplasty-enhanced model will be branded Outlander Roadest (note that the fascia and, grille and foglamps are all distinct from the U.S. model), while the older bodywork model will continue on as just plain "Outlander." Regardless of the looks, both iterations will get a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, good for 148PS (about 146 horsepower). The offal-likeness is in play with pricing as well, with the new-old Outlander selling for just ¥1,995,000 (about $22,000) while the Roadest will command ¥2,475,900 ($27,100).

Mitsubishi Roadest

GM shows the U.S.-bound Regal to the public

2009-12-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

Skeptics will say, “Here we go, again,” as General Motors Co. taps its German subsidiary Adam Opel GmbH for product to rebuild one of its brand’s showrooms in the U.S.

Clearly, it didn’t work for Saturn or Cadillac a decade earlier. But with the new-for-’11 Buick Regal, GM finally may have found the right home and, more importantly, the right strategy for injecting some Germanic soul into its American cars.

The new sports sedan arrives stateside in second-quarter 2010 after highly successful launches late last year in China and in Germany as the Opel Insignia.

The Insignia is drawing rave reviews on its home turf, where it ranks as the best-selling sedan in its class and since last November has racked up more than 30 awards, including European Car of the Year.

In China, the locally built Regal launched in December and has sold some 64,000 units. Young Chinese particularly are captivated by the Regal, keeping the average age of its buyers around 35 years – astonishingly low for Buick.

GM shows the U.S.-bound Regal to the public at the Los Angeles auto show this week after unwrapping the car earlier to journalists in Detroit and to Buick enthusiasts in L.A.

But before the Regal hits the full show circuit and ahead of formal testing next year, GM offered a handful of media several hours behind the wheel and, for comparison, its sister the Insignia. The Regal’s principle target in the U.S. is the Acura TSX.

Waterfall grille one of few Buick cues on new Regal.

Photo Gallery

Driving pre-production Regals along rural roadways outside of Detroit here makes it easier to understand why GM backed out of a deal to sell a majority stake in Opel to Canadian parts maker and contract vehicle-assembler Magna International Inc. In short, Opel makes a fine car.

The U.S.-spec Regal leverages the same Epsilon II platform, which also underpins the new-for-’11 Buick LaCrosse that launched in North America in September, but with subtle mechanical and design differences between its Chinese and German iterations.

For example, the engine is federalized to meet U.S. regulations, as are items such as the mirror glass and the guts of the headlights. But little differs in styling between the Insignia and Regal. Aside from the Buick grille and 3-shield badges, sheet metal is exactly the same.

In fact, Buick’s signature port holes will not get stamped into the Regal’s hood until production begins in North America in 2011. GM also installs an insert to the front bumper to fill the elongated European license plate basin until U.S. production begins.

The Regal’s design proves more striking out on the roadway with some morning rain splattered along its haunches than in GM’s advanced design studio, where Ward’s first glimpsed the car a few weeks ago.

Standard motivation comes via GM’s new 2.4L 4 cyl. engine with gasoline direct-injection technology, making 182 hp and 172 lb.-ft. (233 Nm) of torque. GM pegs its fuel economy at 20-30 mpg (11.8-7.8 L/100 km) city/highway on regular gasoline.

’11 Buick Regal
Pros	Cons
Vehicle type	front-engine, 2WD 5-passenger sedan
Engine	2.0L turbocharged 4 cyl. w/gasoline direct injection
Power (SAE net)	(SAE net) 220 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Torque	258 lb. ft. (349 Nm) @ 2,000 rpm
Compression ratio	9.2:1
Transmission	6-speed automatic w/manual mode
Wheelbase	107.8 ins. (273.8 cm)
Overall length	190.2 ins. (483.1 cm)
Overall width	73.1 ins. (185.7 cm)
Overall height	54.4 ins. (138.2 cm)
Curb weight	3,314 lbs. (1,503 kg)
Base price	N/A
Fuel economy	18-29 mpg (13-8 L/100 km)
Competition	Acura TSX
Lively 4-cyl. turbo	Best motor a late arrival
European styling	Short on Buick styling
Yes! A U.S.-spec Opel	Uh-oh! A U.S.-spec Opel

However, we test drove models with the optional 2.0L turbocharged GDI 4-cyl., which does not arrive until the third quarter of next year.

Our verdict is overwhelmingly positive. Making 220 hp and 258 lb.-ft. (349 Nm) of torque, the 2.0L mill is the kind of engine that will turn Buick skeptics into believers faster than three shots of Jagermeister.

Responsive and well-behaved, the car slings its 3,600-lb. (1,633-kg) weight through the corners and over pitches in the roadway with enthusiasm.

Yes, the suspension in the Buick is dialed down from the drum-tight setup of the Insignia. But this is not your granddad’s floaty-boaty Buick; the well-sprung suspension works together with a quick, precise steering system like no other vehicle to wear the three shields.

And one test model even included a 6-speed manual transmission. GM declines to offer a timetable for the Regal’s manual transmission. But if the gearbox makes it to the U.S., it will be the first since a 5-speed manual on the ’89 Buick Skyhawk.

Another first: no volume V-6 engine for this Buick.

Both transmissions match up well. The 6-speed automatic seems content to sit in the logical gear and not hunt for something higher, while the manual shifts quickly with a hint of the “click-click” ease of its European competitors.

GM estimates fuel economy with the 2.0L at 18-29 mpg (13-8 L/100 km) city/highway. Premium fuel is recommended but not required.

Base pricing is expected to slot just below the new LaCrosse that starts at roughly $28,000, which makes the Regal slightly less expensive than its Acura TSX rival.

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Buick Regal Among First to Get GM’s Updated Mild-Hybrid System

GM to Source Initial U.S. Buick Regals From Germany

Regal Called Next Step in Buick’s Revival

GM also provides drive time here in an Insignia OPC model to demonstrate the possibilities for the Regal. The vehicle is outfitted with a 325-hp 2.8L V-6 engine, high-performance tires blacked out in NASCAR fashion, racing seats and a super-tight suspension.

It’s hardly surprising the Regal is such an impressive car, given that it is an exact duplicate of the smash-hit Insignia. In fact, not watering down the Buick to fit U.S. tastes easily ranks as its greatest attribute.

But it will take more products of the Regal’s ilk to erase Buick’s longstanding reputation for pillowy-riding large sedans with sloppy steering.

So it should hardly be surprising GM will go back to Germany for another small Buick sedan, this one based on the redesigned Delta compact car architecture shouldering the recently launched Opel Astra.

Have we seen this approach before? Sure, but this time it’s hard to argue with the results.

Car sales in Western Europe grew by 29.2% year-on-year in November

2009-12-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

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Car sales in Western Europe grew by 29.2% year-on-year in November according to data released by JD Power Automotive Forecasting, but the firm cautioned on the market outlook for 2010.

JD Power warned that the strong-looking November result needs to be seen in the context of weak sales last year and the continuing distortions to the market caused by government scrappage incentives.

JD Power analyst Pete Kelly told just-auto that the the seasonally adjusted annualised rate of sales (SAAR) for November 2009 stood at 14.8m units - a more 'normal' market level - but that he viewed it as 'brief reprieve' rather than marking an end to depressed market levels.

Car sales in Germany were up by 19.7% year-on-year in the month of November and a whopping 25.4% in the year to date.

"The scrapping incentive in Germany is no longer on offer and so we expect German sales to drop off relatively sharply over coming months," Kelly said.

JD Power said that the end to government support schemes will result in the West European car market declining by around 10% in 2010 to 12.15m units.

JD Power also noted that the French car market was 'decidedly strong' in November, with the selling rate climbing to 2.8m units with French car buyers thinking they had to register their cars by year-end to take advantage of a scrappage scheme there. However, the scheme has been amended so that, as long as an order comes in by the end of 2009, it will benefit. JD Power says this will mean that the French market will start off 2010 relatively strongly as related registrations spill over into 2010.

The Spanish car market also posted a strong month in November (SAAR over 1.1m units) while the UK car market gain of 57.6% reflected a scrappage effect (plus some buyers avoiding a January VAT increase) and exceptionally weak sales last year.

Car Sales - Click to enlarge

Rolls-Royce edition Mini reportedly confirmed for custom order

2009-11-22T03:54:00.000-08:00

Mini Rolls-Royce special for Park Lane – Click above for image gallery

It's been about half a year since the initial reports of a Rolls-Royce edition Mini first surfaced, and nearly as long since the first batch of photos emerged. But rumors persist, and now reports from the UK indicate that mutual parent company BMW has given the green light for a series of Rolls-style accoutrements for the iconic retro-hatch.

Following market trends that seem to indicate that, in Europe especially, buyers aren't willing to give up on luxury when they go for more compact, fuel-efficient rides, the specially-trimmed Minis would offer customers a range of customization options suitable for a Phantom yet packed into a Cooper. But rather than outfitting Minis with stock luxury trim packages – like Aston Martin is preparing to do with the iQ-based Cygnet – the exclusive Mini hatchbacks would be outfitted at the Rolls-Royce factory according to individual customer orders. Clients would be able to choose from the best leathers and veneers to give their Minis a more upscale feel, much like the coachbuilt Minis popular amongst British celebs like Harold Radford and The Beatles in the '60s, but available through established dealers in a more organized fashion.

Unfortunately, that's about all the information available at this point, but sources suggest a public announcement sometime next year.

Rolls MINI for Park Lane

Renault could sell 40% of its F1 team to Russian investors

2009-11-22T03:37:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back, Toyota announced its departure from Formula One, and it looked like Renault could follow. The team had lost its drivers, its team leaders, its sponsors and its reputation. The French automaker's board convened in France to discuss the matter, but no announcement followed, leaving everyone scratching their heads. Well if the latest rumors hold any truth, we could have our reason.

While the decision may have seemed fairly black or white (should I stay or should I go?) there are plenty shades of gray for Renault to choose from. One option would have been to sell or shutter its team while continuing to supply engines, but now another possibility has emerged: for Renault to sell part of the team but keep the rest.

The reports stem from Turun Sanomat, one of Finland's largest daily papers, which suggests that the French automaker could sell as much as 40 percent of the team to an unnamed Russian company. The move would help Renault raise some much-needed capital to continue its involvement in the sport, but could come with strings attached, including placing GP2 runner-up Vitaly Petrov in a race seat beside Robert Kubica. Considering the hot water Renault's already in with the Russians and how poorly the country's last venture into F1 went, they could prove hesitant, but then Ghosn and company might not have any better options.

Chrysler pledges to be quality leader by 2012

2009-11-22T03:18:00.000-08:00

A quick glance at recent Consumer Reports or JD Power data shows that the Pentastar has a big problem on its hands, but the new Chrysler says that will change in a big way by the end of 2012. Chrysler is planning to be a quality leader in only three years by dramatically increasing staffing levels in its quality team while working to dramatically clean up its engineering processes. Just one year ago, there were only 200 staff members on the quality team. Chrysler is now hiring 200 additional workers and shifting head count to beef up its quality team to over 1,700.

Quality boss Doug Betts, who was hired from Nissan during the Cerberus acquistion, tried to address quality before the automaker descended into bankruptcy, but Chrysler's woeful money situation led to the postponement of the Pentastar's long overdue quality renaissance. With bankruptcy in the rearview mirror and Fiat's full blessing to dig deep to fix Chrysler's competitive disadvantages, Betts now has the tools needed to make drastic changes. And some progress has already been made.

For starters, Chrysler has cut per-vehicle spending by $240 million, and warranty spending is down 30 percent to an all-time low. In 2008, 75 percent of all quality problems were design issues, and that number has reportedly dropped to 50 percent this year though better engineering. The factory floor is also receiving attention, as Chrysler is adopting Fiat's "world class" manufacturing system.

Chrysler has also made several departmental shifts to give workers more autonomy to make changes faster. In the past, problems were shifted from one department to another, resulting in an average delay of 71 days to fix a problem. Now cross-departmental teams are organized by 14 vehicle groups, like brakes or transmissions instead of by model alone. Many of the quality fixes will occur as Chrysler unveils new or heavily updated products between now and 2013. The Detroit News reports that 75 percent of all models will receive heavy duty attention within the next 14 months, and all vehicles will be updated by 2013.

Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS

2009-11-22T02:39:00.000-08:00

Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS – Click above for high-res image gallery

After securing his record ninth MotoGP title, there's little doubt that Valentino Rossi is the fastest man on two wheels. And BMW has acknowledged the Italian rider's speed by awarding him a brand-spankin'-new M3 sedan.

The German automaker is a sponsor of the motorbike racing series, providing organizers with safety cars and other vehicles, and even using it to debut the new X6 M crossover earlier this year. And every year BMW gifts a car to the rider who proved the fastest in qualifying over the course of the season. Rossi's won the "M Award" five times now, but before he drove off in his new V8 sports sedan, BMW gave him a rare opportunity to sample the new hardcore M3 GTS.

So what did the fastest man on two wheels think of the fastest Bimmer on four? Quite a lot, apparently, as the multiple world champion said he wants to be first on the list when the M3 GTS goes on sale next year. That's quite a glowing endorsement, and all it cost them was a test drive. Click on the thumbnails below for a high-res image gallery.

Gallery: Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS

Audi will pull the sheets off the all-new 2011 Audi A8

2009-11-22T01:28:00.000-08:00

Audi pavilion at Design Miami - Click above for high res image gallery

Audi's centennial celebration is winding down, but the German brand isn't quite ready to switch off the lights. There's at least one more big model debut planned for its 100th anniversary, and in just over a week Audi will pull the sheets off the all-new 2011 Audi A8. Although the uber-sedan will take the stage at the LA Auto Show in two weeks, the world will get its first official look on the opposite coast at Design Miami.

Audi has erected a special temporary art museum for the design show, providing a backdrop for the unveiling of the brand's new flagship. According to Audi, the sedan will be surrounded by an exhibit from the Rubell Family collection called "Beg Borrow and Steal." There will also be an installation called the "Light Light" made of LEDs and aluminum -- a fitting tribute to the new A8's aluminum structure and LED lighting. So far, all we have is images of the Audi pavilion and a few teasers of the sedan, so stay tuned for more next week.

Ford Mustang captures Grand-Am Koni Challenge

2009-10-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

2009 SPEED World Challenge GT at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With various racing series coming to a close this month, the Mustang has proven its worth on track by bringing home two major road racing championships. This past weekend Brandon Davis secured the 2009 SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT title in only his second season with a fourth place finish at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Davis, who was racing in the new 2010 ACS Mustang that debuted a few weeks earlier at Road Atlanta, only needed to finish in eighth place to guarantee the championship and beat out Porsche driver James Sofronas.

In the Grand-Am Koni Challenge series, the Mustang FR500C also captured not only the driver title, but also the team and manufacturers' championships for the second straight year. Rehagen Racing sat atop the driver and team points lead with a sixth place finish at Virginia International Raceway, and the win by JBS Motorsports helped put Ford just one point ahead of BMW in the manufacturers' standings. Mustangs won five races during the 2009 season and finished on the podium eight out of eleven races.

We didn't make it out to VIR for the Koni Challenge race, but we were on hand at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to watch the SPEED World Challenge race with cameras at the ready. Check out the high-res gallery below, or tune into SPEED TV on November 3 at 2:00 pm EST to watch the race yourself.

Gallery: 2009 SPEED World Challenge GT at Laguna Seca

China says Hummer paperwork not submitted yet

2009-10-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

2009 Hummer HX concept – Click above for high-res gallery

Last week, it was reported that General Motors had signed a definitive agreement to sell Hummer to Chinese machinery manufacturer Tengzhong. The Chinese company and its partner in the deal, Lumena Resources Corp., would pay $150 million and receive Hummer and its intellectual property, ownership of U.S. franchise agreements, and manufacturing, business, and component assistance during a four- or five-year transition period.

The questions being raised now concern what is happening on the other side of the Pacific. The Chinese Commerce Ministry reportedly hasn't received Tengzhong's application to officially bring Hummer home, which has led observers to wonder if there will be a holdup or reversal of the deal. According to a Hummer representative, however, Tengzhong had to finalize the deal with GM before it could present it for approval to the Chinese authorities:

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and/or review by agencies in China and the U.S. Tengzhong has started communicating with the relevant regulatory bodies and will continue to support the application process in accordance with the requirements. Formal engagement was only able to begin with the signing of the definitive agreement.

If all goes well, Tengzhong hopes to have the deal closed by early 2010.

yells Tanner Foust in the general direction of the gathered

2009-10-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Autoblog goes drifting with Tanner Foust – Click above for high-res image gallery

"It feels like I'm down on power!" yells Tanner Foust in the general direction of the gathered throngs containing both his crew and assorted media. Tanner and myself are currently five-point bolted into his new stock car-engined Formula D Scion tC. We've just exited an aborted lap around the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale because something – so says Foust – is amiss with the car.

Rockstar Energy Drink Drift captain Stephan Papadakis comes charging towards the Scion and begins earnestly, if not frantically, checking the car's vitals through the steering wheel's digital readout. Steph floors the motor a few times, checks the numbers and exasperatedly tells Foust that everything looks fine. "Oh," says Tanner, patting me on my beer belly. "Must be him." Very funny, jerk.

Gallery: Autoblog Goes Drifting with Tanner Foust

Meet Brian Deese, the 31-year-old in charge of breaking up GM 2009

2009-06-06T00:15:00.000-07:00

Many of us ABers being in our early- to mid-30s, we're less amazed that another of our ilk has risen to a decisive government position. We are, after all, a generation on the rise. The surprising part about Brian Deese's story is that he's been instrumental in shaping the Obama administration's moves to save General Motors, and this is his first official tour of duty in Washington. What qualifies a guy who hasn't even finished his Yale Law degree to steer President's automotive task force around? From what's been said about Mr. Deese, his quick ability to boil down the often competing economic and political aspects of any given issue.

Deese piped up in favor of Fiat's rescue of Chrysler, pointing out with a memo that a fire sale of the ailing automaker would send unforseen ripples out into the economy as a whole. Speaking out in such an influential manner is definitely unusual considering Deese doesn't appear to be an auto enthusiast or business propeller-head with his nose buried in studies and reports about the car industry. A childhood spent in the Boston suburb of Belmont, Massachusetts under the parentage of a college professor an an engineer, Deese did his undergraduate time at Middlebury College in Vermont before heading to Washington to work for Nancy Birdsall on international aid. A turn with former Clinton policy wonk Gene Sperling before the move to Yale, Hillary Clinton's bid for nomination brought Deese back to DC. With friends in Washington, Deese found himself hooked into the Obama team, and from there he's been running busily around our nation's capital.

If General Motors can successfully navigate Chapter 11, we'll all get to see just how well Brian Deese has done digesting the thorny chestnut that is saving our domestic auto industry.

Chevy Spark Photo Leaked - aka Beat

2009-05-11T03:55:00.000-07:00

2010 Chevy Spark Beat image leak - low res

A production-ready picture of the Chevrolet Spark has been leaked out. Previously known as the Beat concept, it pushed aside two other small concept cars (the Groove and Trax) to earn its place on the Chevrolet production line.

The American morning show the TODAY Show had a Spark on partial display recently. During the show GM Vice President of Global Design Ed Welburn confirmed the Beat was the people's choice when it came to voting which of the three concepts should have been considered for production. A web-based vote gathered over two million votes and the Spark won.

Most of this compact seems to have retained the Beat concept's popular design cues so very little has changed in terms of looks. However one of the most notable changes is larger windows. The front end is less sporty, appears to be raised higher off the ground. A few lines have been altered including fog lamps, headlights and the grille. The side profile has also adapted to reality by accommodating rear doors, although a three-door version may be made similar to the Beat concept. It could also be that same version that will appear in the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen later on this year.

An engine range starting with a 1.2-litre (with and without a turbo) is envisaged while drive will be through the front wheels for a more spacious cabin. This is the car that GM may pin its hopes on for a global mass sales revival, even though in some countries like the US it may not be badged as a Chevrolet but a Pontiac.

The 2009 Detroit International Auto Show will reveal full details of the car.

Chevy Spark playing to a familiar Beat

2009-05-11T03:54:00.002-07:00

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Chevy Beat/Spark unveiling

While details remain sparse, General Motors rolled out its three-door Beat Concept from the 2007 New York Auto Show, promising that a version of the car will be produced beginning in 2010 for foreign markets, and for the US in 2011. Oddly, unlike the three-door sub-Aveo – sized hatch that rolled on to this morning's main stage, the production Spark figures to be a five-door hatchback capable of delivering 40 miles-per-gallon in the city. Officials indicate that a production version of the Spark will roll out at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and AB readers have already seen development prototypes running around.

Interestingly, the leaked shot that we showed you yesterday clearly shows a five-door vehicle. Perhaps it will roll onto display stands later in the show, but for now, GM has chosen to parade the 2007 three-door showcar around. We'll do some poking around, but in the meantime, take a gander at the high-res gallery of shots below and click through to the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark, aka Beat

PRESS RELEASE:

Chevrolet Spark and Orlando Headed to the United States in 2011

DETROIT – An all-new Chevrolet Spark mini-car and Orlando seven-seat compact multi-purpose vehicle will come to the United States in 2011. The announcement was made during a General Motors press conference at the North American International Auto Show here today.

"Chevrolet Spark will bring great style, roominess and versatility to the segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars in the U.S.," said Troy Clarke, president of GM North America. "The decision to add the Spark to Chevrolet's portfolio reflects the brand's commitment to being a fuel efficiency leader in the industry."

Originally seen as the Chevrolet Beat concept at the 2007 New York Auto Show, the four-door Chevrolet Spark will provide versatility with a fresh, youthful exterior and interior design that is reflected in the selection of materials and colors.

The Spark will make its world debut in full production form at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2009. Sales begin in Europe in the first quarter of 2010, followed by other markets around the globe.

"The Chevrolet Orlando show car, unveiled at the recent Paris Auto Show to positive public reaction, combines the versatility of a sport-utility, a family van and a wagon in a single vehicle," Clarke said. It has the added benefit of excellent fuel economy, because of its car-based architecture."

First photos and plans for the Chevrolet Orlando's global rollout will be released in the coming months. It will be in Chevrolet showrooms in the U.S. in 2011.

"These small vehicles make a big statement," said Ed Peper, North America vice president, Chevrolet. "With their fresh, clean approach, we believe Spark and Orlando will appeal to a wide range of customers who want excellent fuel efficiency, functionality and style in a small vehicle."

Meet the 2010 Chevrolet Spark! 47 mpg (U.S.)!

2009-05-11T03:54:00.001-07:00

Click image above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Chevy Spark

The Autoblog/AutoblogGreen team is just rolling into Geneva this morning for one of the biggest auto shows of the year, and look what we found before we even got out of the airport: Sitting in the Chevrolet media lounge right by the train station is the brand-new Chevrolet Spark. Essentially a four door version of the Beat concept we saw two years ago in New York, the Spark will be launching in other parts of the world in early 2010 and in the U.S. a year later. Both the 1.0-liter and 1.2-liter engines are expected to top 47 miles-per-gallon (U.S.) combined and emit less than 120 g/km of CO₂. They wouldn't let us sit in the car yet but it looks surprisingly roomy at this first look. Hopefully, General Motors will be around long enough that we'll get to drive it.

More information on the 2010 Chevy Spark w/VIDEO

2009-05-11T03:53:00.001-07:00

Click the Spark for high res images

It's less than a month until the Geneva Motor Show and the unveiling of the 2010 Chevy Spark. For those of you that have been paying attention for the past two years, the Spark is the production version of the Beat concept that debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show. Compared to the Beat, the Spark has grown two extra doors but otherwise looks very much like the original. The Spark is following the lead of other mini-cars by using a more upright stance and pushing the wheels out to the corners to maximize interior room. Inside, the design of the instrument panel appears to be a simplified evolution of the twin cockpit look that has been appearing on other contemporary Chevrolets, including the Malibu, Traverse and Equinox. Under the hood, buyers in Europe will get a choice of 1.0 or 1.2L four cylinder engines driving the front wheels when the Spark goes on sale early next year. At the Detroit Auto Show, GM announced that the Spark will indeed be sold in North America beginning about a year after its European debut. A video design overview with Dave Lyon is after the jump.

2010 Chevy Spark beats a path to the web

2009-05-11T03:51:00.000-07:00

As the hours wind down before the 2009 Detroit Auto Show finally kicks off in the morning, more vehicles are leaking through the manufacturers' embargo nets. The latest addition to the list is the 2010 Chevy Spark, teased earlier this week on Today by GM design honcho Ed Welburn. Spark is the production version of the Chevy Beat concept that made its debut alongside the Trax and Groove at New York two years ago. Beat was the winner of a public poll to see which of the three microcar concepts would make it to production. We also know that Beat/Spark's going to get some time in the limelight as a character in this summer's Transformers sequel.

The itsy-bitsy new "world car" has grown a second set of doors in production trim, but otherwise, its styling remains remarkably true to the Beat show car. Roof rails hint at real-world practicality, and the fact that GM is choosing Detroit to unveil it suggests that maybe, just maybe, we'll see it here after all. We'll know more as the show gets officially underway, but we can say one thing: it's more interesting than the car it's set to replace in other markets. We'll have plenty more when we see it up close.

Chevrolet Spark unveiled

2009-05-11T03:50:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet Spark unveiled

General Motors opened the Detroit show by revealing the Chevrolet Spark concept, a version of the brand's forthcoming global city car, due on sale early next year.

The Chevrolet Spark concept is based heavily on the similarly sized Chevrolet Beat concept from last year's show, but GM has elected to rebrand this vital model in an effort to take on stylish rivals from the likes of Fiat and Ford in the UK.

The deep-bumpered lime green show model received an enthusiastic welcome at the Cobo Centre.

"There are wrong perceptions about the cars we make," GM's product czar Bob Lutz told the assembled crowd. "The only way we can change that is to offer modern products like this."

GM boss Rick Wagoner also revealed the first picture of the more conservatively styled production-ready Chevrolet Spark, which we'll see for the first time at the Geneva show in March.

The Chevrolet Spark is a frugal and inexpensive product which, Chevrolet sources suggest, the company is keen to get on the market as quickly as possible.

More than two million consumers apparently voted for GM to build the Chevrolet Spark (aka Beat), as opposed to two other larger concepts that were proposed by Chevrolet’s design house.

There are no details of powertrain options but expect frugal, low-CO2 petrol and diesel motors as GM strives to change its gas-guzzling image. The 1.3-litre CDTi diesel from the Vauxhall Corsa is a possibility, as is the 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor from the Suzuki Splash.

Chevy Spark, aka Beat

2009-03-23T22:29:00.000-07:00