GM Researching Passenger Car Diesel, Mid-size Pickup, Minivan
Now the GM is past the bankruptcy distraction, it appears that management is back to investigating segments that a new, leaner GM can be competitive in.
Before his sudden departure last year, GM boss Ed Whitacre asked the product team to look into a new minivan offering (possibly based on a stretched version of the next Opel Zafira (current generation pictured here), as well as a replacement for the outgoing Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-sized pickups.
On the powertrain front, GM is back to looking at a diesel engine for passenger cars (a technology that should offer hybrid-like mileage numbers without the extra complexity of multiple power sources and complex transmissions.
If any of these projects is close to getting a green light, expect a concept previewing the segment or technology to show up during the coming months' auto shows.
On the powertrain front, GM is back to looking at a diesel engine for passenger cars (a technology that should offer hybrid-like mileage numbers without the extra complexity of multiple power sources and complex transmissions.
If any of these projects is close to getting a green light, expect a concept previewing the segment or technology to show up during the coming months' auto shows.
Microcars for all! - GM unveils Opel/Vauxhall Agila
Picture a Saturn 2 sizes smaller than the upcoming Astra and you are well on your way to understanding what the Opel Agila is all about.
This microcar (a niche that GM has becoming increasingly interested in of late - with their 3 microcar concepts shown at the New York Auto Show and talk about their desire to make stylish/desirable products in this segment with the help of GM Daewoo) is based on the Suzuki Swift (yep, they still make a Swift).
It is powered by your choice of 3 tiny engines (a 1.0l gasoline 3-cylinder with 65hp, a 1.2l gasoline 4-cylinder with 86hp, or a 1.3l diesel with 75hp but 140lb*ft of torque). Given this just over 12ft long car's weight, any should be sufficient.
While it is unlikely that Saturn will see this car (since the Opel Corsa is one size bigger and not planned - yet - for the US market) - ever tightening emissions and fuel economy standards, and increasing gas prices may change things in the coming years.
It is nice to know that tiny cars are not the penalty boxes that many remember from the first push to get fuel efficiency up (late 70's-80's).
This microcar (a niche that GM has becoming increasingly interested in of late - with their 3 microcar concepts shown at the New York Auto Show and talk about their desire to make stylish/desirable products in this segment with the help of GM Daewoo) is based on the Suzuki Swift (yep, they still make a Swift).
It is powered by your choice of 3 tiny engines (a 1.0l gasoline 3-cylinder with 65hp, a 1.2l gasoline 4-cylinder with 86hp, or a 1.3l diesel with 75hp but 140lb*ft of torque). Given this just over 12ft long car's weight, any should be sufficient.While it is unlikely that Saturn will see this car (since the Opel Corsa is one size bigger and not planned - yet - for the US market) - ever tightening emissions and fuel economy standards, and increasing gas prices may change things in the coming years.
It is nice to know that tiny cars are not the penalty boxes that many remember from the first push to get fuel efficiency up (late 70's-80's).
GM to show next E-Flex vehicle in Frankfurt
The good folks at Winding Road are reporting on a statement made by Bob Lutz at last week's NY Auto Show about the follow-on to the Chevy Volt concept.
Another E-Flex vehicle (a battery powered vehicle with a supplementary engine/power source to extend range) will be shown at the Frankfurt show in September, likely badged as an Opel.
Expect this E-Flex to use a biodiesel engine as the 'range extender' and to have a unique body to that of the Volt.
GM still plans on putting an E-Flex powered vehicle into production in 2010 - barring any unforeseen problems getting the Li-Ion battery technology scaled up to allow electric-only operation for 30-40 miles.
See the video of the interview at:
Winding Road: Bob Lutz - New Volt-based Concept will Debut in Frankfurt
Another E-Flex vehicle (a battery powered vehicle with a supplementary engine/power source to extend range) will be shown at the Frankfurt show in September, likely badged as an Opel.Expect this E-Flex to use a biodiesel engine as the 'range extender' and to have a unique body to that of the Volt.
GM still plans on putting an E-Flex powered vehicle into production in 2010 - barring any unforeseen problems getting the Li-Ion battery technology scaled up to allow electric-only operation for 30-40 miles.
See the video of the interview at:
Winding Road: Bob Lutz - New Volt-based Concept will Debut in Frankfurt
Future Saturn - Opel shows Corsa OPC
Opel, GM's Euro-brand that serves as a partner for our Saturn, has just shown off the top model of their entry-level car, the Corsa OPC.
This fall we will get the 3 and 5-door versions of the Astra hatchback, the Corsa's big brother. GM has also made it clear that, when the Corsa is redesigned in a few years, that a Saturn version would be on the way.
I'd be all for bringing this little pocket-rocket over as-is. 190hp, 0-60 in 6.8 seconds, 38+ mpg in the UK combined test (imperial gallons, remember - US numbers would be closer to 32mpg).
This would make a great competitor against such B-class cars as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris which top out under 110hp (though they do get better mileage - but a base Corsa could compete handily with that).
Check out the pictures of the Vauxhall (UK brand that sells Opel cars) Corsa VXR at:
CAR: Vauxhall Corsa VXR
This fall we will get the 3 and 5-door versions of the Astra hatchback, the Corsa's big brother. GM has also made it clear that, when the Corsa is redesigned in a few years, that a Saturn version would be on the way.I'd be all for bringing this little pocket-rocket over as-is. 190hp, 0-60 in 6.8 seconds, 38+ mpg in the UK combined test (imperial gallons, remember - US numbers would be closer to 32mpg).
This would make a great competitor against such B-class cars as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris which top out under 110hp (though they do get better mileage - but a base Corsa could compete handily with that).
Check out the pictures of the Vauxhall (UK brand that sells Opel cars) Corsa VXR at:
CAR: Vauxhall Corsa VXR