Second generation Chevy Volt could get rotary engine

Chevrolet hasn’t even begun selling the 2011 Volt yet, but already GM is thinking about more efficient ways of making the next-generation model. Sources spoke to GM's new vice president of global vehicle engineering, Karl Stracke, who shared some insights into the new GM thought process.

According to Stracke, the Volt's current propulsion system is too expensive and has to be cut down if the car is to compete effectively with the Toyota Prius. Its battery pack costs $10,000 and GM is keen to halve that figure for the next-generation.


One answer is to use a rotary engine. Rotaries are known for producing more power per cubic centimetre than their cylindrical equivalents. A downside is their tendency to use relatively more fuel, but Stracke reckons that one rotor could be enough for his car's purposes.

A second option is the use of a 2 cylinder petrol engine. This engine could produce between 20PS - 24PS.

A third option is a diesel engine, but GM is cautious of the higher costs involved in its manufacturing, despite the possible long-run savings for the customer.

"The future of the automobile has never been as interesting as it is right now," said Stracke. "Big question is, what new propulsion system will come next?"

Lotus set to kill-off Europa

Lotus will be killing off the Europa sports coupe. According to reports, Lotus dealers in Europe have stopped selling the car, which could mean production of the Europa will end by autumn.


The Europa was introduced in 2006 and came with a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with 200bhp and 270Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. The SE, was introduced in 2008 and featured 220bhp with the same amount of torque.

Reports claim that the Europa was a temporary measure for Lotus, which was meant to fill a gap in the marketplace before the introduction of the Evora, while keeping the Elise production line busy. Whatever the case, the Europa never became popular with the customers.

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Mercedes appoints new MD (UK)

Mercedes UK has appointed Gary Savage as its new managing director - hardly a year after he left Audi to head up Citroen's UK operations. Savage replaces Dermot Kelly, who will retire at the end of June 2010.

Wilfried Steffen, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK, commented; “Gary Savage has consistently delivered significant business results in all his previous roles and firmly established his professional reputation within our sector."


He added: "Dermot Kelly has played a major part in driving forward the Mercedes-Benz passenger car strategy, making Mercedes-Benz and Smart the successful brands they are today. I would like to wish Dermot well and at the same time welcome Gary to the company."

Saab UK sold to Spyker (UK)

The sale of Saab UK to Dutch car firm, Spyker Cars was agreed today by GM UK. The company, which distributes Saabs in the UK, now becomes part of the Spyker Cars organisation, which purchased Saab at the beginning of the year. In this case, Spyker is ready to expand into Saab dealerships to double its [Spyker] showrooms by the end of the year.

In an interview, Saab and Spyker boss Victor Muller said Spyker’s dealer network would expand from 35 to 60 this year and should reach 90 by the end of 2011.


“We are signing up Spyker dealerships left, right and centre,” said Muller. Spyker’s latest model, the C8 Aileron, will be one of the first Spykers to be sold through Saab dealerships.

Saab UK will continue to operate within General Motors, while the 'carve out' process takes place. This will culminate in a move to new premises, which is expected to take place in August.

Jonathan Nash, managing director of Saab GB, said: 'This is great news for employees of Saab GB and its franchised dealers. We are now looking forward to a period of exciting new product launches over the next 24 months, starting with the UK launch of the all new 9-5 in our dealers on 8th July.'

Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars said: 'We are pleased that we have managed to finalise the acquisition of Saab GB. 'Historically, Great Britain has ranked in the top three markets for Saab and we have high expectations for the future.'

The all-new Saab 9-5 is available to order now with prices starting from £26,495 for the Vector SE 2.0 TiD manual with 158bhp, rising to £37,995 for the Aero 2.8T AWD automatic with 296bhp.

Volvo C30 STCC

Volvo will enter the Swedish Touring Championship STCC (Swedish Touring Car Championship) with a C30 model driven by Robert Dahlgren. The pilot said that the 2010 Volvo C30 STCC model is faster than driving in his life.

The 2010 Volvo C30 STCC model is based on the facelift version of the Volvo C30, but will have an improved rear suspension, a modified engine and some improved aerodynamics.

Nissan GT-R FIA GT1

Nissan Motorsports International appear that NISMO aloof active the official affiliation agreements for the FIA GT1 World Championship with Sumo Power GT (UK) and Swiss Antagonism Team (CH). Both teams will run two NISSAN GT-Rs appropriately in the countdown World Championship. NISMO will accommodate abstruse abutment to its new antagonism partners.

2011 Maserati Gran Cabrio

Best detail specification and price about new car 2011 Maserati Gran Cabrio ar design technology including sample pictures gallery. Maserati already has developed a new four-seater sports is ready to rumble in the luxury car market. It is a convertible designed by Pininfarina will be presented approximately in the fall. On sale will be from the spring of next year.For it has been possible to accommodate four passengers, has increased considerably wheelbase. The roof, as is customary in the Italian brand, is a canvas. This is completely hidden under a cover when opened at 100%. What makes this beast is a 4.7 V8 engine 440 hp. This position is located in the center front. The gearbox, on the other hand, is located near the rear axle.

2011 Maserati Gran Cabrio

Best review detail specification and price about new car 2011 Maserati Gran Cabrio ar design technology including sample pictures gallery. Maserati already has developed a new four-seater sports is ready to rumble in the luxury car market. It is a convertible designed by Pininfarina will be presented approximately in the fall. On sale will be from the spring of next year.For it has been possible to accommodate four passengers, has increased considerably wheelbase. The roof, as is customary in the Italian brand, is a canvas. This is completely hidden under a cover when opened at 100%. What makes this beast is a 4.7 V8 engine 440 hp. This position is located in the center front. The gearbox, on the other hand, is located near the rear axle.