[CARS-MANIA] What Should GM do with SAAB's 2010 9-5 Sedan and 9-4x SUV?

Unless you have been living under a rock, you've probably heard about GM's decision to close down its SAAB brand after it became clear that the Spyker deal could not be completed in reasonable time - or so the Detroit automaker claimed.

Some say, there's still some hope left for the once innovative and quirky Swedish brand as during the wind-down procedure, a savior might come forward and express interest in Saab as a whole or a part of the company.

There's even talk about a second life in China as GM could sell more Saab assets to BAIC or another domestic maker.

In any case, one of the first questions that arose after GM's decision, which, let's not forget, will leave several thousands of workers without a job, is what's going to happen with the production-ready 2010 9-5 sedan and the almost-ready 9-4x crossover?

Bear in mind that the premium sedan is based on GM's Epsilon 2 platform, also used on the Buick LaCrosse and Opel Insignia / 2011 Buick Regal, while the 9-4x shares its underpinnings with the new Cadillac SRX.

Officially, General Motors has not said what it will do with these two cars nor with the current 9-3s.

In what concerns the two new models, we can think of several options that GM may have including killing them off entirely, rebadging the cars under a different name and even selling the rights / assets to another automaker - although, common sense says that the last option is probably the least likely to happen for obvious competitive reasons.

So, here's the question we would like to ask you, our readers: What do you think General Motors should do with the new SAAB 9-5 sedan and 9-4x Crossover?

PS: The photoshoped 2010 SAAB 9-5 sedan with the Buick snout was made just to prettify the article


2010 SAAB 9-5 SEDAN

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SAAB 9-4X BIOPOWER CONCEPT

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Posted By tyson9500 to CARS-MANIA at 12/23/2009 01:57:00 AM

2011 Ford Mustang GT: More Info Leaks on 412HP 5.0L V8, Returns 25mpg

Journalists that attended a pre-Detroit show event on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT have spilled more beans on the new 5.0-liter V8 engine that uses an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. We already knew that the eight-cylinder powerplant churns out 412 horsepower, but now, we've also learned that those ponies will be delivered at 6,500 rpm and that the new engine produces 390 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 4.6-liter V8's 315HP and 325 lb-ft.

In addition, it was also confirmed that the brand-new V8, which features four valves per cylinder and twin independent variable valve timing, will be linked to six-speed transmissions in both automatic and manual forms.

Last but not least, the bean spillers said that the new 2011 Mustang GT will return a fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4lt/100km), most probably on the highway.

In comparison, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS' 6.2-liter V8 produces 426HP at 5,900rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm, returning 24mpg on the highway, while the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8's 6.1-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 42H5HP at 6,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm, returning 22mpg on the highway.

Via: Autoweek and Edmunds
*Photos: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Super Cars] 2011 Ford Mustang GT: More Info Leaks on 412HP 5.0L V8, Returns ...

Journalists that attended a pre-Detroit show event on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT have spilled more beans on the new 5.0-liter V8 engine that uses an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. We already knew that the eight-cylinder powerplant churns out 412 horsepower, but now, we've also learned that those ponies will be delivered at 6,500 rpm and that the new engine produces 390 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 4.6-liter V8's 315HP and 325 lb-ft.

In addition, it was also confirmed that the brand-new V8, which features four valves per cylinder and twin independent variable valve timing, will be linked to six-speed transmissions in both automatic and manual forms.

Last but not least, the bean spillers said that the new 2011 Mustang GT will return a fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4lt/100km), most probably on the highway.

In comparison, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS' 6.2-liter V8 produces 426HP at 5,900rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm, returning 24mpg on the highway, while the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8's 6.1-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 42H5HP at 6,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm, returning 22mpg on the highway.

Via: Autoweek and Edmunds
*Photos: 2010 Ford Mustang GT



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Posted By tyson9500 to Super Cars at 12/23/2009 01:09:00 AM

[CARS-MANIA] 2011 BMW 5-Series Tuned by TopCar, Cardi and Lumma Design

The brand-new 2011 BMW 5-Series hasn't even made its motor show debut yet, but tuners are already actively working on their plans to present an array of performance and cosmetic goodies for the Bavarian automaker's premium sedan. One of the first proposals comes from a trio of companies, Russia's TopCar and Cardi, and Germany's Lumma Design, that have joined forces to offer a new sport package for the Bimmer.

TopCar and Cardi will handle the design aspect of the project while Lumma Design will be responsible for the manufacturing of the kit as well as the performance upgrades.

Although the three tuners have not disclosed any specific details about the package, they did release a set of photoshoped images that show a new wide bodykit trimmed in carbon fiber that consists of new bumpers, fender extensions, side skirts and a boot lid spoiler.

In addition, the tuners previewed three different alloy wheel designs for the 2011 5-Series.

The tuners said that the completed package will be presented in April 2010.

Via: Cardesign

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Posted By tyson9500 to CARS-MANIA at 12/22/2009 04:54:00 AM

Special Edition Aston Martin DBS and V12 Vantage Carbon Black

The maker of the Cygnet mini has momentarily returned to the business of making exotic supercars as Aston Martin revealed today a pair of special edition versions of the DBS and V12 Vantage. Called Carbon Black, both models feature a bespoke -you guessed it- Carbon Black metallic finish that takes 50 man-hours of hand painting and quality checks to complete.

Both special editions ride on gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels while the V12 Vantage also gets a carbon fiber side strake over a black mesh vent, a bright finished grille and front parking sensors which are normally an option.

The interior of the DBS and V12 Vantage Carbon Black specials are adorned in Obsidian Black leather contrasted by hand stitched silver thread.

The sport seats are formed from Carbon Fibre and Kevlar which saves 17 kg or 37 pounds over the standard seats while other features include the Piano black facia trim, centre stack and centre console, anodised black tread plates and unique sill plaques made out of carbon fiber.

The V12 Vantage gets a standard 700w Premium Audio System while its DBS counterpart is equipped with a Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system.

Under the skin, everything remains the same with both the DBS and V12 Vantage Carbon Black editions being powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine churning out 510-horsepower.

Detailed pricing is to be confirmed in January 2010, but Aston Martin said that buyers should expect a 5 per cent increase over the price of the basic models. Deliveries of both models will commence from March.