Even though we reported here that GM is halting all development in 2009, there are still rumors flying about the next generation Buick LaCrosse.
The latest news is that the car will feature a modified version of the company's 3.6L direct injection V6. The new engine, displacing 3.0L will generate around 250-hp and will be mated to GM's new 6-speed automatic. There is the possibility of an AWD option ... perhaps the same system currently used in the Saab 9-3X.
GM has put a halt to all product development spending for 2009 in an effort to save $1.5 billion.
Neither the Chevrolet Camaro nor the Chevrolet Volt will be affected as they are already well on their way to production. But other models, namely the next-gen Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac CTS Wagon will surely be affected.
After this story surfaced, a GM spokesperson told the Detroit News that the reporters claiming the above are "probably overplaying this a bit". So, no word, on how accurate this is, but interesting none the less.
According to Camaro5, 6,000 advance orders have been placed for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
Of these, 2% have gone for the base LS model. 14% have opted for the LT V6 models, leaving the remaining 84% of advance buyers going for the V8 powered SS model.
As part of an alliance between Chrysler and Nissan, Nissan will provide a small car for Dodge to use in foreign markets. That vehicle was released today under the name Trazo and will wear a Dodge badge.
In return, Nissan next generation Titan pickup truck truck will actually be a re-badged Dodge Ram.
We've recently told you that GM has closed down the factory that produces their full-size SUVs the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. This leaves the fate of their platform mates the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban on shaky ground.
Since we've also told you that the next-generation Escalade will be a crossover, riding on the Lambda platform this leaves the future of GM's full-size SUVs in limbo. GM will probably keep on producing models in their current form until it is no longer profitable for them.
The Acura TSX that we have here in North America is well known as a re-badging of the European Honda Accord. That model, in Europe, features a 2.2L inline-4 diesel engine that Honda had been wanting to introduce to North America.
As it turns out the engine isn't clean enough. Although the engine meets all emission requirements in Europe, U.S. standards are stricter. The engine could theoreticallly get certified with a manual transmission, but the automatic equipped model would fail. The likelihood of a manual-only model does not make economic sense so rumour has it that Honda is scrapping the possibility of importing the oil-burner.
In an effort to save money GM has decided to delay the launch of some models.
The newly re-designed Buick LaCrosse was set to debut in December but has been put off until early 2009. The Cadillac CTS Coupe is also delayed for an undetermined time. The Chevrolet Cruze compact was set to be sold in North America in 2010 but that has been put off until 2011. And the next generation Chevrolet Malibu now won't be sold until 2013.
According to AutoCar magazine, BMW is in discussions with other car manufacturers, including rivals such as Mercedes-Benz, to provide them with engines.
The most likely candidate is their newly developed V-12 which is based on a the company's 4.0L turbocharged V8. This engine will be put under the hood of the new 7-series due to be released next year, and in the new Rolls-Royce "baby" Phantom.
This engine might also make it into the Mercedes S-class and future Maybach models. BMW is also in negotiations with othe manufacturers who might use their clean diesel engine.
Even though we reported 
GM has put a halt to all product development spending for 2009 in an effort to save $1.5 billion.
According to 
As part of an alliance between Chrysler and Nissan, Nissan will provide a small car for Dodge to use in foreign markets. That vehicle was released today under the name Trazo and will wear a Dodge badge.
The Acura TSX that we have here in North America is well known as a re-badging of the European Honda Accord. That model, in Europe, features a 2.2L inline-4 diesel engine that Honda had been wanting to introduce to North America.
According to