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.

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.

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."

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.

Toyota extends warranty (UK)

Starting from today, Toyota UK will be extending their standard warranty from 3 years to 5 years. The longer deal was introduced back in March as Toyota tried to redirect negative publicity over its vehicle recalls. Buyers could choose between 3 years free servicing or a 5 year warranty.

Kia Soul Hamsters return (U.S)

The new advertising campaign for the 2010 Kia Soul will be top-heavy with hamsters. The South Korean carmaker is even rolling out a line of "Hamstar" clothing for followers of the cuddly creatures.

Vauxhall/Opel Calibra to make a comeback?

Ever since Vauxhall/Opel pulled the covers off the sleek GTC Concept back in 2007, there have been rumours circulating on the Internet and the media about a production version of the study that would essentially replace the Calibra of the 1990s.


A report claims that the four seater coupe is still under consideration but if it gets the go-ahead, it could go on sale as early as 2013, which sounds believable given that the car would be a coupe version of the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia/Buick Regal.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor proves popular (U.S)

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with the optional 6.2 litre V8 is shifting like there’s no tomorrow, with 3,000 orders already booked for the $41,995 pick-up.


The V8, taken from those used in Ford's Super Duties, has a unique cam profile to help get extra power for the Raptor. The final result is 411bhp and 434 lb-ft of torque.

Photo Gallery: 2010 Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke pricing announced (UK)

Nissan has revealed the prices for its controversial Juke crossover, with the entry-level Visia 1.6 petrol costing from £12,795. All Jukes are linked to a 5 speed manual, 6 speed for 1.5 dCi & 1.6 DiG-T, which also receives a 6 speed CVT transmission.