2azfe Bare Block on 2040-parts.com

Fornasari Racing Buggy concept

Fornasari, a small independent automaker based in Italy, has recently completed a new 'Racing Buggy' concept, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The 2+2-seat concept is a powerful, functional and extreme off-road vehicle with a removable roof and doors. It measures 4350mm long, 2000mm wide, 1720mm high and has a 2750mm wheelbase.

GM bets on new four-cylinder family in Europe; U.S. plans unclear

General Motors' European subsidiary, Opel, has revealed a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that will be offered from early 2013 across its lineup, starting with the soon-to-be-revealed Astra-based Cascada convertible. The aluminum block unit, the first in a new range of so-called SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) ECOTEC engines, forms the centerpiece of the company's downsizing strategy for displacement. The engine is claimed to have improved torque characteristics and a significant reduction in consumption compared with its predecessor.

Former Chrysler chief LaSorda joins Fisker

Former Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda will join Fisker Automotive as vice chairman, in the plug-in hybrid maker's second signing of an ex-Detroit 3 executive this week. CEO Henrik Fisker said LaSorda's position will include a day-to-day executive advisory role, as the fledgling automaker ramps up production of the Karma sedan at its Wilmington, Del., factory over the coming year. LaSorda will be chairman of the company's strategy council.