Bos-09484 on 2040-parts.com

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.

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe confirmed

The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe will launch at the Detroit Motor Show 2010 There’s been a fair bit of news on Cadillac’s performance halo car the CTS-V of late. We had Bob Lutz taking on all comers at the Monticello Race Track in New York for the CTS-V Challenge (which turned in to a one-make competition) and the ubiquitous Mt Lutz confirming that Cadillac will be making a CTS-V Wagon (Estate, to us). And now comes confirmation of the CTS-V Coupe.

Australian couple breaks Guinness record for fuel economy

An Australian couple has broken their own record for fuel economy, light-footing it across the lower 48 American states to the tune of 67.90 mpg. Helen and John Taylor beat the mark of 58.82 mpg that they set last year, landing them again in the Guinness Book of Records. They drove a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI for both runs.