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.

Jaguar F-Type Tour de France Concept (2014)

By James Clark First Official Pictures 21 July 2014 10:30 Jaguar’s new Special Vehicle Operations team has built an F-Type R Coupe to act as a support car for Team Sky on stage 20 of the 2014 Tour De France. The injured Chris Froome, who crashed out of the Tour earlier this month, is hoping to be onboard this weekend as he cheers on the rest of his Sky teammates. By a mile.

McLaren introduces 12C GT Sprint

McLaren confirmed on Monday that the 12C GT Sprint track-focused racer will cost about $316,000, converted from British pounds. That doesn't include taxes and destination. The GT Sprint was built by the McLaren GT racing arm of McLaren Automotive, and retains much of the 12C road car.