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'Car Crazy' TV host Meguiar in serious condition

A dark cloud hangs over the family of automotive enthusiasts who had enjoyed a sunny week of classic-car events on the Monterey Peninsula. AutoWeek has learned that Barry Meguiar, the self-described "car crazy" goodwill ambassador of the automotive hobby world and creator/host of the popular television show of the same, is in serious condition in the intensive care unit of Monterey Community Hospital. Details of his ailment were not released by the hospital.

Juan Pablo Montoya hustles Corvette ZR1 around GM track

WITH VIDEO -- Juan Pablo Montoya's day job is to push Earnhardt Ganassi Racing's Chevy Impala around NASCAR tracks to collect trophies and points. And his extensive career includes stints in Formula One, Indy cars and Grand-AM racers. Recently, Montoya's patrons at Chevy brought him to the development track at the proving grounds in Milford, Mich.--known among fans inside the automaker as the "Lutzring." While he took some laps in the Chevrolet Cruze and the Camaro, what caught our eye is this video of Montoya pushing a Corvette ZR1 to the limit on the track.

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.