88 Lotus Esprit Starter, Lucas on 2040-parts.com

Pumped up Chevy previews new Lacetti

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 07 September 2006 08:47 Chevrolet has issued this sneak preview of its forthcoming family hatch – disguised as a World Touring Car. Disregard the pram handle wing, snowplough undertray and steroidal wheelarch extensions, and you have the car to replace the current Lacetti in around 2008. The production model should use GM's next-generation Delta platform, which will also underpin the next Astra and a proposed Saab hot hatch.

Volkswagen E-Golf to get limited testing release

Starting in April, Volkswagen of America will launch a test fleet of battery-powered E-Golf cars in select metro areas. More selective than the BMW ActiveE program that included 700 drivers, Volkswagen will release only 20 EVs, 12 of which will be allocated to company employees. Volkswagen said in a release that the purpose of the test is to conduct research and gather information on driving patterns, electric performance and climate conditions.

Saab China – Deal Dead

Saab has terminated the deal with Youngman and Pang Da Did we expect anything different? Saab has announced that the deal for Chinese companies Youngman and Pang Da to take a €245 million stake in Saab has been terminated. Saab say that they have terminated the agreement because Pang Da and Youngman have failed to confirm their commitment to the Subscription Agreement on the agreed terms, and the money the Chinese (according to Saab) were to pay by this weekend has not been received.