Alfa Romeo 119 Gtv-6 Grille Badge on 2040-parts.com

Fiat makes bid to buy Opel

The proposed partnership between Fiat and Chrysler has been thrown into a tailspin with revelations that the Italian carmaker has made a secret offer to purchase a majority stake in Opel. Klaus Franz, chairman of Opel's works council, on Thursday confirmed Fiat's interest in a takeover of General Motors' European subsidiary, suggesting that officials have cleared the way for the signing of a letter of intent as early as April 28. Opel has been in talks with parts supplier Magna International on a possible partnership over the past month.

Rolls-Royce debuts Pinnacle Travel Phantom in Beijing

Another major car show in the eastern hemisphere, another special edition Rolls-Royce Phantom.To underscore the importance of the Chinese market to Rolls-Royce, the company unveiled the Pinnacle Travel Phantom from its Bespoke Collection at the China motor show in Beijing this week. Meant to showcase Rolls-Royce's popular Bespoke program in this rapidly emerging market, the Pinnacle Travel Phantom takes its cues from the heyday of luxury travel. No, not the era of $39 flights from Vegas to Reno in a Carter-vintage 737, but the era of travel by luxurious cross-continental trains.

Jaguar lines up 4-, 6-cylinder engines

Jaguar hasn't offered a four-cylinder engine since 1948 and no V6 since the small, lackluster X-Type was pulled from the United States four years ago. But in an era of mpg obsession, even this proud British luxury brand is changing. Jaguar will offer four- and six-cylinder engines in two of its three car lines, starting this fall.