New GM : 25 new models to come through by 2011

With General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson announcing the big news on the up-coming 2011 Chevrolet Volt, which will be achieving 230 mpg, he continues to announce more news on the other cars that will be coming the next two years.

GM confirmed that it plans to launch 25 new models for its remaining 4 core brands (Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC), by the end of 2011. CEO Fritz Henderson confirmed that a group of consumers and select media were shown the plans for what GM has in-works by 2011 at GM’s Design Center and Milford Proving Ground.

So let's start with Chevrolet. Chevrolet will be getting 10 new models for the next two years. Surely, there's the supposed GM saviour - the 40-mile electric Volt, the Spark city car, the Cruze compact-size sedan, the Camaro Convertible, a production version of the Orlando, production of the GPiX Crossover Coupe Concept, and maybe some others.
As for Buick and GMC, the Detroit automaker said that the two brands will present a total of 10 new entries through 2011, which will include cars like the up-coming luxury compact-sedan - the 2011 Buick Excelle (spy picture above), the new Buick Regal, and the GMC Terrain city-crossover.
Most interestingly, Cadillac will be getting 5 all-new models. The first comer will be the beautiful and longly-awaited - the 2010 CTS and CTS-V Coupe, along with the all-new Escalade, which will be smaller and based on the Lambda crossover platform, and the production version of the Volt-based Converj. Nonetheless, GM will be introducing two new names in the Cadillac line-up, the ATS and the and XTS sedans. The ATS is a performance-oriented luxury compact-sedan, that will get “high-tech engines, rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive”, and competes with the benchmarks from BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G37, Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The XTS on the other hand, is a full-size luxury sedan that will replace both DTS and STS sedan, with a design that echoes the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Concept, and will be a real contender to the BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Now, GM said that it is holding back pictures of any of these models, until further along the development process. So if we get any more information of even pictures, you'll be the first to know!

Source : [General Motors]

Live Nurburgring Webcam captures camouflaged prototype models

At Motor Gears, we feature the Live Nurburgring Webcam (click here). For anyone who's bored on a weekend, or at work, this is actually a good way to let time pass. Although it's usually full of high-performance sportscars, this time we caught something special.

Spotted on the entrance, were two camouflaged prototype models. Now, we aren't sure what they are, but it seems to us that the white car upfront, might be the new 2010 Opel Astra. Although it officially debut, but Opel engineers are still developing and improving the chassis before it goes on sale. The other car behind it, we reckon that it might just be the 2011 Buick Excelle, which is Buick's smallest car yet, and will be based on the Chevrolet Cruze.

Got any other suggestions on identifying these cars? Well, post your opinion in the comments.

Updated viability plan: GM killing Pontiac by 2010, and cutting 21,000 U.S. factory jobs

With the first viability plan rejected by the Obama Auto Task Force Administration, and demanding a new one by July 1rst, General Motor's new CEO, Fritz Henderson gave out a press conference to update on the new viability plan, that will be fully presented on the deadline.The press conference started with bad news for Pontiac. It appears yesterday's New York Times reports were true. GM is "phasing out" Pontiac by 2010. In other words, GM has officially killed the 83-year old Pontiac, to drop down costs, and convincing the U.S Treasury Department for loans. It's was just nice to see the legendary Pontiac brand ended by a 420 hp 6.2L G8 GXP muscle sedan, and not some re-badged Korean mash-up. Henderson also announced that GM's viability plan will be mainly focused on: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Even those, will suffer from cutting down models, and only be marketed within their class. So what about Hummer, Saturn, and Saab? Well, "the resolution" of either selling them or demolishing will be decided end of 2009.
Part of the conference, is factory plants and dealers. Continuing with the major cost-cutting effort, Henderson confirmed that GM will cut 21,000 U.S. factory jobs by next year. The new viability plan also cuts down GM U.S. dealer count from 6,246 in 2008 to 3,605 by the end of 2010. Henderson said that this “will allow for a more competitive dealer network and higher sales effectiveness in all markets.” Not only that, in 2010 GM will offer only 34 nameplates, which is a 29% reduction compared to 2008 when it had 48 nameplates.

GM's second viability plan will be more detailed in May, just before the deadline. As for now, we say 'fare-well' to Pontiac, and its workers, and wave 'good-bye' to the 21,000 factory workers.

To watch the full GM CEO Fritz Henderson press conference, this video below is provided by GM.

Source : [General Motors]

New Reveal : 2009 Buick Business Concept

Buick is the face of the General Motors brand in China. In fact, nearly all cars from Chevrolet, Cadillac, and even Holden are transferred to be made in China for the Chinese market, and branded Buick. So at the Shanghai Auto show, Buick introduced this, the 2009 Business Concept.
Buick's Business Concept is a vision Buick had of a luxury and comfortable hybrid MPV. Buick called it “business class on the road.” Ofcourse, the Business Concept is designed in China, with GM supervision. However, it actually looks quite good for a mini van. The Buick trademark grille, and the belt-line cascading to the taillights, make it some what elegant.
The interior is one of the best about the Business Concept. It's made to be driven by a chauffeur, while the business people at the back are having a pleasant conversation before reaching the meeting place. So the second and third row face each other, while there's space for a small table, and nicely appointed cup holders. The creamy leather seats seem big for business people with wide jackets.
Under the hood, is GM's new hybrid technology, not the Voltec! It's a usual combination between a 2.4L 4-cylinder petrol engine, and an advanced lithium-ion battery-pack electric motor. While it pleases the eco-friendly business men, the 6-speed automatic will shift the Business Concept to 60 mph in 12.4 seconds, and it will top at 118 mph. Not exactly quick, but a mini van like this shouldn't be.
Could we see it someday in production form? Well, the Chinese manufacturer -SAIC- said that this luxury mini van likely sees production if the GM-Buick brand lives on.

Source : [Buick]

SPY SHOTS : Buick's smallest car yet, the 2011 Excelle

Beneath the heavy camouflage, is Buick's smallest front-wheel-drive sedan yet, to market the Buick brand globally. Reports that it'll be called Excelle, that is based on the Delta II platform with Chevrolet Cruze and Opel Astra.So by 2011, it should be sold in the US, China, and enter European market too, as production may take place in Germany. Buick also enters a very rare segment, which is luxury-oriented compact-city cars, like the Volkswagen Golf and BMW 1-series.Engines are very likely going to be shared with the Chevrolet Cruze. Another rumor is that GM could slot a version of the Chevy Volt’s Voltec powertrain (40-miles on electric, and up to 500 miles with combined hybrid) into this small Buick. If that was true, then this could be a true competitor to Lexus' all-new HS 250h hybrid.

Although this isn't by any means the ultimate Buick, but with the right pricing and marketing, it could bring back customers to actually think about buying a true Buick like the beautiful LaCrosse.

Complete Reveal List Of The 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Because there were many reveals at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, our readers want a list out of every single reveal of the show, in one post. So here we go:

Audi:
1) 2009 Audi A7 Sportback Concept
2) 2010 Audi R8 V10

BMW:
1) 2010 BMW Z4

Buick:
1) 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Cadillac:
1) 2009 Cadillac Converj Concept
2) 2010 Cadillac SRX

Chevrolet:
1) 2009 Chevrolet Spark Concept
2) 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Chrysler:
1) 2009 Chrysler 200C Concept

Dodge:
1) 2010 Dodge Circuit EV

Fisker:
1) 2009 Fisker Karma S Concept
2) 2010 Fisker Karma Hybrid Sedan

Ford:
1) 2010 Ford-Shelby GT500
2) 2010 Ford EcoBoost Flex
3) 2010 Ford Taurus

Honda:
1) 2010 Honda Insight

Jaguar:
1) 2009 Jaguar XFR prototype (Bonneville run)
2) 2010 Jaguar XK
3) 2010 Jaguar XFR

Kia:
1) 2009 Kia Soul’ster Concept

Lexus:
1) 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Lincoln:
1) 2009 Lincoln C Concept
2) 2010 Lincoln MKT

Mercedes-Benz:
1) 2009 Mercedes-Benz Concept Blue-ZERO
2) 2010 Mercedes-McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
2) 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mini:
1) 2010 Mini Cooper Cabrio

Subaru:
1) 2009 Subaru Legacy Concept

Tesla:
1) 2010 Tesla Roadster S

Toyota:
1) 2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept
2) 2010 Toyota Camry
3) 2010 Toyta Prius

Volkswagen:
1) 2009 Volkswagen Bluesport Concept

Volvo:
1) 2009 Volvo S60 Concept

And here's the awards given at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show:
2009 North American Car of the Year
2009 North American Truck of the Year

New Reveal : 2010 Buick LaCrosse revealed ahead of Detroit Auto Show

GM has released images and details of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, just days before the car makes its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show. It was first seen at the Beijing Motor Show in 2008, in the Invicta Concept name.
LaCrosse is built on the revised Epsilon II architecture, just like the Opel Insignia.
Although it is very similar to Opel Insignia, it also has similar style outside-and-inside to other premium class sedans, such as Japanese Lexus GS or Acura TL. 2010 LaCrosse will be offered in three models - CX, CXL and CXS.
Engine choises include two direct-injected V6 engines. CX and CXL models are powered by the new 3.0L V6, that has 255hp and 211lb-ft of torque. CXL has an optional AWD system. Top of the line CXS gets a 3.6L V6 with 280hp and 261lb-ft.
2010 LaCrosse production will begin this summer at the Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City. No word on prices, but we expect it around the $25,000 - $30,000 range. If this is true, then the LaCrosse will surely get into serious competition with other premium class sedans.

Source: [Buick]

Reports From GM : Delaying debut of LaCrosse and CTS Coupe , Corvette-Chief retiring

We're getting a lot of reports from GM . Sadly , it's mostly about cutting costs . So to start with , GM will be delaying production models of both the Cadillac CTS coupe and Buick LaCrosse that we saw as concepts before . The original plan was to reveal the production versions at LA's Auto Show next month . But now , Buick has announced that the LaCrosse will roll in January at Detroit's Auto Show . We still haven't got information about when to see the CTS coupe , but we're expecting sometime near the LaCrosse . So if you saved this year's cash for your new fancy CTS coupe or LaCrosse , then you have to wait a bit more .

The other report is about a legend , Tom Wallace . You may never hared of him , but actually he's the man behind the Corvette . And now , he's retiring from GM at the end of the month . The news was delivered during an event at the Peterson Museum honoring Corvette history . However , we are motoring journalists , so we had to find an excuse for this man retiring . There wasn't any reason given to the press about the retire , but our speculations that it could be related to the timing of the seventh-generation Corvette . Because Mr.Wallace may be unwilling to commit to the vehicle's extended launch schedule , which is now due until 2014 . Or maybe he just got tiered of working .

Source: [Corvette Action Center]

SPY SHOTS : 2010 Buick Regal spotted in China !

Despite that Buick hasn't sold much in the past years , it seems that they would be selling alot of this car . It's the Regal to be sold only in China . But not to worry , the Regal is actually an Opel Insignia with Buick touches (this car would be sold in US as a Saturn Aura ) . And you all have to say , it looks gorgeous . Although these pictures don't have any Buick badges on it , but China Car Times assured us that this would be sold in China as a Buick . In the past 10 years , we all thought that Buick are for our granpas . And it was . But it seems that Buick royalty is back , Only in China .