It just been days, that General Motor announced that it's entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing, which should clear off into a "New GM", that should be into the new business within 90 days. Well, GM immediately headed off for new changes. It was earlier reports that GM will focus on less brands and less cars, to produce better quality and better service.Well first up, Hummer. It was reported earlier that two Arab investors were interested in buying Hummer's stake. However, it was announced today GM and Ch
ina's Sichuan Tengzhong for Heavy Industrial Machinery reached a deal into the purchase of Hummer. That right, Hummer is now fully-owned by a Chinese company! GM said that Tengzhong is a "privately-owned company and a leading domestic manufacturer of road, construction and energy industry equipment." On Tengzhong side, they announced that Hummer will still be manufactured in the U.S, which will secure more than 3,000 American jobs in factories and management. Tengzhong plans to produce more Hummer fuel-efficient trucks, and spread Hummer dealers worldwide. - [The New York Times]
ina's Sichuan Tengzhong for Heavy Industrial Machinery reached a deal into the purchase of Hummer. That right, Hummer is now fully-owned by a Chinese company! GM said that Tengzhong is a "privately-owned company and a leading domestic manufacturer of road, construction and energy industry equipment." On Tengzhong side, they announced that Hummer will still be manufactured in the U.S, which will secure more than 3,000 American jobs in factories and management. Tengzhong plans to produce more Hummer fuel-efficient trucks, and spread Hummer dealers worldwide. - [The New York Times]In other GM brands, there's Saab. Saab was once asking their originated Swedish government to take loans for their independence from GM. However, GM is still considering any
profitable bids from other companies to sell it to. Well, it was also once reported that China's Geely automaker is in fact interested to buy stake in Saab. Joining Geely, a report from the Swedish financial daily newspaper, Dagens Industri, Sweden's own supercar builder Koenigsegg, is now one of the parties interested in buying General Motors' Saab brand. GM announced that Saab's new owner should be decided by end of June. - [Reuters]
profitable bids from other companies to sell it to. Well, it was also once reported that China's Geely automaker is in fact interested to buy stake in Saab. Joining Geely, a report from the Swedish financial daily newspaper, Dagens Industri, Sweden's own supercar builder Koenigsegg, is now one of the parties interested in buying General Motors' Saab brand. GM announced that Saab's new owner should be decided by end of June. - [Reuters]GM is also considering on selling Saturn. Saturn is the GM brand that ships Opel ve
hicles to the states. Well, now after GM have sold Opel to Canadian auto part Magna, Saturn is in a deep downfall. Nevertheless, 16 companies (GM weren't allowed to announce who they are) are bidding for the purchase of Saturn from GM. The sale of Saturn should help GM repay some of its debts. - [Detroit Free Press]
hicles to the states. Well, now after GM have sold Opel to Canadian auto part Magna, Saturn is in a deep downfall. Nevertheless, 16 companies (GM weren't allowed to announce who they are) are bidding for the purchase of Saturn from GM. The sale of Saturn should help GM repay some of its debts. - [Detroit Free Press]Finally, there's General Motor's Australian branch, Holden. Holden is responsible for such great cars like the Holden Commodore (Pontiac G8 in U.S. and Chevrolet Lumina in 
the Middle East), and the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that shares platform with the Commodore. It was stated today that GM intends to keep its relationship with Holden, and that it's safe from any bankruptcy terms. "We don't anticipate GM's bankruptcy will have any direct impact on Holden's workforce, dealers, or suppliers," said Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss. GM also announced that Holden will be a big part of the 'New GM' after the bankruptcy Chapter 11 filing. - [Stuff.Co.Nz]
the Middle East), and the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that shares platform with the Commodore. It was stated today that GM intends to keep its relationship with Holden, and that it's safe from any bankruptcy terms. "We don't anticipate GM's bankruptcy will have any direct impact on Holden's workforce, dealers, or suppliers," said Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss. GM also announced that Holden will be a big part of the 'New GM' after the bankruptcy Chapter 11 filing. - [Stuff.Co.Nz]
The all-new Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer (Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer in UK) is actually the wagon version of the OPC sedan. As for looks, the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer has the same front fascia as the sedan, but the hatch at the back gives the OPC Sports Tourer a more settle stance. Inside, the OPC Sports Tourer gets the same OPC steering wheel are gear shifter as the OPC sedan.
Like the sedan, the 2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.8L V6, that packs 325 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph time in the OPC Sports Tourer is 0.2 seconds slower than the OPC sedan, at 6-seconds to 60 mph. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
The 2010 Insignia OPC Sports Tourer also sits 10mm lower than the regular Sports Tourer and features the new HiPerStrut system, “which reduces torque-steer and maintains negative camber during cornering.” The all-wheel drive system which incorporates a electronically controlled, limited slip rear differential (eLSD) can transfer more power to the rear wheels at moments.
So the OPC Sports Tourer is the everyday wagon that can hold goodies and even a pet at the back, but with 325 hp, it's one very fast wagon. Best rival to the OPC Sports Tourer is the 
The 2010 Astra has an all-new sheet metal shape. This hatchback model shown looks sportier, sleeker, and a lot more dynamic than the current generation Astra. In fact, the Astra shares many design cues from the 
Astra will be built on the new GM’s Delta platform with front-wheel-drive. Same platform is used by 
Wide range of new engine choices for the Astra:
No information yet whether Astra makes it to the States under the Saturn brand. As for the European market, the Opel Astra should roll the streets later this year, as a Vauxhall model for the UK market as well. No pricing list yet, but it should be well thought-out, as the Astra still holds the top-three list of Europe’s best-selling compacts. Final words come from Andy Gilson, Vauxhall's Marketing Director said that 
In the looks, the design chiefs at Opel decided to go for a flamboient look. The new body kit features a GTC Concept Coupe with tear-like air scoops at both corners, style front bumper upfront. At the back, the trunk holds a sport lip-spoiler, and the rear bumper houses two large matte chrome exhaust pipes. The best side for the Insignia OPC is in profile-view; with the extended side sills and 19-inch darkened wheels, the OPC has a mean stance.
Inside, Opel treated the Insignia OPC with sport Recaro front seats, a new three-spoke leather steering wheel, OPC badges around the inerior, and a sharper gear shifter for rapid shifts throughout the gears.
The top-gun Insignia OPC is powered by GM's 2.8L V6, with added twin-turbochargers. Output is an astonishing 325 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. With only a 6-speed manual offered, the Insignia OPC will hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, at reach to an electronic top speed of 155 mph. That's actually quite brisk considering the Insignia OPC is a budget high-performance.
Unlike previous generation front-wheel drive Vectra OPC, the range-topping Insignia OPC benefits from a new four-wheel drive system, also used in Saab 9-3 Turbo X, which incorporates a torque-splitting electronic rear differential and senses which wheel needs more grip than the others. With this high-tech four-wheel drive system, the electronically controlled, limited slip rear differential (eLSD) can transfer up to only 40% of torque at moments. So in other words, it's still mainly a front-wheel drive chassis.
Nevertheless, Opel engineers have developed a new front-axle architecture, with HiPerStrut front suspension based on the famous McPherson struts. Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver. Stopping power is now provided by a set of Brembo vented and cross drilled discs.
Sales of the new Opel Insignia OPC are scheduled to begin in Europe as quick as this summer. So with a competitive line-up from the standard Insignia, the 
The 2010 Astra has an all-new sheet metal shape. This hatchback model shown looks sportier, sleeker, and a lot more dynamic than the current generation Astra. In fact, the Astra shares many design cues from the 
Astra will be built on the new GM’s Delta platform with front-wheel-drive. Same platform is used by 
As for engine options, Opel hasn't announced anything yet, but Auto Motor und Sport claim the Astra will come with three engines. The base is a naturally-aspirated 1.4L petrol 4-cylinder engine, with 90 hp and stop/start technology for better fuel economy. Turbocharged sporty version of that engine will be available as well with around 180 hp. The 4-cylinder diesel engine offers a 1.7L of engine displacement, and a turbocharger that kicks the power to around 110 hp.
No information yet whether Astra makes it to the States under the Saturn brand. As for the European market, the Opel Astra should roll the streets later this year, as a Vauxhall model for the UK market as well.
It's the Opel Insignia OPC, or as the UK would call it Vauxhall Insignia VXR. A uprated and performance-oriented Insignia that will enter the market facing the Volkswagen Passat R36, Audi S4, BMW 335i, Infinti G37S, and even Cadillac CTS. So it has to be a good rival to keep up with the others in this tough segment.
Spotted by a reader over at Motorpasion.com, this Insignia OPC features a GTC Concept Coupe style front bumper as well as a new rear bumper with a lip spoiler and darkened rims. It will be powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine developing around 320 hp. Unlike previous generation front-wheel drive Vectra OPC, the range-topping Insignia will benefit from a new four-wheel drive system that incorporates a torque-splitting electronic rear differential and senses which wheel needs more grid than the others. So similar technology from Nissan's GT-R ! 
Compared with its sibling 
This is where the similarities end. Mechanic wise, the Ampera is basically a European-version of the Volt. So the Opel Ampera uses the same 5-door hatchback body, and the same Voltec plug-in hybrid system as the Volt. GM says that Voltec system has a 40 mile (65 km) range from a single charge. Small gasoline engine on the car which powers the generator will increase the range to about 500 miles (800 km). Recharging from a European 230-volt outlet is expected to take 2-3 hours.
GM also says 80% of German drivers travel less than 60 km daily. With the right pricing, this car could be a huge success. It promises what most Europeans want, 60 km daily driving and zero CO2 emissions.
Compared with its sibling 
This is where the similarities end. Mechanic wise, the Ampera is basically a European-version of the Volt. So the Opel Ampera uses the same 5-door hatchback body, and the same Voltec plug-in hybrid system as the Volt. GM says that Voltec system has a 40 mile (65 km) range from a single charge. Small gasoline engine on the car which powers the generator will increase the range to about 500 miles (800 km). Recharging from a European 230-volt outlet is expected to take 2-3 hours.
GM also says 80% of German drivers travel less than 60 km daily. With the right pricing, this car could be a huge success. Expect production Opel Ampera to go on sale early 2011. However, the Ampera will be re-badge as a Vauxhall brand in the UK.
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