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Volvo Cars is now introducing an entirely new 2.4-litre 5-cylinder diesel engine in the Volvo S80. It is in principle just the D5 badge and the five-cylinder configuration that it shares with the previous generation. The new engine is certified according to Euro 5 and is significantly more efficient that its predecessor.

With high-tech solutions such as sequential twin turbochargers, ceramic glow-plugs and piezoelectric fuel injectors, Volvo’s engineers have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption to record-low levels for a car of this size - 6.2 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions are 164 g/km.

This low fuel consumption in combination with power output of 205 hp and no less than 420 Nm of torque means the Volvo S80 with D5 engine is bidding for the title of best in class. Read the rest of this entry »

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General Motors Corp. told dealers today it has killed the Pontiac G8 ST sport truck, which was scheduled for production this fall.

The move comes as GM plans to shrink the Pontiac portfolio as part of a broader restructuring plan that involves cutting 21,000 to 31,000 jobs, eliminating about 1,750 dealers and closing or selling Saab, Hummer and Saturn.

via detnews.com

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Since its debut in 2006, the Continental GTC has enjoyed sales success in over 50 countries across the globe, attracting younger buyers to the Bentley marque. Customers are attracted to its sleek design, interior craftsmanship, refined performance and agile handling.

Now, the introduction of the new GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and feature enhancements benefiting comfort and customer choice. The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) GTC Speed model. It is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley’s legendary ‘Speed Models’ from the 1920s. Read the rest of this entry »

Chrysler LLC today reported total December 2008 U.S. sales of 89,813 units, up five percent versus November 2008 (85,260 units), and down 53 percent from the same month in 2007. For the year, Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge U.S. sales decreased 30 percent (1,453,122 units) compared to total 2007 sales (2,076,650 units). Total sales were significantly affected by the industry’s largest reductions in fleet sales, 63 percent for December and 31 percent for the year.

“Last year Chrysler and all of our stakeholders persevered through extraordinarily difficult economic conditions, made the necessary adjustments and always kept our focus on serving our customers,” said Jim Press, President and Vice Chairman, Chrysler LLC. “As a result, our Company and our dealer network start this year stronger and better positioned to succeed in today’s marketplace.” Read the rest of this entry »

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 221,983 vehicles in December, down 31 percent compared with a year ago. However, total deliveries were 67,000 vehicles more than November’s result, up more than 43 percent month over month. GM December car sales of 87,506 were off 25 percent and truck sales of 134,477 were down 35 percent compared with a year ago.

For the year, GM delivered 2,980,688 vehicles while maintaining an expected market share just above 22 percent. Annual deliveries were down 23 percent compared with 2007, largely due to building weakness in the marketplace throughout the year spurred by economic headwinds such as the dramatic reduction in credit availability experienced in the fourth quarter, coupled with historically low levels of consumer confidence. Additionally, the American Axle strike and several supply disruptions impacted GM’s performance in the first half of the year. Read the rest of this entry »