What Should GM do with SAAB's 2010 9-5 Sedan and 9-4x SUV?


Unless you have been living under a rock, you've probably heard about GM's decision to close down its SAAB brand after it became clear that the Spyker deal could not be completed in reasonable time - or so the Detroit automaker claimed.

Some say, there's still some hope left for the once innovative and quirky Swedish brand as during the wind-down procedure, a savior might come forward and express interest in Saab as a whole or a part of the company.

There's even talk about a second life in China as GM could sell more Saab assets to BAIC or another domestic maker.

In any case, one of the first questions that arose after GM's decision, which, let's not forget, will leave several thousands of workers without a job, is what's going to happen with the production-ready 2010 9-5 sedan and the almost-ready 9-4x crossover?

Bear in mind that the premium sedan is based on GM's Epsilon 2 platform, also used on the Buick LaCrosse and Opel Insignia / 2011 Buick Regal, while the 9-4x shares its underpinnings with the new Cadillac SRX.

Officially, General Motors has not said what it will do with these two cars nor with the current 9-3s.

In what concerns the two new models, we can think of several options that GM may have including killing them off entirely, rebadging the cars under a different name and even selling the rights / assets to another automaker - although, common sense says that the last option is probably the least likely to happen for obvious competitive reasons.

So, here's the question we would like to ask you, our readers: What do you think General Motors should do with the new SAAB 9-5 sedan and 9-4x Crossover?

PS: The photoshoped 2010 SAAB 9-5 sedan with the Buick snout was made just to prettify the article


2010 SAAB 9-5 SEDAN


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SAAB 9-4X BIOPOWER CONCEPT




2011 Ford Mustang GT: More Info Leaks on 412HP 5.0L V8, Returns 25mpg


Journalists that attended a pre-Detroit show event on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT have spilled more beans on the new 5.0-liter V8 engine that uses an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. We already knew that the eight-cylinder powerplant churns out 412 horsepower, but now, we've also learned that those ponies will be delivered at 6,500 rpm and that the new engine produces 390 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 4.6-liter V8's 315HP and 325 lb-ft.

In addition, it was also confirmed that the brand-new V8, which features four valves per cylinder and twin independent variable valve timing, will be linked to six-speed transmissions in both automatic and manual forms.

Last but not least, the bean spillers said that the new 2011 Mustang GT will return a fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4lt/100km), most probably on the highway.

In comparison, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS' 6.2-liter V8 produces 426HP at 5,900rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm, returning 24mpg on the highway, while the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8's 6.1-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 42H5HP at 6,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm, returning 22mpg on the highway.

Via: Autoweek and Edmunds

*Photos: 2010 Ford Mustang GT





New Limited Edition Kia Soul Ignition Hits US Showrooms


The second special edition Kia Soul to be offered in the States this year after the "Denim" is the "Ignition". Based on the Soul+ model, the limited run version features a unique ignition orange exterior finish with contrasting black rally stripes, a rear spoiler, an alloy fuel door and black 18-inch alloy wheels with machined accents.

Like the previously launched Denim, on top of the Soul+ standard equipment, Kia has loaded the Ignition with more features including a higher-grade audio system with iPod connection, center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music (...), carpeted floor mats, moon roof, fender vents with side marker repeaters and fog lights.

The new Kia Soul Iginition is available for order with prices starting from $17,500 for the model with a five-speed manual gearbox.



ABT Powers Up and Stylizes New Audi A5 Sportback


ABT Sporstline has built its reputation on modifying just about anything on four wheels that comes out of the VW Group's plants. Their newest proposal concerns the Audi A5 Sportback which has been modified with a variety of aesthetic and performance goodies.

The tuner jazzes up the five door coupe's appearance with numerous aero add-ons, including a new front bumper, ABT's trademark grille, front fender air-vents and a rear apron with a diffuser shrouding chrome exhaust tips.

Customers can choose between 18-inch and 20-inch alloy rims which are available in two different designs.

For the time being, ABT offers power kits only for the A5 Sportback with the 2.0 TSI petrol and the 3.0 TDI diesel engines.

After the tuner gets its way with the powerplants, the entry-level 2.0 TSI's output is boosted from 180HP to a hardy 275HP while the 3.0-liter V6 diesel can be lifted from 240HP to either 282HP or 310HP. The most powerful version of the V6 diesel hits the 100km/h (62mph) mark in 5.8 seconds.

The tuner finishes off the package with a sport suspension and a high-performance braking system with either 345 mm or 380 mm disks and eight piston calipers.






2010 Chevy Camaro SS Pace Car Heads to Indianapolis 500


General Motors has unveiled the 2010 Camaro SS Pace Car that will take part at next year's Indianapolis 500. The new model's Orange Metallic paint scheme with White Diamond rally stripes that stretch the length of the car, as well as extending to the instrument panel, pays homage to the second Camaro to pace the Indianapolis 500 in 1969.

"We've enjoyed a great partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway throughout the years, and are proud to once again have the privilege of pacing the Indianapolis 500 in a Camaro," said Jim Campbell, General Manager, Chevrolet.

The new Camaro SS pace car packs a stock 6.2-liter V8 engine with 400-horsepower under its hood.

Aside from the RS appearance package and leather interior with Inferno Orange interior accents, the car also comes gets several unique features including 2010 Indianapolis 500 event logos painted on doors and embroidered on driver and passenger headrests, and an all-new front grille insert that Chevrolet says it plans to offer as a future Camaro accessory.

The amber lens tail lamps and a safety strobe light system with custom interior light bar in the rear window round off the upgrades.