BREAKING: Penske walks away from Saturn deal, brand to "wind down"

Saturn fans will be saddened to hear that the brand is about to be history. Penske Automotive Group (PAG) and General Motors have been in the final stages of negotiations to transfer the brand, but late this afternoon, both parties issued statements that Penske was walking away from the deal.

The reason cited by Penske for the deal's demise is difficulty in securing a supply of product beyond the end of 2010. GM had agreed to continue supplying the Outlook, Aura and Vue until the end of next year, at which point Penske would get other automakers to produce vehicles to sell through the Saturn dealer network.

It was originally believed that Penske had a deal with Renault, possibly supplying vehicles from its South Korean subsidiary, Renault-Samsung Motors. However, the other automaker's board of directors rejected the deal, leaving Penske out in the cold. In the wake of the news, GM announced that it would wind down Saturn and close all the dealerships. After Saturn dealers close, Saturn owners will be able to get service from other GM dealers. You can read the official statements from both Penske and GMchronicling the demise of Saturn after the jump.

[Sources: Penske Automotive Group, General Motors | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

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REPORT: Fiat to close Bertone purchase this week

On Thursday, Fiat is expected to put its John Hancock on a preliminary agreement to close its purchase of Carrozzeria Bertone, the coachbuilding arm of the Bertone company. In August Fiat won the right to acquire the builder, and it will throw €150 million at its operations over the next three years to return it to glory... or at the least allow it to begin producing new models.

Specific vehicles haven't been mentioned, but when (if) the Bertone factory reopens in late 2011, it's expected the production center will make the car that replaces the Euro-spec 300C. As a side note, that could be interesting because the European 300C is currently built by Magna, in Austria, and if Fiat brings production in-house that would mean more contract work taken from Opel's new papa. Jeep knockdown kits could also be shipped over and built for European consumption.

The purchase gives Fiat no stake in Stile Bertone, the now independent design firm that brought out the Mantide, so don't get your hopes up about wildly styled Chrysler supercars being built in northern Italy. Yet.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Spy Shots: Ford's new "Coyote" 5.0L V8 caught in F150 engine bay

PickupTrucks.com has snagged photos of a Ford F-150 powertrain prototype with a brand new engine under the hood. And if the rumors are to be believed, it's the new 5.0-liter "Coyote" V8 due to debut in 2010.

The Coyote is thought to be a twin cam, four-valve per cylinder motor with an output of 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The new V8 will replace the long-in-the-tooth modular V8, joining the 6.8-liter V10 it's derived from.

The 5.0-liter will be used in both the light duty F-series pickups and the Mustang, and it should be interesting to see if Ford markets the EcoBoost V6 in trucks against the V8 when they're outputs are so similar.

Pickuptrucks.com also notes that one of the trucks was equipped with seven-bolt wheels, indicating a heavy duty payload version. This fits with comments made by Ford at the launch of the new F-150 last year, where Ford's marketing people indicated that some buyers whose needs were on the edge of the Super Duty were actually moving down to the F-150 for lower cost and better fuel efficiency. A light duty truck with an enhanced payload would help bridge the gap to bigger trucks, giving buyers more options.

[Source: PickupTrucks]

Volvo buys full-page ads to pledge support for distracted driving legislation

Volvo has publicly stated that it would like to eradicate accident-related injuries and deaths per year by the year 2020; an extraordinarily lofty goal that would obviously save countless lives. But in the next ten years, hundreds of thousands of drivers will die in traffic accidents in the U.S. alone, and Volvo feels that anti-distracted driving legislation passing through Washington right now could save quite a few.

To support the legislation, Volvo took out full-page ads in yesterday's Washington Post and USA Today. Volvo points out in the ads that it has long been committed to avoiding distracted driving accidents, and safety tech like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning are evidence of the Swedish automaker's track record. The ads are purposely being run at the same time law makers, safety advocates, law enforcement and transportation officials converge in Washington for a distracted driving summit.

Volvo Cars North America President and CEO Doug Speck underscores his company's commitment to distracted driving laws, stating the need for "reasonable laws that help focus a driver's attention on the road will help reduce collisions, just as laws to enforce seat belt use have helped save lives." And when Volvo is talking about distracted driving, it's not just worried about text messaging and cell phones. The Swedish automaker also counts passengers, rubbernecking, driver fatigue, reading newspapers, books, and maps, adjusting the radio and looking at scenery as potential driving hazards.

We're definitely with Volvo with the book reading and the rubbernecking, but we'll take majestic scenery wherever we can get it. And if Volvo wants to eradicate map reading in the car, it can start by improving its own cloyingly contrived navigation system interface. Hit the jump to read the Volvo press release.

[Source: Volvo]

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REPORT: GM halting Duramax production for 10 weeks

The revamped 6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine will go into production in April 2010 and the current Duramax, which doesn't meet emissions requirements that go into effect January 1, 2010, will cease production the day before the new year begins. In the interim, GM will be retooling the factory and won't be producing any of the engines to go in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

This has some dealers and outside observers wondering if GM will run out of 2009 Duramax engines before the new ones are built and installed in engine bays. One dealer says GM will take orders for extended cab models with the big diesel, but no longer accepts orders for Duramax regular cabs. Analysts believe that with the car and work truck market showing some recovery, that demand will grow just as GM is trying to play the inventory game.

While the General prepares it's urea-infused powerplants, any engines that GM builds through the end of 2009 can be installed in vehicles even if those vehicles are ordered and built next year. For now, GM says it is padding its stocks of Duramax engines and is confident about being able to meet the need.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

What's Worth What? AdAge looks at values of automakers' marketing accounts

Although auto industry money is a bit tight at the moment, in order to sell vehicles, automakers have to buy advertising. Lots of advertising, in big, expensive campaigns with high production values and creative that's at the vanguard of style. Advertising agencies that can handle the needs of giant clientele with international brands are still happy to welcome automotive accounts through the doors.

Advertising Age has taken a look at the still-big auto advertising business and what fifteen assorted manufacturers drop on advertising per year. Landing one of these big vehicular fishes would surely make an account executive smile, though AdAge rightly posits that some of are sexier than others. Toyota spends the most at more than $800 million, with Ford coming in second at nearly $700 million. The biggest accounts don't seem to be in any danger of having their deals come up for review, however, so it may be easier to poach someone who's already looking, like Chrysler or Volvo. Hit the link for all the figures.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Trio of bulletproof presidential Hyundai Equus limos are first-ever armored stretches built in Korea

Hyundai Equus LV500 Limousine – Cick above for high-res image gallery

By now, vehicles like the Genesis and Equus have convinced most of how far Hyundai's come from bring the purveyors of punchline hatchbacks. But in case that wasn't enough, Hyundai has dropped the bigger-than-the-average-bear Equus VL500 limousine on the home market. Still not enough? How about presidential-grade armored versions, then?

That's precisely what Hyundai has built for Cheong Wa Dae, the seat of the South Korean president. Three of them were built and handed over to the Korean Presidential Security Service, and they'll be used at the upcoming G20 summit scheduled to be held in South Korea next year. Few details have been released, but the trio of armored Hyundais are said to be capable of withstanding the blast of 15 kilograms of TNT, putting it around the sixth or seventh level of the police certification which Mercedes-Benz and BMW use for their armored vehicles. The armored Equus stretches may not measure up to President Obama's Cadillac, but they are certainly a long way from the Getz, and they are apparently the nation's first-ever homebuilt armored limos.

Gallery: Hyundai Equus Limo

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[Source: The Chosun Ilbo]

VIDEO: People get all jumpy when it comes to their new BMWs

Click above to view the video after the jump

Question for BMW owners: Have you ever been so excited about your Bavarian beauty that you went all Tom Wopat and dove into the driver seat without opening the door? We've been in quite a few Bimmers ourselves, and while the driving experience is usually pretty damn good, we've always just opened the door.

After the jump, a new commercial gets creative by showing BMW owners of all walks of life getting physical with their German wheels. If a Golden Girl jumping through the X5's moonroof and a guy leaping off a roof into a 1 Series makes you want to perform stupid stunts with your BMW, please reconsider, and if you still must, kindly make sure to have cameras rolling. We're sure Tom Bergeron is anxiously awaiting your video.

[Source: BMW]

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eBay Find of the Day: Epic custom Chevy SSR thinks it's a Porsche GT3

Chevrolet SSR with a Porsche complex – Click above for image gallery

If you like Porsche sportscars, may we suggest that you avert your eyes. Ironically, we'd still recommend the same if you aren't a fan of Stuttgart's Cayenne. Because if you thought that Porsche having an SUV was tough to swallow, that ain't nothin' compared to what's been done to this Chevrolet SSR.

Outfitted with the wheels, brakes and what appears to be a number of interior pieces from the Porsche 911 GT3, this particular SSR seems to be suffering from something of an identity crisis. (We dare not ask what the donor Porsche came away looking like). But that's not all: the owner appears to have made some unique modifications to the body as well, including a whale's mouth (ostensibly in, um... "tribute" to the GT3's whale tail spoiler, which rather surprisingly has not been fitted to the Chevy's bed cover) and rather small (presumably high-intensity discharge) headlamps.

If you're wondering when you might happen upon the unique creature, this mod job is far away from U.S. roads in Rügland, Germany, and comes to us via the magic of the internet. You're welcome. However, it can actually be yours for one easy payment of $105,000. No, we're not kidding. But if you're actually contemplating dropping that much cash on something like this, perhaps you might consider letting us steer you towards greener pastures, like, perhaps a genuine Porsche?

Gallery: Custom Chevrolet SSR GT3

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[Source: eBay Motors]

REPORT: GM employees pay cuts to be restored - but not for senior execs

2009 has been a rough year for General Motors' white collar workforce. The embattled workers have endured bankruptcy, job cuts and pay reductions, but today some good news came via email. The Detroit News is reporting that Human Resources Vice President Mary Barra sent out an official missive today telling workers that the 3%-7% paycuts the workers received back in May would be restored effective September 1. Executive pay cuts of 10% are also being restored, though the base salary reductions of senior executives will not be restored.GM says it saved $50 million by instituting the cuts during the four months they were in effect, but the decision to restore the pay levels was made by GM's new board of directors and executive management. Company spokesman Tom Wilkinson says the paycuts would help retain the employees it had left, adding "we've got a much smaller company now and the quality of our people is more critical than ever. We are in risk of losing good people."Recent news for white collar workers at GM isn't all rosy, though, as the company plans to cut up to 6,000 salary workers through attrition and involuntary layoffs. GM stated earlier this week that it plans to reduce its white collar headcount by 1,000 workers by the end of September.[Source: Detroit News Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Everything you wanted to know about the Mercedes SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the microsite for the SLS AMG called "From the Ground Up," and it has all the information you need on gullwinged retro rocket from the space from to components to the magnesium backrests in the seats. At the end of it all, there's a visualizer so you can start building the SLS you would will order when they go on sale in a little over a year, so start saving. We would say that the microsite will has enough info to keep you busy until the car shows up next year, but you won't have to wait that long -- we'll be bringing you even more info from its unveiling next week in Frankfurt. Hat tip to USB!
Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG







[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Remember that 'No Women on Top Gear' thing? Forget it. Hammond wants Angelina

Last month, Jeremy Clarkson said that introducing a female host to Top Gear "would be a disaster." The relative youngster among the Top Gear crew, Richard Hammond, isn't so sure he'd call it a disaster, depending on the female in question. Hammond's opinion is that old fogies Clarkson and May are simply out of it, and "If we had to have a female co-host, I think we'd all choose Angelina Jolie," because she "has a Land Rover and guns."It doesn't hurt that a fair bit of the population finds Jolie rather attractive, and Hammond is no different. And there is where Hammond might have just proved Clarkson's point about a female host being a catastrophe. Calling Jolie "utterly, utterly gorgeous," Hammond says with her on the crew "I'd just keep fainting." And how good could TG be with Clarkson, Captain Slow, Jolie, and a comatose Hamster?[Source: IOL Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty]

VIDEO: Second teaser cho cặp Mini khái niệm bước xa hơn vào Bizzareland

Mini thứ hai khái niệm teaser - Click vào phía trên để xem videoVideo thứ hai đã đến cho "2 B thrilled" và "2 B DESIRED" Mini khái niệm đó sẽ hiển thị ở Frankfurt tuần tới. Một trong những điều này di chuyển trên một chút từ mới nhất, nhưng nó cũng giống như girl-power-ified và chỉ là lẻ. Tại thời điểm này, nếu chúng ta tìm thấy hai khái niệm trong một lồng mặc bikini lúc hiển thị hoặc trong một đoạn video tiếp theo, chúng tôi sẽ không ngạc nhiên. Thực hiện theo các nhảy để xem vid mới nhất.
Thư viện: Mini Coupe Concept







[Nguồn: Mini]

Back to the Future Toyota Tacoma: Pickuptrucks.com tests Marty McFly's reborn ride

Toyota Tacoma Truck concept - Click above for high-res image galleryToday, we hearken back to the days when Toyota's trucks were simply called, uh... Toyota Trucks. Suddenly, its 1985 all over again. We may be getting somewhat tired of the constant retro influences invading today's automotive marketplace, but we'll gladly give the Japanese automaker a pass if it finds a way to put the Tacoma Truck Concept – better known to many as the Back to the Future Truck – from last year's SEMA Show into production.We'd take the BTTF Truck exactly as it sits in concept form, complete with the cream pearl exterior with retro black graphics. Inside, the multi-toned brown and beige surfaces are period perfect, though it may be tough finding an adequate supply of 20 year-old Recaro fabric. Stick with the solid front and rear axles along with the standard four-wheel drive too, but we'd prefer to see a slightly more powerful powerplant up front (diesel anyone?) than the stock 159-horsepower 2.7-liter.As far as driving impressions go, PickupTrucks.com managed to snag some seat time in the not-so-futuristic truck, finding that it handles dirt roads with aplomb. Toyota admits that this particular concept was assembled a bit too hastily to tackle the real tough stuff, but the hardware is all there to make for a real-life off-road rambler with a few more weekends worth of wrench spinning. So, could it ever enter production? Normally, we'd say there's a snowball's chance in... the Sahara. But, you know, never say never.
Gallery: Toyota Tacoma Truck Concept (BTTF Truck)







[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

REPORT: Chrysler backs away from BBDO, to hold casting call for Q4 advertising agencies

Now that the Cash-for-Clunkers bonanza is over, Chrysler will likely struggle to hold on to their market share, and in the company's post-bankruptcy landscape, the Pentastar is looking at every angle possible to improve their sales figures. New Chrysler ad chief Michael Accavitti and staff are said to be looking for more creativity in their fourth quarter marketing push, and its chief advertising agency could be left twisting in the wind.

Automotive News is reporting that Chrysler is opening up competition for its Q4 ad push, with several agencies being offered the opportunity to pitch a new campaign. The move could be coming in part because of feedback from global partner Fiat, which is banking on a turnaround of its five star pet project.

BBDO has been Chrysler's main ad company since 2000, when the contract was valued at $2.4 billion. BBDO had a staff of 2,000 back then, compared with the 500 workers it has now. Chrysler's longtime ad agency, whose contract with the Pentastar ends in January, will reportedly still get a chance to pitch a campaign idea.

[Source: Automotive News –subs req'd | Image: Sean Gallup/Getty]

Asian Le Mans Series attracts 23 entries for opening race at Okayama

Remember when Le Mans was the name of a town in France and the race that took place there? International endurance racing has come a long way since then – the headline race has branched out into the European Le Mans Series (LMS) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), and race organizers ACO are now preparing for the start of the inaugural Asian Le Mans Series.

Like the European series – but unlike ALMS which is supervised by IMSA – the Asian LMS is being operated directly by the Automobile Club de L'Ouest (ACO), the century-old group responsible for the 24 Hours of Le Mans since its inception. Taking the place of the defunct Japan Le Mans Challenge, the Asian Le Mans Series is set to kick off at the end of October with the 1000km of Okayama at the circuit that hosted the Pacific Grand Prix in 1994 and 1995.

Race organizers have done their best to attract both local entries as well as established teams from the American and European championships, and they have brought in some big guns: Aston Martin will be there in the top LMP1 category along with a pair of private entry Audi R10s and a few privateer Orecas and Judds. A few Porsches, Astons, Lambos, Saleens and Ferraris are set to round out the lower classes, including Rahal Letterman's BMW M3 GT2, fresh from their double class victory at Road Atlanta. All in all, 23 entries have been confirmed for the inaugural event, which will include two races in support of the World Touring Car Championship round the same weekend.

So far, the Okayama event is the only race on the calendar, but winners from each of the four categories will qualify for automatic entry at the title event in France next year. Follow the jump for more information in the press release.

[Source: Asian Le Mans Series]

Audi U.S. president Johan de Nysschen addresses Chevrolet Volt is for idiots firestorm via Facebook

Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen has issued a public response to the firestorm he created yesterday when he reportedly told a member of the media that the Chevrolet Volt is "a car for idiots." Anyone who has met de Nysschen in person knows he is not one to mince words. He (and Audi) has been a strong proponent of diesel technology as an important near-to-mid-term method to reduce petroleum consumption, but given that Audi is planning electric vehicles of their own – at least in concept form – the remark caught many offguard.

In his new statement released on Audi's Facebook page, de Nysschen declares that he doesn't specifically remember using the words attributed to him, although he doesn't deny the sentiment behind them. Essentially, he, along with many others, is highly dubious of the viability of General Motors' ER-EV concept, particularly from an economic standpoint. de Nysschen also highlights the fact that government policies are one of the driving forces behind electrification.

While noting that in the long-term, electrified propulsion systems will be a major part of the transportation system, he points out that many questions remain unresolved including the readiness of the power grid and generation systems to support large quantities of EVs.

Just as de Nysschen questions these elements, many will make precisely the opposite argument. The reality is likely to fall somewhere in between, with a number of these technologies playing an important part for the foreseeable future. The grid is probably more ready than most doubters think, but the time frame for driving down the cost of batteries may not be so easy to tackle. Increasingly efficient internal combustion engines will be critical, especially for long distance travel. While history sorts out what technologies will be winners over the long haul, you can read de Nysschen's statement right now after the jump. What do you think? Drop your fellow reader a line in 'Comments.'

[Source: Audi | Image: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty]

GM's Docherty says 'No' to Pontiac G8-based Buick Grand National, promises two more sedans

Susan Docherty, General Manager of Buick and GMC, recently made some time available for a General Motors Fastlane blog webchat to discuss the futures of her brands. Stating plainly that "every new product we launch must be a home run. No second chances," indicates that at least some GM employees realize that the automaker is not going to coast through this latest crisis of consumer confidence. The stakes are make-or-break for the company, and initial feedback from the new LaCrosse has been very positive, but Buick can't survive with a lone great product. Chat participants lobbed questions about what's coming, and the answers reveal a hopeful, and hopefully well-executed, future.

Firstly, as great a car as it is, the Pontiac G8 is not going to slide over to Buick as a Grand National or something else. While Docherty herself cited the GN as one of her favorite Buicks ever, Pontiac is clearly in hospice, clutching a DNR. What will be coming are two new sedans – both junior to the LaCrosse – which will eventually top the sedan line at the Tri-Shield. One of the new sedans will be a compact, likely based on the new Opel Astra, while the other is headed for midsize waters, probably as the Regal.

Perhaps more exciting for those wishing to see a sportier Buick, intimations that a Riviera coupe may show up. "It would be a nice addition" says Docherty, though it's doubtlessly more important for GM to get its bread-and-butter squared away without getting distracted by a spicier coupe and its almost certainly smaller sales projections. Still, a Camaro-underpinned two-door Buick with classically gorgeous styling would certainly generate attention, wouldn't it? Ah, we can dream...

[GM Fastlane blog]

Honda updates Crosstour Facebook page with official response

Honda Crosstour - click image above for high-res gallery

Whoo boy! We would not want to be on the business end of the Honda whip this week. In case your head has been in the sand, Honda put up a Facebook page showing off their new Crosstour. General reaction was, to put it Orwellian terms, ungood. What's the problem with social media marketing if you're a corporation? You give up control of your message. As it turns out, sometimes you even give up internal control, too. Which is exactly what happened when Honda's light truck product planning manager Eddie Okubo posted a defense (or is that a defenestration?) of the much maligned new CUV without divulging the company he works for. Well, he got caught.

In a novel/strange/unprecedented move, Honda has gone and posted a clarification on its Crosstour page – about everything. Here's the short version, all bullet pointy like:

• The images that everyone thinks are the second coming of the Aztek are actually akin to bad yearbook photos. Put another way, the Crosstour is better looking that it looks.New photos will set you all straight.
• This isn't the European Accord wagon (as cool as Honda knows the Euro wagon to be) because it's an Americanized version of an American Accord wagon. i.e. bigger.
• This next part bears copying and pasting, "Many of you don't like the styling: It may not be for everyone." Though, Honda thinks among CUV buyers, the Crosstour will do well.
• Honda can't give out any more specs – sorry
• Finally, Eddie's comment wasn't removed because Honda was embarrassed by it. His comment was removed because he violated a policy concerning personal opinions on Facebook.

And there you have it -- the odd state of PR in the Facebook/Twitter age. Our thoughts? Defending a vehicle's design on Facebook isn't smart chess. Meaning that unless the comments are turned all the way off, you're just inviting buckets full of further negative comments. Don't say you know how "cool" a car that you don't sell here is and then not sell it here. If it's so cool, why can't we buy one? It's probably best to provide more than two photographs, especially two that you admit are ungood. Assuming a Crosstour Facebook page could be a good idea, people need more to chew on. Finally, poor Eddie. Full response from Honda after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

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[Source: Honda]

GMC Acadia Denali arriving soon, confirmed on GM exec's Twitter feed

2010 GMC Acadia SLT – Click above for high-res image gallery

Back when U.S. car shoppers actually purchased the GMC Yukon in big numbers, the division's Denali designation meant that you were getting the crème de la crème of large SUVs. One summer of $4 gas later, and we were getting the impression that the name would fade away with sales of the once popular SUV.

If a sliver of news gleaned from Buick GMC Communications Group Manager Dayna Hart's Twitter feed is to believed, we're going to see another Denali, but the new one will differentiate the top-shelf Acadia crossover from its lesser brethren. The Tweet simply says "Denali version of Acadia approved and coming soon." If you head over to Hart's Twitter page, you'll have to scroll down a bit, just past news of her daughter's triathlon victory and just after some positive words about the GMC Terrain. Gotta love Twitter.

Adding the Denali name to the Acadia makes perfect sense. The Denali name has brought affluent customers into GMC showrooms in the past, and if done right, a gussied up Acadia could bring those customers back for a second tour of duty. We just wonder why it took so long for General Motors to get around to this.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Acadia SLT

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[Source: Twitter]