1941-42 Packard 20 1/2 Speed Trim Nos on 2040-parts.com

Future products: GMC looks beyond trucks to compact car

GMC, traditionally a home for rebadged Chevrolet trucks with more content, is preparing to jolt its lineup with a compact car aimed at young urban buyers. General Motors Co. is expected to bring the GMC Granite to market in 2013.

First Sight: BMW 1 Series

This is the first BMW to compete in the premium lower medium European car class defined by cars such as the Audi A3 and Alfa Romeo 147, although spiritually it follows the significantly smaller BMW 2002 Touring produced from 1968 to 1976. A little more compact that the 3 Series (which will grow in size with next year's new model) the 1 Series effectively replaces the 3 Series-based Compact and extends the brand downward to just above the Mini. The 1 Series was previewed by the CS1 two door convertible concept shown two years ago at Geneva, with which it shares much of its exterior proportions and form, and some interior design themes.

Faster Cat: Arden tunes the Jaguar XKR 75

Jaguar celebrated its 75th anniversary with a number of special models, including the fleet-footed XKR 75. And a British tuner is goosing this lithe coupe even more. Arden boosts output to 580 hp and 531 lb-ft of twist, while bolting on a high-performance exhaust system and sport catalysts.