Economic downturn might hit plans for Porsche small roadster

Porsche's decision on whether to build an entry-level roadster will depend on the global economy, CEO Matthias Mueller said. Mueller said that if the automaker decides to go ahead with the car, sales would begin at the earliest in the third quarter of 2014, but probably later. A decision on production will depend on how the global economic situation pans out, particularly in relation to the auto industry, Mueller said.

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.

Mazda MX-5 Superlight leaks

Official pictures of the MX-5 Superlight Concept have leaked out ahead of Frankfurt We don’t think Mazda are intending building the MX-5 Superlight, it’s more a way of showcasing what can be achieved by radical weight saving. But don’t quote us on that. If Mazda gets big positive feedback they’ll probably turn it in to a production model despite their assertions it’s just a concept.