GM bets on new four-cylinder family in Europe; U.S. plans unclear

General Motors' European subsidiary, Opel, has revealed a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that will be offered from early 2013 across its lineup, starting with the soon-to-be-revealed Astra-based Cascada convertible. The aluminum block unit, the first in a new range of so-called SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) ECOTEC engines, forms the centerpiece of the company's downsizing strategy for displacement. The engine is claimed to have improved torque characteristics and a significant reduction in consumption compared with its predecessor.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new S-Class W222 sedan flagship. At 5,246mm long, 1,899mm wide and 1,491mm high, sitting on a wheelbase of 3,165mm it is the latest model designed to convey ‘The Essence of Luxury', features the familiar Mercedes-Benz front with a larger, upright radiator grille. To the sides of the grille are two large, full LED headlights that mirror the outer contour of the grille, while the side view is dominated by the familiar dropping line, in the form of a sharp crease running from the trailing edge of the headlamps to a lower point above the rear wheel arches.

Exclusive: Pierre Castinel resigns from Head of Design role at Tata

Tata's Head of Design, Pierre Castinel, has resigned from his post to accept a position at PSA, Car Design News has learned. Castinel was originally hired to develop the design direction and form a brand identity for Tata's full line of vehicles, including cars, pickups, SUVs, MPVs, trucks and buses, but things haven't been going well at the Indian automaker. According to insiders, Tata closed Castinel's design studio in the British midlands last year, forcing the UK-based team to move into the automaker's engineering center in Warwickshire.