Dorman 621-019 Radiator Fan Motor/assembly-engine Cooling Fan Assembly on 2040-parts.com

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.

Chevrolet Prisma

While Europe moves onto the fourth generation Opel Corsa, GM do Brasil has used the second series of the B-segment car as basis for the new Chevrolet Prisma. Unveiled at the recent Sao Paulo Auto Show, the small four-door sedan uses the 12-year old platform to compete with the Dacia Logan, which will go on sale in Brazil next year along with a host of rivals from China. The styling is largely derivative, the rear in particular owing to Ford and Honda products.

Skoda launches the Yeti – (N)ice to see you!

VW Tiguan-based Skoda Yeti - (N)ice car! It’s a bit of Geneva catch-up weekend, making sure we’ve covered all the Geneva launches worth mentioning. And although we brought news on the Yeti pre-Geneva, as expected Skoda showed the Yeti and gave us more info.