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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.

German brands off to strong start in 2011

Robust U.S. car sales this year are helping drive German automakers to significant gains. The Volkswagen division did especially well in April, with 28,542 vehicles sold--a 23 percent increase from the year before.

Porsche Panamera revealed at Shanghai Motor Show

Porsche has finally officially revealed the Porsche Panamera at the Shanghai Motor Show As we’ve said before, the Panamera is not the most stunning looking of cars, and is left in the wake of the Aston Martin Rapide in the style department. But it would seem to us that Porsche is going to have another Cayenne-like success on its hands with the Panamera. As with the Cayenne, its looks are criticised, but it does everything else so remarkably well, and has the kudos of the Porsche badge, and it’s hard to see how it will fail.