Diesel joins Porsche Panamera lineup

Porsche has put forward some eye-catching fuel-economy figures for the Panamera diesel--although we may never see the car in the United States. Set to go on sale across Europe in August, the four-door is claimed to return a combined city/highway driving fuel economy of 36.2 mpg in standard guise under European testing procedures. When fitted with optional low-rolling-resistance tires, the fuel economy climbs to 37.3 mpg on the European test--a figure that gives the Panamera diesel a theoretical range of 800 miles on its 21-gallon fuel tank.

Fiat chief tours Chrysler headquarters

Fiat S.p.A. CEO Sergio Marchionne and a team of Fiat senior executives visited Chrysler LLC headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Saturday morning, according to a letter to Chrysler employees from CEO Bob Nardelli. The Fiat team visited a display of vehicles in Chrysler's design dome and met with Nardelli; Tom LaSorda, co-president; Frank Klegon, executive vice president of product development; Frank Ewasyshyn, executive vice president of manufacturing, and other executives.

SS safe for Chevy under Reuss's watch

From 1960s Chevelles to modern Camaros, speedy Chevrolets have always been identified with two letters: SS. But does the tradition-laden performance designation have a future in the new General Motors, which is under pressure to cut costs, make money and meet stricter fuel-economy regulations? “Absolutely,” Mark Reuss, GM vice president of global engineering, told AutoWeek.