Lotus snags Ferrari designer

Another Ferrari man is heading for Lotus. Donato Coco will take over as director of design for the British company on Jan. 4.

Latest Saab production halt raises concern

News today that Saab has halted production again, owing to problems paying suppliers, has raised further questions over the long-term financial viability of the independent car maker. Saab says it continues to negotiate with its local suppliers to ensure a supply of parts, but has declined to mention when production may resume. Didn't Saab have supplier issues last week?

New V12 engine set to power baby Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce said Monday that the upcoming production version of the 200EX concept car revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this month will be powered by turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine. Part of a new family of gasoline engines developed by parent company BMW--among which is the turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 used in the 7-series--the new four-valve-per-cylinder engine receives the latest in direct-injection technology and is claimed to produce in excess of 500 hp. With the smaller V8 developing 442 lb-ft of torque in the range-topping BMW, the new V12 destined for the price-leading Rolls-Royce is expected to be in the vicinity of 553 lb-ft--something that should ensure what the British carmaker likes to refer to as traditional waftability--in other words, relaxed cruising.