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.

Kia K9 sedan introduced to South Korea

The Kia K9 sedan went on sale in South Korea on Wednesday. Kia's first rear-wheel-drive vehicle comes equipped with a V6 and an eight-speed transmission. The K9 also introduces some features for Kia that will trickle down to other models.

Revival revels in sell-out crowds

A SELL-OUT crowd of 148,000 guests witnessed the 17th Goodwood Revival meeting last weekend, including an amazing celebration of the venue’s wartime role. The on-track highlights included the annual RAC TT Celebration race for early-1960s GT cars, which was won by the AC Cobra of Sauber Formula 1 test driver Giedo van der Garde and David Hart, after a thrilling battle against a £150million field that included Jaguar E-types, Aston Martin project cars and even a Bizzarini. Sir Jackie Stewart’s extraordinary career – which was catapulted into life at Goodwood in 1964 thanks to a maiden single-seater test – was marked with a 24-car parade that featured fellow motor racing legends John Surtees, Richard Attwood, Mark Webber and Arturo Merzario The 75th anniversary of RAF Westhampnett – Goodwood Aerodrome’s name during World War II – was marked with a display of 600 military vehicles and personnel, including a flypast that featured the world’s only two airworthy Lancaster bombers.