McLaren P11 first details: live blog

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 16 April 2009 10:01 CAR is reporting live from McLaren's HQ today. Boss Ron Dennis is going to announce the full strategy for his road car business and we're going to bring you a real-time blog of what we see and hear at the Woking-based Technology Centre today. CAR contributing editor Ben Whitworth is off to Surrey and will be filing his thoughts electronically throughout the morning, so tune in as we bring you the full details of the new P11 sports car and the rest of McLaren's plans. We're updating the words and pictures throughout the day, so start at the bottom and work your way up.

Concept Group International (CGI) expands its reach into China

CGI is one of the European leaders in vehicle development technology and is increasing its client base by providing engineering services to Chinese automotive manufacturers. CGI is currently operating in China utilizing the capability of its strategic partners based on the mainland, allowing Chinese automotive manufacturers to benefit from CGI's expertise and its history in engineering and innovative design.  CGI has developed key partnerships with major automotive manufacturers based in the UK and Europe and is fully committed to generating similar relationships in China. By providing OEMs such as Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Aston Martin with best-in-class quality and on-time delivery, CGI is now poised to further develop its presence in the Asian market.

Cadillac may get future rear-drive hybrids

General Motors' two mode hybrid powertrain, used only in trucks, will migrate to rear-drive cars in the next generation, said Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman of global product operations. Two likely candidates: Cadillacs, says consultant Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics in suburban Detroit. Last month, GM said it is developing an electric motor that is 25 percent smaller and 20 percent more powerful than the motor used in today's two mode hybrid full-sized trucks.