Gm to Launch International Car Lines

GM’s VP of Global Product Development, Jim Queen has told Motor Trend recently regarding their upcoming international car lines. He said that the automaker’s Australian RWD platform is going to be used as basis for both the Pontiac G8 and Chevy Camaro. General Motors is also reportedly contemplating on using the same platform for its next generation Cadillacs and of course since GM has already expressed its interest in creating environmentally friendly vehicles you can bet that a GM catalytic converter will be a part of the whole Caddy equation.

The only large RWD car that is not built on this platform is going to be used as the basis for the next Corvette and possibly for the XLR. Queen also said that the C7 Corvette will be equipped with a naturally aspirated V8 and RWD. In terms of power it is expected that C7 will have around 700 horsepower for the top end model. Queen has not commented on the possible selling price of the C7. But he did say, “We’re working hard to get the power onto the pavement,” further saying that weight and weight distribution are the keys.

Likewise, the twinning of Opel and Saturn will also continue. The freshly built Korean-Opel Antara has been recently launched in the European market and will later be introduced as the 2008 Saturn Vue as announced before at the Chicago Show.

The Saturn will also have body enhancements basing on the Europe-built compact, the Astra.--The three-door and five-door hatchbacks were previously unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show. The sedan and a coupe-cabrio called the TwinTop will make its transition to Saturns as part of the upcoming international car lines of GM.

GM's Vauxhall VXR8 Revealed
It was a really sad day for motoring enthusiasts in Britain when production of the Monaro was stopped. The Monaro is the only Australian-built car to reach the UK market. The Monaro became a hit in the UK for the very reason that it offered raw and exciting performance made possible by its 6.0 litre V8 and RWD set up.

The Monaro was taken off the market by Vauxhall in order to change it with a more powerful model, the Aussie muscle car VXR8. The new powerful saloon is powered by the same 6.0 litre V8 found on the Monaro however the VXR8 will have engine revisions to boost its efficiency. And with its new engine it is expected that the VXR8 will be able to deliver a potent 420PS and 550Nm of torque giving it the ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of 4.9 seconds.

The VXR8 also features practical and spacious boot, climate control, and leather trim. It also contains driving aid features such as stability system and traction control which are very easy to operate with its push button features. The VXR8 is also equipped with 365mm front disc brakes which slow down the car from 60 mph to a complete stop faster than the Lamborghini Murcielago or the BMW M5.

The VXR8 will also be the first VXR model that will have an automatic gearbox. And for an optional £1400 self-shifter the VXR8 will have a manual override and a sport setting which boost its performance. Satellite navigation and 20 inch wheels are also offered as options for those who prefer to set their VXR8 apart from the rest. And the best about the VXR8 is its price which will soon be announced by GM is around half the price of other cars with the same comparable performance.