Vauxhall/Opel Calibra to make a comeback?

Ever since Vauxhall/Opel pulled the covers off the sleek GTC Concept back in 2007, there have been rumours circulating on the Internet and the media about a production version of the study that would essentially replace the Calibra of the 1990s.


A report claims that the four seater coupe is still under consideration but if it gets the go-ahead, it could go on sale as early as 2013, which sounds believable given that the car would be a coupe version of the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia/Buick Regal.


It is said that in order for GM to start making a profit off the Calibra's descendant, Vauxhall/Opel will need to build a minimum of 30,000 units a year, and that's where Buick comes in...

"We would feel a lot more confident about some of these projects if Buick, Chevrolet in North and South America and Saab were sharing volumes and risk," an unnamed GM Europe source said. Since Saab is no longer a part of GM, it’s easy to presume that this statement has been made either in the beginning of 2010 or last year...

If GM does give the go ahead for the Insignia coupe project, chances are that it will be sold Stateside.

Vauxhall/Opel Calibra to make a comeback?

Ever since Vauxhall/Opel pulled the covers off the sleek GTC Concept back in 2007, there have been rumours circulating on the Internet and the media about a production version of the study that would essentially replace the Calibra of the 1990s.


A report claims that the four seater coupe is still under consideration but if it gets the go-ahead, it could go on sale as early as 2013, which sounds believable given that the car would be a coupe version of the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia/Buick Regal.


It is said that in order for GM to start making a profit off the Calibra's descendant, Vauxhall/Opel will need to build a minimum of 30,000 units a year, and that's where Buick comes in...

"We would feel a lot more confident about some of these projects if Buick, Chevrolet in North and South America and Saab were sharing volumes and risk," an unnamed GM Europe source said. Since Saab is no longer a part of GM, it’s easy to presume that this statement has been made either in the beginning of 2010 or last year...

If GM does give the go ahead for the Insignia coupe project, chances are that it will be sold Stateside.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor proves popular (U.S)

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with the optional 6.2 litre V8 is shifting like there’s no tomorrow, with 3,000 orders already booked for the $41,995 pick-up.


The V8, taken from those used in Ford's Super Duties, has a unique cam profile to help get extra power for the Raptor. The final result is 411bhp and 434 lb-ft of torque.

SVT chief functional engineer, Kerry Baldori explains, "We spent a lot of time developing our desert durability test so that it's very close to replicating the Baja 1000. Desert testing proved to be a very quick way to learn about the reliability of the truck and it put another level of extreme loads on the engine that our normal durability testing doesn't cover."

Ford is likely to see orders inflating once the SuperCrew arrives in 2011.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor proves popular (U.S)

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with the optional 6.2 litre V8 is shifting like there’s no tomorrow, with 3,000 orders already booked for the $41,995 pick-up.


The V8, taken from those used in Ford's Super Duties, has a unique cam profile to help get extra power for the Raptor. The final result is 411bhp and 434 lb-ft of torque.

SVT chief functional engineer, Kerry Baldori explains, "We spent a lot of time developing our desert durability test so that it's very close to replicating the Baja 1000. Desert testing proved to be a very quick way to learn about the reliability of the truck and it put another level of extreme loads on the engine that our normal durability testing doesn't cover."

Ford is likely to see orders inflating once the SuperCrew arrives in 2011.

Photo Gallery: 2010 Nissan Juke

Photo Gallery: 2010 Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke pricing announced (UK)

Nissan has revealed the prices for its controversial Juke crossover, with the entry-level Visia 1.6 petrol costing from £12,795. All Jukes are linked to a 5 speed manual, 6 speed for 1.5 dCi & 1.6 DiG-T, which also receives a 6 speed CVT transmission.

Three engines will be available - along with the 115bhp 1.6, there's a 109bhp 1.5 diesel and an all-new direct-injection turbocharged 1.6 petrol engine that produces 187bhp and starts at £15,695 for the 2WD model. The range-topping engine is also available in 4WD, mated to a continuously variable transmission gearbox (CVT) which costs £19,995.

The entry-level 115bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine with manual transmission emits 149g/km and has a combined fuel economy of 44.1mpg/6.4l/100km. Top speed is 111mph. With a CVT gearbox, CO2 emissions decrease from 149g/km to 145g/km and top speed from 111mph to 106mph. Combined fuel economy increases to 44.8mpg/6.3/100km.

The 1.5 dCi engine has 86bhp and a combined fuel economy of 55.4mpg/5.1l/100km. This engine kicks out 134g/km with a top speed of 109mph.

Flagship 1.6 DiG-T 187bhp petrol engine with a manual gearbox has CO2 emissions of 149g/km with a combined fuel economy rating of 40.9mpg/6.9l/100km. Top speed is rated at 134mph. With the CVT gearbox and 4WD, the CO2 figure rises to 175g/km with a combined figure of 37.2mpg/7.6l/100km. The top speed is 124mph.

Three trim-levels are available; Visia gets 16” alloy wheels, ESP, 6 airbags, sports seats, particle filter (diesel only), active front headrests, immobiliser, 4 speakers w/ MP3 aux, 60/40 split folding rear seats, height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt adjustable steering wheel, front electric windows w/ one touch (drivers side only), electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, air conditioning, remote central locking and speed sensitive power steering.

Mid-spec Acenta models get 17” alloys, climate control, ultrasonic alarm, body-coloured door handles w/ chrome interior handles, rear electric windows, leather steering wheel & gearknob w/ audio controls, Bluetooth with USB connectivity, cruise control, front fog lamps and the Nissan Dynamic Control System.

Two option packs are available with Acenta versions. A £300 Sport pack upgrades to 17” Sport alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and premium seat fabric. A £900 Premium pack gets Nissan Connect satellite navigation, reversing camera and 6 speakers, as well as the extras that come with the Sports pack.

Range-topping Tekna models get leather upholstery w/ heated front seats, electric folding door mirrors, Nissan Connect, reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, and intelligent key with engine start button.

Orders books open for the Juke next month, with the first deliveries expected towards the end of September.

Underneath, the Juke uses a widened, lengthened version of the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform, also used in the Clio and Micra; it’s 2530mm wheelbase is 10cm longer, and the platform's extra width means it can accommodate wider tracks.

Suspension remains a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear for the two-wheel drive versions, but unusually Nissan has decided to fit the four-wheel drive models with a new multi-link suspension at the rear. This should give the Juke handling to rival the class leaders'.

The Juke will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant and will replace the Nissan Micra on the production line.