C&G This Week 8.17.08 - 8.23.08

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A Global Revolution
~August 22,2008~

Image Courtesy of Autoblog

Chevrolet took wraps off its global compact car, the Cruze. Schedled to eventually replace the Cobalt in the US, On sale beginning in Europe from March next year, Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet's new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie. At launch in Europe, Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6-liter (112 hp/82 kW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions. A new 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/ 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque adds power with even greater frugality. Five-speed manual gearboxes and an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolet's first six-speed application in the compact segment, complete the powertrain menu.

First Official Photos: Chevrolet Cruze

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Pontiac G8 News
~August 20, 2008~

Lots of G8-related news in the past few days. Firstly, it's been announced that the 2010 G8 family will be offered with the 300+hp direct injection 3.6L V6. This continues GM's proliferation of direct injection technology across its powertrain lineup. We can also take this as a sign that GM is intent on improving the G8 and keepig it fresh. Anything's possible, but we've got our fingers crossed. Now, about that manual tranny....

In otther news, the verdict is in, and Pontiac has decided on the name for the G8 Sport Truck. After months and months of serious thought, careful planning, meditation, and fasting, Pontiac has decided on.....wait for it.....G8 ST. TA-DA!!! We're being only a tad sarcastic, and realize it could have been much worse. Here's to hoping the G8 ST does really well in the marketplace and makes quite a name for itself (pun intended). Also, 2009 G8 models will have their digital gauges replaced by a shelf.

2010 G8 and ST to get 3.6L DI
Pontiac Announces Name for 2010 G8 Sport Truck
2009 G8 Loses Digital Gauges, Gains Some Storage Space