Hurst adds new Competition/Plus package to Dodge Challenger range

If you had a Dodge Challenger, would you like to make it a Hurst Competition/Plus Challenger? Hurst has just unveiled a Competition/Plus package for the Dodge Challenger at the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, CA.

Hurst’s Competition/PLUS package gives a nod to the company's most popular shifter of the same name. Over the past several decades, Hurst has sold approximately one million of these iconic Competition/Plus shifters.

The Competition/Plus Challenger is an $18,495 package, including a number of accessories, both performance and style related. Red, white, silver, and blue will be available, all with matte black Hurst graphics. The final exterior touch is a set of forged aluminum wheels shod with BF Goodrich KDW tires.

Inside, each car will get a numbered certificate of authenticity as well as black shift knob. Hurst is keeping quiet on the production numbers of these special edition packages, which can be added to a Challenger with the 5.7L or 6.1L Hemi V-8s. For the performance nuts, Hurst also offers a K&N high-flow air filter, a Magnaflow stainless-steel exhaust, and an Eibach suspension system with coil-over adjustable shocks, springs, and a sway bar.

The Competition/PLUS Challenger will be available through authorized Hurst Dodge dealers nationwide. For more information please visit the company website at http://www.hurst-performance.com/.

Hurst announces Pontiac G8 H.O. 'Executive Hot Rod' and G6 convertible

Hurst Performance Vehicles, one of the most recognized and respected names in automobile history, announced that it has plan to build two new Special Edition Hurst/Pontiacs – a 2010 HURST/Pontiac H.O. version of the G8 and a G6 convertible.

The 2010 HURST/Pontiac H.O. G8 is strictly limited to 52 examples, which is intended to be a modern-day version of George Hurst`s "Executive Hot Rod". Each of the 52 cars will be hand-built and numbered to reflect their limited-edition status. These cars will feature Hurst`s iconic white/gold and black/gold colors along with forged alloy Hurst wheels, an exclusive Hurst shifter, supercharged engine, suspension mods and a specially trimmed interior.

The Hurst G6 convertibles are designed to commemorate Hurst director emeritus Doc Watson's pace cars. Ten HURST/Pontiac G6 convertibles will be used as parade vehicles and special-event cars.

"Doc started all of this with George back in 1960 with Hurst Performance Research. His Hurst H.O. Pontiacs have stormed drag strips and main streets across the country for 50 years," said Hurst Chairman, Nate Shelton. "There could not be a better time to honor Doc and the legendary Pontiac marque."

Watson`s contribution to the American performance landscape is unrivaled. During a 50-year career in the development, manufacturing and marketing of special vehicles, Watson brought to life more than 80 performance cars and racing vehicles, including the original Hurst Oldsmobile, the Hemi-Under-Glass and the 1972 Hurst/Pontiac SSJ. These new HURST/Pontiac`s are yet another chapter in his illustrious career.

"If we combine the wisdom earned through the heritage of past Hurst vehicles with the vision of globally beneficial vehicles, we will not be living through the death of the Muscle Car," Watson explained. "Rather, we will see the birth of exciting, passion-filled performance vehicles – vehicles that will give new meaning to lean, mean, and environmentally clean machines. It`s a `new machine age,` and Hurst will be first once again."

The Hurst Pontiacs will be available for ordering starting August 1 at the Hurst Performance website.

Senner Tuning Audi A5

Senner Tuning have released a complete styling package for the Audi A5, dubbed as Black and White, including both exterior and interior modifications. With all the changes, the car does look pretty hot and the total cost is about €11,700, but customers can select just some of them.

In terms of exterior, the Senner Tuning Audi A5 Black and White features a new aerodynamic package which including a carbon fiber spoiler apron with matching side-mirror housings, carbon fiber rear bumper, new rear spoiler and lip, new LED taillights and quad-exhaust made of stainless steel. The aerodynamic package is available at €3,377.

New 20-inch ASA GT1 lightweight alloy wheels were also mounted. The wheels are available in either Shiny Silver or Matte Black, with the possibility of a separate color ring trim near the wheels' edge. Choices for the rim lip include orange, white, red, and silver. Measuring 9x20 in front, 10.5x20 in back, the wheels are wrapped in Vredestein ultra Sessanta XL tires. The company mounted a Bilstein B16 PSS10 fully adjustable coilover suspension to enhance the handling capabilities. These changes cost just under €4600.

Track wheels are also available for an additional €250.

The Audi A5’s 3.0-liter TDI engine has been retuned to produce 300 hp and 600 Nm of maximum torque with an electronically limited speed of 280 km/h. When combined with the new sport air filter, the cost of the under-the-hood modifications is €1649.

Inside, the Senner Tuning Audi A5 Black and White features carbon fiber trim at the ashtray cover, center console, the front and the rear door panels. These feature costs €1,690. And the company charges an additional €395 to trim out the instrument cluster.

Audi unveils 100th anniversary sculpture at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Audi has officially unveiled their 100th anniversary sculpture at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Hode your breath and open your eyes, it’s really stunning!!

Located in front of Lord March's Goodwood House in West Sussex, the massive sculpture features two Audi cars – the legendary 1937 Auto Union streamliner as well as the just launched R8 V10 sports car suspended in the air, at either end of a dramatic ‘swoosh’ of tyre tracks, as if they are driving off into the sky.

“I wanted to design something iconic because this year is Audi’s 100th anniversary,” explains the sculpture's creator, Gerry Judah. “The sculpture had to have a celebratory theme and it also had to encompass the qualities of the Audi brand: sporty, prestigious and progressive. "

“I drew about 20 ideas and some had elaborate bridges with vaulted arches but somehow they didn’t have quite the right style. I then had a flash of inspiration and designed this ‘swoosh’ with a car at either end to represent Audi’s 100-year history."

The steel structure weighs in at 44 tons (40 tonnes). It may look relatively simple, however, Judah said "...it's actually extremely complex, because the structure has to be rigid and completely balanced without the need for hundreds of supporting props." Built by 12 men in four weeks, the colossal monument is expected to awe and inspire more than 130,000 visitors.

Besides the sculpture, Audi will display several historic vehicles in the Festival, including a handful of Auto Union ‘Silver Arrows', a variety of early Quattro cars, and the legendary Le Mans winning R10 TDI. A brief timeline below documents what Audi thinks are some of its seminal moments over the past 100 years.

1909 - First car to bear the Audi name: the Audi Type A (2.6 liter)
1935 - The Auto Union B-type wins the Italian Grand Prix at Monza
1937 - The Type C Stromlinenwagen first to break the 400 kph land speed record on the Autobahn
1938 - First to perform systematic crash tests bringing added safety and reassurance for drivers
1980 - First to introduce a permanent four-wheel drive rally car – the Audi Quattro with its turbocharged five-cylinder engine
1989 - First Audi with TDI – the Audi 100 shows the world the remarkable power and economy with TDI
1994 - First to use the Aluminum Space Frame – tough and corrosion resistant, this provided the bodyshell for the Audi A8, making it far lighter than traditional designs
2006 - First to win Le Mans with a diesel-powered car
2009 - First appearance of the Audi R8 V10 – the new 10-cylinder performance car which is capable of 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds

Hyundai Equus coming to U.S. by mid 2010 with $60,000 Price Tag

Having won the 2009 North American Car of the Year award for its Genesis Sedan, Hyundai is hoping to capitalize on this success. Therefore, Hyundai is expecting to bring the second-generation Hyundai Equus to U.S. by July of next year, with a price below $60,000. As a luxury saloon, the price is really competitive. The Equus is hoped to compete the Lexus LS 460 which starts at about US$64,700 with shipping, as well as the Mercedes Benz S-Class.

In fact, the Hyundai Equus has already been sold in South Korea. And it’s priced from $50,000 but a fully loaded version can range up to $81,000 in price.

However, the Americans won’t have to wait until next year to see the Equus. At April’s New York Auto Show, Hyundai displayed its flagship to help gauge the public's reaction and find out how much people would actually be willing to pay for it. It’s confirmed that there are about 100 Equus units which will be being tested by dealers and consumers in the US this summer.

The Equus is based on the same RWD platform as the award winning Hyundai Genesis. Power is from the same engines in the Genesis, a 286hp (213kW) 3.8-litre Lambda V6 and the 361hp (269kW) 4.6-litre Tau V8. Only the V8 is earmarked for the US. A long-wheelbase model will eventually be offered, complete with a brand new 5.0L version of the Tau V8. This new 5.0L unit is likely to be the sole powertrain used for U.S. versions.

Measuring in at a generous 5,160mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,495mm in height, the Equus certainly has the luxury saloon size factor. Some of the possible options include tilting rear seats, massagers and TV screens in the rear seats.

Jaguar reveals one-off ‘XK-R Goodwood Special’ at Goodwood

Jaguar has announced that they will unveil a unique one off ‘XK-R Goodwood Special’ at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.

The car features a unique Lime Green exterior paint scheme, is described as a one-off to explore the harder side of the XKR's character and allow engineers to explore some performance boundaries. Details are still unclear, however, the Goodwood Special XKR is pegged to have an 'unspecified' power upgrade on top of the standard 2010 XKR's 5.0L supercharged V8. That means more than 503hp (375kW) on tap, likely as much as 550hp (410kW) or more.

Other unique touches include a modified exhaust, 21-inch wheels, and a lowered ride-height.

One lucky attendee will also get a chance to take a ride up the Goodwood hillclimb with Mike Cross, Jaguar's chief engineer, behind the wheel.

Besides showing the special XK, Jaguar will showcase several historic vehicles including the 1957 Le Mans winning long-nose D-type, the first C-type to win Le Mans, and the stillborn XJ13 racer which never saw action due to the company's financial instability. The fastest Jaguar ever - the XF-R Prototype which reaches a stunning top speed of 225.675 mph run at the Bonneville Salt Flats will also be on display.

Lamborghini officially unveils Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

Yesterday, Lamborghini has officially unveiled details about their special-edition Gallardo - the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni.

Named after Lamborghini's famed test driver Valentino Balboni, the new Gallardo LP 550-2 is essentially a RWD-only version of Lamborghini's all-wheel drive LP 560-4. To ensure the LP 550-2 delivers an outstanding driving experience, Lamborghini added unique springs, dampers, stabilizers, and new tires. Other updates include a revised e-gear transmission (a six-speed manual comes standard), an upgraded rear axle with a 45 percent limited slip differential, and a modified ESP system which enables greater drift angles in CORSA mode.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 550 hp (405 kW). While it has 10 hp less than the LP 560-4, Gallardo LP 550-2 runs from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). However, with a dry weight of just 3,035lb (1,380kg), the LP550-2 is set to take its place as a top performer despite its 'lack' of AWD.

In terms of styling, the car also includes a special exterior and interior treatment, with a center stripe reminiscent of sports cars of the 1970s. The vehicle is available in eight colors, from Bianco Monocerus through to Verde Ithaca, or Arancio Borealis to Nero Noctis. The Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake calipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish.

The basic color of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats, however, feature the color strip in white. The center console is completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car. Other unique touches include a transparent engine cover, and a standard GPS navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity.

The special edition Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni will be priced from €162,000 in Europe, £137,900 in the UK, and $219,800 in the US. Only about 250 units of the LP550-2 are to be built.

Spy shots: 2010 Opel Meriva MPV

The 2010 Opel Meriva MPV has been spotted undergoing testing on Germany's famous Nurburgring. Though fully covered, the spy photos also revealed a streamlined body bearing styling elements shared with its Insignia and Astra stablemates.

Engine options will likely mirror that of those offered on the new Astra. This means we can expect the Meriva will feature a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter engine as well as a turbocharged 1.4-liter with 140PS. On the diesel side, the Mervia will likely offer up to four different Euro5 compliant engines with outputs ranging from 95PS to 160PS.

Based on the Meriva concept revealed at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the production version of the 2010 Opel Meriva looks as though it will share the unique kink featured in the rear passenger window of the concept. The front door’s handle and the general construction of the doors and rubber strips indicate the rear-opening rear doors of the concept are gone. The suicide door configuration makes for better display in a car show booth, but is both inconvenient and hard to get past the legal department in the real world.

The simple and attractive front fascia, minimalist outlines, and overall configuration remain very close to the concept’s design, however. Small detail differences include the addition of a tailpipe (hidden on the concept) and the removal of the rear roof spoiler and addition of an antenna in its place.

The treatment of the rear windows and rear hatch area seem to indicate both the angular upsweep before the C-pillar and the hourglass-shaped rear hatch will carry over into production. The tail lights, though heavily camouflaged, carry a hint of the outline of the concept’s large and stylistic units as well.

The 2010 Opel Meriva will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. And sales are set to begin in European markets before the end of the year.

Jaguar’s XF lineup adds 2010 XF Supercharged pumped up to 470hp

Jaguar’s famous XF lineup gets a new member - the 2010 XF Supercharged sedan, which will join the North American market together with the 4.2L and 5.0L naturally aspirated XF and the range-topping XFR super-saloon . Jaguar has also released U.S. pricing information for its XF lineup.

The new XF Supercharged comes with from its 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III engine pumping out a 470hp (351kW) and 424lb-ft (574Nm) of torque - a 12% increase in power over the 4.2L 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged. Actually, the 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III engine is not strange, which was debuted at this year's Detroit Auto Show, but had only been planned in naturally aspirated form for the 2010 XF.

However, it’s not just about more power. "The Jaguar XF Supercharged will offer consumers a compelling luxury sedan choice with benchmark handling ability and truly memorable performance," said Jaguar Managing Director Mike O'Driscoll. Indeed, the new XF Supercharged also gets Jaguar’s latest ‘Adaptive Dynamics’ variable suspension damping system and the ‘Active Differential Control’ electronically controlled rear differential as standard.

The end result is a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds – just 0.2 seconds off the pace of the 510hp (380kW) XFR.

Other features include uprated ventilated disc brakes, painted calipers, quad-tailpipes, and 20-inch, five triple-spoke alloy wheels. Rich Oak veneer trim is available on the 2010 XF Supercharged only, which also features twin needle upholstery stitching, premium headliner, heated steering wheel, and a 440-Watt Bowers & Wilkens surround sound system with HD radio.

Sales of the 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged will begin in October 2009. And it will be priced from $68,000. As for the rest of the lineup, the 300hp (225kW) 4.2L naturally aspirated XF is priced from $52,000, the 385hp (287kW) 5.0L naturally aspirated XF Premium at $57,000 and the aforementioned XFR at $80,000.

Incidentally, there is one other XF variant, the XF Diesel S. This super frugal sedan is limited to European markets and is powered by a 3.0L commonrail turbodiesel returning 34.5mpg (6.8L/100km) in fuel economy. It will not be available in the U.S..

Honda CR-Z Concept Based Hybrid Sports Car coming to Tokyo Motor Show debut

Honda is working on a hybrid sports car based on the 2007 CR-Z concept car, which is expected to make a debut at this October’s Tokyo Motor Show.

Designed as a spiritual successor to the original Honda CRX, the production version of the CR-Z is expected to be powered by a compact four-cylinder engine displacing less than 1.5L and matched to an electric motor. The combined output for the car should be close to 140hp (105kW), with drive sent to the front wheels via a CVT, according to AutoWeek.nl.

Other reports from U.S. sources indicate that Honda may go with a 1.8L engine. It turns out that both assumptions could be right giving the U.S. market a higher torque engine to suit its needs while equipping Japanese and European models with a more efficient engine.

But the hybrid is still in development stage so many things will probably be changed until it finally reaches the market. The car will feature many lightweight materials that would cut the overall weight of the car and help the engines achieve better fuel consumption ratings and enhanced performance figures.

We expect more details as the debut closer. Keep attention.

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M tuned by Novitec Rosso

After tuning the Ferrari's extreme 430 Scuderia, NOVITEC ROSSO has now taken on a F430 Scuderia Spider 16M.

Novitec Russo has bolted on a couple of superchargers to the car’s 4.3L V8 engine. The final power output was rated at 696hp (519kW), up from the standard car's 510hp (380kW).

While the standard 16M will demolish the sprint to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 196mph, there's little doubt that all the additional horsepower will help push the Novitec Rosso Scuderia Spider 16M well beyond the 200mph mark, and possibly even come close to the tuned 430 Scuderia which tops out at 215mph.

Sportier springs have been fitted to lower the centre of gravity and improve handling while a hydraulic lift system is installed at the front end to lift the car by up to 40mm to help it negotiate obstacles like speed bumps and curbs. And the lift is activated simply by pushing a button from the cabin.

For the exterior, high-performance Pirelli tyres come in size 235/30 ZR 20 at the front and 325/25 ZR 20 at the rear. At the rear, Novitec's trademark black tail lights replace the traditional Ferrari-red, while a custom LED strip has also been added as an additional brake light.

NOVITEC ROSSO has put a price tag of €47,000 (USD66,000) on the tuning package.

Aston Martin working on Cygnet Concept Car based on Toyota iQ

To comply with tough new fuel economy and emissions regulations coming into effect in Europe by 2012, Aston Martin has joined forces with Toyota to develop a new minicar model called the Cygnet, which is based on Toyota’s iQ minicar. The Aston Martin Cygnet is a mix of luxury, compactness and environmental friendliness.

Though it’s still in the concept stage, the production of the car is expected to be given before the end of the year. Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said: "Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not-too-distant future."

As revealed by the teaser image, the Cygnet will adopt some very distinct Aston Martin trademarks to differentiate it from its Toyota sibling. The vehicle is being designed for Europe but other details such as the launch date, price and production volumes have not been decided.

The car on which it is based, the iQ, measures just three meters in length, is powered by a three-cylinder engine and has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The Cygnet is expected to keep most of these attributes, but its interior is expected to be as luxurious as that found in any other Aston Martin model.

However, if you want to buy a Cygnet, you have to be already own an Aston Martin. The luxury automaker has identified that around 30% of existing customers have small cars such as a Mini or Smart ForTwo in their garages for city traffic.

Spy shots: Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabrio with top down

After unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has drawn fans’ attention to news of the upcoming E-Class Cabriolet and Estate models.

The former spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Cabrio showed the car with a soft top, now spy photographers have caught the car testing in Germany with its top down.

About 100mm longer than the CLK Cabrio preceding it, the E-Class Cabrio also bears the same raked A pillar and steep belt-line of the ConceptFASCINATION study revealed back in September last year.

With the top down, we can see the test car's unique air deflector. Taking the shape of a mini-spoiler over the windscreen, the item is sure to cause a stir amongst Mercedes fans. Should the piece stay on the final version of the car, it will likely polarize those interested in the E-class into two groups: one that likes the function, and one that hates the look.

Power is expected to come from the same engine line-up as that featured in the E-Class Coupe, which means four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 150kW/200hp to 285kW/382hp - the top end model being the E500/550.

KW Automotive Dodge Challenger SRT8

With the brawny shapes, the edged radiator grill and an engine with an enormous cubic capacity, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a real American. But the biggest weakness of the vehicle may be its road holding ability. German running gear specialist KW Automotive helps to improve the weaknesses with some modifications.

The standard Challenger SRT8 comes with a 6.1L HEMI V8 engine churning out 425 hp (313 kW) – More than enough power for most. Therefore, KW has not focus on the engine performance, but did fit the car with K&N sport air filter and a completely new Magnaflow 3.5in diameter exhaust system.

Engineers have fitted VW’s Variant 1 stainless steel suspension upgrade, which lowers the car at either axle by up to 50mm. The stainless steel casing guarantees that the components inside remain continuously flexible even when they are strained more in winter.

The KW Dodge Challenger features a new running gear which is approved by the Technical Control Board. One of the most striking features of the KW Dodge Challenger is a pair of vertically lifting ‘Lamborghini-style’ doors provided by LSD. Other modifications include HRE 22in forged aluminum wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires.

For more information, read the press released below:

Only a few are left. The changed spirit of time and the crisis of the American car manufacturers diminish the number of classical muscle cars. The Dodge Challenger belongs to this minority. With its brawny shapes, the edged radiator grill and an engine with an enormous cubic capacity, the car is a real American. But this also applies for its road holding. The running gear specialist KW helps to improve the weaknesses in taking bends. With high-quality components, KW makes the Challenger unique and at the same time preserves the character of the American.

425 hp (313 kW) – that is the power behind the 6.1-litre SRT HEMI V8-engine. Thus, the road cruiser has enough propulsion. Therefore, KW has not concentrated on the engine performance apart from fitting a K&N sport air filter and a completely new exhaust system. But when it comes to its road holding characteristics in bends, KW has performed many changes. The running gear specialist from Fichtenberg in Germany fits its running gear Variant 1 in the stainless steel version inox line. The factory-made damping is optimally adjusted to the Challenger SRT8 and renders the perfect balance between sporty and tense adjustment and enough remaining comfort. The running gear is approved by the Technical Control Board and is equipped with an operating license and offers a lowering area from 10 to 50 millimeters on both axles. The stainless steel casing guarantees that the components inside remain continuously flexible even when they are strained more in winter.

In order to make the ideal use out of the new running gear and its perfected road holding, KW co-operated with the high-class manufactory HRE Wheels. The manufacturer equips the Challenger with forged light-alloy wheels HRE 995R in brushed aluminum which shine in a satin black rim well. With their three-part construction, the wheels not only impress with their striking appearance, but also with their premium manufacture. They are available in the dimensions 10x22 inches at the front- and 11x22 inches at the back axle. The applied high-performance wheels Dunlop SP Sport Maxx in 265/35 ZR 22 at the front and 295/30 ZR 22 at the back render the best possible grip.

The exhaust system by Magnaflow renders the right sound for the sporty appearance. The 18-inch prime pipe branches into a two-pipe system and powerfully roars at the back with four polished 3.5-inch end pipes.

But running gear, wheels and sound were not enough for kW. Therefore, the doors of the refined Dodge Challenger can be opened upwards thanks to LSD-hinges. The adjustable Guided Roller System (GRS) renders safety and precision when opening and closing the doors. Moreover, the LSD-hinges have proved in side crash tests that they offer the same safety as the original doors. The gull-wing doors add the finishing touches to the American car and complete the unique refinement.

It was not an easy task for KW to remodel the Dodge Challenger. The aim was to perfect a classic car of the American Way of Life without reducing the myth of the muscle car. This balance has been perfectly accomplished by the running gear manufacturer.

For more information about the wide variety of products by KW automotive GmbH including running gear springs, dampers, sport running gears, coilovers as well as application lists, please visit the web site www.KWsuspensions.com.

Spy shots: Saab’s next-gen 9-5

The next – gen Saab 9-5 is confirmed to make its world debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Spy shots of the upcoming vehicle have surfaced. And now we got these computer generated renderings which may look slightly different to the final design. From the pics, it appears that the new 9-5 will have a much more dramatic look than previous versions.

Underneath the new sheet metal will be a heavily revised version of GM’s FWD Epsilon II platform, which is also shared by Opel for its new Insignia range. To differentiate Saab as a premium product engineers will provide a stiffer suspension set-up, a new steering rack and a different range of electronics. The car’s wheelbase will stretch 2.84m, which is up 14cm on the current model, and the overall length will stretch just over 5m. This increased wheelbase will free up more interior space as well make the 9-5 a real rival to cars like the Cadillac STS and Volvo S80.

Engine options will include a range of four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel units including a biofuel model. There will also likely by an AWD flagship model with a turbocharged petrol V6 displacing 3.6L and developing upwards of 350hp (261kW). Other engines will include a 210hp (157kW) 2.0L unit and mid-level 2.8L V6. A petrol-electric hybrid model is also expected. Different markets will configure different choices depending on their own needs, so the US for example would get the Buick Lacrosse's 3.6-litre V6 while Europe a 2.8-litre V6 turbo.

The new 9-5 will be built at Opel’s Ruesselsheim plant in Germany with production tipped to start in the middle of the year.