SCOOP: New Opel Zafira Grows up but Doesn't get FlexDoors

Opel and its sister company Vauxhall are pushing ahead with the development of the next generation Zafira minivan, which was caught here testing by our scoop photographers. The new seven-seat model is expected to grow in dimensions offering improved passenger and luggage space. Unlike the latest Meriva that boasts a pair of suicide doors, the new Zafira will continue to use conventional rear doors.

The sleeker shape of Opel's newcomer can easily be seen beneath the harlequin camouflage, while the pictures suggest that the minivan takes styling cues from both the Insignia and new Astra, including the wing-shaped head lamps.

The interior design will also be more or less inspired by the Astra, while the car's flexibility is reported to have been improved by a revamped three-row flexible seating system providing independent seating for all seven passengers. 

The new Zafira will use hardware from the Astra range, so expect a suite of turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, including more eco-friendly and frugal EcoFlex versions and possibly even a sporty OPC / VRX variant.

Look for the next generation of Opel's people mover to make its world premiere at a major international motor show this year with European sales to start in late 2011 or early 2012. 

There's no official word about a North American variant, but given that the Zafira is essentially the minivan version of the Astra (which itself forms the base for the new Buick Verano), as well as the fact that Ford is preparing the U.S. launch of the Focus-based C-Max, we wouldn't completely rule out the possibility.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Read Full Article...

GM Introduces Cell Phone Charging Mats at CES, Production Begins in 2012

Thanks to induction technology, mobile electronic devices, such as phones, can be wirelessly charged, just by placing them on special pads. At the 2011 CES in Las Vegas, General Motors announced plans to introduce the wireless charging technology in many future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac products, beginning from the second half of 2012. 

The Detroit automaker revealed that is has signed a commercial agreement with an Israeli company called Powermat that specializes on the new technology. GM Ventures, the company’s venture capital subsidiary, will invest a total of $5 million in Powermat to help accelerate its development and support efforts to grow Powermat’s business globally, the company said in a statement. 

The new technology is said not only to eliminate the need for charging cords, but, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine, it’s also safer and more efficient.

The Chevrolet Volt will be one of the first cars to benefit from the new equipment.

“Imagine a mat or shelf where you could put your iPhone, your Droid or other personal device and charge it automatically while you commute to work, run errands or as you’re driving on a family vacation”, said Micky Bly, GM’s lead electronics executive. “The Chevy Volt will be one of the first applications, but we intend to expand it across our vehicle portfolio”, Bly added.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Read Full Article...

2012 Buick Verano Sedan: China's Excelle GT finally Makes it to the States

The 2012 Buick Verano won't come as a surprise as the new compact sedan is the North American version of GM's China market Buick Excelle GT that was revealed in the first half of 2010. The two Buicks are identical in styling right up to the somewhat gaudy chrome eyebrows over the tail lamps.

The small Buick is essentially the sedan version of the European market Opel Astra, something that is visible from the profile styling as well as the interior, and is built on the same platform and shares basic engine architecture with the Chevrolet Cruze. 

The VW Jetta-sized Verano measures 183.9 in. (4,671 mm) long, 71.4 in. (1,815 mm) wide and 58.4 in. (1,484 mm) tall, featuring a 105.7 in. (2,685 mm) long wheelbase.

Under the skin, the Verano's front suspension uses decoupled MacPherson struts and the rear a Watts Z-link design. Steering inputs are executed by an electric power steering system, featuring a dual-pinion rack, while stopping power is provided by a four-wheel disc brake system with standard anti-lock and electronic brake force distribution, as well as StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control.

At launch, the new Buick Verano will offered with a standard 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine delivering an estimated 177 horsepower (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque (230 Nm), with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. GM says the basic Verano will return a 0-60 mph [96 km/h] performance of 8.0 seconds and an estimated 31 mpg [7.6 lt/100km] on the highway. 

The Detroit automaker said a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine will be offered in the future. In China, the Verano's twin sibling is available with a naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter producing 145HP and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot delivering 181HP.

The 2012 Verano compact sedan will receive its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week and go on sale in the States in the fourth quarter of 2011. Pricing has yet to be released, though an allegedly official document that was leaked online suggests that the Verano will start at around $21,000.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Read Full Article...