2011 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback: Production Version's Shape Trademarked

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show in early September, General Motors unveiled a near-production version of the Chevrolet Cruze five-door hatchback. Now, the Detroit automaker has registered trademark filings with the European patent office revealing the shape and details of the actual production model which is set to reach dealerships in Europe as a Chevrolet and in Australia as a Holden, in mid 2011.

Holden’s E3 GTS Transforms into the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 in Britain

Based on Holden’s most recent E3 series GTS model, the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 will hit UK dealers next March, featuring several improvements over the previous model, which was built on the lower-spec ClubSport R8. Priced at £49,500 (VAT included), the new model is still considered a bargain in the country, considering that there’s a 6.2-liter V8 powerhouse under the bonnet. The VXR8 undercuts the

New Rumors of the Pontiac G8 Returning to North America as a Chevrolet

The demise of the Pontiac brand in 2009 also brought about the death of the G8, the Americanized derivative of the Australian-built Holden Commodore SS. It was a sad day for Pontiac and Holden fans alike, the loss of the G8 export contract costing Holden millions of dollars and putting the future of its Elizabeth, South Australia plant - and the brand itself - in jeopardy.When the Holden-derived

Spied: GM Daewoo Veritas (L4X) spotted in person

Here are the first images of the GM Daewoo Veritas, originally named L4X, spotted outside auto show venues for the first time. A rebadge of the Holden WM Caprice, the Veritas replaces the GM Daewoo Statesman that was on sale since 2005. The Statesman was also a rebadge of the previous generation Holden Statesman from Australia. The Veritas sports a unique vertical-slat grille and badging. The Statesman rides on Holden's RWD Zeta platform.

GM Daewoo pits the Veritas against the Hyundai Genesis 3.3L, Ssangyong Chairman W V6, and BMW 528i. Alike all three of these cars, the Veritas is rear-wheel driven. Its dimensions are (mm) 5195 x 1895 x 1480. The Veritas is powered by a 3.6L Alloytec V6 that produces 258 horsepower. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Veritas features a myriad of premium amenities such as bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system with DMB TV, tri-zone automatic climate control, power rear seats with massaging, power rear window curtains, and a rearview camera.

Reports say the Veritas is scheduled to go on sale by the end of 2008.

Continue reading to view more images.

Australia: Holden releases facelifted 2009 Epica

GM's Australia division, Holden, unveiled the facelifted Epica mid-size sedan today. A rebadged version of the GM Daewoo Tosca, the revised Epica features minor exterior changes and introduces a new diesel model for the first time.

Holden refreshes the outside of the Epica with a revised grille, rear fascia, standard Aero kit, and new set of wheels. The equipment list is also rehashed with standard electronic stability control (ESC). Upping the ante, the CDXi features rear parking assist, heated front seats, and leather-trimmed interior.

For 2009, Holden adds a diesel variant of the Epica. Replacing the 2.0L petrol V6, the 2.0L 4-cylinder Variable turbine geometry (VTG) diesel generates 110 kW (148 horsepower) and 320Nm of torque. The 115 kW (154 horsepower) 2.5L petrol inline-6 remains. The new diesel boasts a mileage rating of 7.6L/100km (31 MPG). All models are now equipped with the 6T40 Active Select 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 5-speed manual and Aisin 5-speed automatic transmissions.

The new Holden Epica is available now. The entry-level petrol CDX model is priced at AUD$27,990. The petrol CDXi model stickers at AUD$30,990. Diesel adds AUD$2,000 to both models. The Epica is produced in GMDAT's Bupyeong plant in South Korea.

[Source: Car Central]

Continue reading to view more images.