Whether it's from the www, the latest motor show or the back doors of a carmaker near you, CarPoint Confidential features the good oil other sources either won't publish, don't care about or don't know. Heard an automotive rumour or new model tip? Then let us know at editor@carpoint.com.au
>> Chev and Ford in intergalactic head-to-head
The upcoming Transformers movie from Dreamworks will feature a Ford versus Chev duel to rival any car comparison.
Produced by Steven Spielberg, among others, the Transformers movie is based on the Hasbro cartoon series featuring robots that can take on different forms. According to the synopsis, the heroic Autobots are again at war with the evil Decepticons and Earth is caught in the middle.
In Earth's corner, the Chevrolet Camaro will play 'Bumblebee' while Ford's Mustang (pictured) will battle for the Decepticons' aim to "punish and enslave"... The Taurus would've done.
Starring voices include John Turturro (The Good Shepherd, Mr Deeds) and John Voight (Mrs Brad Pitt's dad), and judging by the movie's trailer it's scheduled for screening on July 4th next year -- in the USA at least.
>> Caddy link to Commie TDI?
British weekly Autocar has reported that GM flagship brand Cadillac will debut a turbodiesel-engined variant of its next generation CTS saloon -- due towards the end of next year. The publication claims the 5-Series/E-Class competitor will be powered by "a newly-developed six-cylinder unit."
What's this got to do with us? If the CTS get's a six-cylinder turbodiesel, there's every chance the new engine will also find its way into our own large car, aka Commodore and Statesman/Caprice.
GM has a dearth of suitable passenger car diesel engines, but it is not too long a bow to draw to suggest it may buying the engines (a la Astra and Saab).
See here for more on one possible scenario for Cadillac and Commodore.
>> No diesel for Viva
In other GM diesel news, despite announcements that Chevrolet will sell its Lacetti in Europe with a new diesel powerplant, it is highly unlikely that Holden will follow suit with Viva Down Under.
Said a Holden spokesperson to CarPoint Confidential: "Our main [diesel passenger car] focus is Astra. The local diesel market has grown strongly and we have one of the top sales performers but in reality the level of coverage and interest of late is disproportionate to the actual market size."
The spokesperson also confirmed that the next diesel for local Holden badging was he Captiva. At this stage it's likely that it will not appear until the middle of 2007 when right-hand drive turbodiesel production begins in concert with the car's release in the UK.
>>Nissan hybrid for USA
Beginning in early 2007, Nissan will enter the hybrid petrol-electric vehicle market in America with the introduction of the all-new Altima Hybrid. The alternative fuel vehicle is estimated to have a net power rating of around 150kW and has a projected driving range of up to 1100km between fills.
The vehicle, which was introduced at the LA Auto Show last week, has been certified to meet California emissions requirement and will be sold in US states that have adopted these prerequisites.
>> Big Ovlov among lucky 13
The Volvo XC90 is among 13 vehicles to earn TOP SAFETY PICK awards for 2007 by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The award recognizes vehicles based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, and evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.
Among the XC90's safety features is the Roll Stability Control (RSC), which measures the car's roll angle and triggers a series of stability measures, greatly reducing the risk, Volvo claims, of a roll-over accident.
>> Smokin'
Yahoo! Autos has attempted to set a land speed record at the El Mirage Dry Lake Bed in California using a 3000hp, six-cylinder, twin-turbo diesel vehicle powered by regular cooking oil.
Speed on the peanut oil-burning ute's first run ever was 81.559mph (130.4km/h), thanks to bad weather and some serious mechanical problems. Top speed on the second run was 98.158mph (157km/h), making it the fastest cooking-oil burning vehicle in the world.
Any takers on upping that number!