The redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse will add a fuel efficient 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder engine to the lineup.  But of even more interest, according to GM execs, a hybrid model is also expected in the near future.

GM's global vehicle line executive James Frederico appears to confirm this but did not disclose exact timing. "We are always working on future applications for our hybrids," he said.  "The exact introduction plans (will) be announced later by Buick marketing."

This revelation of a future hybrid LaCrosse

Elon Musk doesnt pull any punches, and has made many remarks that draw attention, and well he's at it again.  He now questions the idea that a Prius is a true hybrid.

Musk has snuffed at the high tech Prius in the past, and in most automotive circles, the Prius is synonymous with environmentally thinking.  It's the high tech hybrid that delivers outstanding fuel efficiency at an affordable price.  But Musk is not satisfied with people calling it a hybrid.

According to Musk,

Marty Padgett over at our flagship site TuningTruck.com (TCC) recently wrote a post on Toyota's recent experience with General Motors-style problems as it assumes the role of the world's largest automaker. While officially denying such ambitions, for the past decade or so Toyota has been engaged in a strategy of growth to reach the position of bumping off General Motors (GM) as the world's largest automaker. In recent statements, the newly anointed Chairman Akio Toyoda now openly

Bright Automotive has assembled a team of leading battery pack experienced individuals and hopes that their real world knowledge of batteries will make them front runners for government grant funding.  Click here to read about who Bright Automotive has added to their experienced team.

According to Bright Automotive VP of Corporate Strategy Michael Brylawski, "Arguably, no company in the U.S. has as much

This could be good news or bad news, depending on how you look at it.

Audi is continuing its plans to debut the 2011 Audi R8 Spider at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. But it will only be available with a 525-hp V-10, according to Car and Driver.

The 5.2-liter engine is closely related to the Lamborghini Gallardo’s V-10. It will make almost 400 ft-lbs of torque in the R8 Spider and will be mated either to a six-speed manual or Audi’s R-Tronic automated transmission.

The bad

Volkswagen has teamed up with BYD to explore their options of forming a partnership for production of hybrid and electric vehicles.

The agreement, technically called of memorandum of understanding, states that both companies will work together to see if a partnership for developing hybrid and electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion technology could be beneficial to both involved parties.

The deal was signed last week by Chairman of the Board for VW Dr.

With market share continuing to shrink and a miserable market for automotive sales, General Motors is forced to shed even more white collar workers. GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson reportedly told Bloomberg that the struggling US automaker is offering retirement packages for up to 4,000 non-union workers this week. That equates to about 15% of GM's current salaried workforce, and 20% off the totals from January 2009.

Workers who choose to accept the buyout will receive

General Motors says its new Opel Astra will be its big product news at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, but we're a little skeptical because a) the pictures are all over the 'Net and it's May, and b) because the big story no doubt will be the collection of brands swapping hands from GM to Fiat, if all goes as planned.

Nevertheless, GM sent out these photos of the new Astra with a couple of vital details. The Astra range essentially shares its running gear with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and