DMC and an undisclosed partner had hoped to restart the 3.2 million sqaure-foot Wilmington, Delaware plant with renewed production of the Kappa-based coupes, which were the last vehicles built at the plant.

This turn of events put those plans in question.

"I'm glad to see some progress with Fisker's project and glad to see some of the DOE/ATVM money used to support green cars and green manufacturer," said James Espy, Vice President of the DeLorean Motor Company in a quick chat with us today. "I still hope there's a future for a Solstice/Sky product to carry on and until we hear otherwise we'll continue our efforts towards that end."

How much hope is there? According to Fisker, production likely won't begin until late 2012, which means the plant will sit, tooled for building Solstices, until renovations and retooling starts.

It's possible Fisker could consent to making money off the plant and putting people back to work immediately by starting limited production on Solstice vehicles before all the tooling is scrapped, but we've yet to hear anything confirming this as a possibility.

In the meantime, Solstice/DeLorean fans will have to wait.

So basically the U.S. government is paying Fisker to buy a shuttered plant from GM — one that once built the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky — so they can use it to develop a Chevy Volt-killing affordable plug-in mid-size sedan. Does this mean the Feds don't believe GM can get the job done to bring the Volt to market or do they just don't want to be seen as picking winners or losers in the 'lectric car debate? Or, more likely, they just want the greenies to get the warm n' fuzzy feelings for the Obama administration for doing something to make plug-in hybrid cars. Either way — it's one more assembly plant that's getting un-shuttered and maybe Henrik Fisker's got a better gameplan in place than Tesla.

Full press release below:

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE TO BUY U.S. ASSEMBLY PLANT TO BUILD AFFORDABLE PLUG-IN HYBRID CARS

WILMINGTON, DE — Oct. 27, 2009 – Fisker Automotive has selected the Wilmington Assembly plant in Wilmington Delaware to build affordable plug-in hybrid cars.

Fisker executives made the announcement inside the dormant facility today, joined by Vice President Joe Biden, Delaware Governor Jack Markell and other state officials.

The plant will support Fisker Automotive's Project NINA, the development and build of an affordable, family-oriented plug-in hybrid sedan costing about $39,900 after federal tax credits.

Production is scheduled to begin in late 2012. Fisker Automotive anticipates Project NINA will ultimately create or support 2,000 factory jobs and more than 3,000 vendor and supplier jobs by 2014, as production ramps up to full capacity of 75,000-100,000 vehicles per year. More than half will be exported, the largest percentage of any domestic manufacturer.

The modernized Wilmington Assembly plant was selected for its size, production capacity, world-class paint facilities, access to shipping ports, rail lines and available skilled workforce.

"This is a major step toward establishing America as a leader of advanced vehicle technology," said Henrik Fisker, CEO. "Wilmington is perfect for high quality, low volume production and will soon be the proud builder of world-class, fuel-efficient Fisker plug-in hybrids."

Fisker Automotive has signed a letter of intent with Motors Liquidation Co. (MLC), formerly known as General Motors Corp. to purchase the Wilmington plant for $18 million after a routine four-month evaluation period.

An additional $175 million will be spent to refurbish and retool the factory over the next three years.

Funds will come from a conditional loan of $528.7M the Department of Energy awarded the company in September.

The loan is part of the $25B Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing loan program (ATVM) appropriated by Congress in 2007 to help the United States lead in the development and manufacturing of advanced technology vehicles.

The company's first car, the Fisker Karma, will be the world's first production plug-in hybrid when it goes on sale this summer at retailers in the U.S. and Europe.

Fisker plug-in hybrid cars will help remove the country's dependence on foreign energy by eliminating the need for 42 million barrels of oil by 2016. They will also offset 8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

"With our close-knit business, government, and educational communities and our potential to respond rapidly to new opportunities, today's announcement is a testament to what works best in Delaware. Fisker is a perfect partner in shaping Delaware's economic future, and we are thrilled that the vehicle that can reshape the automobile industry will be built here in Delaware, by Delaware workers." said Governor Jack Markell (D-Delaware).

Gary Casteel, UAW director responsible for the plant, said, "It gives me great pride to give UAW Local 435 workers the opportunity to partner with Fisker Automotive to create a greener America by building a plug-in hybrid car that will compete globally."

ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Fisker Automotive is a privately owned, premium American car company with a vision to lead the automotive industry into the next-generation of automobiles with high-end design expertise and eco-friendly powertrain technology. Global headquarters are in Irvine, California, USA.

The company was created in 2007 to leverage the design capabilities of Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, founded by auto design veterans Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, and the PHEV powertrain capabilities of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ-QTWW), a major Tier 1 supplier of clean vehicle technologies to the automotive OEMs. Previously, Fisker, CEO, was design director for Aston Martin and president and CEO of BMW's DesignworksUSA. Koehler, COO, led operations for Ford's Global Advanced Design Studio and created concept cars for Aston Martin, MINI and BMW.

ABOUT WILMINGTON ASSEMBLY

The Wilmington Assembly plant was built by General Motors in1947. Over the years it has been expanded to 3.2 million square feet on 142 acres of land. It includes an on-site powerhouse and waste water treatment facility. More than 8.5 million cars have been manufactured there, including the Pontiac Streamliner, original Chevrolet Impala, 1997-1999 Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn L-Series and the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky/Opel GT roadsters. Production capacity is 300,000 cars per year. The plant and its workforce have received many awards for excellence in quality, production and safety.

# # #

As we all know, the folding of both Pontiac and Saturn has left the small RWD platform without a home. It also left GM's Wilmington, Delaware plant without a purpose. The new DeLorean Motor Company, which we toured last summer, is currently the main keeper of the DeLorean flame and up-keeper of the world's fleet of DeLoreans. They're also producing a small series of upgraded second generation cars. Could they also carry forward the spirit of a company enriched by John DeLorean's vigor and genius?

"JZD always said that the best memories of his automotive career were at Pontiac, and that connection between JZD and Pontiac is probably one of the better known associations among car enthusiasts," said James Espey, Vice President of the DeLorean Motor Company.

The company has released the above drawings and acquired a Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe for evaluation. DMC also says they're excited about the prospect of "putting several hundred people back to work" in Wilmington, though it's unclear at how much capital it would take to acquire the plant and the source of funding for such an endeavor.

Until we get more information we're just going to sit back and enjoy the prospect of GM's Kappa platform getting a second life.

After civil wars, multinational organizations like to engage the various parties in a truth and reconciliation commission to bear witness to what happened with the hopes of avoiding a similar occurrence. If the "New GM" is going to succeed, the company needs to understand where the "Old GM" went wrong.

This isn't about unions or an addiction to SUVs. This has nothing to do with the Chicken Tax or the Interstate Highways Act. This has everything to do with a company's ability to build a gorgeous car with a peach of engine that's not a particularly good car.

The story is almost too sad to tell. When GM hired Bob Lutz he knew Pontiac had to get away from the body-cladding, embrace a RWD platform, offer something with a fourbanger, make it affordable and European looking. For the Detroit Auto Show he needed to make a statement and, to quote a 2002 Car And Driver article:

It would be a Pontiac only, shared with no other brand. It would sell for about $20,000 for a naturally aspirated version and just under $30,000 for a supercharged one like the show car. It would be basic, with a manually operated softtop.

So close and yet, actually, not that close at all.

The Solstice GXP, despite its engine, is a car that should probably be driven slowly. It'll give you more time to enjoy what GM got right. The 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine is wonderful. There's so almost no lag and, though short on cylinders, it delivers the power my right foot wants. Plus, driven slowly enough, you don't notice how confused the five-speed automatic transmission this wonderful powerplant is paired to gets at the slightest hint of an acceleration change.

While lightly trotting teenagers and others with poorly-supported jaws openly gawk at the curvaceous body, which seems to be made up entirely of eye-pleasing curves. Helen of Troy incarnate in well-shaped metal launching a thousand comparisons to Beyonce, Salma Hayek, and Marilyn Monroe. Stop long enough for anyone to look more closely and someone might notice the standard GM square radio stuck unevenly in the rounded-off dash or the slowly eroding gasket that runs along the top of the windshield curiously designed to tear each time you put the top up.

At under 30 MPH the GXP has all the traits of a well-engineered RWD car. It stays Tina Fey-flat around corners and steering is sharp and turn-in is quick. Get above 60 MPH and the car, top up or down, begins to become uncomfortably unstable. Cornering at high speed, with the traction control off, and suddenly grip evaporates. The expectation is of controllable oversteer. In reality, the car merely starts to go in the direction of momentum and then, just as the tires catch, it downshifts again so any correction you just made becomes invalidated.

True to the desire of Lutz, it has a manually-operated soft top. But it's so weirdly complex it's hard to call it simple. In order to open it you have to, first, put the car in park. Second, hit the "trunk release button." Third, reach up and release the handles. Fourth, reach out and push top backwards. Fifth, tamp down the top so it fits into the trunk space. Sixth, slam the trunk. Seventh, really slam it, put some weight into it. It's basically the same to put the top up, except you also have to snap the rear of the soft top into place.

The concept was right, but too many of the steps to get it to reality were the wrong ones. Too much planning was sacrificed for the benefit of the concept. Nothing fits quite right. Nothing feels quite right. It's not a pure Pontiac, as anyone driving a Sky can tell you.

In the end, it's about making the right decisions, coming to the right conclusions, and taking many wrong steps to get there. It's the story of a once-great brand, and a once-great idea, not quite fully-fulfilled. To quote Dr. John:

I been in the right place but it must have been the wrong time.
I'd of said the right thing but I must have used the wrong line.
I been in the right trip but I must have used the wrong car.

What, exactly, GM will do with NUMMI, their cooperative manufacturing effort with Toyota, remains unclear, but Fritz definitely claims they'll have to talk to Toyota and come up with something to do with the plant. Our guess is Toyota will just ask GM to continue making the Toyota Matrix (made on the same line as the Pontiac Vibe, by the same UAW workers) and just increase production numbers on it or, since Matrix production was moved to Canada last fall, maybe they'll just shut the whole place down.

Why the Matrix always sold so much better than the Vibe, we'll never understand. Wait a second, we remember — the picture to the left just jogged our memory. Eeeew. OK, now we know why the Matrix sold better.

There's a truly eclectic and diverse mix of cars including classic American muscle like the Cougar; Korean eco-rockets like the orange Kia; Japanese supercars like the Nissan GT-R and Toyota Supra; German über whips like the Porsche 911; and at least one Honda Civic.

It's clear this nicely installed display at the base of the central tower of the RenCen borrows from two sources: the perennially obnoxious Lexus "December to Remember" ad campaign with it's bows and yuppies, and the incessantly played American Express advertisement where some random dude wins a pair of Solsti and gives one to his fainting wife for Christmas.

Somewhere in the dream the two were mixed together and a giant spidery bow that seems to be pooping out the Solstice was added. This whole thing would've worked a lot better if it wasn't parked next to considerably cooler cars like the Riviera and Impala. Something tells us even though they're pushing a Solstice at GM employees and fancy restaurant goers, the display won't be doing a lot of convincing in this, the December of our despair.

If you haven't seen the Solstice Coupe in person, it really is a pretty handsome car, addressing our twin complaints about the Solstice convertible; namely absolutely no trunk space and the added heft of the convertible top. We can't wait to see what the additional stiffness from a hardtop and the lighter weight will do for the car's on-road performance.[Marks Picasa Gallery via commenter EphraimZebra]

GMPP has bumped up the output from the 2.0-liter Ecotec to 290 HP via intake tweaks, a performance cat-back exhaust and a Stage 2 tuning kit. Lowered and firmed-up suspension sits beneath, and the package is finished off with a Hydro Blue racing stripe. We've liked the idea of a Solstice coupe since we saw the first one — it's too bad chances are slim we'll ever see one in showrooms. We'll bring you shots from the SEMA show floor starting later today. [GM via eGMCarTech]

PONTIAC UNVEILS 2009 SOLSTICE COUPE

Hardtop Extends Appeal of Classic Design

NEW YORK - Drawing inspiration from classic sports cars, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe was created for drivers who appreciate both dramatic styling and balanced performance. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show as a GXP model, the Solstice coupe builds on the success of the convertible model while offering a greater range of all-season driving opportunities.

For drivers still wanting an open-air experience, the coupe also features a removable roof panel, fully opening the cockpit to all of the sensations of the road.

"Today's Solstice is the top-selling roadster in the U.S., and we believe this new model has even broader appeal," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving."

The coupe is expected to arrive in Pontiac dealerships in early 2009.

The making of a coupe

The new coupe was inspired by the Solstice coupe concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2002. True to the concept, it is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a "fastback" shape with stylized "rails" that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.

The coupe's roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area. A home storage case for the roof panel will be offered through GM Accessories.

Engineering the design

Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.

"The Solstice coupe represents a major collaboration of design and engineering," said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer. "The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure - it's a great example of building on an already solid foundation."

Lightweight structure

The roof's structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, yet low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe's overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

Powertrain and suspension

Because the change to a coupe body style resulted in only a slight increase in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. Initial tests have shown that the Solstice coupe will deliver ride and handling, acceleration, braking and fuel economy comparable to the convertible model.

The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower (129 kW), while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW).

Interior additions

Much of the coupe's interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.

Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

PONTIAC UNVEILS 2009 SOLSTICE COUPE

Hardtop Extends Appeal of Classic Design

NEW YORK - Drawing inspiration from classic sports cars, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe was created for drivers who appreciate both dramatic styling and balanced performance. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show as a GXP model, the Solstice coupe builds on the success of the convertible model while offering a greater range of all-season driving opportunities.

For drivers still wanting an open-air experience, the coupe also features a removable roof panel, fully opening the cockpit to all of the sensations of the road.

"Today's Solstice is the top-selling roadster in the U.S., and we believe this new model has even broader appeal," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving."

The coupe is expected to arrive in Pontiac dealerships in early 2009.

The making of a coupe

The new coupe was inspired by the Solstice coupe concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2002. True to the concept, it is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a "fastback" shape with stylized "rails" that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.

The coupe's roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area. A home storage case for the roof panel will be offered through GM Accessories.

Engineering the design

Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.

"The Solstice coupe represents a major collaboration of design and engineering," said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer. "The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure - it's a great example of building on an already solid foundation."

Lightweight structure

The roof's structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, yet low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe's overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

Powertrain and suspension

Because the change to a coupe body style resulted in only a slight increase in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. Initial tests have shown that the Solstice coupe will deliver ride and handling, acceleration, braking and fuel economy comparable to the convertible model.

The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower (129 kW), while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW).

Interior additions

Much of the coupe's interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.

Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

# # #

Well — why don't you ask this guy who seems to have the "inside scoop" everyone else already knew about Jazz. He seems to think he's the "source" on all things GM, so have him reveal one of them. Just make sure you don't force him to have tocatch his breath. You may be waiting for a while. Also, while you're at it, ask him what the "XXX" in "eXXXlusively" is for. Is that a misspelling or is he trying to tip us off to the fact that he slept with Bob Lutz to gain access to this already widely-known information? Who knows. Better yet, who cares? What we do know is we're continuing to look forward to the New York Auto Show.

On the occasion of our company's 40th anniversary in 2008: The Irmscher GT i40. V8 Power to be enjoyed

Irmscher constructs the GT for GourmeTs

It's the ingredients that make the difference! And here is the menu:
A 6,0l V8-engine with 480PS in an Opel GT-body for excellent driving performance.
Perfectly prepared and served à la maison.
For 40 now Irmscher has been providing proof of its competence in matters of vehicle construction and individualisation.
On the occasion of the company's 35th anniversary the most powerful and strongest of the Opel Vectras had caused a stir by reaching a speed of more than 300km/h. However, that which is emerging from the factory floors in Remshalden for the company's 40th anniversary is a vehicle for the true connoisseur: the Irmscher Opel GT i40. The figures in the model's number stand for the data of the company: Günther Irmscher senior started up in1968 in Winnenden with the first vehicle modifications. In the person of Günther Irmscher junior, the second generation is at the fore of the company in 2008 and is proof that 40 years of company history should be celebrated properly at this anniversary.
The Remshalden company is starting its anniversary with a world premiere in Geneva. Here, the GT will be making its first appearance and is sure to cause a stir at the company's stand in Hall 2.
V8-engine and a driving performance that puts it in the company of thoroughbred sports cars male the experts sit up and take notice and connoisseurs tingle with anticipation. As it is known that appearances also matter, the GT is optically enhanced by means of a discreet modification to the car body, and, on the interior with an exclusive leather fitting.
For desert, Irmscher serves the news that the vehicle is to be produced in a small series. The appropriate attention is being paid to this already. The menu therefore also exists in takeaway form.
The GT i40 currently stands in a long tradition of elect vehicles.V8-engines have always had an important role to play at Irmscher. In this line of history stand the Senator V8 and not least the successful races in the Omega V8 with the F1-driver Johnny Cecotto at the wheel, who was able to win the championship twice.
The models with the "i"".
Special models with the "i" in their name have always had their place in the company history. The GT i40 here lines up with a whole row of other vehicles, from the i120, i130, i200...via the i500 to the i35 which appeared for the company's 35th anniversary. At that time, a compressor helped enhance the performance of a V6-Motor. The result was the fastest Opel limousine in series production in the world. 5 years later it is a V8 that will cause a sensation in a Roadster.
All that remains to be said in conclusion is:

Dinner is served!

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

General Motors Flexes Muscle With A Message At The 2007 SEMA Show

Performance With an Environmental Twist Shines in the GM Display with Jay Leno's E85-Powered Corvette Z06 and FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod

LAS VEGAS - A diverse array of customized and high-performance cars, trucks and SUVs again dominates the General Motors display at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, but this time there is an underlying message: Green goes with mean.

Many of the 28 vehicles GM will bring to the annual convention of the automotive aftermarket performance and appearance industry either run on alternative fuels, such as E85 ethanol, or feature fuel-efficient performance without compromise. The lineup is headlined by an E85-powered Corvette Z06 owned by Jay Leno. The "Tonight Show" host's new supercar boasts a custom, 500-cubic-inch engine that generates approximately 600 horsepower and is fueled solely by E85.

Another mean, green Chevy at SEMA is FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod, built by GM Performance Division - a re-creation of the hot rods that competed at early drag strips and land-speed venues of the late 1940s and 1950s. With bodywork inspired by a 1934 Chevy and period styling touches, FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod mixes vintage style with contemporary technology; it's powered by a 500-horse FlexFuel version of the turbocharged Ecotec engine. It runs on E85, gasoline or any combination of the two.

In addition to the alternative-fueled performers in the display, GM will also use the SEMA platform to introduce some influential concepts and production models, including the Pontiac Solstice SD-290 concept, which showcases a unique passenger compartment closeout evoking the spirit of vintage racecars, and a tuner-inspired version of the upcoming 2008 Saturn Astra. Chevy will make a couple of sport compact production announcements on Monday, Oct. 29, that will surely please the tuner crowd.

Celebrity endorsements will be in full force all over the SEMA show floor as three urban-inspired Enclaves customized by a trio of the industry's most influential designers, including Rick Bottom, former NBA star Jerome Williams' Automotive Street Style, and Mitek will be on display, along with a new Pontiac G8 GT built by rapper 50 Cent and Unique Autosports.

Additional concept and specialty vehicles in the display include:

Cadillac -Factory customized CTS Sport and Escalade Sport concepts show how sporty these new models can look with a few, carefully crafted styling and stance enhancements.

Chevrolet -In addition to the E85 ethanol-powered machines described above, Chevy is featuring a bevy of tricked-out trucks and custom cars, including:

* Silverado HD Crew Cab Z71 "Big Red" concept, influenced by last year's Dale Earnhardt Jr. Big Red concept
* Silverado HD Country Music concept with fold-out, portable stage
* Silverado Major League Baseball show vehicle
* Silverado/GM Performance Parts LSX-powered regular cab truck with 640 horsepower
* Suburban HD Z71 diesel, with a new 4.5L diesel engine
* Camaro Convertible concept
* Impala SS "Car of Tomorrow" NASCAR racecar show vehicle

GMC -The Yukon All-Terrain show vehicle follows in the tracks of last year's Sierra All-Terrain concept and is designed to complement active lifestyles; and the Sierra HD Denali is a "what if" look at applying GMC's most premium aesthetic to the Sierra 2500HD.

HUMMER -A pair of serious off-roaders is on hand, including the racing-inspired H3R and the adventure-seeking H2 Safari.

Pontiac -Along with the Solstice SD-290, Pontiac will feature two new G8 performance sedans, including a slightly enhanced version of the G8 GT production model and a completely customized G8 GT from 50 Cent and Unique Autosports (viewed in the Pirelli Tires display).

A collaboration between Pontiac, 50 Cent and Unique Autosports - the New York-based custom shop featured on the show "Unique Whips" - 50 Cent's red-and-black performance sedan is equipped with a GM Performance Parts LSX 427 engine, custom paint, 22-inch chrome wheels and a custom-tailored interior boasting an 800-watt audio system.

Saturn -Marking the introduction of the all-new Astra sport-compact, Saturn shows off a tuner-inspired example that uses subtle exterior and chassis mods, as well as unique wheels, to give the car a street-wise stance.

GM Accessories and GM Performance Parts

In addition to the concept vehicles at the GM display, General Motors introduces products and initiatives that will surely influence enthusiast projects of the near future, including a collaboration with DUB to develop a variety of appearance and performance components.

GM Performance Parts (GMPP) teamed up with GM Performance Division to give the most famous 1957 Chevy magazine car of all time - Popular Hot Rodding's Project X - its ultimate "rectification."

GMPP also introduces a bevy of high-performance engines and engine support components, led by the Anniversary 427 crate engine - a limited-edition, all-aluminum big-block based on the legendary ZL-1 engine. It is completed by the ZZ427, a regular-production crate engine that features most of the same high-performance attributes of the Anniversary 427, but with an iron cylinder block.

Also new from GMPP is an LS3 crate engine, tall-deck LSX cylinder block and a trio of "LS" engine controller kits that make engine integration easy.
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.