Ford Fiesta RS and Lancia Delta HF Integrale Design Studies Rev Our Imagination

Our next story comes from the magical world of concept studies -courtesy of AutoBlog.com.es- where harsh reality takes a hike and imaginations steps in to take its place. We've always been fans of the great Delta HF Integrale and we'd like nothing more than for Lancia to revive the legendary nameplate instead of wasting time and resources on cars such as the Thesis but chances are, especially after the Fiat Group's tie-up with Chrysler, that this artist's impression is the closest we'll get to a new HF for now.

The Fiesta RS that's also pictured here, however, is another story. While Ford hasn't confirmed any plans for a high-performance Fiesta, it also has not ruled out such an option. If the company were to develop a Fiesta RS, the firm's recently announced 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines with direct-injection would be prime candidates to power the vehicle.

But until we hear something official, both the Lancia Delta HF Integrale and the Ford Fiesta RS will remain in the realm of imagination.

Photo Source: Autoblog.com.es , Via: Autoblog.nl

VW Launches Most Economical Golf Ever: New BlueMotion Model Returns 3.8lt/100km or 61.9mpg

At this year's Frankfurt Show, along with the world debut of the most powerful series-production Golf ever, the 270HP AWD Golf R, Volkswagen also celebrated the premiere of the most fuel efficient Golf of all time, the second-generation Golf BlueMotion that is now available to buy in Germany from € 21,650. The new BlueMotion model is motivated by a 1.6-liter TDI common-rail diesel engine that produces 105HP with power being transmitted to the front wheels via a long-ratio five-speed manual gearbox.

In addition to the new TDI engine, the Golf BlueMotion also benefits from aerodynamic changes, a braking energy recovery function, a start-stop system and lightweight alloy wheels shod in low rolling resistance tires.

All of these upgrades contribute to an impressive average fuel economy of 3.8 lt / 100km (61.9 mpg US or 74.3mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, making the second-generation BlueMotion the most economical Golf of all time.

Official: Opel Insignia Heading to the USA as the Buick Regal

General Motors officially announced today that the name of Buick's next mid-size sport sedan will be the Regal. Even though the Detroit automaker did not hand out any photos other than a cropped image of the sedan, chances are that the US-spec model will be identical to the Chinese market Buick Regal which in turn is based on the European Opel Insignia. These two models differ only in some details such as the styling of the front grille, the shape of the front fog lights and the exterior mirrors.

"The transformation of Buick began with our luxury crossover, the Buick Enclave and continued this year with the launch of the 2010 LaCrosse premium sedan," said Susan Docherty, Buick GMC General Manager. "We're thrilled to announce that the Regal will be the next member of the Buick family."

GM said that even though the Regal name has been out of the market for the past six years it continues to be one of the top Buick nameplates recalled by consumers.

Before entering bankruptcy and the decision to either sell or close its Saturn business (GM recently announced the death of the brand after negotiations broke down with Penske Automotive), the Detroit automaker had planned to replace the Aura with the Insignia.

General Motors did not say when the Regal will go on sale in the States, but buyers should expect to see the sleek sedan arriving at dealerships sometime towards the end of 2010 or early 2011. Engine options will most likely include 4-cylinder turbocharged units as well as a V6.

And what's that we hear you say about a Buick Regal GNX? Well, your guess is as good as ours, but the recent introduction of the European Opel Insignia OPC that packs an all-wheel drive system and a 325HP 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 means that a sporty GNX model is completely feasible.

The Opel Insignia is also offered in Europe as a five-door liftback and a sleek-looking station wagon called Sports Tourer, but we wouldn't hold our breath for an American release for neither model.

Chinese Market Buick Regal

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European Market Opel Insignia OPC Sedan and Sports Tourer