U.S. Patent Drawings of 2012 Buick Excelle Sedan


If these U.S. patent drawings of Buick's forthcoming entry-level compact sedan are anything to go by, then the North American version of the car will be identical to the China-market 2012 Buick Excelle that was recently caught on film without any camouflage whatsoever.

We don't know if GM will keep the 'Excelle' nameplate for North America, but we do know that the General is planning to bring the car to the States in 2011.

As you may recall, the Excelle or whatever else GM decides to name it, is based on the latest generation of the European market Opel Astra and as such, it adopts the Detroit automaker's Delta II small car platform that also underpins the new Chevy Cruze.

Specific details about the powertrain options remain scarce, however, we reckon that the front-wheel drive saloon will probably be offered with a similar engine range to the Cruze including a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, and quite possibly, the Astra's more powerful 1.6-liter turbo with 180 ponies.



Rollin on DUBs: Ford Introduces DUB Edition of 2011 Mustang


In order to connect with "a whole new generation of buyers", Ford has teamed up with DUB magazine and Roush to release a special "DUB" edition Mustang.

Based on the 305-horse 3.7 liter V6 model, the DUB package supplies the V6 Stang (coupe, convertible, or glass-roof coupe) with 20-inch TIS rims wrapped in Pirellis, a Roush appearance package, special striping, and the DUB logo embroidered on the headrests.

In an attempt to help the DUB stand out, the appearance package uses Roush's front fascia and splitter, a windshield banner, and rear quarter-window louvers.

In regards to performance: it gets slightly sportier thanks to lowering springs (also from Roush) and a 3.31 axle ratio.

Myles Kovacs, president / co-founder of DUB magazine, said, "Working with Ford and Roush is an honor and has been a dream come true for DUB. The Mustang is such an iconic muscle car and has always been a customizer's favorite. The DUB Edition Mustang stays true to its roots, but I think we've successfully brought a ton of hustle to the muscle."

Available colors for the DUB Mustang are Black, Ingot Silver, Grabber Blue, and Race Red; the interior color is limited to black.

So, how do we feel about yet another special edition Mustang? Pointless or cool?

By Phil Alex