Feds Investigate Transmission Cable Problems in at Least Three GM Models

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] said on Monday that it is widening a preliminary investigation that began with 23 complaints about the Saturn Aura sedan from the 2007 and 2008 model years, over a transmission cable issue that may deteriorate over time and fail. If this happens, the shift lever position may not match the car's actual gear.

The safety agency said it is also looking to see if the same problem exists in at least two more GM models equipped with similar cable installations used on four-speed automatic transmissions, the 2004-2008MY Chevrolet Malibu and 2005-2008MY Pontiac G6.

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Video: 2009 Opel Insignia, and Possibly, the 2010 Saturn Aura

If you liked what you saw from the pictures that were released a couple of days ago, then you’ll be happy to know that Opel’s new mid-size sedan looks even better in this official promo video. The Insignia, that will replace the Vectra in Opel’s range and hopefully, the Aura in Saturn’s line-up, will go on sale in Europe this fall where it will be offered with a choice of seven diesel and gasoline engines. –Video after the jump

2009 Opel Insignia: Engine Range To Include 1.6 and 2.0 Turbo Units

We still have a few days left before Opel officially unveils the new Insignia, but since a whole set of images were leaked into the net the other day, there’s no point for hiding anymore. Apart from the pictures without watermarks, we also have initial details on the Insignia’s engine range.

Starting off with gasoline models, the Vectra’s successor will be offered with five petrol units: 1.6-liter with 115 Hp; 1.8-liter with 140 Hp; 1.6-liter Turbo with 180 Hp; 2.0-liter Turbo with 200 Hp and 2.8-liter V6 Turbo with 260 Hp. The Insignia’s diesel engine range will include four units: 2.0-liter available with 110, 130 and 160 Hp and a top notch 2.9-liter V6 with 250 Hp.

In 2009 Opel will enhance the Insignia’s range with the addition of an OPC version that will be equipped with a 300 HP 2.8-liter V6 Turbo engine combined with an all-wheel drive system. The Insignia will go on sale in Europe this summer and although this is not official yet, it is expected that it will also come to the States as the successor to the Saturn Aura. –More pics after the jump

2009 Opel Insignia: Prematurely Leaked on the Web

While Opel was busy handing out camouflaged images of the Insignia, the guys at Dutch magazine AutoWeek managed to get there hands on the first official images of Opel’s forthcoming mid-size sedan. As you can see in the pictures, the Insignia, which will most probably be sold in the States as a Saturn (Aura) and in Australia and New Zealand as a Holden, is far more tasty in and out than the outgoing Vectra.

We don’t have the official details on the mechanics yet, but in Europe expect the range to kick off with 1.8-liter petrol (140 Hp) and 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engines. There will also be a top-of-the line Insignia OPC model equipped with GM’s 2.9-liter V6 turbo engine pumping out approximately 300 Hp to all four wheels. –More pics after the jump

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Autoweek