The Best Future Cars

eBay Find: 1991 Volkswagen Golf Country Syncro

No, the Golf County pictured above isn't one of those garage-built crossovers that we find from time to time on eBay. This is a rare, stock to the bone model that was built in a limited run of around 7,700 units from 1990 to 1991. See, well before the Tiguan and Touareg SUVs came to fill the void in Volkswagen's "off-road" range, the German automaker tried to create an innovative hybrid-offroader based on the second-generation Golf model.

Unlike many of today's faux-crossovers, the Golf Country used VW's Syncro all-wheel drive system combined with a heavily revised suspension and higher road-clearance to offer the vehicle true off road capability.

Other features included a skid plate to protect the engine area along with front and rear guard rails plus an externally mounted spare wheel carrier.

In Europe, the Golf MK2 Country was offered with either a 115HP 1.8-liter 8v gasoline engine or a 75HP 1.6-liter turbodiesel. This particular example found on eBay, is a '91 petrol model that is said to have been exported to Japan before finding its way to Canada in 2008. If you're interested, the 'Buy it Now Price' is US$7,200.

Thanks for the tip Alex! Link: eBay

GM: Volt to hit the Market as Scheduled in November 2010, One More Brand to get Plug-in Hybrid

Despite the looming bankruptcy and the other serious issues facing the company, General Motors' global product development chief, Tom Stephens told journalists on the sidelines of an event at the University of Michigan that the American automaker is on plan with the development of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. "At this point in time, I know of no reason why we can't be in production by November of 2010," Stephens said.

Stephens, who replaced Bob Lutz as GM's vice chairman of global product development on April 1st, 2009, also told reporters that the automaker has not made a decision yet on which of the remaining three brands (Cadillac, Buick and GMC) after the axing of Pontiac and the sale of Saturn and Saab would get a vehicle based on the Volt's plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

"It's best utilized in urban vehicles," said Stephens. "We have to consider what is the usage of the person buying the vehicle. For a commuter who drives 40 miles a day and takes it shopping on weekend, it's the perfect application.".

That said, we reckon that that one of the most obvious and less inexpensive options in terms of development costs would be a Buick model based on the small sedan that the company is currently working on as it uses the same Delta platform as the Volt (as well as the new Astra and Chevy Cruze).

Carscoop's spy photographers recently captured a camouflaged prototype of the Astra/Cruze/Volt-based small sedan during testing in Germany, however it's not clear if the sedan is designed only for the Chinese market or if it will also head to the States.

Via: Autonews (Sub. Req.)

2010 Chevy Camaro by Fesler-Moss gets Corvette ZR1's Supercharged V8

GM's decision to not offer -at least for the time being- the new Chevy Camaro with the Corvette ZR1's 640 horsepower supercharged V8 engine has left the door wide open for tuners to satisfy the specific needs of power-hungry Camaro buyers. This latest proposal is the collaborative work of Chris Fesler and former GM Performance manager Jon Moss. The 'dynamic-duo' is preparing a limited edition run of specially modified Camaros that can be equipped with any LS-series V8 engine that's currently available including the 'Vette ZR1's LS9.

Other mods include a custom made bodykit with a new front fascia, a boot lid spoiler and 1969 Camaro RS inspired headlamps and tail lights, new alloy wheel designs, suspension and brake upgrades, special decals plus interior enhancements.