The GMC plans to build diesel-powered vehicles under the Cadillac and Saturn brands in the United States. This information, as reported by Automotive News online journal, was divulged by the company’s head honcho Bob Lutz.

As gasoline prices continue to increase and more people become anxious about global warming issues, automakers are starting to make alternative fuels a bit more of a priority. The Toyota Motor Corp. has already announced that everything will be a hybrid. But the team at GM is taking a somewhat diverse approach.

Lutz recently dropped a pretty major bomb saying that the largest American automaker is working on a diesel-electric hybrid platform.

Lutz confirmed that the Detroit automaker would use clean diesel engines in passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and other light-duty trucks. He stressed, however, that emissions hardware and control systems needed to meet the standards would add another $2,000 to $2,800 to the $1,000-$2,000 premium that already exists for diesels over gasoline-engine cars.

A diesel car in Europe is not that big a deal, but when the Detroit Motor Show rolls, the Detroit automaker plans on sporting the same e-flex technology in a Saturn, most likely the Aura sedan. And then,it’ll end up in a Cadillac, and there will be a front-wheel-drive version of the engine.

GMC will not only be showcasing a stylish Saturn vent visor or a striking Cadillac façade - the automaker intends to deliver a slice of what is to come regarding its lineup. The e-flex powertrain was first shown in the Chevy Volt which was displayed. It is where a traditional engine such as a diesel or gasoline engine, recharges a battery pack that provides power for an electric motor.

The United States will gradually begin enforcing the world’s strictest regulations for harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, and GM has been tepid about clean diesel engines as a remedy for bolstering fuel economy citing the high cost of development.

Historically, diesel engines have been difficult to initiate, as they are typically designed to be large torque monsters in most applications. But at idle they sip comparatively little fuel, so truckers take pleasure in A/C and television in their crew cabs while the engine runs overnight. But there is certainly no reason to run a modern diesel any longer than necessary.

It is truly said that “A Luxury becomes a Necessity when your Neighbor owns it”.  Think of the term Luxury Vehicle and image which flashes in the mind is Convertible, Sports Utility Vehicle, Crossover …which has an appeal to aging Baby Boomers and Nouveau riche alike.

Tracking the history of luxury cars of 1920 and 1930 Duesenberg, and Mercedes-Benz were the forerunners in the race. They projected a dashing image to their respective owners ( film and  music stars , kings and gangsters)  due to their distinctive style, impeccable craftsmanship, and strong performance. But they were too heavy to be a truly sports car. The Great Depression of 1930’s and Second World War cast almost a death spell on these luxury car segment. The post war period saw Ferrari quietly making the mark in this luxury car segment. Ford ‘Thuderbird’ , a two seater convertible was  compact in size yet truly a sports car.

Towards the end of the 20th century, young buyers shifted their preferences towards imported European and Japanese cars or sports utility vehicles. European marques like BMW and Mercedes, Japanese manufacturers like Lexus SC and Infiniti have made a niche in the market. Simultaneously, the very term ‘Luxury’ has undergone drastic metamorphosis. Features like air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, remote keyless entry and even a power-sliding sunroof are considered as basic amenities necessary for basic models.

Fortunately, for the luxury car manufacturers, most of the American’s believe that small, compact yet nicely loaded cars do not make the style statement they are looking forward to.  A Limousine, would be perfect for any special need that one may have taking into  consideration the number of people who are going to ride in it. Mercedes, Lincoln, Cadillac are a few traditional luxury sedans. But, for the truly fabulous look Rolls Royce is the final word.

Buying a Used luxury car has never been so easy with ‘Certified’ market expanding at unimaginable pace. Of course, there are many advantages of Used over New ones. It is prudent to consider the following aspects for taking the final plunge.

-Extended Warranties:
Today, luxury cars are engineered so well, that buying a used luxury car is becoming an popular option amongst car buyers. If enough homework is done from the buyer’s side, used car warranties can rival out new car warranty. As a general rule, first choose the dealership then shop for the car. Dealer’s warranty speaks volumes for the quality of vehicle they offer. There are plenty fly by night car warranty companies to accept money but would not be there to back up the claim. A used luxury car dealership with a long history of satisfied customers is always preferable to yet established ones.

-Certified Used Cars:
A Used car, which has been meticulously examined and found to be of outstandingly high standards by the manufacturer of the automobile, can only be certified. As an end user, the buyer has 3 days or 3000 miles to verify if the right is right for him or else pick a better one.

-Auto recall Information:
It is a good practice to check comprehensive auto recall information to know if there have any problems that have been reported by NHTSA. If so , one can get detailed information on how and where to fix the car defect.

To sum it up, a used, well maintained  , luxury vehicle would cost much less than buying a brand new one off the showroom floor. Besides lower cost of acquisition, these cars are extremely durable. Given a good treatment and maintained regularly, a late –model luxury car should run well beyond 1,00,000 miles trouble free. Besides, premium models have classic lines that do not change over years. And hence five to ten year old luxury model still looks very much like a brand new one at a much lesser price than the original.

A sedan car is the most popular car in the market today. Its sensibility and style is its best asset. For people who want their cars to reflect elegance and the practicality of seating four people, a sedan is the automobile of choice. Sedans are usually four-door types but there are also two-door sedans but are quite rare. Some of the world’s best sedans have their own signature features that make them the top-of-the-line sedans.

Cadillac CTS
General Motors introduced this car to the public to replace the Cadillac Catera. Reviving the Cadillac image into an upbeat and hipper automobile brand, it gave GM the chance to compete with Europe’s more luxurious Mercedes and Lexus cars.Depending on the buyer’s budget, he can get a 2.8 liter or 3.6 liter V-6 engine that has large torque power.It’s roomy, comes with an anti-lock brake system but fuel economy is a bust.

BMW 3-Series
BMW comes in several series and performance-wise, this sedan does not disappoint. Torque is very powerful and the suspension creates for a smooth transitioning in all types of roads. Driving is a pleasant experience with this car and being a BMW, it is simply stylish.

Audi A-4
The Audi sedans have been considered practical buys with their solid-looking structure and elegant look. The A-4 handling doesn’t seem to agree much with this automobile. The steering is pretty decent but directional changes can be abrupt causing a bumpy ride sometimes. For a sedan, it is certainly spacious and has enough legroom in the front.It has first-class leather inside with a CD player and air-conditioning. It also features an anti-brake system, lots of airbags and an ISO FIX child seat clamps. Just for sheer looks, the Audi A-4 can beat any sedan model in the market.

Jaguar X-type
Who would have thought that Jaguar will produce a model sedan? They are not only about tiny roadsters anymore with the Jaguar X-type. This series have four choices of engines: a 2.2 liter, 2.5 liter, 3 liter V6 and a diesel. It still carries its signature leather and wood combination when it comes to the interiors and the same powerful performance in terms of torque.