In chatting with Lieberman today, it became clear that GM has more engines than it really needs in its U.S. lineup. They also have too many brands, too many models, too many employees, too many factories, too many dealerships and too much debt. Those issues notwithstanding, engines are the order of the day. And I think GM could get by with only four engines. I just recently experienced the explosive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline, and Chevy Cobalt/HHR SS. The transversely or longitudinally-mounted mill makes 260 horsepower. It should be GM's base engine. Next up: GM's 3.6-liter direct injection V6, currently residing in the Cadillac CTS. It's smooth and has plenty of torque, but it could use more power– especially next to the 260hp turbo four. If they could push the V6 to 340 horses, they'd be all set (ahem, turbo). At the top of GM's automotive range: the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 that's presently in the Corvette. There's nothing to say about this engine except that it's perfect. Finally, GM probably needs a separate V8 for the trucks, even if the LS3 is a fairly close relative of current V8s in GM's truck stable. And that's it. Two-liter turbo four, 3.6-liter V6, 6.2-liter V8, and a truck V8. So I put it to you, TTAC's best and brightest: what does GM need to do on the engine front?

From TTAC reader Ian Opp: "With all the talk about gas prices, etc. why is mid grade still being manufactured? I understand that most cars are either biased towards reg or premium, so wouldn't it behoove us to scrap the whole idea of an 89 octane?" To which I'll add a sub-question: what about substituting an E85 pump? According to the the ethanol industry, you can get better fuel economy with ethanol than regular gas. No, really; they actually want you to believe that. Check out this study from The American Coalition for Ethanol (link to the full report at the bottom of the press release). Are you craving corn juice?

Hyundai sales executive Young-Key Koo revealed to China Daily (via MotorAuthority) that the Korean carmaker will be spinning off a new luxury brand. The new nameplate caps Hyundai's steady upmarket climb, and could well compete with Acura, Infiniti and Lexus in the not-too-distant but not-anytime-soon future. The brand will be officially launched in 2010. New luxury models will hit China first. A sportscar and V8-powered "flagship sedan" are set to arrive in the Middle Kingdom next year, with a CUV to follow. News of a new name and logo has our hopes high for something hilariously generic, yet totally inappropriate. "The all new Smegma V8" sounds good to me, as does "The European-Inspired Ennui Roadster." So we put it to you, TTAC's Best and Brightest. What should Hyundai call its new luxury brand?

Welcome to a new TTAC feature: Ask the Best and Brightest (ATBB). On an irregular, yet-to-be-determined basis, we'll post an auto-related question from a reader. You answer it. Yes (Jonny), it's a bit like Question of the Day– only a lot less philosophical. Yes (Frank), it starts with an email to frank.williams@thetruthaboutcars.com with the letters ATBB in the subject bar. Yes (y'all), we're asking you to share your hard-won automotive expertise for our financial gain. (As I told our writers back when I paid them $10 a pop, the pay sucks but the glory is infinite.) And yes, this is a stopgap measure while we wait– Camaro buyer-like– for the TTAC forums to magically appear. So… this whole deal with slowrideR's idea. And he wants your opinion. What's the best car for commuting: a 2004 Audi A4, a 2004 Infiniti G35 or a 2005 Cadillac CTS?