Autoblog

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Cadillac

Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V-challenging BMW M3 - click above for high-res image gallery

This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge. If you don't, here's a refresher: General Motors vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California's Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York's Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn't lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company's noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM's marketing ploy, and withdrew their ~~cars'~~ support.

To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac's ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we've driven with Mr. Heinricy - he's that good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor's hands like that (by also losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn't in on our conference call.

Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz's 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let's not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer *cough* ringer) Hienricy.

BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper's feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM's marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper's M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel.

Gallery: Michael Cooper's BMW M3

[Source: BMW Blog]

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tiger Woods' Escalade owned by GM, will be fixed and eventually sold

Michael Harley — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Cadillac, Celebrities

Tiger Woods GM-owned Cadillac Escalade, post crash - Click above for high-res image gallery

The world's most infamous 2009 Cadillac Escalade, the one Tiger Woods drove into a hydrant and then a tree early in the morning of November 27, is heading to the body shop for repairs. Interestingly enough, the Escalade isn't owned by Tiger Woods - it's part of GM's promotional fleet. After the golfer's deal with Buick ended last year, Tiger made a deal with the automaker to keep a few cars for his personal use. His choices included a Buick Enclave and Cadillac Escalade... the black SUV that is now sporting a mangled front end and missing a couple rear windows.

As it's a promotional/marketing vehicle, the SUV goes back to GM for the automaker to decide its fate. Depending on the severity of the repairs, it may head back into the loaner fleet... or it may be replaced by a new vehicle. If it is replaced, the now-repaired Escalade will be pulled from rotation and sent to auction where it goes to the highest bidder. Of course, we can only imagine what the Cadillac would bring on eBay in its current shattered state.

Gallery: Tiger Woods GM-owned Cadillac Escalade

[Source: Drive On, Photos: Florida Highway Patrol]

Tiger Woods' Escalade owned by GM, will be fixed and eventually sold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac CTS Coupe won't spawn convertible variant

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Cadillac

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're nostalgic, the first car that may come to mind when you think about a droptop Cadillac is the old tail-finned Fifties Eldorado. A pink one especially. But since then, the American luxury marque hasn't had a whole lot of convertibles. There was the Pininfarina-styled Allante and the recently discontinued XLR, both roadsters, but if you think the General's luxury division is eager to get back into the open-air business, think again, as new reports indicate that there are no such plans on the horizon.

At least not based on the CTS, anyway. The series has spawned a sedan - including the all-conquering CTS-V - a wagon and even a coupe, but the guys over at Inside Line say they've got the inside line that no convertible version of one of Cadillac's most prolific models is in the works. Which is a bit of a shame, when you think about it. But you never know what's coming around the corner...

Gallery: Live: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Cadillac CTS Coupe won't spawn convertible variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Cadillac CTS Coupe vogues, dazzles

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:24:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac, Luxury

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cadillac invited us down to a dance hall south of downtown Los Angeles and the convention center for a little lunch and a lot of talk concerning their new CTS Coupe. In fact, they brought a CTS Coupe along with 'em. A production CTS Coupe we should point out. The exact same car you'll be able to purchase from Cadillac in just a few short months (most likely May 2010 as a 2011 model).

First thing is first and WOW - what a fabulously stunning automobile. Those of you in the LA area owe it to yourself to schlep down to the Staples Center just to see this here Caddy Coupe live in the flesh. Yes, it is another in a long lined-trend of modern vehicle that looks ten times better in person than in photos. For reals, this Caddy Coupe is a knockout. Make the jump to continue reading.

Gallery: Live: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Continue reading LA 2009: Cadillac CTS Coupe vogues, dazzles

LA 2009: Cadillac CTS Coupe vogues, dazzles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe debuts

John Neff — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac, Luxury

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Today the wraps were officially removed from the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe, the first two-door from Caddy since 2002. The coupe is the latest model to join the burgeoning CTS lineup, which also includes the sedan that started it all, the 556-hp CTS-V super sedan and the more recent CTS Sport Wagon. The coupe, however, is by far the most visually distinct CTS, sharing only its instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with the sedan. Though its wheelbase is the same as the four-door's, the coupe sits two inches lower and stretches two inches less from tip to tail. The best touches are the hidden B-pillar, flush door handles, center-mounted dual exhaust, and a windshield and back glass that are raked at impossibly steep angles.

While the exterior screams excitement, the coupe's mechanicals are what we've come to expect from the CTS, which ain't a bad thing. The standard engine at launch will be General Motors' direct inject 3.6-liter V6 producing 304 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque. Expect 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway when paired with GM's optional Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic and 17/25 with the standard Aisin six-speed manual. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive are available, as are two handling packages: a Performance package with 18-inch wheels and a Summer Tire Performance package with 19-inch wheels, summer tires and larger brakes. Cadillac also confirmed that a V-Series variant will be sold sometime 2010.

The 2010 CTS Coupe is being referred to by GM as the focal point of Cadillac going forward, and it certainly anchors an incredibly strong and varied CTS lineup. There are plenty of competitors out there, however, just waiting for the CTS Coupe to throw its first punch, including the incredibly competent BMW 3-Series coupe and Audi A5. From this first look at things, they should brace themselves.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe debuts

Officially Official: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: All GM brands to go on sale this week

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

The holidays are coming and everything must go! So says GM's VP of sales Susan Docherty. "All of our efforts will be to sell down our remaining 2009 inventory." Docherty is expecting all the 2009 cars to be cleared out by January, 2010. The big sales, starting this week, each get their own names. Chevy is having a "Red Tag Sale," Buick-GMC are going with "Holiday Event" and tip of the top Caddy is using, "Seasons Best."

As it happens, that's right about the time that Pontiac and Saturn are set to wander off into the sunset -- for good. As of right now, there's only about 10,000 Pontiacs and 8,000 Saturns left on dealer lots. "We're actually winding down those products quicker than we had anticipated," said Docherty. Curiously, there's no mention of what GM will be calling the Pontiac and Saturn sales, though "Get 'Em While They're On Fire!" has a certain ring to it.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Scott Olson/Getty]

REPORT: All GM brands to go on sale this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: C/D says Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:49:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Wagon, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill, Luxury

Between the Buick Regal GS, front-wheel drive (and possible hybrid) Chevrolet Impala and the rumored Caprice SS, Bob Lutz has managed to release a scad officially unofficial details on General Motors' future product plans over the last two days. And now comes this.

Speaking with Car and Driver, Maximum Bob went into Maximum Bloviation mode when discussing the Buick Regal wagon, and then ostensibly confirmed that the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon has been given the green light by saying, "You'll be able to get the CTS-V any way you want." Meaning: the CTS-V will be available in both coupe and five-door variants.

Naturally, anything that jumps out of Lutz' mouth should be taken with an extra helping of NaCl, as his past off-hand announcements haven't always come to fruition. Regardless, creating the duo of CTS-Vs is damn easy and we're hoping to see both in production form next year.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: C/D says Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Dan Roth — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

The usual suspects of Chris, Sam, and Dan are joined this week by Autoblog Editor Extraordinaire Chris Paukert. It's a packed 'cast, starting with the apparent go-ahead of the Cadillac Converj. The future of the Dodge Viper figures in to a few minutes of debate, as does Chrysler's marathon presentation about the company's plans going forward. Moving from Chrysler to the company's former overlords at Daimler, we talk about Mr. Paukert's Wild Ride in the AMG SLS, and take a complete left turn into Ford Ranger land and talk about the one we won't be getting. Toyota's floor mat/throttle controversy finishes up the topics before we take a couple questions and call it a night. A good, solid hour and a half for your enjoyment.

Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Gallery: Podcast listener pictures

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Detroit News says GM will build Cadillac Converj

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Cadillac, GM, Design/Style, Electric, Luxury, Electric

2009 Cadillac Converj concept - click above for high-res gallery

After much hemming and hawing, General Motors will reportedly build a version of the Cadillac Converj, the gorgeous but awkwardly named extended-range coupe concept first shown at last year's Detroit Auto Show. According to The Detroit News, the Converj will probably take a few years to reach dealer showrooms, as GM will first direct its efforts on launching the Chevrolet Volt, the more affordable sedan with which it is likely to share much of its Voltec drivetrain architecture.

From where we sit, the Converj seems like a natural move for GM, as Cadillac's higher margins should help offset the research, development, and production costs of everything from the Volt's lithium ion batteries to its motors and control modules. For its part, however, Cadillac is still declining to comment on the story, and the DetNews story doesn't name a source.

Either way, GM vice chairman Bob Lutz has previously gone on record as a champion of a production Converj, and he has said that a serial version would look very similar to the 2009 showcar - in much the same way that the Camaro evolved from concept to production. As the concept was gorgeous, we're down with that - we only hope it doesn't take as long to build as the Bowtie's broad-shouldered muscle car.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

Gallery: Cadillac Converj concept

[Source: The Detroit News]

BREAKING: Detroit News says GM will build Cadillac Converj originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS-V Challenge: Follow along on Twitter

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Cadillac

If you're looking for live updates from the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge, a variety of spectators are tweeting from the Monticello Motor Club. Get the lap times and more information by clicking here to follow along on Twitter.

UPDATE: Top lap times after the jump. We'll continue to update with the best times if you're Twitter-averse
UPDATE 2: Lutz pulls off a 2:58:072 lap on his first run
UPDATE 3: Lutz' best time is 2:56:321. Hired guns and factory hotshoes up next
UPDATE 4: John Heinricy posts a 2:46:560 in the CTS-V
UPDATE 5: Final times added to the list below the fold
UPDATE 6: Video of "The Challengers" added.

Continue reading Cadillac CTS-V Challenge: Follow along on Twitter

Cadillac CTS-V Challenge: Follow along on Twitter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: OnStar calls Hennessey after tuned CTS-V pulls .99 g

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Cadillac

The 700-hp Hennessy CTS-V meets OnStar -- Click above to watch video

On its way to doing the 1/4-mile in 11.07 seconds at 128 mph, a Hennessy-tuned 700-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V hit .99 longitudinal G as it left the start line. By the end of the run the phone inside the car was ringing, and it was your friendly neighborhood OnStar representative wondering "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Ok, not quite... but they did have some questions. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Hennessy]

Continue reading VIDEO: OnStar calls Hennessey after tuned CTS-V pulls .99 g

VIDEO: OnStar calls Hennessey after tuned CTS-V pulls .99 g originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V-Series Challenge participants announced, no surprises inside

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, GM, Luxury

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

In less than a week, Bob Lutz will be joined by a few automotive journalists and a handful of regular Joes at the Monticello Motor Club in New York to race some fast sedans around a fast track to see if anything with four doors can outrun a Cadillac CTS-V. Sounds like fun. But, after reading through the preliminary list of applicants The General has accepted, it's looking more and more like the cards are stacked heavily in GM's favor.

The three participating journalists include Jalopnik's Wes Siler, who will be racing Lutz in a Jaguar XFR; Jack Baruth representing The Truth About Cars and freelancer and New York Times contributor Lawrence Ulrich. We have no idea what the latter two journos will be piloting, but we do know that four private car owners will bring along their personal contenders: a BMW M3, a BMW M5, an Audi RS4 and finally, a, um, Cadillac CTS-V.

According to GM's Cadillac Notes Blog, there's room for a couple more contestants... and we're really hoping that someone (preferably someone with track experience) steps up to the plate with a Porsche Panamera and something with AMG written across the decklid to turn this into a proper sampling of potential spoilers.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Cadillac Notes]

V-Series Challenge participants announced, no surprises inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge at Monticello

John Neff — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Cadillac

Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge - Click above to watch video after the jump

The pieces are now in place for the V-Series Challenge set to take place at the Monticello Motor Club on October 29. Behind the wheel of a Cadillac CTS-V, Bob Lutz will take on the competition in a run-what-you-brung type shoot out against players chosen by GM from the automotive media and general population. The video after the jump shows Lutz already on site practicing his lines on Monticello's 22-turn track (we're not sure yet what track configuration will be used). Maximum Bob will clearly have an advantage in terms of knowing the track, though General Motors is also bringing along ace pilot and former GMer John Heinricy in case the competition comes with some pro-am or above drivers.

Sounds like a good time, though we've heard through the grapevine that despite receiving around 120 applicants, the five vehicles chosen by GM to take on the CTS-V don't stand much of a chance. One we do know that will be present is a Jaguar XFR piloted by Wes Siler from Jalopnik.

We also asked Porsche about this whole business, since it would seem that the Panamera Turbo has one of the best shots at beating a CTS-V. Unless an actual owner was chosen by GM to be a challenger, however, there won't be a Panamera Turbo present. Porsche told us that they weren't approving any loans of the Panamera Turbo to the media for this event, and we've heard rumblings of the same sort from Mercedes-Benz concerning its AMG-fortified hardware.

We can't blame them. This is a GM event and the deck is stacked in their favor. Letting an auto journalist represent your brand in this super sedan pissing contest seems like a lose-lose proposition for any automaker in its right mind. Jaguar apparently disagrees, but we'll see what happens come October 29.

UPDATE: GM got in touch with us to clarify that the video footage was shot at the company's Milford Proving Grounds, and that Lutz has never raced at Monticello before.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge at Monticello

VIDEO: Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge at Monticello originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS-V Challenge nets 120 applicants, Heinricy to stand in for Lutz if needed

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, GM, Celebrities, Luxury

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

We knew when General Motors opened up the CTS-V Challenge to any and all Caddy killers the response would be impressive, and according to Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork, it's been just that.

Around 120 people applied for a chance to take on Bob Lutz in the CTS-V sedan later this month, but that doesn't mean we'll be seeing dozens of would-be contenders lining the Monticello Motor Club in New York on October 29. Twork told InsideLine that his team is currently whittling down the applicants based on the rules (an unmodified sedan similar in capabilities to the CTS-V) and while "about three-quarters of them were in the spirit of the contest... there were some like, 'I've got a Porsche GT3 RS blah, blah, blah.'"

We should expect between five and ten participants in total, and just in case, John Heinricy, pro racer and former GM engineer, will be on hand to, "be used at the discretion of Mr. Lutz." Read: if you're a professional racer, you're going to be tangling with someone of similar caliber.

All the entrants should be picked out by tomorrow, so if you applied for a chance to take on Lutz (or more likely, Heinricy), expect a confirmation (or denial) within the next few days.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: InsideLine]

Cadillac CTS-V Challenge nets 120 applicants, Heinricy to stand in for Lutz if needed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

May the best car win. So says General Motors' Bob Lutz, and he's willing to put his Pilotis where his mouth is... so to speak. On a conference call last month, Maximum Bob challenged any journalist to a duel with the Cadillac CTS-V, and, not surprisingly, the mantle was picked up right quick by the boys at Jalopnik.

Rules? Sorta. Any stock production four-door sedan is reportedly eligible to go up against the Big V, and the drivers will be lining up against the clock on October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y. While Jalop's Wes Siler was originally slated to go up against Lutz in a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, that car has since been switched out in favor of the Jaguar XFR (earning the ire of TTAC in the process).

Here's the best part: Anyone who happens to own a new comparable sport sedan, such as a BMW M3 or M5, perhaps a Mercedes-Benz AMG sedan or the Audi S4 (not to mention the Mitsubishi Evolution), is welcome to submit themselves for consideration to take part in the festivities in New York. We're not sure how the participants will be selected or exactly what the racing will entail, but if you're interested in throwing your hat into the ring, click here. For what it's worth, we've driven the CTS-V around Monticello, and we figure the smart money is on the Daddy Caddy.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: CTS-V Challenge]

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac quietly unveils new, old-look logo

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, GM

As with its model line, Cadillac has performed surgery on its logo. The previous logo, at right, was a sleek bit of matte color and metal unveiled in 1999 as a result of Cadillac wanting a new icon to represent its "art & science" campaign. The aim was "to combine suggestions of high technology and elegance through faceted shapes-inspired by the stealth fighter and by gemstones." Sure.

The new logo cranks up the texture effect on the wreath, adds texture inside the crest, and plays up the embossing and light effects of the crest edge. It's new, but it's got a shiny bit of retro about it that we don't mind.

Cadillac doesn't appear to have said anything about it, and while it appears on the 60-day Guarantee site we can't tell if it's made it onto Caddy's official plot of the interwebs. The real test, though, will be how it looks when it makes it onto the cars. Thanks for the tip, Scott!

[Source: Under Consideration]

Continue reading REPORT: Cadillac quietly unveils new, old-look logo

REPORT: Cadillac quietly unveils new, old-look logo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac kicks current ad agency to the curb, seeking new suitors

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Cadillac, GM

Click above to view Modernista's Cadillac commercials after the jump

It was three years ago that Cadillac switched to ad agency Modernista!, and one year leater it rolled out its "Life. Liberty. And the Pursuit." campaign. In a four-sentence statement put out by Cadillac General Manager Bryan Nesbitt, the brand is looking for a new agency and Modernista! "has elected not to participate" in the search.

There have been various reasons given for the split. An agency rep said it was down to "creative and strategic differences." Another report said it was about fees and Cadillac not being able to stick with a small independent, versus going with a shop under the same corporate umbrella as GM's other ad agencies. And Fritz Henderson said "We think we can do better."

Cadillac did well enough with the Kate Walsh ads, and its Reignition spot created the kind of anticipation the brand sorely needs. We look forward to seeing what kind of "better" Henderson and Lutz have in mind. In the meantime, follow the jump to check out some memorable Caddy ads from Modernista and a spot from the campaign before, "Breakthrough."

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Cadillac kicks current ad agency to the curb, seeking new suitors

Cadillac kicks current ad agency to the curb, seeking new suitors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looking for $10k off on a Lexus or Caddy? High-priced hybrids reportedly getting hefty incentives

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Cadillac, Lexus, Luxury

2009 Lexus LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprise! Lexus and its parent company, Toyota, are apparently finding that it's not as easy selling $106,000 hybrids as it is for $25,000. The Lexus LS 600h L is certainly an excellent piece of automotive engineering, delivering gobs of horsepower and torque with at least a modicum of efficiency thrown in for good measure.

Still, sales of the LS range are down over 50%, leading the the Japanese auto giant to place a whopping $10,000 cash incentive on its range-topping hybrid model. Moving down the Lexus lineup a notch will net you a $3,000 incentive on the GS 450h. What's more, Edmunds' Auto Observer reports that the company is throwing another $1,000 at any Lexus sales associate that manages to sell one of its pricey hybrids.

Not into expensive hybrid sedans? How 'bout we move to the opposite end of the fuel-saving market and into the driver's seat of a 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Signing on the dotted line for General Motors' top-of-the-line 2Mode hybrid 'ute will cost you from about $73,000 to over $87,000... minus a five-digit discount, of course. Such a deal!

Gallery: 2009 Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L

[Source: Auto Observer]

Looking for $10k off on a Lexus or Caddy? High-priced hybrids reportedly getting hefty incentives originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shots: Cadillac CTS-V coupe spotted again, so close... yet so far

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac

It hasn't been a secret for a long time that Cadillac is prepping a high performance V edition of its upcoming CTS coupe. It's also no secret that we're big fans of the CTS-V in the virtual Autoblog office. And yet Cadillac continues to tease us by putting camo on the nose and fanny of its two-door CTS-V prototypes. Why must they mock us?

The nose of the V coupe is pretty clearly visible in these images and is essentially much the same as we've already seen on the sedan down to its mesh grille.

Out back, it appears the coupe will carry the center mount exhaust pipes from the concept coupe of January 2008. However, the V gets big round pipes in place of the shield shaped unit on the concept. Mechanically we don't expect any significant changes from the sedan and frankly, that's just ducky with us.

[Source: LLN]

Spy shots: Cadillac CTS-V coupe spotted again, so close... yet so far originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fiat wants Chrysler to be a Cadillac competitor

Chris Shunk — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat

When you were a kid, there was probably a point when your mom or dad told you that you could one day be president of the United States. They probably didn't really mean it, but at least they wanted you to push yourself a little harder to achieve life's goals. Fiat appears to be in a similar situation with its new underling, Chrysler. The Italian automaker is working through a far-reaching game plan for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands, and it sees Chrysler competing in the luxury space. Chrysler brand CEO Peter Fong is setting the bar high, too, as he sees the brand being "a notch above Lincoln, a notch above Cadillac."

You may recall former parent Daimler had similar aspirations for the Chrysler brand, with vehicles like the 300 and Pacifica leading the way. While the 300 had some success and commanded a reasonably high MSRP, the Pacifica was a comparative failure. Then Chrysler followed up with the Sebring, which put to bed any hopes and prayers for an upscale Chrysler brand. Fong told Automotive News that Chrysler needs to be better differentiated from Dodge; a nameplate that management wants to be known more for driving dynamics. The only marque that will likely remain largely intact after Fiat's sweeping changes is Jeep, and even then, the Jeep lineup will likely receive more small, front-wheel drive-based vehicles in an effort to satisfy increasingly stringent CAFE standards.

While we can see how a more upscale Chrysler brand would be a great idea, we're having a hard time seeing how the Pentastar's namesake will catch up to Cadillac (or its competitors) any time soon. The resurgence of the Wreath and Crest has been seven years in the making, and even now the brand's success essentially rides on one product - the CTS. New models like the BMW 3 Series-fighting ATS and large and luxurious XTS promise to rebuild some of the momentum that Cadillac has recently lost, but even that remains to be seen. Chrysler, on the other hand, currently has nothing that can reasonably be said to compete with Cadillac, and judging from comments made by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, there isn't anything in the pipeline, either. It's good to dream, though, right?

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

REPORT: Fiat wants Chrysler to be a Cadillac competitor originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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