Autoblog

Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Cadillac

Detroit-bound Cadillac Concept Teaser - Click above to enlarge

Under the typically dark veil of show-car secrecy, Cadillac has released a teaser image of a new concept that will be unveiled next month at the Detroit Auto Show. As you'd expect, details are slim, but we've been assured that this is an entirely new concept and something we've not yet seen, which rules out the Voltec-powered Converj as well as the 3 Series-fighting ATS.

Dissecting the teaser a bit, we're pretty sure we see four doors, and we'll take Caddy's word that its "latest concept advances the brand's Art & Science philosophy." Other than that, we're in the dark, but wouldn't be terribly surprised if it were either a hint at something high-performance, environmentally responsibility or both. It could also be a preview of a new range-topping model from GM's luxury division.

In addition to the unknown concept car, Cadillac also plans to introduce Detroit show-goers to the production version of its 2011 CTS-V Coupe. Expect that model to add the normal V-spec performance accouterments to the drop-dead stunning CTS Coupe shape that was just shown off in LA. That means 556 horsepower and 551 lb-feet of torque from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, a choice of automatic and manual six-speed transmissions, a sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control and standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Production of the superfast two-door is slated for the summer of 2010.

There's not much more to say, but feel free to hit the jump for the official press release and be sure to gander at the concept's teaser image in high-res.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe

Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 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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Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Our pals over at Car and Driver, now helmed by our esteemable buddy Eddie Alterman, just released their 2010 10Best Cars. Quite an undertaking. As they put it, "58 contenders. $2.5 million total. 12,000 test miles logged." For those keeping track, this is the 28th time C/D has published their 10Best. Surprises this year? No not really. The BMW 3 Series continues its unabated drive of dominance to 10Best history with an impressive, will-probably-never-be-duplicated 19th straight win. Not to be too outdone, the Honda Accord also makes the cut for a 24th time, though not consecutive.

Also note that while the Audi S4 makes the grade, the run-of-the-mill (so to speak) A4 does not. We're also pleased to see the Ford Fusion Hybrid getting its just dues (again, it's interesting that the gas-only version doesn't). And of course, you've got your yearly appearance by the Mazda Miata MX-5, Porsche Boxster / Cayman and Volkswagen GTI. Falling off the list this year? The Chevrolet Corvette, Infiniti G37, and the Jaguar XF.

Would we have done things much differently? Probably not much, though we must admit we were pulling for the highly impressive Suzuki Kizashi to make its debut and we're a bit surprised to not see one of the new crop of pony cars on the list. Maybe next year. Alphabetical list of winners after the jump.

[Source: Car and Driver | Image Source: R.S. Owens]

Continue reading Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars

Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg

Dan Roth — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, GM, Toyota

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

Long-serving automotive journalist Phil Berg joins regulars Chris, Sam, and Dan to chew over some recent items. Starting us off, the car we all want in our driveways, the Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon continues to be grist for the rumormill. Staying with GM, we move on to the debut of the Buick Regal and its potential use of GM's latest mild hybrid system. We next hit up the coming Impala, which will not be a version of the stillborn Pontiac G8, before we comment briefly about third quarter reports and the fervor surrounding GM's financials. The final two items before we hit questions are the delay of BMW's new X3, and a possible wagon or SUV version of the Toyota Prius.

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!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg

Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 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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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 CTS-V Wagon is a go

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Cadillac, Luxury

2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

From the second we laid eyes on the production CTS Sportwagon, we dreamed of a V-badged 556 horsepower, supercharged V8 variant. While the move makes sense to us based on awesomeness alone, General Motors has to come up with one of those dreaded business cases to make the anabolic wagon happen. Bob Lutz has been a vocal proponent for the CTS-V wagon, but even the Maximum one didn't seem to have much faith that the Supersportwagon would happen. Lutz did, however, say that if there were significant demand, the CTS-V wagon could see the light of day. If a report from Straightline is to believed, the General may be encouraged enough based on initial interest in the Sportwagon to build the V variant of our dreams.

Straightline quotes GM sources who say the super wagon has been given the green-light for production, and Inside Line reiterated as much on Twitter. However, GM hasn't announced anything official as of right now, so we'll refrain from picturing ourselves doing grocery hauling powerslides in what could be hottest wagon since... well... ever.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Straightline]

REPORT: Cadillac CTS-V Wagon is a go originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Over the years, our favorite magazines have had some spectacular comparison tests, with scores of test data and page after page of subjective text. Motor Trend has practically made a living with comparisons, and its newest feature pits 10 hot rides against one another to see which is the best driver's car. MT used tons of data, added subjective feedback from staff members and included track time at Laguna Seca with pro driver Randy Pobst.

If you receive Motor Trend at home or you check in over at its website, you've probably read the extensive article, but the magazine also produced a 14 minute video hosted by Editor at Large Arthur St. Antoine. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. It's chock full of beautiful footage, 638 horsepower supercars drifting around and tire-ripping burnouts. How much more can you ask for?

[Source: YouTube via Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises

VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris SSUV ready for production debut in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, SUV, Europe, Spyker

Exotics used to be confined strictly to sportscars, but not anymore. Porsche and Maserati have got four-door sedans on the market, and Aston Martin's is on the way. But in lucrative markets like the Middle East and Russia, demand is high for exotic SUVs, and automakers are stepping up to fill the gap left by the Lamborghini LM002 and currently occupied, with few other exceptions, by the Porsche Cayenne. Spyker wants itself a piece of that pie, and after years of preparation, its Peking-to-Paris "Super Sport Utility Vehicle" looks to be nearing production.

Apparently spied undisguised at Spyker's factory in the Netherlands, sources suggest that the SSUV is being prepared for its production debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The design has reportedly been updated to follow the lead of the new C8 Aileron, but the big question is what will sit underneath the hood. Expected to ditch the concept car's V12 in favor of a V8 - with an accompanying model designation change from D12 to D8 - the Spyker sport-ute was tipped to adopt American power (in the possible form of the Cadillac CTS-V's supercharged mill), though transplanting the company's existing Audi-sourced engine is always a possibility.

[Source: Autogespot - translated]

Spy Shots: Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris SSUV ready for production debut in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From the Twitterverse: GM shows 3 Series-fighting Cadillac ATS, all-new XTS, 2012 Malibu

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:53:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill, Luxury

Tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM EST, General Motor's President and CEO, Fritz Henderson, will be hosting a webcast to update the public and the media on the automaker's turnaround efforts, during which Henderson is expected to make a new product announcement.

But ahead of tomorrow's shindig, GM is apparently hosting another event involving some of its PR team, around 100 members of the public and a few social media junkies. Tied to their smartphones, some of the attendees have revealed GM's new product plans and here are the tender Twitter morsels:

GM unveiled a new Cadillac concept dubbed the ATS, a compact BMW 3 Series fighter that will be available in both coupe and sedan forms.
The Cadillac DTS' replacement - currently named the XTS - will be built atop the Buick LaCrosse's underpinnings and will be available with all-wheel drive.
The CTS Coupe is due to arrive this May, and there's still talk of a V version (duh). Apparently GM has a working CTS-V SportWagon on premises and it could arrive as early as next year.
New Chevrolet Malibu unveiled, but it supposedly won't reach production until 2012.
All-new midsize Buick model coming within the next 24 months.

We'll keep our eye out as more information becomes available, and if you didn't need a reminder, all of this should be taken with the appropriate amount of NaCl until we get official word from GM. Details about GM's webcast available below the fold.

[Source: Twitter]

Continue reading From the Twitterverse: GM shows 3 Series-fighting Cadillac ATS, all-new XTS, 2012 Malibu

From the Twitterverse: GM shows 3 Series-fighting Cadillac ATS, all-new XTS, 2012 Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V coupe is coming, sport wagon... doubtful

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

During a Web-chat held on General Motors' FastLane blog, GM's former product head and newly appointed Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz, sat down with the unwashed throngs to take questions and a deliver a few tender morsels to the product obsessed.

Chief among them was Lutz' confirmation that a Cadillac CTS-V coupe is on the way. "As of now," Lutz told the assembled Netizens, "the V package is planned only for the sedan and coupe." As for more CTS-V models - specifically a Sport Wagon variant - Lutz said, "... should sufficient demand materialize, there is no reason why we couldn't do a V-Series wagon, and I would be standing in line for one, just ahead of you." That doesn't sound encouraging, but at least it's on the table.

Lutz also discussed the possibility of the Pontiac G8 being branded as the Caprice and said, "...we're studying the feasibility of bringing it in as a Caprice for both law enforcement and the public."

Lutz when on to address questions about GM's green image, alternative fuels and powertrains, some of his controversial statements from the past and his affection for Jeremy Clarkson. You can read it all here, and hope these chats become a regular occurrence from GM execs.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Sport Concept

[Source: GM FastLane]

Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V coupe is coming, sport wagon... doubtful originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Performance, Cadillac, Reviews

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

Despite recent products to the contrary, when much of America thinks "Cadillac," a lot of people still recall the land yachts of the '70s and '80s. Hoods and decks marginally shorter than your average aircraft carrier, and Sedan de Villes and Fleetwoods serving as hearses or transportation for those awaiting a ride in one. But something happened to Cadillac a few years back. After several failed attempts to compete with the Germans (Seville STS, Allante and Catera), General Motors began crafting a strategy to take on the luxury marques abroad. At the forefront of that movement is the Cadillac CTS and the pinnacle of their efforts is this, the CTS-V. To paraphrase and co-opt the grizzled Oldsmobile tag-line: "The 2009 CTS-V is not your grandfather's Cadillac." Not by a long shot.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Continue reading Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, China, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

Cadillac's V-Day stunt driving exhibition - Click above to watch the video

Although things are understandably more than bit somber in General Motors' U.S. operations as of late, over in China, the mood is a bit more upbeat. The evidence? Check out this CTS stunt-driving exhibition held last weekend on Shanghai's Formula One circuit.

According to GM's Cadillac Notes blog, some 19,000 fans gathered to watch the show and celebrate the arrival of the CTS-V in China last weekend - this, despite the heat (with temperatures at around 86°, it was reportedly the hottest May 9 in over a century).

In any case, the professional Hollywood stunt team delighted the masses, as did GM test engineer supremo John Heinricy, who (aside from apparently not being all-the-way retired), marked the occasion by setting a record in the CTS-V for the quickest-ever lap (2:32.80) of the course in a production sedan. Heck, even Spider-Man showed up! Check out the high-res hijinks in our below. Thanks for the tip, Scot!

UPDATE: YouTube video of V-Day added after the jump.

Gallery: Cadillac V-Day in Shanghai

[Sources: Cadillac Notes; YouTube]

Continue reading Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO]

Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon production to begin early May, CTS Coupe still on track

Chris Paukert — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, GM

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Monterey debut - Click above for a high-res gallery

After speaking this morning with Cadillac's product communications manager, David Caldwell, we've fleshed out some near-term product plans for General Motors' luxury brand - in particular the timetable for the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon. The automaker's Lansing Grand River plant is scheduled to begin building the stylish rear-drive load lugger in early May, and the first examples should be at dealerships around Memorial Day (May 25), or perhaps early June.

Cadillac's first-ever U.S-market station wagon (no, the SRX crossover doesn't count) is expected to offer a reasonable 25 cubic feet of space beneath its rakish rear glass, and while it rides on the same 113.4-inch wheelbase as its sedan counterpart, the wagon will actually be .3-inches shorter. The model looks to be particularly important for GM's fortunes in Europe, where the luxury division is still struggling to gain traction against the entrenched domestics. While being something of a fringe interest in the U.S., sport wagons do solid business in Europe, and the overseas-only BLS Wagon has played largely to lukewarm reviews. Back home in the States, Cadillac expects just 20 percent of CTS customers to opt for the estate version, while the European model mix is slated to be more along the lines of a 60 percent/40 percent split in favor of the wagon.

So... what about the CTS Coupe? As we reported in January, the stylish two-door's production plans remain firm for next year, despite company-wide cutbacks and rumors to the contrary. While that's still later than Cadillac had originally hoped, officials say the delay will give them the opportunity to focus on launching the Sport Wagon as well as the 2010 SRX replacement. No official word on the likelihood of a CTS-V Coupe or Sport Wagon, but mules of the former have already been spotted, so perhaps we'll get lucky.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon production to begin early May, CTS Coupe still on track originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Videos, Supercars, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge

Click above to view videos from the latest Top Gear after the jump

Top Gear is widely regarded as the best television show ever produced about cars. The production values are outstanding, the hosts are amusing and their tamed racing driver, "the Stig", is amazing to watch as he improves his mind while hustling cars around the test track. A few months back we all got wind that Jeremy, Richard and James had returned to the U.S. for another road trip. This time around they headed to the West Coast to drive a new Corvette ZR1, Cadillac CTS-V and Dodge Challenger SRT-8 from San Francisco to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Along the way, Jezza decided to stop at some desolate spot somewhere in Nevada or Utah to lay down some black lines on the pavement. Now while we generally love to watch Mr. Clarkson playing with fast cars, he doesn't quite seem to have mastered the art of the burnout. If you start about 9 minutes into the first clip after the jump and continue to the second and third videos, you'll see our favorite limey trio attempting to shred their tires during last night's second episode of Series 12 (Download via bittorrent here). Compared to Clarkson in the ZR1, Hammond and May were utterly hopeless in their Challenger SRT-8 and Cadillac CTS-V, respectively. After that, watch the last video with GM's Chris Berube showing us all how it's done properly in both the ZR1 Vette and Caddy CTS-V.

[Source: YouTube]

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VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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