Autoblog

Click above to view video after the jump

The message was somewhat short and therefore cryptic: "This is video we shot of the CTS-V driving some hot laps at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, MI." Our curiosity sufficiently piqued, we clicked the link and watched the vid. What we saw was the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V being manhandled around Milford. With a running commentary by the driver, the new mid-size supersedan can be seen blasting around Milford at quite alarming speeds. The deep bellow of its 556-hp supercharged 6.2L LS9-derived LSA V8 is amazing. The video is perhaps not as inspiring as the 7:59.32 run around the Nordschleife, but is still quite the spectacle. Actually, it might not even be as exciting as our own video of a recent ride in one at Milford, but it's always fun to see the CTS-V move in a way that belies its bulk and reminds us that American automakers really can build world-class cars. Check out the full 3-minute YouTube video after the jump.


[Source: GM]

Autoblog Podcast #78 is here! Our lead item is the UAW's strike during GM labor contract talks. It was a nice little picket. Two days, bing, bang, boom, we're back at the table and a deal is now pending. GM out of the way, now it's Ford and Chrysler's turn. That oughta be fun. Speaking of fun and GM, John, Sam, and Chris Shunk all went up to the "GM Collection" event and went round and round at the Milford Proving Grounds in all manner of 2008 GM vehicles. Some were great, some were not so great, though it was all fun and very informative. The guys drove a lot of cars, and thus, there's a lot to discuss. Wrapping up the 'cast, we marvel at the opulence of the $400,000 Rolls Royce Phantom Alex wheeled around for a decadent couple days. 52 minutes, 39 seconds, and we're out.

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Click the photo for a gallery of high-res shots from the GM Truck Challenge

To mark the availability General Motors' latest heavy-duty GMT900 full-size trucks, the automaker invited us out to its Milford Proving Ground to drive its big trucks along with all of the competition. GM had a variety of both light and heavy-duty full-size trucks with gasoline and diesel engines on hand. For comparison they brought along F-150s and Super Duties from Ford, Rams from Dodge, Tundras from Toyota and Titans from Nissan. The Super Duty, Tundra and Titan were all 2008 models.

In spite of rising gas prices and a sagging housing market, the market for full-size pickups is still a huge segment of the overall market. So far through the first five months of 2007, over 900,000 full-size pick up trucks have been sold representing over 13% of the total market and $60 billion in annual revenue. The last number is the reason why the domestics put so many resources into developing new trucks, and Nissan and Toyota want a piece of that pie.

Read all about how the latest GM trucks did against their competitors after the jump.

Update: There is now a video of the stability control event after the jump.