Spotted: Cadillac ELR!

It's not too often here in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania that we get the opportunity to see a new car from Detroit being tested in full camo. In Michigan, especially around Detroit it's even a rare sight. But today one of our readers spotted what has been confirmed as a Cadillac ELR being tested. What is the ELR? Well, it's going to be Cadillac's electric hybrid like the Volt. Based on the Cadillac Converj concept. And mechanically, it's going to be essentially the same as the Volt. "T" shaped lithium ion battery with full electric main drive and an extended range gasoline motor. A big Thanks to eagle eyed reader Kevin Kurtz for snapping these shots.

What do yachts, polo, and dancing have to do with Cadillacs?

Everything. If you were around in the 1980s, then you surely must remember seeing these commercials for Cadillac at the time. They used every symbol of the upper class they could find and put them in the commercials. Yachts, shooting, aerobic dancing, polo, and horse back riding. It was all there! Even a Fleetwood Brougham pulling a dual axle horse trailer. It was a great time for car commercials and a great time for automotive jingles. Now all we get are remixed pop songs. The only way to travel, truly was Cadillac Style!

Genuine Back to the Future DeLorean breaks the bank!

About a month ago Profiles In History, auctioneers of anything and everything celebrity announced that they would be auctioning the one and only screen used DeLorean from the Back to the Future trilogy that is in private hands to highest bidder at their December Icons of Hollywood auction. The DeLorean being offered was used for the final film, and was used extensively when Marty McFly traveled back to 1885. In order for the DeLorean to drive over the rough desert terrain, the running gear was removed and replaced with a custom frame and Volkswagen running gear. As strict warning was given that the electrical system was hacked up because of this, making the car unfit for street use. But in reality, you could make everything function properly. But enough about that. What did it sell for? Pre auction estimates had the DeLorean set between $400,000 and $600,000 dollars.

With an opening bid of $400,000. By the time the hammer fell, the final bid was a mere $440,000. There was a also a $101,200 buyer premium, making the total $541,200 for a one of a kind piece of Hollywood history. And you're certainly going to be the only one on the block with one. If the new owner is out there in cyberspace, PLEASE get in contact with us. We would love to interview you and find out what your plans are.

$500,000 a little too rich? For $30,000 you could have bought Doc's model train and time machine used to show how Doc and Marty would return to 1985. Or how about Doc's wind up Cadillac used to demonstrate how Marty would harness the lightning to travel from 1955 to 1985? That one could have been yours for $18,000. This was just part of the huge collection of props and memorabilia from the film series. And part of the proceeds from the auction of the DeLorean and other film memorabilia and props will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.




Source & Photos: Profiles in History.

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe wins big at Mid-Ohio

There's no denying the raw power of the Cadillac V series cars. So much so that Cadillac has been racing prepared CTS sedans for the last few years. With the launch of the CTS-V coupe, brought a perfect match for racing. Cadillac Racing's last victory came in 2007 and has since been plagued with issues that have kept them from reaching the podium. That changed last weekend when Johnny O'Connell brought the new CTS-V coupe in for the car's first victory at Mid-Ohio.

We had the opportunity to view this car up close at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix last month and were very impressed with the efforts Cadillac Racing has gone to, to prepare the CTS-V for SCCA World Challenge series racing. Congrats to Cadillac Racing!

The Brooks Walker Fifth Wheel

 You think about the advancements today with self parking cars and it makes you wonder what took so long. Truth is, the idea of making parking cars easier has been around since at least the 1950s. 

A few years back we spotted this 1953 Packard at an area car show with a similar invention by a gentleman named Brooks Walker of San Francisco, Ca. It may very well have been created by the same gentleman that crated the Cadillac in the video above.

We did a Google search and were able to turn up some patent designs from Mr. Walker that date back to 1928. There are a few other similar patents out there, however Mr. Walker's seems to be the most thought out and engineered example. This patent from 1932 seems to be the most similar to the one in the video, but the application seems nearly identical to that on the Packard we saw. We also found this Life magazine article showing off Walker's invention.

Now the big question. How does it work? The spare tire is mounted to s separate frame that connects to the drive shaft that can be lowered from inside the car electronically or hydraulically. This lowers the spare tire to the ground lifting the drive wheels of the car off the ground. This allows the spare wheel the drive the car in to a parking spot.

Simple as that. It's a very cool idea in theory even if it may not be the most practical. Since there's little info on Brooks Walker's Fifth Wheel, we hope this will help to serve as a memory to his idea.

59 Caddys are cool

But you can't get much cooler than a Series 75 limo that's slammed to the ground.

A limousine fit for Abe Lincoln at Hemmings Blog – Classic and collectible cars and parts

Talk about a rarity. Check out this 1966 Oldsmobile 98 limo at a recent show held by the folks at Hemmings Motor News. The red paint and UPS truck mirrors on the door are strange to say the least. But all that aside, it's still one really cool classic car that's going to stand out at the shows and cruises from the typical Cadillacs.

A limousine fit for Abe Lincoln at Hemmings Blog

(via Hemmings)

As official as it is going to get. General Motors files for bankruptcy

We're experiencing history folks. General Motors, the largest auto manufacturer and one of the worlds largest corporations has officially filed for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court.

We are awaiting a press conference from President Barak Obama regarding GM, and we will bring updates as they become available.

We do know that Chairman Fritz Henderson WILL continue to lead GM through bankruptcy. The fate of Saturn, Hummer and Saab is still up in the air at this point. Going through bankruptcy, GM will carry Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC Truck. Hummer, Saturn, Saab and Pontiac will be either phased out or sold.

The New York Stock Exchange was showing GM stock valued at $.75 cents late last night with morning trading showin $.70, though it has steadily gone back up all morning. Currently it is trading at $.98 cents per share.

General Motors to declare bankruptcy tomorrow

Tomorrow will be a truly sad day for the automobile industry. General Motors, the largest automobile manufacturer in the world, bankrupt. It just doesn't make sense saying it, even though we've been talking about it for months now.

General Motors was once THE company to watch in the industry. You could have said, what General Motors wants is what America wants. Unfortunately that isn't the case any more. Poor management decissions and the inability to keep up with market trends led to yearly losses in the billions of dollars. Couple that with legacy costs, the UAW, and the failure to restructure after government loans to the tune of $20 billion and we're left with the smoldering pile of goo that was once General Motors.

The saddest part is the loss of some great GM brands. We lost Oldsmobile in 2004. Hummer and Saab had been up in the air for the last 6 or so months, Saturn was poisoned by GM management over the last 15 + years. Opel is being divided up. And the biggest blow, Pontiac. Finally when Pontiac is making some great, fun cars they get the rug pulled out from under them.

This leaves GM with just Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC truck. I doubt we'll see the giant of GM that once was in the 1950s and 60s.

Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.

Limo One version 9.0

Just as Air Force One serves as the President of the United Sates transportation from Washington D.C. to anywhere in the world. Limo One serves as his ground transport to and from Air Force One. On Tuesday, the world will be watching as Barack Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States. President Elect Obama will ride to the U.S. Capital in an entirely new Presidential Limousine. Meet the 2009 Cadillac DTS Presidential Limousine. For years the President's limo has served as the power of America especially in foreign countries as the President travels around world. For many, glimpses of November 22nd, 1963 come to mind when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in his 1961 Lincoln Continental limousine in Dallas Texas.

Prior to 1993, all Presidential limousines were produced by outside coach builders with development, engineering, and testing partnered with the Secret Service. Many of them built by the Hess & Eisenhardt Company. And usually were Lincoln automobiles, but since 1983 have been Cadillacs. Also since 1963, the President of the United States has not been allowed to ride in an open car in response to the Kennedy assassination. Starting in 1993 all Presidential limos have been designed, developed and built by General Motors, again with the aid of the Secret Service.

Both General Motors and the Secret Service are hush hush about the specific details of the modifications made to Presidential vehicles for obvious security reasons. Some speculations around the new Obama limo are that it is built on a GMC Topkick pickup truck and possibly diesel powered. And there certainly isn't 20 inch spinners, tinted glass, or billet grilles on this black caddy.

Source: General Motors Cadillac Division.

For release: Jan. 14, 2009
An American Tradition Continues: New Presidential Era Begins With a New Cadillac Presidential Limousine

President Obama to Christen New Car at Jan. 20 Inaugural Parade

WASHINGTON – As Americans celebrate the inauguration of a new president of the United States next week, another new Cadillac will grace Pennsylvania Avenue to lead the proceedings. President Barack Obama will ride in an all-new Cadillac Presidential Limousine, continuing a long tradition of Cadillac limousines that have served many U.S. presidents.

“Cadillac is honored to again provide a new Presidential Limousine,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “This is a great American tradition that we’re delighted to renew with an all-new car featuring the best of Cadillac’s dramatic design and technology.”

The image of an American president greeting crowds from a Cadillac limousine dates to President Woodrow Wilson and the early days of the automobile, and continues into a historic new era. The latest Cadillac Presidential Limousine is a completely new design, succeeding the DTS Presidential Limousine that debuted in 2004. The new car incorporates many of the dramatic design and technology features of new and highly acclaimed Cadillac vehicles in a purpose-built format tailored to specific and exacting specifications befitting presidential transport.

Inside and out, the Cadillac Presidential Limousine includes many of the brand’s signature design elements. Assertive, modern and elegant, the front of the car includes the intricate, dual-textured grille made famous by Cadillac’s most popular current models, the CTS sport sedan and Escalade. Vertical design elements, such as the car’s front and rear lighting, mirror those used on production models.


For largely functional reasons, such as optimal outward visibility, the car is slightly more upright than its predecessor. However, this new Cadillac Presidential Limousine occupies roughly the same overall footprint on the road as the previous model, with a similar size and proportion.

The side and rear profiles of the new Presidential Limousine are classic, elegant forms, evocative of Cadillac’s STS and DTS luxury sedans. Inside the cabin, the car includes the finest examples of Cadillac’s recent renaissance in design, technology and craftsmanship. The cabin blends modern design and technology with old-world craftsmanship. Major aspects of the cabin are cut and sewn by hand, the same process used in popular Cadillac models such as the CTS sport sedan.

Naturally, many purpose-built aspects of the car are specially designed and prepared for presidential use. The rear passenger area includes an extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility and useful mobile office features.

The car was designed, developed and tested by specialists who adhered to an extensive set of specifications. It was subjected to an extreme testing regimen to ensure performance that achieves precise functional requirements. In doing so, security provisions were undertaken at all times during development to ensure the car’s functional capabilities are preserved and confidential.

An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the center of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. High-tech LED spotlights illuminate the flags at night.

History – Cadillac and the U.S. Presidency

Cadillac has built limousines and special vehicles for U.S. presidents, diplomats, ambassadors and foreign dignitaries since the early 20th century, an iconic aspect of the brand that continues today.

Cadillac’s central role began during World War I, when many Cadillac engines and cars were transferred to military and government service because of their superior durability and power. One of the first chief executives to use a Cadillac was President Wilson, who rode through the streets of Boston during a World War I victory parade in 1919. A lavish 1928 Cadillac town car was used in the Calvin Coolidge administration.

In 1938, two Cadillac convertibles, dubbed the "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth," were delivered to the U.S. government. Named after the great ocean liners of the time, the vehicles were 21.5 feet long, weighed 7,660 pounds and were equipped with a full ammunition arsenal, two-way radios and heavy-duty generators. Durable and reliable, the two "Queens" served Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

President Eisenhower, known as a car buff, rode in one of the first Cadillac Eldorado models ever produced during his 1953 inaugural parade. The Eldorado represented a high point in automobile design history, as it had the first wraparound windshield, a feature quickly adopted on other new production models.

In 1956, the Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II convertibles replaced the original series. The vehicles were slightly smaller, but like their predecessors, were fully armored and featured state-of-the art communications. Moreover, the vehicles were fitted with narrow rims inside the tire in case the tires were shot out. The Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II served not only President Eisenhower, but also Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Both vehicles were retired in 1968.



The Ronald W. Reagan administration was delivered a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine and a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham – Presidential Series was delivered to the William J. Clinton administration in 1993. Unlike previous models that typically were Cadillac cars adapted and modified by independent limousine companies, the 1993 Presidential Brougham was designed, developed and manufactured totally within General Motors and Cadillac. This included an extensive set of security measures to maintain confidentiality, a process that continues today.

Currently, the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine resides at the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif., while the 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.

Cadillac has produced two presidential limousines this decade that remain in service. The first was a Deville Presidential model delivered to President George W. Bush in 2001. In 2004, President Bush debuted a new DTS Presidential model. It was the first application of a new design that launched later that year for the production DTS full-size sedan.

Cadillac Making a 3-Series Competitor

Cadillac is working on a brand new car that will compete with BMW's very own 3-series. It's going to be built on the new Alpha RWD platform. The same Alpha platform will be the basis for a folding hardtop coupe, or a conventional coupe and convertible.

On the other hand GM put on hold the DT7 project to make this one (the program to combine the STS and DTS models into one, rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan). The DT7 is now set to be revealed in 2012 and not 2011 as previously announced.

Cadillac XLR-V by D3

D3, is a tuner from California that has unveiled to us a new masterpiece. The new customization kit for Cadillac XLR-V. The kit includes a new chrome grill, corsa muffler tips, a set of 19 inch alloy rims. The main boos is that of the new intake air system, modding of the ECU system which has boosted up the horsepower to 525 hp.
Even though it seems like enough, D3 also has an option of upgrading to stage 2, boosting up to 575 hp and also a stage 3 having a total horsepower of 600. Making it a true American sports car.

Total Price: $117,735

2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe at LA Show

Although General Motors added the word ‘concept’ to the end of the CTS Coupe’s nameplate at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, there was no question that the stylish two-door was headed to production. We’ve since learned that the CTS Coupe will begin rolling down the production line of May of next year, and we now have an official launch date for the two-door Caddy — November’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Codenamed GMX226, the stylish couple will debut at the LA show — according to Edmunds – and will be built alongside the CTS sedan at the Lansing Grand River Plant. Production will start in May of 2009. The coupe will feature a backup camera which is not currently found on the sedan, and won’t have traditional door handles, but rather a touch-pad setup instead.

Thankfully, it appears that the majority of the CTS Coupe concept’s lines have been faithfully duplicated on this production model. Some feared that the concept’s radical fastback design might be watered down, revealing the Coupe’s sedan roots, but our profile view proves these fears as unfounded. It appears that the production version may have a slightly more pronounced rear deck, but if that’s so, it’s not enough to significantly alter the concept’s silhouette.

The CTS Coupe prototype further separates itself from its sedan donor thanks to the elimination of a conventional door handle, adopting instead the concept’s Corvette-style design which hides the door trigger behind the door’s aft cut-line. The concept and production similarities continue with the Coupe’s revised lower side sill, and the distinctively sculpted waistline, which begins at the A-pillar/fender vent, and narrows as it stretches rearward. The camouflage hides whether or not the line terminates into the concept’s razor-sharp point at the C-pillar, but it looks likely that that’s another design convergence between the show- and production cars. Earlier photos also confirmed that the concept’s bold central exhaust will also reach showrooms.

There are some visible differences between the Detroit Show Standout and the production model. Cost and feasibility studies have killed the concept’s glass-to-glass side windows, in favor of a visible B-pillar on the production model. The rest of the changes are found in front of the A-pillar. The concept coupe’s large, CTS-V-style hood bulge is gone on this prototype (although we’d love to see it return on the “V” coupe). And the show car’s reshaped front fenders — which sweep more voluptuously to a revised front bumper, tweaked front ground-effects, and more dynamic headlight and fog-light clusters — appear to have been replaced with stock items from the CTS sedan. It looks to us like the CTS Coupe and sedan will share identical front fenders and front fascia designs. From there back, however, the cars could scarcely be more different. The drama of the CTS Coupe concept is alive and well, and on its way to Cadillac showrooms.

Although the CTS Coupe will bow at November’s show, it remains unclear when GM will take the wraps off the CTS-V Coupe.

Source: Left Lane News

European hunting season cancelled: Cadillac CTS-V not crossing Atlantic

Cadillac's wicked new CTS-V may have the likes of the BMW M5 in its sights, but it appears that it won't be hunting down the best that Munich, Stuttgart and Ingolstadt have to offer on their Autobahn home turf. According to Top Gear, Caddy's U.S. minders don't think the V's blown V8 is good for Europe, so the car apparently won't be making the boat trip across the Atlantic. Unfortunate, as it would have been interesting to see how America's ultimate muscle sedan would have fared when euro journos pitted it against all the hometown favorites. Sure, we'll see comparos done Stateside, but it would have been fun to see Cadillac put on the "away" jersey to try and add some luster to that long-tarnished "Standard of the World" mantle against Europe's top performance machines -- including the ones we don't see here, like the new Audi RS6 .

Source: Top Gear

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

GM has made it a habit lately of announcing moderate preliminary figures when it comes to its high-end sports cars. Just like the Corvette ZR1 was SAE-certified at 638 Hp instead of the preliminary 620Hp announced at its debut in Detroit, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 LSA engine officially delivers 556 Hp at 6100 rpm and 551 lb.-ft. (747 Nm) of torque at 3800 rpm (preliminary figure: 550Hp).

The 2009 CTS-V accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 sec while it covers the quarter-mile in 12 sec at 118 mph. According to Cadillac, these official acceleration times are believed to be the fastest for any V8-powered sedan currently in production. Talking about fast times, in testing May 8 at Germany's famed Nürburgring track, the new 2009 CTS-V completed a lap in 7:59.32, which is considered to be the fastest ever publicly documented for a production sedan on factory-spec street tires.

Engine

Power bhp:550

Torque lb-ft: 551

Type: 6.2 liter V8

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Everyone wants a Cadillac, the new slick design for 2009 is not very different on the outside. But on the inside their you can see a major difference. A supercharged V8 with 550 hp and 550 torque. That is amazing for a V8, but still a 4 door, this makes it not a good comparison to Corvette, or the new Dodge challenger. Cadillac wants the new CTS-V to be faster than the 500-horsepower, $82,900 BMW M5 but cost about $25,000 less. A price from the high $50,000s to the low $60,000s.

Engine
Type:	Supercharged V8
Displacement cu in (cc):	376 (6162)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	550(410) / 6200
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	550(745) / 6200
Redline at RPM:	n.a.

Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 4 seconds
Top Speed mph (km/h): n.a.

Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V was one of our favorite Caddies to roll out of the General in a long time. A few of us here at AAM had a chance to get up close and personal with the original CTS-V totally by chance before Cadillac even announced that they were developing the car. It pays to live and travel around Michigan.

Ok back to the topic at hand. Cadillac has announced that the new 2009 CTS-V will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show this week. Unfortunately we will not be in attendance at the press days so we're bringing you this now.

The new CTS-V will have a confirmed 550 horsepower from a 6.2 liter supercharged LS9 V8. The LS9 is the same motor found in the upcoming Corvette ZR1. Power will be put to the ground via your choice of a 6 speed automatic or 6 speed manual transmissions. Torque is matched pound for pound with the horsepower at 550 lb. ft.

The suspension is modified accordingly and features Cadillacs new Magnetic Ride Control for optimum handling, comfort & performance. 15 inch Slotted Brembo brakes and 6 piston Brembo calipers up front with 4 pistons in the back keep the CTS-V under control. 19 inch 10 spoke aluminum wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires to round out the eye candy.

The CTS-V exterior is held together by redesigned front and rear fascias featuring larger air inlets in the front, a lip spoiler and mesh grille. The larger strut tower brace over the engine allows the V to feature a muscular looking power bulge hood. And lastly a mesh grille is used to differentiate the V from regular CTS'. Out back you find Cadillac's standard LED tail lights and the new redesigned rear bumper, with dual exhaust cut outs and polished aluminum exhaust tips to help you hear the CTS-V's V8 rumble.

As the top of the line CTS, the V will have a luxurious interior. Special Recaro seats old you in place. Covered in leather and a new microfiber material that resembles suede. But is easier to clean and more durable. DVD navigation, 40G hard drive, Bluetooth compatibility, OnStar, and BOSE stereo system will also round out the interior goodies.

The 2009 CTS-V will be available starting in the 4th quarter of 2008, and will be one of Cadillac's new world cars. With versions being offered for Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Pricing has not been announced but should be available soon.

Source: Cadillac.

PRESS RELEASE:

2009 CTS-V: CADILLAC'S ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY

DETROIT - As the new CTS sport sedan earns accolades and new owners, Cadillac takes the next leap forward by premiering the 2009 CTS-V, the brand's ultimate expression of performance and luxury.

Launching in the fourth quarter of 2008, the all-new CTS-V intends to combine the serious performance of an elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan. Part of Cadillac's acclaimed V-Series of high-performance models, CTS-V delivers an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW). More than just power, CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements, including Magnetic Ride Control, an industry-first Performance Traction Management program and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.

"The CTS-V represents the full extension of our design, technology and performance capabilities," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The V-Series takes the award-winning CTS sport sedan and elevates it to a position within the club of the world's most exclusive and capable cars."

As an all-new version of the CTS sport sedan was prepared for 2008, Cadillac engineers and designers began to scheme a new CTS-V that would reach much higher in terms of performance and luxury. Through the original CTS-V, Cadillac proved it could develop a very potent, high-performance sedan. The challenge for the 2009 model was enhancing every aspect in a comprehensive manner, along with reaching higher performance limits.

Several key technical and design elements combine to transform the already highly capable CTS into the new V-Series. Like the existing CTS, the V-Series is the product of an intensive development process across North America and Europe, including famed test tracks and millions of miles of road. Supporting Cadillac's ongoing global expansion, the 2009 CTS-V is planned to be offered outside North America for the first time, including exports to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Sophisticated technical enhancements

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V features the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology, Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). It uses shocks controlled by electro-magnets, rather than mechanical valves, greatly accelerating response time. Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally "read the road" every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance sedan, helping to keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

MRC technology first appeared on the Cadillac STS performance sedan and has been used on some of the world's most celebrated cars, including the Chevrolet Corvette and a select few European sports cars.

Enabling the precise control expected in a high-performance sedan, the CTS-V features Performance Traction Management system, borrowed from championship racing teams. This technology uses advanced electronics to manage engine torque for optimal traction during acceleration. In situations such as acceleration from a stop or exiting corners, Performance Traction Management regulates torque delivery for the best possible launch.

Performance Traction Management uses the same sort of electronics as stability control programs such as Cadillac's StabiliTrak system, but applies it in a different manner. Rather than monitoring and controlling wheel slip to assist in stopping or slowing the car, PTM regulates torque delivery to instantly match the available tire grip for maximum acceleration.

CTS-V also includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renown for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Michelin worked with Cadillac engineers to develop its acclaimed Pilot Sport 2 (PS2) summer tire for CTS-V and its 19-inch wheels.

And, of course, there is the matter of power. It has increased nearly 35 percent for the '09 CTS-V, via a new 6.2L LSA supercharged V-8 engine generating an estimated 550 hp (410 kW) and 550 lb.-ft. (745 Nm) of torque. The engine delivers this power with remarkable refinement. A sixth-generation Eaton supercharger minimizes the added noise previously associated with supercharged engines, and tightly controls intake air temperature for optimal performance.

Transmission choices include either a six-speed manual or an exclusive, six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It is the first automatic offered on the CTS-V.

Accentuated design elements

The 2009 CTS-V extends Cadillac's acclaimed design language, both inside and out. The V-Series includes all the elements of the CTS sport sedan's well received cabin, while adding some elegant and purposeful accents.

V-Series will offer Recaro performance driving seats, providing excellent support for spirited driving and adding to the luxurious and purposeful interior. These new, 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushion and backrest.

A microfiber material is added to the steering wheel, seats and shifter, providing the soft feel and luxurious appearance of suede without suede's inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents on the steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.

The car's integrated center stack is trimmed with a new Obsidian material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features, including a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a "pop-up" screen and Bose digital surround audio, extend to the V-Series, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth capability.

The exterior of the new CTS-V amplifies the assertive stance and elegant details of the standard car, and communicates the car's remarkable capabilities. The dihedral Cadillac grille is larger to enable more air intake and features a satin finish. The raised hood encompasses the supercharged engine, and new front and rear fascias identify the vehicle as a V-Series. The car's 19-inch wheels enhance its stance on the road.

The founding member of the V-Series, CTS-V was initially offered in 2004 and sold primarily in North America through the 2007 model year. The supercharged STS-V and XLR-V were added in 2006 to make the V-Series an exclusive trio of models all capable of zero-to-60 acceleration in less than five seconds with enhanced overall performance and luxury features.

2009 CADILLAC CTS-V: PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Model: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
Body style / driveline: rear-drive four-door high-performance luxury sedan

Construction: unitized welded steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension assembly
EPA vehicle class: midsize car
Manufacturing location: Lansing Grand River Assembly, Lansing, Michigan
Key competitors: BMW M-5, Mercedes Benz E55 AMG, Mercedes Benz E63 AMG

Engine
Type: 6.2L supercharged V-8 (LSA)
Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 / 103.25 x 3.62 / 92 mm
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder;
0.492-in (12.5 mm) lift
Supercharger: Gen. 6 R19 with single brick intercooler; 1.9L displacement w/4-lobe rotor design
Fuel delivery: SFI; center feed
Ignition: direct-mount ignition coils; extended-life dual platinum-tipped spark plugs
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 550 / 410 @ 6200 (est)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 550 / 745 @ 6200 (est)
Recommended fuel: premium recommended but not required
Maximum engine speed (rpm): TBD
Additional features: pan-mounted oil cooler; cast pistons; high-flow cylinder heads; block-mounted piston squirters; steel crankshaft w/ 8-bolt flange; close-mounted converters; acoustic engine cover; E67 engine controller
Estimated fuel economy: TBD

Transmissions
Type: Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual; fully synchronized with single overdrive.

Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch
Gear ratios (:1)
First:
2.66
4.02
Second:
1.78
2.36
Third:
1.30
1.53
Fourth:
1.00
1.15
Fifth:
0.80
0.85
Sixth:
0.63
0.67
Reverse:
2.90
3.06
Final Drive Ratio:
3.73
3.73

Chassis & Suspension
Front suspension: independent SLA; 29-mm hollow stabilizer bar; elastomeric handling and ride bushings; 65-N/mm spring rate; Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks
Rear suspension: independent SLA; 24-mm solid stabilizer bar; elastomeric trailing arm bushing; 90-N/mm spring rate; Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks
Wheels: 19 x 9-inch; forged alloy, 5-lug (front) 19 x 9.5-inch, forged alloy, 5-lug (rear)
Tires: 255/40R19 Michelin PS2; summer Z-rated (front) 285/35R19 Michelin PS2; summer Z-rated (rear)
Brakes: four-wheel disc with four-channel ABS, hydraulic brake assist and dynamic rear brake proportioning
front rotors: vented; co-cast; 380 mm x 32 mm
rear rotors: vented; 373 mm x 28 mm
front calipers: aluminum; six-piston
rear calipers: aluminum; four-piston
Steering: power-assisted rack-and-pinion;
Steering ratio: 16.1:1
Turns lock-to-lock: TBD
Turn radius (ft / m): 37.9 / 11.55
Additional features: standard: StabiliTrak (four-channel, four mode); traction control; engine drag control optional: Performance Traction Management

Dimensions
Exterior Wheelbase (in / mm): 113.4 / 2880
Overall length (in / mm): 191.6 / 4866
Overall width (in / mm): 72.5 / 1842
Overall height (in / mm): 58.0 / 1472
Track (in / mm): front: 61.8 / 1570 rear: 62.0 / 1575
Curb weight (lb / kg): manual: 4200 / 1905 (est) automatic: 4300 / 1950 (est)
Weight distribution (% front / rear): 54 / 46
Approach Angle (deg) 10.4
Departure Angle (deg) 18.3
Tumblehome (deg. 24.6

Interior Headroom (in / mm): front: 38.8 / 986 rear: 37.2 / 944
Leg room (in / mm): front: 42.4 / 1078rear: 35.9 / 913
Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 56.7 / 1441 rear: 57.4 / 1390
Hip room (in / mm): front: 55.1 / 1400 rear: 54.1 / 1375

Capacities
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 98 / 2775
EPA trunk volume (cu ft / L): 13.6 / 385
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): TBD
Fuel tank (gal / L): 18.0 / 68
Engine oil (qt / L): TBD
Cooling system (qt / L): TBD
Seating Capacity (front / rear) 2 / 3
Drag Coefficient 0.355

2008 Cadillac CTS: Motor Trend's Car of The Year

Cadillac's all new CTS was up against some tough competition this year for Motor Trend's prestigeious Car of The Year award. But they preveiled with what is one of the best cars to roll out of the General in quite a while.




Stiff competition from the Chevy Malibu, Mercedes C-class, Audi TT, Honda Accord, Subaru WRX, and Mitsubishi Lancer, and many others.


Congrats to Cadillac.

Press Release:
DETROIT - The editors at Motor Trend, one of the world's premiere automotive authorities, announced today that they have chosen the Cadillac CTS as the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

"Cadillac is truly honored to receive one of the world's most coveted automotive awards," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "This is a very meaningful reward for our team that created the all-new 2008 CTS, and a powerful statement to consumers everywhere about Cadillac's product renaissance."

The Motor Trend Car of the Year honor highlights the wide acclaim the 2008 CTS sport sedan has earned around the world and with consumers since its launch earlier this fall. Luxury cars buyers are responding similarly, with CTS U.S. sales jumping 75% in October.

The full report from Motor Trend appears in the January issue of the magazine (on newsstands in early-December) and online at http://www.motortrend.com/. Cadillac was the first automaker ever to win Motor Trend Car of the Year in the magazine's inaugural year of 1949, and again in 1952 and 1992.



Source: GM

What to do with a DTS and an extra 572?

We were tipped off to this wild creation one of our readers. Tallant's Hot Rod Shop out of Kansas City Missouri are the mad mechanics behind this wild creation. They took your everyday run of the mill pearl white 2003 Cadillac DeVille DTS and swapped in a Chevrolet 572 big block crate motor. Now that may seem easier said than done. But after revamping the engine compartment and front suspension. Adding an over drive transmission, and a 9 inch Ford rear end complete with 4 link. It's quite possible. To look at the car, other than the custom made hood scoop on the hood. It looks like a stock Caddy. That is of course till you fire it up.
http://www.tallantsauto.com/amsrud03cadi.htm

Before

After

The Bling King: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

Rather than have you spend a fortune to trick out your new Escalade and void your warranty. Cadillac has cut out the middle man and announced the Escalade Platinum. Scheduled to hit showrooms as a 2009 model. The Platinum will feature that standard 6.2 liter V8 with 403 ponies under the hood, 22 inch wheels, LED headlamps, Magnetic ride control, special platinum badges, and upgraded grille. The interior will be done up in full leather, LCD screens in the headrests for the 1st and 2nd row seats, flip down LCD screen, analine leather, and the best to come. Heated AND air conditioned cup holders.

Pricing has not been announced yet. But a considerable premium is expected on the pimp daddy of Escalades. So if you thought the big caddy couldn't get any cooler from the factory. Think again.

PRESS RELEASE:
ESCALADE PLATINUM OFFERS UNPRCEDENTED LUXURY, STYLE AND EXCLUSIVITY

MIAMI – Cadillac announced the introduction of the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition of the segment-leading large luxury SUV that takes Cadillac's dramatic design, elegance and technology to its fullest expression.

Making its world premiere alongside the upcoming Escalade Hybrid, Cadillac announced the Platinum edition will come to market in the spring of 2008 as the most luxurious model in the Escalade lineup. It rounds out a full series of Cadillac Platinum models, including the XLR Roadster, DTS luxury sedan and STS performance sedan. Each model in the Platinum lineup is characterized by elegant cabins featuring handcrafted leather, advanced technology and unique design details throughout.

"The new Platinum edition elevates and extends Escalade's position as the large SUV of choice among luxury consumers," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The growing Platinum series highlights the handcrafted details and technical sophistication of Cadillac's overall product renaissance."

Advanced technologiesOffered on Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV, the Platinum edition includes a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements. Escalade Platinum will be the world's first SUV to be equipped with Cadillac's advanced Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology.

Magnetic Ride Control, originally developed for performance vehicles such as the STS sedan, XLR Roadster and Chevrolet's legendary Corvette, is the world's fastest reacting suspension system and gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system – "reading" the road in 1-milisecond intervals – that replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a synthetic fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

Segment-first, innovative LED headlampsEscalade Platinum will be the first SUV – and one of the first vehicles of any kind – to offer Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps. Used previously only on concept vehicles or exotic sports cars, LED headlamps mark another step in Cadillac's application of advanced lighting technology and design.

LED headlamps emit a greatly more precise light pattern, while emulating the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, using much less power and lasting more than 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs. LED headlamps will be an enhancement added to the Escalade Platinum in the summer of 2008, shortly after the start of production of the Platinum model itself in the spring of 2008.

"Escalade is world renown for making a distinctive design statement," Taylor said, "With the introduction of the world's first large luxury SUV hybrid as well as the new Platinum edition, Cadillac Escalade is now bringing some of the world's most sophisticated automotive technologies into the luxury SUV category."

Dramatic exterior, elegant interiorEscalade Platinum also elevates the already-dramatic design of Escalade. The exterior features a unique front fascia and grille patterned after Cadillac's acclaimed and hot-selling CTS sport sedan. The Platinum includes unique 22-inch wheels and wears exclusive Platinum exterior badges.

The cabin is the latest example of Cadillac's 21st-century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are wrapped and stitched by hand. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with unique wood inlays and aluminum trim.

Aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, with the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat.

Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats, a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled cup holders and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.

Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof mounted screen. Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices, while leaving ultimate control with the driver. Escalade Platinum models will include the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen for DVD-based navigation and control of the DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite radio entertainment.

Plentiful power

Platinum models are powered by the Escalade's exclusive 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* It is an all-aluminum engine that uses variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser is the industry's first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve engine.

A Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine. One of the industry's most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy.

Source: GM