Thursday, July 30, 2009

Cadillac BLS Wallpaper

Cadillac BLS Desktop Background

Cadillac BLS Wallpapers

Cadillac BLS Desktop Wallpaper
Cadillac BLS Wallpaper


2012 Cadillac BTS Review and Prices

2009 Cadillac BLS
Cadillac will bring a redesigned version of its
Europ
ean-market BLS sedan, shown here, to the U.S. as the 2012 Cadillac BTS.
General Motors has a rough road ahead, but it still wants a new Cadillac priced below the CTS. The timing is right, but will the “Good GM” be able to do it?

What We Know About the 2012 Cadillac BTS

A new “junior Cadillac” sedan has been rumored for quite a while. Now Motor Trend reports that a redesigned version of the Europe-only Cadillac BLS is planned for U.S. sale as a lower-priced companion to the premium-midsize CTS. The magazine expects the new sedan to arrive in calendar 2011 as a 2012 model. That assumes, of course, that the government succeeds in salvaging a viable, debt-free “Good GM” from the rubble of what used to be the world’s largest automaker.

The BLS is built on GM’s global Epsilon platform as basically a restyled Saab 9-3; this pair is the smallest of several related midsize cars that include the latest Chevrolet Malibu. MT says the 2012 Cadillac BTS--our name, not theirs, and maybe not GM’s either--will use the Epsilon 2 architecture that premieres with the redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will be available.

According to MT, the 2012 Cadillac BTS is being developed as project GM 166, which lends credence to the reporting. It’s an apparent substitution for a compact Cadillac sedan on GM’s rear-drive Alpha platform. That program came to light two years ago, but sources say it’s now likely been shelved as too expensive, given the automaker’s dire financial straits. Another Cadillac casualty of GM’s many current woes is the so-called “DT7” large sedan that was intended to replace the current STS and DTS models.

Motor Trend believes the 2012 Cadillac BTS, if it materializes, will be larger than the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. That means it will also be larger than the current CTS despite the lower targeted price point. MT forecasts a larger, redesigned 2013 CTS to correct this apparent anomaly, again assuming all goes well. By that point, if not before, the CTS will be Cadillac’s flagship passenger car in size as well as price.

We’ve used 2010 LaCrosse dimensions to guesstimate 2012 Cadillac BTS measurements. Because Epsilon 2 is a modern “scalable” architecture that can be varied for length and width, we imagine the Caddy will best the Buick by about 2 inches in wheelbase and overall length and by a bit more than 1 inch in overall width. Styling should mark the next step for Cadillac’s now-familiar edgy-wedgy look. We hope it’s something with the elegant dynamism of the recent Converj Concept coupe, a visual knockout in our opinion. Interestingly, Motor Trend quotes GM insiders as saying early BTS design proposals are “spectacular,” but we’ll have to wait and see if the finished product lives up to that billing.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

General Motors India To Launch Cadillac

Recession or no recession, India has always been an intriguing market for the auto companies. Luxury cars have been huge here and their makers have shared a special relationship with the country. The last few months have seen Rolls-Royce open a showroom and announce a car. Bentley too introduced the Continental Flying Spur a few weeks ago.

Cadillac

So if these car makers are betting big on the rich consumers in India, would General Motors be left behind? Indian business daily, The Economic Times, is reporting that GM India is apparently planning to launch their Cadillac brand of luxury vehicles in the country. But they have put their plans to get the Hummer in India on hold.

Karl Slym is the president and managing director of General Motors India. He explains, “We are now vying for the luxury space. The company was planning to launch SUV Hummer earlier but its entry now seems distant as consumer sentiment has changed. So, we have zeroed in on the Cadillac CTS sedan, which was showcased in the Auto Expo last year.”

The Cruse sedan by General Motors is expected to hit India in mid-2009. But the car that would really set the luxury car market in India on fire would be Cadillac CTS, which is expected to give tough competition to the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedez Benz. A few months ago, Lamborghini

too had pointed out that India is a big market for the future and it seems that GM agrees to that.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Cadillac's Escalade Hybrid sips instead of gulps fuel

When you absolutely, positively have to have a full-size sport ute with premium qualities and seating for eight, you should consider a hybrid. In this case, a Cadillac Escalade, the chosen wheels among NBA, NFL jocks and others in the entertainment industry.

Cadillac claims a 50 percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving and 25 percent gain overall with their hybrid powertrain.


The Escalade Hybrid obtains these gains by using GM’s “Two-Mode” system that combines a gasoline engine with a 300V electric motor. Further increasing economy is that the system shuts down half of the V8 engine’s cylinders during cruise, and all of them during traffic stops.

When stopped at a traffic signal, it’s necessary to feather the throttle to maintain electric power and high fuel economy. At that time, a slight whirring sound can be heard from the electric motor. In itself, the motor has excellent power to propel this hefty vehicle.

Powered by a 6.0L 332-hp V8 producing an impressive 367 lb/ft of torque at 5100 rpm, energy is sent to the wheels through a Continuously Variable Transmission that combines to allow a tow rating of 5,800 pounds. The 6.0L moves Escalade with zest although its bulk can be felt.

As such, Escalade garners a 20 city, 21 highway mpg rating. Not bad for a hefty SUV weighing in at 5,727 pounds. In fact Cadillac advertises Escalade’s EPA city rating as better than an ’08 Mini Cooper S Convertible (19 mpg), ’09 Mercedes C-Class sedan (18 mpg), BMW X3 (17 mpg) and a Volvo XC-90 (14 mpg).

As an upscale version of Chevy’s Tahoe (still the best value for a full-size SUV) and GMC Yukon, Escalade is posh and polite. The ride is compliant with good shock absorption as all Cadillac’s are noted for. Compared to a conventional Tahoe or Yukon, Escalade’s ride is softer, quieter and could be even better were it not for huge 22-inch tires. Regardless, this would be the vehicle to take on long trips to Orlando as it makes the drive less tiring. It comes standard with Magnetic Ride Control, Automatic Rear Leveling Control and HD trailering package.

Handling is stable and assuring. Escalade is planted in sharp turns with only a tad of body lean in moderate curves. Because of its bulk, Escalade is not easy to park but the rear view camera system (with tilt screen) offers a valuable assist.

Upon entering Escalade’s spacious cabin, the interior is pure upscale and pampering. The latter starts with powered running boards that slide out and retract when any door is opened/closed. This makes the 22-inch step-in an easy 11.5-inch chore.

Cushy, comfy leather bucket seats coddle occupants except for the removable (but heavy) third row, which are mainly for kids. Fold the third and second rows and there’s six feet of cargo load length. With the third row up, there’s space for a gaggle of grocery bags (10 inches deep, 49 inches wide).

My major gripe with the Escalade was with its EFF gauges that don’t completely show when electric or economy power is being used. However, the tachometer shows “Auto Stop” and “Off” indications.
Escalade is offered in front-drive or 4WD that consists of 2WD, Auto, 4Hi and 4Lo positions selectable via a rotary switch.

With every possible option and amenity one could want, Escalade bottom-lines at a whopping $75,330 after a base of $73,285. The only extra cost options were the retractable steps ($1,095) and delivery ($950).

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Spyker D12 SSUV to get Cadillac CTS-V supercharged V8?



It's been two-and-a-half years since the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and although the recent spate of spy shots indicate work is well underway, Spyker won't make its self-imposed release date this year.

Instead, the high-speed luxo-'ute will likely appear at next year's Geneva expo and when it does, it will like drop its "D12" moniker for "D8" thanks to the supercharged V8 lying under its sculpted hood.

Coinciding with earlier reports, Spyker plans to utilize an American-sourced V8 to power the D8 SSUV, and if Autoblog.nl's sleuthing abilities are to be believed, it's none other than General Motor's supercharged 6.2-liter LSA – the mill that powers the Cadillac CTS-V.

The Dutch site caught the same Land Rover mule we saw earlier this year, and after investigating the prototype's license plate, discovered the engine met the same specifications as the LSA. That would mean at least 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, which should allow the SSUV to hit 60 mph in around five seconds and max out around 174 mph. If all goes according to plan, we'll see the production version in Geneva this March with sales beginning later in 2010.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Upcoming Spyker D8 SSUV will carry the V8 engine from Cadillac CTS-V

Upcoming Spyker D8 SSUV will carry the V8 engine from Cadillac CTS-V
For those who don’t know, Spyker is preparing a Porsche Cayenne competitor dubbed the D8 SSUV (Sport SUV).
Today we found out that the upcoming vehicle from the Dutch manufacturer will use the 6.2-liter V8 engine found also on the Cadillac CTS-V to power the spectacular SUV. It appears that the vehicle will carry over 564 hp so expect an impressive vehicle capable to leave the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S in the dust!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

2010 Cadillac SRX: First Drive

Srx1
As part of GM’s rebirth, a number of its brands have fresh new product hitting dealerships relatively soon. For Cadillac, the redesign of the SRX is vital to its future. While sales of its big sedans and Escalade SUV are flailing, the luxury crossover market is booming. Enter the new SRX, which is an SRX in name only. It’s smaller than the long, wagon-esque SRX of the past five years, and it’s ready to do battle with crossovers from Lexus, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Mercedes and Land Rover. But will it beat them? Any of them?

That’s what I wanted to find out.

Srx2
Before heading out for an afternoon of SRX driving, I sat down to lunch with executives from Cadillac. I felt pretty good in my knowledge of the segment and the SRX’s competitors. I’ve recently driven the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Land Rover LR2 and BMW X3. The only model in the segment I haven’t thoroughly tested is the redesigned Lexus RX 350, which outsells everything. So when the GM folk said the model they directly targeted with the SRX was the RX, my stomach lurched.

Still, I understand what they’re saying. They’re trying to offer near-luxury comfort at a good price with attractive styling. And the SRX is a looker. Somehow, it’s bold without being over-the-top, and it even features a grille that’s smaller than what you’d find on almost every other Caddy. Wise move there. The rear is also quite handsome, with taillights that form fins sticking out from the body of the car.

Srxgrille
On the performance side, the SRX certainly doesn’t lean toward the sporty nature of the Audi or BMW; it’s much more aligned to cushy comfort, which is the RX’s place in the segment. Even riding on its optional 20-inch wheels, the SRX soaks up rough roads — like the stimulus-spurred construction zones of northern Illinois/southern Wisconsin on which we drove.

The afternoon was spent in quiet isolation from the road, as both my passenger and I noted the near absence of road and wind noise. However, that was pretty much the only standout performance attribute. Steering, handling and power were all just about adequate, which isn’t what you’d expect from the makers of the CTS sport sedan. I don’t think 90% of people who test-drive the SRX will note the somewhat dull steering and handling, but even the most passive driver probably won’t like how slow the heavy SRX feels with its base V-6 engine which gets 18/25 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive and 17/23 mpg city/highway with all-wheel drive. When accelerating from 35 mph to 50 mph in the all-wheel drive model, there was a noticeable hunting of gears coming from the six-speed automatic. It wasn’t confidence-inspiring and really got me down on the model as a whole. While most of the competition’s base engines aren’t exactly thoroughbreds, the X3, Q5 and XC60 all feel significantly faster. An optional turbocharged V-6 will go on sale later this fall, while the V-6 I tested hits dealerships in a few weeks.

Srxspeedlimit
The SRX’s interior was also hit-or-miss. If your eyes stick to the top of the dash, with its hand-stitched appearance; the gauge cluster, with its dazzling LCD display; or the center stack infotainment center, you’ll feel like you’re in the nicest crossover ever made. Let your gaze fall to the lower dash and its chunky gray plastic, or the doors and their two tiers of plastic pockets, and the luxury atmosphere quickly dissolves.

Srxdoor
Because the SRX ($33,330) starts a few thousand dollars less than the RX and others in this segment, a lower level of luxury is acceptable, but I think the SRX is hovering close to the edge here — especially when the Lexus has upped its game in terms of luxury accoutrements, and even Volvo’s new XC60 outdoes the Cadillac in terms of high-end feel for nearly identical dough.

Srxcargo
What about the good? There’s plenty to praise Cadillac for in the new SRX. Chief among them is a very usable, flexible rear cargo area. There’s a rail system that allows for a cargo separator to slide around, blocking off a variety of areas depending on how much cargo needs to be corralled. A large under-floor bin can hold a propane tank in place, according to company representatives. Otherwise, it’ll simply hold a lot of grocery bags.

Srxbin
The optional pop-up infotainment system features new software, but it mimics what you find in the CTS sedan. Navigation and other graphics are a tad sharper, and all in all it’s one of the most comprehensive systems you’ll find from any automaker.

Cadillac also gets a win for its terrific-looking gauges. In the center of the speedometer is an LCD screen that offers a ton of information about the car, from trip-computer settings to whether rear passengers have unbuckled their seat belts.

Srxgreen
On a personal note, my favorite part of the SRX’s interior is a pair of faux crystals that reside on either side of the speedometer. They light up when the corresponding right or left turn signal is activated. It looks like you’re driving Superman’s SUV, and I almost bought one right then and there just for that.

Perhaps — like those light-up crystals — the gauges, cargo area, soft ride, exterior design or infotainment system will persuade a large number of shoppers in this segment to pony up for the SRX. Otherwise, I think it’s going to get tired of staring at competitors’ taillights.

Additional Photos

Srxplastics

2010|Cadillac|SRX

Cadillac presidential limousines from Taft to Obama - history and review


President Obama's car is the latest in a long line of Cadillac presidential limousines

You know that the president rides around in a fancy black limousine. But did you know that there’s more to those cars than just looking “presidential”?

The Cadillac limo that President Obama rides through town in is more like a tank than a car. It is believed to weigh-in at more than 10,000-lbs. Most of that is due to thick, bullet-proof glass and armor plating throughout. Even the tires are resistant to attack and contain innerliners just in case the outer tires are damaged.

Many of the specific details of the president’s car are secret. Cadillac provides information like “old-world craftsmanship” and “hand-sewn interior”, but for security reasons they don’t tell us things like what’s under the hood or how the car is built.

Most people agree that in spite of its appearance, the latest presidential limousine isn’t based on the Cadillac DTS. Most analysts speculate that it actually sits on a modified General Motors medium-duty truck chassis. Due to the size and weight of this monster, it takes a pretty beefy chassis to handle it all.

Obama’s limo is the first presidential Cadillac that isn’t named after a specific model. For example, previous versions were still considered to be Fleetwoods, DTSs, or Eldorados. This one is just a Cadillac Presidential Limousine. There are parts that you can recognize, though. For example, the headlights appear to be those used in a production Escalade.

Cadillac has supplied cars for our nation’s Commander-in-Chief on-and-off since any living person can remember. Most of them had some version of armor-plating similar to this current offering. Some of them were all-out assault vehicles. In 1938, Cadillac provided two fully plated and armed behemoths to Franklin D. Roosevelt that were named the “Queen Mary” and the “Queen Elizabeth” after the huge ocean liners of the time.

Others weren’t as formidable. There is a very famous picture of the newly elected Dwight D. Eisenhower driving past the Capitol building standing up in a white ’53 Eldorado with nary a hint of security. The Eldorado was essentially a production “dream car”, produced in limited numbers for not-so-limited dollars. It didn’t hurt the allure of the Eldorado that the new president was seen in one, although it probably didn’t hurt Eisenhower’s reputation either.

The first full-on limousine that Cadillac produced for a president without the aid of an aftermarket upfitter came with the Clinton Fleetwood of 1993. Before that, all presidential limos started off as a production car that an outside company would transform. The ’93 Car was built from the ground-up by General Motors, and for the most part they continue that tradition today.

The slideshow included with today’s story includes several significant Cadillac presidential limousines throughout history. Take note of not only the cars, but the level of security that seemed to develop over the years—especially after President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. It is also fun to look back at the fashions and the backgrounds they chose to take the pictures.
Cadillac presidential limousines throughout history.
Cadillac presidential limousines throughout history.
Pictures of the Cadillacs that have transported the nation's Commander-in-Chiefs over the years.

Sneak Peek: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Newly un-retired GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz confirmed this month that the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe was still a go.

Compared to the prototypes we saw last year, these new prototypes look almost production-ready down to the two massive, center-mounted exhaust outlets; larger, sportier wheels; and V-series badging. We can also see that this new prototype is NOT sporting cross-drilled rotors as the first prototypes were. Additionally, pieces of black tape cover the V-series badges just behind the front wheels.

Other V-series parts include the wire mesh grilles, power dome hood, wider tires and large brake calipers. Under that power dome hood sits the 6.2-liter, supercharged V-8 motor known as the LSA. Good for 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet torque in the CTS-V sedan; we expect the Coupe V ratings to be very similar.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

2010 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac released the first official photos of its next generation SRX crossover that is in essence the production version of the Provoq Concept. The all-new SRX will make its debut at the Paris Show in October, with sales set to start worldwide in mid-2009. With an overall length of about 4,580 mm or 180.3 in, the five-seater SRX is about roughly the same size as the BMW X3 meaning that its far more compact (and lighter) than the outgoing seven-seat SRX.

“The next-generation SRX, along with the new CTS Sport Wagon, showcases Cadillac taking its dramatic design into new directions, particularly cars and crossovers that are the right size at the right time for today’s luxury consumers,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager.

We expect to see the CTS’ 3.6-liter V6 gasoline units along with a 2.9-liter V6 turbo diesel engine (for Europe). The new SRX, which was initially referred to as the Cadillac BRX, will also form the base for the upcoming Saab 9-4X.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac Cts Sport Wagon Front Three Quarter View
NEW AND FUTURE CARS:

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon


I grew up in a wagon. My mom had an '85 Volvo 240 DL when I was little - yes, that shows you just how old I am, or alternately, just how old I'm not - and one of my first memories involves staring out a side window and wondering why in blue blazes my parents couldn't have bought something cool. The Volvo was long. It was slow. It was this horribly dull navy blue that reminded me of old sweaters, and while it was a dignified, stately sort of car, it still made me think of grandmothers and bad weather.

When you're small, cool is all that matters, and for the longest time, wagons were anything but. But as I stood in a roped-off tent in Birmingham, Michigan, and stared at the back end of Cadillac's CTS Sport Wagon, one question crossed my mind: What happened to all the dorky?

These days, if you're shopping for a station wagon, you'd have to try pretty hard to find something even remotely lame and nerdy. Boatlike family bores have all but disappeared from the market, pushed out by the decade-old SUV craze and declining sales. In their place is a laundry list of cars like the BMW 328xi, the Mercedes-Benz E-class, and the Dodge Magnum, wagons that offer carlike performance and economy paired with SUV practicality.

And so we have Cadillac's CTS Sport Wagon, the latest sedan-based hauler to be offered on our shores. If you go strictly by the numbers, a CTS wagon makes sense; Cadillac sells more CTS sedans than any other model, and the CTS four-door has helped the GM division make inroads (however small) into the European market. The CTS's success both here and abroad makes sense; unlike past GM efforts, Cadillac's mid-size sedan is attractive, comfortable, sporting, and thoroughly modern, if a tad ostentatious.

The CTS Sport Wagon, then, was seen as the next logical step (a coupe version of the car was unveiled at the 2008 Detroit show). Cadillac executives see station wagons as the fuel-economy-driven middle ground between cars and SUVs, and they view the CTS wagon as the Next Great Leap toward the marque's global success. To be frank, it's hard not to agree with them; the marque's current rest-of-the-world offerings (including the fairly dull BLS sedan and wagon) haven't been selling too well, and it's not hard to understand why Europeans view Cadillac as something of a joke.
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Comparison: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Jaguar XFR

2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Jaguar XFR

The last time we did this (Mirror, Mirror, July 2009) the American vanquished the mighty Bavarian with a brutal 1-2 combo of power and balance. But that was something of a hollow victory; merely a warm up bout between a surly young whippersnapper and an aging fighter past his prime. Sure, the BMW M5 once stood uncontested atop the luxury sports sedan field, but that was years ago. In the interim, fitter more ferocious combatants have stepped into the 'Ring.

Like the new challenger from Britain, the 2010 Jaguar XFR. Coventry's younger and more powerful bruiser outpoints the SMG equipped M5 in nearly every one of our instrumented tests. On numbers alone, the XFR is clearly a more formidable opponent to the Cadillac's CTS-V.

In physical and historical context, the new Jaguar also measures up better against the Cadillac. Both draw strength from large displacement V-8s enhanced by Roots type superchargers. Both send power rearward via six-speed automatics and stalk about on magnetic fluid-filled dampers. Both were mentored by some of the best corner men in the business, Jaguar chief engineer Mike Cross and former GM Performance Division director and test ace, John Heinricy. Most notably, both are struggling to wrest the luxury performance mantle from Germany and return glory to their storied, resurgent marques. But so far, only one has succeeded in dispatching a heavyweight German rival. Can Coventry's battle cat take the belt away from our American hero?

Cadillac CTS V Jaguar XFR Rear Three Quarters View
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY

The Jaguar doesn't skip to battle like an English dandy to a duel -- all top hat, gloves and stretchy tights. There is high style and menace to the way it swaggers down country lanes, like a footy hooligan stuffed into a Saville Row three piece. This is a classic British sports saloon -- thoughtfully designed, elegantly executed, with one hell of a right cross -- the automotive equivalent of Lennox Lewis.

If there is anything to criticize the XFR on visually, it is that there isn't enough distinction between it and the lesser XFs in the range. Badging aside, XFR upgrades amount to a front bumper with larger inlets (to feed the twin intercoolers), more deeply drawn rocker panels, quad exhaust pipes and the slightest of rear spoilers. The most braggadocio is left for the twin XFR-specific hood vents and wheel centers whereupon 'supercharged' is engraved. Perhaps too subtle, but very British.

GM rolls out Volt-based Cadillac


General Motors unveiled a further glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion today, this time in the form of luxury transportation, with the Cadillac Converj Concept. The Cadillac Converj was developed as a well-appointed grand touring coupe with a bold design and a host of interactive technology.

The four-passenger Converj concept is intended to show how GM’s revolutionary electric propulsion technology – called Voltec – can power a luxury coupe with a typically Cadillac “no compromises” design. The technology enables up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.

Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Converj concept has production substance. “It’s a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile,” he said. “It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles.”

Cadillac’s extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand’s traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand.

Voltec – innovative propulsion technology

The Cadillac Converj’s Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car.

A thermally managed battery pack contains more than 220 lithium-ion cells that provide the primary power to drive the Converj electrically up to 40 miles without using fuel or producing tailpipe emissions. The battery is integrated into the Converj’s chassis and stores electricity from the grid when the vehicle is plugged in. It takes less than three hours to recharge the battery at 240V, or about eight hours from a 120V outlet.

When the battery’s energy is low, the Converj seamlessly switches to extended-range mode. During this secondary level of operation, electricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by a flex-fuel-powered engine that operates much like a home generator to create electricity. The engine-generator ensures a constant supply of power for hundreds of miles until the car is refueled or plugged in to recharge the battery. This extended-range mode eliminates the range anxiety that comes with driving pure electric vehicles that offer no backup power when the battery charge is low.

Whether in electric or extended-range mode, the Converj is propelled all the time by an electric drive unit. It converts electrical energy from the battery or the engine-generator into mechanical energy to drive the front wheels. It also delivers 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, for a quick launch, and 120 kW of power. The top speed is 100 mph.

There is no compromise in vehicle performance in either mode of operation. To enhance the ride feel, the Converj also features GM’s Magnetic Ride Control; and for even greater efficiency, energy during braking is captured and stored in the battery.

Pure Cadillac design

There’s no mistaking the Converj for anything but a Cadillac, according to Lutz. “An aggressive, forward-leaning profile hints at a new, progressive theme and proportion in Cadillac’s design evolution,” he says. “The new proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2.”

The overall shape is reinforced by a prominent, sweeping body line with large, 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) wheels pushed to the edges of the body. The Converj exterior is painted a dark silver tri-coat that GM designers dubbed “Reaction.”

An all-glass roof incorporates solar panels that help offset power drain from the vehicle’s accessories. Additionally, several aerodynamic and design efficiencies were incorporated to enhance the driving range, including:

A full under-vehicle cover (belly pan)

Minimal grille openings that reduce drag at the front of the vehicle

Low-profile rearview cameras replace conventional outside mirrors to reduce drag

Wheels are shaped to push air outward for smoother body side airflow

The Converj also incorporates vertical headlamp and taillamp elements, with light pipe technology.

“Vertical lamps are Cadillac signatures and the Converj builds on the brand’s light pipe technology with bolder light emitting diode (LED) and high-intensity discharge elements front and rear,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “There is also a unique daylight light ‘spear’ at the top of the headlamps.”

Luxury meets technology inside

The Converj’s interior has advanced features and luxurious appointments blending efficiency and environmental consciousness. The 2+2 configuration is trimmed in contrasting Winter White synthetic suede – including the top of the instrument panel – and Midnight Black leather, with polished aluminum and wood grain accents. Renewable materials are used throughout such as wool-blend carpeting, a headliner made from silk, suede made from post-industrial content and more.

A technologically advanced driver center increases efficiency and reduces the draw on the battery. Features include:

New, organic light-emitting diode technology used on reconfigurable instrument cluster

Touch-screen navigation, climate, center-stack controls and audio systems

Adjustable, overhead white ambient lighting

Unique “power on” sequence featuring blue-lit console graphics

Screen displays for features including regenerative braking, battery charge level and power output

No inside rearview or outside mirrors; cameras provide surrounding images on a screen placed high on the instrument panel for a full, panoramic view.

Push-button ignition and power-folding front seats

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

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SPECIFICATIONS

General

Vehicle type: 2-door, front-wheel-drive 2+2 coupe

Category: extended-range electric vehicle

Chassis: independent McPherson struts, front magnetic ride, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering

Seating capacity:

four

Performance

Top speed (mph / km/h):100 / 161

EV range, city and highway (miles): Up to 40, based on EPA cycle

Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm):108 / 2742

Length (in / mm):182 / 4620

Width (in / mm):74 / 1883

Height (in / mm):55 / 1386

Battery system

Type:lithium-ion (w/ liquid-controlled thermal management system)

Energy (kWh):16

Charge time: Less than 3 hours at 240V/8 hours at 120V

Electric drive unit

Power (kW):120

Torque (lb-ft / Nm):273 / 370

Exterior

Tire size:specially developed low rolling resistance tires on 21- and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels

2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market


2010 Cadillac SRX – Click above for high-res image gallery

The first generation Cadillac SRX brought General Motors' premium brand into the crossover segment, providing better fuel economy compared to similarly sized SUVs while also delivering significantly improved driving dynamics. We bought into that first-generation, rear-wheel-drive SRX when we reviewed it way back in 2007, but the luxury car-buying public apparently wasn't all that interested. Sales of the sharp handling SRX never took off, largely keeping Cadillac off of the luxury crossover gravy train long dominated by the Lexus RX 350.

Cadillac hopes to change its crossover fortunes with the introduction of the all-new 2010 SRX. This time out, the SRX is very different from the one it replaces, with a fundamental shift from a rear-wheel drive platform (with available all-wheel drive) to a front-drive setup (also with available AWD). Along with that shift in powered wheels, the 2010 model goes with smaller, more efficient powertrains. Cadillac doesn't try to hide the fact that the new SRX is gunning for the RX, but GM's designers and engineers didn't want to simply copy the strong-selling Lexus. Cadillac wanted its crossover to be more expressive inside and out, with state-of-the-art tech and superior driving dynamics. Does the new SRX have what it takes?

Fun while it lasted: Porsche Panamera Turbo reportedly tops Cadillac CTS-V's 'Ring record


2010 Porsche Panamera – Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been just over a year since Cadillac captured the title of fastest production four-door car when John Heinricy circulated the Nürburgring's north loop with a CTS-V in under eight minutes. Considering the pace of leap-frogging between the Nissan GT-R, Corvette ZR1 and Viper ACR it's a bit surprising that it took this long for someone to top the super-Caddy. What's not surprising is that it was a Porsche that finally outran the CTS-V.

Now that the four-door Porsche Panamera has been thrust upon the world, it was only a matter of time before one the test drivers from Weissach brought the crown back to the fatherland. The 500-horsepower Panamera Turbo lapped the Nordschleife in 7 minutes, 56 seconds, 3 seconds faster than the Cadillac.

When Heinricy set his 7:59 time last year, it was done in an automatic CTS-V in a single hot lap at the end of a test session. With any luck, we'll see Heinricy or perhaps one of the Corvette C6.R drivers like Johnny O'Connell head back to the Eiffel mountains for another go.

Cadillac and Gadling partner for "Perfect Road Trip" Contest


2010 Cadillac SRX – Click above for high-res image gallery

If we could take a trip anywhere in the Continental U.S., we'd have to make a b-line for the mountains of Nevada. Or, we could hit Yosemite for some incredible scenery and all the sightseeing we could handle. There's plenty to do and see in these United States, and Cadillac and our sibling travel site Gadling are ready to take you there.

Gadling and Cadillac are partnering up to send you and a friend on the road trip of your dreams, and Cadillac is providing a spanking new SRX crossover to hit the road running. To enter the contest, all you need to do is head over to the Gadling contest post, write up your own dream vacation in the comments section by July 22 at 5 pm ET, and wait. Gadling will pick the five best travel ideas, and then give its readers the opportunity to vote for the best one. The winner will receive the SRX for two days, a pair of plane tickets to the destination of your choice (within the continental U.S.) plus money for hotels, food and other expenses. So far there aren't many that have filled in a comment, so the chances of victory are pretty darn good, especially if you have a killer idea for a road trip. Sounds like a very fun weekend.

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