GM Planning New Full-Size SUVs for 2014
GM is planning a major overhaul of its full-size SUV fleet for the 2014 model year.
The automaker said today that it will spend $331 million to renovate its assembly plant in Arlington, Texas, home to its current crop of GMT900-family SUVs, including the GMC Yukon, Yukon Hybrid and Yukon XL; the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and Tahoe Hybrid; and the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV.
The expansion of the Arlington plant could add production of the flexible-bed Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT, if those vehicles are brought back for a third generation of production.
GM had planned for replacements of the full-size SUVs for the 2013 model year, but it was forced to put off production as it maneuvered through its Chapter 11 proceedings. Ironically, in 2006 and 2007, GM had pulled ahead production of the GMT900 family of vehicles, just in time for gas prices to crush SUV sales as a prelude to the 2008 financial crisis.
The new investment will add 110 jobs to the site, though it's unclear if they're being added for construction or for vehicle production.
Arlington opened in 1954, and has built passenger cars and trucks. In 1997, the plant won a coveted slot in the GM empire to build its full-size trucks and SUVs, winning out over the now-shuttered Janesville, Wisconsin, plant. Truck production began as GM ended Texas production of the Chevy Caprice, Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood rear-drive sedans.
The plant now counts 2,400 employees and more than 3.75 million square feet under roof.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
It’s A Lambo Christmas, We Drive The 911 Turbo: Today’s Car News
To celebrate Christmas Lamborghini-style, the Italian supercar company has produced a range of limited edition gift-boxed candles and ceramic baubles, inspired by its recently revealed Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. [Lamborghini]
Toyota has developed a new scratch resistant paint that works on a molecular level to help prevent lustre degradation caused by scratches and preserve the original color and gloss of the car. [Automotive World]
For performance fans, The Car Connection’s Marty Padgett has posted his first drive of the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo. He tells us how a 500-horsepower German-engineered piece of rolling history handles the twists and turns of the legendary Estoril race track. [Motor Authority]
The 2010 Geneva Auto Show will be a packed house, with organizers confirming today that all major automakers will be there. [The Auto Channel]
Last month, during a discussion with journalists about General Motors’ new “May the Best Car Win” marketing campaign, Bob Lutz laid down the challenge to any journalist to a duel with the Cadillac CTS-V to see if any comparable car could topple the Caddy. Last week the challenge was put forward to anyone with a comparable sedan and today we can report that 120 people have applied. [InsideLine]
Japan gets a stylish new sedan from Toyota in the form of the 2010 Mark X. Fitting in the midsize sedan segment, the Mark X shares its rear-wheel drive platform with another Toyota, the Crown, as well as the Lexus GS. [CarScoop]
Mitsubishi is set to unveil a new proprietary plug-in hybrid system in the Concept PX MiEV at this month’s 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and according to latest reports it may feature in the next-generation Evolution Lancer XI. [Autocar]
Jeremy Clarkson comments on the love-it-or-hate-it 2010 Porsche Panerma and as most would guess, he hates it. His final verdict of the car? “It makes Quasimodo look like George Clooney.” [Times Online]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Driven: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
While crawling along in traffic or responsibly setting the cruise on a pockmarked Interstate, it's quite possible to forget that you're in the fastest American sport sedan ever, with more than 550 horsepower on tap.
That's a huge compliment, as most high-performance cars let themselves be known in ever-present ways, with droning engine notes, bum-busting impact harshness, and stiffened bodies that ring in almost constant protestation on coarse highway surfaces.
The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V—which carries into 2010 with no significant changes, by the way—thankfully doesn't have any of these reminders. It's a car that, on the street, doesn't need to assert itself. Yet on the track it's a record-breaker, and if you push it to task, it really does sound and feel the part.
Nearly a year ago we brought you a first drive of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V and reported that, compared to the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the BMW M3, the CTS-V's Corvette ZR1-derived, 556-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine "has a much fatter torque curve that smacks you back in your seat just above idle and builds steadily all the way to redline." Zero-to-60 times have come in under four seconds, and GM claims a top speed of 191 mph with the six-speed manual.
And, we reported, the 2009 CTS-V has the chassis and suspension tuning to make the great engine enjoyable no matter what the conditions. With the Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) system that's standard in the CTS-V—using magnetically sensitive fluid that can become almost instantly soft or firm to fit conditions—the CTS-V feels composed yet docile, and responsive whenever you want it to be.
GM has put together an overall package that's just as agreeable in everyday driving as it is on the track—and that's no small feat. Most of the week, we drove around with the suspension set to 'Comfort' and the transmission selector simply in drive. That's one of the reasons why the CTS-V doesn't feel at all like a twitchy tuner car or show glaring compromises, favoring performance at the expense of comfort. The throttle pedal is calibrated in a nice, linear fashion, which means that despite all the torque on tap just off idle you can take off gently, so as not to draw attention, the supercharger faintly whirring and whining but the robust, throaty exhaust note saved for when you really get on it. Just keeping up with traffic, you'll find revs rarely getting much above 2,000 rpm, with the six-speed automatic doing its best cushy luxury cruiser impression. And the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is relatively resistant to tramline and follow bumps and the crown of the road.
For those who want a firmer steering feel and more aggressive throttle calibration, also locking in the firmest suspension settings and allowing more slip from the stability control, there's also a Competition Mode.
As in our first drive, we recommend that you step up to the optional Recaro seats, finished in a grippy yet soft, suede-like material and providing excellent side support along with thigh extensions. These are seats that you'll be happy with whether you spend the day with the cruise control set to 75 or exercise the CTS-V on the track.
The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, just as the CTS, has a unified, attractive design, with excellent materials and surfaces. We've heard complaints that the CTS's center control stack is cluttered, but to us it seems quite logical—and we'd much rather have a few more buttons than to have a full screen of menus to navigate through repeatedly. Volume and tuning knobs are up high, and the most-needed controls are redundant on the steering wheel. The pop-up navigation system remains one of the best in the business, with a beautiful, high-contrast screen and very well integrated real-time traffic features. Unlike some systems, you don't have to be currently in a navigation mode to get live traffic alerts. As it doesn't steal space or attention in the instrument panel when it's not in use. The hand stitching on door and dash panels is a nice touch as well. Ours used a nice carbon-fiber trim; this editor doesn't usually love wood trim, but the veneers that are available in all the CTS models are top-notch and well worth considering.
The bottom-line price on our test CTS-V was $67,140, which lands it right in the same price range as the M3 and C63, and the Jaguar XJ Supercharged. The CTS-V is hit with a $2,600 gas guzzler tax—which seems a bit odd to us, as we achieved 18 mpg in a week with this performance sedan, doing better than many five-passenger, V-6 SUVs and crossovers. The CTS-V's 12/18 EPA ratings are the reason why, but they don't seem realistic.
While GM as a whole has been doing some soul-searching this year, it's already found its stride—and then some—with the world-class CTS-V.
The manufacturer provided this vehicle to High Gear Media for the purposes of evaluation.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Preview: 2013 Cadillac XTS
GM has confirmed that a new sedan will replace its DTS and STS luxury sedans, and the new car could be in showrooms by 2013.
GM showed the new sedan being developed under the code-name XTS today at a background session in GM's design dome. With influences ranging from the Cadillac Sixteen show car to today's Audi A8, the new big Cadillac sedan strikes a more conservative pose than the latest offerings from GM's top-line brand--from the CTS Coupe, to the new 2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo. No photos or sketches were provided, and no cameras were allowed at the session.
Yesterday, the new 2013 Cadillac XTS was shown in concept form to a group of "consumers" in a session held today in Detroit. Consumers, by GM's definition, ran the gamut from interested shoppers to seasoned social-media pros with huge followings.
The new XTS sedan will bring the reshuffling of product at Cadillac to a close. Before bankruptcy, GM's top brand offered the small CTS, a larger STS sedan and SRX crossover, and the large DTS full-size sedan, which is often the basis for hearses and presidential limousines.
As it speeds up new products in the wake of Chapter 11, GM and Cadillac will be streaming out a new, smaller line of vehicles. The 2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo hits the market later this year, with a CTS Sport Wagon yet to come. A revamped Buick lineup is on the way, too.
Buick will play a role with the new Cadillac XTS, as sources report the new top-drawer luxury sedan will share running gear with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Differences will include a new body and interior, and a possible increase in wheelbase. Given its initials, the 2013 XTS may also offer standard all-wheel drive.
Cadillac also confirms it will build a new small-car range to compete against the BMW 3-Series, although it already offers a 3-Series competitor with the current CTS sedan.
Automotive News reports the GM plant in Oshawa, Ontario, is a likely source for the new XTS. Representatives tell the weekly that Oshawa is due to build a new hybrid sedan in 2011 and a long-wheelbase version in 2013. Those two vehicles could be the upcoming replacement for the Chevrolet Impala and the new Cadillac XTS.
Other details noted from today's exclusive preview of the XTS: a concept model wore "XTS4" badging, implying all-wheel drive is planned. Whether base versions would be front-wheel or rear-wheel drive has not been disclosed. GM has said in the past that the "Zeta" rear-drive architecture that underpins the Chevrolet Camaro was adapted prior to launch, so that bigger vehicles could share some of its components.
There's more to come from Cadillac this fall--stay tuned.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Cash For Clunkers: Your Best Bets On This List
If you happen to have a vehicle that's worth less than $3500 and are interested in purchasing a new vehicle, then the current Cash For Clunkers legislation may help you out. Provided it passes out of Congress and is signed by President Obama.
Assuming that it passes, when you visit a dealership to purchase a new, fuel-efficient vehicle, you'll benefit from the program if your extant vehicles is nearly worthless and gets lousy mileage ... the worse the better. If the new vehicle you purchase gets just four mpg better combined mileage (only two if your purchase a light-duty truck), the check from the Feds would be $3500. If the mileage improvement is ten mpg better (only four if your purchase a light-duty truck), the check goes up a grand.
Vehicles also need to be 1984 or newer to qualify, and have a fuel-economy average of 18 mpg or below.
The wonks at Consumer Reports looked at their huge amount of data and came up with a table of vehicles that lists the best cars to junk. Thankfully, there aren't a lot of cars on the list that we'd mind see go to the crusher. (The current legislation requires that new-car dealers insure that all vehicles that are turned in for Federal vouchers get crushed. The details on this process should be interesting.)
Consumer Reports picked these as their top five:
- 1994 Cadillac DeVille
- 1994 Cadillac Eldorado
- 1994 Cadillac Seville
- 1996 Jaguar XJ6
- 1999 Lincoln Continental
The trio of Cadillacs share a common V-8. The XJ6 used Jag's classic in-line six, an engine known for more for its smoothness and silky power delivery than its efficiency. The Continental sucks its fuel through a 4.6-liter V-8, an early iteration of the V-8 still in production today. Other cars on the list are likewise unspectacular and will not be missed.
While the legislation hasn't passed yet, it's never too early to start thinking about that new 2011 Chevrolet Volt in your driveway (check out our overview by clicking on the link).
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Driven: 2009 Audi Q5
Why's the 2009 Audi Q5 the highest-rated compact luxury SUV here at TheCarConnection.com--and even so, why does it get different scores from its 2009 Audi A4 stablemate, when the two share a drivetrain combination, all-wheel drive and lots of other under-the-skin pieces?
Answers to those questions come from our hands-on road tests. We finally scored an Audi Q5 this past week, and after hundreds of miles cruising Georgia countryside and wandering into Hazzardous territory, we found out the Q5's very nearly the best in its class--pending a deeper look at the new Cadillac SRX.
The Q5 received a score of 8.4 out of 10 from our editors, with a perfect 10 in safety and a 9 for features. In its class, the Q5 tops the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLK and BMW X3, its most direct competitors, while tying the Lexus RX 350 and topping trucks like the Volvo XC60, Land Rover LR2, and Acura RDX.
How does it come out in first place? Hands-down, the Q5 is one of the most attractive utes in its class, along with the Cadillac SRX and Volvo XC60. It's also one of the best performers, with 270 horsepower pushing it to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. With optional Driver Select assistance for steering, shift quality and ride comfort, it's a little too adjustable, but the Q5's essential goodness isn't ruined by too much techno interference. Comfort and seating are high points, and quality of materials is very good--and the Q5 scored five stars in federal crash tests, on its way to a "Top Safety Pick" honor.
And yet, the Q5 doesn't score as well in performance as the 2009 Audi A4, which also offers Drive Select, the same V-6 and a six-speed automatic. For now, the A4 simply offers a wider range of driving options: a turbocharged four-cylinder version is available, unlike the Q5, as is a manual transmission. Not only do those options lower the cost of entry, our editors also tend to prefer Audi's turbo fours to their six-cylinders, for flexible power and much better fuel economy. Along with the limited performance palette on the Q5, there's the simple fact of physics: its greater curb weight and 7.9 inches of ground clearance leave it with less deft dynamics than the sedan. The four-door sits lower and feels more agile as a result. That said, we're keen to get into a non-Drive Select Q5 or A4, to see how well its standard suspension setting stacks up against the adjustable, electronic option.
We're also waiting for the day Audi puts its brilliant dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) in these cars. New versions with seven speeds instead of six are in the pipeline, and for both the Q5 and A4, the DSG would align these vehicles better with Audi's sporty image.
You can read more of our full 2009 Audi Q5 road test, but we've already taken the next step and compared the Q5 with the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK.
Next up? We'll pit the Q5 against the 2010 Cadillac SRX to see which small luxury SUV will keep the top ranking for the 2010 model year.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
