The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced that the 2011 Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M have earned its top rating of good in roof strength tests. The new roof strength tests, test how well a vehicle will protect its passengers in a rollover crash.

The CTS and Infiniti M beat out the Lexus GS and Audi A6, both of which only received acceptable ratings and the Acura RL, which only received a marginal rating.

The Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M received the institute's Top Safety Pick Award after receiving a good rating in all four of its safety tests.

GM has announced that its current CEO, Ed Whitacre is going to step down on September 1, 2010 and that his title of Chairman of the Board will terminate at the end of 2010.

Whitacre is going to be replaced by Dan Akerson, who has served on the GM board of directors since July 2009.

"My goal in coming to General Motors was to help restore profitability, build a strong market position, and position this iconic company for success," said Whitacre. "We are clearly on that path. A strong foundation is in place and I am comfortable with the timing of my decision."

"There are remarkable opportunities ahead for the new GM, and I am honored to lead the company through this next chapter," said Akerson. "Ed Whitacre established a foundation upon which we will continue building a great automobile company."

GM announced today that the much anticipated Cadillac CTS Coupe has entered production at Cadillac's Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant. The 2011 CTS Coupe joins the sedan and sport wagon and officially stats at $38,990.

GM currently offers the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse (above) and GMC Acadia, which are all 7-passenger crossovers based on GM's Lambda platform. It was reported before that Cadillac would also be getting a version of the crossover, but that was before GM went into bankruptcy.

Well according to GM's vice president of global engineering, Karl Stracke, the Lambda-based Cadillac crossover is still on.

There is no other info about the new Cadillac crossover. Do you think that GM really needs a fourth Lambda crossover? Lets hope that GM isn't returning to its old method of badge engineering all of its vehicles.

GM has officially announced the pricing for the anticipated 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe.

The 2011 CTS coupe goes on sale in August with a starting price of $38,990. It's powered by a 304-hp 3.6L V6 that is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Buyers can also choose between rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive.

"CTS Coupe is a compelling new alternative for luxury and performance-minded drivers," said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. "The addition of a Coupe, especially one this dramatic, provides an important entryway for new consumers to experience Cadillac Art and Science."

If 304-hp isn't enough for you, the CTS-V with its 6.2L supercharged V8 starts at $62,990.

Last week GM announced that it paid off its government loans early and now GM has announced plans to invest $890 million a new generation of fuel efficient small block truck and car engines.

"GM is investing in our plants, restoring and creating jobs and making progress toward our vision of designing, building and selling the world's best vehicles," said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. "These latest investments show our commitment to improving fuel economy for buyers of every GM car, truck and crossover and giving them the best possible driving and ownership experience."

The next generation small block engines will be more fuel efficient thanks to direct injection and an all-new advanced combustion system design. The engines will also use aluminum engine blocks and be E85 ethanol capable.

The investment is expected to create or retain more than 1,600 jobs.

GM Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre announced this morning that the automaker has made its final payment of $5.8 billion to the U.S. Treasury and Export Development Canada, ahead of schedule. The announcement was made at a ceremony to highlight an investment of $257 million at GM's Fairfax, Kansas, and Detroit Hamtramck assembly centers.

"GM is able to repay the taxpayers in full, with interest, ahead of schedule, because more customers are buying vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse we build here in Fairfax," said Whitacre. "We are now building some of the best cars, trucks, and crossovers we have ever built, and customers are taking note. Our dealers are increasing their sales, we are investing in our plants, and we are restoring and creating jobs."

The U.S., Canadian, and Ontario governments gave GM loans of $8.4 billion and took equity stakes in the new GM. Today's payment of $5.8 billion ($4.7 billion to the U.S. Treasury and $C1.1 billion to Export Development Canada) completes the payback of the loans.

"GM's ability to pay back the loans ahead of schedule is a sign that our plan is working, and that we are on the right track. It is also an important first step toward allowing our stockholders to reduce their equity investments in GM," said Whitacre. "We still have much hard work ahead of us, but we are making progress toward our vision of designing, building, and selling the world's best vehicles.

GM also stated that sales of GM's four brands are up 36 percent through March versus the same period in 2009.

Just in case you've always loved the Cadillac CTS-V sedan, but have always needed a little more room in the cargo area, GM has officially unveiled the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon.

The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is powered by the same 556-hp 6.2L V8 as the sedan that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. It also features Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires mounted on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

"The CTS-V Sport Wagon is a natural extension of both the V-Series and the CTS lineup, offering an uncompromising performance car to enthusiasts who want the extra room of a wagon," said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing. "The V-Series Sport Wagon is another hallmark of the dramatic presence and power of Cadillac vehicles."

The Sport Wagon offers 25.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and and 58 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, double the available space in the sedan.

The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon will be available late this year.

GM unveiled the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. The large sedan was a preview of an upcoming flagship sedan for Cadillac and now according to sources the sedan has been given the green light.

The XTS flagship will replace the aging DTS and STS models in the Cadillac lineup. The final design of the XTS is expected to be virtually unchanged from the concept, which also includes the interior.

GM is expected to release a plug-in hybrid version of the XTS, which would be powered by the 3.6L V6 and plug-in hybrid system that was originally developed for the Saturn Vue. A twin-turbo 3.6L is supposedly also in the works.

The XTS Platinum Concept was powered by a 3.6L V6 mated to a plug-in hybrid system that put out a combined 350 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque.

GM has killed plans for the Cadillac Converj, which was based on the same platform as the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid to focus on cheaper plug-in hybrids for the brand.

GM decided that the Converj wouldn't have enough amenities and electric range to appeal to buyers and to produce a profit. Two months ago, GM's Bob Lutz claimed that the Converj was in GM's product plans. The problem was that by adding the amenities that Cadillac buyers demand, the weight of the car would have increased, thereby reducing the range that it could travel on electricity alone. The added amenities would have also significantly raised the overall price of the car. GM has yet to release the pricing for the Volt, but it's expected to be in the $40k range.

GM's upcoming rear-wheel-drive model plans were recently unveiled to the Automotive Press Association Thursday afternoon, which outlines GM's plans to move to more common, global platforms. GM most likely preferred that these plans were not made public, but too late...

The next Camaro, due out in 2014, is going to switch to the global Alpha platform that GM is developing for the new BMW 3 Series fighter, codenamed Cadillac ATS. The new Alpha platform is also going to be the basis for the next Cadillac CTS, which is due out in 2013 as a 2014 model. What's interesting is that at this time the CTS coupe and wagon will be discontinued. The next CTS is also expected to grow in size as it becomes Cadillac's mainstream luxury car.

So it's be widely known for a while that GM has been planning on replacing the Cadillac STS and DTS sedans with one flagship model for the brand. Well GM has just unveiled the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept, which is supposed to be a preview of what we can expect from Cadillac's upcoming flagship sedan, the 2012 Cadillac XTS.

The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept showcases the progression of the Cadillac Art and Science philosophy with exterior styling that is similar to the CTS and SRX models.

"The XTS Platinum concept is the next expression of Cadillac's Art and Science execution philosophy, reflecting our drive to deliver the latest innovations in the most artful manner," said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. "We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury."

The concept uses Cadillac's 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The combined output of the V6 and electric motor yields 350-horsepower and 295-pound-feet of torque. The concept can be recharged at any standard external electrical outlet and takes about five hours to recharge. The system in the XTS Platinum Concept is not the same design as the one in the Chevy Volt, since the Volt's engine's main job is to recharge the battery.

Today GM's Bob Lutz officially announced at the conference of the Society of Automotive Analysts that GM is going to build the Cadillac Converj extended-range electric vehicle. Teh Cadillac Converj will officially be the second plug-in extended-range electric vehicle that GM is going to introduce.

The Converj Concept was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show last year and was based on the same powertrain that is going to power the upcoming Chevy Volt. According to Lutz, GM has just started developement on the Converj and it is at least a few years away.

The Cadillac Converj is cleared for production," Lutz said. He wouldn't commit to a production date. "You'll see it when you see it. It won't be next year or the year after that."

GM is set to unveil the V-Series performance of the 2011 CTS coupe at the Detroit Auto Show next week and here's our first look at what we can expect. The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe combines the shell of the coupe with the 556-hp 6.2L V-8, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

"The CTS-V Coupe marries our most potent and sophisticated technology with our most dramatic production design," said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. "This combination of visual and technical attributes is designed to create a very compelling choice for luxury sports car consumers."

Production of the 2011 CTS-V Coupe begins this summer.

GM has officially unveiled the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe, the third model of the CTS lineup. The CTS Coupe is going to also be offered in the CTS-V variant as well, but the latest reports are claiming that GM has no plans for a convertible.

Inside Line is reporting that they received an inside scoop that GM has no plans for a convertible and that the introduction of the coupe will complete the CTS lineup.

Wow that was fast! GM's CEO Fritz Henderson has stepped down. This has been quite a year for GM, since this is now the second CEO that GM has lost this year.

It's not exactly known why Henderson has stepped down, but the past few months GM has had a rough time offloading Opel, Saab and Saturn. All three deals that were expected to conclude fell through. It's also being reported that there was some clashing between Henderson and Chairman Ed Whitacre.

Chairman Ed Whitacre is going to act as the interim CEO until a replacement is found.

For the 28th year in a row, CARandDRIVER has picked the 10 best cars. This year's list consists of a few returning models like the BMW 3 Series and Honda Accord, which have both been on the list 19 and 24 times, respectively.

The publication tested 58 models worth $2.5 million total and logged a total of 12,000 test miles. New to the list this year is the Ford Fusion Hybrid, note that the gas only version isn't though. The Chevrolet Corvette, Infiniti G37, and the Jaguar XF are all off this year's list.

Check out the complete list after the jump.

GM has officially taken the wraps off the much anticipated 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe. The CTS coupe only shares everything in front of the A pillar with the sedan although the coupe two inches lower and two inches shorter overall than the sedan.

The CTS coupe will come standard with the 304-hp 3.6L V6 engine mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A 556-hp CTS-V coupe will be available later in 2010.

The 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe will be available in spring of 2010.

GM is set to debut the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show this month.

Bob Lutz confirmed back in July that the CTS-V coupe was still on and he also recently revealed that GM is also going to release a CTS-V Sport Wagon. Both CTS-V versions of the Sport Wagon and Coupe will be powered by the same 556-hp 6.2L Supercharged V8 that powers the sedan.

In addition to news about future of the Regal and Impala, GM's Bob Lutz has also confirmed that the Cadillac Sport Wagon is also going to be offered as a CTS-V Sport Wagon. This means that buyers will be able to get the CTS-V any way they want it, since the CTS-V will also be offered as a coupe.

Car and Driver recently got some alone time with Lutz, in which he stated, "You know what's really going to get you guys [on board with wagons] is the CTS-V wagon."

The Detroit News is reporting that GM has finally decided to build the Cadillac Converj, which shares the same extended-range technology as the Chevy Volt.

GM originally unveiled the Cadillac Converj concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. A production date has not been set, but it will likely be a few years before it hits the showroom. When it was unveiled Bob Lutz claimed that a production version would remain very close to the concept, just how GM did with the Camaro.

The Converj seems to make sense, since it would increase the number of electric vehicles offered by GM and it would help spread the cost of the technology that is shared with the Volt. GM would also be able to apply a higher sticker price to the Cadillac version, which would also help with costs.

The Volt is still on target for production at the end of 2010, we'll have to keep our fingers crossed that the Converj is going to actually be produced.

Motor Trend has announced the list of SUV contenders for its "SUV of the Year" award.

Of course this award is great to whomever wins, due to all of the bragging rights that come along with it. It's usually heavily used in every ad campaign. Last year the Subaru Forester took home the award.

Which SUV do you think should win this year's award?

Cadillac's CTS-V sedan packs a whopping 556-hp thanks to its supercharged 6.2L V8, which aims it squarely at the BMW M5, Audi RS6 and Mercedes E63 AMG. Well according to a GM insider, GM is currently working on a CTS-V Sport Wagon in addition to a V version of the upcoming coupe.

Bob Lutz and CEO Fritz Henderson have both alluded to the fact that GM is working on V versions of the new CTS-V Sport Wagon. It remains to be seen if the wagon version of the CTS-V will sell in the U.S. BMW and Audi do not sell high performance wagons in the U.S. due to low sales and even the Mercedes E63 AMG barely manages to even register on the sales charts here. The main difference is that the CTS-V Sport Wagon starts at a much lower price point than its German competitors.

A new study by Consumer Reports claims that 81 percent of respondents who stated that they are looking to buy a new car, would consider a domestic brand. This compares to only 47% for an Asian vehicle and 46% for a European brand.

Of course not every domestic automaker is equal. Ford has benefited the most with a 17 percent increase compared to a year ago. GM interest is only up 6 percent, while Chrysler is down 25 percent among new car buyers.

"The Detroit 3 have been in the spotlight all year," said Rik Paul, automotive editor, Consumer Reports. "Ford was the only one of the Detroit 3 that did not seek federal assistance, and this has likely helped bolster its reputation among car buyers."

Out of those surveyed only 9 percent are likely to buy a car in the next year compared to 19 percent a year ago.

Cadillac has started airing a new commercial that shows off the new CTS wagon, SRX and the upcoming CTS Coupe. The CTS Coupe is currently slated for a summer 2010 release.

Enjoy...

GM showed off the Cadillac Converj concept at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, which showcased GM's plug-in technology in a luxury vehicle. Although it was designed in such a way to give way to a production version, there was opposition from the US government and within GM. The U.S. Treasury Department was opposed to the Converj due to its high costs when GM was in bankruptcy. Additionally then GM North America President Troy Clarke and Mark McNabb, who headed Cadillac, Hummer, and Saab were also against it, but both of those guys are no longer with GM.

Now that GM has emerged from bankruptcy there has been a renewed interest in the Converj, mainly thanks to Bob Lutz. The new marketing chief is reportedly trying to find a way to get the car into production. It could potentially act as a technology halo vehicle for Cadillac. If it does receive the green light it wouldn't see the light of day until around 2014.

In a surprise move, GM has decided to stop putting the silver corporate logo on its vehicles in an attempt to emphasize the four brands that survived GM's bankruptcy.

The decision was made earlier this month and will start with the 2010 model year.

"We are just really focused on the four core brands and this provided us with another opportunity to make sure they were at the forefront," GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan said.

According to Rhadigan people outside the midwest do not always link Cadillac or Chevy with GM.

In addition to the announcement about the Chevy Volt, GM has also announced plans to introduce 25 new models between now and 2011.

Chevy is going to introduce 10 new models; Buick and GMC will also introduce 10 new models, including a a Buick plug-in hybrid compact crossover in 2011; Cadillac is introducing five new models through 2011.

One of Cadillac's new models will be a new entry-level sedan that will slot below the CTS in the lineup. The new sport sedan will be offered in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.

"We are determined to repeat what CTS has already achieved in design, quality, driving dynamics, performance and fuel economy to grow our presence in this high-volume and highly competitive segment," Henderson said.

GM's new chairman, Ed Whitacre has announced that the automaker will release some new models sooner than originally planned to regain some of the market share that its lost.

GM is fresh out of bankruptcy, but received $50 billion in federal aid, which will help it regain some of its losses. GM's market share dropped to 18.9 percent last month down from 20.5, which was more that 50 percent decades ago.

"Our cash position is good," Whitacre said. "We have some flexibility."

Whitacre did not announce which models we can expect to see sooner, but GM's market share is expected to further erode since it is selling or phasing out the Saturn, Saab, Hummer and Pontiac brands.

GM has officially exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and what's left is what GM is now referring to as the "new" GM.

"Today marks a new beginning for General Motors, one that will allow every employee, including me, to get back to the business of designing, building and selling great cars and trucks and serving the needs of our customers," said Fritz Henderson, president and CEO. "We are deeply appreciative for the support we have received during this historic transformation, and we will work hard to repay this trust by building a successful new General Motors."

The new GM consists of four core brands: Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet and GMC, which means a total of only 34 nameplates. Less GM models will allow GM to focus more attention on making each model more competitive. In addition the new GM has a more competitive cost structure, a cleaner balance sheet, and a stronger liquidity position that will enable GM to invest in new products, key technologies, and its future.

The U.S. Treasury department reportedly owns 60 percent of the new GM, while Canada holds 11.7% and the UAW holds 17.6%.

GM has announced this morning that the former AT&T CEO, Edward Whitacre, Jr. will become chairman of the "new" GM when the company is launched this summer. GM's interim Chairman Kent Kresa will continue to serve as interim chairman until the launch.

"The appointment of Ed Whitacre as chairman represents a very auspicious beginning for the New GM," said Kresa. "We look forward to working with him to complete the reinvention of GM and maximize the enormous potential of this new enterprise."

Whitacre and Kresa will join current board members Philip A. Laskawy, Kathryn V. Marinello, Erroll B. Davis, Jr., E. Neville Isdell and President and Chief Executive Officer Frederick A. Henderson will serve as the board for the new GM. The six other members of the board will likely retire.

"I am honored to be able to serve GM at this critical juncture and take part in its reinvention," said Whitacre.

Well it was Chrysler last month and now as many people expected, GM has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

GM has officially filed for bankruptcy in a New York court citing $82 billion in assets, but an astounding $172 billion in debts. Although GM for most of its 100-year history has managed to hold the title as the world's largest automaker, the automaker has seen its sales drop almost 50 percent this year.

“Today marks a new beginning for General Motors,” GM Chairman Kent Kresa said in a statement this morning. “A court-supervised process and transfer of assets will enable a New GM to emerge as a stronger, healthier, more focused and nimbler company with a determination not to just survive but to excel.”

The process will see GM divided into two groups, good assets and bad assets. The good assets will become part of the new "leaner" GM and the bad assets will be liquidated. To aid in the process the U.S. treasury is going to provide an additional $30 billion to finance GM during the bankruptcy, which brings the total to almost $50 billion.

Cadillac has announced the pricing for the all-new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover.

The new SRX will be at dealerships this summer with a starting price of $34,155. For 2010 the SRX will be offered with a choice of two direct-injected V6 engines. Either a 260-hp 3.0L or a 300-hp turbocharged 2.8L. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally Cadillac is also going to release the CTS Sport Wagon later this summer. The CTS wagon will feature the same 3.0L V6 as the SRX and get an estimated 28 mpg on the highway.

Just like Chrysler did yesterday, GM has announced plans to close 1,100 of its "underperforming" dealers.

Although GM has identified the 1,100 dealers that will be closed, the automaker is not closing any dealerships today. GM will be working with the dealerships over the next few weeks to come up with a long term plan. It is expected that their will be a wind-down of the affected dealers over the next year. This is in contrast to Chrysler's plans to close its affected dealers by June 9th.

GM likely to announce more dealer cuts in the future since the automaker wants to pare down its network from 5,969 stores to approximately 3,600 by the end of 2010.

Following the announcement of Chrysler's bankruptcy yesterday, attention is now focusing on what will happen to GM at the end of this month.

GM has a deadline of June 1st to convince 90 percent of its bondholders to swap $27 billion in debt for a 10 percent stake in the company. If the United Auto Workers and bondholders cannot agree to money-saving concessions by the end of the month, GM could also be forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

"When there is a lot of bluffing going on in any negotiation, this shows the government is serious," said Jeremy Anwyl, chief executive officer of Edmunds.com

Earlier this week GM announced an updated Viability Plan that announced the death of Pontiac, more plant and dealer closures and more job cuts in an effort to qualify for more government aid.

Currently GM and its bond holders remain far apart on an agreement to swap debt for stake in the company. GM originally offered a 10 percent stake in exchange for $27 billion in debt, but the bond holders quickly counter offered with a deal that would give them a 58 percent stake in the company.

GM's current exchange offer expires on May 26.

According to Motor Trend, GM has approved the Cadillac Converj Concept for production. The extended-range electric coupe is based on the same architecture that powers the Chevy Volt.

GM execs want the car on the market by 2011 as a 2012 model. In addition a source claims that GM is also working on a crossover that will use the same technology.

A GM spokesperson claims that the Converj has still not been given the green light, but sources that have talked to Motor Trend have given many details that provide more proof that it is likely to be approved.

Of course all of this could change if GM's finances don't improve.

GM has asked the U.S. government for an additional $2.6 billion in loans to support the development of new hybrid vehicles.

The loan request would help the development of two spinoffs of the upcoming Chevy Volt. This is the first time that GM has confirmed plans to produce spinoffs of the Volt. In January, GM unveiled the Cadillac Converj concept which was based on the mechanicals of the Volt. GM executives have stated that GM plans on using the Volt system in other models to raise volume and reduce costs.

General Motors has launched a new customer protection package called GM Total Confidence to encourage people to start buying cars again.

The new package is similar to what Hyundai launched a few months ago, although GM's version goes a bit further to help potential buyers. The payment protection plan will pay your car payment up to nine months if you lose your job within the first two years of vehicle ownership ($500 max per month). The residual value of the buyer's vehicle is also protected and one year of OnStar is also included.

The GM Total Confidence plan is available for vehicles purchased between April 1 - April 30, 2009.

There's more bad news for Cadillac fans in Europe. Yesterday it was reported that GM had stopped plans to introduce a much needed V6 turbodiesel for Cadillac in Europe. Today it looks like GM has decided to pull Cadillac out of half of Europe.

GM has decided to halt Cadillac sales in half of Europe following the collapse of its regional distributor, Kroymans. The issue obviously has to do with the collapse of auto sales.

“We will take it down to less than a dozen markets,” a GM Europe source told Automotive News Europe.

As of right now Cadillacs are sold in 25 European countries.

Cadillac has been struggling to gain traction in Europe. A much needed diesel engine, which would have made Cadillac more competitive in Europe has now been canceled.

Cadillac was expected to receive a 2.9-liter V6 turbodiesel that was developed with and was to be manufactured by Italian diesel-engine expert VM Motori S.p.A. According to division spokesperson Joann Krell the diesel has been "indefinitely delayed." A source states that the design and development of the engine has been completed.

The cancellation of the V6 diesel now effectively means that Cadillac is going to have a hard time increasing market share in Europe, since 54 percent of all light vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel powered. Currently the only diesel powered Cadillac is the slow selling front-wheel-drive BLS.

Now that Saturn is all but dead in a few years it looks like GM is trying to figure out to bring its impressive Opel Insignia to the US. Originally the next-generation Saturn Aura would have been our version of the Insignia, but instead the sedan could come here as a Buick or Cadillac.

Automotive News is reporting that the Insignia is set to hit US dealerships under the Buick brand as a replacement for the discontinued Regal sedan. But the fact that the Insignia shares the same front-wheel-drive platform as the next-generation LaCrosse, it may not make much sense. Instead GM may bring the Insignia to the US under the Cadillac brand, which could feature both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.

GM released its Viability Plan yesterday in which the automaker revealed its plans to return the company to profitability. Today GM has announced that it is disbanding its high-performance unit.

This team was responsible for the development of the V-series Cadillacs and the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HHR SS and a V-8 version of the Colorado.

"All high-performance projects are on indefinite hold," spokesman Vince Muniga said. "The engineers are moving into different areas of the organization, and they will work on Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs."

There are currently no plans for high-performance versions of future vehicles.

The team could be reinstated once GM is back in the black.

Just as Chrysler submitted its Viability Plan to the U.S. Treasury Department, GM also submitted its own plan which detailed the automaker's plans to turn the company around. In Chrysler's plan the new Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee were revealed. GM also revealed a new model in its plan as well, the production version of the Cadillac CTS Coupe.

In addition to the CTS Coupe, GM also detailed plans for a new dual-clutch transmission, a new range of four-cylinder engines, a production version of the Cadillac Converj and a third generation hybrid system that will be released by 2015.

GM has already received $13.4 billion in loans from the U.S. goverment, but in its viability plan, the automaker asked for an additional $16.6 billion.

Part of GM's restructuring plan is to focus on its core brands; Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. GM is going to make a decision by the end of March if it will sell or phase out the HUMMER brand. Saab is currently on the market and Saturn is going to be phased out at the end of the current product cycle.

Last month GM unveiled the Cadillac Converj Concept that combined the Volt's powertrain with a much sexier shell.

Although the Converj Concept is a coupe, GM is reportedly considering a four-door version for production. A four-door Converj would keep its coupe-like roofline, meaning it would be dubbed as a four-door coupe. Four-door vehicles simply sell better than two-doors so it would make for a stronger business case. According to Bob Lutz a production version of the Converj will not differ much from the concept, much in the same way that the production Camaro is very similar to its concept.

Even if the Converj is eventually given the green light, don't expect it to be released before 2013. Also who knows how much it would actually cost. The Volt is expected to start around $40,000, so a Cadillac version would definitely cost much more.

GM was supposed to release the much anticipated Cadillac CTS Coupe this summer, but it looks like the coupe has been delayed a year until the summer of 2010.

The change is plans is most likely due to GM's current economic condition. Cadillac's director of communications cited "changes to the overall portfolio" as the reason for the delay.

Cadillac is still moving forward with the launch of the CTS wagon this spring and the new SRX crossover this summer.

GM Holden chairman and managing director, Mark Reuss announced Thursday that plans to offer the Cadillac brand in Australia have been indefinitely delayed.

“With the downturn of the Australian automotive market and the broader global financial situation, we have made a common-sense, commercially responsible decision to not introduce a new brand into the exceptionally challenging Australian market at this time. GM Holden was faced with making a significant investment to launch a new, niche brand into a tough market.” Reuss said

The plans are not completely dead because once the economy improves, the plans to launch Cadillac in Australia will be re-considered.

GM has unveiled a new Cadillac concept, the Converj, which is based on the Chevy Volt's "Voltec" drivetrain.

The Converj Concept combines GM's new electric technology with styling that is distinctly Cadillac. Since it uses the same technology as the more pedestrian-looking Volt.

Let's hope they make something like this in the future....

Cadillac has officially unveiled the 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover.

The next-generation SRX ditches the wagon-like styling from the last-generation for something more "crossover" like. It's styling was previewed by the Provoq concept. The 2010 SRX builds on Cadillac's Art and Science design theme with its multi-piece shield grille and iconic vertical headlamps.

The SRX is powered by a new, 260 horsepower 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine, standard and a new, 300 horsepower 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front and all-wheel-drive will be offered. It's not known if GM is planning a hybrid version of the SRX to help it go head to head with its closest competitor, the Lexus RX.

Here's a new video of the 2010 Cadillac SRX that is going to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

Cadillac hasn't released any of the official details of the second-gen SRX. So stay tuned until next month.

Ward’s Automotive Group has announced its 2009 10 Best Engines list.

The list is compiled by Ward's editors and 2009 is officially the 15th year of the Ward’s 10 Best Engines program.

This year the list of winners is very broad with hybrid engines as well as high output turbocharged engines receiving the award.

“A decade ago, few consumers in the U.S. paid serious attention to hybrids or diesels. This year, they have to, if they don’t want to be pinched the next time fuel hits $4 a gallon,” says Tom Murphy, executive editor of Ward’s AutoWorld magazine.”The diesels from VW and BMW and the Ford Escape Hybrid all got better than 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) during our testing, and often they topped 40 mpg (5.8 L/100 km),” he says. “And the diesels meet the strictest emissions regulations in the world. If Americans want to find a vehicle that consumes less fuel and is fun to drive, our list is a great place to start.”

Today Congress is meeting to discuss the details of the $25 billion bailout plan for U.S. automakers. Debates are going back and forth from both sides on how to solve this problem. Some senators are now even saying that the CEO's of the Big 3 should consider stepping down from their positions if that is what it will take for Congress to approve the plan.

During an interview yesterday on NBC’S “Meet the Press”, Michigan Sen. Carl Levin stated I’d be happy to tell (GM CEO) Rick Wagoner that he ought to consider resigning if that is the difference between getting this kind of support and not. If it was the difference between getting this kind of support or not, obviously the management should consider resigning."

GM has put together an informational video of what it predicts will happen if the Big Three automakers all fail next year.

Some highlights:
-If all three fail next year it will result in 3 million U.S. jobs lost in the first year
-Total governement tax loss over three years = $156.4 billion
-The U.S. GDP would drop 4 percent, compare that to the fact that the current economic downturn was caused by a .3 percent drop
-One out of every ten jobs in the U.S. relies on the U.S. auto industry

These past few weeks have been really bad for GM and now comes news that the automaker has canceled all of its press events at the LA Auto Show next week.

It's already been reported that GM canceled plans to unveil the new Buick LaCrosse and the production version of the CTS Coupe at the show. GM spokesman Scott Fosgard told the Detroit News that all of GM's bad financial news and the pending government bailout would have overshadowed the show.

Instead of showing anything new GM is going to bring the Chevy Volt and the Saab 9-4X Air Concept that was unveiled in Paris.

Very sad...

Last week GM reported that it lost $2.5 billion in the third quarter of 2008, while spending $6.9 billion. Today General Motors stock has plunged more than 31 percent to their lowest level in more than 55 years after two analysts downgraded GM's stock claiming that it will be worth very little of nothing if GM does receive a government bailout.

Deutsche Bank analyst Rod Lache reduced GM to sell and put a price target of $0 a share.

"Without government assistance, we believe that GM's collapse would be inevitable, and that it would precipitate systemic risk that would be difficult to overcome for automakers, suppliers, retailers, and sectors of the U.S. economy," Lache wrote. "As part of GM's restructuring, we are also convinced that a large number of stakeholders who are senior to GM's equity will have to settle for pennies on the dollar."

It was already reported that GM had postponed the replacements for the Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade SUVs, but now according to Bob Lutz there will not be replacement at all.

Lutz told the New York Times, “It would have been very difficult in today’s environment to spend a couple of billion dollars to do a replacement.”

The next-generation Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade were set to arrive in 2011 as 2012 models. It is not known if the current models will continue past 2011.

GM announced plans earlier this month to kill the Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7x due to slow sales. GM also announced plans to close its plant in Janesville, Wisconsin that currently produces the GMC Yukon and Chevy Suburban.

Here's a video of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V at the Milford Proving Ground, at the Monticello Raceway in New York and at the Nurburgring track, where John Heinricy completed a lap in 7:59.32.

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is powered by a 556 horsepower supercharged 6.2L V8 mated to either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Cadillac has announced that the uber-fast CTS-V will start at $59,995.

Cadillac has announced the pricing for the 556 horsepower Cadillac CTS-V.

The 2009 CTS-V will start at $59,995. The car is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 mated to either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The CTS-V also comes standard with a Bose audio system with a 40-gig hard drive. 14-way adjustable Recaro performance seats, "Ultra-View" sunroof and automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted shift buttons are optional.

Cadillac is planning on launching a new small rear-wheel-drive sedan that will go head to head with the BMW 3-Series.

GM has already announced that the automaker has postponed plans to redesign its large SUVs, so what does that mean for the next-gen Cadillac Escalade? Well GM may build the next-gen Escalade off the same platform as the Acadia, Outlook, Enclave and Traverse crossovers.

GM launched the "Employee Pricing for Everyone" campaign last month to move the remaining 08' models and a few 09' models off dealer lots...well GM has extended the program until the end of September.

Yesterday reports surfaced that Cadillac is working on a new small 4-cylinder powered sedan and now rumors are circulating that Cadillac may also receive a version of the highly anticipated Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid.

Cadillac is currently working on a small 4-cylinder sedan that will be offered in the US in late 2010 as a 2011 model....something that was unthinkable a year ago.

GM surprised everyone with the unveiling of the Cadillac CT coupe earlier this year. Now that the new CTS Sport Wagon has been unveiled we can look forward to November when the production CTS Coupe is set to make its debut.

GM has announced the return of employee pricing for its 2008 models and the 2009 Pontiac Vibe.

Cadillac has officially unveiled the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Earlier this year Cadillac unveiled the Provoq Concept, which featured an E-Flex fuel cell drivetrain. Well Cadillac has basically taken the Provoq and put a conventional V6 engine to come up with the all-new SRX crossover.

Consumers' demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles has caused GM to put the replacements for its largest Cadillac sedans on hold.

Cadillac has announced the pricing for its first hybrid model, the Escalade Hybrid.

This month has been a very difficult month for GM with its declining sales and plans to reduce costs by $15 billion by the end of 2009.

GM’s CEO Rick Wagoner announced today the many new steps that GM is going to take to cut costs by $15 billion by the end of 2009.

It had been rumored that GM was not going to sell its uber fast Cadillac CTS-V in Europe, but according to a senior source at GM, the 556 horsepower CTS-V is in fact headed to Europe.

It's widely known that GM is currently conducting a review of the HUMMER brand which will most likely result in the brand being sold or eventually killed. GM is claiming that no other brands are currently under review.

2008 is half way over and its been a very difficult six months for most automakers. GM which saw its sales decline 16.3 percent so far this year may be thinking about cutting even more jobs and possibly selling off some of its brands.

GM is postponing redesigning its large SUVs and full-size pickups as the market shifts towards more fuel-efficient vehicles.

When the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V was unveiled earlier this year, Cadillac estimated its final output at 550 horsepower, but now it is confirmed and the car actually produces 556 horsepower.

There has been a lot of news lately about the Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR1 times on the Nurburgring in Germany. Well another car is also making great times on the track.

The slowing economy and insane gas prices in the US have made it increasingly harder for automakers to sell their large SUVs and trucks.

GM officially unveiled the Cadillac CTS Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show this past January. At the time the automaker would not say if the car was ever going to enter production, although we all new better.

GM surprised everyone with the CTS Coupe concept at the Detroit Auto Show this month.

Cadillac has unveiled the all-new 2009 CTS-V before its official unveiling at next week's show in Detroit.

Cadillac has unveiled the Provoq fuel-cell SUV concept today, which is the latest example of GM's E-Flex propulsion system.

GM announced today that it is going to increase the prices on most of its 2008 models to make up for the rising cost of steel and other commodities.

Car and Driver's January 2008 issue is just starting to hit mailboxes and in it is their 10 best list for 2008.

Motor Trend has announced the winner of their coveted "Car of the Year" award and this year the award goes to the 2008 Cadillac CTS.

The Truth About Cars has decided to break GM's embargo on the new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.

The all-new Cadillac CTS is one of GM's most important new 2008 models. While we wait for the V-badged version of the CTS, Cadillac has revealed a stop gap model.

The SEMA Show is still a week away, but GM has given us a preview of what to expect at this year's show.

According to a new analyst report by Goldman Sachs the "Big 3" all had sales declines last month.

Earlier this year there was speculation that Cadillac is going to eventually drop the slow selling STS and DTS sedans in favor of one premium sedan. Well it has been confirmed by Cadillac officials that both sedans will die after there current product cycles.

Last month will go down in the record books as the first month that Detroit's Big 3 (Ford, GM and Chrysler) sold less vehicles than their foreign competitors. Sales from Ford, GM and Chrysler only made up 48.1 percent of all vehicles sales in the U.S. last month, while foreign competitors made up 51.9 percent.

Cadillac hopes to rejuvenate its lineup by killing off its large slow selling STS and DTS sedans. For years Cadillac has had an image of a producer of large luxury barges, for example the Escalade XL SUV. The automaker hopes to change that image by discontinuing its largest sedans and introducing a new small RWD sedan.

Toyota for the first time ever outsold GM worldwide in the first quarter of this year. So far this year Toyota is still outselling GM, but only by 46,000 units. In addition GM even outsold Toyota last quarter (April-June). Could GM win back its title of number 1 automaker this year?

Just like the 2008 Subaru Impreza a few days ago, the pricing for the new 2008 Cadillac CTS has been leaked. The new CTS will start at $32,245 for the base 3.6L V6 model with a manual transmission. The 3.6L VVT model with 300 horsepower and standard automatic transmission will start at $34,545.

GM, Honda and VW and many other automakers have been discussing the futures of diesels in the US a lot lately. Last week GM's Bob Lutz went on camera to discuss the future of GM diesels. He stated that the first diesels will be under the hoods of Cadillacs and Saturns. Well now the automaker has decided to expand its diesel capacity by buying a 50 percent stake in VM Motori S.p.A, an Italian diesel maker.

GM has confirmed plans to release diesel engines in Cadillac and Saturn cars by 2010. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz discusses his take on diesel engines and their future in the US in his video blog.

Cadillac's SRX has been on the market since 2004 and it will finally receive an update in 2011, but according to Motor Trend the SRX could be replaced by a BMW X3-size crossover.

Cadillac's gas-guzzling SUV is about to get gas-saving technology that will hopefully help improve its image. Spy photographers have caught the upcoming hybrid version testing in Nevada. Unlike the upcoming Tahoe and Yukon hybrids, the Escalade will not get specific styling to differentiate it from the regular gas powered version.

According to the latest issue of Motor Trend, the next generation 2009 Cadillac CTS-v will get the same engine in the upcoming Z07 Chevrolet Corvette (also known as the Blue Devil). The ZO7 is expected to put out about 700 horsepower and the Cadillac will get a detuned version of the same engine with about 600 horsepower.

According to an Automotive News story, Cadilac is going drop either the STS or DTS from their lineup. Cadillac's future lineup will include three sedans, one larger than the current CTS and one smaller than it. According to Trey Clarke, President of GM North America, that means that either the STS or DTS will be dropped.

According to California Attorney General Jerry Brown, the federal government may need to bail out U.S. automakers in order to keep them in business. The bail out could amount to several billion dollars.

PC Magazine has listed what they feel are the vehicles with the best technology. For the second year the BMW X5 was listed as their top vehicle and took home the magazine's "Digital Drive Car of the Year" award. The X5 was picked because of its adaptive drive, spilt-screen navigation, real-time traffic reports and front and rear sonar.

Edmunds.com has posted a list of the most wanted cars in 2007 based on reader feedback. Out of the 32 categories you may be surprised which automaker took home the most awards....

April's auto sales numbers have just been posted and almost every major automaker had a sales decrease last month. Even the Asian automakers that have been making headlines for their sales gains, took a hit.

Now that GM is the Number Two automaker in the world, many analysts are discussing what the automaker needs to do in order to get back on top. Alex Taylor at Fortune wrote an article on what he suggests the automaker do to gain back their title.

According to a report by the Automotive News, between September 2006 and February 2007, 48.5% of Chrysler brand sales were to fleets. That is an increase of 10% from the same period a year ago. 44.9% of Pontiac sales go to fleets, which is slightly lower than the 46.2% from the year earlier.

Following the announcements made by President Bush to raise corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards, Vice Chairman of GM, Bob Lutz has announced that the company is going to have to put their RWD cars on hold.

Toyota's sales increased 9% last month compared to March 2006. This was largely driven by sales of the new Camry, the RAV4 and the Prius.

Cadillac has taken the wraps off the refreshed 2008 Cadillac STS. The car has received improvements to the interior, a revised front grille and a new standard 298 horsepower V6. The car is going to be unveiled next month at the New York Auto show.