Cadillac Marks its Return to Racing with a Series of Short Films on the CTS-V Coupe

"Refueled: The Return of the CTS-V" is the name of Cadillac’s new series of short films that were created to give us a behind-the-scenes look at the development of its all-new CTS-V Coupe racing car, with which the company marks it return to competition after a four year hiatus. The newly released footage documents the genesis of the CTS-V Coupe racecars as well as their connection to the production version of the sports coupe.

The Cadillac CTS-V will make its competition debut at the season-opening race of the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT series in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 25-27. The GT series’ schedule for 2011 includes eight races in the U.S. and Canada from March to October. Click through to the jump for the videos.

VIDEOS

VIDEO: Top Gear China 15-Minute Pilot Episode Hits the Web, Includes Cadillac vs…Donkey Comparo

We’ve already told you about Top Gear’s plans to export the franchise to China, but today we stumbled upon what is claimed to be the first 15-minute long pilot episode of the TV series. China’s version of the famous car show keeps the familiar format with three male hosts and includes an oddball test where a Cadillac STS is compared to a donkey to see which is better suited to millstone work. If you follow the jump, you can watch the full video while we’ve also added a second clip that contains some English subtitles, though there’s no way of being sure about its accuracy.

Source: Youtube via: Jalopnik , GTspirit

VIDEO

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Racers Show their Colors at Sebring

The racing division of Cadillac travelled to the Sebring International Raceway for a second round of testing before the start of the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT season, which will mark the return of the brand with the crest to racing after a three year hiatus.

For the first time, both CTS-V Coupe racecars showed the full color scheme, decals and numbers they will wear during the 2011 season. The No. 8 car will be driven by Andy Pilgrim, while the No. 3 coupe will have Johnny O'Connell behind the wheel.

“It’s our first opportunity to get both cars on the track at the same time, in full race trim. Besides looking incredible on the track, the cars are performing at an exceptional level,” said Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac global marketing director.

“We’re getting in a lot of laps, and that’s what we need to do to get ready for the 2011 season,” said No. 8 car driver Andy Pilgrim. His teammate, Johhny O'Connell added: „With two full days of testing (Feb. 22-23), we’ll have a really good idea of how we’ll perform at the first race in St. Petersburg next month.”

The first race of the season will be on March 25-27 in St. Petersburg, Florida, followed by seven other venues in the U.S. and Canada.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Hennessey Reveals Monstrous 1,000HP Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Hennessey is one of America’s best-known tuning houses offering solutions for a great number of vehicles ranging from Nissan GT-R bashing Caddy Escalades to Ferrari’s 458 Italia –and anything in between.

Having already tuned the sedan and estate versions of the Cadillac CTS-V, Hennessey decided it was time to give a little attention to the coupe version: hence the V1000 CTS-V Coupe was born.

Hennessey got rid of the factory supercharged 564HP 6.2-liter LSA. What took its place under the bonnet is a twin-turbocharged 7.0 lt LS-based V8 with too many modifications to mention (see the full specs below). As you can tell from its name, it produces 1,000 HP. It’s not lacking in torque, either, as the driver has at his disposal an amazing 1,286.6 Nm (950 lb-ft) of torque.

The V1000 accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, covers the quarter mile (0-400 m) in 10.9 seconds with an exit speed of 136 mph (219 km/h) and maxes out at 230 mph (370 km/h).

It is available with either a manual or an automatic gearbox while braking power comes courtesy of four 15.1-inch (383 mm) carbon ceramic Brembo discs with 8-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers.

The Hennessey-fettled CTS-V Coupe isn’t lacking in the looks department either as it features a carbon-fiber wide body exterior and 20-inch wheels, as well as an alcantara, leather and carbon-fiber trimmed interior.

Hennessey says it will build only 12 examples of the V1000 CTS-V Coupe, making it an extremely rare sight. So if you’re in the market for a more practical alternative to the Elise-based Venom GT, you'd better hurry up…

Hennessey V1000 CTS-V Coupe Specs

Power:
• 1,000 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
• 950 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm
Acceleration:
• 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
• 1/4 Mile: 10.9 @ 136 mph
• Top Speed: 230 mph
V1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes:
• 427 cid LS V8 Engine
• Forged Low Compression Pistons
• Forged Steel Connecting Rods
• Callies 4340 Forged Steel Crank
• Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly
• ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts
• High Flow Cylinder Heads
• Hennessey V1000 Camshaft
• Upgraded Fuel Injectors
• Upgraded Fuel System (Includes Lines, Rails & Pump)
• Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers
• Dual Wastegates
• Electronic Boost Controller
• Stainless Steel Piping and Exhaust
• Air-to-Air Intercooler
• High-Flow K&N Air Filter
• 160 Degree Thermostat
• Professional Installation
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• Hennessey Exterior Badging
• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• 1 Year / 12,000 Mile Limited Warranty
REQUIRED TRANSMISSION UPGRADE:
• Manual: Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Upgrade
• Automatic: Performance Build & Torque Converter Upgrade
Braking:
• Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brake Upgrade
• 15.1 inch Carbon Ceramic Rotors (Front & Rear)
• Calipers: 8-Piston (Front); 6-Piston (Rear)
Wheels & Tires:
• Hennessey Monoblock Wheels
• 20x10 inch (Front); 20x13 inch (Rear)
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires
• 275/30YR-20 (Front); 345/30YR-20 (Rear)
Suspension:
• Lowered 1" (Front & Rear)
• Factory Magnetic Ride Control Tuned by John Heinricy
Body:
• CarbonAero CTS-V Widebody Upgrade
• Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
• Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
• Carbon Fiber Front Fenders
• Carbon Fiber Extractor Hood
• Carbon Fiber Rear Fender Flares

Interior:
• Alcantara Headliner
• Carbon Fiber Door Sills
• Upgraded Leather & Stitching
• Hennessey Embroidered Heardrests
• Hennessey Premium Floormats

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Report: GM to Launch Key Fuel Efficient Cars and Trucks in the Next 18 Months

USA’s biggest car manufacturer, General Motors, is scheduling a series of new vehicle launches for its four brands in the next 18 months. And the dominant theme here, both in passenger cars and trucks, will be improved economy figures as GM prepares its vehicle lineup to meet the more stringent fuel-efficiency standards.

For example, the Detroit automaker plans to introduce 8-speed auto transmissions and downsized turbocharged engines in its new pickups, and also intends to fit more models with the eAssist light-hybrid technology.

Both Chevrolet and Cadillac will launch two key models next year: the former the new Malibu mid-size sedan (in early 2012) and the Spark minicar (at a later date), and the latter the new ATS compact sedan and the XTS full size sedan in the second half of the year.

Last, but not least, GM also plans to launch its next generation of full-size pickup trucks and SUVs in 2013 and 2014.

Via Autonews

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Cadillac Introduces 2012 SRX with New 308HP 3.6-Liter V6 LFX Engine

The latest Cadillac SRX has been on the market for just two model years, but for 2012, General Motors is making some important tweaks to improve the crossover model's performance.

While GM had made the announcement on the 2012 SRX back in April, the company came out today with additional information and revised performance figures, just before the SUV goes on sale.

Headlining the changes for the 2012 Cadillac SRX is the presentation of a new 3.6-liter V6 known by its “LFX” code, and which will be the sole engine offering in the range.

It produces 16-percent more horsepower at 308HP (SAE-rated) and 18-percent more torque at 265 lb-ft (359Nm) than the outgoing V6, which is rated at 265HP and 223 lb.-ft (302 Nm).

The LFX is also E85 ethanol-capable and is paired up to an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. Customers can choose between front-wheel drive only and all-wheel drive systems, with the latter incorporating an electronic limited-slip (eLSD) rear differential.

The Detroit firm's engineers also revised the Base and Sport suspension systems for the 2012MY to improve the ride quality.

Other upgrades include a new sound-absorbing material placed throughout the vehicle to make the SRX quieter as well as new additions to the standard equipment.

Feature and content enhancements for 2012 include:

• Standard Bluetooth phone connectivity on all models, with on-screen caller identification
• OnStar Turn-by-Turn automated directions are loaded to the vehicle
• Improved voice recognition for phone activation, navigation and radio station changes
• A heated steering wheel on the Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections
• Door lock switches on the driver and passenger door panels as well as the center console
• Cruise control buttons on the steering wheel
• Memory seat set – the occupant can set the seating position simply by pressing “set” and the number simultaneously
• Backlighting for map lights in the overhead console
• A new machined-face finish on the 20-inch wheels, which are standard on Performance and Premium Collections
• Available all-ebony interior trim
• One new exterior color available this fall: Xenon Blue Metallic.

More details including pricing and fuel economy ratings will be released within the next few weeks.

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GM Recalls More Than 7,500 Trucks and SUVs Over Separate Gearbox and Steering Issues

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall campaign for two separate issues concerning GM trucks and SUVs.

The first recall concerns 6,768 units of the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon from the 2011MY due to a failure in a transmission clip that may not engage the “Parking” mode even though the driver has moved the lever to the appropriate position. GM’s dealers will repair the faulty automatic transmission free of charge, and the recall is expected to begin on July 19.

The second recall campaign, involves 739 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban 1500 and Tahoe and GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL 1500, all from the 2011MY.

According to government agency, in the aforementioned vehicles the intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification. As a consequence, the joints may separate causing the driver to lose control of steering and cause an accident. The recall will begin on July 13.

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