GM Performance Division :: Breaking Stories

2009 CTS-VBlisters Nurburgring
Breaks 8-minute barrier - potentially the fastest documented lap time for a production sedan

In testing today at Germany’s Nurburgring, Cadillac’s upcoming new 2009 CTS-Vcompleted a lap of the legendary Nordschleife in 7:59.32. This blistering time appears to be the fastest ever publicly documented for a production sedan.

Cadillac is nearing the completion of testing for the highly anticipated CTS-V, the limited-edition high-performance model based on the award-winning CTS sport sedan. John Heinricy, director of vehicle integration and an acclaimed racing driver, piloted the CTS-V through its sub-8 minute lap. The car itself had no performance modifications outside of those planned for consumer production, which is scheduled to begin this fall.

Estimated at 550-hp, the CTS-V is at the moment going through the final stages of intensive testing and development. One of the realistic objectives of the Cadillac team is to make the CTS-V the world’s fastest production sedan, as a part of the overall goal to make the V-Series Cadillac’s ultimate expression of performance and technology. More updates will be released in the coming weeks as testing is finalized, including the car’s certified SAE power ratings, acceleration specifications and U.S.-market pricing.

Video documentation of the car’s breakthrough Nordschleife performance will be posted online in the coming days at http://cadillac.gmblogs.com
The eight-minute mark has long been recognized as a major Nurburgring milestone, reserved for race cars and the fastest exotic sports cars. While there’s no single official repository for Nurburgring data from private test sessions, numerous reputable websites and publications report lap times from race teams, automakers and independent sources.

The new 2009 CTS-V includes a suite of advanced performance technologies, including a new version of Cadillac’s acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control suspension and the LSA 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine. For the first time, CTS-V will include the choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, with the new automatic sporting steering wheel-mounted shift buttons.

Cadillac CTS-V beaks 8-minute barrier - potentially the fastest documented lap time for a production sedan at Nurburgring

Hummer H3 Apha captures "Best in Class" Honors from Truck Trend Magazine for 2008

Hardcore 4x4
Winner: Hummer H3 Alpha
Runner-Up: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
If there’s one segment that creates the most debate (a polite term) among our
judges, it’s this one. Jeep has many advocates with its basic technology and long
4x4 history, as well as its impressive Rubicon off-road package. However, the
Hummer H3 Alpha trumps the Jeep in the all-important engine department with
the newly available V-8 option (a 5.3-liter with 300 horsepower and 320 poundfeet
of torque). Also, its 32-inch tires, locking differential, 4:1 transfer case, and
a 6000-pound towing capacity put the Hummer H3 Alpha on top of a mountain
very few others will even attempt to climb. And we hear the H3T pickup will get
electronic front and rear locking differentials and the new six-speed transmission.
Can’t wait.

From the Editors of Truck Trend Magazine.

Award Winning Hummer H3 Alpha

A diverse array of customized and high-performance cars, trucks and SUVs again dominates the General Motors display at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, but this time there is an underlying message: Green goes with mean.

Many of the 28 vehicles GM will bring to the annual convention of the automotive aftermarket performance and appearance industry either run on alternative fuels, such as E85 ethanol, or feature fuel-efficient performance without compromise. The lineup is headlined by Jay Leno’s E85-capable Z06-inspired C6RS Corvette. The “Tonight Show” host’s new supercar boasts a custom, 500-cubic-inch engine that generates approximately 600 horsepower and is capable of running on E85.

Another mean, green Chevy at SEMA is FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod, built by GM Performance Division – a re-creation of the hot rods that competed at early drag strips and land-speed venues of the late 1940s and 1950s. With bodywork inspired by a 1934 Chevy and period styling touches, FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod mixes vintage style with contemporary technology; it’s powered by a 500-horse FlexFuel version of the turbocharged Ecotec engine. It runs on E85, gasoline or any combination of the two.

In addition to the alternative-fueled performers in the display, GM will also use the SEMA platform to introduce some influential concepts and production models, including the Pontiac Solstice SD-290 concept, which showcases a unique passenger compartment closeout evoking the spirit of vintage racecars, and a tuner-inspired version of the upcoming 2008 Saturn Astra. Chevy will make a couple of sport compact production announcements on Monday, Oct. 29, that will surely please the tuner crowd.

Celebrity endorsements will be in full force all over the SEMA show floor as three urban-inspired Enclaves customized by a trio of the industry’s most influential designers, including Rick Bottom, former NBA star Jerome Williams’ Automotive Street Style, and Mitek will be on display, along with a new Pontiac G8 GT built by rapper 50 Cent and Unique Autosports.

Check out additional specifications on each of the vehicles within the Specialty Vehicles Area under the Garage Tab on the GM Performance Division Website.

FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod - 500 horepower FlexFuel turbocharged Ecotec Engine.

Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Concept

GM Performance Division launches ringtones egared toward automotive enthusiasts. Click on the "Downloads" tab and checkout the Ringtones which have been provided in an MP3 format. Check with your local phone supplier to verify compatibility and usage instructions.

During the nation's largest celebration of its automotive heritage, the Woodward Dream Cruise, Chevrolet introduced the newest member of the prestigious SS family: the 2008 HHR SS.

Following its introduction at the Dream Cruise, the HHR SS made a stop at the GM Tech Center where NASCAR driver Casey Mears demonstrated the vehicle’s high-powered performance for lifestyle magazine journalists representing Nylon, Vibe, Dub and Automotive Rhythms. Mears performed a number of burnouts while cameras flashed and videos rolled showing this special-edition HHR's serious driving capabilities – black marks can be seen on the campus drive west of the lake between R&D and Design Center.

The HHR SS combines all of the style and capability of the popular HHR family with uncompromising performance, including a turbocharged and intercooled engine that produces 260 hp, unique exterior styling and an SS-specific interior. The vehicle was developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD), with a team of engineers and designers dedicated to crafting nothing but high-performance vehicles.

Standard features include unique exterior appointments, with all-new front and rear fascias, new front grille, a rear spoiler and 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. Inside, SS-embroidered sport seats — with ultra suede inserts — a new gauge cluster with 140-mph speedometer, an A-pillar boost gauge and a new, driver-oriented steering wheel and shifter.

The newest member of the SS arsenal

Catch the latest build information focusing on the install of a roll cage into the HOT ROD Solstice Test Vehicle. The article contains critical safety information for the enthusiast considering race or performance based applications relating to the Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky vehicles. Find the fully illustrated feature in the Performance Articles Section.

The latest build manual for the ECOTEC fans has arrived. Click on the "Performance Pulse" section to download installments of the "how to" manual for getting the most from your four cylinder LSJ Engine.

Items such as ECOTEC engine removal, Stage Kits (1 and 2) Installation and upgrades, as well as an awesome 300 hp race engine buildup are covered.Tips and tricks have also been included for performance clutch installation.

Three downloadable sections will be offered in PDF format under the Performance Articles Section. Download your copy today.