Cadillac News

Despite decades of pressure on big engines as emissions and fuel economy legislation squeezes, they're still being made. General Motors today will build its 100-millionth small-block V8 engine - 56 years after the first production small block - that stands as engineering defiance of a global trend to engine downsizing. Chevrolet introduced the small-block in 1955 and the production milestone comes in the same month the brand marked its 100th anniversary. The small-block engine has been used in GM vehicles around the world and is currently found in the Holden/HSV models, Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac. "The small block is the engine that brought high-performance to the people," said David Cole, founder and emeritus chairman of Center for Automotive Research. Cole's father, the late Ed Cole, was the chief engineer at Chevrolet and oversaw development of the original small block engine. "There is an elegant simplicity in its design that made it instantly great when new and enables it to thrive almost six decades later." The milestone engine being made today is a 475kW (638hp) supercharged LS9 small block - the power behind the Corvette ZR1 - which is hand-built at GM's Performance Build Center, northwest of Detroit. It represents the fourth generation of the small block and is the most powerful engine ever built by GM for a regular-production car. GM will preserve the engine as part of its historical collection. The small block has been adapted throughout the auto industry and beyond. Newer versions of the original Gen I engine are still in production for marine and industrial uses, while "crate" engine versions available from Chevrolet Performance are used in their thousands by enthusiasts to build hot rods. The 4.3-litre V6 used in some Chevrolet and GMC vehicles is based on the small-block, just missing two cylinders. All of these versions contribute to the small block's 100-million production milestone. "This tremendous achievement celebrates an engineering triumph that has reached around the globe and created an industrial icon," said Sam Winegarden, executive director and group global functional leader of Engine Engineering. "And while the small-block's enduring design has proven adaptable to meet performance, emissions and refinement challenges over the years, it has more importantly delivered them with greater efficiency." The engines now feature aluminium cylinder block and heads in car and many truck applications to help save weight and contribute to better fuel economy. Many applications feature fuel-saving technologies such as Active Fuel Management - which shuts down four cylinders in certain light-load driving conditions - and variable-valve timing. And despite the years, they still are powerful and relatively economical. The 430hp (320kW) LS3 version of the Gen-IV small-block is used in the 2012 Corvette and jets it from rest to 100km/h in about four seconds, run the quarter-mile in just over 12 seconds and achieve a top speed of more than 288km/h while achieving EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 9.1 litres/100km. "The small-block engine delivers guilt-free performance," says Winegarden. "It is the quintessential V8 engine and a living legend that is more relevant than ever." GM also announced this week that the fifth-generation small-block under development will feature a new direct-injection combustion system that will help enhance efficiency over the current-generation engine. "The small-block architecture has continued to prove its relevance in a fast-evolving industry and the fifth-generation engine will build on the performance legacy with a significant advance in efficiency," says Winegarden. GM is investing more than $1 billion in manufacturing facilities associated with producing new small-block engines, resulting in 1711 jobs that have been created or retained. The Gen-V engine is expected in the near future and is guaranteed to have 110mm bore centres which has been part of the small-block's architecture from the beginning. GM started on the V8 following World War II, after Chief Engineer Ed Cole transferred to Chevrolet from Cadillac where he oversaw the development of its premium V8 engine. Cole's team retained the basic overhead valve design that was a staple of Chevrolet's inline-six engine - affectionately called the Stovebolt. It was seen as one of the Chevrolet car line's selling points, reinforcing a message of simplicity and reliability. Cole challenged his engineers to tighten the new engine package to make it more compact, less costly and easier to manufacture. Upon its debut in the 1955 Chevy lineup, the new V8 engine was physically smaller, 23kg lighter and more powerful than the Stovebolt six. It was not only a better engine for Chevrolet cars, it represented a better way of building engines, with a minimalist design that took advantage of streamlined production techniques. After only two years on the market, the small-block began a steady march upward in displacement, power and technological advancement. In 1957, a version equipped with mechanical fuel injection was introduced, dubbed Ramjet. The only other high-volume manufacturer to offer fuel injection at the time was Mercedes-Benz. Mechanical fuel injection was discontinued in the mid-1960s, but the small-block debuted electronically controlled fuel injection in the 1980s and established a benchmark with the 1985 launch of Tuned Port Injection. This electronically controlled port fuel injection system was advanced in its day and its basic design is still used on most passenger cars and light-duty trucks more than 25 years later. The small-block's 110mm bore centres would come to symbolise the compact, balanced performance of the small-block. It was the dimension around which the Gen III small-block was designed in 1997. In 2011, the small-block is in its fourth generation, powering Chevrolet's full-size trucks, SUVs and vans, midsize trucks and the Camaro and Corvette performance cars. The first 4.3-litre (265cu.in) engine in 1955 produced up to 145kW (195hp) with an optional four-barrel carburetor. Today, the LS9 6.2-litre (376cu.in) supercharged small-block in the Corvette ZR1 is rated at 638hp (475kW), making it the most powerful engine ever installed in a regular-production Chevrolet or GM vehicle.

The limousine that carries United States President-elect Barack Obama is a specially built, rocket-repelling, high-tech Cadillac limousine.Forget your average six-stacker CD stereo and leather appointments, Obama's limo takes power and luxury to new levels. Cadillac says the side and rear profiles of the new Presidential limo are evocative of the STS and DTS sedans.Inside, the car includes the finest examples of Cadillac's recent renaissance in design, technology and craftsmanship. The cabin blends modern design and technology with old-world craftsmanship. Major aspects of the cabin are cut and sewn by hand, the same process used in popular Cadillac models such as the CTS sedan.Unlike the CTS sedan though, the limo gets a few special options. Night vision glasses, pump-action shotguns, tear gas cannons and even the bottles of the President's blood are believed to be stored on board just in case he needs an emergency transfusion.The limo, which tips the scales at around four tonnes and cost almost $1 million, uses a General Motors truck chassis as its basis to handle the weight. as well as a powerful 6.5-litre diesel engine.The huge kevlar-reinforced tyres are bullet-proof and among many purpose-built aspects of the car, including plumbing for high-tech secure radio reception and an internal oxygen supply in the event of a gas attack.The glass is, of course, bullet and bomb proof, the doors are reinforced and weigh the same as a commercial Boeing aircraft cabin door while the bodywork is a combination of high-strength steel, titanium and even ceramic to break up possible projectiles.The car was designed, developed and tested by terrorist and military specialists who adhered to an extensive set of specifications. It was subjected to an extreme testing regimen to ensure the occupants survived just about any attack short of a nuclear bomb. Cadillac refuses to talk about the car's security systems, only saying that “security provisions were undertaken at all times during development to ensure the car's functional capabilities are preserved and confidential”.An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the center of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The US flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. High-tech LED spotlights illuminate the flags at night.

Without trying to sound macabre - which we are - here's some of the famous people no longer with us because of the car. On a brighter note, lots of people are still with us because of the car - or more specifically, the ambulance.1. James Dean (Porsche 550 Spyder): Dean's status soared to cult levels after his untimely death in September 1955. In fact, so did the status of the car he was driving, a Porsche 550 Spyder that was the predecessor to today's Boxster. Dean died while driving when an approaching car turned in front of him. His passenger, mechanic Rolf Wutherich, survived that accident but died in a car crash in 1981.2. Diana, Princess of Wales (Mercedes-Benz S280): On August 31, 1997, the world woke to the shocking news that Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in a car accident in Paris. Her partner Dodi and driver were also killed. The accident is alleged to have been caused when the Mercedes was avoiding pursuing paparazzi.3. Princess Grace Kelly (Rover SD1): The former American actress and princess of Monaco died in 1982 after suffering a mild stroke at the wheel of her car, causing it to roll down a mountain in Monaco. Coincidentally, revered British motorcycle racer Mike Hailwood (1940-1981) was killed in a car accident a year earlier driving a similar car.4. Marc Bolan (Mini GT): Bolan, lead singer of glam rock group T-Rex, was killed instantly in 1977 when the purple Austin Mini GT in which he was a passenger failed to negotiate a bridge and hit a tree. Ironically, Bolan never learned to drive, fearing his untimely death in a car. The driver was his girlfriend, Gloria Jones.5. Peter "Possum" Bourne (Subaru Forester): Amiable New Zealand rally driver Possum Bourne was on a course inspection in 2003 on the "Race to the Sky" track at Cardrona in NZ's South Island when he collided head on with a Jeep Cherokee. He never regained consciousness. A statue of Possum is set on the mountain on an isolated rock overlooking the Cardrona village.6. Jackson Pollack (Oldsmobile 88): The reclusive artist crashed his 1950 Oldsmobile convertible while under the influence of alcohol, killing both himself and his passenger instantly in 1956. Pollock was aged 44.7. Jayne Mansfield (Buick Electra): In the early hours of June 29, 1967, Hollywood sex symbol Jayne Mansfield, died after the 1966 Buick Electra 255 in which she was a passenger smashed under the back of a slowing semi-trailer. Mansfield, her boyfriend Sam Brody and the driver were killed instantly. Her three children including Mariska, all in the rear of the car, survived with minor injuries.8. Desmond Llewelyn (Renault Megane): In 1999, one of the UK's most recognisable figures; Desmond Llewelyn, better known as Q in the James Bond films, died in a car crash aged 85. He was driving home from a book signing when his car collided head on with a Fiat.9. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez (Mitsubishi SUV): In 2002, Lopez - singer with popular RnB group TLC - was thrown from the vehicle and died from injuries. The Mitsubishi was forced off the road by an oncoming truck that was trying to overtake a car on a Honduras road.10. George S. Patton (Cadillac Series 75): The famous United States general died from complications 12 days after a car accident near Mannheim, Germany. He was aged 60 years.

Toyota not only lost top spot for the first six months of this year but the disruption to its production from the earthquake and tsunami saw sales slip by 23 per cent and it trailed the Volkswagen Group into third place globally. GM sales grew by 8.9 per cent to 4.536 million vehicles, ahead of 4.13 million VW products and 3.71 million vehicles wearing a Toyota bade, Lexus, Daihatsu or Hino badge. The strength of the yen is also affecting profits for the Japanese-based carmakers. Nissan this week announced it was aiming to reduce exports to try and limit the impact of the currency. The Wall Street Journal noted Nissan plans to maintain a target of one million cars for the year but is aiming to sell 600,000 of them domestically. That contrasts with local sales of 460,000 for the year ended March 31 (the Japanese financial year). Nissan has the highest export exposure of any of the Japanese carmakers, the WSJ reports, with 60 per cent of its Japanese-built products exported in the first six months of the year. Toyota shipped 56 per cent of its locally built vehicles overseas at the same time, while Honda and Suzuki export 37 per cent and 28 per cent of production respectively. The news is better for the Germans where Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz had record first half results. BMW led the pack with 18 per cent growth to 833,366 vehicles from Audi on 652,970 and Benz on 610,931. Beemers growth has been led by demand for the new 5 Series and X3 models, largely in Asia, a market where long wheelbase vehicles such as Audis A6L and A8L are popular prestige models. The growing global acceptance of Hyundai and Kia products pushed the automotive group into fifth place in the sales charts. The South Korean duo sold 3.19 million vehicles in the first six months of 2011 to post a record growth rate of 15.9 per cent. The popularity of models such as the Sonata, good price and quality competitiveness and sharp improvements in brand image contributed to better sales," a Hyundai Motor Group spokesperson said in a press release.

Obama's presidential limo may be bomb proof, but has shown itself to be far from beach proof during the President's stay at the US embassy in Dublin.

So when a pristine 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood limo was offered for sale by a New South Wales funeral director fallen on hard times Mike was quick to name his price. And for $30,000 scored a big and handsome American machine to park alongside his aquamarine 1966 Ford Mustang convertible and yet-to-be-loved 1967 Mustang coupe. "The bloke bought a PT Cruiser convertible from me a while back because his wife had one she wouldn't let him drive," says Mike. "Six months ago he fell into a bit of strife and tried to sell the Cruiser back. That didn't work out and I asked about this Cadillac he'd told me about. "He reckons he'd spent $87,000 on the Cadillac but how do you research a price on something like this? I offered him $30,000 and he drove it up one day while we were out. We raced back and did the deal." The long-standing Brisbane dealer also bought a black 1972 Cadillac hearse, since onsold, from the Ballina funeral director. But it's the gold-painted and chromed Fleetwood limo that's now taking up some time and space in Mike's shed. Originally black, the Cadillac was brought in from San Francisco where it was owned by a man with an interest in a Reno casino; he was chauffeur-driven the 350 kilometres between the two North American cities. Here it was converted to right-hand drive, rebuilt and resprayed in Cadillac Pale Gold. The 6 litre V8 and three-speed transmission were rebuilt to General Motors' specifications while the eight-seater's internal trim was remanufactured in the USA. Standard Cadillac equipment here - all operational - includes ducted air-conditioning, power windows and front seats, glass divider behind the front seat, power brakes, steering and radio antenna. All that's been added to the original comfort and convenience features is a CD stacker and 600 watt amplifier, tucked tidily away in the boot, plus a cassette radio under the dashboard. Mike allows the Fleetwood 'is a bit of a beast to drive'. "It'd be okay out on the highway, probably cruise pretty well. Around town the brakes are either on or off and she's a bit long," he notes. But with daughter Rachael's wedding approaching in May, someone will be driving the bridesmaids in the Cadillac. The bride? She wants to go in the Mustang convertible. About the Cadillac Fleetwood Cadillacs were the favourite transport of the King, Elvis Presley, who owned a string of them from the 1950s to the 1970s. For these were the Rolls-Royce of the States, favoured by presidents, celebrities and gangsters. Less than 1000 Cadillac Fleetwood Imperials were built in 1956, priced close to $7000. Almost six metres long, the Cadillac weighed in around 2.3 tonne and rode on a 3.8m wheelbase with 15 inch wheels. The V8 produced 285 horsepower with one four-barrel carburettor; 305 horsepower with the option of an extra four-barrel carb. And for 1956 the Cadillac's three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission was claimed to smooth out shifting qualities. Other models in the 1956 line-up included a Fleetwood sedan, DeVille four-door hardtop and Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop.

Welcome to 2010 because that's wrong on both counts.  Shown at the LA Auto Show is Cadillac's Ultimate Luxury Concept.Designed in California, the baby hybrid competes in size with the Toyota iQ and yet - says Cadillac - has a cabin with all the company's renown luxury and space parameters.The four-seater ULC is 3835mm long, 1730mm wide and 1446 high and sits on a 2467mm wheelbase that really puts the wheels at each corner. It is shown with a pair of scissor doors which, if production becomes reality as is being mooted, would be replaced with conventionally-hinged doors.The cabin's dash features computer LCD screens and projected readouts instead of conventional gauges. Cadillac cabin trim includes wood and leather."While small in size, this concept is an exploration of what Cadillac could be in the future, as the brand continues to focus on redefining industry standards for advanced vehicle design and integrated technology,” says Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing.The ULC has a hybrid powertrain with a 1-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine - with stop start - and an electric motor to assist propulsion in the same mannr as the Honda Insight/Civic/CR-Z model. It has a twin-clutch gearbox and is claimed to be capable of 3.6 litres/100km on the highway and 4.2 l/100km in the city.

Then again, Obama's beast was built to protect the most powerful man in the world.  When Ground Force One lands in Australia for the presidential visit it will bring an unbeatable bunch of protective engineering.It might look like a caricature of a Cadillac, the The Beast - a nickname give by the Secret Service - is actually a heavily-amoured truck with a Cadillac-ish body dropped on top.  The exact specifications are top secret, but it has everything from ceramic-titanium-carbon fibre armour plating and bulletproof glass up to 12 centimetres thick and a bomb-proof floor made from hardened steel and Kevlar.The weight comes in around eight tonnes, thanks in part to 20cm thick doors that each weigh as much as the ones of a Boeing 747.  The latest Obama beast has more space inside and bigger windows to give a view of the Commander in Chief during state visits, but the driver's window is the only one that opens - and even then it cracks just enough to talk to the car's armed guards.No-one talks about the fitout in the car, but it is believed to include an independent oxygen suppy, night-vision cameras, Kevlar tyres and a tear-gas cannon. It has state-of-the-art communications equipment to allow it to become a mobile military command centre.  Rumours say there is even a supply of the president's blood on board for major emergencies . . .The Beast is the latest in a line of presidential limousines that goes back to the 1920s, with many - including the car that failed to protect John F. Kennedy in the 1960s - now housed at the Henry Ford museum in Detroit.But the Obama car won't be joining them in retirement, as it will be destroyed to prevent any protection secrets leaking out.  It makes you wonder what they do with the specially-trained Secret Service drivers ...

When Tiger Woods sidelined his 2009 Cadillac Escalade after hitting a fire hydrant and tree it became one of the most photographed cars in the world. It has now been revealed the black Escalade is part of General Motor's promotional fleet and not even owned by Woods. After the golfer's multi-million dollar promotion deal GM brand Buick ended last year, he made a deal with the carmaker to borrow several cars, including the Caddy, for his personal use. A Cadillac spokesman in the US, David Caldwell, has confirmed the Escalade is a loaner. "This loan derives from the fact that Mr Woods was a close partner/spokesperson of Buick, another brand within our corporate structure," he says. "That relationship ended earlier this year, at least in terms of the official contractual relationship. "But of course strong bonds were formed between Mr Woods and several folks inside the company, hence the loan of this vehicle." If the Escalade was repairable, including the back window allegedly smashed by his wife, it could be fixed and put back on the GM fleet, or replaced.  Caldwell says the damage is now being assessed. "After that it could be retained by us, could go back into some sort of service at our behest, or it could be auctioned someday," he says. "Some of the other press reports have made it sound like it is certainly headed for auction... and that's a bit over-stated. "That's one possibility. Nothing imminent. The car's in our possession and that will likely remain the case for quite some time to come." Like many carmakers, GM regular on-sells its low-mileage promotion vehicles at auction. If it does go under the hammer, the car's now infamous reputation could be worth much more than its $US63,000 sticker price.

Forget voice activation, in another 20 years cars will use mind control to turn on things like the indicators, adjust the radio volume or move the seat.  If that's not crazy enough, some cars will imprint your genetic DNA to become a part of you.Others will use high-tech polymers that change a car's shape and colour to accommodate the driver's needs.  These far-out sci-fi ideas are being presented as part of the Design Challenge at this week's Los Angeles Motor Show.Called Youthmobile 2030, this year's challenge has attracted more than 30 young designers who have cut loose to create what they think we'll be driving in 2030.Youthmobile 2030 snared gifted young designers from Audi, Honda, General Motors, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota.  Technology is a key component of the Youthmobile 2030 cars so the concepts connect with a new car buying generation aged between 16 and 23 raised on mobile phones, web cams and on-line communities.Top StoriesNissan wins LA Show designHyundai Sonata YF unveiledVolkswagen Up grows for LA showHonda P-NUT a tasty solutionCadillac an Aussie designMind control at LA ShowGM Car Hero gameMazda Souga shows future styleAudi eSpira and eOraNissan V2G grids upToyota link targets studentsHonda Helix