Bob Luts Officially Challenges Anyone to Race Against the CTS-V!

Last month, during a discussion with journalists about our “May the Best Car Win” marketing campaign, I was trying to get across just exactly what that theme means. And what it means is, of course, just what it says.

We have a lineup of vehicles that we think, if given a chance, can stack up with the best the rest of the automotive manufacturing world has to offer. One of the examples I cited was the Cadillac CTS-V, and I went so far as to challenge the journalists to find a stock production sedan on the planet that could outperform the CTS-V on the track. I proposed a track duel, “run what ya brung,” at a time and place to be determined.

Well, that time and place has been determined. The guys at Jalopnik.com were the first ones to respond to the challenge, quickly and most enthusiastically, but I suspect there will be more. We’ll be having a full racetrack challenge October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y., not far from the New York City area.

And I put the challenge out to you. If you own a car comparable to the Cadillac CTS-V (a 4-door production stock sport sedan) and you want to match up against me and the Cadillac, you can join us at Monticello. Follow the link to fill out an application. From the list of applicants we’ll select several challengers to join us for the V-Series Challenge.

As I said in the previous chat, we’re going to take away every last excuse people have not to consider our products. We know that some consumers still think Cadillac cars do not have the top-end performance they believe the German luxury cars have. The development objective of the 556-hp Cadillac CTS- V was to create the world’s best high-performance sedan. In final testing, the car lapped the legendary Nurburgring in 7:59.32, fastest ever for a production sedan (recently eclipsed, reportedly, by Porsche Panamera). In other words, we believe we have achieved our goal of building the world’s fastest sedan, but I look forward to putting that theory to the test …  and may the best car win.

http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/

Rendered Speculation: Subaru's 250-hp FT-86 coupe in STI trim

While the regular Subaru 086A is expected to be exactly the same as the Toyota version albeit with subtle exterior/interior styling differences, it’s the high performance STi version that’s getting the most attention now that the FT-86 Concept has broken cover ahead of this month’s Tokyo Motor Show. The standard 086A of course utilizes Subaru’s EJ20 flat-four boxer engine with D4-S direct injection, an Aisin 6-speed gearbox and a rear differential as used on the Lexus IS250/350. The rumored output of 200PS has been quoted once again as to be “almost certain” but a conflicting rumor from another source sets the output as being low as 160PS. Nevertheless, the STi Version should answer people’s prayers for more power.

Holiday Auto (HA) reports that the STi Version will use the EJ25 2.5L engine that’s expected to produce between 240 – 250PS which is enough, HA say, to turn the 086A into a true performance car. An EJ25 turbo also hasn’t been ruled out, it seems that the Toyota/Subaru partnership have gone to great lengths to listen to what customers want and if the voices are loud enough, may come through with a boosted 086A Sti. In keeping with the Impreza WRX STi, the 086A STi Version will apparently get wider front and rear guards to accommodate a wider track with wider wheels and tires. The know-how gathered from tuning the suspension for the WRX STi will be used to improve the 086A’s handling characteristics, although HA stop short of saying the parts will be directly carried over. We should also expect some additional STi only aero parts such as a unique front bumper and rear trunk spoiler to give the STi Version a more motorsports inspired look.

Although it’s not confirmed yet, there’s a strong possibility the Subaru 086A STi Version will be shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show or not long after at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon and will hit showrooms shortly thereafter.

Words: Justin Karow
Image: Holiday Auto

[Source: Holiday Auto via 7Tune]

BMW Working On A 3D Color Head-Up Display

Back in 2004, BMW introduced its first head-up display on the 5-Series sedan, but it appears that the Bavarian manufacturer is preparing a big surprise for its customers. According to our sources, BMW is currently working on a 3D color head-up display (or the so-called HUD).

The system, which is used on the planes since the 1940s will replace the “old” display capable to offer information in red, yellow, orange and green. The manufacturer will offer on the new display information regarding the speed, navigation, calls and other functions. The new system is expected to make its debut on the brand new BMW 5-Series which is set to make its official debut next year. More details to be revealed!

Source: 4wheelnews.com bmw 3d color headup display

Ford grabs more than 10 percent of sales in European market

Ford Motor Co.'s share of the European market broke 10 percent for the first time in eight years last month after the Dearborn automaker posted its fourth consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases.

Sales in the 19 largest European markets totaled 152,600 new vehicles, 12.3 percentage points more than a year before and well ahead of the industry's 2.9 percent gain. That pushed Ford's share in Europe to 10.1 percent -- a level it has not seen since September of 2001.

"Traditionally we expect Ford to have a good month in September given the surge of new car sales in the UK due to the registration plate change, but September 2009 has surpassed expectations," said Ingvar Sviggum, Ford of Europe's vice president for marketing, sales and service.

"Our continuing success in gaining market share despite the difficult economic situation shows that customers are willing to place their faith in Ford because we are providing them with the exciting and innovative new vehicles that they want to buy," he said. "This is particularly true of the new Ford Fiesta, which achieved its highest September sales volume since 1994."

Sviggum acknowledged that the end of scrappage programs in several key European nations makes the coming months uncertain ones for all players in European.

"We remain concerned about the continuing fragility of the underlying market," he said. "With the sudden ending of some scrappage schemes and the more-controlled phasing out of others, the industry faces an uncertain future in terms of market demand as 2010 approaches. It is clear that there is still a need for government intervention in Europe.

Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
[Source: The Detroit News]

Study: Younger Generation Seems To Care Less About Cars

During the first 8 months of 2009, J.D. Power and Associates analyzed hundreds of thousands of “conversations” on auto-related sites and social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. The goal was to gauge the perceptions of Generation Y towards the automotive industry, as well as toward specific brands.

“Online discussions by teens indicate shifts in perceptions regarding the necessity of and desire to have cars,” J.D. Power Associates said (yes, we’re completely surprised as well).

Part of the reason could be economic difficulties causing teens to be less interested in costs involved with maintaining and fueling a vehicle. Another reason could be that teens are spending too much time on social media forms to connect with their friends, resulting in a decrease for the need to “physically congregate” (aka hang out).

“The negative perceptions of the automotive industry that teens and early careerists hold could have implications on future vehicle sales,” said Parker. “Generation Y could have the greatest spending power of any generation-even surpassing that of the Baby Boomers. It will be essential for automakers to earn the trust and loyalty of Gen Y consumers, who are particularly critical of brands and products.”

Source: egmcartech/ INDUSTRY NEWS

Mercedes -Benz Taking The New SLS AMG Gullwing Downsize

With the new Mecedes Gullwing design language, Mecedes will more than likely  began to filter some down the line to bring design integrity.  Photoshop expert Theophilus Chin has came up with what possibly will be the new design will look like for the 2011 model year.  While the SLK is still early in it design gestation, it might be safe to assume that the strong lines of the SLS will make it to the SLK.

Source: Autoblog.nl  Via: Autoblog.nl

Does Cadillac Have A Viable Premium Contender With The CTS

Cadillac CTS Sales Analysis
By PistonsFan

Over the last months we have seen some big drops in monthly sales from the Cadillac brand. I wanted to look deeper into this to see how the CTS has been performing relative to the competition during this recession as well as looking at how Cadillac sales responded to various major events in the auto market and financial markets.

First here is a chart showing Cadillac CTS sales since its MY2008 introduction. Significant events are indicated on the chart.

The next chart compares CTS sales to what I consider to be the benchmark, BMW. Both the 3-series and 5-series are shown on this figure. The CTS is actually a 5-series competitor in terms of size and capability, but it is priced at 3-series levels. This makes any comparison difficult. I also added the Lincoln MKZ even though it is insignificant in my eyes.

It is interesting how closely CTS tracks 5-series. Overall, it appears that the CTS sales trended similarly to the competition. It doesn’t appear that there was any major sales drop induced by the negative publicity surrounding the GM bankruptcy.

Already, it "appears" that the CTS is making a sales comeback now that some lease offers are available. With the introduction of the Coupe and Sportwagon, hopefully the CTS will climb to sales levels "near" the BMW 3-series.

Another interesting question is how the Cadillac "Alpha" ATS will play into all of this. Will the ATS and its variants be able to reach a sales volume similar to the 3-series?

Source: gminsidenews.com Cadillac CTS Sales Analysis