This has got to get all of you Corvette fans all fired up. GM has just spread word that they’re considering a “Build Your Own Engine” program. The said program will let ZR1 buyers take part in putting together the very engine that will go into their supercar purchase.

The unnamed GM official revealed this to boys down at Jalopnik in a party during the Detroit Auto Show. And to back it up, none other than GM’s Tom Read from the Advanced Powertrain Technology Communications said that “we are considering this program.”

Doesn’t that just get your mouth watering? So stay tuned. Luxematic has got you covered.

Source: Jalopnik

The Detroit News reported that General Motors is producing the Cadillac Converj, after all. According to the publication’s sources, it has been presented to General Motor’s Board of Directors in November 2. If this is true, the Converj will be an addition to the electric vehicles offered by GM.

The Cadillac Converj is an electric concept car that was first shown in the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The car can run on battery alone for 40 miles, after which it will be propelled by a 4-cylinder engine that can produce 161 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The car features a top speed of 100 miles. Battery charging time is from 3 hours (240 volts) to 8 hours (120 volts).

GM has not given any confirmation yet regarding the production of this model, but many are surely waiting for the Cadillac Converj.

After all the delays, it seems that the Cadillac CTS Coupe is finally ready to take on the race tracks. In GM’s latest full-line “re-imagined, re-invented, re-inspired” advertisement, which features Cadillac’s CTS Sport Wagon and its 2010 SRX Crossover, it has shown the CTS Coupe toward the end of the video—the luxury coupe’s very first video appearance. And although only a little of the vehicle has been shown, the video can tell us a lot about the direction Cadillac is taking. Check it out:

Aside from featuring the new styling of the newer Cadillac vehicles, the unique rocket concept of the advertisement also helps the brand establish its orientation not only toward luxury but more so toward performance.

Formerly planned as a 2010 model, production of the CTS Coupe has been pushed back and it is now to be slated as a 2011 model offering. It will share the same powertrain with the CTS sedan and sport wagon and will be powered by a direct-inject V6 engine. If the advertisement tells us one thing about the CTS coupe, it’s that it will signify a new beginning for GM.

Last week, there has been news about GM starting to lease vehicles again, starting with its luxury automobiles. And now, it’s on! GM is back to leasing its vehicles again, and not just in its luxury segment Cadillac but as well as in its other brands like Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC—involving select 2009 and 2010 models offered in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, and Ohio.

Cadillac’s new SRX crossover is offered with the availability of a national lease. Other vehicles included are the 2009 Cadillac CTS, Chevy Malibu, and Traverse. For the 2010 models, those included are the SRX, Buick LaCrosse and enclave, GMC Arcadia, and Chvy Equinox.

For more details, check the complete press release from GM:

GM Announces Lease Program - Provides an Additional Consumer Financing Option for New Vehicle Purchases
* U.S. Bank offers rates on select Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet models
* Five-state pilot program covers eight models
* All new 2010 Cadillac SRX lease available nationally
Detroit – General Motors Company announced an expansion of leasing today with enhanced lease programs on select 2009 and 2010 Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet models. The leases, offered by U.S. Bank, are part of a pilot program that includes select GM vehicles sold in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Ohio. In addition, a lease on the all-new Cadillac SRX will be offered by U.S. Bank nationally. The pilot is currently planned to run through August 31, 2009.
“GM and our dealers have done an incredible job without a leasing program throughout this difficult economic period, but we always knew that we would get back into leasing as it is important to a certain group of our customers,” said Mark LaNeve, GM vice president of U.S. sales. “We have a number of products that offer a great opportunity for a lease option. Also, leases are an important part of the luxury market, so we decided that launching the all-new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover with a national lease will add a lot of excitement.”
“U.S. Bank has one of the largest auto loan and lease programs in the nation. We have supported the auto industry for more than 50 years, and this is an example of our continued commitment to the industry,” said Tom Wirth, who leads indirect lending at U.S. Bank.
Initially, lease offers will be available on the 2009 Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Malibu and Traverse. For 2010 models, leases will also be available on the Cadillac SRX, Buick LaCrosse and Enclave, the GMC Acadia and the Chevrolet Equinox. Monthly payments will vary according to the customer’s down payment and the first month’s payment due at signing, but are expected to be very competitive. No security deposit will be required.
For more information, customers in the five lease states (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Ohio) should visit their local Cadillac, Buick, GMC or Chevrolet dealer.
About General Motors: General Motors Company, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors Company acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.
About U.S. Bank: U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $266 billion in assets, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the 6th largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 2,850 banking offices and 5,173 ATMs in 24 states, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

Fresh from bankruptcy, GM is embarking on something new to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its luxury marquee, Cadillac-a line of fragrance for men. Cadillac, the new fragrance for men combines “the luminous fresh scent from grapefruit and camomile and a mix of geranium, tarragon and cinnamon – plus sweet spice and incense,” reports The Star.

According to Alwyn Stephen, the director of Beauty Contact, the cosmetic company with the fragrance license, “Cadillac, the new fragrance for men is part of the recent Cadillac renaissance: Hot new products and redesigns that capture the mantra of life, liberty and the pursuit.”

The products included are the following:

• spray
• aftershave lotion
• deodorant stick
• hair and body wash

So, what do you think about the idea? Hot or not?

[Source: The Star]

There are two new members in the GM’s luxury family—the new 2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover and the Cadillac CTS Sports Sedan. Both are designed to meet the changing demands in the luxury market. They’re luxurious yes, but they’re also practical. Both have a downsized and more fuel-efficient engine—a 3.0L DOHC direct injection V-6 that can return 28 mpg on the highway—and the CTS features double cargo space.

Read below for more details:

PRESS RELEASE:

Cadillac Launches Two New Vehicles This Summer

 

All-new SRX Crossover starts at $34,155

CTS Sport Wagon strengthens CTS model lineup

SRX Crossover Specifications

CTS Sport Wagon Specifications

Cadillac’s model lineup expands with two dramatically-designed new luxury vehicles that also bring new dimensions of versatility and efficiency to the marketplace. Cadillac announced today that the 2010 SRX Crossover, scheduled to begin production this summer, will be priced aggressively starting at $34,155.

Later this summer, the acclaimed CTS family will expand again with the arrival of the CTS Sport Wagon. Together with the all-new SRX, these two dynamic new Cadillac models are in sync with the changing priorities of today’s luxury consumers.

“In a tough market the new SRX and CTS Sport Wagon are the right products at the right time, says Steve Shannon,” executive director of marketing for Cadillac. “They offer new dimensions of versatility and fuel efficiency, along with Cadillac’s signature design and technical features.”

The all-new SRX launches into the strong luxury crossover vehicle segment, a category that now accounts for nearly one-fourth of all luxury vehicles sold in the U.S. market. The SRX features new downsized and fuel efficient engines in a completely redesigned vehicle that delivers a dynamic alternative in terms of visual appeal and driving character.

“We believe the Cadillac SRX offers emotional appeal to a segment previously devoid of much of that,” says Shannon. “At the same time, it also has very practical new features such as advanced All-Wheel-Drive, and an efficient standard 3.0-liter Direct Injection V6 engine. And with an entry price of $34,155 the new SRX presents an attractive offer to consumers, while taking on the traditional segment leader aggressively.”

The new CTS Sport Wagon offers the same design and technical features of Cadillac’s centerpiece model, the CTS sport sedan - but in a wagon body style that effectively doubles the car’s cargo space. The new Sport Wagon includes the same 3.0-liter Direct Injection engine that serves as the standard engine in the new SRX. In the Sport Wagon, highway fuel economy is estimated to reach 28 mpg.

Both the new SRX and CTS Sport Wagon will be presented in a special video webcast from one of Cadillac’s design studios. Visit www.cadillacstudiolive.com for an inside look at the highlights of both new models.

SOURCE: World Car Fans

It’s hybrid. It’s luxurious. And true to its name, it means business.

One of the newest models from General Motors is the Buick Business MPV Concept, unveiled at Shanghai. Developed by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), the Buick Business aims to target the upper class in China. It borrows several of its styling concepts from Chinese art—the LED headlights and the color, among others. However, its grille is distinctly Buick.

It’s Hybrid

Under the hood of the Buick Business is a 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine assisted by an electric motor. The said MPV also features a stop-start technology that turns off the engine when idling and an extended regenerative braking that captures more energy for re-use. Cool!

It’s Luxurious (And Practical!)

Outside, the Buick Business Concept appears a little bit dominating with its 20-inch wheels. When you open its electric sliding doors, you’ll be treated to a spacious interior filled with elegance. The said MPV can accommodate up to six passengers, and primary of its luxurious features are its rotating / sliding tables and seats that can face each other. It also comes with multi-paneled glass roof, skylights, and touch-sensitive gauges for the driver.

It Means Business.

GM means business when it introduces the Buick Business Concept. Combining elegance, space, comfort, and fuel economy, this MPV is perfect for people on the go. China is just the perfect market for this MPV, and the Business Concept is likely to pave the way towards the luxury Buick is aiming to establish in the Chinese market.

[Info and Photos: Motor Authority]

Part III: How Is Hummer?

Of the three brands GM is planning to let go, I think Hummer has the smallest chance of survival. Its parent company is already planning ways to let it go, either by selling or phasing it out, but there’s been not much talk about any buyer after its release of the Viability Plan.

Middle of last year, there were rumors that GM approached two companies in India about Hummer. The rumored companies are Tata Motors Ltd. and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., although both did not comment on the said issue. And now, they seem to have been entirely lost in the picture. And just recently, there have also been reports about two other parties interested in Hummer—a private-equity firm and a Chinese company, both of which have not been named. However, there’s no development yet as of now.

Other than the mentioned companies, there have been reports about other interested buyers, but there’s no formal word from GM or Hummer or from any entity yet, so we’re all at a stand by.

Part II: How is Saab?

GM’s Viability Plan indicates the carmaker’s abandonment of its Swedish brand by the first day of 2010. Saab will no longer receive funding from GM and will instead become an independent company.

Both GM and Saab have already formally announced their corporate break-up. Despite what happened, Saab Managing Director Jan Ake Jonsson is maintaining a positive outlook on the future of the Swedish-based company. With Saab as one of Sweden’s best car brands, Jonsson believes that this chapter in the company’s history will lead to a new beginning.

The company started the steps by winning protection from creditors. Now, it’s starting to plan for reorganization, included in which is the concentration of Saab’s design, engineering, and manufacturing processes in Sweden. The company also expressed the need for additional funding to help it launch better models. There are currently three new models ready for launching: 9-5, 9-3x, and 9-4x.

According to Jonsson, many already showed interest in Saab, which is bound to make the search for more funds a little bit easier. However, the company still needs the help of the Swedish government if it is to survive. Reports have it that as much as $1 billion is needed to help Saab stand on its own feet.

Read the following press release for more info:

SAAB ON THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE

Swedish court process to reorganise Saab into a fully independent business

Three new models ready to be launched over the next year and a half

Saab aims to bring resources back to Sweden

Funding sought for ‘new independent Saab’

Trollhättan. As a result of GM’s strategic review of the global Saab business the Saab Board announced today that it will file for reorganisation under a self-managed Swedish court process to create a fully independent business entity that would be sustainable and suitable for investment.

The reorganisation is a self-managed, Swedish legal process headed by an independent administrator appointed by the court who will work closely with the Saab management team. As part of the process, Saab will formulate its proposal for reorganisation, which will include the concentration of design, engineering and manufacturing in Sweden. This proposal will be presented to creditors within three weeks of the filing. Pending court approval, the reorganisation will be executed over a three-month period and will require independent funding to succeed.

“We explored and will continue to explore all available options for funding and/or selling Saab and it was determined a formal reorganisation would be the best way to create a truly independent entity that is ready for investment,” said Jan Ake Jonsson, Managing Director for Saab Automobile. “With an all new 9-5, 9-3X and 9-4X all ready for launch over the next year and a half, Saab has an excellent foundation for strong growth, assuming we can get the funding to complete engineering, tooling and manage launch costs. Reorganisation will give us the time and means that help get these products to market while minimising the liquidity impact of Saab on GM.”

Funding for the restructured company will need to be secured during the reorganisation process and will be sought from both public and private sources.

Saab will continue to operate as usual and in accordance with the formal reorganisation process, with the Government providing some support during this period. The reorganisation should have no impact on other GM operations. Details of the progress will be provided as milestones are achieved.

[Photo Credit: Autoblog]

Much has been going on since GM released its Viability Plan and announced plans to close or sell three of its brands—Saturn, Saab, and Hummer. The people behind these brands aren’t happy about it, obviously, and they’re not simply waiting for the time when doom finally falls on them. In my next posts, I’ll try to take a look at each of these three brands and their plans after GM’s announcement.

Part I: How is Saturn?

Saturn can expect GM’s support until 2012. GM plans to stop the production of all Saturn cars by 2011, and supply will last until the following year.

In preparation for the said plan, Saturn dealers are planning to take over and sell Chinese- or Indian-made vehicles badged as Saturn. Dealers see this spin-off as one the alternatives available, which aren’t actually that many. “There are not a whole lot of alternatives,” said the Saturn Dealer Council member Dan Januska to the Wall Street Journal. “Someone is going to see the value of us and I don’t know who it will be.” The brand already started sending letters to its car owners to inform them of the coming changes.

Among the Indian and Chinese manufacturers Saturn dealers are considering are Build your Dreams (BYD), Chery, and Tata. If the plan is pursued, it’s not yet clear whether the vehicle supply from GM will continue.