President of Cadillac-Hummer-Saab Channel Wants More Cadillac Derivatives

The critical acclaim of its newest sedan, the Cadillac CTS, prompted GM to spawn both wagon and coupe derivatives off the platform. If Mark McNabb, the president of the Cadillac-Hummer-Saab channel gets his way, Cadillac will get more models based on that scenario.

"Look at a CTS and I think you can start understanding where we are going. Look at a CTS [sedan], CTS wagon, CTS coupe - obviously, derivatives off a platform make a lot of sense from a financial perspective," McNabb said at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

Cadillac's plan mimics the business model of one of Europe's biggest luxury players, Mercedes-Benz, which offers several niche models based on similar platforms. BMW has been following the trend as well, debuting an X6 "sports activity coupe" last year, which is based on the X5 platform, and unveiling a 5-Series GT hatchback built on the underpinnings of the new 7-Series.

"I compete today in about 65 to 68 percent of the market," McNabb said. In addition to the CTS, Cadillac sells the STS and DTS sedans, the XLR roadster on schedule to be discontinued after the 2009 model year, the SRX crossover which is redesigned for the 2010 model year, and the Escalade SUV. The CTS wagon will arrive in showrooms this year as a 2010 model, while the coupe will be available next year as a 2011.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

GM Delays 2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Production of the Cadillac CTS Coupe, which debuted as a well-received concept at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, has been postponed until next summer, according to GM spokeswoman Joanne Krell.

The CTS coupe was originally one of three vehicles scheduled to debut this summer, in a sort of Cadillac advent. The other two vehicles, which are still scheduled to go into production this year, are the 2010 Cadillac CTS Wagon and 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover.

"We made a few changes to the overall portfolio," Krell said. "Obviously we are in a challenging economic time, and one of the changes is to move the coupe back a year. Instead of coming out this summer, it will come out next summer."

The coupe was initially scheduled to make its production debut at the Los Angeles auto show last November, along with the redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Although the LaCrosse was delayed until the 2009 NAIAS, the CTS coupe failed to make an appearance in Detroit.

Krell said GM doesn't know if the CTS coupe will be a 2010 or 2011 model due to the delay.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

Cadillac E-Flex Concept pops up at Detroit Auto Show as the Converj

The rumored Cadillac E-Flex concept was confirmed this morning at General Motor's 2009 Detroit Auto Show press conference. The concept's official name will be the Cadillac Converj and, as anticipated, it is based on the Chevy Volt platform.

The Converj concept is the latest rolling showcase for GM's extended-range electric propulsion system, which the company is now calling Voltec. The Converj features the same 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, electric drive unit, and four-cylinder engine-generator as the Volt. Thus, like the volt, the Converj will go 40 miles on emissions-free electric power. It then switches to the four cylinder engine to provide power to the motor and charge the lithium-ion battery.

Although the Converj is based on the Volt, the design, from GM's U.K. advanced design studio under the direction of Simon Cox, is pure Cadillac. Unlike the Volt sedan, it sports a coupe body style with seats for four passengers in a 2+2 layout. A small trunk is accessed through an even smaller opening. The overall shape resembles the CTS coupe concept that debuted at last year's show with a bit of the Cien show car mixed in. The design emphasizes aerodynamics, with minimal grille openings, a fully covered underbody, and slim cameras in place of rearview mirrors. The smallest Cadillac ever made, the Converj is some 10 inches shorter than the CTS coupe. The Converj is about the same length as the Volt but it's wider, due to the Cadillac's larger wheels and tires (21-inches up front and 22 inches at the rear).

Inside, the Converj is trimmed with white suede and black leather and there is a blue ambient glow throughout the cabin. The instrument cluster is illuminated with LEDs and touch-screens are used for navigation, climate, center-stack controls and audio systems. A screen placed high on the instrument panel displays surrounding images provided by cameras.

Although no production plans have been announced at this time, the Converj is intended to show the flexibility of the Voltec propulsion technology. It's also a window into GM's thinking as to where to take the Cadillac brand.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Prices

Though we knew the official performance stats and its official Nurburgring lap time, there was one aspect of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V that we didn't know until now: its price.

According to a new release from Cadillac, the new CTS-V carries a base price of $59,995. Not only does that undercut the BMW M5 (which starts at $83,900), but it also provides some in-house competition to the more expensive (and less powerful) STS-V.

That $59,995 figure yields buyers a 'base' CTS-V, which, in addition to the monstrous 556-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, includes a six-speed manual transmission, Bose surround sound system, and a stitched leather interior. A six-speed automatic will be offered as an option, as will Recaro performance seats and a panoramic sunroof.

If the performance and the price seem too hard to pass up, plan a visit to your local Caddy dealer in November, when the first production examples arrive from the factory.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

Will Bugatti Reveal a 1350-hp Veyron at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show?

In celebration of the company's 100th birthday, there is a rumor that Bugatti is bringing a 1350 -hp version of the Veyron, supposedly called the "Centenaire Edition," to the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Never mind a few periods of dormancy since the company started in 1909, a Veyron with that kind of power heals all wounds.

Bugatti is no stranger to special edition versions of their super car, but this could be a bit more than the typical paint-and-trim job. If the rumors are true, that massive quad-turbocharged W-16 engine will pump out another 350 ponies, allowing the car to reach speeds of up to 261 mph. With the increased power, the Veyron could reach speeds of up to 261 mph. Increasing the top speed could put the Veyron back on top of the SSC Ultimate Aero and the Maxximus G-Force as the world's fastest production car.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

BMW to trim standard features from UK spec Cars

In an effort to avoid raising its prices due to poor exchange rates in the UK market, BMW will "de-spec" some of its cars. Starting with the 3-series, the company will make some standard features into options.

For example, a 320d coupe with the M Sport package will lose some standard features this month. The electric power steering, introduced as part of the EfficientDynamics program, will become optional and hydraulic power steering will become standard. Also cruise control will become optional on sedans and wagons, but will remain standard on coupes and convertibles. Power seats will also be dropped from some trim levels and sedans will have run-flats on all trims except the ES.

However, BMW will still offer the M sport package on the coupe as well as the metallic paint option for all models for free until the end of this month. So if you're jonesing for a 3-series and live in the UK, contact your dealer soon to find out what options you have left.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

BMW Z10 ED for Production...?

Last summer, BMW unveiled the BMW M1 Homage concept, a taste of what a BMW mid-engined sports car could look like-only to follow up later with confirmation that it had no plans to produce such an Audi R8 competitor. Instead, the board member in charge of BMW's EfficientDynamics division, Klaus Draeger, said BMW would focus on green technologies.

Citing an unnamed insider "privy to BMW's plans," Autocar is reporting today that BMW's previously announced focus on green technology will yield the BMW Z10 ED, a flagship that will showcase new drivelines, electronics and body construction. The Z10 ED will be a two-seater costing around $105,000, developed by BMW's Technik division, and sold in limited numbers.

"The idea is to bring all the very latest technology together in a way that will allow a high level of performance without overburdening the environment in a way that the current crop of supercars do," said the insider. "There is no reason why they need to be mutually exclusive when you consider the sort of technology that exists today. It is just a matter of applying it correctly."

By utilizing its carbon fiber construction techniques, BMW intends the Z10 to weigh no more than 3,087 pounds. Moving forward from just carbon fiber body panels, BMW's engineers have found a way to combine several pieces of the frame into a single sub-assembly. They are also exploring integrated door frames and sill panels to lower curb weight and improve rigidity.

Engine possibilities include a high-pressure turbocharged direct-injected straight six-cylinder making a projected 400-hp. That engine could replace the 3.0-liter in the current BMW lineup. The engine has been conceived in two variations: a conventional mechanical valve system with BMW's VANOS variable valve timing, and another with an electronic valve control that allows a variable compression ratio.

The Z10 ED will also feature stop-start technology, a generator, and brake energy regeneration engineered to story energy in a lithium-ion battery. All of these technologies will filter down to the higher volume BMW models, if all goes according to plan.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

Awesome Shelby Supercar

Awesome Shelby Supercar Wallpaper (1024 x 768)
Click to enlarge and save.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

Superfast Cars Wallpapers 1280 x 960

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

Audi's New R15

Audi has now revealed the first image of their R15 prototype that will debut next month at the Sebring 12 Hour race. After skipping the Sebring test days in favor of private testing, the car was caught finally caught last weekend.

This new P1 prototype is drastically different looking from the outgoing R10 model. The most obvious change is the new wider 'platypus' nose with an aerodynamic air vent on top. At the rear, a smaller wing is fitted to suit new regulations and features curved wing mounts. The front fenders are cut to reveal gills behind the front wheel and help to direct air to engine. The R15 is powered by a heavy and robust diesel V12 in keeping with Audi's continued promotion of oil burners.

At Sebring, Audi will have to worry about both the upcoming Acura ARX-02a and long-time LMS winner Peugeot. This will mark a historic Sebring when three major manufacturers will complete for overall victory-two with entirely new cars.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

BMW X5 M and X6 M may come in late 2009

In a surprising move, BMW is planning to release two new M-version models in late 2009. The two new models will be the first ever SUVs to receive the M badge.

The new BMW X6 is a surprising performer for a two-ton SUV. In late 2009 it will receive a performance upgrade in the form of an X6 M. In addition to the X6 M, BMW will release an X5 M. The X5 M will get the same Dynamic Performance Control found in the X6 to allow for better handling and a sportier feel.

The powerplant found in the two will be the already familiar twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 found in the X6 xDrive50 and the 2009 BMW 750i. In ‘M’ form power will be bumped up to about 500 horsepower.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

BMW Chairman: 3-Series Hatch Still a Go

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the automaker is still committed to producing a smaller, cheaper luxury crossover to complement the upcoming Progressive Activity Sedan based on the rear-drive platform underpinning the new 7-series. The hatchback, which will be based on the smaller 3-series platform, is likely to offer the same engine options as its platform-mates.

BMW recently announced that it had given the go-ahead for production of the larger 7-series based PAS. Though the smaller 3-series based hatchback has been approved for over 18 months, no production date has been set. When asked if the financial crisis had nixed plans for the 3-series hatch, Reithofer said, "We haven't cancelled development for a crossover off the 3-series because it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money."

Reithofer has been studying proposals to build the vehicle at the Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, or the automaker's Rosslyn plant in South Africa. Autocar estimates that the 3-series hatch will not begin sales until 2011, with a cost of around €27,000 ($36,745). No target market was mentioned, but a U.S. debut is unlikely.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

2009 BMW 7-Series is going to be All-Wheel-Drive

With the new 2009 BMW 7-series comes another option for the privileged few. BMW will offer all-wheel-drive on the luxury sedan starting in late 2009.

BMW has been doing final cold-weather testing of its all-wheel-drive 750i prototype in Rovaniemi, Finland. In late 2009, the option should become available to the public as an ‘xDrive’ version of the 750. This marks the first time all-wheel-drive will be offered on BMW’s flagship sedan. It should be a welcome addition to those in the north tired of driving Audi A8s and Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matics.

The xDrive system offered will feature the same technology as the xDrive system on the X6. That system allows torque to be distributed electronically to each wheel, there is an added feature, however, on the 7-series. The 7-series will get hill descent control for traveling down those treacherous snowy mountain passes. The 2009 BMW 750 with xDrive will be the first sedan in its class to offer this feature.

Expect to pay for ordering xDrive. The option will cost somewhere between $3500 and $4000 when it debuts. Impressively, it only adds 110 lbs to the vehicles already hefty 5700 lb curb weight. BMW also claims fuel economy does not suffer too badly with xDrive added.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

BMW 7-Series Prices, Announces Increases Across Lineup

If you're looking to buy yourself a new Bimmer soon, do it quickly, before January 1st rolls around. Effective on the first day of the year, BMW will raise the prices of its vehicles by an average of .7 percent, according to a press release issued Monday.

BMW has been one of the most profitable car companies in the world in recent years, but the current economic downturn has not spared the premium brand. Sales are down 12 percent through November compared with the same period last year.

All BMW nameplates are down, and the company has moved only 11,097 units of the new 1-Series coupe and convertible and just 4,116 examples of the X6 "sport activity coupe" through November. A price increase across the board of less than 1 percent seems a small price to pay for the financial carnage engulfing the automotive world.

Prices for the new-for-2009 BMW 7-Series pricing was also announced in the press release. The new flagship will set customers back $81,125 for 750i or $85,025 for the 750Li, including destination and handling charges. That's $3,500 more than the 2008 750i and $4,300 more than the 2008 750Li. The 760Li sedan does not continue for 2009.

Production of the 2009 7-Series models began back in November, and BMW says the sedan should be available in the spring. For more information regarding the brand new 7-series, check out our reviews of the 750i and 750Li.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

BMW Won't Build Concept CS

Thanks in no small part to disappointing third-quarter earnings and turbulent economic trends, BMW canceled plans to put the stunning Concept CS sedan in production.

The CS, originally shown at the 2007 Shanghai motor show, would have been a premium luxury sedan like the 7-series, but with a sportier touch. Had it reached production, it possibly could have spelled the revival of the 8-series moniker (dead since 1998) and competed with other sports-luxury sedans like the Maserati Quattroporte and the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Yet in an effort to further reduce its overhead costs and aim for profitability, the CS program was nixed, mostly because management felt it would be near-impossible to make money on such a vehicle.

"At the moment we do not need that kind of brand shaper," said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.

Instead, money that could have pushed the CS into factories and showrooms is instead being used on investing in future technologies. One example lies with the Project i, which has birthed the Mini E electric vehicle and promises to spawn ecologically-friendly city cars.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

Bio-fueled 'Extreme Bentley' at Geneva Motor Show

Bentley is preparing to show its first bio-fueled production model at the Geneva Motor Show. The company has also released a mini site and is touting this car as its fastest, most powerful model yet.

Bentley announced its plan to jump on the bio fuel bandwagon at the North American International Auto Show earlier this month. By 2012 the company says all of its models will feature "flexfuel" powertrains.

Little else is said about this brazen Bentley. From the teaser picture it appears to be based on the Continental GT or Flying Spur. The car gives off a sinister aura with hood vents, large air intakes with dark mesh grilles and dark trim around the beady little headlights.

The new model must make some serious power to take the place as the fastest, most powerful Bentley yet. Currently, the fastest model is the Continental GT Speed with 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. This new Bentley will have to do better than the GT Speed's zero to 60 mph time of just over 4 seconds and its top speed of 202 mph. We're expecting more details about the new model to emerge before its Geneva debut in March.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

Latest Race Car Wallpapers (Need for Speed special)

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

2009 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Revealed

Bentley confirmed today that it will debut its quickest ever convertible at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Just how fast is this portly 5478 lb convertible? Bentley says the Continental GTC Speed will charge to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 200 mph with the top up or 195 mph with the top down.

The new GTC Speed is the final addition to the Speed family of Continentals that includes the GT Speed and the Flying Spur Speed. The same monster 600 hp W-12 engine from the other two models finds a home under the hood of the GTC Speed. The engine produces nine percent more horsepower and 15 percent more torque than in a base GTC, and the power is still routed through a six-speed ZF automatic transmission to all four wheels.

GTC Speed models will be distinguished from lesser GTCs by their standard dark tinted upper and lower matrix grilles and wider twin-rifled tail pipes. The dashing drop top will wear 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tires. The suspension is lowered and upgraded to enhance the car's cornering ability and a new trunk-mounted spoiler enhances high speed aerodynamics.

Some of the minor styling revisions for the 2009 GTC Speed pass on to the standard GTC such as the refreshed grille with a more upright appearance. The lower air intakes are also bolder and the headlights receive new chrome bezels. Both models will be offered in two new exterior colors as well as a new leather interior selection.

The 2009 models will also be offered with two new options. First, to haul the cars down to a stop, buyers can opt for the largest production passenger car brakes in the world. The brakes are fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic and span a whopping 420mm (about 16.5 inches) in the front and a mere 356mm in the back. The other option is a new adaptive cruise control system. The system uses a long range radar sensor that manages throttle and brakes and can bring the car to a compete stop.

Bentley estimates the GTC Speed will account for up to two-thirds of GTC sales worldwide in its first year of production. Expect pricing for the 2009 GTC to be just under $200K with the GTC Speed ringing up somewhere north of $215,000.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »

Bentley Power on Ice Event Set for February 2009

For the fourth year in a row, Bentley Motors is hosting their Power on Ice event. For 7,590 Euros (approximately $9,867), the team of Finnish rally star Juha Kankkunen will briefly instruct drivers in the art of ice driving in a Bentley Continental, before turning them loose on a frozen lake outside Kuusamo, Finland.

Juha Kankkunen, a native of Finland, is a renowned rally driver. In March 2007, he set a record for driving on ice using a Bentley Continental GT.

This is the fourth year Bentley Motors has hosted the Power on Ice event. The 7,590 Euro price tag includes first-class accommodations at the Ruka Peak Hotel, meals, and all activities for one person. Alternative accommodations are available for a premium, with the most expensive option-a Ruka Peak Cottage-rounding out at 8,990 Euros ($11,672). A family package-all inclusive for two adults and three children-is also available for 24,980 Euros ($32,346).

Five trips are planned, each lasting three days. The first trip starts on February 16th, and the last starts on March 4th. More information about the Bentley Motors Power on Ice event is available at its website.

LatestCarsWallpapers.com => CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WALLPAPERS IN THIS POST »