Hennessey Reveals Monstrous 1,000HP Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Hennessey is one of America’s best-known tuning houses offering solutions for a great number of vehicles ranging from Nissan GT-R bashing Caddy Escalades to Ferrari’s 458 Italia –and anything in between.

Having already tuned the sedan and estate versions of the Cadillac CTS-V, Hennessey decided it was time to give a little attention to the coupe version: hence the V1000 CTS-V Coupe was born.

Hennessey got rid of the factory supercharged 564HP 6.2-liter LSA. What took its place under the bonnet is a twin-turbocharged 7.0 lt LS-based V8 with too many modifications to mention (see the full specs below). As you can tell from its name, it produces 1,000 HP. It’s not lacking in torque, either, as the driver has at his disposal an amazing 1,286.6 Nm (950 lb-ft) of torque.

The V1000 accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, covers the quarter mile (0-400 m) in 10.9 seconds with an exit speed of 136 mph (219 km/h) and maxes out at 230 mph (370 km/h).

It is available with either a manual or an automatic gearbox while braking power comes courtesy of four 15.1-inch (383 mm) carbon ceramic Brembo discs with 8-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers.

The Hennessey-fettled CTS-V Coupe isn’t lacking in the looks department either as it features a carbon-fiber wide body exterior and 20-inch wheels, as well as an alcantara, leather and carbon-fiber trimmed interior.

Hennessey says it will build only 12 examples of the V1000 CTS-V Coupe, making it an extremely rare sight. So if you’re in the market for a more practical alternative to the Elise-based Venom GT, you'd better hurry up…

Hennessey V1000 CTS-V Coupe Specs

Power:
• 1,000 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
• 950 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm
Acceleration:
• 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
• 1/4 Mile: 10.9 @ 136 mph
• Top Speed: 230 mph
V1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes:
• 427 cid LS V8 Engine
• Forged Low Compression Pistons
• Forged Steel Connecting Rods
• Callies 4340 Forged Steel Crank
• Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly
• ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts
• High Flow Cylinder Heads
• Hennessey V1000 Camshaft
• Upgraded Fuel Injectors
• Upgraded Fuel System (Includes Lines, Rails & Pump)
• Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers
• Dual Wastegates
• Electronic Boost Controller
• Stainless Steel Piping and Exhaust
• Air-to-Air Intercooler
• High-Flow K&N Air Filter
• 160 Degree Thermostat
• Professional Installation
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• Hennessey Exterior Badging
• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• 1 Year / 12,000 Mile Limited Warranty
REQUIRED TRANSMISSION UPGRADE:
• Manual: Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Upgrade
• Automatic: Performance Build & Torque Converter Upgrade
Braking:
• Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brake Upgrade
• 15.1 inch Carbon Ceramic Rotors (Front & Rear)
• Calipers: 8-Piston (Front); 6-Piston (Rear)
Wheels & Tires:
• Hennessey Monoblock Wheels
• 20x10 inch (Front); 20x13 inch (Rear)
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires
• 275/30YR-20 (Front); 345/30YR-20 (Rear)
Suspension:
• Lowered 1" (Front & Rear)
• Factory Magnetic Ride Control Tuned by John Heinricy
Body:
• CarbonAero CTS-V Widebody Upgrade
• Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
• Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
• Carbon Fiber Front Fenders
• Carbon Fiber Extractor Hood
• Carbon Fiber Rear Fender Flares

Interior:
• Alcantara Headliner
• Carbon Fiber Door Sills
• Upgraded Leather & Stitching
• Hennessey Embroidered Heardrests
• Hennessey Premium Floormats

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Report: GM to Launch Key Fuel Efficient Cars and Trucks in the Next 18 Months

USA’s biggest car manufacturer, General Motors, is scheduling a series of new vehicle launches for its four brands in the next 18 months. And the dominant theme here, both in passenger cars and trucks, will be improved economy figures as GM prepares its vehicle lineup to meet the more stringent fuel-efficiency standards.

For example, the Detroit automaker plans to introduce 8-speed auto transmissions and downsized turbocharged engines in its new pickups, and also intends to fit more models with the eAssist light-hybrid technology.

Both Chevrolet and Cadillac will launch two key models next year: the former the new Malibu mid-size sedan (in early 2012) and the Spark minicar (at a later date), and the latter the new ATS compact sedan and the XTS full size sedan in the second half of the year.

Last, but not least, GM also plans to launch its next generation of full-size pickup trucks and SUVs in 2013 and 2014.

Via Autonews

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Cadillac Introduces 2012 SRX with New 308HP 3.6-Liter V6 LFX Engine

The latest Cadillac SRX has been on the market for just two model years, but for 2012, General Motors is making some important tweaks to improve the crossover model's performance.

While GM had made the announcement on the 2012 SRX back in April, the company came out today with additional information and revised performance figures, just before the SUV goes on sale.

Headlining the changes for the 2012 Cadillac SRX is the presentation of a new 3.6-liter V6 known by its “LFX” code, and which will be the sole engine offering in the range.

It produces 16-percent more horsepower at 308HP (SAE-rated) and 18-percent more torque at 265 lb-ft (359Nm) than the outgoing V6, which is rated at 265HP and 223 lb.-ft (302 Nm).

The LFX is also E85 ethanol-capable and is paired up to an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. Customers can choose between front-wheel drive only and all-wheel drive systems, with the latter incorporating an electronic limited-slip (eLSD) rear differential.

The Detroit firm's engineers also revised the Base and Sport suspension systems for the 2012MY to improve the ride quality.

Other upgrades include a new sound-absorbing material placed throughout the vehicle to make the SRX quieter as well as new additions to the standard equipment.

Feature and content enhancements for 2012 include:

• Standard Bluetooth phone connectivity on all models, with on-screen caller identification
• OnStar Turn-by-Turn automated directions are loaded to the vehicle
• Improved voice recognition for phone activation, navigation and radio station changes
• A heated steering wheel on the Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections
• Door lock switches on the driver and passenger door panels as well as the center console
• Cruise control buttons on the steering wheel
• Memory seat set – the occupant can set the seating position simply by pressing “set” and the number simultaneously
• Backlighting for map lights in the overhead console
• A new machined-face finish on the 20-inch wheels, which are standard on Performance and Premium Collections
• Available all-ebony interior trim
• One new exterior color available this fall: Xenon Blue Metallic.

More details including pricing and fuel economy ratings will be released within the next few weeks.

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GM Recalls More Than 7,500 Trucks and SUVs Over Separate Gearbox and Steering Issues

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall campaign for two separate issues concerning GM trucks and SUVs.

The first recall concerns 6,768 units of the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon from the 2011MY due to a failure in a transmission clip that may not engage the “Parking” mode even though the driver has moved the lever to the appropriate position. GM’s dealers will repair the faulty automatic transmission free of charge, and the recall is expected to begin on July 19.

The second recall campaign, involves 739 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban 1500 and Tahoe and GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL 1500, all from the 2011MY.

According to government agency, in the aforementioned vehicles the intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification. As a consequence, the joints may separate causing the driver to lose control of steering and cause an accident. The recall will begin on July 13.

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Cadillac Rolls Out New Design for its Dealerships

While the bigwigs at General Motors are mulling to expand production of Cadillacs outside of North America before the end of 2012, here in the States, the focus is on improving the customer experience at the brand’s dealerships. Today, the Detroit automaker rolled out a new design for Cadillac showrooms that will become the standard across the country.

The new look includes contemporary architecture and premium materials, such as English Oak, matte porcelain tile and brushed stainless steel accents, and is the work of Gensler architects who worked together with Cadillac’s own design team. GM says the new showroom design features a more open layout that allows customers to better interact with the cars and the dealership staff and also features a customer lounge with a coffee bar.

The first dealership to receive the makeover is Suburban Cadillac of Ann Arbor, which you can check out in the photo gallery bellow. GM said more than 200 Cadillac dealers across the States will complete a similar upgrade to their stores within the next two years.

“If you want to compete in the luxury market, you have to create the right environment for customers,” said Mike Mosser, general manager of Suburban Cadillac. “The new showroom greets potential buyers with a look and feel that puts us at the top of class in the luxury market,” he added.

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GM Recalling 47,401 Cadillac SRX Crossovers Over Airbag Software Issue

A potential issue with an air-curtain air bag that may not deploy during a crash has prompted the U.S. recall of 47,401 Cadillac SRX crossovers from the 2011 model year. For the same reason, 3,099 vehicles are being recalled in Mexico and Canada, with GM stating that the problem is only in North America.

The Detroit automaker said the car’s computer is programmed to turn off the right side roof-rail airbag if someone is not sitting in the front passenger seat thus not protecting the rear occupants in the event of a crash. GM said it will reprogramme the system to allow the air-curtain to open even if the front passenger seat is not occupied. The company added that it is not aware of any injuries or complaints related to this issue.

As expected, GM’s dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 17, 2011

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Last Cadillac DTS Heads to Bulgari Collection

It may not be anywhere close to being a historic model for Cadillac, but for some, the outgoing DTS has a special place in their wish list. In fact so special that Nicola Bulgari of the renowned Italian jewelry, perfume and more recently hotel chain family, decided to add the last DTS to roll off the production line to his personal car collection.

“Is it important?” Nicola Bulgari asked. “Is it the number or the quality that matters? It’s the quality. I like the DTS because it’s a great sedan,” said Bulgari. “It’s the last of an era. I thought it would be wonderful to own the last Northstar in a DTS. It’s one of the best engines ever designed – reliable and a performer.”

The full-size sedan that is more widely known around the world for being the U.S. presidential car will join an impressive range of vintage American models in Bulgari’s collection housed at facilities in Rome, Italy and Allentown, Pa. The grandson of a Greek silversmith who opened a jewelry shop in Rome in 1884 owns several other Cadillac and LaSalle cars, the latter of which was a sister brand to Cadillac from 1927 to 1940, his first being a 1938 Cadillac V-16 Town Car that he bought when he was 25 years-old.

“It was quite an experience to drive that car because the quality was second to none,” Bulgari said about the V-16 Town Car. “The suspension design, the power, the engine… Everything was built with extraordinary quality.”

Bulgari’s collection of Cadillac and LeSalle models include:

• 1932 Cadillac 355B V-12 Fleetwood Limousine
• 1934 Cadillac Model 355B Series 20 Sedan
• 1934 LaSalle Coupe
• 1940 LaSalle Convertible Coupe
• 1940 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan
• 1941 Cadillac Series 61 Sedanette
• 1947 Cadillac Model 7533 Limousine
• 1949 Cadillac Model 7533 Limousine
• 1949 Cadillac Convertible Coupe
• 1954 Cadillac Series 54-62 Fleetwood Sedan
• 1970 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

The Roman-born vice chairman of the Bulgari Group and honorary president of the Italian Government Tourist Board is also the owner of three recent Cadillac models including the 2009 XLR-V Coupe equipped with a special Bulgari speedometer, a 2010 CTS Wagon and 2009 CTS-V Sedan.

“Of the three, the Sedan, Coupe and Wagon, the Wagon stands out in front of all the competition,” Bulgari said. “It makes the competition look ludicrous.” Talking about the CTS-V, Bulgari added: “I have news for you with a V. I want to see some Ferrari or Lamborghini on the road and I will give him a lesson. They’ll never expect it.”

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