GM has dutifully submitted its restructuring plans, lest the US government ask for its money back, a condition of the bailout loans it is receiving. And it has decided to ask for a few more billion dollars since, well, they really, really need it.
As part of their recently published plans, GM has also announced a coupe version of the Cadillac CTS. There has been the concept vehicle plus lots of spy shots circulating and now it seems the project is a go-ahead. Dependent, it appears, on GM getting the federal money to fund the production.
But that need not concern us right now. According to GM's viability plan, production is set to begin in 2010 and one of the CTS's variants will come with a 3.6 liter V6 coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Sounds great but the Cadillac is competing in a segment with pretty advanced technology these days.
Also in the works are more extended-range hybrids set to debut in 2012, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a new collection of 4-banger gasoline/petrol engines (with direct-injection technology? Who knows.).
GM is also planning a fuel cell system and working on a next-generation hybrid drivetrain, according to the plan.
GM is determined to convince the US government it is up to the task of restructuring and making its business viable and competitive in the marketplace. Maybe had they applied that same vigilance to winning over customers over the last ten years they wouldn't have to be groveling at the trough as they are right now.
Argentine signs conditional USF1 race deal
Williams sells team share to Toto Wolff
De la Rosa, Villeneuve, Summerton linked to USF1
WRC options emerge for Raikkonen
Sauber waits while FIA considers Toyota penalty
Still no deal for 2010 British GP - Ecclestone
Neel Jani to test Force India at Jerez
Persistent Schu/Merc rumours played down again
Mercedes GP in no hurry to replace Button
Button switched for less money and 'new challenge'
Edited by user on February 18, 2009 at 3:53 PM