Detroit Bridge Online: 2009 CTS-V: Cadillac’s Ultimate Expression Of Performance And Luxury

[Official Press Release]

DETROIT – As the new CTS sport sedan earns accolades and new owners, Cadillac takes the next leap forward by premiering the 2009 CTS-V, the brand’s ultimate expression of performance and luxury.


Launching in the fourth quarter of 2008, the all-new CTS-V intends to combine the serious performance of an elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan. Part of Cadillac’s acclaimed V-Series of high-performance models, CTS-V delivers an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW). More than just power, CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements, including Magnetic Ride Control, an industry-first Performance Traction Management program and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.

“The CTS-V represents the full extension of our design, technology and performance capabilities,” says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The V-Series takes the award-winning CTS sport sedan and elevates it to a position within the club of the world’s most exclusive and capable cars.”

As an all-new version of the CTS sport sedan was prepared for 2008, Cadillac engineers and designers began to scheme a new CTS-V that would reach much higher in terms of performance and luxury. Through the original CTS-V, Cadillac proved it could develop a very potent, high-performance sedan. The challenge for the 2009 model was enhancing every aspect in a comprehensive manner, along with reaching higher performance limits.

Several key technical and design elements combine to transform the already highly capable CTS into the new V-Series. Like the existing CTS, the V-Series is the product of an intensive development process across North America and Europe, including famed test tracks and millions of miles of road. Supporting Cadillac’s ongoing global expansion, the 2009 CTS-V is planned to be offered outside North America for the first time, including exports to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Sophisticated technical enhancements

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V features the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology, Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). It uses shocks controlled by electro-magnets, rather than mechanical valves, greatly accelerating response time. Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance sedan, helping to keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

MRC technology first appeared on the Cadillac STS performance sedan and has been used on some of the world’s most celebrated cars, including the Chevrolet Corvette and a select few European sports cars.

Enabling the precise control expected in a high-performance sedan, the CTS-V features Performance Traction Management system, borrowed from championship racing teams. This technology uses advanced electronics to manage engine torque for optimal traction during acceleration. In situations such as acceleration from a stop or exiting corners, Performance Traction Management regulates torque delivery for the best possible launch.

Performance Traction Management uses the same sort of electronics as stability control programs such as Cadillac’s StabiliTrak system, but applies it in a different manner. Rather than monitoring and controlling wheel slip to assist in stopping or slowing the car, PTM regulates torque delivery to instantly match the available tire grip for maximum acceleration.

CTS-V also includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renown for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Michelin worked with Cadillac engineers to develop its acclaimed Pilot Sport 2 (PS2) summer tire for CTS-V and its 19-inch wheels.

And, of course, there is the matter of power. It has increased nearly 35 percent for the ’09 CTS-V, via a new 6.2L LSA supercharged V-8 engine generating an estimated 550 hp (410 kW) and 550 lb.-ft. (745 Nm) of torque. The engine delivers this power with remarkable refinement. A sixth-generation Eaton supercharger minimizes the added noise previously associated with supercharged engines, and tightly controls intake air temperature for optimal performance.

Transmission choices include either a six-speed manual or an exclusive, six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It is the first automatic offered on the CTS-V.

Accentuated design elements

The 2009 CTS-V extends Cadillac’s acclaimed design language, both inside and out. The V-Series includes all the elements of the CTS sport sedan’s well received cabin, while adding some elegant and purposeful accents.

V-Series will offer Recaro performance driving seats, providing excellent support for spirited driving and adding to the luxurious and purposeful interior. These new, 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushion and backrest.

A microfiber material is added to the steering wheel, seats and shifter, providing the soft feel and luxurious appearance of suede without suede’s inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents on the steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.

The car’s integrated center stack is trimmed with a new Obsidian material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features, including a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a “pop-up” screen and Bose digital surround audio, extend to the V-Series, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth capability.

The exterior of the new CTS-V amplifies the assertive stance and elegant details of the standard car, and communicates the car’s remarkable capabilities. The dihedral Cadillac grille is larger to enable more air intake and features a satin finish. The raised hood encompasses the supercharged engine, and new front and rear fascias identify the vehicle as a V-Series. The car’s 19-inch wheels enhance its stance on the road.

The founding member of the V-Series, CTS-V was initially offered in 2004 and sold primarily in North America through the 2007 model year. The supercharged STS-V and XLR-V were added in 2006 to make the V-Series an exclusive trio of models all capable of zero-to-60 acceleration in less than five seconds with enhanced overall performance and luxury features.

# # #

Maximum Safety in the MINI Cooper: How a very small car can be a very safe car.

(You may have received this in an eNewsletter recently!)*

Safety is not a matter of size and mass, but the result of brilliant engineering and design.

The 2008 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper Clubman are among the safest cars on the road today. Despite its diminutive size, a MINI Cooper is engineered to protect its passengers. Safety in your MINI comes in two forms: Active—the capability to maneuver out of harm’s way, and Passive—systems and structural elements that protect occupants from the forces and consequences of a crash. Every 2008 MINI Cooper excels at both active and passive safety, exceeding government standards for equipment and performance in actual crash testing.

As MINI drivers know, their MINI Coopers are agile, nimble and remarkably capable of performing any maneuver needed with precision. That’s handling! And handling is the key to active safety. Handling provides the ability to drive out of danger and avoid accidents.

Your 2008 MINI Cooper is packed with computers, sensors, systems and mechanical equipment designed expressly for optimal handling. Under normal driving conditions, you are blissfully unaware of most active safety in the MINI. It’s only when the going gets dicey that you experience the amazing abilities of your MINI.

Take braking for instance. It’s the way we slow down, and brake function is normally routine and easily modulated. Sometimes, however, you have to slow quickly or stop suddenly. When you do, MINI is equipped with four-sensor antilock brakes (ABS) that refuse to lock and continue to provide controllable braking power in emergency situations. ABS is assisted by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, a system that adjusts braking force and response according to load. In other words, your MINI will stop differently depending on who and what is onboard and MINI’s braking forces will be distributed accordingly. Similarly, MINI’s Cornering Brake Control is specially engineered to keep you balanced and in control when carving corners. It, too, uses sensors and selective brake application to maintain stability when cornering.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is yet another vital ABS partner in your MINI. DSC is perhaps the single most important safety system on your MINI besides the seatbelts. It constantly senses steering angles and yaw forces and measures angles to detect a skid. If your MINI starts to drift, DSC steps in and applies corrective braking and, if needed, reduces engine power to prevent a loss of control. Government and industry statistics prove that stability control prevents accidents by allowing drivers to maneuver safely in an emergency driving situation, saving themselves and passengers from a crash and potential injury.


In addition to DSC, your MINI is equipped with Traction Control, a system that prevents the front drive wheels from losing traction. It kicks in during acceleration when any slippage is detected. It allows you to pull out to pass with confidence that power will be transferred efficiently to the pavement.

There are other active safety features on your MINI, several of which you probably never considered as such. For example, consider MINI’s headlamps. MINI has automatic leveling xenon headlamps with specially sculpted prisms that boost light output by 25 percent. When you see more and farther ahead, driving is safer. There are also speed-sensing windshield wipers that operate at the optimum speed for good visibility. Heated window washer nozzles that prevent the fluid from freezing in winter assist them. Examine the warning lights in the MINI’s maxi-speedometer bezel, and you’ll find a flat tire monitor so you will know the instant one of your tires starts getting soft.

If an accident is unavoidable, MINI has your back with an ultra-rigid body engineered to absorb the impact forces of a crash before they get to you. Seatbelts with pre-tensioners are critical since you must be held in a secure position for the optimal operation of airbags. Six airbags are standard consisting of front, side and curtain head airbags for the driver and front passenger. The extra-large curtain airbags (integrated in the roof lining) offer optimum protection from head injuries for the rear passengers.

MINI is all about motoring and doing it safely. You can be confident your MINI is equipped to help you be a good driver who is in control at all times. You can also be confident that, in the unavoidable crash, your MINI is designed and equipped to prevent injury, sacrificing itself in the interests of your safety.

*Published by Assael BMW and MINI for eVip News

1991 Chevy Silverado reaches 1,000,000 mile mark

*Yes, that says one meeeleeion miles, and no, that's not a typo! At least not according to the article from local Wisconsin newpaper, Shawano Leader...

Wisconsin man’s dependable pickup hits incredible milestone
(Shawano Leader, Sunday, February 10, 2008)

GRESHAM, Wis. - Frank Oresnik's trusty pickup truck — he calls it "the old girl" — passed the 1 million-mile mark with a camera crew filming the event and a public-radio audience listening in. "I can't tell you how much fun it was," he said. "It was really humbling, all this interest."

Oresnick uses this perspective: He’s had the oil changed more than 300 times. In fact, the oil’s been changed so often, the oil pan drain plug has needed rethreading. Several times.

Dr. Evil would certainly approve.

Full text available at:
http://www.shawanoleader.com/articles/2008/02/10/news/news1.txt

Detroit Bridge: ISUZU ANNOUNCES 2008 MODELS

(Isuzu Press Release):
ISUZU ANNOUNCES 2008 MODELS
Standard Head-Curtain Side Airbags for Ascender; More Towing Capacity and New Option Packages for Pickup


Isuzu Motors America, Inc., today announced enhancements to its line of award-winning trucks and SUVs for the 2008 model year. Among the improvements: standard head-curtain side-impact airbags for the flagship Ascender, and a line of Pickups with simplified option packages and significant increases in towing capacity. All vehicles continue the Isuzu tradition of offering tremendous durability, ruggedness, warranty protection and value to consumers. In fact, Isuzu was recognized by the Power Information Network in August 2007 for having the greatest improvement in retained value of any brand in the U.S. market.

2008 Isuzu Pickup

Developed jointly by General Motors Corporation and lead engineering partner Isuzu Motors Limited, the Isuzu Pickups have been award winners since their introduction in the U.S. market for 2006. Most recently, the 2007 i-290 4x2 Extended Cab was recognized in June 2007 as one of the Top Ten “Best Bang for the Buck” pickup trucks by Cars.com.

Extended Cab: The Isuzu Extended Cab Pickup continues to be available as an i-290 4x2 (with a standard 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 185 horsepower and the choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission) and as an i-370 4x2 (with a standard 3.7-liter, 242-horsepower inline five-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission).


Trim levels change for 2007. The i-290 4x2 Extended Cab is available in value-laden S trim; the Preferred Equipment Package remains optional. The i-370 4x2 Extended Cab is available in upgraded LS trim. The i-370’s Luxury Package has been discontinued, with many of its features made standard or available as stand-alone options.

Towing capacity has increased for the new model year. All i-290s get a 100-pound boost (from 2,100 to 2,200 pounds for manual transmission models and from 3,100 to 3,200 for those with automatic transmission). Meanwhile, the towing capacity of i-370 models increases a whopping 37.5%, from 4,000 to 5,500 pounds.

Here’s a summary of changes for Isuzu Extended Cab Pickups for 2008:

Isuzu Motors America, Inc./2008 Model Year Changes
Fog lights, sliding rear window and leather-wrapped steering wheel now standard on i-370
• Head-curtain side-impact airbags, automatic locking rear differential, electronic traction control and AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer now available as stand-alone options on i-370
• New optional integrated trailer hitch and wiring harness on i-370
• Number of cargo tie-downs standardized across all models to four
• Radiant Orange Metallic, Midnight Metallic and Cool Slate Metallic exterior colors replace Copper Orange Metallic, Teal Gray Metallic and Yellow
• i-290 towing capacity increases 100 pounds (to 2,200 pounds with manual transmission; 3,200 pounds with automatic transmission)
• i-370 towing capacity increases 1,500 pounds (to 5,500 pounds)
• LS Package discontinued for i-290 4x2 Extended Cab
• Luxury Package discontinued for i-370 4x2 Extended Cab

Crew Cab: The Isuzu Crew Cab Pickup continues to be available as an i-370 (with standard 3.7-liter, 242-horsepower inline five-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission) in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drive configurations.

All i-370 Crew Cabs are equipped with upgraded LS trim, but the Limited Package has been discontinued for 2008. Its equipment has been made standard, part of the new Comfort Package, or available as stand-alone options for the new model year.

Towing capacity on all Crew Cabs has been increased from 4,000 to 5,500 pounds.


Here’s a summary of changes for Isuzu Crew Cab Pickups for 2008:

• New optional Comfort Package includes:
o AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer, seek-and-scan, digital clock, auto-tone control, speed-compensated volume, TheftLock and Radio Data System
o Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature indicator
o Leather seating surfaces
o Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
o Six-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat
o Adjustable head restraints
o Dual-level heated front seats
• Sliding rear window and automatic locking rear differential now standard on all Crew Cabs

• Electronic traction control, formerly part of the Limited Package, now standard on all 4x2 Crew Cabs (not available on 4x4 models)
• AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer available as a stand-alone option
• New optional integrated trailer hitch and wiring harness
• Number of cargo tie-downs standardized across all models to four
• Radiant Orange Metallic, Midnight Metallic and Cool Slate Metallic exterior colors replace Copper Orange Metallic, Teal Gray Metallic and Yellow
• Towing capacity increases 1,500 pounds (to 5,500 pounds)
• Limited Package discontinued

Production of the 2008 Isuzu Pickups began in June 2007 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Pricing begins at $18,084 for the i-290 4x2 Extended Cab S and at $25,214 for the i-370 4x2 Crew Cab LS.

2008 Isuzu Ascender

Isuzu’s flagship SUV returns for 2008, a true body-on-frame vehicle with plenty of room for five passengers, up to 5,800 pounds of towing capacity, and a multiple award-winning 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine under its hood. Standard head-curtain side-impact airbags on all models contribute to enhanced safety and peace of mind for the new model year.

Both 2WD and 4WD models are available in well-equipped S trim, and with optional Preferred Equipment, LS and Luxury Packages. The LS’s optional Leather Package has been discontinued.

Here’s a summary of changes for the Isuzu Ascender for 2008:

• Head-curtain side-impact airbags added as standard equipment on all models
• Engine recalibrated for optimal fuel economy and reduced emissions; re-certified by SAE to deliver 285 horsepower and 276 ft.-lbs. torque @ 4,600 rpm
• Storm Gray Metallic/Gray Metallic, Currant Red Metallic/Dark Bronzemist Metallic and Natural Suede Metallic/Dark Bronzemist Metallic two-tone exterior colors replaced by Midnight Metallic/Gray Metallic and Black Garnet Metallic/ Gray Metallic on S, Preferred Equipment and LS models
• Storm Gray Metallic, Currant Red Metallic and Natural Suede Metallic monotone exterior colors replaced by Midnight Metallic, Black Garnet Metallic and Flint Gray Metallic on Luxury models
• Light Cashmere interior color discontinued
• Leather Package discontinued

Production of the 2008 Ascender began in July in Moraine, Ohio. The Ascender S 2WD has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $27,884.

Other Improvements

The engines of all Isuzu Ascender and Pickup models are enhanced with the addition of a new Generation 1 System 3 E67 engine management system. Featuring 32-bit processing, 32 megabytes of flash memory and 128 kilobytes of RAM, this high-end engine controller synchronizes more than 100 functions, including the engines’ electronic throttle control, variable exhaust valve timing, spark timing, and cruise control operation. It is more than 50 times faster than the computers first used on internal combustion engines in the 1970s.

Each engine is also equipped with new Multec 3.5 fuel injectors featuring more compact, better-sealing electrical connectors.

All of the powerplants meet the EPA’s tough new Bin 4 emission requirements.

Warranty

All 2008 Isuzu Pickup and Ascender owners will continue to benefit from Isuzu’s seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and matching 24-hour roadside assistance coverage. Isuzu Roadside Assistance provides lockout protection, flat tire repair, battery recharging, fuel delivery and towing (excluding accident-related incidents) at no charge to the customer.

These coverages are in addition to Isuzu’s three-year/50,000-mile basic and six-year/100,000-mile perforation from corrosion warranties.

-- Elliott M. Smith - DetroitBridgeOnline.com

Fresh Asphalt: Tom Hammond

From the NBA to NHRA Pro Stock, he is a player

The last three national NHRA events of 2007 confirm Tom Hammonds is not back in the game just for relaxation. In as much as drag racing has been referred to as simply an asphalt golf course, it requires more concentration, combined with technical savvy, the results of testing and improvements confirms that with the right sponsors, the predicament of possibly being an “also ran” is a characteristic that many NHRA competitors have to deal with.

Hammonds knows all about that predicament, watching or being a staunch competitor. The choice was to make the investment in a facility to house a racing operation in Florida to do what he loves- compete. The NBA is history, NHRA Pro-Stock competition is the future.

The primary “tool” one needs to compete in NHRA is a facility or “launch pad” for a racing operation. After several months of preparation, Tom Hammonds opened his new facility in Holt, Florida. It was something that people in the community had been waiting to get a glimpse of for quite some time. During the grand opening last year, which drew an extremely large crowd, (when you consider the population of Holt, FL) Hammonds also showed the crowd all the ins and outs of what he has to do and what his crew does on a daily basis to get ready for a race. Autographing T-shirts, taking pictures with the public and giving the public an inside view of NHRA competition was the norm for the day.

The facility consists of a dyno-room that Hammonds demonstrated in front of a crowd during the grand opening. Along with the dyno-room is a very large show room, located directly in the front of the garage for viewers to see when doing business with Hammonds Racing Enterprises. The facility is large enough to house the total racing operation. Large enough to be classified as a “must see” for tourists visiting the small town of Holt.

Grand opening over; close the shop and get down to business. But of course, what it takes now is sponsorship. Hammonds Racing Enterprises, unlike the myriad of competitors, has a niche market appeal. A recognized personality throughout the NBA and its affiliates and a standout in any crowd. Having competed in the NBA for 12 years before finally retiring, the ability to inculcate youth with positive images as well as abilities reach outside of the mainstream of the already diverse NHRA appeal is a benefit he brings to the sport. This second career will not find him sitting of the bench and standing around trying to figure out his next move, or “the next play”.

Without a primary sponsor and while the shop was under construction, Hammonds surprisingly qualified his Chevy Cobalt in all appearances except one on the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series in 2007. Having won enough rounds to complete the abbreviated 2007 season with 456 points at year-end, the tribulations throughout the year was not the power, but getting the chassis dialed in on the varied tricky physical surfaces of the many tracks across the country.

All aspects of NHRA competition are tough, Pro-Stock being one of the toughest in that there is no room for error. No “do-over’s”, no catch-ups. NHRA has set the parities and the primary components are at the tree and making the power. The chassis set-up must be so precise for each track, one turn on the set-up can cause an ill-handling chassis to react a bit different than your competitor, in a given lane, at a given temperature, with a given humidity and air density level, you lose. Boy, what a science!

Things began to improve after the Vegas event last October when the team stayed a few days after the event for testing. That learned was chassis settings aligned with varied track conditions divided into proven horsepower paralleled with driving ability equals a win light; whew!

It’s a tough business but we love it!

--Elliott Smith