truth about domestics

The Chevy Cobalt SS was a fairly impressive vehicle.  It had rather bland sheetmetal, but it more than made up for that with its 260 horsepower Ecotec direct-injected and turbo charged 2.0L four-cylinder.  The car also had some impressive handling, enough to take down cars like the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru STi in track comparisons at major magazines.  Well since the Cobalt is being replaced by the Cruze, people have begun to push for a performance version, a Cruze SS if you will.  Hopefully we will see something sporty come from GM soon, as the Corvette, Camaro and CTS-V could always use more company.  For more details, head on over to the Motor Authority.

(Image source: GM)

Where would we be without good old Maximum Bob?  He let slip to Car and Driver that we would be able to get a CTS-V in every flavor, meaning sedan, coupe, and wagon.  The sedan has already proven itself as one of the best performance luxury sedans in the world, so if the coupe and wagon are built to the same high standards, then this will be quite an impressive lineup.  Head on over to Car and Driver for more.

(Image source: GM)

“Maximum” Bob Lutz is usually not afraid to hold back when making comments to the press.  In this case, he is a tad more reserved, however he still makes a great point.  The following comment is in reference to the Jaguar XFR being pulled out of his CTS-V challenge by Jaguar saying, “the brakes might not hold up to track duty.”

“I think it means that the European high-performance sedans are excellent, even superb cars, but quite possibly not ready for racing laps right out of the showroom.  The CTS-V is not only quicker, but will, in totally untweaked, stock form, run hot laps at any race track until it runs out of fuel.  Transmission oil and diff oil temps are stable, engine oil temp doesn’t go up, brakes get a bit more pedal travel, but don’t fade.  The street tires get a tad greasy, but handling and control remain excellent.  “May the best car win!” (It wins automatically if the competitors won’t show up!)”

Gotta love it!  Stay tuned for more on the challenge as it develops, but for now, check it out at Jalopnik.

(Image source: thetorquereport.com)

Apparently Jaguar has decided to pull the XFR out of the competition with the Cadillac CTS-V that was to take place against GM’s Bob Lutz.  Jaguar’s PR Stuart Schorr said they aren’t afraid that the XFR would lose to the Caddy.  No, their reason?  That the brakes couldn’t hold up to track duty for 5 time attack laps and could pose a danger to the driver.  It seems that the only car willing to take on the CTS-V is the CTS-V itself.  The Jag was originally going to be piloted by Jalopnik’s Wes Siler, but it appears they will now use Lutz’s V or a Mitsubishi EVO that they drive up in.  For more, head on over to Jalopnik.

On a side note, the picture is from a comparison between the XFR and CTS-V, in which case the V won.

(Image source: Motor Trend)

The video above shows a Hennessy tuned CTS-V with 700 horsepower pulling 0.99g’s of acceleration as it takes off to run the quarter mile.  It’s an impressive feat for such a heavy vehicle, but that’s not even the most shocking part of the video.  The car took off so hard, it set off some of the built in OnStar telemetry equipment, prompting a call from one of OnStar’s operators.  In other words, this car takes off like you got hit in the rear…

That’s right folks, the challenge was thrown by Bob Lutz for anyone to step up who thought they (and their car) could beat Lutz himself in a race in a CTS-V.  Well the cars range from a BMW M3, to a Jaguar XFR, and a few other nice ones in between.  Hopefully the race takes place soon, all the hype is killing me!  For more, head on over to Autoblog or Cadillac Notes.

Hit the video above to see a short clip of Bob Lutz preparing for the CTS-V challenge that he issued earlier in the week.  Or head on over to Autoblog for more information.

Bob Lutz has laid down the CTS-V Challenge.  He stated in his blog that anyone who thinks they can take on the CTS-V with him as the driver are welcome to step up to the track and race him.  According to InsideLine, more than 120 people have taken the challenge, but that number will be whittled down to around 5-10 before the actual showdown.  Also reported is that John Heinricy will be on hand to take on any weekend racers who might have more skill than Mr. Lutz.  For more details, head on over to InsideLine.

(Image source: InsideLine)

After replacing my shorted out keyboard from all the drool…uhmm I mean, rain…yea, rain, I decided to post a link to the latest spy shots of the CTS-V coupe prototypes that were spotted running around Michigan.  What an incredible looking car, I can’t wait to see the production version without the camo!  Should be unveiled soon, but for now, head on over to Left Lane News for the spy shots!

(Image source: Left Lane News)

According to two sources, the CTS-V Sportwagon has been given the green light at GM. Now the General hasn’t announced anything official but lets all keep our fingers crossed that this one actually comes true! For more, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)