Obama went on a tour of his ancestral roots, but was delayed when his Cadillac Limo became stuck at the airport. See, even the President gets delayed while trying to disembark from a flight.

While the presidential motorcade was leaving an airport in Dublin, Ireland to cheering crowds, “Beast” – the heavily armored Cadillac limo made especially for our 44th Commander in Chief, became stuck on a crushed speed bump. The Secret Service insists the stuck limo was actually a decoy.

“The Beast” is a fitting name for the Cadillac vehicle. It holds a self contained rear compartment with separate oxygen supply and firearms hidden throughout. Windows and doors are 8 inches thick. The chassis and undercarriage can withstand armor piercing bullets and grenade attacks. Its tires are Kevlar-reinforced and can escape at high speeds even when flattened.

It took some time, but the vehicle was finally freed, and Obama went on with his journey through the Motherland. He stopped in a pub to drink some Guinness, and gander at all the Presidential swag local businesses were trying to sell in honor of his visit – from cup holders to cigarette lighters.

Source: NPR

Designed to be General Motor’s new rear-wheel-drive sports sedan, Cadillac ATS is set to replace the slot beneath CTS, which is expected to grow in size with a 2014 redesign. Cadillac reports that ATS “will have an ‘Art & Science’ design with vertical lighting units and a dual exhaust system.” Engine options should include a turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6 engine.

The ATS will be constructed at GM’s Lansing Grand River assembly plant, while riding on the new rear-wheel drive Alpha platform. This set-up can also be outfitted with all-wheel drive.

Cadillac’s all new ATS is scheduled to launch late next year. GM reports the sedan will be followed by a more luxurious “estate” model, along with coupe and convertible variants.

One might think a “hybrid” Escalade is rather useless – but you’ll be surprised to find just how powerful yet fuel efficient this eco-tank can be.

The new Escalade features an updated Two Mode hybrid powertrain. This combines a a 6.0-liter V8, with Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing, to an electrical continuously variable transmission (eCVT) containing two electric motor/generators and four fixed-ratio gears. The Hybrid stores energy captured in braking and coasting in a 300-volt bickel-metal-hydride battery pack. The vehicle taps into that energy when accelerating or climbing hills, Escalade Hybrid comes with an EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 23 highway.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is offered in a Platinum Edition model that includes: heated and cooled cupholders, backseat DVD entertainment, and an upgraded interior, and even base models include tri-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, power running boards, and a powerful Bose sound system.

“General Motors Co’s Cadillac is returning to production-car racing after a three-year absence,” said Don Butler, the brand’s marketing chief.

The CTS-V series will be the base of the race car in a Sports Car Club of America World Challenge, which will include 10 production-car races in the US and Canada, from March to October 2011. Cadillac left the series as it went from the first-generation CTS to the second, Butler said on Monday.

Cadillac’s CTS-V line, including a coupe, wagon and sedan, has a 6.2-liter, V8 engines that deliver 556 horsepower. “The V-series is being advertised on television for the first time,” Butler said.

Jim Campbell, GM chief for performance vehicles and motorsports, added that what engineers learn on the track will helps when it comes to constructing production models.

GM is looking into the future, to a world where airbags and bumpers won’t be needed – because your Cadillac won’t crash. According to General Motors, it’s not so far off either. Global Active Safety director John Capp says that in-vehicle Doppler radar would spot obstacles or traffic jams ahead, while further into the future that information could be used in autonomous vehicles, which would share information with each other, as well as traffic signals, and potentially drive themselves.

“GM points out the strong combination of accident avoidance technologies currently offered in the 2010 Cadillac DTS Platinum, including lane departure warning, blind spot alert, and adaptive cruise control, as steps toward that crash-proof car of the future.”

Source: Motor Authority

According to Bloomberg News, “The decision, if verified by GM, represents an acknowledgement of the high cost of producing plug-in hybrids that run for long distances without using any gasoline—rather than the type of plug-in hybrids that can use smaller and therefore less expensive battery packs. The Cadillac Converj was intended to follow the design of the Chevy Volt—referred to as an extended-range electric vehicle or plug-in series hybrid—which runs up to 40 miles before the gas engine is used to maintain the vehicle’s range.

“The future lies in plug-in hybrids with smaller electric range,” Eric Noble, president of CarLab, an Orange, California-based automotive consultant, told Bloomberg. Dropping the Converj is “a tacit admission from GM that they over-batteried the Volt.””

Source: Hybrid Cars

So what DOES Caddy’s CTS Wagon have for us? Their base 3.0-liter V6 produces a powerful 270 horse power, or 304 HP with a direct injection 3.6-liter V6 option. Miles Per Gallon tests returned 18/27 ratings. Another cool option is GM’s traction control, which can be switched or off, depending on how empty that rainy parking lot is.

2010′s CTS Wagon comes with plenty of room. 58 cubic feet of storage in it’s behind with the seats down. A backup camera and proximity sensors help in those hard to see places when in reverse.

Production on CTS Sport Wagon began on Monday, and soon you too will be able to head down Turn Pike roads after paying the $40,485 sticker, starting price of course.

Pics via Jalopnik

From GM’s Press Release: 2011 CADILLAC CTS COUPE: NEW SPORTS COUPE IS CADILLAC’S MOST DRAMATIC DESIGN

LOS ANGELES – Cadillac today unveiled the 2011 CTS Coupe, the latest and most dramatic of the brand’s series of new designs to reach production. Slated to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the spring of 2010, the CTS Coupe is a new luxury sports coupe designed to become the centerpiece of the brand’s revised lineup.

“CTS Coupe is the new focal point of Cadillac, expressing both our design and technical capabilities,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “It is intended to appeal to a new generation of car enthusiasts.”

The Coupe joins the CTS Sport Sedan, the 556-horsepower (415 kW) CTS-V and new CTS Sport Wagon as the foundation of Cadillac’s lineup. A high-performance V-Series edition of the Coupe will also be released in 2010.

The CTS Coupe’s design carries over virtually unchanged from the concept car that was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2008. The Coupe is a classic 2+2 layout bolstered with advanced technology, such as a rear-view camera system and a performance-oriented suspension system coupled to rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Press Release:

* Chevrolet Volt estimated city fuel economy is 230 mpg / 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles (press release)
* Media and consumers preview 25 new models coming between now and 2011
* Cadillac confirms new entry-level luxury sport sedan is under development
* GM’s four brands launch six all-new 2010 vehicles, including the industry’s most fuel-efficient compact crossover SUVs and all-new Buick LaCrosse sedan
* GM launches ‘The Lab’ to gather and incorporate direct consumer feedback to possible future vehicle designs

DETROIT, Mich. – A revitalized General Motors reintroduced itself today with an array of all-new cars, crossovers and trucks debuting now through 2011. GM also made a historic announcement: When the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle rolls off the assembly line late next year, it will be the first mass-production automobile to achieve triple-digit fuel economy, with an expected 230 mpg in the city, or 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles.

GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson also confirmed that Cadillac is developing an entry luxury sport sedan to capitalize on the growing market for smaller luxury sedans in the U.S. and globally. The rear- and optional all-wheel drive sedan will compete in the segment below the CTS, delivering outstanding performance and driving dynamics.

At GM’s Design Center and Milford Proving Ground, GM previewed six all-new 2010 vehicles and a glimpse of what is being introduced through the end of 2011:

* Chevrolet alone is introducing 10 new models, including the 2011 Chevrolet Volt
* Buick and GMC are adding 10 new entries, including a Buick plug-in hybrid compact crossover in 2011
* Cadillac is introducing five new models through 2011

Henderson also announced that as part of GM’s commitment to get closer to consumers, GM will use its FastLane blog to gather product research from both fans and critics. One pilot initiative, “The Lab,” will involve GM’s Advanced Design studio and allow users openly talk with designers about ideas and consumer-friendly technologies that were previously shared only in unbranded clinics.

In addition, Henderson said he and other executives plan to talk with consumers in other Web-based and in-person formats in the coming months. On Monday, the new GM executive committee, led by Henderson, showed off products and technologies to about 75 consumers at the GM Technical Center and the Milford Proving Ground.

“The key to restarting this company lies with GM’s customers, cars and culture,” Henderson said. “With four focused brands, we are committed to exceeding our current customers’ expectations and giving consumers plenty of reasons to choose a Chevy, Buick, GMC or Cadillac car or truck.”

Chevrolet Volt fuel economy achieves triple digits

Using development testing based on a draft U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) procedure for plug-in electric vehicles, the Chevrolet Volt is expected to achieve 230 miles per gallon or better in city driving (25 kW hours per 100 miles). The Volt, scheduled to begin production late next year as a 2011 model, can travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and can extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex-fuel engine-generator.

The EPA test procedure for plug-in electric vehicles, which is still being finalized, assumes a single charge each day. According to U.S. Department of Transportation data (http://tinyurl.com/U-S-DOTStudy), nearly eight of 10 Americans commute fewer than 40 miles a day.

“From the data we’ve seen, most drivers could operate purely on grid electricity in a Chevy Volt,” Henderson said. “A car that gets more than 100 miles per gallon is a significant step in the reinvention of the auto industry and GM is and will continue to be a leader in that reinvention.”

Cadillac confirms entry luxury sedan

With the all-new SRX and CTS Sport Wagon coming to market this month, the brand plans to pursue an even bigger piece of the luxury sport sedan market. Cadillac is developing a sport sedan below the acclaimed CTS that will deliver on the price of entry in this highly competitive segment of the luxury market – driving dynamics. With high-tech engines, rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, the new sedan will take on the best in the segment.

“We are determined to repeat what CTS has already achieved in design, quality, driving dynamics, performance and fuel economy to grow our presence in this high-volume and highly competitive segment,” Henderson said.

Greater customer engagement

While GM has organized customer clinics and collected feedback for many years, the Web provides even greater opportunities to connect with consumers. Henderson said executives will use a combination of in-person meetings and online technology to better interact with them.

“Our customers are the reason we’re here. It’s critical to have their voices help shape our products, and their experience with them,” Henderson said. “Their feedback helps us learn and evolve so we can continuously improve our cars and trucks, and our customer relationships.”

In addition to “Tell Fritz,” a feature on www.gmreinvention.com, in which customers can provide feedback, GM will use its popular FastLane blog (fastlane.gmblogs.com) to launch “The Lab,” a microsite featuring future projects by GM’s Advanced Design team.

Interacting directly with designers, consumers can share input on designs and technologies being considered for future projects. Those who provide detailed demographic information may be invited to participate at a deeper level in future sessions.

2010 launch vehicles by Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC

GM’s four core brands are launching six all-new vehicles for 2010. Here’s a brand-by-brand look at what’s new:

Buick: The all-new Buick LaCrosse continues a brand renaissance begun by the Enclave luxury crossover. The LaCrosse is a completely redesigned luxury sedan that offers a sculpted exterior and luxurious cabin; advanced, intelligent personal technologies and safety features; and a choice of two fuel-saving, direct injected V-6 engines. A 2.4L four-cylinder engine joins the lineup later.

Last week, Buick announced it will introduce a compact crossover SUV next year expected to achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway, followed in 2011 by a plug-in hybrid.

Cadillac: GM’s luxury brand launches the SRX crossover and the CTS Sport Wagon into the luxury market, featuring Cadillac’s signature design and technology.

The new SRX is designed to make more inroads into the previously conservative luxury crossover category. A new, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard, and a new, 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both feature greater fuel economy and lower emissions.

The CTS Sport Wagon is a progressive take on the classic wagon body style that delivers significant functionality and fuel efficiency, including an estimated 28 mpg highway. Essentially the same size as the acclaimed CTS sport sedan on the outside, it nearly doubles the cargo carrying capacity, with 25 cubic feet (720 liters) of space behind the rear seats and 53.4 cubic feet (1,523 liters) with the rear seat folded.

Chevrolet: The new Chevrolet Camaro returns after a seven-year hiatus. Its combination of efficient performance, which delivers up to 29 mpg highway and heritage-inspired design exemplify Chevrolet’s commitment to great design and fuel-efficiency.

The all-new Chevrolet Equinox blends distinctive design and outstanding roominess with class-leading efficiency. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the efficient 2.4L engine – standard on all models – that delivers best-in-class EPA-rated 32 mpg highway (FWD models).

GMC: The all-new GMC Terrain crossover SUV offers outstanding fuel economy along with the capability, engineering excellence and refinement that have defined GMC for more than a century. Like other GMC vehicles, the Terrain’s design is characterized by elements that suggest muscularity, with a prominent front end and squared-off edges.

XTS Will Not Replace DTS—It Will Fight the Lexus ES

If everything goes to plan, Cadillac’s future sedan lineup could look more conventional, as the brand has stated its desire to avoid “tweener” cars such as the current CTS, which competes with both the BMW 3-series and 5-series. The new sedan strategy would encompass the following models: a full-size flagship to replace both the STS and DTS; an all-new, appropriately sized 3-series fighter; the CTS, which would be freed up by the smaller car to truly gun for the 5-series; and a mid-size Lexus ES competitor to be called the XTS.

But there have been obstacles. A large rear-wheel-drive sedan based on the Australian Zeta platform, which underpins the Chevy Camaro and soon-to-die Pontiac G8, was the most prominent casualty of tightening fuel-economy standards. The platform would have made an excellent top-of-the-line sedan for Caddy, but its weight and rear-drive layout aren’t particularly efficient. The project, internally dubbed DT7, is basically dead.

With that project’s demise and with the Northstar engine—and the DTS and STS models that use it—going out of production next year, a significant gap will need to be filled at the top of Cadillac’s lineup. Cadillac recognizes the need to offer a vehicle above the CTS; one insider says the brand wants to avoid becoming the “CTS brand.” That flagship, our sources indicate, could be derived from the SLS, a stretched STS sold in China. For U.S. duty, the car would be reskinned and use a version of GM’s small-block LS V-8. This makes some sense, as a rear-drive eight-cylinder car on the Sigma architecture would be a better competitor to the German heavyweights than a soft-riding car based on some version of the Epsilon platform—which underpins the Chevy Malibu—as other reports have indicated.