GM Launches Behind-the-Scenes Cadillac Blog

Earlier this month, GM launched a blog called Cadillac Drivers’ Log. It’s not a blog for Cadillac owners, but one by engineers about what they do to test a car and bring it to market. It seems the car they’re working on now is the new CTS, shown at the Detroit auto show, though we’re unsure why it would be camouflaged.

One post explains how engineers calibrate the all-wheel-drive system. There’s also a pretty impressive video of a Cadillac moving through a ton of snow and ice.

This is a terrific way to expose car-shoppers to the real nitty-gritty of what it takes to produce a new car these days. The development process is highly secretive because of concerns other automakers will steal some secret or design, but that also means the average Joe is kept in the dark about how much actually goes into his or her new ride. Plus, it seems Cadillac found a few engineers who know how to write readable blog posts (though we wonder why they can’t get the bylines figured out). Ping us, guys. We’ll gladly show you how to fix that.

Cadillac Drivers’ Log

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Looking Back: July 2006

Now that we’re done with June, here’s what came down the interwebs in July.

The Dodge Challenger — which will look just like the concept car — is coming … in 2008, while the Pontiac GTO quietly disappears after three years of lackluster sales and little car-enthusiast interest. Another go-fast model — the Dodge SRT10 Ram — ends its run of gas-guzzling, muscle-truck glory.

Americans are getting fatter — perhaps the french fry holder is the culprit — and they’re so lazy they don’t use manual windows, either.

Toyota recalls 130,000 Tundras, 370,000 SUVs, 34,700 Prius hybrids and Echos, and then delays the new Corolla until 2008.

Nissan — feeling left out — recalls 200,000 Sentras and Altimas while we see evidence of wheels falling off Hummer H2s.

GMC reveals its new crossover, the Acadia, and it’s a looker. Yes, you read that right. Porsche debuts its new 911 Targa 4, and it too is a looker — but we expected that. Volvo introduces the new C30 hatchback and we have no idea where to put it on the looks meter. And the new Mini Cooper? It’s new? Look close.

Ford extends its powertrain warranty to five years for Ford and Mercury and six years for Lincoln. Not to be outdone, GM will respond later in the year.

The Big Three are passed by all the imports for total market share. It was just a matter of time, and that time was July 24, 2006.

Dave and Beth take a spin in Ford’s new Shelby GT500, and both would be willing to trade in their daily drivers.

Related:
Looking Back: June 2006

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Jay Leno's EcoJet Concept: 650 hp on BioDiesel

Jay Leno likes cars. He really likes cars. So much so that GM actually allowed him to develop an original concept for the SEMA show this week in Vegas. The concept is called the EcoJet, and it’s powered by a turbine engine more akin to what submarines use than the standard combustion engines found in most cars. The “eco” part of the name comes from the fact that the 650 horses the engine produces are fueled by BioDiesel and not regular gas. The mid-engine layout is built around a Corvette Z06 aluminum frame and the entire body is made of carbon fiber and Kevlar. 

This concept is extreme but we think the EcoJet already looks a bit dated and the Cadillac cues seem like an afterthought. We’ll give Leno a break though since the idea supposedly germinated on the back of a napkin.

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Gas Prices Down, Oil Companies Still Make Money

We’ve kind of giggled at recent conspiracy theories revolving around falling gas prices. Were they an attempt to help out the GOP in next month’s elections? An OPEC attack on E85? The thought that the oil companies would artificially lower gas prices to achieve their goals may or may not be true, but one thing is for sure: they’re still making oodles of money. Today, ExxonMobile reported record profits for the third quarter totaling $10.5 billion. That’s higher than last year’s $9.9 billion net income in the same quarter. This should douse any Internet rumors of Big Oil controlling the world, for awhile.   

[ExxonMobil Profit Gushes Higher, USA Today]

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