It’s finally that time of the day where we get to throw you some random findings across the internet. 

Lewis Hamilton portrait painted with Mobile 1 oil: David Macaluso, an oil painter from the U.S., used the oil that drove Hamilton to his 2008 championship title to paint a portrait of the famous F1 race car driver. The painting was commissioned by Vodafone McLaren’s fuel partner ExxonMobil. Pretty cool. – WCF

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon commercial debut features Kate Walsh: She’s classy, she’s pretty and she’s now endorsing Cadillac’s new CTS Sport Wagon. Check out Kate Walsh in the new Caddy CTS Sport Wagon commercial.

Fritz Henderson addresses GM employees: GM has released a clip of Henderson’s speech to employees on June 1. “I could dream about being a CEO but I would never dream becoming a CEO and 2 months later file the company for bankruptcy.” Click through for the video.

- By: Kap Shah

In all of the statements released today by General Motors, the now bankrupt automaker said that its new products and technologies are on track. It said that that the New GM will continue with key vehicle launches in 2009 and 2010 including the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 2010 Cadillac SRX and CTS Sport Wagon, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, Cruze and Volt along with the 2010 GMC Terrain.

“Our products are our future, and our lineup of new cars and crossovers are a great foundation for success,” said CEO Fritz Henderson. “The New GM is here to stay, and our brands position us to compete well in profitable segments with vehicles that are second-to-none.”

GM said that it will launch the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid by the end of 2010 and expects to have 14 hybrid models in production by 2012. It said that 65 percent of its vehicles will be alternative-fuel capable by 2014.

“The New GM will become a long-term global leader in the development of fuel-efficient and advanced-technology vehicles,” said Henderson. “In doing so, the New GM will contribute to the development of advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the United States, which are critical to the future of the U.S. economy.”

- By: Kap Shah

As GM heads towards an inevitable bankruptcy by the end of the month, it announced today that Cadillac will see two important launches later this summer. Production of the new 2010 Cadillac SRX and the CTS Sport Wagon will start this summer.

Pricing for the 2010 Cadillac SRX will start at $34,155. The 2010 SRX will be offered with two engine choices including GM’s new 3.0L V6 direct-injection unit making 260-hp with a peak torque of 221 lb-ft. The range-topper will be powered by a 2.8L turbocharged V6 making 300-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Fuel-economy is estimated to come in the mid-20s on the highway.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon will be offered with a 263-hp 3.6L VVT or a 304-hp 3.6L V6. Highway fuel economy is estimated to reach 28 mpg. Pricing for the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon will be announced at a later date.

2010 Cadillac SRX:

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon:

Press Release:

Cadillac Launches Two New Vehicles This Summer

* All-new SRX Crossover starts at $34,155
* CTS Sport Wagon strengthens CTS model lineup

DETROIT – Cadillac’s model lineup expands with two dramatically-designed new luxury vehicles that also bring new dimensions of versatility and efficiency to the marketplace. Cadillac announced today that the 2010 SRX Crossover, scheduled to begin production this summer, will be priced aggressively starting at $34,155.

Later this summer, the acclaimed CTS family will expand again with the arrival of the CTS Sport Wagon. Together with the all-new SRX, these two dynamic new Cadillac models are in sync with the changing priorities of today’s luxury consumers.

“In a tough market the new SRX and CTS Sport Wagon are the right products at the right time, says Steve Shannon,” executive director of marketing for Cadillac. “They offer new dimensions of versatility and fuel efficiency, along with Cadillac’s signature design and technical features.”

The all-new SRX launches into the strong luxury crossover vehicle segment, a category that now accounts for nearly one-fourth of all luxury vehicles sold in the U.S. market. The SRX features new downsized and fuel efficient engines in a completely redesigned vehicle that delivers a dynamic alternative in terms of visual appeal and driving character.

“We believe the Cadillac SRX offers emotional appeal to a segment previously devoid of much of that,” says Shannon. “At the same time, it also has very practical new features such as advanced All-Wheel-Drive, and an efficient standard 3.0-liter Direct Injection V6 engine. And with an entry price of $34,155 the new SRX presents an attractive offer to consumers, while taking on the traditional segment leader aggressively.”

The new CTS Sport Wagon offers the same design and technical features of Cadillac’s centerpiece model, the CTS sport sedan – but in a wagon body style that effectively doubles the car’s cargo space. The new Sport Wagon includes the same 3.0-liter Direct Injection engine that serves as the standard engine in the new SRX. In the Sport Wagon, highway fuel economy is estimated to reach 28 mpg.

Both the new SRX and CTS Sport Wagon will be presented in a special video webcast from one of Cadillac’s design studios. Visit www.cadillacstudiolive.com for an inside look at the highlights of both new models.

- By: Omar Rana

According to Mark McNabb, vice president of Cadillac-Hummer-Saab sales channel, the new Cadillac CTS family shows what Cadillac wants to do with its car lineup – offer more derivatives of each model.

“Look at a CTS and I think you can start understanding where we are going. Look at a CTS [sedan], CTS wagon, CTS coupe — obviously, derivatives off of a platform make a lot of sense from a financial perspective,” McNabb told Automotive News.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is on its way for this fall while the CTS Coupe is due out in the fall of 2010.

McNaab said that Cadillac will redesign the STS early next decade and will offer a small car positioned below the CTS. He said that the move of offering more derivatives will help Cadillac “compete in a greater portion of the marketplace.”

Cadillac CTS Coupe:

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon:

• •  Yes, GM was at the 2008 LA Auto Show too.
• •  Engine choices: 263-hp 3.6L VVT; 304-hp 3.6L V6.
• •  Aisin 6-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed automatic.
• •  Competitors: BMW 5-Series Wagon and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is one of the 15 products to be launched before 2010 seeing as GM doesn’t delay anymore product launches. The CTS Sport Wagon made its original auto show debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and has come to the stateside for the first time at the 2008 LA Auto Show. Even though, GM didn’t hold a press conference, the CTS Sport Wagon took center stage at the Cadillac display.

It is rumored that GM is considering a CTS-V Sport Wagon to compete with the BMW M5 Wagon and Mercedes-Benz C-63 AMG Wagon. However, we highly doubt GM will be investing any of its money on gas-guzzling (or maybe even useless) models anytime soon.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon – Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon:

The 2010 Cadillac Sport Wagon is one of the 15 products to be launched by GM before 2010 – despite the fact that the General may not survive after mid-2009. The CTS Sport Wagon made its debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and will make its stateside debut later this month at the 2008 LA Auto Show. It is expected to hit dealerships in spring 2009 seeing as there are no more delays.

Power for the entry level model comes from a 3.6L VVT engine that makes 263-hp. The range-topper will carry a 3.6L V6 direct-injection producing 304-hp. Transmission choices include an Aisin 6-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed automatic.

A Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is also being considered to compete with the BMW M5 and E 63 AMG wagon.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon:

While GM may be planning on cutting costs with job cuts and plant closings before it runs out of cash by mid-2009, it has no plans to stop introducing vehicles. The General said that it is still planning to reveal about 15 vehicles in the U.S. alone within the next two years – most notably the Chevrolet Volt.

Speaking of the Chevrolet Volt, GM said it will increase investment for the launch of the plug-in hybrid which will hit markets by Nov. 2010. Still on their way are the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, SRX crossover and the Cadillac CTS Coupe. The CTS Coupe and the 2010 Buick LaCrosse were supposed to make their debut at the 2008 LA Auto Show later this month but have been delayed. GM did not say whether the two will make their debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January.

The Chevrolet Camaro will still be available for delivery early 2009 followed by the Equinox crossover in late-2009 with the Cruze delayed until late 2010. Saab’s 9-4X crossover is also on its way in 2010.

2010 Cadillac SRX:

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept:

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon:

2010 Chevrolet Camaro:

2011 Chevrolet Cruze:

While issues like HUMMER and its cash troubles still give GM some negative press, GM has come out strong at the 2008 Paris Motor Show bringing with it four significant production cars and two concepts, one of which it will offer in Europe later next year.

GM’s car-studded stage includes the production 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, 2011 Chevrolet Volt, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagen and the Chevrolet Orlando and Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concepts. Oh, and let’s not forget the Opel Insignia.

Check out the info on each model by following the links below:

2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2011 Chevrolet Volt
2011 Chevrolet Cruze
2010 Cadillac CTS Sporwagon
Chevrolet Orlando Concept
Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept
Opel Insignia

Follow the jump for more live images from GM’s stand at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Live from Paris 2008: GM shows Camaro, Volt, Cruze and CTS Sportwagon:

When we first saw the 2010 Cadillac Sport Wagon about a month ago, GM only released a couple of computer generated images with the press release. Now GM has released a few more images of the station wagon CTS showing it hanging out in the real world.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon will arrive in dealerships spring 2009 with an entry level 3.6L VVT engine making 263-hp and a 3.6L V6 direct-injection producing 304-hp. Transmission choices include an Aisin 6-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed automatic.

We’re sure you’ve noticed the new Flickr gallery option that allows you to view and download high-resolution images from our galleries. Give it a shot after the jump.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon:

Cadillac has officially released the details and images of the latest edition to its lineup ahead of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. Following its Pebble Beach debut, the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon will hit the auto shows this fall and into dealerships in spring 2009.

Built on the same 113.4 inch wheels base as the CTS sedan the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon offers 25 cubic feet of storage space and comes with a power-opening liftgate (you can open it with the key fob), adjustable in-floor containment to make more room, and new 19-inch wheels.

Powertrain choices include a base 3.6L VVT engine producing 263-hp and a range-topping 3.6L V6 direct-injection producing 304-hp. Transmission choices include an Aisin 6-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed automatic.

The Europeans and Asians will also get a 2.9L turbodiesel V6 engine that produces 250-hp.

Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

Click through for more images and the press release.

2010 Cadillac Sport Wagon:

Press Release:

CTS Sport Wagon: Cadillac’s Renaissance Takes A New Form

Dramatically Designed Alternative to Larger Vehicles Makes Debut at Pebble Beach

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Amidst the beauty and history of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Cadillac treats car enthusiasts to a world premiere of its latest production-car design. The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon makes its debut this weekend on the Monterey Peninsula, showcasing a dramatic design that elevates and updates the classic wagon body style.

Not unlike many historic Cadillac designs, the new CTS Sport Wagon is an unmistakable and dynamic presence. The car’s intricately cut rear profile injects fashion-forward design into the formerly utilitarian world of wagons. Cadillac’s upcoming wagon offers ample interior space and includes a range of six-cylinder engine choices, making it a compelling alternative to larger utility vehicles.

Based on the hot-selling CTS sport sedan, and a sister vehicle to the CTS Coupe Concept, the Sport Wagon extends the design-driven renaissance of Cadillac. Following this special premiere at Pebble Beach, the CTS Sport Wagon moves to the worldwide auto show circuit this fall – and into Cadillac dealerships in spring 2009.

“The addition of this dramatically-designed Sport Wagon is well synchronized with today’s changing consumer tastes as a compelling alternative to SUVs or other larger vehicles,” says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “This is an important step in Cadillac’s ongoing global expansion, and of course in international markets like Europe, wagons have been and continue to be very significant.”

A striking profile is created with the CTS wagon, with a silhouette that suggests speed and aerodynamic efficiency. It rides on the same 113.4-inch (2,880-mm) wheelbase as the CTS sport sedan and is 0.3-inch (7 mm) shorter. However, it offers a generous cargo area of 25 cubic feet (720 liters) behind the rear seats. Design highlights include:

• Signature V-shaped deck and tailgate motif
• Large, vertical taillamps with light-pipe technology
• Power-opening liftgate (via key fob or in-vehicle button)
• CHMSL integrated in subtle roof spoiler
• Integrated roof load management system with cross bars for a seamless appearance
• Cargo management system with adjustable in-floor containment
• New 19-inch wheels
• Larger available panoramic rear sunroof

The CTS Sport Wagon, like its sedan predecessor, includes available features such as all-wheel drive, a 40-gigabyte internal hard drive, pop-up navigation screen and a hand-cut-and-sewn interior with Sapele wood accents.

“The CTS Sport Wagon is an important expansion to the Cadillac lineup worldwide,” said Taylor.

Design details

Dramatic planes highlight the CTS wagon’s design, including a V-shaped motif carried throughout the vehicle and carefully integrated intersections of exterior surfaces. The elements coalesce in a dramatic fashion, creating tension that emphasizes the vehicle’s performance.

“It’s a taut design that not only suggests sleekness, but delivers it,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “Indeed, the drama of the sedan is amplified in the CTS Sport Wagon, as the centerline cue that is part of the exterior and interior is more prominent and plays a stronger role in defining the design at the rear of the vehicle.”

The emotion of the CTS Sport Wagon’s design is carried by a number of nuanced details. The liftgate area, for example, is a confluence of angles and planes that typifies the vehicle’s design tension. Cadillac’s “V” motif is most prominent here, culminating in a spine at the center of the liftgate that is accented with a subtle spoiler at the top of the backlight. The rear quarter panels extend slightly beyond the inward-angled planes of the V, creating a distinctive W shape at the rear of the vehicle. Large, prominent vertical taillamps – with Cadillac’s signature light pipe technology – are the final, dramatic touches to the rear-end styling.

“The more you study the rear of the CTS Sport Wagon, the more you see,” said Dean. “Functionality was certainly a guiding factor during development, but so was the idea to inject emotion into the normally sedate wagon category.”

One of the more interesting integrations of form and function is found in the seamless roof load management system. Rather than stylized stanchions, brackets and cross bars that protrude above the roof line, the CTS Sport Wagon’s system blends with the roofline, maintaining an uninterrupted appearance. The center section of the roof panel angles downward inside the roof edges, allowing an unobtrusive placement of the cross bars – and creating a subtle fin effect at the trailing edges of the rear panels.

“They’re not fins in the classic sense, but they work to help disguise the cargo load system and, yes, they acknowledge Cadillac’s design heritage,” said Dean.

The interior of the Sport Wagon is common with the much-acclaimed sport sedan, including streamlined instrumentation, LED lighting and hand-cut-and-sewn accents with French stitching.

Powertrains

Direct injection technology helps the CTS offer more power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. It delivers fuel more precisely to increase the efficiency of combustion. This means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions created.

With the CTS Sport Wagon’s 3.6L V-6, direct injection translates to 304 horsepower (227 kW)*, no loss of fuel efficiency and a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It also runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline. The Sport Wagon’s fuel economy is expected to be similar to the peak rating of the existing sport sedan’s 26 mpg highway rating. The standard 3.6L VVT engine that produces 263 horsepower (196 kW) and 253 lb.-ft. of torque (343 Nm) serves as the base engine in North America.

Just like the CTS sport sedan, the V-6 engines are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions, including an Aisin six-speed manual or an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic. As is the case on the sport sedan, CTS Sport Wagon includes AWD as an option.

An efficient 2.9L turbo-diesel engine is being developed for CTS models primarily in European and Asian markets. It is a compact, dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine from GM’s family of diesel engines that delivers optimal fuel economy as well as reduced emissions and noise. The engine is rated at 184 kW (250 hp).

Driving dynamics

The robust and dynamic CTS chassis infuses the new wagon with a great balance of performance and luxury. It uses an independent short/long arm ( SLA) front suspension system and a multi-link rear suspension.

The multi-link rear suspension features a fully isolated subframe that helps deliver excellent suspension kinematics, contributing to a superior ride and excellent handling.

Advanced chassis technology in the form of Cadillac’s StabiliTrak electronic chassis control system integrates the car’s standard four-channel ABS with the full-function traction control, hydraulic brake assist and engine drag control systems to deliver a safer, more confident driving experience. Additional chassis details include a structure-enhancing tower-to-tower brace under the hood; large, four-wheel disc brakes and premium steering.

CTS SPORT WAGON PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS