GM announced today that it is starting construction next week on its new $200 million facility that will create around 180 jobs. The new plant is a part of GM’s Arlington manufacturing complex and will be responsible for producing the next generation of full-size Chevrolet Tahoes, Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades.

“Our investment in GM’s Arlington plant is one more example of GM strengthening the economy and creating jobs throughout the many U.S. communities where GM does business,” said GM Manufacturing Manager Larry Zahner.

The plant currently receives stamps from several GM plants with some pars coming from more than 1,000 miles away.

GM’s new investment in the facility is on top of a $331 million investment to purchase tooling and equipment and expand the Arlington Assembly Plant that was announced along with 110 additional jobs in May 2011.

- By: Omar Rana

Following a video of the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe being chased by a Ferrari 458 Italia, General Motors has released another video showing the Cadillac Escalade going head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz C300.

The premise to the commercial?

“Here’s a competition for you, Cadillac Escalade vs a Mercedes Benz C300 Sport Sedan. The Escalade combines incredible acceleration with towing capability. Each new standard leads to the next.”

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Cadillac has released a statement addressing the issue of high theft rates on the Escalade. Although the the SUV is equipped with a system called PASS Key 3+, which is a cryptographic immobilizer system that has significantly dropped theft rates, the problem remains present.

GM’s global lead of vehicle theft prevention Bill Biondo says “We are currently implementing four new pieces of ‘armor’ on Escalade intended to reduce vehicle thefts, particularly those called push away. We are committed to beating the thieves and expect these new theft deterrent systems to greatly reduce the Escalade’s rate of theft and lower its position on the HDLI’s list.”

As of 2010, a steering column lock system was added to prevent the push away theft, but 2012 additions include an improved version of that system. Also added are available options of an inclination sensor that sounds when the angle of the vehicle is modified, such as towing, and a shock sensor that reduces theft of items left inside the vehicle. To prevent wheel and tire theft, an upgraded wheel lock system can be added, and a shock sensor that detects things like breaking glass.

Biondo also notes that “Beyond developing theft deterrent systems and technologies, we continually work with law enforcement agencies across the country to help educate these agencies on our systems but equally important is to learn from them what is actually occurring in the field so we can continue to develop effective theft deterrent solutions for our customers.”

GM’s OnStar system is also an option on the Escalade, which can locate, immobilize, and disable stolen vehicles.

By: Alexandra Koken

Some new data is out from the Highway Loss Data Institute regarding the most stolen cars in the US of A based on the amount of insurance claims. The results are rather interesting with a common trend while the number one most stolen car, comes as no surprise.

The Cadillac Escalade takes the cake for the fourth year in a row as the most stolen car based on instance claims from 2008 and 2009. But it doesn’t end there. In fact, the entire list is dominated by American cars, many of which are large trucks or SUVs.

Eight of the cars on the top 10 list are large GM or Ford trucks or SUVs, while the other two are versions of the Chrysler 300 sedan.

The list goes as follows and is based on the number of theft-related insurance claims per 1,000 vehicle:

1. Cadillac Escalade
2. Ford F250 4WD
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab
4. Ford F450 crew cab 4WD
5. GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab
6. Chrysler 300 base
7. Ford F350 crew cap 4WD
8. Chevrolet Avalance 1500
9. GMC Yukon
10. Chrysler 300 Hemi

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CNN

General Motors announced last week that it will be investing $331 million to purchase tooling and equipment and expand its Arlington Assembly Plant to make future Chevrolet Tahoes, Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades.

While GM never confirmed when the next-generation models of its full-size SUVs will arrive, sources say that model will debut in 2013 as 2014 models.

According to industry analysts, the next-generation models of full-size SUVs are likely to carry a premium to meet new fuel-economy regulations.

“They will be more expensive to engineer and build because of the need for lighter weight materials,” said Tracy Handler, an analyst at IHS Automotive. “I expect prices to be higher.”

No word on powertrain choices for the next-generation of full-size SUVs from GM.

Side note: It would be interesting to see a full-size Buick SUV.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Here is another announcement from General Motors that coincides with the $2 billion U.S. investment it announced for 17 facilities in eight states on May 10. The Detroit automaker said that it will be adding 110 jobs and will invest $331 million to purchase tooling and equipment and expand its Arlington Assembly Plant to make future Chevrolet Tahoes, Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades.

“This investment will allow us to continue building award-winning full-size SUVs that offer better fuel efficiency than ever before without sacrificing the features and functionality they’ve come to expect,” GM Manufacturing Manager Larry Zahner said Thursday. “We remain committed to providing customers the utility and capability of our world-class full-size SUVs.”

GM said that the investment is primarily for manufacturing machinery, equipment, special tooling and an expansion of the current facility.

The 110 new jobs will be added to an existing workforce of 2,400 hourly and salaried employees at Arlington.

- By: Omar Rana

Hennessey HPE1000 Twin Turbo Cadillac Escalade vs Nissan GT-R

What do you get when you pack Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers into a Cadillac Escalade? You get a total of 1008-hp at 5,900 rpm with a maximum torque of 967 lb-ft of torque. That gives you the ability to beat Godzilla – the 2011 Nissan GT-R – itself.

The Hennessey HPE1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade package ends up giving the Cadillac Escalade the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and the ability to run the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 124 mph.

Of course, there may be no need for that much power in a Escalade but it does give you bragging rights at red light.

Check out a video of the Hennessey HPE1000 Twin Turbo Cadillac Escalade beating the Nissan GT-R after the jump.

Hennessey HPE1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade Specifications:

Available for 2007 – 2011 6.2L GM SUV & Trucks
Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, Yukon, Sierra, Escalade & H2

Power:
• 1008 bhp @ 5,900 rpm
• 967 lb-ft torque @ 3,700 rpm

Performance:
• 0 – 60 mph: 3.3 sec.
• 11.3 sec. @ 124 mph

Performance figures are based on the 2011 Cadillac Escalade running on 93 octane fuel. Other truck and SUV performance numbers may vary due to the size and weight of the vehicle.

HPE1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes:
• Forged & Balanced 427 cid LSX Engine
• High Flow Cylinder Heads
• Hennessey HPE1000 Camshaft
• Intake Manifold Upgrade
• Upgraded Fuel Injectors
• Upgraded Fuel System (Pump, Lines & Rails)
• Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers
• Dual Wastegates
• Air-to-Air Intercooler
• Dual K&N Air Filters
• Electronic Boost Controller
• HPE Stainless Steel Turbo Manifolds
• High Flow Catalytic Converters
• Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust
• 160 Degree Thermostat
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
• Professional Installation
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• Hennessey Exterior Badging
• Serial Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• 1 Year / 12,000 Mile Limited Warranty

Please Call Hennessey Performance Today at (979) 885-1300
for More Information.

- By: Omar Rana

Cadillac CTS Coupe AWD

There is no doubt (especially if you live in the Northeast) that snow fall this year was a huge pain in the – you know what. The move has probably forced many citizens that live in cold weather areas to purchase all-wheel-drive vehicles.

According to General Motors, more luxury buyers are turning to Cadillac for its AWD models.

“Cadillac retail sales of AWD versions of the SRX, CTS and Escalade have increased a combined 38 percent in the past two years,” Cadillac said in a statement. “AWD models now account for one-third of SRX, almost half of CTS and three-quarters of Escalade retail sales.”

“Cadillac’s investment in advanced AWD systems across the line-up is enhancing the brand’s reputation for performance,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “We’re able to offer luxury buyers exceptional ride, handling and control on a wide range of road conditions.”

- By: Omar Rana

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

With our government currently hemorrhaging money that it doesn’t really have, it comes as a bit disheartening that our nation’s legislators are riding in the lap of luxury on taxpayer money. A Detroit news show recently reported that Congressman John Conyers’, D-Mich, $76,000 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (leased for him by congress) was broken into, while in the possession of his son.

Obvious questions arise. Why is a congressman driving such a lavish car on taxpayer money? Why was his son driving it, although that is expressly prohibited under the congressional program?

As for Conyers’ indiscretion; only he can attest to that. Currently, the U.S. Congress has a lease program for its members, which allows them to lease a car of their choice, without a limit on price. To add insult to injury, the leases must be costlier two-year ones due to the length of a congressional term.

While some officials do the right thing (Rep. Anthony Weiner of NY drives a Chevy Impala), others do not. The list of leases nearing $1000 per month is staggering. The Senate on the contrary, has no such program.

It can surely be understood why such a program ought to be in place, as the ability to move around the constituency is vital to a congressman’s job, a Cadillac, Lexus, or Mercedes is not. I say we throw the support behind Motown and limit the congressmen to mid-level Ford and GM vehicles.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Straightline

2009 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is the most stolen vehicle in the United States, and the reason is a little surprising; there is a security flaw in this high – end SUV that allows thieves to break in and take off within 14 seconds. The Escalade and sister vehicles Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Denali have a computer chip in their ignition key that prevents them from being started without it.

Despite that high-tech measure, some Escalades lack, or have weak steering wheel locks, that allow the cars to be easily pushed from behind, and that’s just what thieves are doing; pushing the vehicles to a location where they can be easily stripped or loaded onto a tow truck. All that a thief has to do to get the car to that point is smash the window and force the gear shift out of park – a feat that is easily accomplished.

Not only is the Escalade the most stolen vehicle in the U.S., it also has the highest average loss cost per vehicle, with the average theft setting insurers back more than $11,000. Cadillac says that it is working on stronger theft-prevention measures for the Escalade, a car coveted among the entertainment world elite.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: USAToday

2009 Cadillac Escalade

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the 2007 through 2009 Cadillac Escalade has the highest rate at which people file insurance claims for theft. The Escalade is followed by the Ford F-250, the Infiniti G37 and a Dodge Charger with a HEMI engine.

“Theft rates for these vehicles are 3 to 5 times as high as the average for all vehicles,” HLDI said in a statement. “Sedate family cars and fuel sippers aren’t on the hot list,” says Kim Hazelbaker, HLDI senior vice president. “Thieves are after chrome, horsepower, and HEMIs.”

HLDI said that the vehicle group with the highest overall theft losses ($82 in theft payments per year) is very large luxury SUVs. Losses for these vehicles are nearly 6 times as high as the $14 average for all passenger vehicles. Large pickups have the second highest overall theft losses, at $57 per insured vehicle year.

Hit the jump to check out the full list and see if your car made the cut.

HIGHEST LOSSES

1. Cadillac Escalade
2. Ford F-250 crew 4WD
3. Infiniti G37 2-door
4. Dodge Charger HEMI
5. Chevrolet Corvette Z06
6. Hummer H2 4WD
7. Nissan Pathfinder Armada
8. Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
9. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
10. GMC Yukon

LOWEST LOSSES

1. Volvo S80
2. Saturn VUE 4WD (2008-09)
3. Nissan Murano (2009)
4. Saturn VUE (2008-09)
5. Honda Pilot 4WD (2009)
6. Subaru Impreza (2008-09)
7. Toyota Prius
8. Mini Cooper
9. Toyota Tacoma
10. Toyota Sienna 4WD

- By: Omar Rana

2009 GMC Acadia SLT

It isn’t only Toyota that faces recalls in the millions – General Motors has announced a recall consisting of 1.5 million vehicles to address a problem with the heated windshield wiper fluid system that could lead to a fire, its second recall over the same issue in two years.

GM conducted a similar recall two years ago but said it has come across reports of new fires. The company said it had reports of five fires but there were no injuries or crashes reported. The recall consists of 1.4 million vehicles in the United States, 100,000 in Canada, Mexico and other international markets.

This time around, GM said it would completely disable the heated washer fluid system feature and will pay car owners and those leasing the vehicles $100 since the system is being deactivated.

The recalled vehicles cover the following 2006-2009 model year vehicles:

• 2006-2009 Buick Lucerne
• 2006-2009 Cadillac DTS
• 2006-2009 Hummer H2
• 2008-2009 Buick Enclave
• 2008-2009 Cadillac CTS
• 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT
• 2007-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe
• 2007-2009 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL
• 2007-2009 Saturn Outlook
• 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Yahoo News

Cadillac XTS Concept

General Motors is currently hard at work at the next-generation of its large full-size SUV lineup that includes the Cadillac Escalade. The next-generation giant SUVs will arrive sometime in 2013. However, the Lambda platform based Caddy SUV we’ve been hearing about for sometime now is still a go.

Karl Stracke, GM’s vice president of global engineering, says that a Lambda-based Cadillac crossover is on its way. Stracke did not confirm when the model will show up.

The Lambda platform also underpins GM’s Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia crossovers.

Expect Caddy’s version of the SUV to have an XTS Concept-like front face with power coming from the company’s 3.6L direct-injected V6.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Straightline

Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Though Hummer SUV”s will be absent from the fuel-efficient future of General Motors, those consumer who long for the blinged out lap of luxury are not without options; the 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum (the Platinum seems to emphasize what seems like a 1,000 pounds of chrome that comes standard on the behemoth SUV) will more than suit their tastes.

Measuring in at a whopping 22-inches longer than the standard body Escalade, the ESV Platinum stands as the king of luxury SUV”s with its third-row, extra horsepower, and nine extra cubic feet of cargo space than its top competitor, the Lincoln Navigator L (the L indicating the Long wheelbase).

Make the jump to read more and to view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum:

2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum AWD Specifications:

Base Price: $86,680 (Standard Escalade ESV starts at $65,100)
Price as Tested: $87,890.
Engine: 6.2L V8 – 403-hp / 417 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 automatic.
Curb Weight: 5,943 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 7.5 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 12/19 mpg (city/highway).

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Exterior:

For 2010, Cadillac is offering the Escalade in three different body styles; the standard Escalade, the extended-length Escalade ESV, and the unique luxury sport-utility truck, the Escalade EXT. Our stretched ESV stood 22-inches longer than the standard body and with the opulent Platinum package (available on both lengths) added a new CTS inspired grille and front fascia, super-bright LED headlights, and impressive 22-inch chrome wheels.

Depending on the package one goes for – Base, Luxury, Premium, or Platinum – the 2010 Escalade ESV comes with a plethora of upgraded exterior features including; automatic LED daytime running headlamps, heated mirrors, power driver and passenger side mirrors, running boards, a full-size spare tire, luggage rack, integrated turn signal mirrors, and remote trunk release, among others. As an option, one can upgrade the standard 18-inch wheels to 22-inch chrome ones, and add a sunroof.

Though the ESV sits on a wheelbase that is 14-inches longer and carries a body over 20-inches longer than the standard Escalade, it doesn”t sacrifice proportionality. Nonetheless, finding a parking spot big enough for this titan will take some effort.

Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Interior:

Quality has returned to the General Motors family, and especially at Cadillac. Gone are the hard plastics of recent interiors, as they have been replaced with soft-touch rubber materials and leather overlays wherever possible. It is no wonder that celebrities, athletes, and moguls are enticed by this vehicle; the interior is as plush and luxurious as they come and carries a strong set of technological features as standard equipment.

Without regard to options packages, the 2010 Escalade comes standard with dual-zone climate control, rear climate control, navigation, leather appointed heated/cooled power seats, premium sound system complete with rear seat audio control, iPod/AUX inputs, and XM Satellite Radio with 3-month trial subscription, rear parking assist with rearview camera, driver and passenger lumbar support, Bluetooth connectivity, and remote vehicle start plus much more.

Opting for the ESV Platinum pits you comfortably in the lap of luxury as every single feature comes standard. In addition to everything mentioned, it offers an upgraded instrument panel, center storage console, and hand-stitched and wrapped center storage console and door trim that feature decorative French seams which convey a look and feel of nothing less than elegant tailoring. The use of quality materials is extremely evident on the leather instrument panel, aluminum trim, and olive ash and walnut burl wood inlays.

Other amenities include door-sill plates, heated/cooled cup-holders, heated steering wheel, and a DVD entertainment system that features front headrest screens in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen. Each screen features its own set of controls and inputs, while giving the driver a master control over the entire system, enabling passengers to use their screens separately or in tandem, but leaving the driver with ultimate control. Platinum models include Bose”s acclaimed 5.1 Digital Surround system, and eight-inch touch screens for DVD-based navigation and control over the DVD, CD, MP3, and XM inputs.

One could conceivably live out of this truck, as GM has spared no feature.

Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Performance:

Our 2010 Cadillac escalade ESV Platinum drew its power from a 6.2L V8 that put out 403-hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. However, weighing nearly 6,000 pounds, the engine did not provide a for the sporty ride the engine numbers indicate, and acceleration seemed a bit burdensome and labored. Mated to a 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 automatic, the ESV Platinum averages an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 12/19 mpg (city/highway). Premium fuel is recommended however, but not required.

The Platinum also represents the first SUV application of Cadillac”s advanced Magnetic Ride Control, originally developed for performance vehicles such as the CTS-V and Chevrolet Corvette. Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) is the world”s fastest reacting suspension system and offers extremely precise body motion control. Even with MRC however, the ESV is not a nimble vehicle, but it does provide a stable, controlled, and comfortable ride.

Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Overall:

The ESV stands a far cry away from where GM”s SUV program stood last summer; the automaker had put development of large full-size SUV”s on hold as it faced Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the recession, and extremely volatile gas prices.

Times have certainly changed and GM is now in development of their next-generation of full-size SUV”s, expected to hit roads in three years. The next generation will remain on GM”s rear-wheel-drive platform, and not the Lambda large crossover platform, as originally anticipated.

With an MSRP of $84,180 for the RWD model and $86,680 for the AWD model, the 2010 Escalade ESV Platinum stands as rather pricey for the average consumer. Unless you absolutely need ultra-luxury for school runs and soccer practice, we would recommend the Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon XL; two offerings – also by GM – which offer nearly as much power for considerably less money.

Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade EVS Platinum:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Just last summer, the future of General Motors’ full-size SUVs was in doubt. The automaker had put the development of its large full-size SUV lineup, the automaker’s big moneymakers, on hold as it dealt with Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the recession and unstable gas prices.

Well, times have changed and GM is now working on the next-generation of the Chevrolet Suburban and the Cadillac Escalade, which should be on the road in about three years. The GMC Yukon will also get a next-generation model.

Rather than switching over to the Lambda large crossover platform, the full-sized SUVs will remain on GM’s rear-wheel-drive platform.

“The SUVs are aimed at people who need more than two rows, and they need capability,” said Rick Spina, GM’s global vehicle line executive for full-sized trucks. “They are very fond of their SUVs, and we will continue to serve them. Sales are picking up, plus there aren’t too many players in the game.”

The automaker sold 184,000 full-sized SUVs in the United States last year, down 25 percent from 2008.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

When General Motors Company and Tiger Woods parted their ways late last year, GM asked the pro-golfer to keep some GM vehicles for his personal use, including the Buick Enclave and the now famous Cadillac Escalade. According to the folks over at Drive On, the crashed Escalade could be repaired and auctioned off.

Speaking to the USAToday publication, Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell said:

The vehicle will be repaired, firstly. This is a promotional/marketing vehicle — the kinds of cars used for advertising, public displays, photography, etc. That makes this a little different than a garden-variety car repair – given its special usage. So I don’t know what will happen until that repair is completed and analyzed. It could return to service as a promotional vehicle, meaning it would go back into the pool of cars that we use for various marketing activities. Or, on the other hand, we produce a lot of new vehicles. It’s sometimes easier to take a new car and put it into this kind of role. In that case, the older vehicle could be re-purposed in many ways – we could retain ownership of it, using it for other internal duties, or we could indeed sell it off. Generally selling a company-owned vehicle means that it would go into an auction. So there are a few options.

If that wasn’t amusing enough for you Drive On also put together a list of the Top 10 most popular jokes about  Tiger Woods’ Driving – check it out here.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Drive On

World-class golfer Tiger Woods was injured in a car accident outside of his Florida Mansion in the wee hours this morning when he lost control of his vehicle. After pulling out of his driveway, Woods’s vehicle hit a fire hydrant and a tree in his neighbor’s yard.

Woods’s wife Elin, heard the accident from inside the house and used a golf club to smash out the back window of the car and was able to get Woods out of the car and laid on the ground, where police found her hovering over him when they arrived on the scene.

Windermere Police Chief Daniel Saylor said that Woods was mumbling when police arrived on the scene, and had blood in his mouth and cuts on his lips. Woods was treated at a nearby hospital and released.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Yahoo

It seems like the symbol for making it big is driving around in a large oversized American SUV. You know you’ve hit the jackpot when you buy a Cadillac Escalade or Hummer SUV. However, you better drop some extra cash on protecting your elite purchase because the Escalade and Hummer are two of the most likely to be stolen vehicles.

The 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV has the highest probability of being stolen; 15 times more than the least-stolen car – the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

To put together the list, the IIHS reviews the insurance-claim reports to come up with theft frequency rates based on the number of claims for every 1,000 vehicles insured each year.

Follow the jump for the full list.

Ten Most Stolen Vehicles:

1. Cadillac Escalade ESV
2. Ford F-250 SuperCrew
3. Cadillac Escalade
4. Dodge Charger
5. Ford F-350 SuperCrew
6. Hummer H2 SUT
7. Dodge Magnum
8. Hummer H2
9. Dodge Durango
10. Honda S2000 convertible

Ten Least Stolen Vehicles:

1. Mercedes E-Class
2. Buick Rainier
3. Subaru Forester
4. Buick Terraza
5. Volkswagen New Beetle
6. Ford Focus
7. Volvo V70
8. Toyota Prius
9. Saturn Relay
10. Ford Freestyle

Source: ABC News (via KickingTires)