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Cadillac CTS-V

Well, it's certainly been a busy past couple of days for GM's vice chairman and marketing head, Bob Lutz. He was announced as a member of the Opel supervisory board after GM decided to hold onto its German division, and then went on to make some announcements of his own.

It started with what seemed to be a passing comment on Fox News about the Chevrolet Volt: Lutz said that a high-performance version wearing the Bowtie division's "SS" moniker was not out of the realm of possibility.

And since then, Lutz has provided a steady stream of information on GM's new product plans. For example, after the 2011 Buick Regal was announced, he shared another "possibility." That would be the potential debut of a high-performance all-wheel-drive Buick Regal GS, packing a turbocharged V-6 that would be good for 300+ hp. Opel already produces a similarly equipped version of its Insignia, the car on which the Regal is based, so it wouldn't be much of an engineering challenge.

The move would also give the Buick a better top-end competitor for its segment. As I mentioned in a recent column, the current base-level Buick Regal is a bit underpowered compared to the base Acura TSX (called out by name as a Regal rival), and at the next rung on the ladder, the turbocharged up-level Regal gives away some 60 hp to the up-level TSX. Now, in my humble opinion, the proactive thing to do would have been to make sure the Regal trumped the Acura in terms of fuel efficiency at each trim level, and then use that as the vehicle's differentiator.

But based on the Regal's initial specs, that's not going to happen. Enter the Regal GS, then, as a way for Buick to at least out-horsepower the Acura.

Lutz also leaked some info about the next-generation Chevrolet Impala. The actual details weren't all that exciting: Lutz said the new Impala would remain front-wheel drive and would be designed to holster GM's hybrid-drive system. More notable was the reminder that Chevrolet's full-size sedan isn't going to be replaced until the 2014 model year — which would mean going nearly a decade without a major redesign.

The current Impala remains a vital part of the Chevrolet portfolio. It's the best-selling car in the Chevy lineup and, despite it's age, it's still a credible competitor to its top rival, the all-new Ford Taurus. The Impala offers a lower sticker price and ever-so-slightly better fuel economy, and despite the Ford's rep for being a big car, the Impala betters the Taurus, albeit barely, in terms of front head room and front leg room. And, on the sales front, the Impala more than doubled the Ford's October numbers.

When you consider where the Impala stands currently, and the fact that the large family sedan segment as a whole should see some growth from customers who are abandoning SUVs and trucks, I would have thought the next-gen Impala would be a higher priority at GM.

Of course, Bob Lutz isn't exactly known for his love of staid front-wheel-drive sedans. Which may explain the earlier launch date — and higher enthusiasm level — for the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon.

GM views the CTS lineup as its answer to the BMW 3 Series, and not just in terms of vehicle performance. The Bavarians currently offer 16 — yes, 16 — different 3 Series variations here in the U.S., including coupes, wagons, sedans and convertibles, in both rear- and all-wheel drive. With the addition of the CTS-V Sport Wagon, Cadillac will have an answer for each one, except the 3 Series diesel and convertibles.

I'm not so sure we'll be seeing a CTS diesel any time soon, but I won't be at all surprised if GM's on-again, off-again CTS convertible coupe shows up at the Detroit auto show.

Now, Lutz also mentioned that a Regal sport wagon had been discussed — and apparently shelved — during development of the new Buick. I read this increased interest in station wagons as a potentially winning move for GM, as the vehicles provide yet another important SUV alternative.

European OEMs like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Volkswagen all support station wagons, and the upcoming launch of the Acura TSX Sport Wagon — a true wagon, not a Honda Crosstour/Acura ZDX mongrel — shows at least one of the Japanese companies also is ready to jump on the station wagon bandwagon.

On the other hand, some notable OEMs, like Ford, Hyundai and Kia, aren't yet showing much interest in the segment. And that's where GM can fit in. I see the demand for station wagons growing significantly in the future, and it certainly behooves GM to get in on the action early.

After all, Bob Lutz has to retire some time, doesn't he?

Select photos via General Motors

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2009 Cadillac CTS-V
0.0% Interest or $5,000 Cash Back

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is one of the most exciting performance sedans currently available anywhere in the world. Cadillac has stuffed the Cadillac CTS-V full of as much go-fast gear as possible, transforming the standard Cadillac CTS mid-size sedan into a virtual rocket ship when it comes to acceleration and handling. Inside, the car also offers ample seating for up to five passengers, along with the full complement of the luxury gear that Cadillac has become known for. Dual climate controls, leather seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel, parking assistance and of course GM’s OnStar system are standard equipment. Power adjustable Recaro racing seats that are heated and cooled can be ordered as an option, along with a sunroof and a navigation system.

Underneath the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V’s hood lies a rumbling 6.2-liter V-8 engine that is fed by a supercharger in order to produce a mind-numbing 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. Sending all of this power to the rear wheels is either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, with the latter featuring shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Brembo brakes are on board to help haul the big Cadillac CTS-V down from limit-breaking speeds. Despite this impressive performance, the Cadillac CTS-V’s fuel economy comes in at a decent 13 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $5,000.00 cash back on the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V effective until 11/02/2009.

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
0.0% Interest or $1,000 Cash Back

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander fills the compact family crossover niche quite well, thanks to its combination of taut handling, good interior space and slick styling. The Mitsubishi Outlander stands out from some of the plainer crossovers in its price range thanks to aggressively sculpted body lines that put some of the sport back into sport-utility. The Mitsubishi Outlander can seat up to seven passengers thanks to the inclusion of a third row seat, or it can have its storage area expanded to accommodate a whopping 72.6 cubic feet of cargo. In terms of features, low-spec editions of the crossover come with air conditioning, cruise control and a CD player, while the top of the line XLS trim includes automatic climate control, nicer seats and access to options packages that include leather, HID headlights and a sunroof. An entertainment system and a navigation system can also be installed in the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander’s base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. Matched with a continuously-variable automatic transmission, the unit offers fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. A 3.0-liter V-6 engine is standard on the XLS, and it increases power to 220 ponies and 204 lb-ft of torque while diminishing fuel mileage to 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. A six-speed automatic is the only available gearbox for this engine, and both the four and six-cylinder Mitsubishi Outlanders can be ordered with all-wheel drive.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $1,000.00 cash back on the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander effective until 11/02/2009.

2009 Chevrolet Impala
0.0% Interest or $2,500 Cash Back

The 2009 Chevrolet Impala functions as Chevrolet’s mid-size Toyota Camry fighter, a family sedan that aims to take on the big guns from Japan who typically dominate this section of the market. The Chevrolet Impala is certainly more than capable of meeting this lofty challenge, thanks to its combination of comfort, practicality and excellent build quality. The vehicle’s trunk provides 18.6 cubic feet of space, and the rear seat is quite accommodating, even to adults on longer trips. The base Chevrolet Impala comes with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, a CD player and keyless entry. Options include a remote starter, a rear spoiler and heated mirrors, as well as leather hides and a folding rear seat to increase the vehicle’s cargo capacity. An SS edition makes a performance suspension and larger rims available.

The 2009 Chevrolet Impala is provided with an array of competent V-6 engines and a range-topping V-8. Entry-level Chevrolet Impalas make do with a 3.5-liter unit that is capable of generating 211 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. Fuel mileage for this engine is rated at 19 miles per gallon around town and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. Next up is a 3.9-liter six-cylinder that increases output by 22 ponies and 26 lb-ft of torque, while reducing fuel economy by only a small margin. The Chevrolet Impala SS engine adds two extra cylinders for a total of 5.3-liters of displacement on its way to 303 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, and fuel mileage of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon during highway cruising. Each edition of the Chevrolet Impala makes use of the same four-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $2,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Chevrolet Impala SS effective until 11/02/2009.

2010 Toyota Corolla
0.0% Interest or $750 Cash Back

The 2010 Toyota Corolla is a sensible, efficient and inexpensive commuter car, the type of four-door appliance that drivers can just add oil and gas to and then drive until the wheels fall off – about 20 years or so after the purchase date. The Toyota Corolla is an exceptionally well-built vehicle, and it provides a calm and assured ride to both driver and passengers. There are five different trim levels available with the Toyota Corolla, although even the most affordable edition of the compact car is offered with air conditioning, power mirrors and anti-lock brakes. Moving up through the ranks adds niceties such as power door locks and windows, wood trim, a navigation system and a better stereo. A moonroof can also be ordered.

Four of the five 2009 Toyota Corolla trim levels are matched with the same 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. These models also come with a five-speed manual transmission, although buyers can specify a four-speed automatic unit in its place. The sporty Toyota Corolla XRS trim provides a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that gives the compact more hustle thanks to its 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual or automatic transmission rounds out its choice of gear boxes. Fuel mileage for the smaller engine is rated at 26 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway, while the significantly quicker Toyota Corolla XRS makes do with 22 miles per gallon around town and 30 miles per gallon during highway cruising.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $750.00 cash back on the 2010 Toyota Corolla effective until 11/02/2009.

2009 Pontiac G8
0.0% Interest or $3,500 Cash Back

The 2009 Pontiac G8 is a full-size sedan that is meant to appeal to those looking for a large automobile that can swallow a ton of suitcases and family members for a weekend road trip, as well as anyone interested in a performance-oriented four-door that won’t break the bank. The Pontiac G8’s exterior styling is edgy and angular, making a break from some of the more anonymous Pontiac designs of the past. The vehicle’s interior also separates itself from the General Motors parts bin by relegating hard plastic to areas less likely to be seen or touched during driving. Although the Pontiac G8 comes well-equipped right out of the box, it can be personalized and upgraded through the addition of heated leather seats, dual climate controls, 19 inch alloy wheels with performance tires and a power sunroof.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 starts out with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine between the front fenders. This perky mill provides drivers with 256 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, and uses a five-speed manual transmission to handle the gear shifting duties. Choosing the Pontiac G8 GT trim level significantly improves throttle response, thanks to the 6.0-liter V-8 that replaces the V-6, and which offers a healthy 361 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. True tire-smoking addicts will want to hold out for the Pontiac G8 GXP, which makes use of a 6.2-liter, eight-cylinder engine that grinds out a ridiculous 402 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque. The latter two engines are both available with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the GXP also benefits from an option six-speed manual. Fuel mileage for the V-6 shows as 17 miles per gallon around town and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, while the GT V-8 shaves one and two miles per gallon off of each respective measure. The Pontiac G8 GXP lowers fuel efficiency to 13 miles per gallon in stop and go driving and 20 miles per gallon on the highway.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $3,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Pontiac G8 effective until 11/02/2009.