More and more electric, hybrid electric, and hydrogen vehicles are becoming popular nowadays, and it’s good that many people are using these type of cars since they don’t use much gas, which means people save more money. The Hybrid and Hydrogen Vehicle Research Laboratory (HHVRL), promoted by Dr. Joel Anstrom, at the College of Engineering at Penn State University focuses on research, safety, education and service to support hybrid and hydrogen vehicles. Their goal is to work with industrial businesses and raise awareness about the need for more advanced fuel vehicles. Some vehicles they support are the GM Suburban Series Hybrid, GM EV Electric Vehicle, and the Ford Escort Series Hybrid.

There are some interesting projects at the lab:

• In-Vehicle Testing and Computer Modeling of Electric Vehicle Batteries
• Simulation and Field Testing of combined Battery/Ultracapacitor Energy Storage System
• Installation of Air Products Hydrogen Fueling Station
• Hybrid Vehicle Distributed Power Generation
• Long-term Hydrogen Vehicle Demonstration

Click here if you’d like to know more information.

While the release of vehicles like the CTS-V Sports Wagon (and the CTS line-up in general), Cadillac has been making an effort to compete with its European competitors – both in terms of style and performance. The Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon displays both fronts of GM’s offensive; packaging 556 horses in a 5-door station wagon that could be more appreciated by European consumers than US car buyers.
While Cadillac’s focus change is welcomed by many, especially the automotive press, there are many loyal (and mostly older) Cadillac drivers who are very attached to the large, American-made luxury sedans that have been synonymous with the Cadillac brand for decades. GM has not forgotten its loyalists, though the elimination of both the DTS and STS models are not encouraging to these Caddy enthusiasts. Cadillac is banking on the the ability of the upcoming XTS to keep these people behind the wheel of Cadillac vehicles for years to come. The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept debuted this January at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show – based on what was seen then, a production version should feature an immaculate interior and gadgetry up the wazoo.

Read more about the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

It’s official! Sort of! The long rumored CTS-V Sport Wagon has arrived, even though Cadillac could have easily found a reason not bring this car to light. It’s technically a concept, but the car is almost certain to be heading to production later this year. Spy shots of the car were making their rounds around the web last week, and now it can be seen in all of its glory at the New York Auto Show. Those of you who are wondering what all the hype is around a four-door wagon (technically a five-door… it’s a wagon after all) might understand what folks like me are feeling once they find out that the drivetrain of the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V will be identical to what powers Cadillac’s V-Series CTS  sedan and coupe. Those who still don’t have a clue after learning this may not realize that these V-Series models are rear wheel drive and feature 6.2-liter supercharged V-8s that put out 556 horses. These are not your granddaddy’s Cadillacs! If you still don’t appreciate the CTS-V Sport Wagon, I’ll assume you have no love for wagons of any type. This is an understandable sentiment, but for all those who love to see form meet function and not leave performance by the curb, the CTS-V Sport Wagon is praise worthy. Especially for Americans who generally would expect to see the Europeans produce similar cars. Wagons, though historically considered fairly unattractive, were once very popular stateside. Then came the minivan (not too good looking either) followed by the crossover (much easier on the eyes). With stylish models appearing like the 2011 CTS-V Sport Wagon, American’s might begin to take station wagons seriously again. Until then Cadillac will be producing a limited number of these vehicles, but has the capacity to produce more if the demand is there.

An apparent CTS-V Sport Wagon was recently spied at a photo shoot. Judging by the timing of the shoot, a production 2011 CTS-V Sport Wagon will be unveiled at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

While a CTS-V Sport Wagon has been talked about for a while now, there are questions about whether what is seen in spy shots is actually an authentic “V”. The grille, wheels, and hood are emblematic of the CTS-V but there seem to be a few discrepancies between this and other CTS-V models, which you could read more about on RoadandTrack.com. Road & Track has also brought up questions about the viability of a production Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon, as well as the already available non-V version of the Sport Wagon.

More details on Road & Track

GM is predicting a double digit a rise in January sales over the previous year, which saw a 30% drop in sales. GM believes that signs of recovery in the industry and the general economy will boost the companies performance. It certainly doesn’t hurt that GM has come to terms with the sale of Saab and is in the process of phasing out or selling Saturn, Hummer, and Pontiac. There are already signs GM’s business is improving. Some of its models, including the Cadillac SRX are in short supply, and could require the reopening of factories closed last year. Also, one of GM’s Japanese competitors, Toyota, is dealing with troubles in the form of recalls. When you combine that with the fact GM that is offering discounts for car-buyers trading in the that company’s vehicles, it’s easy to see how GM could gain an increased market share. GM has even agreed to make $1,000 worth of payments to Toyota on behalf of lessees.

The Cadillac XTS Platinum concept is wowing folks at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and may be turning heads on roads as early as 2012. It’s a full size luxury car that seems designed with chaufered CEOs in mind. This probably makes sense considering GM has stated their vision of this concept being an “automotive personal headquarters.”
Built on an Epsilon platform variation (that may also underpin a future Chevy Impala), the XTS is an All Wheel Drive sedan combining a gas-buring V-6 with plug-in hybrid technology. As with any true luxury car built nowadays, connectivity is a major focus. With this concept, Cadillac aims to herald “a new approach to in-car electronics that improves the form and function of the car’s entertainment, navigation and information systems.” Details are lacking, but you can definitely expect touch screen controls to replace hard buttons and switches and Organic-LED displays in place of standard instrumentation.
It looks very fresh compared to the DTS and STS models that it reportedly will replace, but does keep the main design elements of Cadillac’s Art and Science repertoire, including those vertical headlights and taillights. Speaking as someone with only so much love for the Cadillac boats of yesteryear, this big caddy looks good enough to put in the same sentence as the CTS-V coupe – the newest sexy CTS rolling into dealerships this summer.
More Cadillac XTS info.

On Monday, The New York Times reported that Cadillac has officially announced the 2011 CTS Coup model, promising that the car will make its first appearance at the upcoming Los Angeles auto show.

Based on the CTS sedan, the coupe rides on the same 113.4-inch wheelbase, yet is about two inches lower and two inches shorter overall. The seductive design includes a more rakish windshield, as well as blacked-out B-pillars, hidden touch-pad door releases, a unique rear fascia with twin center-mounted exhaust outlets, and an integrated rear spoiler.

A 304-hp, direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 is the only engine for non-V models and will be backed by a standard six-speed manual transmission—with a clutch and flywheel revised from the CTS sedan—or an optional six-speed automatic. Cadillac estimates highway fuel economy will be as high as 27 mpg.

caranddriver.com

GM’s vice chairman Bob Lutz has confirmed that the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V wagon will indeed become a production reality. 0–60 time of 3.9 seconds and beefy looks, the CTS-V sedan has been a huge favorite of ours since its debut, and we can’t wait to see how the CTS-V coupe looks and drives when it finally appears next year. But this was the first we’d heard anyone willing to go on record actually confirming the wagon. Speculation and rumors, yes, but nothing official.

I also wanted to pass along a coupon I received from using Mobil 1 in the Cadillac CTS I am currently leasing. It’s a great product, and the next time you are due for an oil change, give it a try. And don’t forget to use this coupon! Please click: Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy $10 Rebate Offer so you can get in on the savings too!

2010 Cadillac CTS-V vs. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and Jaguar XFR Video.

I would like to highlight the efforts of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), which is the preeminent US industry association dedicated to the promotion of electric drive as the best means to achieve the highly efficient and clean use of secure energy in the transportation sector.  They support the sustainable commercialization of all electric drive transportation technologies by providing in-depth information, education, industry networking, public policy advocacy and international conferences and exhibitions. The EDTA works with Congress and the Executive branch to transform the fuel consumption of the US fleet with electric drive technology by accelerating the adoption of electric drive technologies, enabling the development of longer term electric drive vehicle options, and ensuring nationwide access to hydrogen and electricity fueling infrastructure.