Photo Credit: powerofdc.com

EVA/DC, the Electric Vehicle Association of Washington, DC, represents Electric and Hybrid Vehicle owners, enthusiasts, educators and racers from throughout the Baltimore-Washington region who are on the leading edge of the Green Revolution. Monthly meetings, appearances and educational programs include Junior Solar Sprints and the annual Power of DC Electric Drag Races and Autocross. Check them out at EVADC and Power of DC.

Photo Credit: enterprise.mtu.edu

We usually do not post about non-Cadillacs at Fast Cadillac, but here is an exception. I want to bring your attention to the EcoCAR project, and specifically Michigan Technological University’s participation with the project. The EcoCAR Challenge is a three-year competition that builds on the 19-year history of Department of Energy’s advanced vehicle technology competitions by giving engineering students the chance to design and build advanced vehicles that demonstrate leading-edge automotive technologies. MTU’s work hopes to create a practical road hybrid based off of GM’s Saturn Vue with innovation and engineering. MTU prides itself on the weight of the vehicle they have created, as it is the lightest in the competition.

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Wagons don’t sit high like SUVs. They handle and perform like cars, but can also haul more stuff. So why don’t Americans like wagons? Despite the unappealing characterization and rather than opting for more exciting names such as Touring or Estate, Cadillac still decided to name the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon just that.

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Very practical, and handling and driving like the CTS sedan, the only disadvantage of the Sport Wagon comes with the extra 241 pounds. However, this is somewhat offset by the better weight distribution. The optional 3.6-liter 24-valve direct-injection V-6 producing 304 hp gets the Sport Wagon from 0-60 in 7.0 seconds, which is 1 second slower than the sedan.

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Still, the wagon retains the CTS’s excellent handling, brakes, and steering. It also gains a Mercedes-like cargo compartment with 25 cubic feet of space in the trunk and 53 with the rear seats folded. Sportier than the comparable German competition, and at a lower starting price of $40,655, the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon will be a surprising underdog.

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Cadillac has reborn the second-generation SRX to make it more like the segment’s best-selling Lexus RX350. Replacing the rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive platform is a front-drive-based architecture with a transversely mounted engine. A direct-injected 3.0-liter V-6 with 265 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque in the base engine SRX 3.0 gets the crossover to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

However, the real story here is the optional 300 hp, 2.8-liter turbo V-6 SRX 2.8T. With a much improved low rev acceleration allowing a predicted 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds, the more powerful SRX 2.8T achieves peak torque at just 2000 rpm. Fuel economy is a 16/23 mpg city/highway rating, with premium fuel being recommended by Cadillac for the turbo-charged V-6. Coming standard are all-wheel drive, FE3 suspension, 20-inch wheels, and luxury items including heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, navigation, and a giant moon-roof. With a combination of superior suspension tuning, quiet ride, long list of standard equipment, and attractive interior, the new SRX will really give the Lexus RX some strong competition.

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Although financial troubles have hindered Cadillac and resulted in the discontinuation of the XLR roadster, as well as a year delay for the rollout of the two-door CTS (scheduled for 2010), new spy images reveal great progress in the development of the 2011 CTS-V Coupe. Aside from the same 556-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V8 found in the 4-door, this new vehicle is equipped with bigger brakes, larger wheels, a wire mesh grill, and dual center-exiting exhaust pipes that go along with the bulging bodywork. Available in six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and with improved interior features, the 2011 CTS-V Coupe will have a sticker price of around $65k.

Car and Driver is planning to re-launch its site. This new and improved site promises to be much more interactive and user-friendly. With increased functionality, it will be even easier to navigate. There is much more information and links on the new homepage, allowing for quicker, more efficient search.

In addition, one of the best features of the new site is the increased functionality of the buyer’s guide, which allows you to more easily search for vehicles specifically tailored to your needs. For example, if you choose a make such as Cadillac, the new site instantly provides you with several links to the latest reviews, comparison tests, news, and advice on different models.

Then, selecting a model, such as the SRX allows you to view all of its top competitors in that class. With the ability to drill down on specifications and view tons of interior and exterior images, the new Car and Driver site is definitely more interactive and user-friendly, and will enhance your Cadillac shopping experience. Check out a screen-shot of this below, and feel free to email any feedback to caranddriver@hfnm.com.

Converj Exterior

In the aftermath of the GM bankrupty, one question that’s been keeping us up at night is “What’s the future of the Cadillac Converj?”

The Converj is one of the most exciting electric car concepts that we’ve ever seen. Essentially a souped-up Chevy Volt, the Converj can drive 40 miles on batteries and can be recharged from a wall outlet. But it’s the styling of the Converj that sets it ahead of the pack. With a sleek body and futuristic interior, we’d think long and hard if given a choice between this Caddy concept and a shiny new Tesla.

Converj Interior

Now that GM is officially Government Motors, we have a lingering sense of dread. We can only hope that a restructured GM can continue with some much-needed innovation, while finding profitability along the way.

Photos by: Car and Driver

2009 Chevrolet Corvette LT4

2009 Cadillac XLR Platinum

With summer approaching, we’ve decided to put two of our favorite convertibles head-to-head. Presenting the 2009 Cadillac XLR Platinum vs 2009 Chevrolet Corvette LT4:

Price:

No contest here. The Corvette, at $63,270 is over $20K cheaper than the $86,215 priced Cadillac.

Fuel Economy:

We’re calling it a wash. The Caddy, rated at 15/24mpg  falls just shy of the Chevy’s 16/26mpg – in real life, the difference is negligible.

Engine:

Dang, this is starting to seem one sided. The Cadillac XLR’s 4.6L V8 produces a solid 320hp@6400rpm, alas, it’s no match for the Chevy’s 6.2L V8 producing 430hp@5900rpm.

Creature Comforts:

The Chevy lacks a navigation system, electronic parking aid, power lumbar support, and other features we’ve grown accustomed to in +$50K cars. The Cadillac has a noticeable edge here.

Performance:

As much as we’d like to say the XLR was on par, we cannot tell a lie. The Corvette is a beast, packed with raw power and far superior handling.

Conclusion:

It pains us to say it, but the Corvette LT4 is the better choice in almost every regard. But we’ve got a challenger in mind that might make the Corvette LT4 go home and cry to mama. Stay tuned for a LT4 vs CTS-V showdown.

Mind blowing and sensational – the 2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe will make your heart beat faster. The V6 powered coupe will be followed by a supercharged V-series enhanced with LSA V8 powertrain. GM assured the production version won’t differ much from the concept debuted in the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

The front fascia is expected to be lowered a bitn with headlamps containing less LEDs. In addition, the back side will sport angular taillights and a compact rear-deck lid while the hood will be made smoother. The real 2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe will have a sleek sheet metal body with hidden door handles.

Sports car lovers will have to wait until Summer 2010 when this roadster makes its way from auto show stand to production line.

Image courtesy: Jalopnik.com

2010 Cadillac XLR-V

The 2010 Cadillac XLR-V gets an incredible 525Hp power boost with D3 tuning. The D3 Cadillac designers incorporated a new engine management strategy for the XLR-V. A spark plug, ECU reflash, a new air-intake and the high flow Corsa exhaust system are combined to optimize the fuel consumption of its 4.4L V8 powertrain and produce extra thrust.

For the adventurous lot, the D3 offers a choice of second and third level gears producing 575Hp and 600Hp respectively. An improved Magnetic Ride Control, dual overhead cameras, and a heated steering wheel make the job easier for the driver.

In addition to improved performance and handling, D3’s new styling elements including a chrome grille on the front façade with Corsa muffler tips and 19-inch alloy wheels. The 2010 Caddy XLR-V is fast establishing itself as a world-class status car.