GM reveals future in Viability Report
As a condition of its massive federal bailout funding, GM has been required to present a restructuring plan to the US department of Treasury to prove it has the resources to pay back its loans.
A side-effect of this report is that GM has been forced to reveal its future product launches to the public which includes known models such as the Chevrolet Volt and Camaro, but also previously unconfirmed models such as the Cadillac CTS Coupe.
According to the report, the new Cadillac CTS Coupe is due to begin production in 2010 in Michigan using a 3.6-litre V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Initially revealed as a concept, the CTS Coupe uses a 2+2 seating arrangement, sharing only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with the sedan variant.
The CTS Coupe has also been designed for a new 2.9-litre turbo-diesel engine being developed for international markets, delivering an estimated 186kW and 550Nm.
With such a strong emphasis placed on fuel economy it is still unconfirmed whether GM will create a flagship CTS-V variant based on the Coupe.
The report also revealed the future direction of GM's fuel saving technologies, with the development of a dry dual clutch transmission, new four-cylinder LPG engine and additional electric vehicle beginning in 2012.
Long term plans include fuel cell technology, lean combustion/homogeneous charge compression ignition gas engines and third generation hybrid systems for 2015.
In regards to its Australian operations, GM is confident Holden will remain a viable operation in the future largely thanks to the pending introduction of a locally produced small car.
Continued local production has become more challenging due to changes in market preferences. GM‘s local subsidiary (Holden) and the Australian government have developed a plan to bring to market a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle, with project funding provided by the Australian Government in the form of permanent grants. With this support, Holden is projected to be a viable operation, making a positive NPV contribution.
You can view the entire GM report at this link.
Via: AutoBlog
Video: ‘Top Gear Australia’ first preview and release date
Video: ‘Top Gear Australia’ first preview and release date
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