CadillacCTS

I was just taking a look at our 2008 Buildout/ 2009 Startup schedule, and 2 additional vehicles on the list stood out for me.

- 2009 H3 Pickup - SOP August 18, 2008 @ Shreveport

- 2009 Traverse - SOP September 2, 2008 @ Spring Hill

Here's a pic to tide everyone over, compliments of Autotrader:

Well, now I don't have to post pictures because that is our exact vehicle! Same colour too. I will still post some when I get a chance though.

Well....We picked up the Torrent yesterday! I must say that I am very impressed. The vehicle is much sportier looking than I anticipated. The 3.6L / 6 Speed combo is amazingly smooth and powerful in the upper gears. I find the 1st gear tuned a little strange, but once you get into the higher gears this vehicle can really move. Another fix for that problem is just to put the vehicle in manual mode. Finally GM added softer materials to the inside of the car. Instead of hard plastic facing the driver and passenger, they have made the dash out of a soft touch, padded material. However, the upper part of the dash is still the same hard plastic. The vehicle looks like it is sitting really low without roof racks and the lowered suspension. The wheels are gorgeous. New instrument cluster is very cool looking, especially at night when the edges of the gauges light up in an orangy/red colour. I will be glad to answer anyones questions about the vehicle and I will post pictures as soon as I get the chance.

Well the day has finally come.....our Torrent GXP was built yesterday! Estimated delivery date from GM is September 10th!

2007 Cadillac SRX AWD Sport:

Well, production of the Torrent GXP and Equinox Sport models begins Monday at CAMI. Although, the colour I changed the vehicle too - Deep Blue Metallic - doesn't start production until August 6th. I will be lucky to ever see this thing. I think we are out of luck as to getting the vehicle before September. My only hope is that the vehicle actually gets built on the 6th. It only takes 2-3 weeks to ship a vehicle from Ontartio to BC, so it might make it if that is the case.

Mini Update:

So...Today we decided to change the colour of the Torrent to Atlanta Blue (23U) from Carbon Metallic (58U). I called order management today and the vehicle is supposed to go into production on the 30th of July. There is a delay on the GXP and Sport (Equinox) models due to a "supplier restriction", and start-up is supposed to be slow through August until September.

ECA -- Key, foldable with Remote Keyless Entry

'Bout time. Getting sick of the seperate key and fob. This is a step in the right direction.

Wow, glad you found the recall because GM is still not telling us what the reason is behind it. I am assuming this is correct, although the recall was initiated to dealers much before June 14th. So there is still a small chance that there is another underlying problem.

First Impressions After 3 Days Driving The Vehicle:

• The vehicle is the quietest I have ever been in. I thought Buick's were quiet until I drove this. You don't hear a sound, except for a slight pur from the Northstar V8 during acceleration.

• Acceleration is very fast and smooth, and the transmission is very slick. I never know when the tranny is shifting, it is seemless between gears.

• Interior materials are top notch. The leather wrapped dash is a very nice touch; it makes the vehicle feel that much more luxurious.

• Handles just like a car. My wife drove an Acadia for 2 weeks, and although the Acadia is solid, the SRX definitely out- handles it.

• Two things I feel the vehicle is missing: Remote Start is not available on the SRX, and Push-Button start would be a nice touch. Also, I hate that there is no digital clock, I always find myself looking at the radio for the time and then realizing that I need to look up at the little clock.

• LOVE the Xenon HID lights! They are a huge improvement over regular halogen lights.

• Always-On LED instrument panel is a nice touch as well.

Overall, we are both very happy with the vehicle. Really nothing to complain about, nor do I feel there will be in the future. I will keep you updated though.

Well my wife is always complaining about not being able to drive a vehicle for more than a few months at a time. So I decided to do something about it. I purchased her this New 2007 Cadillac SRX Sport AWD. Usually I just grab vehicles off the lot and let her drive them, but if they sell, they sell. Thats why I decided to purchase this time.

2007 Cadillac SRX Sport AWD:

• 320 HP 4.6L Northstar V8 VVT

• 6 Speed Automatic Transmission

• 20" Chrome Wheels

• Xenon HID Headlights

• Ultraview Sunroof

• SRX Sport Appearance Package

Pictures:

The good news is that the majority of the vehicles have not been sold yet, but are in transit or on dealers lots. We just got a Torrent in and sold it, but found out that the people cannot pick it up until the vehicle is returned to us from GM.

As of today GM would still not specify why the vehicles are being returned to them, but reiterated that it is NOT A SAFETY ISSUE.

We just got an email yesterday at our dealership that 2007 Torrent's and Equinox's produced between certain dates are to be sent back to General Motors for further inspection. They would not specify what the problem is, just that it is NOT a safety issue. The vehicles are to be picked up next week, sent to the nearest GM tech centre, and returned. Once I know more info, I will post it.

Never have I heard of vehicles being sent back for inspection.

Here is a few more details on the 2008 CTS:

Just Some Hightlights...

•SOUND SYSTEM WITH BOSE 5.1 CABIN SURROUND SOUND

AM/FM Stereo, Single CD/ DVD Player*, MP3 Playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-Speaker System with Radio Data System (RDS), 40GB Hard Drive Device (HDD), USB and Auto Connectivity and Steering Wheel Controls

* NOTE: System will play DVD audio. To obtain DVD video play capability, Sound System with Navigation Package (UAV) should be ordered.

•SOUND SYSTEM WITH NAVIGATION

AM/FM Stereo with Single CD/DVD Player, MP3 Playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-Speaker System with Radio Data System (RDS), 40GB Hard Drive Device (HDD), USB and Audio connectivity, Steering Wheel Controls, and DVD-Based Navigation with XM NavTraffic (Real time traffic updates for DVD based Navigation)

•SPORT PACKAGE WITH 18” SUMMER TIRES

Includes:

18 x 8 (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) Aluminum Wheels with High Polished Finish (P63)

P235/55ZR18 Y-Rated Summer only Performance Blackwall Tires* (QUR), Performance Handling Suspension with Automatic Rear Load Levelling and Speed Sensitive Variable Assist Steering (FE3), Limited Slip Differential (G80), Performance Cooling System** (V03), Fog Lamps integral in Front Facia (T96), Xenon, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) with Adaptive Forward Lighting System (TT6) and Headlamp Washers (CE4)

•PERFORMANCE PACKAGE WITH 18” All SEASON TIRES

Includes:

18 x 8 (45.7 cm. 20.3 cm) Aluminum Wheels with Premium multi-coat painted finish (P75)

P235/50R18 V-Rated All-Season Blackwall Tires (QKE), Limited Slip Differential (G80), Sport Suspension (FE2), Performance Braking System* (J55), Performance Cooling System** (V03), Fog Lamps integral in front facia (T96), Xenon, High Intensity Discharge (HID) with Adaptive Forward Lighting system (TT6) and Headlamp Washers (CE4)

* Available only with Automatic AWD Transmission (MX7)

** Available only with Automatic Transmission (MX0/MX7)

•SIGHT AND SOUND PACKAGE

Includes:

6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer with MP3 Capability (U2R), Theft Deterrent Alarm System (UA6), Rainsense Wipers (CE1), Interior Accent Lighting with LED Light Pipes and Spot Lights (TSQ) and 17 x 8 Machined-Faced Aluminum Wheels (P62)

•Steering Wheel Controls: Controls for Audio, HVAC, Cruise Control, Traction Control, Call end and Navigation Repeat (If Equipped)

Just found out that the Torrent GXP model and the colour I choose are on hold until July 30th. Originally there was no hold on the GXP Torrent, but my GM rep just called me and told me that they have a few things to work out (no clue what they are). He was going to try to push the vehicle ahead to get it built right on the 30th, to ensure we have it before september.

What you ordered is what I would like to get my wife! Can I ask where does pricing start and what colors can you get them in? My wife would really like a new GXP Torrent.

There is no pricing just yet, but as soon as I know I will post it for you.

As far as colours go :

-Sedona Beige Metallic

-Black

-NEW! Deep Blue Metallic

-Granite Gray Metallic

-NEW! Carbon Black Metallic (premium colour - extra cost)

-Sonoma Red Metallic

-Liquid Silver Metallic

-NEW! Teal Metallic

-Bright White

Just placed the order for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP. Just too many little things that were better than a truck, and better for a college student. Plus I like the idea of the 6 speed, rather than an ancient 4 speed auto.

2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP AWD

• 3.6L SFI VVT V6

• 6-Speed Auto

• Heated Front Bucket Leather Seats W/ Lateral Support

• Premium Paint

• DVD Navigation

• Pioneer 7 speaker audio system

• XM Radio

• Side Airbags

• Sunroof

• 1SF Package

Colours:

58U - Carbon Flash Metallic (Carbon Black Metallic In USA)

312 - Cashmere / Ebony

Should have it by the middle of August. Starts building at the end of June.

Appears GM pulled a fast one....even on its employees. My dealer rep was shocked.

Changes :

• New standard Content Theft Deterrent pre alarm system

• XM Satellite radio available on W/T models

• Uplevel ETR AM/FM stereo CD player available on W/T models, replacing option U1C

• Integrated Brake Control available on 1500 Series models

• High Idle Switch available on HD models

• 17” wheels standard on 3500 Series dual rear wheel W/T models

• 17” Chrome appearance wheels standard on 3500 Series dual rear wheel LT models

• New colours: Dark Cherry (12U), Deep Ruby Red (66U)

• Discontinued colours: Sport Red (63U)

• Removal of IP mounted Ashtray on LT models with A95 seats

They pushed the Canada order guides back until tommorow (Friday). So I will post the canadian changes then.

GM's Canadian sales jumped 15.8 per cent to 44,651, while DaimlerChrysler dealers saw their sales rise 6.2 per cent to 22,514. Ford of Canada's sales slipped 3.4 per cent to 21,973.

Toyota Canada recorded a rare sales drop — down 1.2 per cent to 19,934. Mazda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Nissan all saw sales rise by double-digit percentages, while Honda's Canadian sales were up less than one per cent.

Continued at link.

CBC -- Car Sales Hit 4-year high in April

Also....

General Motors of Canada April Sales Results

(Non-adjusted sales results – April 2007 had 23 selling days vs. April 2006 with 25 selling days)

Oshawa, Ontario (May 1, 2007) – For April 2007, General Motors of Canada dealers delivered a total of 45,079 units, up 15.5% over the same month last year.

Marc Comeau, GM of Canada’s vice-president of sales, service, and marketing said, “These results are driven by solid growth on the retail side of the business, up 17.4% for the month, and the stream of innovative new cars and trucks we are introducing in the marketplace.”

“Saturn continues to perform well with the recent launches of the Outlook and award winning Aura.” Comeau added, “The Chevrolet and Pontiac divisions also posted impressive results driven by double digit gains on a number of key product lines.”

Continued at link.

GM Canada April Sales Results

Well now I am confused about the 6 speed in the trucks....I spoke with my GM Canada dealer rep yesterday and asked him if he had heard that the 6 speeds are not available in the 2008 trucks. Today he checked with the entire Southern Alberta GM Canada office, and everyone, including the Zone Manager, was under the impression that the 6 speeds are still going to be in all of the 2008 trucks. Production doesn't begin until June 20th, and GM often makes changes after orders have been entered in the system. Furthermore, the GM Canada order guide for the trucks is out Thursday and they are much more detailed, it will say if the 6 speeds are late availablity or interim. I will post the GM Canada changes to the trucks as soon as I get them.

Anybody have details on the LS3? HP/TQ? torque curve?

Horsepower and Torque still say TBD.

2008 Corvette “What’s New” - By GM Canada

ALL MODELS

INTERIOR

•New trim plate on IP centre stack

•Auxiliary input jack added to standard radio (not available with Navigation)

•OnStar (with Turn by Turn capability) with 1 year safe and sound plan standard

EXTERIOR

•New Key Fob design

•2 New premium paint colours:

-Crystal Red Tintcoat (89U)

-Electra Blue Tintcoat (85U)

DELETIONS

•Paint Colours: Infrared (80U), Xenon Blue (19U)

COUPE (1YY07)

•Standard Equipment added

-6.2L V8 Engine (LS3) (was 6.0L in ‘07MY)

-New polished wheel centre cap

Optional Equipment available:

•Performance Exhaust (NPP): Dual mode performance exhaust that increases horsepower

•Performance Rear Axle (GU2): (requires automatic transmission)

CONVERTIBLE (1YY67)

•Standard Equipment added

-6.2L V8 Engine (LS3) (was 6.0L in ‘07MY)

-New polished wheel centre cap

Optional Equipment available:

•Performance Exhaust (NPP): Dual mode performance exhaust that increases horsepower

•Performance Rear Axle (GU2): (requires automatic transmission)

Z06 (1YY87)

•Standard Equipment added

-Outside rear view mirror includes Drivers side auto dimming

-Rearview mirror now includes auto dimming and compass

-XM Satellite Radio

SPECIAL OPTION PACKAGE

INTERIOR LEATHER TRIM PACKAGE (AQ9): (available on all models)

New package: (requires sienna or linen trim)

Includes:

o Seat headrest tonal crossed flag embroidery

o Enhanced armrest padding

Includes custom two toned leather wrapped:

o Instrument panel

o Interior upper door panels

o Console storage cover

Finally the Lucerne's radio and climate controls match the colour that they sit on. Love the metallic silver trim inside. The integrated radio and climate controls give the interior a much more upscale appearance.

Are we sure this isn't photoshopped? It seems as though the logo on the steering wheel has a smudge on the top right side and center console was left alone while the upper dash and the rest of gauges were horizontally flipped and then corrected.

Things that made me suspicious: (I've circled and numbered the areas that I noticed)

1) The numbered buttons on the radio are in reverse order from 6 - 1. Either the artist forgot to add that if this is a fake or Blaupunkt, the supplier of that radio didn't bother switching it over for LHD usage.

2) The CD slot with the eject and load buttons is in reverse from the one we saw in the concept.

3) Not only does the logo look photoshopped on the steering wheel, GM stated that this is not the new logo for the brand but more of a design study.

Finally

4) The area where the center console meets the rest of the dash looks smudged.

Compare to the other photos in the thread if you need to see for yourself.

Then it was a GM photoshop because it came right out of a Pontiac G8 Powerpoint presentation that is available to dealers on the GMInfoNet website.