GM Whacks High Performance Division

One of the best ways to sell cars, at least in the eyes of those who make them, is to offer select high performance models. Not many of these vehicles are sold, but they happen to raise the visibility of that particular model, perhaps encouraging sales across model lines.

High Performance Vehicles Operation

General Motors has long been about high performance with Chevrolet Corvette being the best example of what the automaker can do to make produce a powerful sports car. The company also operates a High Performance Vehicles Operation (HPVO) unit, one that takes rather ordinary cars and makes them extraordinary.

Among the vehicles that have benefited from GM performance prowess are the Pontiac G8 GXP, Cadillac CTS-V and the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. But, those cars will soon be history — at least the high performance models — as GM has closed down its HPVO unit.

Seeking To Recover, With Federal Assistance

This bit of news comes from the company’s recently submitted recovery plan report where the automaker outlined to the federal government the direction the company would be taking over the next several years. That report revealed that GM would abandon or sell off several brands, close factories, lay off workers and work extra diligently to bring the electric Chevy Volt and similar vehicles to market.

Though the new direction GM is taking may seem a bit stunning, high performance vehicles rarely provide the profits needed to sustain them. These types of vehicles cost a lot to make and the return on investment is non-existent. Thus, in its current state GM needs to take action to ensure that the products they have going forward provide a higher volume which means a higher return on their money.

The Corvette Goes It Alone

According to Automotive News, which broke the story, engineers who were working in HPVO have been reassigned. Although the Corvette has been part of HPVO, more than likely the iconic sports car will soldier on with its own dedicated group of engineers.

Current HPVO vehicles will likely finish out their lifecycles meaning that the CTS-V sedan will continue for a few years. Next year’s planned released of the CTS-V coupe is in question, however.

GM Rolls Out The Cadillac CTS Wagon

Cadillac’s popular CTS model line will be tripling in size next year with the introduction of two all-new models: a sport wagon and a coupe. The CTS wagon will roll out in the Spring; the coupe before 2009 is out. Last week, GM introduced the wagon and those pictures will follow.

A Cadillac Wagon

A sport wagon may seem like a curious addition to the CTS line up, given that the Dodge Magnum wasn’t much of a seller for Chrysler. However, half of all production will head to Europe where wagons are big. Besides, a luxury wagon is something that certain luxury car buyers want, a niche that CTS hopes to fill.

Cadillac gets a sport wagon for its popular CTS line. Rolling out in early 2009, this car will be designated as a 2010 model.

The CTS wagon has body lines reminiscent to the first generation SRX crossover, which will receive its own update by Summer 2009.

As far as I can tell, the CTS Wagon is the very first Cadillac wagon ever built, at least for the US market.

No worrying that the liftgate will get in the way as it rises high above the roof line of the car.

My what big tail lights you have! Nice dual exhausts too.

A generous cargo area makes visits to The Home Depot possible. Expect that aftermarket manufacturers will come up with a whole host of products to go with the wagon.

More News To Follow

Other particulars about the CTS wagon have yet to be released, information that GM says will be given closer to the production date. We do know that the wagon will seat five passengers (sorry, no third seat available) and will utilize the 3.6L V6 currently powering the CTS sedan. Look for a larger displacement V6 to also be available; no word yet whether a V8 will be included.

(Source: GM Corp.)