2012 Cadillac Cts Performance on 2040-cars

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Cadillac confirms Blackwings will get manual transmissions and 3D-printed parts

Cadillac's upcoming 2022 CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing will be the first GM production cars to utilize 3D-printed technology. In fact, the technology will be featured front and center on one of the cars' most hotly anticipated features — in a decorative medallion atop the shift knob of the manual transmission. Cadillac says that "additive manufacturing" (named as such because 3D printing accumulates tiny deposits of material to create the object) made the manual transmissions possible by reducing costs and waste. Aside from the medallion, the cars will employ two 3D-printed two HVAC ducts and an electrical harness bracket. "[The manual transmission is] something we know V-Series buyers want and itÂ’s something we knew we had to have, so we used innovative processes to make it happen,” said Cadillac performance variant manager Mirza Grebovic. Speaking of which, Cadillac commissioned a Harris Poll survey about manual transmissions and received some interesting results. For example, 66 percent of American adults surveyed know how to drive manual, and 55 percent said they've owned a standard shift car. Of those who don't, roughly 40 percent are either somewhat or very interested in learning. Interest is highest among two key demographics, 64 percent of those earning $75,000 or more in annual household income, and 62 percent of those ages 18-34. The findings seem to contradict what many automakers have said about lack of interest in manuals, with some declaring a sub-1 percent take rate when manuals are offered. Perhaps with a performance-oriented car such as the V-series, buyer preferences change. The mix of old school gearboxes and new school manufacturing techniques will result in what looks like a very potent car on paper. The CT5-V Blackwing is rumored to be powered by an updated 6.2-litter V8, while the CTS-4 Blackwing is said to be motivated by a turbo six. Neither will use the twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8 of their namesake, but they should prove to be worthy successors to the CTS-V and ATS-V. Related Video:

Cadillac Escalade driven by Tony Soprano for sale

If you're a fan of The Sopranos imagining a trip to the Bada Bing, then check out this white 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV for sale by RR Auction. James Gandolfini drove this luxury SUV in the role of Tony Soprano for the last three seasons of the mafia-themed series. Gandolfini also signed the interior to give you something to show off to your buddies. If you've ever watched the show, you've almost certainly seen this white SUV before. According to the auction listing, the series featured two Escalades, and this one was used for exterior shots. The Caddy even starred in an action scene in season 5 when Tony chased after Phil Leotardo. Gandolfini's signature appears inside twice: once with "Thanks for the truck, James Gandolfini" and again with just his name. The auction also includes a letter of authenticity that's signed by the actor, and a second document asserts the SUV's use in the series. Apparently, Gandolfini had a habit of signing messages in his vehicles from the show – at one point he wrote a threatening "Be nice to my car" message in a red Chevrolet Suburban from earlier episodes. The auction for Tony's Escalade runs from November 12-19, which still leaves plenty of time for a meeting of the families to decide to buy it. Bidding starts at $5,000, and according to The Drive, the consignor estimates a final price between $30,000 and $50,000. This sale should at least come to a more definitive end than The Sopranos did. Related Video:

Cadillac to vie for Secret Service armored car contract, new Beast?

President Obama has used the same armored limo since his inauguration in 2008. Known by many as The Beast, the Presidential Limo was provided by Cadillac and earned its nickname in large part because of its massive size, which isn't surprising considering that its Caddy-shaped bodywork is said to sit atop a heavy-duty truck chassis.
It seems the Secret Service may be in the market for a Beast replacement, having issued a request for proposals for a new armored limo. According to Motor Trend, Obama's backup limo is a leftover from the Bush Administration, so it will be interesting to see if this new machine will serve as a replacement for The Beast or for its backup. The contract is to be awarded by September 29, 2013.
The boys from MT contacted Cadillac, Lincoln and Chrysler, and Chrysler is the only one that would confirm that it is not pursuing the contract. Cadillac may have the inside track, as it has provided Presidential limos since 1993, but Lincoln also has a long and storied history of chauffeuring the President.