By Liz
In my last post, in response to some questions from readers, I wrote a bit about the use of camouflage on test cars. That got me thinking about another related aspect of testing future cars: mules, the ultimate camo.
We need to test aspects of vehicles long before we’ve ever built a full pre-production car. In a case like that, we have the ultimate camo. It’s called a “mule.” This photo shows what looks to be a regular Cadillac STS up on a hoist in a garage. In reality, these are “mule” versions of the 2008 CTS.
These cars contain a lot of future CTS engines, transmissions, driveline and chassis components. This shot was taken at a Cadillac dealership in Southern California that was kind enough to lend us a couple of service bays on a Sunday, when we had to adjust a few aspects of these cars before a long development trip.
Sure, they were a little rough . . . that’s why the term “mule” is suitable. But they’re a big part of the early development, and another method of doing real-life testing of future cars.
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Comments
That's Interesting. Are they standard body panels that fitted onto the test mule, or are they custom panels that are made for the chassis, but "look" like another model (like the STS)?
I wonder if that's what those spy shots of the "Super CTS-V" that came out last year was.... a mule for either the 2008 CTS or 2009 CTS-V
Posted by: Graham | March 26, 2007 12:15 PM
On what date is the first production car going to be built? When can dealers start to order. I saw the CTS in Detroit and want to place an order. I have a C230 lease up in August, will a CTS arrive in time???
Posted by: Jeff | March 26, 2007 10:46 PM
So, I've always been curious. What happens to these mules once they're old and grey, and aren't being used anymore? Are they destroyed, returned to STS glory or used as another platform until they ultimately are destroyed.
I've seen a VIN "X" Corvette once that was on display right before the C6s came out, and when asked the person working the display said it was a Prototype / Experimental VIN. Are these Mules VIN X cars or are they street versions that have their guts removed?
This may just be my favorite blog ever. Thank You. Thank You To Your Superiors. Thank You GM for having cars I love.
Posted by: Scot S. | March 27, 2007 11:42 PM