By Rob
Some of our testing and driving is fine-tuning all the luxury and performance aspects we intend for Cadillac.
But other stuff, quite frankly, involves beating the heck out of the cars.
On an almost constant basis, we have cars on what we call a Durability Schedule. This means we take a few cars (right now we have three) and subject them to a rigorous series of driving exercises in an attempt to speed up the hands of time, putting them through two or three “lifetimes” in a compressed period.
A typical schedule might be to drive 20,000 miles (one or two years in the “normal” world) in just three or four months. And it is heavy-duty driving, much more punishing than regular use. These 20,000 miles will actually approximate 100,000 miles or more of “normal” consumer use. We do this by taking the cars on unusually rough surfaces, through “corrosion troughs” meant to accelerate wear-and-tear on the paint and bodywork, and lots of other punishing tasks.
You might remember that old pickup truck commercial about the “mountain” of Belgian blocks. We really do that at our Milford, Mich., Proving Grounds, where we have a huge network of roads and test areas. We have team of folks who drive three shifts a day, all day and all night, virtually.
This is monotonous, disciplined stuff. But it provides us with research on the cars that otherwise would take years to accumulate.
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Comments
When will be able to "build our own" CTS on the Cadillac website? Any info you can pass along from marketing would be helpful.
Thanks!
Posted by: Bill P. | August 9, 2007 1:21 PM
Speaking of durability, any idea if GM will continue it's current 100,000 mile warranty for the 08 models? Everything about the CTS looks good on paper, but I'm a little hesitant about being one if the first in line for the new high-pressure DI engine.
Posted by: Decio | August 9, 2007 1:23 PM
I'd been hoping for some time that you would cover the durability testing on here.
Lots more detail on this please!
Posted by: HardRockCamaro | August 9, 2007 5:02 PM
I love the logs, since Ive ordered a 2008 SIDI, it's like watching the development of your next pride and joy, my 2004 CTS is great ,but the more I read about the 2008 I'm gettin itchy for my first ride!!
Posted by: Terrence Gallagher | August 9, 2007 7:37 PM
Editors, thank you for your articles & posts - much appreciated.
As you've been involved with the start-up of '08 CTS production, can you tell us about the current B20 wood trim package situation? Inquiring minds would like to know. Please share some info in this regard. If not you.. then who? Thanks.
Posted by: Richard | August 9, 2007 8:53 PM
I am aware that GM has already manufactured and shipped 48 '08 CTS. Are they going to be delivered directly to the dealerships or is GM going to hang on to them for a while?
Posted by: AJ4 | August 10, 2007 10:19 AM
How many of these vehicles are damaged and/or destroyed due to accidents during the testing. Have there been any injuries to the drivers?
Posted by: Marshall | August 10, 2007 10:34 PM
I just want to know exactly when we will see the 08 CTS in the showrooms.
Posted by: Tom | August 11, 2007 10:40 AM
A dealer has told me if I wait a few weeks they will be able to get me an 08 CTS "factory rep" car. I wonder if it would be one of these two or three life times cars?
Guess I better wait for a new one!
Posted by: antrow | August 13, 2007 7:59 AM
Decio - Yes the GM 100K Powertrain warranty does continue and applies.
All - Look for "build your own" configurator, option prices and other shopping/ buying info on Cadillac.com later in August as cars start arriving in dealerships.
Posted by: Editor | August 13, 2007 9:45 AM
When is the electronic E-brake coming into production?
I want a CTS DI Manual when my Saab 9-3 goes back later next year but I hate the foot brake.
Posted by: DuSpinnst | August 14, 2007 8:06 PM
Any info about the two door coupe? Is it too late to apply "lessons learned" from the '08 sedan? i.e. too heavy weight, improper e-brake placement, and lack of a true enthusiast package w/ AWD, DI and 6 speed.
Thanks for listening and helping to make Cadillac a true luxury brand again.
Posted by: G. Kellogg | August 14, 2007 10:55 PM