Cadillac Releases Pricing for 556HP CTS-V Wagon

General Motors has revealed pricing for its new Cadillac CTS-V 'super' Wagon, a car that like or not, is destined to be a classic for future collectors. Scheduled to go on sale in limited numbers at Cadillac dealers later this year, the CTS-V Wagon is priced at $62,990, including destination, meaning it carries the same exact MSRP as the sedan model.

"The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon is a limited production offering for connoisseurs who are interested in the unique combination of V-Series performance with wagon style and capability," said Don Butler, vice president, Cadillac marketing.

Beneath the more practical bodywork of the CTS-V Wagons beats the same heart found on CTS-V sedan and Coupe models, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping out 556 horsepower and 551 lb.-ft of torque.

All those ponies are delivered to the rear wheels through either a standard six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic transmission, with Cadillac claiming the CTS-V Wagon completes the 0 to 60mph (96 km/h) sprint in 4.0 seconds.

Aside from the new drivetrain, Cadillac's super fast wagon also gets Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, and 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

Standard features include heated, leather-appointed seats, in-dash navigation system with 40-gigabyte hard drive and Xenon HID headlamps. Available options include the $3,400 Recaro heated and ventilated, driver and front-passenger bucket seats, $800 19-inch, polished aluminum wheels, a $600 midnight Sapele Wood trim package and $300 Suede steering wheel and shifter.

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GM Recalls Over 20,000 Cadillac CTS Models to Address Safety Issue with Glove Box

General Motors said on Monday it has issued a recall on 20,224 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V cars from the 2009-2010 model year to replace the glove box compartment. NHTSA's tests showed in the event of a frontal crash, if the front passenger is not wearing a seat belt, the risk of leg injury is higher than permitted under Federal law. It goes without saying that despite the NHTSA's findings, passengers should wear their seatbelts at all times.

Being a manufacturer recall, GM's dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, if necessary, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure, free of charge.

The Detroit automaker said the safety recall is expected to begin on or before October 20, 2010. For more information, owners of the affected CTS and CTS-V models may contact Cadillac directly at 1-866-982-2339.

New GM CEO a car guy after all

The announcement today that General Motors will soon be welcoming its fourth CEO in just 14 months was startling news, but the real unanswered question is just who is Dan Akerson? We've already told you what his business chops are and it's clear the man can run a lemonade stand, but there's virtually no other information available out there besides his resume. And as for pics, the entirety of the internet has but one to offer, which is Akerson's glamor shot as a member of GM's board of directors. Flattering? No. Looks like a high school principal's year book picture.

Well, we dug a little and found some interesting info on one Mr. Daniel F. Akerson. For one, he lives in McLean, Virginia and is reportedly an avid golfer. Ok, not too surprising, as most corporate executives can swing a club. How about this: He's said to be worth an estimated $190 million. Yeah, CEOing is a good gig if you can get it. Also, he currently drives a Cadillac CTS.

Finally, we're told that Mr. Akerson's first car was an MGB roadster, which he quickly traded in for a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Now, we don't have confirmation on which Cutlass he had, and it makes a difference. The 1970 Cutlass was nothing special, unless you're talking about the 442, which was a legitimate muscle car. The fact that Akerson first had an MGB makes us hopeful that he is a car guy after all and that the Olds in question was the 442... or at least was powered by a Rocket V8 of some sort.

Does the CEO of General Motors need to be a car guy? Not really. Ford CEO Alan Mullaly has never been considered a "car guy," which didn't stop him from righting Dearborn's sinking ship. Still, enthusiasts might take comfort in the fact that the man running one of this industry's most important companies knows his way around a four-barrel carb.

And Dan, a little advice: Trade up to a CTS-V Coupe. What's $190 million good for if you're not going to use it?