In 1988, General Motors introduced the GMT-400 truck platform, which remained in production for an impressive 14 years. Even today, more than 30 years later, GM enthusiasts still hold a fond memory of this platform. Chevy and GMC trucks from this era were known for their reliability and easily accessible parts. Back then, Chevy wanted to convey to potential customers that these trucks were not only dependable but also suitable for daily commuting, demanding farm work, or tough job sites.
In 1990, Donald Gould, an advertising executive hired to promote General Motors trucks, stumbled upon the popular Bob Seger song that we now associate with the ad campaign. The phrase “Like a Rock” perfectly captured the image that GM wanted to project for their trucks. However, Seger initially hesitated and declined the offer to do advertisements for Chevy.
It was not until Seger had a conversation with a GM plant worker that he had a change of heart, prompted by memories of his own experience working for the car company. He eventually agreed, and from 1991 to 2014, “Like a Rock” became the official anthem of Chevy trucks.
If you’d like to read more about this ad campaign, visit the source article here.
German tuner, SMN Motors, is turning the current S-Class into a luxurious sport sedan capable of producing 592 horsepower (600 metric hp) and 605 pound-feet (820 Newton-meters) of torque. This impressive creation is known as the SMN600.
Starting with the S580 4Matic, the company enhances the power and performance. The base model already includes a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that generates 496 hp and 516 lb-ft. Although the specific tuning details aren’t mentioned, SMN Motors manages to boost the output by an additional 96 hp and 89 lb-ft. One significant modification is the installation of a stainless steel exhaust system equipped with a flap control system that synergizes with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) actuators.
Mitsubishi Motors has announced its participation in the upcoming August 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally with Team Ralliart. The team achieved an overall victory at last year’s event and will once again be led by Hiroshi Masuoka, a former two-time consecutive Dakar Rally champion driver. Joining Masuoka are drivers Chayapon Yotha of Thailand, Rifat Sungkar of Indonesia, and Katsuhiko Taguchi of Japan.
For this year’s rally, the Ralliart team will be driving the new Mitsubishi Triton Group T1 prototype cross-country vehicles. These trucks have undergone a complete redesign, including upgrades to the body, frame, chassis, and engine. Extensive endurance testing and adjustments have ensured the vehicles’ reliability and durability in preparation for the demanding competition.
General Motors (GM) is committed to revolutionizing all of its brands towards electric vehicles (EVs). By 2030, GM plans to make Cadillac an all-exclusive EV brand. Cadillac aims to compete head-to-head with Tesla, the EV market leader, and wants to change the game. To target different segments, Cadillac will release the Lyriq to compete with the Tesla Model Y and the Celestiq to compete with the Rolls-Royce Spectre. This bold move by Cadillac will certainly catch the attention of other giants in the industry such as Ford, Nissan, Tesla, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley.
Cadillac Has The Might To Take On Both Tesla And Rolls-Royce
Cadillac
Front three quarter shot of Cadillac Lyriq parked outside of a buidling
The Lyriq is Cadillac’s first electric vehicle that will compete with the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Polestar 3. This SUV features an all-wheel-drive version with a range of 307 miles, 500 horsepower, and 450 pound-feet of torque. The Lyriq offers a 33-inch diagonal screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The base model starts at $58,000 and the top-of-the-line model costs over $70,000.
Cadillac Lyriq Sport Specs
Electric Motor
Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup
Horsepower
500 horses
Range
450 pound-feet
Electric Range
307 miles
Price
$74,590
The Celestiq is a luxurious sedan that will rival brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes. This sedan offers 600 horsepower, a 300-mile range, and can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.8 seconds. The Celestiq is expected to cost around $300,000.
Cadillac Celestiq Specs
Electric Motor
Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup
Horsepower
600 horses
Range
640 pound-feet
Electric Range
300 miles (est.)
Price
$300,000
Cadillac also has plans for the Escalade IQ, a three-row electric SUV expected to start at over $100,000.
The Cutting-Edge Ultium Platform: The Secret Ingredient To Potential Success
General Motors
Wide shot of three battery skateboards built using the Ultium platform
The Ultium platform, developed in collaboration between General Motors and LG, is the key to Cadillac’s potential success. The platform’s design allows for efficient packaging of batteries, maximizing space and power. It also incorporates advanced chemistry that reduces cobalt usage by 70 percent and extends battery life. With the Ultium platform, Cadillac’s vehicles can easily achieve the industry-standard 300-mile range.
GM’s Undivided Attention To Make Cadillac An Exclusive EV Brand
Cadillac
2024 Cadillac Celestiq interior shot
GM is fully committed to making Cadillac an exclusive EV brand. The company has divested from money-losing projects like its European brands, Opel and Vauxhall, to focus on investing in the future of its own brands, especially electric vehicles. GM plans to invest over $81 million in the Celestiq project alone, demonstrating its seriousness about Cadillac’s electrification. Cadillac aims to have a fully electric lineup by 2030, but it will have to convince current Escalade owners to upgrade to its electric version. In addition to electrification, Cadillac has set a goal to run its operations in the United States on 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.
Cadillac
A rear 3/4 view of Cadillac Celestiq on a plateau overlooking mountains in the background
Only time will tell if Cadillac can successfully challenge automotive giants like Tesla and Rolls-Royce. However, their transition to electric vehicles is a necessary step in the industry, and Cadillac seems to be moving in the right direction. One potential challenge for Cadillac could be the production capacity of the Ultium platform’s batteries. Overcoming this challenge and ensuring a sufficient supply of batteries will be crucial for the success of Cadillac’s EV lineup and to compete with Tesla and other automakers.
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