Here at LotPro.com

We have often been accused of promoting an agenda that includes small cars as well as anything that competes with domestic products. The fact is nothing could be further from the truth. Most of us here grew up loving Detroit iron. And throughout the fifties and the early sixties, we saw the vehicles (not the “product”) coming out of the factories here in the Midwest as the best the world could produce.

But much of that luster was lost as the big three came to rest on its laurels – while missing the boat on smaller cars in their own backyard (even as their European subsidiaries pumped out some of the better smaller rides).

But small cars weren’t the segment that was being lost to the imports. Starting with Acura in the late eighties, the best of Detroit’s luxury makers gradually lost ground to the Japanese and then the Germans, so that by the nineties, both Cadillac and Lincoln (Chrysler effectively killed off the badge in 1990 when the Imperial became a K-car) had become also-rans in the segment (the 1982 Cimarron comes to mind, as does Cadillac’s V8-6-4 engine).

A renaissance (an era, not the building)

Beginning in 2002, however, a revival began at Cadillac with the introduction of the first CTS sedan (a 2003 model). This was followed by the STS sedan in 2004 and the second-generation CTS in 2007.

One year later at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, Cadillac unveiled the CTS Coupe Concept, a stunning designed based on the CTS sedan, promising its eventual production and today, the company announced that 2011 CTS Coupe would, indeed, begin arriving in Cadillac showrooms in the spring of 2010.

“Cadillac has always been an emotional brand – it’s about delivering art regardless of body style,” said Max Wolff, director of exterior design for Cadillac. “With the CTS Coupe, it was about taking something very strong – the CTS Sport Sedan – and extending its potential.”

Virtually unchanged

The actual production coupe carries over virtually unchanged from the concept car. Wheelbase is shared with the sedan, but height and length are 2” lower and 2” shorter than the four door. Although based on the sedan, the coupe shares only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with its sibling.

“CTS Coupe is the new focal point of Cadillac, expressing both our design and technical capabilities,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “It is intended to appeal to a new generation of car enthusiasts.”

According to Cadillac, other key design features include:

•    Classic hardtop styling, with no conventional B-pillar
•    Touch-pad operation for the doors removes the need for conventional door handles, creating a technical, clean profile
•    A windshield laid at a faster angle (62.3 degrees) and a long, nearly horizontal backglass area combine to create a sleek, aerodynamic look
•    Sculpted lower front fascia with unique brake-cooling vents
•    Diamond cut-style rear fascia with mesh lower grilles
•    Center-outlet exhaust with twin dihedral-shaped tips that pass through the rear fascia
•    Signature vertical lighting, highlighted with LED light pipes
•    Rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp
•    Sculpted roof-mounted antenna for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.

Here at LotPro.com we see that General Motors is once again dipping into the bin of nameplates past to come up with the moniker of its next mid-size sports sedan, the Buick Regal. The official announcement came at a meeting of Buick-GMC dealers this morning.

“The transformation of Buick began with our luxury crossover, the Buick Enclave and continued this year with the launch of the 2010 LaCrosse premium sedan,” said Susan Docherty, Buick GMC General Manager. “We’re thrilled to announce that the Regal will be the next member of the Buick family.”

The Regal nameplate

Originally introduced in 1973 as an upscale version of that year’s Century, the Regal was originally offered only as a hardtop coupe with rear opera windows (hey, it was the 70’s).

In 1978, the Regal was downsized and began its 9 year run (reign?) with the noteworthy option of a 3.8-liter turbocharged V-6 engine, making it one of only 2 turbocharged domestics (along with the Buick LeSabre) and one of only 4 turbocharged vehicles available in the U.S. (along with the Saab and the Porsche 930).

Third and fourth generation versions followed in 1988 and 1997, respectively, with the fourth generation Regal GS clocking a ¼ mile ET of 14.7 seconds from its 3.8-liter supercharged V-6 that produced 240 hp and 280 ft.-lb. of torque.

The General eighty-sixed the Regal in 2004 and it was replaced by the Buick LaCrosse in 2005. And although the brand has been famous for attracting the blue-haired crowd, it appears that these customers still remember the name since, according to the press release, it “continues to be one of the top Buick nameplates recalled by consumers even though it’s been out of the market for the past six years.”

The new Buick Regal

Unofficially, Bob Lutz confirmed to Scott Burgess of The Detroit News back in August that the new Regal will be the same vehicle (with minor cosmetic changes as reflected in the teaser photo) as the one that was launched in China in November of 2008, which is based on the same architecture as the Opel Insignia.

Yesterday marked the beginning of production of the latest generation Vauxhall Astra at the U.K. subsidiary of Opel at GM of Europe’s Ellesmere Port facility – one of Opel-Vauxhall’s largest assembly plants and the only one in Western Europe that will build the Astra.

As a reflection of the new reality in the automotive industry, Ellesmere competed against GM assembly facilities in Trollhätten, Sweden, Antwerp, Belgium and Bochum, Germany back in 2007 in order to secure the rights to produce the new Opel.

2010 Opel/Vauxhall Astra

Making its premiere at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the sixth generation of the Astra is based on General Motors new Delta architecture – the same platform that GM is using for the Chevrolet Volt and Cruze models.

Unlike the previous generation, which languished in Saturn showrooms, the new 2010 Opel Astra features all-new sheet metal featuring sleek curves that replace the rather staid design of the fifth gen model.

To compliment its new alluring style is a broad selection of both gasoline and diesel engines. In addition to the base 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine and an optional 1.6-liter turbo (from the Opel Insignia), GM has added a new 1.4-liter turbo unit that, according to the General, is expected to deliver fuel economy savings of up to 8% over both older engines.

Diesel offerings include 1.3, 1.7 and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines with an ecoFlex version offering improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions expected sometime next year.

The new Astra will initially be offered in a five-door version, while a three-door GTC coupe and station wagon will come to market late next year and, in early 2011, Opel plans to add a four-door sedan and a cabrio version featuring a retractable hardtop.

If only

In the meantime,  Saturn dealers on this side of the pond can only watch from the sidelines and wonder what could have been.

Not a rebadged G8

DENVER – An all-new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will join the ranks of law enforcement departments across North America in 2011. It’s a modern, full-size, rear-drive sedan that will offer both V-8 and V-6 engines, as well as a host of specialized equipment and features.

With that press release from the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention in Denver, Colorado, the Chevrolet Division of General Motors has announced that it’s back in the game of supplying vehicles to America’s Finest.

The new vehicle, which brings back the Caprice name (albeit in Caprice PPV nomenclature), will not be based on any current “civilian” vehicle sold in North America (the wheelbase of the PPV is 118.5” as compared to 114.7” for the G8).

“The new Chevrolet Caprice police car is the right tool at the right time for law enforcement,” said Jim Campbell, general manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “We asked for a lot of feedback from our police customers, which helped us develop a vehicle that is superior to the Crown Victoria in key areas.”

Highlights

According to the General, the new Caprice PPV will help law enforcement officers fulfill their mission by offering the following amenities:

•    Powerful 6.0L V-8 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability delivers expected best-in-class 0-60 acceleration (sub six seconds) and top speed; a V-6 engine will also be offered, beginning in the 2012 model year
•    Optional front-seat-only side curtain air bags allows a full-width rear-seat barrier for greater officer safety
•    Two trunk-mounted batteries, with one of them dedicated to powering various police equipment
•    Designed for five-passenger seating, meaning the upper-center section of the dashboard can be used for equipment mounting without the concern of air bag deployment interference
•    Compatibility with in-dash touch-screen computer technology
•    Special front seats designed for the long-term comfort of officers whose car is their effective office, including space that accommodates the bulk of a typical equipment belt

Firmly planted

As the last point would indicate, particular attention was paid to the front seats of the new Caprice. Foam density has been designed to conform to the shape of various items found on an equipment belt. Any officer, thus equipped, will still be able to rest correctly on the seatback surface.

“The Chevrolet Caprice PPV’s seats represent a revolution in comfort and utility for officers who spend long hours in their car,” said Bob Demick, lead seat design manager. “The shape also enhances entry and egress, making it easier for officers to exit the vehicle quickly. The seatback bolsters, for example, have been purposefully contoured to help pocket the equipment on the belt, which includes the gun, Taser and handcuffs, which rest comfortably in the sculpted lower bolsters. That also increases the longevity of the trim cover surface.”

Power to the pavement

The Caprice PPV will be equipped with a 6 liter V-8 with an estimated 355 hp and 384 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission performance-calibrated for law enforcement duty. Other standard features include:

•    High-output alternator
•    Engine oil, transmission and power steering coolers
•    Standard 18-inch steel wheels with bolt-on center caps
•    Large, four-wheel disc brakes with heavy-duty brake pads
•    Heavy-duty suspension components
•    Police-calibrated stability control system
•    Driver information center in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature.

Note: for those of you out there hoping to spot one early in order to avoid the long arm of the law, an “undercover street appearance package” (order #9C3) will be available as an option.

All images courtesy General Motors

A first

At LotPro.com, we love cars that get great fuel economy. So it was with keen interest that we read this week that General Motors had announced that the Chevrolet Volt had become the first mass-produced vehicle to claim more than 100 mpg in the composite fuel economy rating. The EPA results also showed an electrical efficiency rating of 25 kilowatt hours/100 miles in the city cycle (equivalent to 230 miles per gallon).

Unlike conventional gasoline engines, the mileage testing on the Volt was performed using a new set of fuel economy standards that has been devised by the EPA specifically for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).

The EPA’s new methodology for PHEVs places more weight on the city driving cycle and uses kilowatt hours per 100 miles traveled, as opposed to miles per gallon, to define the efficiency of plug-ins (as in the aforementioned 25 kWh/100 miles). Given the current cost of electricity (11 cents per kWh), a Volt owner would pay about $2.75 for the amount of electricity it would take to travel 100 miles – an average of about 3 cents per mile.

The Volt

The Volt, you will remember, is GM’s most recent foray into the realm of pure electric vehicles and it is scheduled to start production near the end of next year and will be designated as a 2011 model. According to company estimates (using pre-production prototypes), it is expected to travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone from a single battery charge with an overall range of more than 300 miles through the use of a flex fuel-powered engine-generator.

“From the data we’ve seen, many Chevy Volt drivers may be able to be in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas,” said GM Chief Executive Officer Fritz Henderson. “EPA labels are a yardstick for customers to compare the fuel efficiency of vehicles. So, a vehicle like the Volt that achieves a composite triple-digit fuel economy is a game-changer.”

The numbers

“The 230 city mpg number is a great indication of the capabilities of the Volt’s electric propulsion system and its ability to displace gasoline,” said Frank Weber, global vehicle line executive for the Volt. “Actual testing with production vehicles will occur next year closer to vehicle launch. However, we are very encouraged by this development, and we also think that it is important to continue to share our findings in real time, as we have with other aspects of the Volt’s development.”

Images courtesy of General Motors

Newest Buick

Late last week, General Motors offered up a teaser image of a new Buick crossover vehicle that will be introduced as a 2011 model. According to the press release, the as-yet-to-be-named crossover will seat five and will first arrive in 2010 powered by a new family of direct-injected gasoline engines.

One year later, in 2011, a plug-in hybrid version will arrive and it’s expected to be the first commercially available plug-in SUV produced by a major automaker.

“Buick has always been at the forefront of new technology, so it is only fitting that the brand should debut our new plug-in hybrid technology in a beautiful new crossover,” said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman of product development. “This will firmly put Buick, and GM, front and center in the advanced technology game.”

Gasoline version

They new hybrid will be smaller than the current Buick Enclave. According to Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, “Some customers who have been drawn to the Enclave were looking for something a little smaller. We believe this new Buick will excite those customers, and will continue to broaden the appeal of the brand.”

The first engine to appear in the smaller SUV will be GM’s Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine; while an optional 3.0-liter directed-injected V-6 will be available that is expected to deliver 30 plus mpg on the highway.

Plug-in version

They hybrid version will be powered by a modified version of the General’s current 2-Mode Hybrid system using advanced lithium-ion battery cells and the charging technology that was developed for the Chevrolet Volt.

The 8 kWh battery – containing half the energy of the Volt’s battery pack – can be fully recharged in four to five hours by connecting the vehicle to a conventional 110V household electrical outlet. If early testing is any indication, the Buick SUV should be capable of electric-only propulsion for more than ten miles at low speeds, while over-the-road the vehicle can use any combination of electric or gasoline engine power.

In addition to the battery pack, the hybrid’s powertrain system also includes two electric motors, an electronic control and battery management system, as well as a 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 flex-fuel engine.

Déjà vu

If this all sounds strangely familiar, it should be remembered that earlier this year, before General Motors had decided to sell off the Saturn division, it was announced that the Saturn Vue 2-mode hybrid would also be available in a plug-in version. And while GM is tight-lipped on whether the new Buick is based on the Vue’s underpinnings (which, itself, is based on the German Opel Antara), chances are good that it is.

Images courtesy of General Motors

Summer in the city

At LotPro.com, we’re fortunate to work just a stone’s throw from Meadow Brook Hall, the 110 room, 88,000 square-foot Tudor revival style mansion, built by the widow of John F. Dodge, which is arguably one of the largest historic house museums in the United States.

Although it is currently owned by Oakland University, and therefore not subject to property taxes, you can imagine that the upkeep on such a splendid structure is, to say the least, rather steep – a recent upgrade to the structure’s HVAC system, alone, is said to have cost a cool (no pun intended) $2 million.

To help defray these expenses, the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance was established and, over the past 30 years, has raised and contributed close to $6 million towards the mansion’s preservation costs.

The Best of Detroit

In a gesture of appreciation for their support in the past, this year’s Concours d’Elegance was dedicated to the three domestic automakers that are headquartered in and around Detroit. As part of the celebration, the event showcased a number of Detroit convertibles from 1959. Here are those from General Motors:

1959 Buick Electra 225 convertible

Prior to 1959, Buick’s top two vehicle models were the Roadmaster and Limited. In 1959, as part of a modernization effort, they were renamed, respectively, the Electra and the Electra 225.

The 225, or “deuce and a quarter” in street parlance, was so named as the overall length of the car was 225 inches.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible

The 1959 Cadillac certainly marked the zenith of the brand’s tailfin era. Originally marketed as a low-volume convertible in 1953 based on the 1952 El Dorado Golden Anniversary concept vehicle, ’59 Eldos sported flamboyant tail fins, “rocket” style taillights and chrome-plated studs in the grille.

Riding on a 10 foot, 10 inch wheelbase, the overall width of the ‘59 Caddie was nearly 7 feet and the rear overhang measured 95 inches.

1959 Chevrolet Impala Fuel Injected convertible

Although more than 1.4 million Chevrolets were built during the 1959 model year, this particular convertible is just one of 26 full-sized Chevys (and one of only 3 known convertibles) delivered from the factory with “Ramjet Fuel Injection” – a feature prominently announced with a unique front fender script just ahead of the wheel openings.

In 1959, two FI engines were available: one rated at 250 hp and a high-compression 290 hp version featured on this convertible. In addition to its special powerplant, this car also features another rare full-size Chevrolet option – a first-year four-speed manual transmission. Another rarity is the under-dash cigarette ash catcher that, with the flip of a lever, uses the engine’s vacuum to whisk the ashes through a tube to a collection receptacle located out of sight under the instrument panel.

1959 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight convertible

In 1959, the series 98 was Oldsmobile’s flagship trim level. Offered in four body styles, including a 2-door convertible, it had a wheelbase of 126.3 inches and a “Rocket” V8 engine that displaced 394 cubic inches and produced 315 horsepower.

Features that set the “98” apart from the lower-level “88” models included 98-specific emblems and trim moldings, an electric clock, power steering, power brakes and a “Jetaway” Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. This convertible also features whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels and “spinner” hubcaps.

1959 Pontiac Bonneville convertible

1959 was a big year for Pontiac. Not only was it the object of a dramatic re-style, but the Pontiac split grille, “Wide Track” stance and legendary 389 V8 were all introduced in 1959. To top it off, Motor Trend anointed Pontiac with its “Car of the Year” honors.

For 1959, Pontiac’s lineup consisted of three series: the entry-level Catalina, the mid-priced Star Chief and the top-of-the-line Bonneville, of which this convertible is an example.

Options on the car include tri-power carburetion (3 two-barrel carburetors “three deuces”), power steering, power brakes, “Wonderbar” signal-seeking radio and a four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. 382,940 Pontiacs were produced in 1959 and, of these, 11,426 were Bonneville convertibles.

The Best of Detroit

As we stated in yesterday’s article on LotPro.com, the years 1955 to 1970 are looked upon as the golden age for many followers of the sport of drag racing. During this time, big corporate sponsorships were the stuff of dreams and most drivers who raced also had full-time jobs that helped support their passion for the sport.

In addition to the six vehicles mentioned on Monday, here are the seven more that appeared at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance this past Sunday:

1963 Pontiac Catalina 421 Super Duty

This particular 1963 Pontiac Catalina 421 Super Duty was among a select number of Pontiacs (there were only 14 produced) that were dubbed “Swiss Cheese” vehicles. The name came from the fact that the perimeter frame had approximately 120 holes punched in the side sections and the side of the box section was also removed.

With a factory shipping weight of only 3,308 pounds, the body featured aluminum panels on the fender, hood, trunk and bumpers. Factory rated horsepower was 420, but the engine blue printed out at well over 500 horsepower.

This particular Catalina was raced out of the venerable Royal Pontiac dealership in Royal Oak, Michigan (which was to become famous for the Royal Bobcat Pontiac GTO). Driven by Jim Wangers, it went on to win the B/FX class at the U.S. Nationals.

1963 Ford Galaxie Factory Lightweight

Ford’s answer to the Pontiac “Swiss Cheese” vehicles was the “Factory Lightweight.” Built in Atlanta and L.A., on the Galaxie line, the bodies were modified with aluminum panels and the interiors featured little in the way of luxury – no heater, no radio, and no frills. A very few of these lightweights featured Ford’s high-performance 427 engine.

1963 Chevrolet Impala Z-11

The Impala Z-11 was Chevy’s answer to the need for more horsepower and lighter cars in 1963. Chevrolet produced 57 of these vehicles that featured a modified 409 cubic inch engine that, in different variations, produced anywhere from 340 horsepower up to 425 horsepower.

Like its counterparts at Ford and Chrysler, this particular Chevy had no radio, no heater and no sound deadener and, like the Ford Galaxie, it was assigned an RPO (Regular Production Order) number (RPO Z-11), although it took more than signing on the dotted line to buy one of these specials.

1965 Plymouth “Color Me Gone”

A number of things took place in 1965 that were to profoundly change drag racing in the United States. That year, the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) created a factory experimental class that had less restrictive rules. The resulting Altered Wheelbase cars became the ultimate production-based muscle cars that would eventually bridge the gap between the Super Stock cars of the early ‘60’s and the Funny Cars that would emerge years later.

Chrysler eventually built 6 Dodges and 6 Plymouths and sold them to teams like the Ramchargers, Dick Landy and Roger Lindamood. Lindamood, in particular, won the 1964 Nationals and is a hall of fame driver.

1965 Mercury Comet “Dyno Don Nicholson”

Dyno Don Nicholson began racing in the 40’s and 50’s and was one of a select few drivers that helped propel the sport from a hobby to big business. Along with Jack Chrisman, The Ramchargers, Dick Landy and Gas Rhonda, he experimented with altering wheelbases, fuel injection, supercharging, big slicks and super duty transmissions.

His “Mercury Cyclone” was one of the most successful cars of its era and the car’s altered wheelbase, flip top and engine configuration led to the name “Funny Car” that is still used in drag racing today.

1968 Plymouth Barracuda “Ron Mancini Car”

By the 1960’s, all the major manufacturers were taking part in the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” racing wars. In 1968, the Hurst Performance Center in Madison Heights, Michigan assembled 75 purpose-built cars specifically for drag racing. The new “Hemi” powerplant helped propel these cars to many NHRA victories.

This particular 426 Hemi Plymouth Barracuda was built by the team of Mike Dawson and Ron Mancini with the help of Gratiot Auto Supply and ran SS/AA.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle “Red Alert”

Beginning in 1970, General Motors dropped its self-imposed rule of restricting mid-size cars to engines with less than 400 cubic inches of displacement. The LS6 package included a 454 cubic inch engine that produced 450 horsepower that resulted in quarter mile times in the low to mid-13 second range.

In 1969, drag racer Bob Hamilton purchased this Chevelle for his wife as a Valentine’s Day gift and, a year later, turned it into the “Red Alert” drag racer that competed in the NHRA SS/DA class. In 1971, model car company AMT created a model of the car that became their all-time sales leader. “Red Alert” continued to race until 1976 when it was Top Stock Eliminator in 14 out of 16 races.

Working towards the weekend

Yesterday, the 30th Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance officially kicked off this year’s show with its annual press conference. The theme this year, the “Best of Detroit” will serve to pay homage to the three domestic auto manufacturers that have, in the past, been major supporters of this annual event, held at the family home of one of Detroit’s auto pioneers.

“Detroit’s ‘Big 3’ auto makers have been perennial supporters of the Meadow Brook Concours,” said Matthew de Larcinese, Executive Director – Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. “As a gesture of gratitude for their long-standing support, the Concours is pleased to commemorate its 30th Anniversary with a celebration of Detroit’s automotive heritage featuring the engineering and design excellence of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.”

Friday events

In addition to the Concours, itself, which takes place on Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, there are a number of other events that are closely tied to the show.

Beginning at 8:30 am on Friday, July 31st, there will be a 50 mile motoring tour that begins in the courtyard of the Meadow Brook mansion that will visit two vintage car collections in Bloomfield Hills and Troy with a luncheon scheduled in-between in Birmingham.

At roughly the same time (10:45 am) a shuttle will leave Meadow Brook Hall for a VIP tour of The Henry Ford that includes a gourmet lunch and a rare opportunity to explore the Conservation Lab, the Benson Ford Research Center (the museum archives) and the Model T Garage, which will include a Model T tour around Greenfield Village (if you are interested, there are a very limited number of reservations for this tour).

Finally, beginning at 6:30 pm, there is a 30th Anniversary Welcome Reception & RM Auction Preview for invited guests as well as registered bidders for Saturday’s “Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook” auction at the Shotwell-Gustafson Pavilion at Meadow Brook Hall.

2009 Poster “A Toast to the Great and the Good”

Saturday events

In addition to the auction, Saturday’s lineup includes two automotive-related seminars:

At 8:30 am, James Haefner, author of “Rare and Exquisite Vehicles of Distinction”, will discuss and demonstrate techniques of artistic car photography which will take place in the Meadow Brook Hall Carriage House Courtyard.

Beginning at 9:30 am in the Meadow Brook Hall Ballroom, A panel discussion led by Ed Lucas will include designers: Ralph Gilles of Chrysler Group LLC, Bill Porter of General Motors and Patrick Schiavone of Ford Motor Company. The discussion will focus on key elements of past and future automotive design.

GM Desert Proving Ground

At LotPro.com we did some digging around and discovered that General Motors opened its Desert Proving Ground in Mesa, Arizona in April 1953. Although the company already had a much larger Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan that it had opened in 1924 as the auto industry’s first dedicated testing facility, the hot, dry Arizona weather enabled GM to test vehicles in weather and road conditions that were unavailable in southeastern Michigan.

Harley Earl with the Firebirds in Arizona

In addition to the dry climate, nearby Williams Air Force Base also made it difficult for civilian airplanes to fly in the nearby area, which “happened” to include the test track, without a special clearance. At its peak, the proving ground was home to more than 1,000 GM employees.

But things began to change rapidly in the 80’s and 90’s, and what once had been a very rural area southeast of Phoenix was rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the Southwest. In 1993, Williams Air Force Base closed and in 2000, General Motors announced that it was closing the Mesa complex and would be relocating its hot weather vehicle testing facility. GM sold a portion of the site in 2004 and the remainder in 2006 with the provision that it could lease the property back until the end of this year.

GM moves from Mesa to Yuma

Today, General Motors and the U.S. Army officially opened the company’s newest test facility on the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground, located in, naturally, Yuma, Arizona in the southwest corner of the state.

The ceremony today marked the end of most of the additional construction required to build the infrastructure required for a modern automotive testing facility on a portion of the government proving ground that GM is leasing.

“This new facility meets several of our important product development needs,” said Ken Morris, executive director, Vehicle Integration, Proving Grounds and Performance Division. “We have a longer hot weather testing cycle, we have great partners with the Army and the city of Yuma, and we have a facility that will meet our needs in the years to come.”

Just the facts

Here is how GM describes the new Yuma Proving Ground:

The new facility will employ 75 engineers, technicians, and support staff, have 40 miles of roads, and cover 2400 acres of property on the Yuma site. The bulk of the work with be hot weather related testing, powertrain, ride and handling, and other vehicle development activities. Yuma has proved to be a perfect fit for GMs needs with a longer hot weather season than the Mesa area, relatively isolated and secure from photographers looking to get shots of the latest models being tested, and excellent support capabilities from the Yuma community.

The Yuma facility includes:

* 3.5 mile Circle Track (3 lanes)
* 1.4 mile Straight Track (2-3 lanes)
* 3.1 mile Ride Road (2-4 lanes)
* 1,000’ X 1,000’ Dynamics Pad
* Interior Noise Road
* Noise Pass-by Facility
* Misc. Grades

Other interesting facts:

* Located on the US Army military proving ground and artillery range
* 2400 acre site
* 24 acre building campus
* 98,000 sq/ft of building area
* 12 miles of perimeter security fencing
* 8 archeological sites
* 87 lane miles of 12 ft test tracks & roads using ~110,000 tons of asphalt and 4,000 cubic yards of concrete
* Almost 2,700 linear feet of concrete arch culverts were built using over 8,000 cubic yards of concrete.
* Saguaro Cactus, wild burros, coyotes, wild bees & rattle snakes

Yuma’s Avg. Rainfall 3.25”; Summer Temp. 109/81 F; Winter Temp. 69/46 F

Images courtesy of General Motors