Maybe you've already heard about the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge? If not, allow us to explain. Anyone can apply provided they agree to bring an unmodified production sedan that's "in the same competitive set as the CTS-V." Once all the applications are in, GM will pick five people to participate and they will be chosen, "according to overall business reasons."
Oh, and it's at the Monticello Motor Club 90 miles from Manhattan. You're responsible for all costs incurred getting you and your vehicle there. And the deadline for submissions is this Thursday at midnight. Good luck Comparison Test: BMW M5 vs. Cadillac CTS-V vs. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
You know that new GM tagline "May the Best Car Win"? Well, new marketing honcho Bob Lutz was having so much fun talking to journalists about it, he took it a step further and publicly challenged anyone to a race in the CTS-V.
It was a quaint idea that might have been fun had GM's public relations machine not grabbed hold and choked the life out of it. They promptly gave it a name, a website and an entry form complete with an 8-page legal waiver.
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estreka says:
10:25 PM, 10/13/09
It's gotta be nice to have an army of PR folks to smooth over every little thing you say.
inlinesix says:
10:29 PM, 10/13/09
+1
Marketing? This just makes Lutz look like a dumbass.
smrtypants44 says:
11:12 PM, 10/13/09
Wasnt Jalopnik the first one to bring the challenge with a C63?
mrryte says:
06:02 AM, 10/14/09
How bout this:
Let the car mags do their comparos and let the results speak for themselves.
(Yes, I know that the car mags will try to insert their bias into the tests, but the test numbers should reveal a lot.)
stovt001 says:
07:30 AM, 10/14/09
Agreed, it was cooler when it was just Lutz throwing a challenge out there and Jalopnik throwing its hat into the ring. It had a bit of legitimacy to it. Now it just feels like a corporate promotional stunt. Of course that is what it always was, but now it really blatantly feels like it.
sabastian says:
07:56 AM, 10/14/09
Is anyone else annoyed by the arrogance of GM's marketing department? This challenge and those "they say the imorts..." ads just come off as GM saying, "Our cars are awesome, and the average consumer is just too dumb to see it." Mr. Taxpayer just gave you a bailout. Don't insult his intelligence.
fuhteng says:
08:14 AM, 10/14/09
Jalopnik is going to bring a XFR. Should be quite a race, but I'm not seeing how any four door is beating a CTS-V. I wonder how much Lutz's ride will be modified.
bodyblue says:
08:53 AM, 10/14/09
1487 will have his AMC Hornet with Cragar SSs' entered for sure.
felonious says:
09:45 AM, 10/14/09
Fuhteng, I believe the CTS-V is a four-door as well...
"and they will be chosen, 'according to overall business reasons.'"
Yeah, those business reasons being:
1. Make sure nobody can beat us
hondacura4 says:
09:53 AM, 10/14/09
Interesting contest, but not really necessary as this still costs GM money.
brn says:
10:31 AM, 10/14/09
I'm not sure why everyone is one their case. The CTS-V is one heck of a performance sedan. GM needs to draw attention to it and this does exactly that.
brn says:
10:31 AM, 10/14/09
one -> on
It's good that this new system lets me edit that.
saranghae1314 says:
02:24 PM, 10/14/09
This is very cool~
saranghae1314 says:
02:33 PM, 10/14/09
Loving this blog!
saranghae1314 says:
02:42 PM, 10/14/09
Great blog.
bemerfreak says:
10:14 PM, 10/14/09
Hold your breath lutz a new m5 is on the way then once more gm will follow the leader from munich.
isend2c says:
07:52 AM, 10/15/09
"The same competitive set" I reckon that means no AMC or anything older than the past 4 years... And I highly doubt any 2 doors will be allowed. I wonder if they'll allow AWD's like the RS6 and such. The RS4 bores me.
chavis10 says:
12:44 PM, 10/15/09
bemerfreak- oneupsmanship is the name of the game in case you didn't know. For 2 model years, the CTS-V is superior to the M5. Waiting for the next generation model doesn't change that fact the M5 has been surpased now in the present. I can buy a CTS-V now, I cannot buy a next generation M5. That's like saying the GT-R is faster around the 'Ring than the 911 T but in two years, the NEW 911 T will be out and Nissan will be playing catch-up.
nadia2 says:
05:10 PM, 11/ 2/09
great blog!!
saranghae1314 says:
02:18 PM, 11/ 5/09
cool car!!!