GM Expanding Global Battery Systems Lab

Ever wonder what you could do with $8 million dollars...a lot actually; you could buy a slew of Enzos, a plethora of Corvettes, or mayeb even a few Veyrons.  Though if you are GM, what do you do?  You double the size of your battery systems lab.

The automaker is expanding its Warren, Mich. facility from 30,000 sq. ft. to 63,000 sq. ft., expanding the already largest advanced automobile battery lab in the U.S.  Construction begins this month, with the scheduled completion sometime this summer.

The expansion will enhance six new areas:

• Safety and Tolerance
• Buildup and Tear down
• Manufacturing and Engineering
• Charger Development and Integration
• Thermal Development
• Battery Storage

This will allow GM more "in-house" control over development and production of its electric drivetrains.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: GM]

GM Confirms Sale of Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

For a mere $41,950 you could be the owner of one of 200 Camaro replica pace cars.  The Indianapolis 500 Pace Car was revealed last year at the Indianapolis Auto Show, though production was unknown at the time. 

The Pace Car is powered by a 6.2L V8 that is good for 400 horses, and matted with an automatic transmission.  The car also gets 20-inch wheels, White Pearl rally stripes, an unique front grille, and of course a few Indianapolis badges.  It is based of the Camaro 2SS model and also includes an RS appearance package.

This is the sixth Camaro to pace the Indianapolis 500, though only the fourth replica.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: GM]

Video of the Day - Car and Driver Exclusive: 2012 Lexus LFA Tested

Aston Martin Rapide to Heads to Nurburgring 24-Hours Race

Aston Martin is competing May 15th and 16th at the grueling Nürburgring 24 hours endurance race in Germany.  Aston Martin is showcasing their new four-door sports car; the Rapide, along with V12 Vantage. 

The Rapide will be racing in close specification with its production brother, with only minimal changes that include safety modifications, weight reduction, and a re-tuned suspension.  

-Anthony Alaniz

(Aston Martin Rapide Race Car)

[Source: Aston Marin]

Car Fact of the Day

Audi, the German automaker, did not gets its name from one of its founders own names.  The founder of Audi, August Horch, was forbidden to use the family name in his new auto company.  Instead he translated Horch, which in German means "hark" or "hear" to Latin, which is Audi.

-Anthony Alaniz

GM to Upgrade Brake Override Software

With Toyota's current scrutiny from the U.S. Government and the NHTSA, auto companies are taking extra care in their electronic braking and acceleration software.

GM is expanding its "enhanced smart pedal" to all passenger cars that are equipped with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control. 

This system, also know as brake override, reduces power to the engine in circumstances where the brake and the accelerator are depressed at the same time, to help keep the vehicle under control.

The system is expected to be applied globally by the end of 2012

-Anthony Alaniz
(Photo: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon)
[Source: GM]

Ford Readies Supercharged 5.0 for Australian Falcon

It looks like Ford has more plans for its Coyote V8 engine than stuffing it under the hood of the 2011 Mustang.  Ford, to help celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Falcon, will supercharge the 5.0L V8 Mustang engine for the Australian car.

The base is expected to produce 422 horsepower.  Though consumers can expect 450 horses out of the Falcon FPV GT, and a whopping 536 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

This car will remain on many American's wish list, as the Falcon, and its powerful golden anniversary powertrain, are not expected to arrive on our roads anytime soon. 

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]