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GM disbands High Performance Vehicle Operations

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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 06:55 PM
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Default GM disbands High Performance Vehicle Operations

In what may come as a surprise to many, General Motors has decided to disband its High Performance Vehicle Operations (HPVO) as it seeks to reduce costs and focus on mainstream products. The go-fast center consisted of a small skunk works of GM engineers who worked in the company’s suburban Detroit technical center and were responsible for exciting vehicles like the Cadillac ‘V-Series’ of cars and Chevrolet ‘SS’ models.

The latest information was confirmed by GM spokesman Vince Muniga during an interview with Automotive News. Muniga stated that all “high-performance projects are on indefinite hold.” He also revealed that the former HPVO engineers would be moved into working on mainstream products for the Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet and Pontiac lines.

Some of the HPVO’s most memorable models included the Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet HHR SS and the Cobalt SS.

Sadly, Muniga said there are no plans for similar high-performance versions of future models. One of the cars we were all hoping for was a V-Series version of the upcoming CTS Coupe, complete with a 556hp (414kW) supercharged V8. Considering GM has already developed the powertrain for the CTS-V Sedan there remains a slim chance that the super-coupe could be produced but don’t hold your breath.

As some solace, Muniga said the HPVO could be reinstated once GM regains its financial health but with the way things are looking that could certainly take some time.
Attached Thumbnails GM disbands High Performance Vehicle Operations-2009_cadillac_cts_v_main630-0218.jpg  
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 07:10 PM
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Thats a shame...so no Camaro-SS?
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 08:26 PM
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GM gotta do what GM gotta do...

I don't blame them.
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 08:41 PM
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Why not retask them to create a fast, yet fuel efficient vehicle. Say a GS450h fighter.
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 08:57 PM
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Well that sucks. CTS-V is now a classsic
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 09:10 PM
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but I love the CTS-V ...
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 09:25 PM
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Bad news, especially for those that don't want fleet/rental car models.
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Old Feb 18, 2009 | 10:24 PM
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I wonder if you can get a CTS-V at 60% sticker???? LOL
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 04:30 AM
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that CTS-V is a beast!

shame it'll be gone soon
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 04:34 AM
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At least the Vette lives on...
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Old Feb 17, 2010 | 02:02 PM
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Maybe they will have the 1 year HPVO memorial this month.
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Old Feb 17, 2010 | 02:04 PM
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"He also revealed that the former HPVO engineers would be moved into working on mainstream products for the Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet and Pontiac lines."



Pontiac?
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Old Feb 17, 2010 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by IS-SV
Maybe they will have the 1 year HPVO memorial this month.


Well we did get the CTS-V coupe..and seems Buick is getting a GS Regal so all hope is not lost?
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Old Feb 17, 2010 | 02:46 PM
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Good, now hopefully worthy manufacturers will be able to hire the talented engineers that are responsible for high performance GM vehicles.
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Old Feb 17, 2010 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX


Well we did get the CTS-V coupe..and seems Buick is getting a GS Regal so all hope is not lost?
The Regal GS was already developed too, so it looks like all future performance products are on hold or cancelled.
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