Tag Archives: GM

2026 Cadillac OPTIQ-V Is GM’s First Native NACS Vehicle

Cadillac is turning up the voltage on its performance credentials with the debut of the 2026 OPTIQ-V, the latest—and arguably most exciting—addition to its fifth-generation V-Series portfolio. More than just a sporty trim on a luxury EV, the OPTIQ-V represents a high-voltage shot of adrenaline, blending cutting-edge performance with an unmistakably bold design and forward-looking tech.

Electrified Muscle: 519 HP and a 3.5-Second Sprint

At the heart of the OPTIQ-V lies Velocity Max, a driver-selectable mode that unleashes the vehicle’s full potential: Cadillac-estimated 519 horsepower and a stunning 650 lb-ft of torque (880 Nm). That’s enough to propel this dual-motor AWD electric SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds, putting it firmly in sports car territory.

But this isn’t brute force without brains. OPTIQ-V’s engineering prioritizes balance and control, with enhanced suspension, optimized weight distribution, and tight steering to make this electric performer agile in the corners as well as quick on the straights.

A Design That Shouts ‘V’

Cadillac has gone to great lengths to ensure the OPTIQ-V doesn’t just feel fast—it looks the part, too. The exterior features V-Series-exclusive fascia elements, including a V-pattern mesh grille, gloss black front splitter, carbon fiber accents, and 21-inch satin graphite alloy wheels. Optional summer tires, performance Brembo® brakes with V-branded calipers in red or blue, and aerodynamic carbon fiber components further amplify its presence.

Subtle but distinctive blue accents, inspired by the V-Series badge, adorn the rear quarter windows and interior details. Inside, customers can choose from two bold colorways, including Noir with Santorini Blue accents, while optional seatbacks and seatbelts in Santorini Blue add a striking performance-oriented flair. The materials are premium and eco-conscious, including exclusive patterned fabric made from 100% recycled yarn and genuine woven carbon fiber trim.

Tech-Packed, Driver-Focused

Performance is just one pillar of the OPTIQ-V story. Tech plays an equally important role, beginning with the standard 33-inch advanced LED display and Google built-in infotainment. A 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio System with Dolby Atmos® creates an immersive sound environment worthy of the V badge.

The drive experience is further enhanced by V-Mode, a customizable performance suite that allows drivers to fine-tune settings like throttle response, suspension, and launch control—all accessible via a dedicated V button on the steering wheel. Launch Control and Competitive Mode round out the performance-focused software, the latter designed to maximize agility and traction.

Cadillac has also included its industry-first Super Cruise driver assistance technology as standard, offering hands-free driving on compatible roads, backed by a suite of radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensors. Safety tech includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Automatic Parking, and more.

The First Cadillac With Native NACS Charging

In a major step forward for EV convenience, the OPTIQ-V is the first GM vehicle to feature a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. This integration ensures seamless access to an expanding network of fast chargers across the continent, eliminating the need for adapters and simplifying long-distance travel.

The 85-kWh battery pack offers a Cadillac-estimated 275 miles of range, balancing performance and practicality. Production of the OPTIQ-V begins in Fall 2025, and it will be sold in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, and Israel.

Performance for the New Electric Era

With a starting price estimated at $68,795 (excluding taxes and fees), the 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ-V undercuts many European rivals while delivering world-class electric performance, distinctive design, and class-leading tech. It’s not just a new chapter for Cadillac’s V-Series—it’s the beginning of a new electric performance legacy.

Source: Cadillac

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GM stopped funding Cruise robotaxis

After a series of accidents, the American self-driving car company Cruise, which became a subsidiary of General Motors, has suspended operations at the end of 2023. In May, it returned its vehicles to public roads, but now the company’s survival is in question, as GM has suspended financing.

Since taking over Cruise in 2016, GM has invested almost $10 billion in the company and now intends to reach agreements with shareholders and increase its stake from 90 to 97 percent. The company has also decided to end funding for robotaxis at a time when Waymo, backed by Alphabet, is expanding to more cities, and Tesla plans to start its robotaxis business in 2026.

General Motors’ primary goal is autonomous vehicles for personal use, and keeping the robotaxis project alive is financially unsustainable due to the enormous costs. In 2023, Cruise lost $3.48 billion, which could lead to large-scale layoffs.

“Given the time and cost required to scale up a robotaxi business in an increasingly competitive market, joining forces seems more efficient,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors.

Source: Reuters; Photo: EPA-EFE

The Pontiac G8 is a concept that never went into production

General Motors Design posted photos of a concept car that never went into production and that few people knew about, the Pontiac G8, on its official Instagram profile.

This car is the last concept car produced by Pontiac before GM shut down the brand in 2009. It was created at Advanced Studio in California and was supposed to represent a fully functional vision of future Pontiac design, but it never happened.

The problems for GM started at the beginning of the 21st century when this American multinational automotive manufacturing company began to shut down its brands one by one: Oldsmobile, Hummer and Saturn, and in 2010 they did the same with Pontiac.

Visually, the G8 resembles the sedan of the same name that an Australian subsidiary company of General Motors, Holden (formerly known as General Motors-Holden), sold in Australia under the name Commodore. It should be noted that Holden sold this car around the world under different names: Chevrolet Lumina (Middle East, South East Asia, South Africa), Chevrolet Omega (Brazil) and Holden Commodore (VE). Also, there were other ideas related to the G8, but they all failed in the meantime.

Source: @generalmotorsdesign via Instagram

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