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. The Camaro SS, Corvette and its ZR1 and Z06 trims are unaffected by the change, however, since they are developed outside of the HPVO system.