Meet the Legends: Cadillac
For the next instalment in our ‘Meet the Legends’ docuseries, we are heading across the Pond to the USA to celebrate the story of one of the country’s most illustrious exports – Cadillac.
Founded in 1902 in Detroit, Michigan – North America’s ‘Motor City’ – Cadillac boasts a rich heritage in racing, particularly in endurance circles. As long ago as 1950, the brand made headlines when two privately-entered Series 61 Coupés contested that year’s edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of which – sporting aviation-inspired technology and a low-profile aluminium body – was nicknamed ‘Le Monstre’ for its radical, unconventional appearance.
After making a comeback to prototype competition both at Le Mans and in the American Le Mans Series from 2000 to 2002, challenge-loving Cadillac is still pushing the boundaries to this day. Typical of its bold, pioneering approach, the manufacturer’s maiden campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2023 was crowned by a podium finish on the V-Series.R’s debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The iconic US-built race car is a unique proposition in the FIA WEC field, with its 5.5-litre, V8 powerplant – the only naturally-aspirated engine on the 2024 Hypercar grid – endowing it with an instantly identifiable sound. “You hear it before you see it,” explains series specialist, Sam Smith – and therein lies the force of its unmistakeable personality.
Alongside Smith, ‘The American Way of Racing’ features insightful interviews with Eric Warren – Executive Director of Global Motorsports Competition for Cadillac’s parent company, General Motors – Cadillac Racing Lead Propulsion Engineer Adam Trojanek and racing driver Alex Lynn, who put the #2 V-Series.R on pole position for the 6 Hours of Fuji earlier this year.
There is similarly a fascinating conversation with a sound engineer who has created a special ringtone based upon the Caddy’s engine note, which can be downloaded here.
That is just one way in which this all-American brand builds a close connection and affinity with its customers and fans, who grow increasingly in number as Cadillac proves its prowess on the global stage through its participation and success at the international pinnacle of endurance racing.
And with a renewed commitment and two-car effort in FIA WEC in 2025, that growth looks set to continue apace...
You can watch the episode here.
