Cadillac has plans to invest in a $150 million power unit facility in Concord, North Carolina to bolster its Formula 1 venture.
The American marque has been granted entry in F1 for the 2026 season and will be doing so under Ferrari power for two years.
That deal coincides with the 2028 entry point that Cadillac’s parent company General Motors wants to debut its bespoke F1 powertrain.
Work has already begun on the project at Hendrick Motorsports’ campus and the American outfit has already named Russ O’Blenes as CEO of the venture.
However, to bolster the project further, Cadillac wants to push forward with building its facility on a 10-acre plot adjacent to this at Defender Way, Concord.
Cadillac seeking government grants towards new facility
The development has come to light via a Concord City Council agenda, whereby Cadillac’s proposal to receive government grants towards the site will be heard on February 13.
Cadillac is seeking two grants, the first to go towards building the facility, which is set to cost $65-70 million and a second to go towards an additional $70-$85 million investment in transforming the structure into the American marques F1 engine base.
“The building design will be constructed with tilt-up concrete walls, including glass and metal accents,” read the Concord City Council agenda.
“The 204,045 square-foot facility features two stories and is completely air-conditioned for precision work.
“There will be gated access and ample staff and visitor parking leading to the storefront entry, which opens to a class-A office and meeting space inside.
“The production floor is equipped with high illumination levels, pneumatic supply ports, and robust electrical service.
“Fibre optic will feed the data centre, covered by redundant cooling and power, for a clear path to digitally empowered manufacturing.”
The agenda states its recommendation that a three-year grant worth $749,700 be awarded with the Concord local government slated to net $132,300 in revenue thereafter.
Building work to begin on Cadillac F1 engine hub in 2025
The second proposal regarding the investment required to transform the planned facility into Cadillac’s F1 engine headquarters is also underscored by the recommendation a three-year grant be issued.
This grant is worth $743,453 and the local government would be set to reap a three-year net revenue of $131,198.
Moreover, the local government agenda highlights Cadillac’s intention to begin construction in haste with plans to open in early 2027.
“This project aims to design and test a state-of-the-art engine capable of meeting Formula 1’s rigorous performance and efficiency standards,” the agenda read.
“With an ambitious timeline, the goal is to have the engine ready for integration into a vehicle by 2028, ensuring Cadillac’s competitive debut in Formula 1.
“It is anticipated that construction would commence in the First Quarter of 2025, with occupancy in the First Quarter of 2027.
“The project would involve significant investment in new manufacturing, R&D and information technology equipment, and the hiring of 300 to 350 highly skilled employees in manufacturing, engineering, and research and development with an average wage of $100,000 to $125,000 per year.”
Cadillac’s proposed engine facility will work in harmony with its UK base at Silverstone, which was opened before the American marque successfully took the reins over Michael Andretti’s failed bid to spearhead F1’s 11th team.
Design and construction of the F1 car will be carried out at Silverstone, with aerodynamic testing ongoing at Toyota’s wind tunnel facility in Cologne.
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