All the important details, including birthday, time of death, and cause are in the coroner's report below.

Cobalt SS Sedan
Introduced: 2004
Time Of Death: May 2009
Reason: When GM axed nearly every performance trim the Cobalt SS Sedan, despite a small but rabid following, was also on the chopping block.

Acura NSX
Introduced: 1990 originally, still in concept phase
Time Of Death: December 2008
Reason: According to Honda Chairman Takeo Fukui it's so the company can focus on green technology.

Chevy Impala SS
Introduced: 1961
Time Of Death: May 2009
Reason: Quite possibly the least likable of the defunct GM performance trims, we won't miss it much.

Mercury Sable
Introduced: 1986
Time Of Death: May 2009
Reason: Though Ford has high hopes for the new Ford Taurus, they don't want to weigh down the excitement with the Mercury version.

Camaro Z28
Introduced: 1967 originally, still in concept phase
Time Of Death: March 2009
Reason: The 2010 Chevy Camaro is, so far, a hit. For the moment, coming out with a 400+ HP Camaro while you're creating a new, green GM, didn't seem like a good use of money. We'll always have the SS.

Pontiac G8 GXP... And Every Other Pontiac
Introduced: 2008
Time Of Death: April 2009
Reason: With Pontiac dead the beloved G8 GXP is no more. Also gone, the beloved Pontiac G8 ST and the beloved-by-some Pontiac Solstice. No one, though, will miss the G3.

Toyota A-Bat
http://jalopnik.com/5210418/doa+bat-toyota-hybrid-truck-concept-dead
Introduced: Concept revealed December 2007
Time Of Death: April 2009
Reason: Designed to compete with the not-particularly-popular Honda Ridgeline, the Toyota A-Bat was going to be a car-like hybrid truck. Instead, it died so that more Scions could live.

Cadillac STS-V
http://jalopnik.com/140692/between-the-lines-autoweek-on-the-cadillac-sts+v
Introduced: 2006
Time Of Death: May 2009
Reason: Like many other GM products, the every performance trim>SSocalypse also claimed the non CTS-V Caddy performance models.

GT-R Sedan
Introduced: Rumored Concept
Time Of Death: April 2009
Reason: The longstanding rumors of a GT-R based Infiniti collapsed because, in the business climate, it wasn't a priority. I mean, c'mon, how old is the Altima?

HHR SS Panel
http://jalopnik.com/cars/jalopnik-reviews/chevrolet-hhr-ss-part-1-334563.php
Introduced: 2007
Time Of Death: May 2009
Reason: Though a Retro-styled, tubrocharged panel van appeals to us, it wasn't worth the investment for GM.

Diesel Ram 1500
Introduced: 1981
Time Of Death: June 2009
Reason: With a bankrupt company a diesel-powered light-duty truck isn't a priority.

GMC TopKick
http://jalopnik.com/5283259/gm-kills-ironhide-ceases-production-of-topkick-kodiak
Introduced: 1980
Time Of Death: June 2009
Reason: GM's medium-duty truck offerings weren't as crucial as Ford's and, with no super interested buyers, the Kodiak and TopKick finally kick the bucket.

Here's the full release in all two sentences of its glory.

GM Statement Regarding Wind Down Of Medium Duty Truck Production

After four years of working with multiple potential buyers, General Motors has decided to wind-down its medium-duty truck operations. Production of the Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium duty trucks will cease by July 31, 2009.

While the new Cadillac One may look like a stretched Cadillac DTS, it’s in fact based on the gigantic GMC Topkick truck platform. Security tech likely includes five-inch thick bulletproof glass, ultra high strength ceramic armor and cellphone jammers, but the Secret Service is putting the kibosh on official details for security reasons. One tech item they are talking about are the LED spotlights that’ll illuminate the fender-mounted flags at night.

The press release follows:

An American Tradition Continues: New Presidential Era Begins With a New Cadillac Presidential Limousine

WASHINGTON – As Americans celebrate the inauguration of a new president of the United States next week, another new Cadillac will grace Pennsylvania Avenue to lead the proceedings. President Barack Obama will ride in an all-new Cadillac Presidential Limousine, continuing a long tradition of Cadillac limousines that have served many U.S. presidents.

“Cadillac is honored to again provide a new Presidential Limousine,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “This is a great American tradition that we’re delighted to renew with an all-new car featuring the best of Cadillac’s dramatic design and technology.”

The image of an American president greeting crowds from a Cadillac limousine dates to President Woodrow Wilson and the early days of the automobile, and continues into a historic new era. The latest Cadillac Presidential Limousine is a completely new design, succeeding the DTS Presidential Limousine that debuted in 2004. The new car incorporates many of the dramatic design and technology features of new and highly acclaimed Cadillac vehicles in a purpose-built format tailored to specific and exacting specifications befitting presidential transport.

Inside and out, the Cadillac Presidential Limousine includes many of the brand’s signature design elements. Assertive, modern and elegant, the front of the car includes the intricate, dual-textured grille made famous by Cadillac’s most popular current models, the CTS sport sedan and Escalade. Vertical design elements, such as the car’s front and rear lighting, mirror those used on production models.

For largely functional reasons, such as optimal outward visibility, the car is slightly more upright than its predecessor. However, this new Cadillac Presidential Limousine occupies roughly the same overall footprint on the road as the previous model, with a similar size and proportion.

The side and rear profiles of the new Presidential Limousine are classic, elegant forms, evocative of Cadillac’s STS and DTS luxury sedans. Inside the cabin, the car includes the finest examples of Cadillac’s recent renaissance in design, technology and craftsmanship. The cabin blends modern design and technology with old-world craftsmanship. Major aspects of the cabin are cut and sewn by hand, the same process used in popular Cadillac models such as the CTS sport sedan.

Naturally, many purpose-built aspects of the car are specially designed and prepared for presidential use. The rear passenger area includes an extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility and useful mobile office features.

The car was designed, developed and tested by specialists who adhered to an extensive set of specifications. It was subjected to an extreme testing regimen to ensure performance that achieves precise functional requirements. In doing so, security provisions were undertaken at all times during development to ensure the car’s functional capabilities are preserved and confidential.

An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the center of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. High-tech LED spotlights illuminate the flags at night.

History – Cadillac and the U.S. Presidency
Cadillac has built limousines and special vehicles for U.S. presidents, diplomats, ambassadors and foreign dignitaries since the early 20th century, an iconic aspect of the brand that continues today.

Cadillac’s central role began during World War I, when many Cadillac engines and cars were transferred to military and government service because of their superior durability and power. One of the first chief executives to use a Cadillac was President Wilson, who rode through the streets of Boston during a World War I victory parade in 1919. A lavish 1928 Cadillac town car was used in the Calvin Coolidge administration.

In 1938, two Cadillac convertibles, dubbed the "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth," were delivered to the U.S. government. Named after the great ocean liners of the time, the vehicles were 21.5 feet long, weighed 7,660 pounds and were equipped with a full ammunition arsenal, two-way radios and heavy-duty generators. Durable and reliable, the two "Queens" served Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

President Eisenhower, known as a car buff, rode in one of the first Cadillac Eldorado models ever produced during his 1953 inaugural parade. The Eldorado represented a high point in automobile design history, as it had the first wraparound windshield, a feature quickly adopted on other new production models.

In 1956, the Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II convertibles replaced the original series. The vehicles were slightly smaller, but like their predecessors, were fully armored and featured state-of-the art communications. Moreover, the vehicles were fitted with narrow rims inside the tire in case the tires were shot out. The Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II served not only President Eisenhower, but also Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Both vehicles were retired in 1968.

The Ronald W. Reagan administration was delivered a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine and a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham – Presidential Series was delivered to the William J. Clinton administration in 1993. Unlike previous models that typically were Cadillac cars adapted and modified by independent limousine companies, the 1993 Presidential Brougham was designed, developed and manufactured totally within General Motors and Cadillac. This included an extensive set of security measures to maintain confidentiality, a process that continues today.

Currently, the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine resides at the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif., while the 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.

Cadillac has produced two presidential limousines this decade that remain in service. The first was a Deville Presidential model delivered to President George W. Bush in 2001. In 2004, President Bush debuted a new DTS Presidential model. It was the first application of a new design that launched later that year for the production DTS full-size sedan.

It's about time the Secret Service stepped up their game seeing as the current limo had a little bit of a break-down in Rome. Though Obama may want a million plug-in hybrids on the road by 2015, the likelihood is this über-heavy Caddy probably downs more fuel than a dozen Prius hybrids combined. What? Did you expect him to drive around in a K-Car? Drive slow, homey.

[Photo: EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images, Source: Boston Globe]

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: If this rumor proves to be true, GM is working hard to put together cash and not letting the broken deal with Navistar stop them. The problem we see is that medium-duty trucks offer excellent return on investment as major systems have long life cycles and redesigns and retooling efforts are rare occurrences. Add to that long service lives with a healthy parts business and the building of trucks is a good business to be in.

However, trucking faces hard times ahead as rising fuel prices drive down profitability and fleet operators are making current trucks last longer instead of buying new. On top of that the 2010 EPA regulations on diesel trucks are forcing major engineering expenditures, driving costs and complexity up. GM may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater when considering this deal, but it may be worth it to save the North American business, and who knows, the baby in this case might grow up to be an asshole anyway. We mean, he is a big movie star now. [AutoNews (Sub. req)]

Rumors suggest that the first shoot next week will take place in Bethlehem, Penn., and the set is outfitted to look like a Chinese city. It will feature a new concept car not seen in the first movie as well as two Blackhawk helicopters. A car hauler was also seen around the set with two Saturns and five unidentified Chinese cop cars.

[TFW2005; Transformers Live]

The second tidbit of news comes by way of the Sedona, Ariz. film commission that is reporting multiple production inquiries for Transformers 2. Given the geographic nature of Arizona, it's not that shocking to hear Michael Bay and company looking to the Sedona to film the sequel. At least there is plenty of room for overly epic and amazing Transformers fight scenes. [Superhero Hype; Sedona Film Commission via TFW2005]

GM and Navistar Reach Tentative Agreement on Medium Duty Truck Business

NEW YORK/WARRENVILLE, Ill. — General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) and International Truck and Engine Corporation, the principal operating subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation (Other OTC: NAVZ), have entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding under which Navistar would purchase certain assets, intellectual property and distribution rights for GM's medium-duty truck business, the two companies announced today.

As proposed, Navistar would acquire GM's medium-duty truck business, which includes assets and intellectual property rights to manufacture GMC and Chevrolet brand vehicles in the class 4-8 gross vehicle weight range. It also includes purchase of the related service parts business. Navistar would sell a competitive line of Chevrolet and GMC vehicles and service parts through GM's proprietary dealer network in the United States and Canada.

The agreement is another step in GM's plan to focus on designing, manufacturing and selling cars and light trucks globally. The deal would leverage Navistar's strengths in commercial trucks and engines, and advance its strategy to build scale and reduce costs.

Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, said, "Navistar's expertise in building International® brand commercial trucks and its track record in the medium-duty segment makes them an excellent choice to acquire and continue growing the business. We intend to work closely with Navistar to make this transition seamless to our dealers and customers."

"This is another example of how we're strategically growing our business for trucks, engines and parts, building scale and reducing costs," said Daniel C. Ustian, chairman, president and CEO, Navistar International Corporation. "We are proud to incorporate the GM truck brands into our portfolio, and will utilize the scale to build on the success of both the International and GM product lines and their respective distribution networks."

Navistar would add the GMC® TopKick and Chevrolet® Kodiak truck brands to its growing portfolio of brands, which currently includes International® brand trucks and tractors, IC® brand buses, Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and MaxxForce® brand engines.

When a deal is definitively concluded, production of the vehicles would move from GM's plant in Flint, Mich., to a Navistar facility to be named. GM would retain ownership of its Flint plant and continue to build other products at the facility.

GM will continue its medium-duty truck relationship with Isuzu to market W-Series trucks through GM's medium-duty dealer network.

The deal is expected to close in 2008 subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence, the negotiation of a definitive purchase agreement, customary regulatory clearance and board approval. Upon closing, transition of the business could take several months to conclude.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 284,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Navistar International Corporation (OTC: NAVZ) is the parent company of International Truck and Engine Corporation. The company produces International® brand commercial trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Navistar is also a provider of truck and diesel engine parts. A wholly owned subsidiary offers financing services. Additional information is available at: www.navistar.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Information provided and statements contained in this news release that are not purely historical are forward -looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this news release and the company assumes no obligation to update the information included in the presentation. Such forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business strategy. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "estimate" or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of performance or results and they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions , including the risk of continued delay in the completion of our financial statements and the consequences thereof, the availability of funds, either through cash on hand or the company's other liquidity sources, to repay any amounts due should any of the company's debt become accelerated, and decisions by suppliers and other vendors to restrict or eliminate customary trade and other credit terms for the company's future orders and other services, which would require the company to pay cash and which could have a material adverse effect on the company's liquidity position and financial condition. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are many factors that could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. For a further description of these factors, see Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2006. In addition, until the previously announced review by the company of its accounts is concluded, no assurance can be given with respect to the financial statement adjustments or impacts resulting from such review.

# # #

Related:
Josh Duhamel Looks Embarrassed Talking About Transformers On Today Show; How Many Drinks Was That: Wert Has A Transformers-Induced Robogasm On CNBC's "On The Money"; Transformers Movie Update: Now It Really Is A GM Commercial..."Autobots Rollout" Site, New Video, Pics Unveiled; Transformers Movie Update: Sector Seven Video Gives Nod To Dinobots, Insecticons, Lazerbeak And Generation One Bumblebee; Transformers Movie Update: Final Theater Trailer Hits The Web...We Just Had A Robogasm; all of our Transformers coverage [internal]

[via /Film]

Related:
Transformers Movie Update: Michael Bay Forum Reports Optimus Prime WILL Have Lips [internal]

Yes, it's officially the end of the world. The Decepticons are in the gate, and evil now goes by another name — General Motors. The General's officially added their name to a "power partnership" with Paramount Pictures today at the General's pre-Oscar fashion event in Hollywood for joint promotion of the new upcoming live-action Transformers movie. As part of the gala, they helped introduce "four...movie stars." Namely they're who we already know about, the disguise-side alt-modes of everyone's fan fave Bumblebee (Camaro Concept), Jazz (Pontiac Solstice), Ratchet (Hummer H2), Ironhide (GMC TopKick). The press release, which we've got below the jump, treated us to at least one hackneyed and overused phrase: "GM will roll out a fully integrated marketing and promotional effort..." But, the killer for us is the blatant attempt at pandering to those readers of Jalopnik who may love the 'Formers, claiming we were one of those "quick enough to have freeze-framed [images of the Camaro, Solstice, H2 and TopKick]." I mean, seriously, you don't need a freeze-frame to catch the huge-ass Chevy logo, do you? Anyway, the press shots are in the gallery below for you to check out (as well as you can also check out our full Transformers gallery, or check out the trailer here) — we're going to go fervently pray Bob Lutz doesn't get a cameo as a jet pilot or something. – Ray Wert

'Transformers ' and GM Form Power Partnership

Live-Action Movie's 'Heroes' Attend 6th Annual GM Ten Event;
DreamWorks/Paramount Film Slated to Debut July 4

LOS ANGELES - Four new movie stars - "Bumblebee ," "Autobot Jazz ," "Autobot Ratchet " and "Ironhide " - from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures', in association with Hasbro's, forthcoming July 4th action-adventure release, "Transformers ," were introduced this evening by General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) as it hosted its sixth annual "ten" pre-Oscar fashion event at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood.

"Bumblebee" changes from the classic Chevrolet Camaro, and is a central character in the saga of aliens who take mechanical forms when on Earth "Autobot Jazz" converts from a Pontiac Solstice in a hardtop format. A Hummer H2, modified as a rescue vehicle, changes into "Autobot Ratchet" and "Ironhide" changes from a GMC TopKick medium-duty truck. They all star in this summer's live-action blockbuster, "Transformers," from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro, which will premiere July 4.

Buzz about the roles that these vehicles play in the movie has been spreading since a quick glimpse of the new Camaro was spotted in Paramount's newest "Transformers" trailer, which began appearing in theaters on Dec. 20, 2006. This clip, which is currently the most-viewed movie trailer on Yahoo!, also contains images of the Solstice, H2 and TopKick for fans who were quick enough to have freeze-framed it.

"'Transformers' is a compelling project and offers us a global platform for marketing GM products and building our brands," said Mike Jackson, GM North America vice president, marketing and advertising. "It represents the perfect intersection of entertainment, marketing and design."

"The first time I saw the new Camaro, while touring the GM Design Center, I knew immediately that it would be the perfect 'Bumblebee,'" said Michael Bay, the film's Director. He continued, "It's got beautiful lines and a classic, timeless look. There were no other cars that came even close. I have had a great working relationship with GM for many years and am psyched to be working with them on 'Transformers.'"

Gerry Rich, President of Worldwide Marketing at Paramount Pictures, added, "We are thrilled to be working with GM on this incredible and action-packed film. Having integrated the cars as characters in the film is truly an innovative concept that will help eventize this exciting 4th of July tentpole film."

GM will roll out a fully integrated marketing and promotional effort around the film in the near future, including a major Chevrolet promotion, according to Jackson.

Images, scenes and clips - all things "Transformers" - may be found at the official Web site: http://www.transfomersmovie.com. Images of the four GM vehicles as they appear in "Transformers" are available online at http://media.gm.com.

About "Transformers "
Our world will be transformed on July 4 when aliens make Earth their final battleground. As the forces of evil seek the key to ultimate power, our last chance for survival rests in the hands of young Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf). DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures present, in association with Hasbro, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom DeSanto and Don Murphy production of a Michael Bay Film, "Transformers," starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Rachael Taylor, Megan Fox, with John Turturro and Jon Voight. Directed by Michael Bay from a story by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and John Rogers and a screenplay by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman, the film is based on Hasbro's Transformers Action Figures. Producers are Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce and Executive Producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film is not yet rated.

About Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading entertainment content company with prominent and respected brands including Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, DreamWorks, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing, Paramount Studios, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About GM

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 284,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Related:
This Is Our Country, This Is Our Autobot: Transformers Trailer Hits The Web, Features Camaro Concept; Exclusive Transformers Movie Update: So That's What A Robot Mustang Would Look Like; An Exclusive Non-Embargoed Transformers Update: A Ford Mustang, Transformed; Transformers Toys For Tots: Ratchet's A Whore Of A Hummer [internal]

Related:
All of our Transformers movie coverage [internal]

Related:
Transformers Movie Exclusive! First Five Pages Of Transformers Script!; Transformers Movie Update! Mommy, Bumblebee And Optimus Prime Are Scary Looking!; Transformers Movie Update: Jazz Is A Pontiac Solstice?; EXCLUSIVE TRANSFORMER PICS: Ironhide Spotted On Wilshire Blvd! [internal]

Autobots
Optimus Prime (semi)
Bumblebee (camaro concept)
Jazz (unknown)
Ratchet (modified h2, medical truck)
Ironhide (black GMC pickup)

Decepticons
Megatron (tank, modified m-1 or something)
Starscream (YF-22 raptor)
Brawl (unknown)
Bonecrusher (probably yellow construction loader)
Barricade (black, mustang police car)
Skorponok (giant robot scorpion)
Frenzy (unknown)
Blackout (probably some large transport military vehicle)

Related:
EXCLUSIVE Transformers Update! Optimus Prime CG Partial Reveal! [internal]