Formula 1 News: Cadillac to build F1 engines in North Carolina
Cadillac intends to build a new $150 million engine factory in Concord, North Carolina as it continues to prepare for its F1 entry, according to government documents.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
GM is not new to Concord, NC. GM already has the Concord, North Carolina Technical Center that connects General Motors’ motorsports products from the showroom to the racetrack. They work closely with Chevrolet and Cadillac racing teams that compete in various series around the world. That team of engineers develop and implement performance and strategy tools to assist our race teams in their success on the track.
“We’re really establishing a core footprint in this area, and part of that is the opportunity to attract new talent to the company,” said Technical Center Operations Manager Matt Dix.
“This is a hotbed for racing so there is a tremendous amount of talent and experience on the team here. There aren’t many areas you could develop a site like this and have that at your disposal.”
An agenda for the City of Concorde shows that on Thursday February 13th, a meeting will be held to discuss plans put forward by Cadillac for a 204,045-square-foot facility, near the base of Hendrick Motorsports – the most successful team in NASCAR Cup Series history.
The local government agenda states: “The building design will be constructed with tilt-up concrete walls, including glass and metal accents.
“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. Fiber optic will feed the data center, covered by redundant cooling and power, for a clear path to digitally empowered manufacturing.
“This project aims to design and test a state-of-the-art engine capable of meeting Formula 1’s rigorous performance and efficiency standards.
“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.”
The building itself will consist of a facility costing around $65-70 million, with further investment into equipment and tools worth an extra investment of $65-70 million, bringing the total Cadillac is prepared to invest to the $150 million mark.
The facility will be used to aid in the development of the power unit for Cadillac’s F1 project, with the team set to be a Ferrari customer when it enters in 2026 until Cadillac and General Motors can produce its own works engine, potentially from 2028.
Around 300-350 staff will be hired for the state-of-the-art factory, with work already underway at the GM Technical Center mentioned above.
In January, Cadillac set up a new power unit, with the CEO of that being Russ O’Blenes, the head of GM’s motorsports propulsion and performance division.