GM’s High Performance Vehicle Operations division - the mob responsible for cars like the Cadillac CTS-V, XLR-V and Chevy Cobalt SS, among others - has been disbanded, as the automaking conglomerate desperately scrambles to cut unnecessary expenditure and focus on volume-selling product lines.

“All high-performance projects are on indefinite hold,” said GM Spokesman Vince Muniga.

“The engineers are moving into different areas of the organization, and they will work on Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs.

“These guys are pretty good at what they do. They are moving into different areas to work on core products.”

GM says it’s not a permanent shut-down and that hi-po versions of already-released models will be unaffected. It remains to be seen however just how long it takes for General Motors to get back on its feet and re-open its performance shop.

For the sake of our American brethren we’re hoping the wait will be a short one, but we’re not exactly holding our breath either.

[Autonews - subscription required]