Cadillac plans to move into a new facility in Concord, North Carolina in 2027 to build its Formula 1 engines, government documents revealed.
The General Motors brand has an agreement in principle to join the Formula 1 field next year. Cadillac has a contract to use Ferrari power units in its first season but intends to begin using its own hybrid motors in 2028.
The details of the manufacturer’s plans for its facilities were revealed in the agenda of a forthcoming meeting of Concord city council. Cadillac intends to begin construction of its new facility this year and move into it at the beginning of 2027.
“Motorsport IP Acquisition […] proposes to develop a site to support the development of the power unit (engine) for the Cadillac F1 vehicle,” the council agenda states. “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.”
Cadillac has already begun work on its first F1 power unit. The project is headed by Russ O’Blenes, CEO of GM Performance Power Units.
The council noted the manufacturer intends to invest up to $85 million (£68.75m) in the property. It will consider whether to provide a grant of almost $750,000.
The city expects Cadillac’s F1 project will generate hundreds of high-paying jobs. “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,” it noted.
“In order to facilitate an accelerated project timeline and the need to construct a new facility in North Carolina to accommodate the project, it is anticipated that initial operations will occur at an existing General Motors facility in Concord, NC located at 4540 Fortune Way NW, until the new facility at 4295 Defender Way is constructed.”
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