Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Quick Spin: 2013 Cadillac XTS

In the minds of most Americans, Cadillac is still that brand that makes big luxury cars. The truth, though, is that Cadillac hasn't had a successful large sedan in a long time. In fact, the brand hasn't even offered a large sedan since production ended on the sporty STS and luxurious DTS more than a year ago. That left Cadillac with only three model ranges: the successful midsize CTS, the increasingly popular SRX midsize crossover and the behemoth Escalade SUV.

 For 2013, Cadillac is adding two new models: the compact ATS sport sedan and the large XTS sedan, set to be priced from $44,995. We drove the XTS in and around Los Angeles last week; here are our initial thoughts.

 Beautiful interior: The cabin of the XTS is beautifully designed and appointed. Rich, soft-touch materials abound. The new Cue user interface simplifies the layout by eliminating buttons, and the overall look is accented with wood and -- in the top trim level -- splashes of purple stitching. (Don't worry, it looks cool.)

 Controlled handling: Though it isn't intended as a sport sedan, the XTS has a lot of suspension technology that makes it controlled and almost sporty. Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control adjustable suspension firms up in corners, an H-arm rear suspension improves ride quality and reduces noise, rear air springs control the ride height, and General Motors' HiPer Strut front suspension eliminates torque steer while also improving steering feel.

 Big back seat and trunk: The rear seat's 40 inches of legroom make it comfortable for even very tall passengers. The deep trunk boasts 18 cubic feet of space, which is 4 cubic feet more than the BMW 5 Series. 

Courtesy of msnautos.com

Cadillac

Thursday, May 24, 2012

2012 Cadillac CTS is cornerstone of brand's reinvention

The 2012 Cadillac CTS sedan offers shoppers an attractive blend of design, luxury and performance.

Now in its fifth model year, the CTS is the luxury sedan that began Cadillac's design-led transformation when the car debuted as a 2003 model, and the second-generation car that launched for 2008 furthered the brand's push into the sport-sedan market.

The CTS sedan starts at $36,810 (all prices include an $895 destination charge), but our test car was a high-end Premium model with a starting price of $49,185. With options, the as-tested price was $52,345.

Styling

The first-generation CTS set Cadillac on its current styling direction with its creased, angular shape, but the design philosophy really hit its stride with this second-generation car. Sharp edges create a look that's uniquely Cadillac, but the design isn't forced like it was in some places on the first-gen car.

You also can get the CTS in coupe and wagon body styles, but the design looks best to my eye on the sedan. Its rear styling is the most cohesive with the front end, which doesn't differ much among body styles.

The 2012 CTS gets new grille styling, but the changes are subtle and the overall shield shape that's become a familiar Cadillac design cue remains.

Ride and handling

Our test CTS had the optional performance suspension, and the car felt as firm as one of the high-performance V-Series versions that Cadillac sells, with harsh, jarring responses over bumps. It's not far removed from the suspension tuning on Mercedes' AMG models, like the C63 AMG, which is a firm-riding sport sedan.

The payback, however, is minimal body roll, which is welcome when the road bends. The performance suspension includes thicker front and rear stabilizer bars -- as well as a limited-slip differential if you opt for summer tires -- but the steering prevents the car from being as engaging as it might otherwise be; steering effort is light and steering feedback expectations remain unmet.

Tires play a significant part in the ride and handling equation, which is why it was unfortunate that our rear-wheel-drive CTS arrived with Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires on its 19-inch wheels. With temperatures in the 50s, spring was well under way when we drove the car. The summer tires that are normally part of the optional Performance Package would have been a better match for the conditions.

Engine and transmission

The CTS comes standard with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine, but our test car's optional 3.6-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission are a special pair among drivetrains. The transmission's shifts are unobtrusive, and it's always in the right gear for the driving situation. The automatic is also incredibly responsive; press down on the gas pedal and it downshifts immediately. A lot of automatics make you wait before kicking down, which makes it refreshing to drive one that's so attentive to the driver's wishes.

The 3.6-liter V-6 has power in reserve for accelerating around other cars on the highway, and the transmission responsiveness remains. The sedan moves out well, and the V-6's mechanical growl sounds good in the process. This V-6 makes more power for 2012 -- 318 horsepower, an increase of 14 hp -- and is also 20 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The engine received a number of changes, including new cylinder heads with integrated exhaust manifolds, a composite intake manifold and lighter, stronger connecting rods.

With the automatic transmission, the 3.6-liter V-6 is rated at an EPA-estimated 18/27 mpg city/highway. That's slightly better than the 2012 Infiniti M37's estimate of 18/26 mpg, but it trails the ratings for the 2012 BMW 535i (21/31 mpg) and the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 (20/30 mpg). However, unlike those three models, the CTS can run on regular gas as opposed to more expensive premium fuel. Only the supercharged CTS-V requires premium.

Interior quality and comfort

The CTS' cabin quality has held up well since this generation first hit the road as a 2008 model, and it's still competitive against newer entrants like the 535i and M37. Among the highlights are consistently applied premium materials including stitching on the dashboard and door trim, and smartly integrated features like an available navigation touch-screen that can rise from the dash or, when lowered, display a list of radio presets. The location of the air-conditioning controls at knee-level seemed a little curious, but it didn't take long to understand the logic of the setup; your hand falls right to the controls, so you barely need to move it to adjust the temperature.

While the cabin is high on premium materials and luxury features, what it doesn't have in abundance is space. The front of the cabin is comfortable but snug, and the optional Recaro-brand sport seats -- similar to those available in the CTS-V -- contribute to the sensation with adjustable side bolsters that keep you locked down in corners.

The Recaro bucket seats have adjustable lumbar support, but even with it backed off completely, you can still feel the curve of the backrest pushing against your lower back. It wasn't painful, but if you're sensitive to this kind of thing, it definitely warrants extra attention if you take the CTS for a test drive.

The CTS sedan's bigger problem is backseat space. Despite being significantly larger on the outside than the redesigned BMW 3 Series sedan, the CTS' backseat feels smaller. I'm 6 feet 1 inch tall and didn't have enough legroom or headroom. It's not nearly as comfortable as a midsize four-door needs to be.

CTS in the market

It's hard to overstate what the CTS has meant to Cadillac from a design and performance perspective. It's been the cornerstone of the brand's reinvention over the past decade and has come to represent the modern Cadillac image.

The CTS checks most of the boxes it needs to in the luxury sport sedan segment with its distinctive design, upscale interior and refined 3.6-liter V-6 drivetrain. That said, discerning handling enthusiasts will get more enjoyment from the more expensive BMW 5 Series.

Courtesy of newsday.com

Cadillac

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Packing It In: SRX Designed for Summer Road Trips

DETROIT – The summer road trip season is near, meaning millions of drivers are planning getaways – with lots of stuff. The Cadillac SRX crossover’s unique Cargo Management System is designed as an ideal companion for long weekends and driving vacations.

“We put a lot of thought into what kinds of items Cadillac customers would want to bring into the SRX and where they’d want to put them,” said Elizabeth Pilibosian, SRX chief engineer. “The philosophy was not just to maximize total space but to have a place for everything and everything in its place. That makes a huge difference on longer trips.”    

The rear compartment Cargo Management System uses a segment-exclusive U-Rail track system with an adjustable cargo fence that segments the area to contain items of various sizes and restrict their movement when the vehicle is in motion. The fence is sturdy, but also easy to move around the U-shaped track to adjust to a variety of positions to suit a range of items and packing arrangements.

The cargo fence can be removed, retracted and conveniently secured beneath the load floor when not in use. An optional cargo net, organizer or area divider may be used in place of the tubular fence. Four steel loops positioned in each corner of the compartment provide convenient connection points for nets or bungee cords that a driver might bring into the vehicle.

The rear compartment’s load floor has a latch that reveals a waterproof bin, measuring 26 by 12 inches by eight inches deep. This easy-to-clean bin is ideal for storing damp or dirty items from a beach trip, or it can be used as a cooler, or to house smaller items under the floor and out of view. A smaller secondary bin holds the vehicle’s tire inflator kit that can be used as a pump for bike tires and beach toys depending on valve compatibility.

Flanking the main bin are two smaller discreetly covered compartments designed to be ideal for stowing small tools, such as a tire pressure gauge. Regular use maintains proper tire pressure, which can help maximize fuel economy.

A two-position cargo shade can be used to conceal the rear compartment when the hatch is closed.

In SRX’s passenger area are several additional storage areas. Each door has upper and lower bins, as does the glove compartment, which can cool fruit and beverages when the air conditioning is on. The center console offers an upper level for small items like an MP3 player or mobile phone, and a lower level for larger items.

The cup holders between the front seats are dual-level as well, with a retractable floor that lets the user go from a small coffee to a “grande” at the flip of a switch The false floor also creates a secret compartment that can hide a wallet or wristwatch.

In front of the cup holders is the SRX’s smallest bin, designed expressly to house mobile phones and sometimes known as the “phone throne.”

Open SRX’s rear programmable liftgate and more than 29 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row seating awaits, more than enough room for four rolling suitcases, sports equipment and sundries. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat, the cargo area grows to more than 61 cubic feet to accommodate items like a bike or baby stroller.

“We know that SRX customers are active people who value enriching experiences,” Pilibosian said. “They expect their journey to be just as enjoyable as their destination, and the SRX is tailored to meet their needs and exceed their expectations.”

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Maintenance Tip: Driving in a Dust Storm

A dust storm usually arrives suddenly in the form of an advancing wall of dust and debris which may be miles long and several thousand feet high. Dust storms can create dangerous, sometimes even deadly driving conditions and sometimes reduce visibility to zero. They strike with little warning, making driving conditions hazardous. Blinding, choking dust can quickly reduce visibility, causing accidents that may involve chain collisions, creating massive pileups.
  1. Do not enter a dust storm area if you can avoid it.
  2. Never stop in the travel lane!
  3. Travel at a speed suitable for limited visibility
  4. If you can pull over to the side of the road, just do it!
  5. Buckle your seat belt.
  6. If you can’t pull off the road, turn your LIGHTS ON.
  7. If you cannot pull over, proceed with caution based on visibility.
  8. Sound your horn occasionally.
  9. Use the painted center line to help guide you.
  10. If you are on the freeway, leave the freeway at an exit ramp, if possible.
  11. Look for a safe place to pull over.
After you are completely off the traveled portion of the roadway:
  • TURN OFF your vehicle lights. In the past, motorists were advised to park and keep the vehicle lights on. But this proved confusing to other drivers who were following the lights of the cars ahead of them. Often the front car was hit from behind, or the car following went off in a ditch.
  • Keep your car radio on
  • Set your emergency brake.
  • Take your foot off the brake pedal.
  • Wait until visibility is at least 300 feet before re-entering the roadway.
  • Heavy rain may follow the dust storm.
Courtesy of Car-Use.net

Storm

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Smart Material Use Drives Cadillac ATS Performance

DETROIT – When engineers set out to make the all-new 2013 Cadillac ATS as light as possible they used advanced materials to minimize weight throughout the compact luxury sports sedan but never compromised performance capability.

Lightweight parts such as an aluminum hood and magnesium engine mounts help ATS achieve a curb weight less than 3,400 pounds, and highway fuel economy well over 30 mpg. Keeping weight down also enabled balanced distribution of vehicle weight that helps delivers a world-class driving experience.

“We designed and engineered ATS’s vehicle architecture to deliver quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics,” said David Masch, ATS chief engineer. “We distributed mass to key areas, much like an athlete builds muscle where he needs it most. This enabled ATS to achieve the performance characteristics that luxury sport sedan buyers demand.”

One seemingly heavy way the ATS engineering team achieved its performance goals was using cast iron in the rear differential instead of aluminum, a learning taken from the performance-tuned CTS-V.

The differential provides torque and rotation to the wheels, and ATS’s cast iron design helped distribute weight equally between the front and rear wheels to provide agile handling while reducing noise and vibration. Cadillac benchmarked it against world-class competition to deliver a driving experience that is as well-tuned for sound as for ride and handling.

Unlike a differential made from aluminum, which expands and contracts twice as much in response to temperature change, a cast iron differential is stronger and retains its shape better under temperature extremes, which allows the ring and pinion gears to operate more quietly. As a result, a cast iron differential also requires less energy to operate, contributing to higher fuel efficiency. To the consumer, this means more miles between fill-ups.

The ATS team also achieved significant weight reduction in the rear suspension by using specially engineered straight steel links with lightening holes instead of using aluminum.

“The team focused on grams, not pounds, every day of the ATS’s development,” Masch said. “Even the smallest of changes could contribute to the overall mass goal.”

ATS’s wheels also benefited from 50-50 mass distribution between the front and rear. While heavier cars need larger wheels, tires and brakes to account for heavier mass, ATS’s relative light weight enabled the use of optimized high-strength aluminum wheel forgings and Brembo brakes that deliver stopping distance of approximately 129 feet decelerating from 60-0 mph, which is expected to be best in the segment.

Inside the ATS, the vehicle team took advantage of a new process that places sound-absorbing material between two layers of laminated steel. By doing so, Cadillac refined a part and process it pioneered on CTS.

These sound-buffering materials help reduce noise coming into the cabin from the powertrain and fine-tune the sound to a sporty growl that communicates powertrain response and road characteristics to the driver.

ATS also uses an acoustically laminated windshield and side windows that are lighter than standard tempered glass and provide better wind and powertrain noise reduction for a quieter interior. Acoustically laminated glass also offers almost double the amount of ultraviolet ray protection.

“Smart material selection and styling modifications that reduce complexity are key enablers in our quest to reduce vehicle mass,” said Bob Boniface, Cadillac exterior design director, who spoke Thursday during a panel discussion on lightweighting at the Automotive Press Association.

“As consumer demand for more features, space and comfort continues to increase, so too has our proficiency in designing vehicles that offer aerodynamic performance and efficiency equivalent to lower vehicle weight,” he said.

The ATS, which starts at $33,990, goes on sale this summer.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Cadillac

Great work, everyone!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Innovative Customer Care Comes With CUE Launch

DETROIT – An extensive network of services will accompany the launch of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE), the breakthrough in-vehicle system to access entertainment and information. Each 2013 Cadillac XTS buyer will receive an iPad with their new car as part of the customer experience.

“CUE is intuitive, bringing touch and voice controls into the car in really unique and helpful way,” said Don Butler, U.S. vice president of Cadillac marketing. “With CUE becoming a signature feature of Cadillac, and with the launch of the XTS luxury sedan, this is an opportunity for us to build a new level into the luxury customer experience.”

Cadillac is launching CUE with training and support resources to enable dealers and customers to provide feedback, ask questions and access support in a number of ways. New customer care elements include:

  • A Cadillac CUE App that enables shoppers to “test-drive” the system on an iPad, anytime, anywhere. The CUE app replicates many of the controls and features of the CUE center stack. The CUE center screen and control panel represents the first automotive use of capacitive touch and familiar multi-touch gestures.
  • Every 2013 Cadillac XTS sold in the United States includes an iPad customized for Cadillac buyers with the CUE App, along with the MyCadillac App and OnStar RemoteLink.
  • Each U.S. Cadillac dealership has a trained technology expert to assist customers, providing a personal, local first line of contact during both the shopping and ownership experiences.
  • Twenty-five new Connected Customer Experts are being deployed across the United States. to support the launch of CUE. These connectivity experts provide a resource for in-car electronic technological training, sales and service assistance.
  • Cadillac’s existing customer assistance services have added specific CUE experts to answer owner questions. Cadillac’s customer assistance center in Austin, Texas, has specially selected and trained advisors who have expertise in infotainment and mobile devices to help answer questions.
  • OnStar, standard on every Cadillac, will have a direct link to these CUE experts as well, for any owners with questions or wishing to provide feedback.
  • Every new Cadillac XTS and ATS buyer will receive a welcome call, creating a personal contact to answer questions or provide feedback.

“We’re blending the advanced technology of CUE with the personal touches of a luxury experience,” Butler said. “We’ve built a thorough approach, enabling customers to give us feedback on the technology as they use it, as well as providing support for dealers and buyers who have questions.”

Launching later this spring in North America, the new XTS is Cadillac’s new interpretation of the luxury sedan. Positioned directly above the brand’s centerpiece CTS product line, the XTS is the most technically advanced car Cadillac has produced so far. In addition to the debut of CUE, XTS is the only luxury sedan featuring standard Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension. XTS also offers a 360-degree network of cameras and sensors to enhance driver vision.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Cadillac

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Don't miss our latest incentive for the 2012 Escalade ESV!

Cadillac
2012 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 0.9% APR for 36 months for qualified buyers. Monthly payment is $28.16 for every $1000 you finance. Example down payment: 18%. Some customers will not qualify. Take delivery by 07-02-2012. Residency restrictions apply. See Dealer for details.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

2013 Cadillac ATS Priced from $33,990

DETROIT – The all-new, rear-wheel-drive Cadillac ATS compact luxury sport sedan with a fuel-efficient 2.5L engine and next-generation six-speed transmission will be priced starting at $33,990, including destination charges. Highway fuel economy will be well over 30 mpg.

“The ATS enters a vehicle segment this year that’s one of the most competitive in the market, from both a price and performance standpoint,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “ATS will bring a distinctive presence and compelling value while offering quick, nimble, fun-to-drive dynamics that will appeal to the lifestyles of modern luxury buyers and challenge the segment’s status quo.”

A mid-level model with a lightweight and powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine costs $35,795 including destination and will offer automatic and manual transmissions, and rear- or all-wheel drive.

Topping the engine range is a 3.6L V-6 with a preliminary rating of 320 horsepower, costing $42,090 including destination with an automatic transmission and standard content that includes CUE, leather 8-way power seats with memory, remote start and more. All-wheel drive will be available.

A full breakdown of availability and pricing of packages and options will be available later.

ATS goes on sale this summer, but already the new sport sedan is positively impacting Lansing, Mich., where more than 410 new employees have been hired at Cadillac’s Lansing Grand River plant where the ATS will be assembled. A total of 600 new employees are expected to be part of Cadillac’s $190 million investment in the facility.

A dedicated engineering team has traveled the globe refining and advancing the ATS to meet customer demands. The addition of advanced materials has reduced curb weight to less than 3,400 pounds, more than 100 pounds less than an Audi A4 or Mercedes-Benz C250.

Time spent at premier race tracks around the globe, including Road America, Road Atlanta, Phoenix International Raceway and the Nürburgring in Germany has enhanced the ATS’ sporty ride and handling and engine tuning. The 3.6L model is expected to have a 0-60 mph acceleration time of well below six seconds.

Cadillac’s new CUE user interface, standard on most ATS models, offers the first automotive use of capacitive touch to create an intuitive, modern way for drivers to interact with the car. This technology, used for most smartphones and tablet computers, uses electrodes to sense the conductive properties of objects, such as a finger.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Ats

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

2014 Cadillac ELR Electric Luxury Coupe To Arrive Late 2013

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You may remember that last August, we broke the story that what is now called the 2014 Cadillac ELR electric coupe got the green light for production by GM's overlords.

An abashed GM confirmed the story a few days later and released the name of the new model, known until then as the Converj concept car.

Now, we learn via GMInsideNews that another anonymous source says the ELR will enter production roughly 18 months from now at the same Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant where the Chevrolet Volt is built.

Production will begin, GMI's source says, late in the 2013 calendar year--compared to some recent GM models that have gone on sale as early as February of the preceding year.

For 2014, the Cadillac ELR range-extended electric car will be sold only in the U.S. Exports to Europe and China could begin the following year.

The ELR will launch some significant updates to the Voltec powertrain, though they will be used not only in the 2014 ELR but also in an updated 2014 Volt as well.

Most intriguing is the notion that GM engineers will be able to extend the cars' electric range by expanding the portion of the battery pack the cars can use.

Initially, Chevrolet said the Volt would use only 8 kilowatt-hours of its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

By the time the car launched, that number had risen to 10.4 kWh--still leaving one-third of pack in reserve, to provide a buffer for degradation of the cells over the course of the car's life.

If Voltec engineers have grown increasingly confident in the LG Chem cells' lifespan, they might be able to reprogram the control software to permit more of the pack to be accessed for power.

More kilowatt-hours = more electric range.

The question then becomes whether such a software change could be retrofitted into 2011-2013 Volt models.

For that--not to mention any substantial details of the 2014 Cadillac ELR--we'll have to wait.

Courtesy of greencarreport.com

Cadillac