Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Cadillac ATS’s Lighter Weight is Competitive Advantage
DETROIT – Like an athlete training for a major competition, Cadillac is completing its preparations for the all-new 2013 ATS, including finalizing key performance specifications. The ATS with the 2.5L engine and automatic transmission has an official base curb weight of 3,315 lbs. (1503.7 kg) – making it the lightest vehicle in the U.S. segment that includes the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
The all-new compact luxury sport sedan translates that mass efficiency into nimble, quick performance. The 3,461-lb. (1573 kg) rear-wheel-drive ATS achieves 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds – among the fastest in its segment compared to mainstream competitor variants – when equipped with a 3.6L V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission.
“Being quick and agile are highly valued qualities in the compact luxury sport sedan segment,” said David Masch, ATS chief engineer. “We designed and engineered ATS’s all-new vehicle architecture to deliver a spirited driving experience that builds on Cadillac’s sport heritage and success with its performance-tuned CTS-V.”
The lightweight construction combines with sleek aerodynamics and other efficient engineering techniques to enable excellent, GM-estimated fuel economy of 32 mpg highway and 22 mpg in city driving for the 2.5L and 2.0L turbo (EPA estimates are not yet available).
An aluminum hood and front suspension parts, magnesium engine mount brackets and natural-fiber door trim panels contribute to ATS’s light weight. The ATS development team also reduced weight in the rear suspension by using specially engineered straight steel links with mass-reducing holes instead of using aluminum.
ATS’s performance also benefited from efficient 50-50 mass distribution between the front and rear. ATS’s segment-leading lower curb weight enabled the use of optimized high-strength aluminum 18-inch wheel forgings and front Brembo brakes that deliver a 60-0 stopping distance of approximately 129 feet.
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 quiet interior. Acoustically laminated glass also offers almost double the amount of ultraviolet ray protection.
“With the ATS, Cadillac set out to deliver a leading compact luxury sport sedan that would be fun to drive year-round, while providing all of the amenities and advanced technologies that luxury car buyers expect,” said Don Butler, U.S. vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “ATS provides a new entryway to Cadillac for luxury car buyers, and strives to become a compelling challenger in a segment dominated by Europeans. The only way to achieve that mission was to create an excellent driver’s car.”
| ATS with an efficient 2.5L engine and next-generation six-speed transmission will be priced starting at $33,990, including destination charges (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees). The standard lightweight and powerful 2.0L turbocharged model is priced at $35,795, including destination (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees) 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 321 horsepower (239 kW), costing $42,090 including destination (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees) with an automatic transmission and standard content that includes the Cadillac User Experience (CUE,) a comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience; leather seating surfaces are included as well as eight-way power front seats plus two-way power lumbar, adaptive remote start and more. All-wheel drive also is available.
Courtesy of media.gm.com
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Cadillac Climbs in J.D. Power Initial Quality Rankings
DETROIT – Cadillac continues to advance in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM, moving up five spots to fourth overall for 2012.
The Escalade was the highest performer in the large premium crossover/SUV segment for the third year in a row, and the SRX now ranks third in the midsize premium crossover/SUV segment, improving seven positions from the 2011 study.
“At Cadillac, we live by the philosophy of never leaving well enough alone, which means we are constantly improving and elevating our product lineup and the overall customer experience,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “Escalade is a great example of how our core product lines consistently compete at the highest levels on quality. This is precisely the goal of our all-new 2013 cars – the XTS luxury sedan and ATS sport sedan.”
The 2012 IQS is based on responses from more than 74,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2012 model year vehicles surveyed at 90 days of ownership. The study includes a 228-question survey designed to provide manufacturers with information they can use to quickly identify problems and drive improvement.
Courtesy of media.gm.com
Monday, June 25, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Build Your Own: Cadillac Unveils 2013 ATS Configurator
Cadillac’s 2013 ATS sport sedan is on its way to dealers across the country, but keen Caddy fans now have the ability to configure the new car with the new ATS online configurator.
Like many of the configurators we’ve seen lately for brand-new models, this configurator is an early version and doesn’t provide detailed pricing on the features or trim levels. Instead, we’ll have to soldier on knowing the basic prices as previously announced: including destination charges, the 2013 ATS with a 2.5-liter I-4 will cost $33,390, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine raises the base price to $35,795, and the range-topping 3.6-liter V-6 version costs $42,090.
The 2.5-liter Cadillac ATSs are split into Standard and Luxury trim levels, while the 2.0-liter models are split into Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium levels. The 3.6-liter models have Luxury, Performance, and Premium trim levels. ATS owners who want the famed new CUE touchscreen infotainment system will have to opt for Luxury, Performance, or Premium trim levels with any engine, while manual-transmission fans must order a 2.0-liter model with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive, meanwhile, is only available with the 2.0-liter and 3.6-liter engines, and only with an automatic transmission.
Powertrains aside, the options packages themselves are straightforward: Luxury packages add CUE infotainment and leather seats, as well as front and rear park assist, a rear-view camera, and keyless entry and ignition (and remote start for automatic models). Performance models add Bose surround sound, sport seats, HID headlights, and a Lane Departure Warning System. Premium packages add standard navigation, a 60/40 split rear seat, a full-color heads-up display, and a sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control.
From there, buyers can add heated seats and a heated steering wheel as part of the Cold Weather package, and a Driver Assist package that includes adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot information system.
Time will tell just how much these options and packages will cost. Expect those figures to arrive shortly, as the 2013 Cadillac ATS arrives at dealerships this summer.
Courtesy of automobilemag.com
Monday, June 18, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Maintenance Tip: Night Driving
The most dangerous time to drive on any roadway is between the hours of midnight and 6am, especially on the weekends. Luckily, there are some things you can do to improve your safety when driving at night.But by following a few basic guidelines, you can minimize your risk.
You must obey this rule for night driving: To See and Be Seen.
Keep your car in good condition
- Ensure all lights work. Lights on your car are the most vital night-driving tool.Without them, you will can’t see or not be seen by other drivers, it can cause accident easily.
- Clean and clear may increase your visibility, inside and out
Windows, instrument panels, headlights, tail lights—all of these are components that increase visibility inside and outside your car. Consider regularly cleaning your dashboard and instrument panels, mirrors, windows, and windshields (inside and out) to gain greater visibility. - Adjust your headlights for maximum effectiveness
Check your headlights for proper alignment and ask your mechanic to adjust them properly. Adjusting your headlights may help you see more of the road while also protecting other drivers from wayward beams.
Keep your body in good condition
- Never drink and drive
Not only does alcohol radically impair motor skills and driving ability, but even one social drink can trigger fatigue. This can lead to an exceptionally lethal combination. - Avoid smoking when driving at night
The carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarettes has a measurable, physical effect on your eyes. These chemicals can actually make it difficult to see well and clearly, especially at night. - Stay sharp
Try chewing bubble gum to keep your mind humming. Also, drinking water and staying well hydrated may do wonders for mental alertness. - Rest early, rest often
If you’re planning a longer night-driving expedition, make sure you bank a couple nights’ worth of good sleep before hitting the road. Also, plan on making frequent stops to stretch, walk, or have a small snack or moderate meal. Some experts recommend stopping every two hours for a body/mind break.
Other Tips for night driving
- Turn on your headlights in time.
When it’s getting dark, turn on your lights in time to make sure that your car is seen by other drivers,even if you can see the road clear.
· Don’t exceed your reach
When driving at night, remember that your sight—and safety—are only as good as the reach of your headlights. Don’t assume that the road is clear. What lies beyond the pavement you can see may be sudden and unexpected hazards you can’t see. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and expect the unexpected, especially on darker country roads.
· Keep it dark inside the car
Turn off all interior lights. Any source of light inside the car will seem extremely bright and will make it more difficult to see.
· Minimize glare
Look to the bottom right of the road to avoid approaching headlights. (Some headlights are blindingly bright.) Also use the night setting on your rearview mirror to deflect the glare from vehicles behind you. Older drivers find it more difficult to see at night because it takes longer for them to recover from glare.
· Use high beam carefully
Be careful to lower the head light beam when necessary otherwise it might blind the oncoming driver. It is also necessary to switch on the headlights when you are uncertain of what you are seeing. And try not to overdrive your headlights which will make it impossible for you to stop inside the illuminated area.
Courtesy of Car-Use.net
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
GM considers flagship sedan for Cadillac
Cadillac is considering a large, flagship sedan to take on the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series, a top General Motors official says.
Mark Reuss, GM's president for North America, told Automotive News last month that a new flagship is on the table as GM maps its go-global strategy for Cadillac.
A flagship would be a continuation of how GM has been positioning Cadillac's lineup to go head-to-head in each segment with BMW, Mercedes and Audi. This summer, for example, Cadillac is launching the ATS compact sedan, GM's answer to the BMW 3-series.
Next year, Cadillac is expected to roll out a redesigned CTS sedan that is longer than the current generation. That would make it an apples-to-apples choice when compared with another car in the mid-sized luxury segment, such as the Mercedes E-class.
"I'm a fan of going right at those segments and beating them in segment," Reuss says.
He says he would "love Cadillac to have a flagship." While GM is launching the XTS large sedan this month, it's priced far lower than the 7-series, S-class or Audi A8.
But a Cadillac flagship becomes a reality only if GM executives conclude that it is the best use of the automaker's finite resources, Reuss says.
"The way we're funding Cadillac has been from, sort of, everything else in GM," Reuss acknowledges. That leaves the brand with "very reduced scale in terms of individual architectures, engines, technology."
"We have to make very careful decisions," he says.
Some of those already have been made, including the redesigned CTS and Escalade SUV, both expected late next year. The ELR plug-in hybrid coupe also is due next year.
Courtesy of autoweek.com
GM considers flagship sedan for Cadillac
Cadillac is considering a large, flagship sedan to take on the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series, a top General Motors official says.
Mark Reuss, GM's president for North America, told Automotive News last month that a new flagship is on the table as GM maps its go-global strategy for Cadillac.
A flagship would be a continuation of how GM has been positioning Cadillac's lineup to go head-to-head in each segment with BMW, Mercedes and Audi. This summer, for example, Cadillac is launching the ATS compact sedan, GM's answer to the BMW 3-series.
Next year, Cadillac is expected to roll out a redesigned CTS sedan that is longer than the current generation. That would make it an apples-to-apples choice when compared with another car in the mid-sized luxury segment, such as the Mercedes E-class.
"I'm a fan of going right at those segments and beating them in segment," Reuss says.
He says he would "love Cadillac to have a flagship." While GM is launching the XTS large sedan this month, it's priced far lower than the 7-series, S-class or Audi A8.
But a Cadillac flagship becomes a reality only if GM executives conclude that it is the best use of the automaker's finite resources, Reuss says.
"The way we're funding Cadillac has been from, sort of, everything else in GM," Reuss acknowledges. That leaves the brand with "very reduced scale in terms of individual architectures, engines, technology."
"We have to make very careful decisions," he says.
Some of those already have been made, including the redesigned CTS and Escalade SUV, both expected late next year. The ELR plug-in hybrid coupe also is due next year.
Courtesy of autoweek.com
Monday, June 11, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Test Drive: 2013 Cadillac XTS is quick, comfortable
LOS ANGELES – In this car-crazy city, where you'd expect people to find most ordinary showroom vehicles boring, Cadillac's new 2013 XTS sedan snags a remarkable number of double-takes.
Good sign for this vehicle, which will stand as the "big" Caddy until the brand finishes development of a bigger one, about which it will say little. Cadillac marketing boss Don Butler hopes to sell 40,000 of the XTS a year, perhaps a quarter of Caddy's U.S. sales.
Big, luxurious cars have been, after all, a brand signature, though it's making its way with smaller models now.
A day piloting a preproduction XTS with optional all-wheel drive on curving canyon roads and chugging in heavy traffic along the Pacific Coast Highway, suggests that the XTS will make quite a few friends. XTS is:
•Visually pleasant, inside and out.
•Comfortable, especially in back where the 40 inches of stated legroom equals that of a big SUV, and in fact feels like more.
•Quick, unexpectedly so because the only engine is a 304-horsepower V-6 in a car that weighs more than two tons.
•Easy on fuel for a car of its size, weight and performance. Our real-world mileage zipping through the canyons in an all-wheel-drive, high-end Platinum model was 17 mpg. Hardly a hybrid, but respectable.
•Technologically gee-whizzed to the gills, with the added benefit that you can simplify the controls and displays to suit if you are put off by the car's attempt to do and show and control everything.
One of the tech features you'll see championed as a safety benefit is the vibrating driver's seat. If the car's sensors think you could collide with something on the left, the left side of the driver's seat vibrates. On the right, the right side vibrates. If the threat is square-on, the whole chair wiggles.
Caddy says it's an intuitive way to warn the driver, without a sudden audible warning, which Cadillac believes can startle and distract.
The seat has an "off" switch, which we triggered, finding the vibrating annoying more than cautionary.
Cadillac hopes XTS will seem a credible rival to Audis and BMWs, but despite the appealing features and appearance, that appears unlikely, because:
•Brakes are numb. The pedal feels as if it's doing little to slow the car, and what it is doing is out of proportion with your pedal pressure. In cars that can go fast, being able to slow and stop confidently is a key ability and one missing from XTS.
•Some simple tech features are overlooked. There is no "back" button, for example, to let you undo a wrong command in some areas of the menu.
•Switching into a sporting driving mode can be confounding. To trigger the "sport" setting that stiffens the chassis, you have to pull the gearshift into "M," as if you mean to shift the gearbox manually.
But that means you can get trapped in the full-manual shift mode even if you'd be happier letting the gearbox make the choices, or perhaps using the steering-column shift paddles to temporarily choose gears.
•Handling isn't crisp and engaging, even in "sport." The XTS isn't a sloppy driver, but neither does it have the sweet, integrated feel of the better German cars Caddy is challenging.
The main threat to success, though, seems to be that XTS might fail to fit the brand's intended image as a perfect blend of sportiness and luxury.
XTS, instead, could be seen as too edgy for traditional big-Caddy owners, both in how it drives and in its overwhelming technology.
At the same time, XTS could seem not sporty enough for those looking to move up out of the smaller Caddies or from rival brands' cars.
About the 2013 Cadillac XTS
•What? New model that will be biggest car in Cadillac line, offering most technology and meant to rival German brands. Four-door, five-passenger sedan, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
•When? On sale this month.
•Where? Built at Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
•Why? Cadillac is not Cadillac without a big sedan.
•How much? Starts at $44,995 with shipping.
Test car: Platinum trim AWD, $61,305.
•What makes it go? 3.6-liter V-6 with direct injection, rated 304 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, 264 pounds-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm, mated to six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.
•How big? About 8 inches longer, 1 in. narrower, 2 in. taller and 7% roomier than Audi A6, often used in comparisons. XTS is 202 inches long, 72.9 in. wide, 59.4 in. tall on a 111.7-in. wheelbase. Weighs 4,006 lbs. (FWD), 4,215 lbs. (AWD).
Passenger space, 104.2 cubic ft. Trunk, 18 cu. ft.
Turning circle diameter, 38.7 ft.
•How thirsty? Rated 17 mpg in the city, 28 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined (FWD); 17/27/20 (AWD).
AWD test car registered 17 mpg (5.88 gallons per 100 miles) on rural, hilly two-lane roads with three people aboard.
Burns regular, unlike most rivals, and holds 19 gal. (FWD) or 20 gal. (AWD).
•Overall: Good-looking, comfortable, quick — but doesn't speak German.
Courtesy of USAtoday.com
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Certified 2011 Cadillac CTS Sedan
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Don’t miss the savings at Rohrich Cadillac! Check out this Certified 2011 Cadillac CTS Sedan today.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Latest Comfort Features For Back Seat Passengers
Gone are the days of backseat passengers passing the time with games of I spy and bubble gum blowing contests.
Now cars are equipped with the latest technologies and advanced features that make long-distanced treks a lot more luxurious. Some of the latest features include more leg room, which reduces the physical vibrations while taking a long tour in your favorite vehicles. Some models introduced in this year have bigger back seats which, give more space for passengers to have their own little party with their friends. According to auto experts, the majority of the mid-size sedans and larger luxury vehicles now carry these amenities.
Automakers such as Cadillac, BMW, Acura, and Lexus are now placing more importance to back seat passengers in their latest and upcoming cars. The push for next generation car design will be in providing the latest features for back seat passengers not only in the U.S. market, but also for various regions in the world.
"The latest Cadillac XTS sedans have 2 inches more rear seat legroom than the outgoing STS it replaces," executive in charge of the XTs, Jeanne Merchant said to reporters. "Owners might drive important clients to lunch. They want to feel like they have the best seat in the house."
Monday, June 4, 2012
Don't miss this latest offer on the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe!
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2012 CADILLAC CTS-V COUPE
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.
