New Platinum Collection, Added Features Elevate Escalade Craftsmanship and Technology

Cadillac today announced numerous enhancements to the just-launched 2015 Escalade, including the new range-topping Platinum Collection model launching in the fourth quarter this year.
 
Escalade Platinum features elegant, hand-crafted luxury additions to both the exterior and interior while the entire Escalade range gets new technical features, highlighted by the addition of 4G LTE connectivity, a new 8-speed automatic transmission and a Surround View camera system to help increase visibility.

“Since the launch just a few months ago, the next-generation Escalade has proved exceptionally desirable among luxury SUV buyers,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Cadillac. “Now, within the same year we are able to elevate the Escalade line with the Platinum Collection, as well as deliver enhancements through the entire Escalade range.”

The 2015 Escalade Platinum extends and upgrades the use of premium materials within the Escalade’s cut and sewn interior. First- and second-row seats are wrapped in Nappa semi-aniline leather, while the dashboard, upper door panels and center console are clad in hand-stitched and hand-wrapped leather. Customers can choose between two distinct interior environments, each paired with sueded microfiber headliner trim and unique exotic wood accents.
Escalade Platinum Collection is also designed to provide passengers with unsurpassed comfort and convenience. Heated and cooled 18-way power front seats are standard, and include a massaging function on the driver’s seat. A pair of seven-inch LCD screens, embedded in the front head rests, supplement the overhead 9-inch screen, while a cooled center console compartment can keep chilled beverages handy. Platinum models also include premium floor mats and Platinum-branded door sill plates.
Escalade Platinum models ride on 22-inch wheels and the model is distinguished by chrome accents, Platinum exterior badging, and a unique grille mesh design. All Escalade models wear the new, streamlined Cadillac Crest.

In addition, all Escalade models – from the standard Collection through to the Platinum – feature a host of technology upgrades. Vehicle performance is aided by the new eight-speed automatic transmission that is standard on all models, as well as a two-speed transfer case standard on four-wheel drive models. An electronic hands-free liftgate already standard on Escalade will also feature hands-free closing capability.

Like the new ATS sport sedan, Escalade includes OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity with a WiFi hotspot capable of connecting up to seven devices and inductive wireless device charging. Surround View, which provides a bird’s eye view of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle.

The enhancements add just $1275 to Escalade’s starting price in the U.S., for a total of $73,965, including destination.

The top-of-the-range 2015 Escalade Platinum is priced from $90,270, including $995 in destination.

Powermat Launching in 2015 Cadillac ATS

Compatible smartphones can charge wirelessly in models with CUE system

Reducing clutter and adding function, Cadillac will add wireless charging of smartphones in the 2015 model ATS sport sedan and coupe launching this fall. Compatible with Powermat and other in-phone wireless charging technologies, the feature eliminates the need for cords on board.

“A recent survey from IHS revealed that 70 percent of consumers charge their mobile phone at least once per day, with 30 percent charging more than once,” said Ryan Sanderson, associate director, Power Supply & Storage Components at IHS Technology.

“This is driving demand for charging access in multiple locations throughout the day, something wireless charging can address in a more convenient way than the consumer having to carry one or more wired chargers around with them on a daily basis.”

Following its introduction into the 2015 ATS, wireless charging technology will be added to the CTS sport sedan this fall and to the Escalade SUV at the end of 2014.

”With 4G LTE capability and now wireless charging, Cadillac is embedding conveniences that have quickly become essential customer needs,” said Ken Kornas, ATS global product manager.

Cadillac Sales Mark Best May Since 2007

Cadillac’s U.S. sales showed continued growth with an increase of 6.4 percent in May, the best May since 2007. More than half of Cadillac buyers in May were new to the brand, not trading in a Cadillac vehicle.

The SRX crossover continues to sell at a record pace through the first five months of 2014, increasing 27 percent year over year. May also marked the best May ever in total and retail sales for the SRX.

With the next-generation 2015 Escalade on sale for a full month, total sales increased 30.3 percent year over year. The Escalade recorded its best May in total sales since 2008 and best May retail sales since 2007.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS sport sedan sales increased 39 percent year over year in May. The brand estimates the CTS has gained an additional 1 percentage point of market share in its midsize luxury car segment. The 2014 CTS has been named Motor Trend Car of the Year, one of Car and Driver’s 10 Best, Road & Track’s 2013 Luxury Car, an Edmunds.com Top Rated Vehicle and an Automobile Magazine 2014 All-Star.

“Cadillac’s elevated product portfolio continues to drive growth and attract new buyers to the brand,” said Bill Peffer, Cadillac U.S. vice president for sales and service. “And our continued growth last month marks our best May since 2007.”

Low, Long, Wide Coupe Enhances Cadillac ATS Line

 

For the 2015 ATS Coupe, Cadillac engineers and designers made a number of changes from the award-winning ATS Sedan to deliver the performance and styling traits luxury coupe buyers expect. When the ATS Coupe goes on sale at the end of this summer, it will start at $38,990, including a $995 destination charge.

To create a more personal expression of the brand’s compact luxury car, the 2015 ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch wheelbase as the sedan, but features its own bodywork, longer vehicle length, lower height and wider front/rear tracks.

The roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid are unique to the Coupe, along with a specific front fascia and front fenders to accommodate the wider track. 18-inch wheels are standard on the Coupe.

“All of the surface development unique to the ATS Coupe was done with aerodynamics in mind,” said David Masch, ATS chief engineer. “We are able to achieve lift and downforce requirements to insure, at top speed, we retain handling without having to add a rear spoiler.”

The Cadillac ATS Coupe is intended to be a more personal addition to the award-winning ATS product line. Designed to be lighter, more agile and more engaging than its competitors, it extends Cadillac’s product-driven growth and the brand’s tradition of dynamic luxury Coupes. The 2015 ATS Coupe goes on sale this summer, offering drivers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the power from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6L six-cylinder.

Electrifying Craftsmanship: A Look at the 2015 Escalade’s LED Exterior Lighting

Designers drew inspiration from Manhattan skyscrapers

The all-new 2015 Cadillac Escalade’s exterior design uses architecture-influenced approaches to take its unmistakable appearance to a new level of sophistication while the brand’s heritage and the powerful appearance of modern urban buildings inspired a bold new interpretation of Cadillac’s vertical light signature.

“The 2015 Escalade exterior light signature draws inspiration from a variety of sources, beginning with Cadillac’s heritage of vertical exterior lamps and extending into architecture,” said Exterior Lighting Design Manager Martin Davis. “Iconic buildings, like the Hearst Tower in New York City, were a big inspiration due to the interplay of glass and metal.”

Vertical lighting, a Cadillac signature since 1948, remains a vital and ever-evolving theme for designers today. Davis and his team studied Cadillacs from history, especially the 1967 Eldorado and Deville models.

The strong relationship between glass and metal of Manhattan skyscrapers especially influenced the Escalade’s designers. The combination of the materials suggest the lighting elements are floating in space. Each of the five rectangular parabolas separated by metal accents in the headlamp appear to float within the lamp. Together, they give the lens the look of fine-cut crystal.

“Combining metal and glass elements also allows for a uniformity of appearance,” said Davis. “We wanted something that conveys an artistic integration of technology for the front daytime running lights and the taillights.”

In particular, the tail lamps emphasize the technical dimension of using light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. At approximately one meter tall, the tail lamps are “neo-tailfins,” recreating the drama from the 1960s in a modern interpretation. Edge-lit blade technology is the only one that would make the light look like it was floating in space. The Cadillac Crest is also laser etched into the glass light blade. It catches the light as it passes through the blade.

A total of 142 LEDs make up the front and rear lights of the 2015 Escalade. Forty-eight LEDs – 17 for each headlamp and seven for each lower fascia lamp – fully enable the desired appearance and functionality of the front lamps. The remaining 94 LEDs create the provocative appearance and technical functionality of the rear lamps. Each taillamp uses 29 LEDs with 36 in the center high-mount stop light.

The 2015 Escalade is an entirely new design yet instantly recognizable. Much of the story of Cadillac’s redesigned flagship SUV focuses on the artistic craftsmanship that went into the vehicle’s creation, from the refined and detailed exterior to the luxurious cut-and-sew interior.

Regen on Demand Wins 2014 Green Car Technology Award

Green Car Journal praises Cadillac ELR-exclusive technology.

 

 

Green Car Journal today awarded the Cadillac ELR electrified luxury coupe its 2014 Green Car Technology Award for the Regen on Demand system, which allows the driver to use paddle shifters on the steering wheel to temporarily regenerate energy and store it as electricity in the battery pack for later use.

The award was announced Wednesday at The Washington Auto Show in Washington, D.C.

“Regen on Demand is one of the key systems enabling the Cadillac ELR to merge performance with efficiency in a dynamic new way,” said Jim Vurpillat, director of emerging markets at Cadillac. “Putting regenerative braking at the driver’s fingertips supports the ELR’s 340-mile total driving range while also adding a fun-to-drive element to the premium luxury coupe.”

Traditional performance vehicles allow drivers to upshift and downshift the mechanical transmission through steering wheel-mounted paddles. ELR’s Regen on Demand feature is unique to the vehicle and builds on Cadillac’s performance-bred heritage.

“Cadillac has cleverly evolved a common electric-drive efficiency system into an intriguing feature that adds a new dimension to the driving experience,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com.

“Ever-increasing efficiency is crucial to our driving future, yet efficiency itself is not an attraction for a great many car buyers,” he said. “Cadillac’s Regen on Demand is an inspired example of how technology can increase efficiency while connecting with a driver, enhancing driving dynamics along the way.”

Beyond the exclusive Regen on Demand system, the ELR comes equipped with standard advanced technology features such as Cadillac CUE with Navigation, light-emitting diode, or LED, front and rear exterior lighting, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and the Safety Alert Seat.

The ELR interior features handcrafted leather complemented by authentic wood grain and chrome trim. Powering the ELR is a combination of pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered electric generator. A T-shaped, 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located along the centerline of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels to make the most of weight distribution. The pack supplies energy to an advanced electric drive unit to propel the vehicle.

Nationwide sales of the 2014 Cadillac ELR began earlier this month.

The 5 Best Car Chase Scenes of All Time

1. The Blues Brothers (1980)


 

2. To Live and Die in LA (1985)

 

3. The French Connection (1971)


 

4. Bullitt (1968)


 
5. Ronin (1998)

 

Cadillac Begins Shipping ELRs to Dealerships

General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly today began shipping 2014 Cadillac ELR electric luxury vehicles to dealerships.

The ELR luxury coupe is the first application of Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand. It blends dramatic design and industry-leading extended-range technology to deliver a driving experience that is sporty and environmentally friendly.

The ELR’s driving range, which combines battery-only electric power with a range-extending gasoline-powered electric generator provides total driving range exceeding 300 miles (480 km). The extended range technology is uniquely tuned for Cadillac in the ELR. Most daily commutes will require no gasoline and emit no tailpipe emissions.

Today’s event marked the return of Cadillac production at Detroit-Hamtramck after a two-year hiatus. Employees last built the Cadillac DTS large sedan from 2006 to 2011.

Detroit-Hamtramck, which opened in 1985, is represented by UAW Local 22. In addition to the ELR, employees build the all-new Chevrolet Impala, Malibu and Volt; and Opel Ampera extended-range electric vehicle.

The plant has built some of GM’s best-selling and most important cars. The first vehicle produced for sale at Detroit-Hamtramck was a Cadillac Eldorado, which came off the end of the line on Feb. 4, 1985. Since then, more than 3.5 million Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet cars have been built there.

"Smart Grid Ready" Explained

As you may have heard, the highly-anticipated Cadillac ELR will come directly out of the factory with the capability to communicate with the electric grid. Coined as "Smart Grid ready", this functionality promises some serious benefits. But, what are they and how does it work?

The ELR will use two existing technologies in conjunction with one another to make the system work. One is extended range electric vehicle technology. This is what come standard, in one form or another, on all GM hybrid-electric vehicles. The other system it will utilize is the OnStar cloud-based connection, which as you know is another common feature in newer model cars.

These technologies combined can be accessed via the RemoteLink Mobile App.

This application will allow drivers to monitor the current state of their ELR's metrics, such as: current state of charge, electric range and electric miles driven.

In addition, it will also empower ELR owners to control and schedule vehicle charging. For example, you could tell the car to charge only during off-peak hours, essentially saving you money. This is just one feature that will surely benefit customers. In the future, the implications of this type of technology are massive. 

“While RemoteLink is really our first Smart Grid service to be available for consumers, the same connection we use to enable the app’s EV functions can be used to open the door for more energy cost and load control benefits,” said Russ Eling, manager, Smart Grid and EV Services, General Motors.

Tell us, is this type of technology something you would be interested in?

Browse our current selection of vehicles by visiting the Rohrich Cadillac website. 

Cadillac Collaborates with Saks Fifth Avenue for 2013 Holiday Season

Exclusive White Diamond 2014 ELR offered in holiday catalog

Cadillac is collaborating with Saks Fifth Avenue this holiday season to create a unique window display featuring the all-new 2015 Escalade luxury SUV, and to offer an exclusive special-edition 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue ELR electrified luxury coupe through the 2013 Saks Holiday Catalog. Cadillac was also the official vehicle of Saks’ fall First LOOK Campaign.

Cadillac and Saks Fifth Avenue are rolling out their holiday festivities, hosting events at Saks retail stores in key markets with more events to follow throughout the fall and early winter.

On November 25, Cadillac and Saks Fifth Avenue will reveal a specially designed “Frozen Escalade” window display at the Saks flagship store near Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The display will feature a White Diamond 2015 Escalade with functioning light-emitting diode, or LED, running lamps, which appear embedded and breaking through a wall of ice. 

This year’s Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Catalog features the 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue Special Edition Cadillac ELR. This package, limited to 100 units, will include a 2014 Cadillac ELR with a White Diamond exterior paint color only available through this package. Buyers will be able to choose between a Jet Black or Light Cashmere interior. Also included is an upgraded 240-volt charging station with professional installation and applicable permits, valued at up to $3,000.

Nitrogen: Is It Better for Your Car Tires?

If you don't already know, there is an alternative to regular air when it comes to inflating your tires. Many claim that there are numerous advantages to filling your cars tires with nitrogen, and perhaps there is some truth to that.

Green valve stems indicate nitrogen

You may have noticed some tires that have green valve stems and/or caps. Those tires have been inflated using pure nitrogen, rather than plain old air. Atmospheric air contains 78 percent nitrogen as it is. Typically, the nitrogen you put in your tires would be 93 percent pure or above, to achieve the desired benefits.

Purported benefits of filling your tires with nitrogen include:

• Better pressure retention
• Improved fuel economy
• Cooler running temperatures
• Tire-rot prevention

Now, some argue that the benefits of using nitrogen do not exceed that of the cost. At dealerships, the upgrade to nitrogen can cost anywhere between $50 and $180. Then you will have to pay roughly $6 per tire to refill them. Compare that to say 75 cents per tire to fill them with conventional air at most gas stations—or possibly for free, depending on your local stations—you can see why detractors arguments may be valid.

It is certain that your tires will stay inflated longer with nitrogen. That equates directly to better fuel economy. And while tire-rot is not as common with modern cars, there is still some tenable possibility to save money. Really what it comes down to is just trying it out for yourself and determining whether it is cost-effective in the long run.

Browse our current selection of vehicles or schedule a service appointment on the Rohrich Cadillac website.

The Leading Causes of Car Accidents: Anticipation Is the Best Prevention

Accidents occur when you least expect them. It's important to be able to anticipate which scenarios and conditions are most likely to cause an accident. It's an ability that comes only with experience. However, you can prepare yourself to deal with dangerous situations by familiarizing yourself with the circumstances that most often lead to accidents. Following are the six most common causes:

1. Distracted Drivers. This includes texting while driving. Studies have shown that even talking on your phone in hands-free mode can be enough to pull your attention away from the road. Other common activities in this category are rubbernecking, eating, looking at scenery and adjusting the radio. While some of these distractions are ultimately unavoidable, it's important to identify the right times to perform these tasks. If you're unsure, you can always pull off the road momentarily. 

2. Driver Fatigue. We've all been in that position where we're crunched for time on a road trip and push ourselves to the limit of sleep deprivation. It's common knowledge that it is extremely unsafe to continue on in this manner. About 100,000 accidents of this nature occur every year. Being aware of this fact is important to protect yourself on the road. The most dangerous time to encounter drowsy drivers is between 11pm and 8am. 

3. Drunk Driving. This one's a no-brainer. Don't do it. Also, be aware of holidays, weekends and peak times when it's most common that you will be sharing the road with this despicable type of motorist. 

4. Speeding. Sometimes exhibiting speed can be the difference between getting caught in a dangerous roadway situation and avoiding it. It's important to know instinctively when to do so. However, when on an open stretch of road, there is no reason not to obey the posted speed limit. Another thing to keep in mind is that driving significantly below the speed limit can also be dangerous. A good rule of thumb is to maintain speed with the flow of traffic. If you don't feel comfortable matching the speed of traffic around you, perhaps you should choose an alternate route. 

5. Aggressive Driving. The New York State Police defines an aggressive driver as somebody who, "Operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of the streets and highways." That is a fairly broad definition of the term. Specific examples include road-rage, tailgating and failure to yield right-of-way. Obviously, you never want to operate a motor vehicle in an emotional state that prevents you from making informed decisions. It's more difficult to avoid interaction with these type of people on the road. If you do run into an aggressive motorist remain calm, keep your distance and avoid passing this person. If you feel the situation may escalate, dial 911. 

6. Weather. This cause is completely uncontrollable. However, it still is avoidable. It's important to always inform yourself of weather conditions whenever you plan to be on the road. The radio is a great tool for ascertaining current conditions while on the road. 700 AM broadcasts current conditions in most cities across the country. If you do get caught driving in inclement weather, precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of losing control and/or colliding. Reduce speed, leave more room between yourself and the next car and perform smooth and calculated maneuvers. 

Be safe out there fans! Get more great automotive related content by following this blog and by visiting the Rotolo Chevrolet website. Feel free to share us what you think are some other common causes of accidents.

Cadillac ELR Takes Active Noise Cancelling to the Limit

Audio technology helps preserve sound of silence in electrified luxury coupe

The all-new 2014 Cadillac ELR’s interior is so quiet when running on battery power that the electrified luxury coupe’s development team took care to keep it that way when the on-board gas-powered electric generator turns on for extended-range driving.

 
“Acoustic refinement is an important attribute of every Cadillac interior, and ELR is no exception,” said Chris Thomason, ELR vehicle chief engineer. “Considering how quiet the car is during pure-electric driving we knew the generator sound had to be as pleasant as possible, and we were able to achieve it with active noise cancelling.”

ELR uses active noise cancelling to uniquely preserve the peace and quiet. While most cars that use this type of sound-neutralizing technology aim simply to mute exhaust boom at low engine speeds, such as when idling, ELR uses it across all engine speeds.

ELR uses a variety of sound-buffering and -absorbing materials to minimize wind, road and engine noise, including:

• Acoustically laminated windshield and thicker front-door glass
• Liquid-applied sound deadener applied to the floor pan, trunk and roof
• Triple-sealed doors with acoustic perimeter water deflectors
• Mass-efficient sound-absorbing dash mat and carpet system
• Acoustic foam baffles inside body cavities and in between inner and outer quarter panels
• An isolated front suspension cradle with hydraulic powertrain mounts to isolate road and engine vibration

ELR is available nationwide in the U.S. beginning in January 2014.


Visit the Rohrich Cadillac Website to browse our current inventory of luxury cars.

America's Spookiest Destinations

Are you looking for something different to do this year for Halloween? Watching horror flicks and handing out treats to pre-teen ghouls can get old fast. Even the best of haunted houses usually fall short of providing that authentic horrifying experience that we so actively seek.  For those who prefer a bit more tangible fear, check out this list of some of the spookiest places in the country. 

1. Salem, Massachusetts 

Salem was the location of, arguably, the most famous witch story of all time. Reportedly, 26 people were sentenced to death for practicing dark magic. It's the perfect little spooky town, with plenty of accommodations, ideal for families. Events are hosted throughout the whole month of October.

 

 

2. The Haunted Swamp

New Orleans is one of the best Halloween destinations year after year. Aside from Mardi Gras, Halloween is the most celebrated holiday in the French Quarter. It's also home to the Manchac Swamp, complete with spooky moss-covered trees and eerie fog. Nighttime tours are given through the area which explain where the swamp got its appropriate name.

3. Sleepy Hollow, New York

Most people are familiar with this frightful destination from the iconic American ghost tale. Evening tours through the cemetery are hosted year-round, and are especially busy around Halloween. So be sure to book yours well in advance.

4. Twilight Tours

Are you a fan of the Twilight Saga?  Dazzled by Twilight offers tours of the famous locations seen in the popular movies. Follow in the wake of your favorite Twilight characters. Just don't get bitten!

5. The Brown Palace, Denver

This historic hotel has accommodated high-profile guests for many years. Some of its lesser known patrons include a group of musical ghosts who have been sighted in the past. The Brown Palace offers year-round and seasonal tours.

7. The Queen Mary

This former luxury cruise ship was coined the "Grey Ghost" thanks to its ghastly history. Permanently docked in Long Beach, CA, it hosts the Annual Halloween Terrorfest. Activities include haunted mazes, the vampire village and the fear-inducing Isolation Ward. Tickets start at $29 per person.

 

8. Estes Park, Colorado

The site of the Stanley Hotel is where Stephen King drew inspiration to write his novel, The Shining. If you dare, grab a drink in the billiards room. Enjoy splendid Rocky Mountain views at the same time. Just don't go insane!










 

Feel free to share some other great destinations that we may have missed! Connect with us on the Rohrich Cadillac Facebook page.

10 Easy Steps to Winterize Your Car

Fall is here, and it's a good time to start thinking about winter preparation. The cold season can place extra strain on certain parts of the vehicle, especially at temperature extremes. By performing a few simple checks on your cars critical parts, you can ensure that you won't get stranded in the cold this winter.


1. Antifreeze. Naturally, this is important. A 50/50 mixture of distilled water and antifreeze will typically suffice. If you live in areas that have unusually cold temperatures, you may want to increase that ratio a bit.

2. Battery. The cold weather will put more stress on the cars charging system. Cold starts are notoriously difficult for some cars. The last thing you want to do is be stranded in the frigid morning dealing with a dead battery. 

3. Oil & Filter. This is standard maintenance (as are most items in this list). But it is even more crucial in the winter months. Refer to your owners manual for OEM recommended oil type. 

4. Lights & Indicators. Because of the longer days, your lights will have to work harder. All lights on the car are important, but headlights and brake lights especially so. If you haven't replaced them in a few years, it might be a good idea to just proactively do so. It will be much cheaper than getting into a collision because a fellow motorist couldn't see you. 

5. Tires. Good traction in the winter is essential. Inspect the tread, or have someone do it for you. Also, be sure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturers suggested standards. 

6. Windshield. Visibility is key to road safety. You want to make sure that all windows are cleared of ice and snow before hitting the road. Mix de-icer and Rain-X treatment in your washer fluid to avoid chipping away at ice in the morning with a chisel. 

7. Belts & Hoses. Winter temperatures can put extra stress on these parts. Don't let a $10 part get your stranded.

8. Cabin Air Filter. The summer months can really create a build up of dust and particles. If your car is equipped with a cabin air filter, it is wise to change that now. Blasting the heat on full will only embed these contaminants deeper into your cars heating/cooling system. 

9. Exterior Paint. Rain, snow and salt will really eat away at your cars finish. Applying a proper coat of wax will significantly reduce this.

10. Roadside Emergency Kit. This is ALWAYS important. Simple items like Fix-A-Flat, basic tools and extra oil can really save the day. Be sure to keep a few blankets in the car through the winter too, in case the worst happens. 

Connect with us on the Rohrich Cadillac Facebook Page to get more great automotive related news.

If you need help getting your car ready for winter, we are at your assistance!

Cadillac Takes Its Flagship SUV to a New Luxury Level

Cadillac is launching a new level of luxury!

The 2015 Escalade, which will be revealed tonight in New York City, will show advances to the flagship SUV, most notably with the interior.

According to a Cadillac press release, the all-new interior will feature handcrafted elements, as well as innovative, state-of-the-art technology.

Advanced technical features and controls are included to add a modern element to the SUV's design, as well as offer the latest features in luxury, connectivity and safety for up to eight occupants.

The new Escalade will be unveiled tonight with help from indie rock photographer and director, Autumn de Wilde, who produced a series of portraits and a film highlighting the Escalade design process.

Visit Cadillac's YouTube channel to watch the livestream tonight at 7:30. Also, be sure to share your thoughts and follow updates on Twitter using #EscaladeReveal.

How To Prepare Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit

Nowadays, we're almost always a screen-tap away from contacting someone, should we need assistance. We have been conditioned to take that ability for granted. Most major highways provide cell-phone service. However, would you be prepared for an emergency roadside situation if you were not plugged-in to the rest of civilization?

Even in the age-of-information it is important to prepare a roadside emergency kit. 

What should you put in your emergency kit, you ask? Let us break it down for you.

• Jumper Cables. This one's pretty obvious and allows you to be the roadside hero too! 
• Flares. If your car is disabled on a major roadway, you'll want to signal to oncoming traffic. 
• Extra oil. Usually two quarts will be sufficient to get you to the nearest service station.
• Antifreeze. Never push your car's engine if it is overheating. This could lead to serious (expensive) damage.
• First aid kit. You can never have a too-well-stocked first aid kit. Basic items include bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic/burn cream, aspirin.
• Blanket. This can serve various purposes but the most obvious is to stay warm when stranded in the cold.
• Fuses. Fuse failure is hard to anticipate. This can be a major problem if you don't have extra. Be sure to stock fuses of varied amperage. 
• Flashlight and extra batteries. Without this, being stranded in the dark is a much worse situation.
• Basic, versatile tools. Including: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, pliers, vice-grips, adjustable wrench, tire-pressure gauge, and pocketknife (multi-tools are ideal).
• Tire inflator. Such as Fix-A-Flat
• Rags and paper towels.
• Duct tape. Need we explain further?
• Ice scraper.
• Pen and paper.
• Help sign. This will make flagging passing drivers much more effective.
• Energy bars. Or some form of emergency food that will last for awhile in the car.
• Bottled water.
• Heavy-duty bag to store the kit in.     

Obviously, this list is not exclusive. There are many other useful items that you may want to bring as well. For more car tips and such, head on over to the Rohrich Cadillac Facebook Page.

Weekly Car Tip: Music Can Improve (Or Worsen) Your Driving

Most of us listen to some form of music in the car while we are driving. Did you know that, depending on the style and genre, music can have drastic effects on your driving abilities? This study shows that faster tempo music causes the driver to make rash decisions like being impatient at red lights, driving faster and making more mistakes, sometimes leading to accidents. Interestingly, the study also shows that listening to any type of music, regardless of tempo, serves to moderate your heart rate. 

So next time you get in the car, think twice about putting on Slayer or Deadmau5. Maybe try some Chopin? Nora Jones?

No, it's not a mirage. It's Elmiraj!

General Motors recently debuted their newest Cadillac concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. If you haven't heard about the Elmiraj yet, it has garnered quite a bit of praise in automotive circles since the reveal. I mean, just take one look at the thing and you'll understand why. 

The design is clean and sharp. The long, smooth lines give the car a truly stunning, provocative look.

Cadillac fans have been patiently waiting for a new version of the CTS coupe. Well, it turns out they got much more than they bargained for at Pebble Beach. 

The first thing you notice upon sight of the front-end is the newly designed Cadillac emblem. No longer does it contain the "outdated" laurels, or wreath, that had previously surrounded the logo. Cadillac had released news of such a redesign, but nobody expected to see it so soon. The badge still maintains that authentic, luxurious feel.

Another eye-opening feature is the vertical orientation of the headlights. The large front-end lends to the design aesthetics. But that is not its only purpose. Under the hood you'll find a a whopping 500-horsepower 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The chassis is built on a light rear-wheel drive framework, apparently keeping performance in mind.

Moving to the interior, Cadillac spared no expense. Brazilian Rosewood was chosen for the trim. The dash gauges are a classic mix of analog and digital. Additional features include a front-facing camera and 10 inch navigation display that tucks neatly inside the instrument panel when not in use. 

Overall, it's a pretty daring move by Cadillac. 

The Elmiraj design director explains, "We were influenced in particular by the 1967 Eldorado, both its actual design and the fact that in its time that car was a very stark contrast and a new direction."

It's a truly sensational concept from Cadillac and will leave many enthusiasts excited to see some form of production model emerge from it.

Cadillac to debut new concept this weekend at Pebble Beach

Keep an eye out for a new Cadillac concept car this weekend. It is planned to debut at the historic Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an annual celebration of the automotive industry. The event is five days long and culminates on Sunday for the 63rd annual Concours d'Elegance, where automobiles compete to be named "best of the best." 

Artist rendering of the Elmiraj, debuting this weekend

The new concept will bear the name Elmiraj. It is expected to be unveiled tonight, August 15th, to kick off the weekend-long Cadillac exhibit. The exhibit will feature three iconic Cadillac's of the past (a 1967 Eldorado, a 1965 Coupe Deville, and a 1937 Series 90 V16) to showcase the automakers legacy of design and performance. Guests will also have the opportunity to test-drive new Cadillac models like the 2013 ATS and 2013 CTS-V Coupe. 

More information is available on the Concours d'Elegance website.