Cadillac ATS Has Unique PAL for Spirited Driving

DETROIT – The new Cadillac ATS’s  sport-tuned dynamics come to life with a performance-oriented component that improves acceleration control and handling through curves during spirited driving.

Performance Algorithm Liftfoot, or PAL, detects when the driver demands more performance from the vehicle while taking a curve and automatically drops the transmission to a lower gear to improve acceleration out of the corner.

PAL is paired with ATS models with a six-speed automatic transmission, which engineers have perfected for quick-shift timing. PAL minimizes unneeded shifting and allows the driver to focus on the road and enjoy the ride.

“The ATS is built to deliver inspired driving dynamics when the driver desires it,” said Adam Dean, Cadillac ATS ride and handling engineer. “When PAL is engaged, the driver will notice the ATS kick into a higher RPM.”

When the ATS is in the driver selected “Sport” suspension mode and begins negotiating curves with sufficient cornering lateral force, the transmission computer commands downshifts to ensure the right gear is readily available. The lower gears aid in both braking into and maintaining control through the turn, and then accelerating out of the corner.

With continued high-throttle driving and aggressive braking, the transmission will maintain the lower gears to assist in acceleration and in preparing for the next corner.  When more moderate driving conditions are detected – lower acceleration and cornering – the transmission will upshift sequentially through the gears, and exit PAL mode. 

The transmission also features faster shift times, which have been improved to perfect RPM engine matching when downshifting through a corner.

Cadillac engineers refined PAL and other performance features on the ‘Green Hell’ – Nurburgring’s Nordschleife Course – and other challenging roads. Driving enthusiasts are putting ATS to the test. In a recent Motor Trend comparison of six-cylinder versions of the world’s-finest sport sedans, ATS was judged the overall winner. The New York Times review of ATS described it “a blast to drive on the road and track.”

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Maintenance Tip: How To Create Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit

Have you ever been in this scenario? It's 11:00 p.m.; you're driving on a lone country road that's dark and desolate. You know in an instant that something's wrong. Controlling the vehicle becomes increasingly difficult and you ease the car to the side of the road. Getting out, you see that the left rear tire is flat and you're already running on your spare.

If you're lucky to have an account with the Auto Club and your cellular phone works, or are driving a Caddy with OnStar, help is only a phone call away. If not, you're either faced with having to hail a passing motorist or spend a night in the boonies. That is, unless you have a well-stocked emergency roadside kit in the trunk of your car.

When it comes to commuting or traveling any lengthy distance, a roadside emergency kit can mean the difference between getting back on the road or being stuck for a long period of time. A roadside emergency kit is the one item that every vehicle should have; yet most of us never carry any of the basic items to help you get back on the road quickly and safely.

Some of the basic items include:

• 12-foot jumper cables
• Four 15-minute roadside flares
• Two quarts of oil
• Gallon of antifreeze
• First aid kit (including an assortment of bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, instant ice and heat compresses, scissors and aspirin)
• Blanket
• Extra fuses
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Flat head screwdrivers
• Phillips head screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Vise Grips
• Adjustable wrench
• Tire inflator (such as a Fix-A-Flat)
• Tire pressure gauge
• Rags
• Roll of paper towels
• Roll of duct tape
• Spray bottle with washer fluid
• Pocketknife
• Ice scraper
• Pen and paper
• Help sign
• Granola or energy bars
• Bottled water
• and heavy-duty nylon bag to carry it all in.

 

Granted, all these items practically necessitate a Ford Excursion to haul them down the road, but a basic version with two roadside flares, a quart of oil, small first aid kit, extra fuses, flashlight, Leatherman Tool (or any other multipurpose tool commonly containing pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, bottle opener, screwdrivers, files and an awl), tire inflator, rags, pocket knife, pen and paper and a help sign will take up a minimal amount of trunk space.

A few companies offer pre-assembled emergency roadside kits, ranging from RightTrak's 58-piece Deluxe Auto Safety Kit ($24.00) to the 78-piece Auto First Aid Kit from Home First Aid ($39.95). While these kits contain the basics in a small convenient carrier, you might want to augment yours with a few of the items listed above to suit your needs.

Before you actually use your kit in an emergency situation, take some time to familiarize yourself with the items you've collected and how to use them properly. Also remember that the most important item is your own good judgment - stopping to change a tire in the high-speed lane is only an accident waiting to happen.

Unfortunately, there isn't "one tool for all roadside emergency needs." But with a little planning and a smidgen of trunk space, an emergency roadside kit can often save the day.

Courtesy of Edmunds.com

Thank you for your great service, Ken!

"I have had nothing but good friendly relations with Ken. He has been more then helpful with every aspect of buying this new Cadillac. He has called several times before and after the vehicle purchase to inquire as to how the car was performing and if there was any additional help he could provide." - Dave.

2.0L Turbo for Cadillac ATS Makes Best Engines List

DETROIT – The 2.0L turbo I-4 engine that powers the all-new Cadillac ATS is one of WardsAuto.com 2013 “10 Best Engines” for North America.

The 2.0L turbo’s 272 horsepower is the highest specific output of any GM production engine, and at 136 hp per liter, is the most power-dense engine certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers.

“The 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder is a stout performer that impressed all the WardsAuto editors,” said Tom Murphy, executive editor of WardsAuto.com. “It muscled its way back into the winners’ circle with remarkable horsepower per liter, and the engineers deserve kudos for reducing engine friction some 16 percent, which means it runs smoother and more efficiently.”

Murphy added, “This engine gets four mpg better on the highway than the earlier version did a year ago in the Buick Regal GS, a former Ward’s 10 Best Engines honoree. That’s impressive. If the ATS can nibble into the market share of well-established German brands, the 2.0L turbo should get most of the credit.”

ATS’s lightweight and aerodynamic design allows it to accelerate from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds when equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, while delivering EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 city and 31 highway mpg.

Ward’s reviewed 40 engines from 16 automakers in this year’s competition. Winners were chosen based on several factors, including power, fuel efficiency, new technology, refinement, and comparative data for similar engines.

The 2.0L turbo engine includes the latest in technology combinations.

“Benchmark efficiency and refinement were our top priorities when developing the all-new 2.0L turbo,” said Mike Anderson, global chief engineer for Ecotec engines. “The team was focused on using technology to reduce friction and engine noise and also managed to take specific output to a new level.”

Among the 2.0L turbo engine’s highlights: a direct-injection twin-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing; twin-scroll turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler; forged-steel crankshaft with modular balance shaft system; and a two-stage variable-displacement oil pump with jet-spray piston cooling.

The 2.0L turbo has a wide torque curve, delivering 90 percent of its peak 260 lb-ft. of torque (353 Nm) from 1,500 rpm to 5,800 rpm – giving the ATS the feeling of immediate power, whether from launch at a stop light or during higher-speed maneuvers, such as passing.

The new 2.0L turbo engine is also used on the Chevrolet Malibu and is built in Tonawanda, N.Y.

The 2.0L turbo ATS is priced at $35,795, including destination (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees) and offers automatic and manual transmissions, and rear- or all-wheel drive. ATS also is available with a standard 2.5L four-cylinder, and a 3.6L V-6 is available.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

2013 Cadillac XTS - 3.9% APR for 60 months for qualified buyers

2013 Cadillac XTS3.9% APR for 60 months for qualified buyers. Monthly payment is $18.37 for every $1000 you finance. Example down payment: 0%. Some customers will not qualify. Take delivery by 01-02-2013. Residency restrictions apply. See Dealer for details.

Cadillac ATS 3.6 vs BMW 335i vs Mercedes-Benz C350!

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