Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Next-Generation Cadillac Escalade to Retain Bold Style
At one point, there was speculation that the Escalade could eventually transition onto GM's Lambda platform, which underpins the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia. Although a Lambda-based Caddy crossover could still be coming, it won't replace the Escalade.
Butler said Cadillac is taking a big-tent approach with its future product line, with something for everyone. "If someone wants to make a technological statement and associate with a company that's environmentally responsible, then the ELR will be perfect for them. But if someone wants a no-compromises, biggest, most comfortable, baddest-looking vehicle on the road, then we'll have that for them as well."
Source: Automotive News
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
New Luxury Book Chronicles Cadillac’s 110 Years
DETROIT – Cadillac, which celebrates its 110th birthday this month, will be the subject of a new limited edition Assouline luxury book. When it debuts later this fall, Cadillac will be the renowned publisher’s first project dedicated to a single automotive brand.
Cadillac tells the history of America’s first luxury auto maker with 150 pages of images depicting the brand’s many landmark cars and the people who drove them, making Cadillac among the world’s most-revered luxury brands.
“Cadillac is indelibly woven into culture, in America and around the world,” said Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of marketing. “Today, with Cadillac once again moving forward as a design and technology leader, we’re proud that our brand has inspired the artists at Assouline.”
Only 500 hand-numbered Cadillac luxury books will be produced, each housed in a black slipcase with metallic Cadillac plaque and retailing for $395. A more conventional hardcover version with dust jacket will also be available and retail for $75. The book will be released in time for the holiday shopping season.
Known for their editions on architecture, fashion, design and travel, Assouline has published more than 1,000 luxury books since its founding in 1994. They have branded boutiques around the world including Paris, New York, Las Vegas, Seoul, and Lima.
Cadillac’s history dates to 1902, when it was founded by engineer and entrepreneur Henry Leland. As Henry Ford’s first attempt to establish an automobile company faltered, Ford’s investors asked for Leland’s appraisal of the assets of the failed Henry Ford Company. Leland instead convinced the investors to let him make a new company with cars powered by the single-cylinder engine he invented.
Historians debate the actual “birthdate” of Cadillac. Leland’s original meeting with the Henry Ford Company’s investors occurred on Aug. 22, 1902, often cited as the “start” of Cadillac. The actual date of the founding of the Cadillac Automobile Company, in records filed in Detroit, is August 27, exactly 110 years ago today.
Using tools and equipment from his other firm, Leland and Faulconer, Leland’s first Cadillac was built on Oct. 22, 1902. The new company began production and sales in earnest in March of 1903.
Courtesy of media.gm.com
Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: Coolant Flush
Coolant Flush – How Often is it Needed?
Real coolant flush entails removing all the fluid that is in the cooling system and replacing it with fresh one. The best method of removing all the fluid is hooking the car to the machine that will remove it while at the same time, it puts in fresh fluid. The coolant flush machine puts in the right amount of fluid.
The machines circulate the fluid in the vehicle cooling system for a number of times. This removes any kind of debris that could have accumulated for a long time. This is the only way that one can consider to have received the service that has been done in the right way.
Refills and Drainage
Coolant flush is usually confusing to many people as many think that it involves just draining and then refilling cooling system. There are others who assume that it is done by hooking it up to the flush machine and back flushing the system.
The difference between refill or drain and engine coolant flush is big. Draining and refilling is straight forward and has no difficulties while a flush needs one to have a coolant flush kit, draining and refilling just includes the drainage of a radiator and the reservoir.
It is then refilled with the some new fluid. Before draining and refilling it is important to make arrangements on how the fluid should be drained as the old fluid cannot be poured down a drain or on the street.
Coolant Flushes and Solvents
Clearing contamination in the engine coolant system might be necessary but using a flush solvent or any element that is used to clean the cooling system will do more damage than good. Getting the cooling system flushed using the flushing machine might be the right way but it is important to first ask is coolant flush necessary?
This depends on the reasons that have prompted the car owner to consider it but at times it might not be necessary and the cost can be saved. However there could be reasons why someone feels that it is necessary to have a it done and not just because there is coolant flush coupon that would cater for part of the cost.
If the PH of the cooling fluid is not the right one, there is a need to for flushing. It is also important to do a flush if it is noted that the coolant has been discolored. When carrying out such service the BMW and Toyota coolant flush cost might be different depending on where it is done but it is necessary to use a flush machine.
The advantage of using the flush machine is that there is an assurance that almost all the old coolant will be flushed out. Draining and refilling just removes only 50 to 60 percent of old fluid.
Frequency of Coolant Flushes
When it comes to maintenance of the cooling system that involves coolant flush how often should it be done? This is something that does not need to carry out frequently. There are mechanics who advise their clients to do it every year but it is not necessary and will only increase servicing cost for nothing.
Most of the cars that were built after the early year of 1990s have coolant that can last for at least five years or even longer. For all this period, no maintenance is required. Although this is a good service when there is a necessity to have it done, coolant flushing can be imposed on the customers who do not understand about the time when it should be done by mechanics who want to make extra cash.
The best thing to do after being informed by mechanic that there is a need for coolant flushing is to find out the exact reason why it should be done. Check your car manual; it is about 50,000 miles interval before it is needed for such thorough cleaning service.
Coolant Test Strips
It is possible to establish if there is a need for coolant flush even without the help of a mechanic. This is done by using by using testing strips that can be bought from most of the stores that sell auto spares. These strips make it possible to determine whether the coolant has the right PH.
By using the test strips one can establish the level of freeze protection and if there is a need for more additives. If it is necessary for such service the coolant flush kit instructions should be followed. Ensure that everything is needed and ready before starting the exercise.
Courtesy of CoolantFlush.net