Cadillac Cars Online

Cadillac XTS Platinum

2011-03-01T06:15:00.000-08:00

Cadillac XTS Platinum

2012 Cadillac XTS / ETS Spy Photos

2011-03-01T06:09:00.001-08:00

Cadillac SRX Turbo due to low sales

2011-01-02T00:15:00.001-08:00

2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8L V6 Turbo

Ever since its official debut in 2009, the Cadillac SRX has posted the largest gains in its segment for sales and projected resale value. However, most of the sales came from the 3.0 L V6 model. General Motors confirmed today that it has discontinued the 2.8L V6 turbocharged unit due to sluggish sales.
Cadillac spokesman Robyn Henderson confirmed that low sales resulted in the decision and said that over 90 percent of the SRX sales came from the 3.0L model. Henderson said that the SRX continues to be a leader in the luxury crossover segment and has a larger market share than the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK.

2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

2010-06-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

Cadillac today unveiled the CTS-V Sport Wagon show car, foreshadowing the next addition to its V-Series performance line. It combines the performance and luxury of the landmark CTS-V Sport Sedan with the dramatic design of the CTS Sport Wagon.
Leading-edge infotainment features extend to the V-Series. Standard features include an advanced navigation system with a deployable screen, Bose 5.1 digital surround audio, factory-installed Bluetooth phone integration and a 40-gigabyte hard drive that allows the customer to store a large library of music files. The system uploads files via a USB port or the in-dash DVD/CD drive and allows stored tracks to be searched and selected through the radio controls.

2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept - Photo

2010-06-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum
2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum
2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum
2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

2010-06-26T05:43:00.001-07:00

Based on the CTS sedan, the CTS Coupe uses a dramatic design. Cadillac did more than just strip the rear doors from the sedan. The CTS Coupe is 2 inches shorter in length and 2 inches shorter in height, yet has a 2 inch wider rear track. The back glass, nestled in the angular rear of the car, seems almost horizontal. With the Coupe's design, the rear pillars are particularly wide, which Cadillac says leads to greater rigidity than the sedan.

The CTS Coupe didn't change much from the concept shown at the 2008 Detroit auto show. The car still has the handle-less door openers, a touch borrowed from the Cadillac XLR. The exhaust still comes out the center rear of the car from two trapezoidal ports. It cuts a striking figure.

Cadillac brought us out for a preview drive in the new Coupe, but much of it was familiar from the CTS sedan. The CTS Coupe uses the same direct injection 3.6-liter V-6 available in the sedan, producing 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Likewise, the car gets the same six speed automatic with its oh so aggressive sport mode.

Cadillac gets new marketing agency

2010-06-26T05:41:00.000-07:00

GM’s new marketing chief Joel Ewanick has switched ad agencies for Cadillac from Bartle Bogle Hegarty, to Publicis Groupe’s Fallon. Apparently, Bartle Bogle Hegarty CEO Greg Anderson learned about the decision the same as everyone else; via the press. “We were extremely surprised to learn via the press yesterday that Cadillac has decided to move its advertising business elsewhere. That aside, we’re pleased to have been a part of helping turn Cadillac sales around over the last several months.”

After a split with BMW in 2005, Fallon spent the last half of the last decade trying to get back into the auto category. They will likely have to give up another auto account – Chrysler – so that they can handle the Cadillac account.

Cadillac SRX

2010-06-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

Cadillac's big wagon gets an extensive reworking for 2010 with new engines, enhanced all-wheel drive and chassis.

Drivetrain: V-6 power in normally aspirated and turbocharged versions carry the day.

-The SRX's bold styling becomes even more refined, while a redesigned interior and unique rear cargo management system add to its appeal and versatility.

The SRX wagon is more car-like than a truck-based sport ute, which makes perfect sense since it's built on a car-based chassis.

However, the SRX provides optional seating for up to seven people and a choice of a 3.0-litre V-6 that makes 265 horsepower, or optional 2.8-L turbocharged V-6 delivering 300 h.p.

You can also choose between front-and all-wheel drive, no matter the engine.

Two six-speed automatic transmissions direct power to the front or all wheels, depending on the engine.

Among the SRX's many standard features is a power liftgate, 17-inch wheels (18-inchers optional), side-impact airbags and stability control to keep you pointed in the right direction and shiny side up.

One of the biggest sunroofs in the industry is optional.

A sport package for all-wheel-drive SRXs includes a V-series (the name that's attached to Cadillac's performance models) mesh grille, 20-inch wheels and electronically controlled limited-slip differential.

Cadillac announces free maintenance program for 2011 models

2010-06-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Cadillac has been making great strides in the industry with growing sales thanks to the impressive new vehicle lineup that is seemingly always improving but with yesterday’s announcement from GM, there is one more reason to buy a new Caddy. General Motors announced that all 2011 Cadillac models will feature the Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance; offering free oil changes, free tire rotations, free engine and cabin air filters and free multi-point vehicle inspections. This will apply in a similar fashion to a warranty, lasting for four years or 50,000 miles – whichever comes first.

The Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance program also includes a 5 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty; a 4 year 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty; and a full year of GM’s OnStar service. Cadillac is the first to offer this broad of a free maintenance program among the American brands but BMW has been offering their free maintenance program for a few years and their program includes brake system repairs – a huge advantage as things like brake pads and rotors can wear out quickly depending on driving style and these are very costly items to replace.

The first 2011 models expected to hit Cadillac dealerships are the CTS Coupes – coming later this summer followed by the 2011 versions of the CTS Sedan, CTS Sport Wagon, and the popular SRX. Stay tuned to your Detroit Autos Examiner for all of your breaking news from around town and around the world!

Cadillac joins Lincoln in offering free maintenance

2010-06-21T17:35:00.001-07:00

Cadillac announced today it will provide free maintenance to owners of all 2011 models for four years or 50,000 miles. That, of course, is meant to outdo Lincoln, which is offering 45,000 miles or three years.

The program, called Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance, covers scheduled oil changes, tire rotations and air filters. It also mentions that you get a "multipoint vehicle inspection," meaning mechanics present you with a list of items they think need to be fixed at your expense, a boon to dealers.

"Cadillac is adding Premium Care Maintenance as a way to extend customer service beyond the sale," said Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac sales and service. The first 2011 models eligible for the program arrive in late summer.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

2010-06-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe, about to enter a blind turn on a narrow two lane road. Figuring 60 mph might be just a little hot for this corner, we hit the brakes, making the smart six speed automatic transmission decide a gear change down to second was in order.

As the tach needle swung around to brush the 7,000 rpm redline, the engine sounded off with a strained growl, sounding as if someone were putting a beehive through a bandsaw, not one of the best engine notes we've heard. The wheel felt lifeless as we turned into the corner, its power mechanism tuned more for comfort than track days. But the front end of the car pointed where we wanted, and our still considerable speed in the turn made the summer tires start to slide.

Cadillac CTS Coupe and CTS-V Coupe Price

2010-05-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

New Cadillac CTS Coupe priced starting at $38,990, CTS-V Coupe with 556 HP output begins at $62,990

Cadillac CTS Coupe

General Motors announced this week that the new Cadillac CTS Coupe will have a sticker price starting at $38,990. Its more aggressive sibling, the CTS-V Coupe will be priced beginning at $62,990. The prices cover destination charge.

The CTS Coupe will be powered by a V6 3.6L engine with direct injection that can deliver 304 horsepower. This will be coupled with either a manual or automatic transmission with six speeds. Consumers will also have the option to get the vehicle as a rear wheel drive or an all wheel drive unit.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe will be offered in Performance and Summer Tire Performance suspension trims that feature 18-inch rims, and 19-inch wheels hugged by summer tires, respectively.

The CTS-V Coupe, on the other hand, will be using a supercharged V8 with a displacement of 6.2L that gives out a good 556 horsepower and a torque of 551 lb-ft. It will be linked with either a Tremec manual gearbox with six speeds or with a Hydra-matic automatic gearbox using paddle shifters. The CTS-V can go from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.9 seconds.

Cadillac prices CTS Coupe at $38,165

2010-05-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

That hot little two-door Caddy that everyone has been slobbering over has finally got a price on its head.

The new 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe, the latest member of the expanded CTS family, will start at $38,165, not including a destination charge of $825.

Moving up the trim levels, the Performance Collection Package begins at $42,605 and includes features such as xenon headlights, 10-way power leather seats, Bose surround sound and a 40-gigabyte hard drive.

The Premium Collection begins at $47,010 and adds a rearview camera, navigation system, sunroof, wood trim and heated front seats. And for performance:

The hot V-Series includes a 556-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, and pushes the price tag up to $62,165. All trim level prices do not include the destination charge.

2010 Cadillac CTS Vehicle Overview

2010-05-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

What is an American luxury car? For years, the answer was a no-brainer: body length measured in yards, enough chrome to be spotted from space, sofa-on-wheels suspension tuning and the sort of eye-catching styling that made kids wave from their bikes on the curb. But the 2010 Cadillac CTS continues to redefine what an American luxury car can be in the 21st century. At once distinctly American and wholly competitive with premium brands from around the globe, the CTS shows that Cadillac's old "Standard of the World" tagline may have some contemporary relevance.

With competition that prioritizes performance and handling but an American heritage that dictates comfortable ride quality, the CTS successfully toes the line between both (though by how much depends on your suspension choice). Perhaps more importantly, though, the CTS features the sort of eye-catching styling that just might draw the eyes of today's youth away from their Nintendo DS. This carries on inside, where the stylish dual-cowl dash contrasts sharply with the stark cabins of its European competitors.

New for 2010 is a Sport Wagon model (covered in a separate review) and a 3.0-liter direct-injected V6, which replaces the old 3.6-liter base engine. Fuel economy remains about the same, but output has been increased to a healthy 270 horsepower, though torque drops to 223 pound-feet (from 252 lb-ft). This entry-level motor gets the job done at its lower price point, but if you can swing the extra payment, the 306-hp V6 is still the way to go.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS is the best yet, but it still has some faults. Though not necessarily indicative of all models, a CTS sedan we had in our long-term test fleet displayed inconsistent build quality and annoying electronic hiccups. Some drivers may also find the CTS's awkward driving position and compromised rear visibility to be deal breakers. Nor is the handling quite as sharp as other sport sedans like the Acura TL SH-AWD, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Hyundai's Genesis, meanwhile, offers similar levels of luxury at a cheaper price.

There's clearly a lot to consider in this luxury segment. For Cadillac, the CTS is one giant leap in the right direction. Consumers shopping for an entry-level luxury sedan will certainly want to give it consideration, especially if the idea of owning a modern American luxury car holds additional appeal.

For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Cadillac CTS is a five-passenger midsize luxury sedan. Trim levels are 3.0 base, 3.0 Luxury, 3.0 Performance, 3.6 Performance and 3.6 Luxury.

Standard equipment on the 3.0 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, premium vinyl "leatherette" upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an eight-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

The 3.0 Luxury adds an eight-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, driver memory functions, leather upholstery, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, Bluetooth and a six-CD changer. The Eco Lux Collection (available on the 3.0 Luxury sedan only) alters the car's aerodynamics and tires to achieve 30 mpg highway.

The CTS 3.0 Performance has the Luxury's equipment plus 18-inch wheels, performance brakes, upgraded FE2 sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip rear differential and adaptive HID headlamps. The 3.6 Performance adds a bigger V6 engine and a 10-speaker surround-sound stereo with digital music storage and a USB/iPod audio interface.

The Luxury Level Two package can be added to the Performance trims and includes rear parking sensors, a split-folding rear seat, heated and cooled front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, keyless ignition/entry and remote engine start. The 3.6 Premium has the Level Two equipment plus a panoramic sunroof (optional on all other CTS models), a back-up camera and a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and weather. The camera and navigation system are optional on all but the base CTS. The 19-inch Summer Tire Performance package available on 3.6 models adds 19-inch wheels, summer tires, an upgraded FE3 performance suspension and enhanced power steering.

For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2010 Cadillac CTS is available with two V6 engines. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual are standard with both, while a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are separately optional. The 3.0-liter V6 produces 270 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque. It returns fuel economy of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

The 3.6-liter V6 produces 304 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Its estimated fuel economy is 18/27/21. In performance testing, this engine with the automatic propelled a rear-wheel-drive CTS sedan from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.

For more Performance Data, see our Specifications page.

Safety

The CTS's standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and GM's OnStar emergency communications system.

In government crash testing, the CTS sedan was awarded a perfect five stars for side protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the sedan was awarded the best rating of "Good" in frontal-offset and side impact testing.

In brake testing, the CTS 3.6 Premium with FE2 suspension and all-season tires came to a stop from 60 in a solid 117 feet. With the 19-inch wheels and summer tires, that distance drops to a very impressive 109 feet.

For more Safety information, see our Safety page.

Interior Design and Special Features

A pleasing mix of available wood accents, tasteful alloy trim and a stitched soft-touch dash covering make the Cadillac CTS interior one of the most elegant designs in its class. The optional navigation screen retracts into the dash, but leaves the top inch visible as the touchscreen display for the audio system -- a slick touch.

We have a few nits to pick, however. The driving position is awkward for many, thanks to awkwardly offset pedals and the knee-room-robbing (though quite attractive) swoop of the center stack. Outward visibility to the rear is poor. Overall interior room is quite good and better than most competing models, but rear-seat access can be a bit tricky due to a low rear roof line. Comfort front and back isn't ideal due to seatbacks that are a little hard and shapeless. Loading bulky items into the 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is hampered by a narrow opening. Golfers will struggle to fit their clubs width-wise in the trunk.

For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the 2010 Cadillac CTS is very stable and copes well with quick directional changes. The steering is nicely weighted and precise. Overall, this Cadillac offers an excellent ride and handling balance that gives the European sedans a run for their money, especially when equipped with the sport-tuned suspension. That said, the larger CTS lacks the nimbleness of cars like the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37. On the other hand, those looking for a more traditional Cadillac ride may find the FE2 suspension that's standard on the 3.0 Performance and 3.6 trims to be too firm.

Though the new direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 is a competent base-level engine, keep in mind that its fuel economy is no better than that of the 304-hp 3.6-liter V6, and the latter's power delivery is far more authoritative. Particularly given that the CTS weighs more than rival sedans, the bigger engine is a worthy upgrade if you can swing the higher payment.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe at Chicago

2010-04-29T19:32:00.001-07:00

Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork dropped by our Chicago offices this morning to take us for a spin in an early production CTS coupe. The car hits dealerships this summer, and journalists won’t get to drive it until later this spring. So, coffee in hand, we hopped in the passenger seat and learned some new tidbits about the car.

With a standard direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6, Cadillac plans to position the CTS coupe slightly upmarket of the sedan. Pricing has yet to be announced, but the 3.6-liter CTS sedan starts at $41,565 for 2010, so the coupe could start somewhere in the mid-40s.

The CTS coupe won’t be offered with the sedan’s 3.0-liter base V-6, at least for now. Its nominally wider rear track and higher final drive ratio — with automatics, 3.73 versus 3.42 in the sedan — should make for a “more lively” driving experience, Twork said. Zero-to-60 mph acceleration times could be a few tenths quicker than the 3.6-liter sedan’s mid-6-second times, he estimated.

Inside, the coupe has a unique black headliner; it’s a lighter color in the sedan. As we noted during last December’s Los Angeles Auto Show, the coupe ditches the sedan’s traditional door handles for Corvette-like electronic, button-actuated ones.

Alicia Keys gifts black Cadillac to mom on 60th birthday

2010-04-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Singer Alicia Keys presented her mother Teresa a new Cadillac on her 60th birthday. Keys and her beau, Swizz Beatz, at Hudson Terrace on Saturday night, feted the singer’s mama. The staff at the bash brought out 12 bottles of Vision adorned with sparklers for Teresa and Keys' man sang a special rendition of 'Happy Birthday'.

The couple then took Teresa outside, where a brand new black Cadillac was waiting on the corner, reports The New York Daily News. "It was really very sweet, they very much seemed like a family," said one partygoer.

Cadillac XTS 2012

2010-04-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Information on the future of GM and are virtually public (about what will come in future years), but which is still in doubt is how will the XTS , the new model Cadillac to replace the DTS .

A rumor says that the new model as the basis of their design to Sixteen Concept , a prototype that has a lot of design and category that can be drawn, still, many things for the future models of the firm. < >

This model has the same platform

Epsilon of the group (shared with the future Buick Regal and Chevrolet Impala ). Even the data model of the future is a mystery, but certainly before January will have some more specific information from it.

The

Sixteen under its long hood is a V16 engine (which is very clear we will not see the XTS ), which is not the one with the new model. It is said that the XTS will have a V8 engine very efficient and performing, which are intended to deal with the German competition.

In the images we see fine lines and sensitive

Sixteen Concept , which highlights the large grill, the length of the front (back in the 20s), big tires and a luxury that invades inside.

For now is all we know about the

XTS , but as I said earlier, we will know more about it, long before January.a

Cadillac Reveals 550-Horsepower CTS-V Sport Wagon

2010-04-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon.

Cadillac revealed its mega-horsepower CTS-V Sport Wagon two days ahead of the New York auto show’s media days, which begin unofficially with a series of parties on Tuesday night and officially on Wednesday morning.

The Sport Wagon is a station wagon that follows a tradition that had been exclusive to Europe — high performance wagons that can rival sports cars or record boast-worthy Nürburgring lap times (see Audi RS6 Avant). Nick Twork, a Cadillac spokesman, said that the show-version CTS-V wagon was also built to convince company executives — successfully, it turns out — to put the car into limited production. “We just tweaked it for the show a little,” Mr. Twork said. “It’s a business, so we have to justify what we do. People who buy it will be part of a very small club, but it’s the ultimate insider’s car.”

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon Officially Announced

2010-04-19T03:21:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon will soon be joined by its own V-Series performance edition. The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon, long rumored to be in the works, will officially go on sale towards the end of 2010 according to General Motors. The announcement clears up months of speculation as to whether the wagon – which is the first ever to be built by GM’s premier luxury division – would join the Cadillac CTS sedan in receiving a serious injection of performance and power.

While the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is certainly no slouch itself, with an available 3.6-liter V-6 engine generating over 300 horsepower, the CTS-V edition takes things to an entirely new level. The most obvious difference between the two models can be found under the hood, where the CTS-V Sport Wagon features a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that makes use of a supercharger to generate a startling 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are good enough to make the vehicle the most powerful, and quickest wagon ever built by an American car company. Given that the wagon shares as much as 85 percent of its components with the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V sedan, the paltry 200 lb weight gain associated with the covered cargo compartment means that family hauler is also identically quick. Cadillac expects zero to 60 mile per hour times under four seconds. The vehicle offers a rear-wheel drive layout matched with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, with the latter featuring shift controls mounted on the steering wheel.

Cadillac CTS V - Photo

2010-03-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Cadillac CTS V
Cadillac CTS V
Cadillac CTS V

A look at the 2010 Cadillac CTS Wagon

2010-03-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

2010 Cadillac CTS 3.6 Sport Wagon

BASE PRICE: $38,265 for base, rear-wheel drive model; $40,165 for base, all-wheel drive model; $43,365 for rear-drive model with 3.6-liter V-6.

AS TESTED: $51,935.

TYPE: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, five-passenger wagon.

ENGINE: 3.6-liter, double overhead cam, direct injection V-6 with VVT.

MILEAGE: 18 mpg (city), 26 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: 146 mph.

LENGTH: 191.3 inches.

WHEELBASE: 113.4 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 4,210 pounds.

BUILT AT: Lansing, Mich.

OPTIONS: Premium package (includes sapele wood trim, rearview camera, aluminum wheels, keyless access and remote start, navigation system, Bluetooth wireless connectivity) $5,655; summer tire performance package (includes 19-inch tires and wheels, sport suspension, adaptive high intensity discharge headlights) $2,090.

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Road Test

2010-03-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon aren't very popular in America these days - although the crossover SUVs everyone is buying are little more than taller wagons with all-wheel drive. Anyway, Cadillac, which offers a crossover SUV, thought it needed a true wagon to compete against entries from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo. And so, for 2010 we have the CTS Sport Wagon.

2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

2010-02-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

Cadillac unveiled the XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, suggesting a new paradigm for the luxury sedan of the future. The concept showcases Cadillac’s emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, emphasizing new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system.

-A new study re-imagining the luxury sedan, showcasing the progression of the Cadillac Art and Science philosophy
-Designed from the inside out, featuring a new concept for the interface between the driver and the auto electronics
-Plug-in hybrid system is matched with a 3.6L V-6 and all-wheel drive for dynamic and efficient performance

The XTS Platinum Concept was designed from the inside out, re-imagining the luxury sedan as a personal headquarters, built for efficiency, luxury and connectivity. The concept introduces a new approach to in-car electronics that improves the form and function of the car’s entertainment, navigation and information systems.

“The XTS Platinum concept is the next expression of Cadillac’s Art and Science execution philosophy, reflecting our drive to deliver the latest innovations in the most artful manner,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury.”

The XTS Platinum Concept uses Cadillac’s 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in technology enables the battery to fully charge from a standard electrical outlet, enabling pure electric propulsion in many driving situations, especially urban commutes in which fuel efficiency may double that of a conventional hybrid.

Traditional luxury sedans were defined by elegant interiors and Cadillac’s XTS Platinum Concept propels that formula into the future. It delivers new approaches to luxury within a design that combines fine craftsmanship with customer-driven innovation. Like the current Platinum Edition products, such as Escalade Platinum and the STS and DTS Platinum sedans, the interior is based on hand cut-and-sewn materials. The XTS Platinum Concept injects more contemporary forms and themes into the interior design, including the use of Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays in place of traditional gauges and screens.

The concept previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future models with respect to in-car electronics. The intent is to progress Cadillac’s intuitive in-car electronics systems, typified by the deployable touch-screen navigation system that has been highly acclaimed in the brand’s CTS and SRX product lines. The XTS Platinum Concept previews this strategy via the minimization of traditional buttons and switches. Designers blended the display screens into a flowing instrument panel. They call it a “dead front” design, because the panels appear black until the car is turned on and the screens illuminate. The instrument panel itself reflects the XTS Platinum’s other focus – uncompromising luxury and attention to detail on the interior.

“The Platinum distinction in Cadillac means the fullest extent of luxury and technology and we’ve tried to reach even further with this concept,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac design director. “Just as the technology pushes the boundaries of what a Cadillac can offer, so do the details that make the XTS Platinum Concept an uncompromising experience.”

The interior takes inspiration from nature, specifically the intricate layers of petals that combine to form an orchid. Cadillac designers translated that into a layered and detailed interior. Light cream is the cabin’s primary color and is contrasted with darker elements, such as the steering wheel and an overhead console motif that runs the length of interior’s roof. The console is made of a richly finished wood and houses lighting features.

Premium leather seats include a new style of automotive suede, with a laser-etched pattern. The patterned material adorns the center sections of the seats and accents the door trim. Thoughtfully detailed stitching is used throughout the interior, including the seats, instrument panel and door panels. Passengers in the spacious rear compartment of the XTS Platinum Concept also have access to the car’s connectivity feature, along with a range of infotainment choices.

“We never lost sight of the fact that a large luxury sedan needs to be spacious and accommodating,” said Dean. “Passengers will find generous headroom, legroom and knee space, along with the technology elements that make the drive more productive.”

A new proportion

The XTS Platinum Concept has a distinctive proportion that transcends the traditional aesthetic of luxury sedans and carries the brand’s Art and Science design in a more progressive manner. The unique proportion supports the “inside out” design priority, while creating a sleek profile that complements the car’s advanced technology elements and necessary aerodynamics.

“The XTS Platinum Concept design artfully conveys its focus on functionality through technology,” said Dean. “It is the antithesis of the conventional three-box sedan, suggesting the active evolution of Cadillac’s design language.”

A sweeping profile culminates in a short, high deck lid that meets the XTS Platinum Concept’s aerodynamic needs – including a rear spoiler mounted on the deck lid, incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp. A high, sloping beltline gestures the vehicle forward, suggesting motion, while the fenders flare outward wrapping tightly around 20-inch wheels and tires. The wheel-to-body proportion was carefully tailored to visually communicate the car’s all-wheel-drive chassis.

Like the interior, the exterior elements are precisely tailored and elegantly detailed. Brushed billet aluminum trim is used selectively and the 20-inch, 11-spoke wheels feature a brushed aluminum face accented with bright inserts within the spokes. The wheels are wrapped with special Bridgestone tires that were created specifically for the XTS Platinum Concept.

Signature elements essential to Cadillac’s Art and Science design language include vertical headlamp and taillamps, with integrated light pipes and richly detailed lighting components. The headlamps feature light-emitting diode technology for bright illumination that requires less energy, as well as Cadillac’s Adaptive Forward Lighting technology, which turns the headlamps with the direction of the front wheels for greater visibility in turns.

Purposeful and efficient performance

The XTS Platinum concept’s plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system (PHEV) builds on the experience Cadillac has gained with the Escalade Hybrid and Escalade Platinum Hybrid flagship models. The plug-in capability boosts the car’s electric-only driving capability, offering additional battery energy capacity and enabling it to recharge from a standard external electrical outlet. The key benefit of external plug-in recharging is that in many situations – such as overnight parking – the battery can fully recharge in roughly five hours while the car is not in use. The plug-in system operates at maximum efficiency when operating on power the battery has drawn from the electric grid. In some conditions, such as urban commutes, drivers can experience efficiency that doubles that of conventional hybrids.

Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept Pictures and Details

2010-02-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

Last week we showed you a concept car by BMW that has a great chance of being produced within the current decade. Well, this weeks concept is going to be made by 2012—how’s that for instant gratification? And we’re actually kind of stoked about it. You see, Cadillac is supposed to be one of America’s premier luxury brands. One of the nameplates that go head-to-head with the European and Japanese big dogs. And as of now, they’re doing a pretty good job. We love the CTS and we just hopped in their redesigned SRX crossover and that’s dope, too. But you can’t compete with the bosses without a top of the line luxury sedan. They did away with their DTS and STS models, leaving the CTS to hold down the fort all by its lonesome. However, at the 2010 North American Autoshow, we saw the car that will take the place of both the DTS and STS: the Cadillac XTS. It looks the part, but is it really the answer? Read on to find out…

EXTERIOR: The XTS Platinum, when produced, will hold court atop Cadillac’s sedan range. Besides the Escalade, it will be the head honcho. The car high-salaried ~~thieves~~ executives will opt for. That’s why it embodies a look of big boy opulence. It’s a couple inches shorter than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and a couple inches longer than the BMW 7 Series—it’s two main competitors. It keeps up with Cadillac’s current design language, but massages it a little, makes it grow up and put on a proper outfit before going out. You can almost look at it and tell where the CTS sedan will be in a couple years. Kind of like when you look at Beyonce and her mom standing next to each other. Caddy says it “transcends the traditional aesthetic of luxury sedans and carries the brand’s Art and Science design in a more progressive manner.” We can’t tell if they’re talking about the whole car, or just the headlamps. We can’t tell how it’ll look on the road, but all-in-all, it seems like they have built a real stunner.
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INTERIOR: Cadillacs are luxury cars. The luxury car of the United States. With their newest models, they seem to want to retain that title by kicking the quality of their interiors up a notch. The CTS and SRX, with their nice woods and supple leathers and, how did we almost forget, their rising LCD screens, sport some of the best interiors we’ve seen. And the XTS carries that on. Again, it looks like Cadillac didn’t go too wild with the design, as most car makers do with their concepts—maybe it’s because they actually plan on making this one?—they kept it realistic, showing a slightly futuristic version of the cabin they already produce. There are organic light-emitting diode display (O-LED) screens in place of the gauges and that rise from the backs of the front seats to provide rear seat entertainment; the center console sloping downward towards the shifter and the elegant but technical steering wheel. Of course, we can’t tell if its Audi or Mercedes comfortable until we get some time in it by ourselves but it sure looks it.

Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

2010-02-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

Initially revealed at the Detroit Show last year, this flagship sedan, the Cadillac XTS Platinum, is a conventional hybrid vehicle powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 and an electric drive motor, both of which can be used to propel the car. The car can achieve a total output of 350 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque. The wheelbase is 115 inches, length 203.5 inches and width 74.8 inches.

The design is more mature than the CTS sedan and suitably adapted for a full size luxury car. The chassis is 1.5 inches taller than the older sedans. The car is also armed with a smooth all-wheel drive. On the looks side of things, the car has a powerful presence, with blue-tinted LED headlights flanking the large grille. The interior has a customizable LED screen display that blends well with the wood and earth tones as well as the piano-black finishing. The cabin materials are handcrafted, the backseats have two displays for passenger entertainment and connectivity features.

As of now, the car allows pure electric drive only at speeds below 40 mph. Increased electric power blending can be provided at higher accelerations or at higher speeds. The battery pack can be recharged in five hours. Cadillac scores higher in the aspects of length, height and engine capacity than its rival Mercedes S400 Hybrid. Cadillac’s General Manager Bryan Nesbitt has explained that Cadillac wants the XTS Platinum to be a “personal headquarters.”

2010 GeigerCars Cadillac CTS V - Photo, Price, Detail

2010-01-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

The performance saloon segment has for years been the exclusive domain of German manufacturers, for vehicles like the Audi RS6, the BMW M5 or the new Mercedes E63 AMG set the bar so high that most others don't even try to compete. So it's all the more surprising that the American Cadillac of all brands has suddenly hit back with the CTS-V, a lighting ride which has left a good many journalists pale-faced and shaken after test drives. 564 series HP and a massive maximum torque of 747 Nm are a
clear challenge to Munich, Ingolstadt and Stuttgart. What is more, Cadillac is now marketing the CTS-V in Europe for 74,400.00 euros - which needless to say leaves its German competitors trailing on the price-performance front.

Tradition, as everyone knows, is an obligation to deliver. That is why GeigerCars.de is offering special performance tuning for the Cadillac CTS-V, timed to coincide with the American performance saloon's European launch. The four-door Cadillac with the tapered bonnet is powered by a classic eight-cylinder engine with a capacity of 6.2 liters, taken from the latest Corvette ZR1. The large intercooler and the compressor below are hidden under the massive power dome hood. Thanks to an increase in air charge pressure, the engineers at GeigerCars.de have now conjured an impressive 619 HP from the CTS-V at 5900 rpm, which means a top speed of over 330km/h thanks to a shortened fifth and sixth gear. Not only that, but they've raised the maximum torque to a brutal 850 Newton metres - a level few sports cars can match.

One thing is for sure: the Geiger Cadillac CTS-V shoots into action in all situations and keeps a joyful grin on its driver's face in every one of its manual gears. Not only that, but its optimised chassis means the CTS-V offers the perfect balance between long-distance comfort and an uncompromising hunger for curves and speed.

In the face of such American sports perfection, we can only say "hats off"!"

Technical data, Geiger Cadillac CTS-V

Engine: 6.2 liters V8 with compressor, increased charge pressure
Power: 619 HP at 5900 rpm
Max. torque: 850 Nm at 4000 rpm
Bore x stroke: 103.2 x 92.0mm
Drive: rear-wheel drive
Gears: 6-gear transmission; 5th and 6th gear shortened
Brakes: ventilated disc brakes at front and rear
Top speed: 330km/h
Price: 84,900.00 euros

2010 Cadillac CTS-V Series

2010-01-01T05:06:00.000-08:00

Engine: 6.2L super charger V8 with 556 horsepower and 551 Lb-Ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual or available 6-speed Hydra-matic electronically controlled automatic transmission

Brakes: High performance vented Brembo brakes with c-cast rotors

E.P.A. Fuel Economy Estimates
City mpg 12 / Highway mpg 18

Staggering horsepower, incomprehensible torque, zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds, and magnetic ride control suspension system give you an elite sports car with the kind of sophistication and poise one would expect from the fastest V-8 production sedan in the world.

Driving the CTS-V is like piloting an interstellar spaceship. You speed through traffic like you are behind enemy lines, and do your business before the bad guys even know you are there.

The CTS-V comes with OnStar offering everything from hands free calling, directions, and restaurant locations, to remote door/unlock. You can do it yourself or simply ask an On Star advisor. It was really not complicated. Even I, with a little practice, became very proficient.

Inside the CTS-V (Courtesy of General Motors Media)

One night I was working a little late and developed a deep-down hunger for Mexican food. So I slipped out to the garage, sat down in my pilot’s seat of the CTS-V, and checked out the nearby Mexican restaurants. The navigation system was working fine, showing 12 restaurants close enough to choose from; I was initially hesitant. Then I decided to check out the latest NBA scores and see how the Mavericks had done. Discovering that they were victorious only increased my Mexican food appetite. I quickly selected my destination, and pressed the garage door opener. I just wanted to venture out, avoid waking the wife, and fill-up on Mexican food while escaping discovery. Just as the screeching door started upward, my beautiful sweetheart appeared in front of the car. Her arms were crossed and she was wearing her old, faded yellow, fluffy housecoat. This was not a good sign. I told her I was about to come in, but had inadvertently pressed the remote button for the door. She didn’t appear impressed when she took the car keys away. I immediately lost my appetite for Mexican food.

That night I dreamed of a silver Cadillac sports car following a vapor trail towards the stars at the speed of light—leaving everything mortal and mechanical behind. Then a cloud appeared. Out of it appeared a beautiful woman wearing an old, faded, yellow bathrobe. She had a smile on her face, Cadillac keys in one hand, and a plate of enchiladas in the other. I smiled, too; drinking from the scented cup of happiness. Off in the distance I could hear the roar of a sports car churning skyward under the spell of a V-8 super charged engine.

Cadillac's CTS wagon

2009-12-19T00:49:00.000-08:00

2010 Cadillac CTS Wagon
new Cadillac CTS to be the finest and most cutting-edge automobile ever produced in the history of the world.

One of General Motors' media staffers subsequently noted that she'd read my review, and … while Bob Lutz himself did not come to my house to slap me, I sure got the impression that I'd hurt their feelings. I am sorry they felt this way.

Thusly, I tried to keep a more open mind when the newest rendition of the CTS finally arrived a few weeks ago, the … how shall we say … extremely “style-forward” CTS wagon.

The media has had a field day with the hyper-angular wagon and its truly distinctive looks. I think I can rather charitably say that CTS's wagon variation is very much in keeping with Cadillac's edgy design philosophy.

And while the 2010 model certainly looks more like a space shuttle than any vehicle Cadillac has ever produced before, it's kind of cool looking, especially with those gigantic, bumper-to-roof, Batman-styled brakelamps and its chunky overall look.

The conversion to the wagon motif adds a readily accessible 25 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, with a healthy 58 square feet with those dropped; the power liftgate made for easy access and the split, folding rear seats allowed simple loading of ski equipment (there's also a small pass-thru gate).

CTS's basic ride and interior accoutrements remain mostly unchanged and those still give me mixed feelings, especially as the vehicle rather boisterously attempts to keep company with refined European sleds such as the BMW 5-series wagon and the Audi A6 Avant.

Granted, it's pretty powerful, with an optional 3.6-liter, direct-injection V6 providing 30r horsepower and 273 lb. ft. of torque.

Those making their way through the high country would definitely be advised to think about the AWD version as the RWD machine I tested (tricked out with enormous 19-inch, Michelin Pilot summer-only tires) was in no way an appropriate snow machine. With proper tires, I suspect the RWD model would do fine; AWD seems like an even safer choice.

And despite the substantive width of those summer tires, on dry pavement, the driving character I experienced on the standard sedan remains the same: It just doesn't have the same intuitive, earth-hugging feel as a European car. Steering is impressively responsive but feels a little light; the performance-issue brakes do their job, but the whole ride is still definitely more smooth and sedate than super-sporty. A six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles also offered good speed control on long declines, although the paddles only work when the standard shifter on the center console is clicked into manual mode.

2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

2009-12-17T04:40:00.000-08:00

Cadillac is known for producing tons of luxury cars every year, founded in 1902 as the Cadillac Automobile Company, it was purchased in 1909 by General Motors and over the next thirty years established itself as America’s premier luxury car. Cadillac pioneered many accessories in automobiles, including full electrical systems, the clashless manual transmission, and the steel roof.

As a pioneer in the car markets, Cadillac never runs out of new and improved ways to share the best of the best in making luxury cars. They also produced a hybrid which is eco-friendly plus the safety you’ll get when driving this car. The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. It saves up fuel than those of the other hybrid models, available as 4×2 or 4×4. The Cadillac hybrid also has a NHTSA Frontal Crash Test which is approved that tells us that it is much safer than the other cars. Cadillac’s design never wears out, the Cadillac hybrid is a must have for the families out there. Safety and Eco-friendly, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the Hybrid car for everybody.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

2009-12-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

Cadillac surprised many people with the introduction of a CTS Coupe concept at the 2008 Detroit auto show. Now we're getting a look at the production car and not much has changed. Design has been Cadillac's focus for the past few years and the CTS Coupe is the ultimate expression of Cadillac's current design language.

Fans of the concept's B-pillarless design will be happy to see the production Coupe lacks a B-pillar and has hidden door releases, like a Corvette. According to Cadillac, only the instrument panel, console, grille, headlights, and front fenders are shared between the coupe and sedan versions of the CTS. Inside, the Coupe seats four in a classic 2+2 layout.

Of course the CTS Coupe isn't just about looks. The only engine offered is a 3.6-liter V-6 featuring direct injection and delivering 304 hp. A choice of six-speed transmissions will be available, though only rear-wheel-drive cars are available with a clutch pedal. Two suspension packages are offered: a so-called performance package includes 18-inch wheels and all-season tires while the summer tire performance package upgrades to 19-inch wheels and Continental summer tires, though it can't be paired with AWD. A Limited-slip differential is standard for all CTS Coupes. A V-series Coupe will follow, likely at the Detroit show.

Cadillac Previews CTS Coupe Ahead of Los Angeles Auto Show

2009-12-17T04:37:00.000-08:00

Cadillac CTS Coupe will come with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, rated at 304 horsepower. A higher horsepower V-Series will is also planned.

The on-again, off-again Cadillac CTS Coupe is back on again. Cadillac officially announced the 2011 model Monday morning, promising to show the car publicly — for sure, this time — next week at the Los Angeles auto show.

The two-door version of the popular CTS sedan was to have been unveiled at last year’s Los Angeles show, but a high-power coupe was deemed politically incorrect, as well as economically questionable as General Motors edged toward financial collapse. The introduction was rescheduled for the Detroit auto show last January, but it didn’t surface there either.

The concept version of the coupe was first shown at the 2008 Detroit auto show, and green-lighted for production soon after in response to positive public reaction to its sharp-edged, origami-like styling.

Cadillac says the coupe will now arrive in dealerships next spring and a high-performance, 550-plus horsepower V-Series edition of the coupe is also expected.

The coupe will come in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions. A 6-speed manual transmission will come standard, but only available with the rear-wheel-drive configuration. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V-6, rated at 304 horsepower. Cadillac says the CTS Coupe will be capable of 27 miles per gallon on the highway, using regular unleaded.

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is great

2009-11-27T00:52:00.000-08:00

The CTS coupe comes with a standard V-6 engine and an available V-8.

By GM

The CTS and its Arts and Science design language kick-started the resurgence of Cadillac. The addition of the CTS-V (now with an awesome 556 horsepower!) underscored just how serious the once-proud marque was about regaining its self-respect. Enter the CTS Sport Wagon.

As with its siblings, the Sport Wagon is all about its hard-edged attitude. What a looker -- the gawk-meter was off the scale, even when parked beside Acura's fetching ZDX crossover.

The good news is that the CTS Sport Wagon has the mechanical wherewithal to back up its good looks. The Crystal Red (a $1,295 paint option -- please!) wagon arrived with GM's up-level 3.6-litre V6 under the hood. It puts a healthy 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque at the driver's right foot.

Yes, it is motivating a rather portly 1,851 kilograms, but that does not blunt its enthusiasm in the least. The use of a six-speed manumatic certainly helps matters, as the engine is only a snappy kickdown away from the meat of its power curve.

The disappointment is that the manual side works only when the shifter is in the manual position, so it is a pain to get to the needed engine braking (the lack of paddle shifters underscores this gripe).

From here, the power reaches the road through a good all-wheel-drive system ($1,675). It brings better balance to the drive and limits unwanted wheelspin when the driver mats the gas from a standstill. What does surface is quickly dealt with by GM's advanced StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe AT LA Auto Show

2009-11-26T23:38:00.000-08:00

Expected to make its public debut next week at the LA Auto Show, the Cadillac CTS Coupe will join the CTS sedan and wagon in the brand’s lineup for the 2011 model year. The coupe will have the same wheelbase as the sedan, but it will be two inches lower and shorter. As expected, it shares much with the sedan, but the Coupe has distinct hidden B-pillar, touch pad for the doors (in place of conventional door handles), and a steeper angle for the windshield and rear window, which contributes to the sleek aerodynamic look.

The coupe doesn’t get the “budget” 3.0-liter V6. Instead, it’s powered by the direct-injection, 304–hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine. A six-speed manual and six-speed automatic will be offered. The EPA estimates that highway fuel economy will reach 27 mpg. Two suspension packages will be available, including a performance package with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive. A summer tire package comes with 19-inch tires and wheels.

The coupe will hit showrooms in the spring of 2010 with a high-performance V-Series edition arriving later in 2010. Unfortunately, there won’t be a convertible version to compete with the likes of BMW 3 Series and Audi A5.

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

2009-11-17T05:50:00.000-08:00

The Coupe blends the Cadillac CTS sedan's face with a new, wedge-shaped 2-door body that finishes off with what Ed described as a "hint of Cadillac fin" in the arrangement of the taillamps.

2009 Cadillac XLR Roadster

2009-11-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

Cadillac’s new 2009 edition of the XLR Roadster, featuring styling and model enhancements providing more dramatic design and technology.

The luxurious XLR Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V. The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine. The 2009 XLR includes a new front fascia, new rear fascia and new side fender vents. The ultra-luxury XLR Platinum model receives additional exterior identifiers, including a revised rear fascia with more pronounced new exhaust tips and a new 18-inch wheel design.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid

2009-11-08T04:48:00.000-08:00

Cadillac already offers both hybrid and Platinum variants of the Escalade, but this latest offering combines the 'green' powertrain of the former with the amenities of the latter. Platinum models add a number of distinctive touches both inside and out, including a unique grille, LED headlamps, Aniline leather seating, magnetic ride control, and unique 22-inch aluminum wheels.

The new model will utilize the 6.0-liter V8, just like the ‘lesser’ Escalade Hybrid, paired to General Motor’s 2-Mode hybrid system. Economy figures have not yet been released up to this time, but it is expected to be around 20 mpg city and 21 mpg highway which are the same figures that come with the two-wheel-drive Escalade Hybrid.

2009 Cadillac XLR Roadster

2009-11-04T10:27:00.001-08:00

Cadillac’s new 2009 edition of the XLR Roadster, featuring styling and model enhancements providing more dramatic design and technology.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid

2009-11-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

The new model will utilize the 6.0-liter V8, just like the ‘lesser’ Escalade Hybrid, paired to General Motor’s 2-Mode hybrid system. Economy figures have not yet been released up to this time, but it is expected to be around 20 mpg city and 21 mpg highway which are the same figures that come with the two-wheel-drive Escalade Hybrid.

[Source: Cadillac]

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Pictures

2009-10-23T17:50:00.002-07:00

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover Pictures

2009-10-23T17:50:00.001-07:00

2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover

2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine

2009-10-23T17:49:00.001-07:00

2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Pictures

2009-10-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Cadillac CTS Coupe Until Summer 2010

2009-10-19T12:34:00.001-07:00

With product delays and cancellations the norm as of late, it's no real surprise that General Motors has now officially postponed the introduction of its Cadillac CTS Coupe until next summer, which had been rumored for some time. Rather than deliver the striking coupe to its already swamped dealerships later this year, GM spokeswoman Joanne Krell now says the automaker will wait until summer 2010 -- when it believes the market will have recovered enough to add the two-door model to the Caddy lineup.

2010 Cadillac SRX Advance AWD System Delivers High Stability in All Driving Conditions

2009-10-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

General Motors of Canada - Using cutting-edge technology, the 2010 Cadillac SRX is launching with an advanced all-wheel-drive system (AWD) that delivers best-in-class levels of driver control. The intelligent, active system continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles, delivering optimum handling, stability and grip in all driving conditions - from fast corners to slower curves, in dry or wet weather.

“The 2010 SRX will deliver excitement, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather,” said Bob Reuter, SRX global vehicle chief engineer. “The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. This system sets a new benchmark for all all-wheel-drive systems, giving the driver control and confidence on any road surface.”

In honing the integration and performance of the system, Cadillac engineers completed more than 600,000 miles of testing in all weather conditions across some of the most challenging roads in Europe, as well as test tracks in Italy and Spain and the famed Nurburgring circuit in Germany, where Cadillac has developed and validated new vehicle features in recent years. The result is an active, all-wheel-drive system specifically tuned for the SRX. It fully exploits the power of the vehicle’s new 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine that delivers 265 horsepower (198 kW) at 6,950 rpm and 223 lb.-ft of torque (302 Nm) at 5,100 rpm.

To optimize traction at take-off, the system incorporates an innovative, pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels. Unlike conentional all-wheel-drive systems, this system eliminates the need to detect front wheel slip before rear drive is activated and sets a new benchmark in all-wheel-drive performance.

Perfect balance: On the road, the AWD system operates seamlessly and is programmed to help the driver keep the car stable, splitting drive torque to counteract oversteer or understeer situations when cornering.

The electronic control unit receives data inputs 200 times every second from more than 20 sensors in the vehicle, includign those for the ABS and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) systems. The data processed includes vehicle speed, wheel rotation speeds, lateral acceleration, throttle setting, engine torque, yaw rate and the steering angle. Those inputs are used to continually adjust the torque distribution in response to the driver’s input of steering and throttle, the traction that is available at the individual corners of the vehicle or the intended versus the actual path of the car.

For example, on dry pavement during wide-open throttle, 50 percent of the torque is delivered to the rear, providing acceleration with no wheelspin. On slippery surfaces, torque is delivered to the tires with traction, up to 100 percent in cases where one end of the vehicle is on glare ice. Highway cruising conditions will reduce torque delivery to the rear to 5- to 10-percent, decreasing driveline drag and optimizing fuel economy. In most other driving conditions, the torque varies between 20 percent and 50 percent to the rear axle.

While offering sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions, the SRX AWD system also rewards the enthusiastic driver. The precise balancing of the drive torque reduces ESC throttle and braking interventions, providing amoother and more predictable performance.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of this system, however, is the addition of an active rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). The eLSD can transfer up to 85 percent of maximum rear torque between the rear wheels, to whichever has more grip. Under hard cornering, or when completing a high-speed maneuver, such as a lane change, the application of more or less torque to either wheel helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

The new 2010 SRX’s AWD system is integrated with completely new chassis settings and revised self-leveling rear suspension geometry that delivers a 50-percent increase in camber stiffness. Springs, dampers and the steering system have been specifically tuned for pleasing ride dynamics and good feedback. In addition, the 2010 SRX features tires with a higher speed rating.

How it works: The SRX all-wheel-drive hardware consists of a power take-off unit (PTU) in the front final-drive that transmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the rear drive module (RDM) that includes a torque transfer device (TTD) and the option eLSD. Both are wet, multi-plate clutch units from Haldex.

The TTD is activated as soon as the vehicle is placed in gear. RDM clutches are applied and ready to transfer torque before acceleration begins. This pre-emptive function leapfrogs many current technologies that require the detection of wheel slip or driveline rotation before the rear drive is activated. The enhanced functionality provides maximum traction immediately for smooth, strong acceleration from a standstill without the possibility of any drivetrain hesitation. During driving, torque delivery between the axles is varied by a valve in the TTD, which increases or reduces the hydraulic pressure on the wet clutch plates to progressively engage or disengage rear drive. The degree of slip determines the amount of torque transmitted. The eLSD, located alongside the RDM, operates on the same principle as the larger TTD. The electronic control unit functions in concert with the engine, transmission and ABS/ESC control modules.

The 2010 SRX’s AWD system requires the factory installation of a specific rear sub-frame to carry the RDM, as well as the revised rear suspension geometry and new wheel hubs for the drive shafts. The three-piece prop-shaft runs through two bearings with constant velocity joints for smooth running with minimal “wind up.” With the AWD system, the SRX’s wheelbase and rear track dimensions are unaltered from FWD models.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2009-10-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

CTS Sport Wagon: Cadillac's Renaissance Takes A New Form with Dramatically Designed Alternative to Larger Vehicles Makes Debut at Pebble Beach

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Amidst the beauty and history of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Cadillac treats car enthusiasts to a world premiere of its latest production-car design. The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon makes its debut this weekend on the Monterey Peninsula, showcasing a dramatic design that elevates and updates the classic wagon body style.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon - side

Not unlike many historic Cadillac designs, the new CTS Sport Wagon is an unmistakable and dynamic presence. The car’s intricately cut rear profile injects fashion-forward design into the formerly utilitarian world of wagons. Cadillac’s upcoming wagon offers ample interior space and includes a range of six-cylinder engine choices, making it a compelling alternative to larger utility vehicles.

Based on the hot-selling CTS sport sedan, and a sister vehicle to the CTS Coupe Concept, the Sport Wagon extends the design-driven renaissance of Cadillac. Following this special premiere at Pebble Beach, the CTS Sport Wagon moves to the worldwide auto show circuit this fall – and into Cadillac dealerships in spring 2009.

“The addition of this dramatically-designed Sport Wagon is well synchronized with today’s changing consumer tastes as a compelling alternative to SUVs or other larger vehicles,” says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “This is an important step in Cadillac’s ongoing global expansion, and of course in international markets like Europe, wagons have been and continue to be very significant.”

A striking profile is created with the CTS wagon, with a silhouette that suggests speed and aerodynamic efficiency. It rides on the same 113.4-inch (2,880-mm) wheelbase as the CTS sport sedan and is 0.3-inch (7 mm) shorter. However, it offers a generous cargo area of 25 cubic feet (720 liters) behind the rear seats. Design highlights include:

* Signature V-shaped deck and tailgate motif
* Large, vertical taillamps with light-pipe technology
* Power-opening liftgate (via key fob or in-vehicle button)
* CHMSL integrated in subtle roof spoiler
* Integrated roof load management system with cross bars for a seamless appearance
* Cargo management system with adjustable in-floor containment
* New 19-inch wheels
* Larger available panoramic rear sunroof

The CTS Sport Wagon, like its sedan predecessor, includes available features such as all-wheel drive, a 40-gigabyte internal hard drive, pop-up navigation screen and a hand-cut-and-sewn interior with Sapele wood accents.

“The CTS Sport Wagon is an important expansion to the Cadillac lineup worldwide,” said Taylor.

Design details

Dramatic planes highlight the CTS wagon’s design, including a V-shaped motif carried throughout the vehicle and carefully integrated intersections of exterior surfaces. The elements coalesce in a dramatic fashion, creating tension that emphasizes the vehicle’s performance.

“It’s a taut design that not only suggests sleekness, but delivers it,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “Indeed, the drama of the sedan is amplified in the CTS Sport Wagon, as the centerline cue that is part of the exterior and interior is more prominent and plays a stronger role in defining the design at the rear of the vehicle.”

The emotion of the CTS Sport Wagon’s design is carried by a number of nuanced details. The liftgate area, for example, is a confluence of angles and planes that typifies the vehicle’s design tension. Cadillac’s “V” motif is most prominent here, culminating in a spine at the center of the liftgate that is accented with a subtle spoiler at the top of the backlight. The rear quarter panels extend slightly beyond the inward-angled planes of the V, creating a distinctive W shape at the rear of the vehicle. Large, prominent vertical taillamps – with Cadillac’s signature light pipe technology – are the final, dramatic touches to the rear-end styling.

“The more you study the rear of the CTS Sport Wagon, the more you see,” said Dean. “Functionality was certainly a guiding factor during development, but so was the idea to inject emotion into the normally sedate wagon category.”

2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

2009-10-14T10:18:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid costs $71,000. Anyone who has that amount of money to spend on a car, should. Why not spend it on the most luxurious hybrid ever created. 20 mpg on a V8 engine is pretty amazing, plus you get GM’s Road Sensing Suspension, giving you a ride like only a caddy can. The Active Fuel Management System stops half the cylinders allowing you to run on only four cylinders.

The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a big, comfy, 22 inch rimmed, beast of a hybrid. If you need to roll with 7 people, this monster has all the room you’ll need. You can even take out the back se

ats and use the Escalade as a cargo van. When the excessive weight of the Escalade absorbs every single bump in the road, you wont even miss the $71,000.

We all know that some people won’t fit in a Prius. Those people are going to buy an SUV anyway, why not make it the most badass Hybrid SUV on the road. The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the only choice for people rich enough to afford it

2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover

2009-10-14T10:15:00.002-07:00

General Motors has released a few details and two more photos for the new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover.

The 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover styling is inspired by the Provoq Concept that made its UK debut at the British International Motorshow in July 2008.

The 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover will be launched worldwide in 2009 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, in Monterey, California. All technical details of the new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover will be released during one of the major motor shows to follow.

Press Release

Cadillac today provided a special sneak preview of the next-generation SRX Crossover, a 2010 model that will launch worldwide in mid-to-late 2009. The all-new SRX, unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, in Monterey, California, will bring a more dynamic alternative to the heart of the luxury crossover segment, featuring a fresh iteration of Cadillac’s signature design language.

The all-new SRX will debut at major global motorshows later this year, at which time complete details will be released. The 2010 model will replace the current SRX Crossover, which launched in 2004 as a key component of Cadillac’s ongoing product renaissance and global expansion. This next-generation crossover is similar in styling and proportion to Cadillac’s Provoq Concept that made its UK debut at the British International Motorshow in July 2008.

The all-new production model is being developed to achieve excellent driving dynamics and wet-weather traction, with an elegantly modern cabin designed to accommodate five passengers and ample luggage.

“The next-generation SRX, along with the new CTS Sport Wagon, showcases Cadillac taking its dramatic design into new directions, particularly cars and crossovers that are the right size at the right time for today’s luxury consumers,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager.

GM Seeks New Ad Agency for Cadillac

2009-10-14T10:15:00.001-07:00

General Motors Co. said it is seeking a new advertising agency to handle its Cadillac business, its latest effort to jump-start the ailing luxury brand.

GM is the latest auto maker to overhaul its advertising amid the ongoing turmoil in the automotive sector.

Modernista, a small, independent ad firm in Boston that has handled the coveted account since 2006, has decided not to compete for the business.

Modernista's award-winning work for the Hummer brand eventually prompted GM to give the agency the Cadillac business after it had been handled by Publicis Groupe's Leo Burnett for some 70 years.

Modernista's future with GM has been the subject of speculation since GM shook up its marketing and sales operations this summer. After the company exited bankruptcy reorganization, North American marketing was taken over by Robert Lutz, who had been heading new-car development. Mark LaNeve, who had been in charge of marketing and sales, was left with only sales responsibilities. Mr. LaNeve, who is departing the auto maker, was seen as an ally of Modernista.

The Cadillac business was then given to Bryan Nesbitt, a car designer who was a favorite of Mr. Lutz's. The decision to seek a new agency for Cadillac is the most visible marketing initiative by Mr. Nesbitt so far.

In a recent interview, Mr Nesbitt said advertising needs to emphasize Cadillac's sophisticated engineering and edgy designs, seen most prominently on the Cadillac's flagship, the CTS sedan.

Cadillac sales are slumping. So far this year, they have fallen 46%, while competitors like BMW AG, Daimler AG's Mercedes division and Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus have seen declines of roughly 25%.

Among Celebrity Cars, a Custom Cadillac Stands Out

2009-10-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Larry Edsall for The New York Times Vern Moeller built this custom Cadillac woody station wagon out of several different classic cars, including a 1947 Cadillac hearse.

LAS VEGAS – At the second annual Barrett-Jackson collector car auction here in the Mandalay Bay resort and casino, you could bid on Jay Leno’s motorcycle, on a racecar that played a role in the Elvis Presley movie “Viva La Vegas,” on cars owned by the actors Bruce Willis and Don Johnson, on replicas of the Batmobile and Barney Fife’s Mayberry sheriff’s car or on a Lee Iacocca 45th anniversary edition Ford Mustang.

Or, like me, you could have been drawn not by celebrity but by the stunning proportion and coach-built detail of a 1947 Cadillac that quite literally was brought back from the dead.

Vern Moeller grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where as a teenager he rebuilt junkyard vehicles. “I knew how to cut things apart and weld them back together,” said Mr. Moeller, who retired three years ago after more than three decades selling industrial water treatment equipment in the Texas Panhandle and bordering states.

A few years ago, Mr. Moeller and a buddy turned a Ford Model A into a boat-tail speedster. The friend had a decrepit, 1947 Cadillac hearse he was either going to hot-rod or sell (someone had offered him $600). But Mr. Moeller had another idea, so the friend gave him the car, which Mr. Moeller turned into a stunning woody station wagon.

Larry Edsall for The New York Times The second annual Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Las Vegas included many celebrity-owned cars and motorcycles.

The closest Mr. Moeller came to doing any sort of formal design sketch was taking a photograph of the car in profile, slicing out sections from the center and putting the two ends together until he found proportions that pleased his eye. Then he went to work, cutting and welding. He replaced the hearse’s tall top with the roof from a ‘57 Chevrolet station wagon, grafted on rear fenders and tailfins from a late-’40s/early ’50s Cadillac, split the one-piece rear hatch to create a wagon-style clam-shell door and installed it all over the chassis and powertrain from a ‘67 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham sedan.

Inside, the car is customized with leather, oak and birch. The wood on the exterior is ash and mahogany.

The woody wagon drives, said Mr. Moeller, like a ‘67 Cadillac. It looks like something Detroit designers only might have dreamed of building. It sold at Barrett-Jackson for $52,800.

2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T – Review

2009-10-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

Available in August, the 2010 Cadillac SRX is a five-passenger, mid-size crossover. The design forgoes the rear-wheel-drive architecture of the old SRX in favor of a transverse-engine, front- and all-wheel-drive-capable chassis that is about the same size as the popular Lexus RX 350.

Editors at TheCarConnection.com agree that the look of 2010 Cadillac SRX is a huge improvement over the outgoing model, a vehicle that looked too tall and too long for its narrow width. The new SRX is more than six inches shorter and two inches wider than the outgoing model. Importantly, there's less front and rear overhang. This combination helps tighten up the crossover's proportions.

Vertically stacked headlights and a trapezoidal chrome grille give the SRX a Cadillac family look without it appearing cookie cutter. The dramatic side sections outdo Lexus's popular RX in terms of style. A powerful character line beginning at the trailing edge of the front wheel well culminates at the taillight lens. These lens looks to be vestigial tailfins, but unlike the fins of the 1950s, this design actually helps aerodynamically by breaking the airflow from the body. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. Design misses includes the too-heavy-seeming rear hatch and the opportunity they had to hide the rear wiper up under the rear spoiler; the look is less clean than it could be.

Inside the 2010 SRX, hand-cut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel and ambient lighting make for a rich environment that continues Cadillac's commitment to top-flight interiors. An integrated center stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while the optional NAV system rises from the center of the instrument panel just like it does on the Cadillac CTS. The Cadillac's extra width (compared to some other new mid-size crossovers such as the Volvo XC60) helps the rear seats feel more spacious. A newly developing required bling feature, an illuminated logo glows through the front door sill plates when the doors open (but like lights in refrigerators, how do we know that they turn off?).

Following the trend TheCarConnection.com sees with many manufacturers, the 2010 SRX is doing more with less in the performance department. The outgoing 2009 SRX offered a 3.6-liter V-6 and a 4.6-liter V-8. The 2010 SRX comes standard with a new, 265-horsepower 3.0-liter direct-injected V-6 engine that Cadillac expects to deliver 25 mpg on the highway (certified figures aren't available for this post) and about 18 mpg city. In the SRX, the new 3.0-liter produces more horsepower and gets better fuel economy than the 3.6-liter in the outgoing model. GM's 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 is optional for 2010. Horsepower for the single-turbo 2.8-liter is expected to be 300 even. The engine performs beautifully in Saab applications and should provide plenty of thrust for the SRX when it becomes available late in 2009. The powertrain provides a useful maximum tow rating of 3,500 pounds.

Both engines utilize a six-speed automatic that powers the front wheels. All-wheel drive by Haldex is optional and includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential that delivers excellent poor-weather grip. Our test drive happened on a snowy, cold spring day in Michigan, and the SRX plowed through as if the roads were dry. Some drivers may miss the availability of paddle shifters on the steering wheel. We didn't.

During our enthusiastic drive over twisting roads in southern Michigan, we learned that the chassis of the 2010 Cadillac SRX is stiff, which means the shock absorbers and springs can be tuned more softly, delivering a comfortable, though still responsive ride. Two suspensions are offered: the standard tune and the optional FE3 that features Continuous Damping Control, aka an active suspension that reads and adjusts every two milliseconds. The SRX's ride, even with 20-inch wheels, is smooth. Better yet, steering response is more akin to a sport sedan than what you'd experience in many other crossovers, including the Lexus RX 350. Our only complaint is that at high engine speeds (over 6,000 rpm), the engine is too loud for this level of luxury vehicle. At all other engine speeds, the engine is appropriately quiet and plenty powerful.

The 2010 SRX features numerous electronic gadgets and systems. Highlights include adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in sync with vehicle steering; a power liftgate with adjustable height setting (it won't hit your garage door if opened while parked inside); an integrated hard disc drive for audio storage; and a dual-screen video system for rear entertainment. Bluetooth compatibility is standard, as is OnStar's turn-by-turn navigation service for buyers who do not opt for the car's navigation system option.

The 2010 Cadillac SRX carries all of the safety equipment one expects in a premium crossover: standard head-curtain side airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, safety belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, and OnStar. The SRX also introduces the use of Martensitic steel, one of the strongest available. It helps protect against intrusion during a side impact, while also maintaining the structure during front and rear crashes. The SRX hasn't been tested by the government or the IIHS, but we'll keep you posted on results as these tests are completed.

Cadillac’s plug-in hybrid - the Voltec-powered Converj

2009-01-14T01:35:00.000-08:00

The ‘on the rise’ category of proposed luxury plug-in gas-electric hybrids has yet another addition – Cadillac’s concept Converj! The car’s low, sporty looking 2+2 coupe design is equipped with a 16 kilowatt-hour battery and a 40-mile all-electric range, like the Volt.

The technology behind the powertrain for the Converj and the forthcoming production Volt has been given brand name ‘Voltec’ by GM. This power train, giving 273 pound-feet of torque and a top speed of 100 mph, uses an electric motor to drive the wheels.

Cadillac Converj Concept at Detroit Auto Show

2009-01-12T23:57:00.000-08:00

Cadillac Converj
Cadillac Converj

One of the absolute smash hits of the Detroit Show -- so sayeth I -- is Cadillac's concept Converj, a gorgeous, provocative, heated diamond of a sports coupe that could -- just theoretically -- contain the same range-extended gas-electric hybrid powertrain from the Volt. GM has inevitably hung a branded name around this technology: Volt-tec. (Whatever happened to E-Flex?) Like the Volt, the car is proposed with a 16 kilowatt-hour battery and a 40-mile all-electric range. The Converj joins the Fisker Karma in the growing class of proposed luxury plug-in hybrids.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 2WD

2009-01-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Escalade Hybrid is a 4-door, 8-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the 2WD and the 4WD.

Standard Features:

Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
All-Speed Traction Control
Radio Data System

2009 Cadillac Escalade

2009-01-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Escalade ESV is a 4-door, up to 8-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 2WD to the AWD Platinum Edition.

Standard Features:

Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
All-Wheel Drive
Radio Data System

2009 Cadillac CTS 3.6L SFI

2009-01-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

The 2009 CTS is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 3.6L SFI to the 3.6L SIDI AWD.

Standard Features:

Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
Brake Assistance
AM/FM Radio With Bose(R) Sound Systems and 8 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player; XM(R) Satellite Radio