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  • Cadillac ATS, compact luxury sedan targets the Germans

    In Cadillac, Cars, International News / By / / 7 comments

    This is the new Cadillac ATS, the GM luxury brand’s compact premium sedan challenger to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. To debut at the Detroit motor show, it will go on sale this summer in the US.

    Targeting “spirited drivers”, the rear wheel drive ATS had Nürburgring as one of its key testing grounds, along with additional roads, racetracks and laboratories around the globe. “Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac’s portfolio into a crucial global segment. More than just another new entry, the ATS aims to change the status quo of the European-dominated segment,” said Don Butler, VP of marketing for Cadillac.

    In the driving department, Caddy dangles nearly 50/50 weight balance, its first five-link independent rear suspension, multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabiliser bar, driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, underbody aerodynamic shields, electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF, four-channel ABS with available Brembo brakes and AWD as an option.

    Engine wise, there are two four-cylinders and a V6, including an all-new 2.0L turbo four-pot rated at 270 hp/353 Nm and Cadillac’s 3.6L V6 with 318 hp/362 Nm. A diesel is in the works. The ATS will offer both six-speed manual and automatic transmission options. An aluminum hood, magnesium engine mount brackets and even lightweight, natural-fiber door trim panels, are among the weight saving measures.

    ATS comes with CUE, which stands for Cadillac User Experience. CUE pairs entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customised info, voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. Caddy says that most of today’s luxury cars have around 20 buttons controlling the radio and entertainment functions. CUE has only four.

    Cadillac has been using this Art & Science design language for quite awhile now, and while it’s a new model, the ATS doesn’t appear very fresh, for me at least. The sporty slant sounds good, though.

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  • Cadillac Ciel Concept is all about the romance of the drive

    In Cadillac, Cars, International News / By / / 18 comments

    Flamboyant, full blown concept cars have been decreasing in numbers these days, with more carmakers coming up with ‘concepts’ that are almost production ready. Here’s a wow inducing, jaw dropping one from Cadillac, called the Ciel Concept. Pronounced “C-L,” the French translation for sky, the Ciel is a big four-seat open top car, fittingly unveiled at Pebble Beach.

    Ciel is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of Cadillac’s 3.6-litre direct Injection V6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology, and is stopped by carbon ceramic brakes. But who cares, just look at it!

    Described as a new expression of Cadillac’s historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring, the Ciel is the carmaker’s attempt at exploring range-topping flagship luxury.

    “Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future. Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey,” said global design director Clay Dean.

    “The Ciel is about the romance of the drive. It emulates the great touring cars seen on the greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac’s vision for the future,” he added. By the way, they were thinking of driving along the California coastline in the sunset when designing the Ciel.

    The Ciel’s long exterior (3,175 mm wheelbase) flows into the cabin, with the body colour (Cabernet, inspired by a glass of red wine held up to the sunlight) rolling over on top of the interior door panels.

    Like the exterior, the passenger space is accented with nickel-plated trim. It divides the body-colour upper from a beige lower color. Italian Olive wood, machined aluminum and hand-tipped leather are the other elements that provide the warm, rich feel.

    More warmth comes in the form of a cashmere blanket that stretches (rear occupants pull a leather tab to access) across the seating area to ward off a chill (it may be California, but the sun still goes down!). The wood trim in the rear center console opens to reveal a small humidor, stocked with cigars.

    The good life indeed. Gallery after the jump.
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  • Cadillac to debut CTS-V Coupe race car in Detroit

    In Cadillac, Cars, International News / By / / 21 comments

    Cadillac will be unveiling its new CTS-V Coupe race car – which is set to take part in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT racing series this season – in Detroit at the 2010 North American International Auto Show next Monday.

    The company will field two teams in the upcoming SCCA World Challenge, and this move heralds a return to the series it competed in from 2004 to 2007, in the GT class. Then, with the 500 hp 5.7 litre V8 CTS-V Sport Sedan, Cadillac captured the manufacturer’s championship in 2005 and 2007 and bagged the driver’s title in 2005.

    The CTS-V Coupe race car was developed together with Michigan-based motorsports engineering firm Pratt & Miller. A lot of the car is standard, since the racecars in this series are production based, though of course some of the production CTS-V components are modified to meet both the demands of racing and SCCA technical rules.

    Johnny O’Connell, a three-time GT1 champion in the America Le Mans Series, and Andy Pilgrim, who won the 2005 SCCA World Challenge GT class in a Cadillac, will be behind the wheel of the CTS-V racecars in the series.
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  • Cadillac unveils its Urban Luxury Concept in LA

    In Cadillac, Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News / By / / 11 comments

    Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept 1

    It’s not exactly the type of Caddy you’d be familar with, especially size-wise, but the design hints at what may be to come from the iconic brand. Cadillac showcased its Urban Luxury Concept, a design study exploring a new type of vehicle that offers luxury in a diminutive size, ahead of the start of the LA show.

    The ULC was conceived and designed for the urban environment, where metropolitan needs should mean a car with as much usable space sans the bulk. The car seats four, with easy access to all seats available via a pair of scissor-type doors that extend outward and rotate forward when opened. The 3.85m-long design has virtually no overhangs, with the 19-inch wheels it sits pushed to the edges.

    Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept 2

    It’s powered by a concept hybrid propulsion system based around a turbocharged 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine employing electric assist technology, engine start-stop function, brake energy regeneration and a dry dual-clutch transmission. Cadillac says a combination of these technologies could offer projected fuel economy of 56 mpg in the city and 65 mpg on the highway.

    The minimalist interior is finished with carbon-coloured wood inlays, brushed aluminum accents and ceramic materials, as well as blue and grey leather and contrasting fabric selected for its high-tech look and feel. There’s plenty of next-generation interactive technology too – touch-pad screens and projected readouts take the place of most traditional gauges and serve as the audio and climate system controls.

    Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept 3

    The conventional center stack is replaced by a divided interface that creates more space at the forward section of the interior. A pair of projected readouts flanks a large, prominent analogue speedometer, assisted by a high-def head-up display.

    The technology behind the unique touch pad controls is ergonomically tucked around the steering wheel to deliver real-time feedback for an efficient commute. The right-hand touch pad is hidden until deployed or detached by the passenger, who can interact online without compromising the driver’s control.

    Gallery after the jump.
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  • Barack Obama wants hybrid limo, Secret Service says NO!

    In Cadillac, Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News / By / / 48 comments


    Contrary to what many people think, the President of the United States of America doesn’t always get what he wants. ABC News reports that Barack Obama wants to go green by having hybrid power in his motorcade, but his wish is being denied with a sharp NO by the Secret Service.

    The US President said that security reasons was why his presidential limousine could not be a hybrid vehicle. “I asked can we make these cars hybrids,” Obama said at a town hall in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Secret Service said no. Now, the reason is not because Secret Service are bad guys. It’s because the cars that I’m in are like tanks.”

    Obama explained that his Cadillac, nicknamed “the beast” for being big and black, is reinforced with armour plating and a host of protection gear, causing it weighs over two times the normal weight of cars. “They just couldn’t get the performance in terms of acceleration using a hybrid engine.”

    The US Government recently announced that they have purchased more than 5,000 hybrid cars and trucks. “We are using our purchasing power to help encourage the clean car industry,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

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  • Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon targets a very small niche

    In Cadillac, Cars, International News / By / / 11 comments


    Cadillac is answering a question not many in the US are asking with its latest model – the CTS-V Sport Wagon. Most who want BMW M5 beating output with Caddy style luxury will opt for the CTS-V saloon, and those who need to haul more have plenty of SUV and crossover options available. Europeans love fast estates but GM’s luxury arm would have to tempt them out of the Audi RS6 Avant, Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon and BMW M5 Touring – no easy task.

    Anyhow, the CTS-V Sport Wagon has seen the green light and production starts later this year. It will be powered by the same potent engine as the saloon – a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 556 bhp and massive torque of 747 Nm. That “Boeing figure” is more than what German rivals from quattro, AMG and M produce. Drive is channeled through six-speed transmissions (choose between manual or auto) to a rear axle that features a limited-slip differential within a cast iron housing for greater thermal management and “asymmetrical half-shafts” to smoothly manage the big torque.


    Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control is also standard. Claimed to be the “world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology” MRC uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology (rather than mechanical valves) to accelerate response time and precision. Electronic sensors at all four wheels “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

    The Brembo brake rotors use “dual-cast” technology (cast iron and aluminium) for weight reduction and better performance. The CTS-V rides on specially tailored Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres.

    More images after the jump.
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  • Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS Coupe

    In 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Cadillac, Cars / By / / 10 comments

    Other than the XTS concept, the usual fare of Cadillacs were there including the CTS Coupe, which has just had its CTS-V debut. Alot of North American media seem to like how the CTS Coupe looks like but I don’t know, blame regional tastebuds but despite the sharp clean lines it still just looks like a boxy hunk of metal with doors cut into the sides to me. Too much chrome and too much blank sheetmetal. Look for a live gallery after the jump or read more about the CTS-V.
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  • Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept

    In 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Cadillac, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel / By / / 23 comments

    Cadillac has of late been quite successful in ditching its old man’s car image, spearheaded by hip-hop’s favourite SUV, the Escalade, and the sharply styled CTS sports sedan. But some remnants of its conservative past remains in the range, such as the DTS, which looks stuck in the 90s and totally out of sync with Caddy’s new image.

    For Detroit, GM’s luxury brand shows off the XTS Platinum concept, a big car application of Cadillac’s “Art & Science” design language which would complete the brand transformation should it replace the STS/DTS. It’s pretty much the big brother of the CTS – carrying the same sharp, angular lines, but with more restraint.

    The XTS is powered by a 3.6-litre direct injection V6 paired with a plug-in hybrid system, which is estimated to produce 350 bhp and 400 Nm. The concept uses an AWD chassis. The XTS’ Magnetic Ride Control uses shocks controlled by magneto-rheological tech, rather than mechanical valves, to govern body control and ride comfort.

    Like current Platinum Edition Caddys, the concept’s interior is full of hand cut-and-sewn materials. The XTS injects more contemporary forms and themes into the cabin, including the use of Organic LED displays in place of traditional gauges and screens, which contrasts the warm wood trim. “We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac’s GM.

    More pictures after the jump.
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  • Cadillac CTS-V Coupe previewed ahead of Detroit

    In Cadillac, Cars, International News / By / / 23 comments

    Following the trend of releasing images of a car before its motor show debut, Cadillac shows us the CTS-V Coupe ahead of the 2010 Detroit Motor Show, which starts in five days time. We will bring you live coverage from the first major motor show of 2010, but for now let’s turn our attention to this sharp looking Caddy.

    As its name suggests, the CTS-V Coupe is a two-door version of America’s BMW M5 fighter. It shares the sedan’s 6.2-litre supercharged V8 with 556 bhp and 747 Nm of torque, which propels it from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds – the sort of figure that was reserved purely for high-end exotica not too long ago. Choose between a manual or automatic with paddle shifters, both with six speeds. Power goes to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential

    The CTS-V Coupe has a Magnetic Ride Control system with two modes (Tour and Sport) and big Brembos (6-pistons up front and 4-pistons at the back). Inside, desirable options include 14-way adjustable Recaro seats fitted with pneumatic bolster controls. More information to come when we see it in the metal at Motor City!

    Full gallery after the jump.
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  • 2010 Cadillac SRX: with 3.0L V6 or 2.8L turbo V6

    In Cadillac, Cars, International News / By / / 9 comments

    2010 Cadillac SRX

    Cadillac has updated its SRX crossover SUV and it is now in its second generation since first introduced in 2004. The mid-sized Caddy SUV now looks more dynamic and in tune with current design trends, unlike the first gen which had a slightly boxy look that reminds you of a Dodge.

    Two engines are available – a normally aspirated direct injected V6 and a more powerful turbocharged 2.8 litre V6. No SRX-V yet, but looking at how BMW is rushing to make M versions of their SUVs, I won’t be surprised if we see the introduction of a SRX-V, perhaps with the CTS-V’s 550+ hp LS V8 engine under the hood?

    The 3.0 litre V6 is a downsized version of the 3.6 litre unit in the Cadillac CTS, which was named one of the world’s 10 best engines for 2009 according to Ward’s Auto. It’s equipped with the latest fuel-sipping technology such as variable valve timing and direct injection, and is paired to a 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful engine is the 2.8 litre turbocharged V6 that puts out 300 horsepower and 400Nm of torque, similiar figures to BMW’s turbo inline-6.

    To help with fuel economy, all-wheel drive is not a standard feature so customers who do not want or need it can opt for a two wheel drive version that sheds the AWD system’s heavy equipment. But for those who opt for all-wheel drive power, it is also equipped with an eLSD at the rear, which helps with torque distribution for maximum traction. There is also a real-time adjustable damping system which can vary the suspension’s parameters on the fly in response to road conditions.

    Please check out a full high res gallery after the jump. Personally to me this is just another SUV from an American company, but I’m glad this article is coming to an end because the vehicle’s name is pretty hard to type, considering how R and E are next to each other on the keyboard! :P
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