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Cadillac XTS

Grand Cadillac to be Built in Detroit

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New model will sit at the top of Cadillac’s model range.

The worst kept secret in the automobile industry is this one: Cadillac plans to build a full-sized, rear-wheel drive sedan that will rival the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and the Audi A8. The top-of-the-range model has only been openly discussed for several years now with two recent concept vehicles, Ciel and Elmiraj, fanning the flames.

Built in Detroit

On Friday, Cadillac issued a press release announcing that its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant has been selected to build the unnamed flagship with production commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Cadillac Ciel Concept.

Cadillac Ciel Concept.

An official preview of the new sedan is months away with GM saying that it would happen in the first half of 2015. Auto Trends has been told that the New York International Auto Show will showcase the new model, with a March 31, 2015, debut tentatively scheduled. The NY auto show will be open to the public from April 3 to 15, 2015.

Another possibility is a Jan. debut in Detroit, host of the North American International Auto Show. Personally, I’m leaning toward Detroit as it is the biggest stage for Cadillac’s most significant model ever.

The Detroit-Hamtramck facility is a logical choice as GM has invested more than $1 billon in the plant over the past five years. The plant currently builds several Cadillac models, including the ELR plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the compact ATS coupe and sedan, and the midsize CTS sedan. Retooling for the new sedan is already done, reflecting an earlier $384 million investment commitment.

No Cadillac Models Replaced

GM also put to rest rumors that Cadillac’s XTS sedan would disappear once the new model arrives. Some analysts have looked at that sedan as a “place holder” until the grand sedan appears, but GM noted that the new model “adds to rather than replaces any model in the portfolio.” Likely, the slow-selling ELR will also hang around for at least another model year too.

Newly installed Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen, formerly with Audi and Infiniti, noted that the flagship model will extend GM’s luxury brand’s range. He also pointed out that the vehicle will lift Cadillac in other ways. “In addition to new technology in the car itself, we are instituting innovative manufacturing techniques to assemble it with the precision deserving of a luxury make,” stated de Nysschen.

Cadillac sales are down 4.7 percent year-to-date in a market that is experiencing double-digit increases. The brand should erase its shortfall by year end as new ATS coupe and Navigator models draw people to Cadillac showrooms.

Cadillac Elmiraj Concept.

Cadillac Elmiraj Concept.

Omega Platform

The flagship Cadillac will be built on GM’s all-new Omega platform, itself derived from the Alpha platform underpinning the ATS and CTS. Even so, the cost for launching the new platform cannot be paid by a vehicle selling for upwards of six figures, given that fewer than 10,000 units will be sold each year.

Auto Trends believes that there are two models that will ultimately be derived from Omega: Buick’s large coupe, what likely will sport the Riviera moniker, and the next generation Escalade SUV. The most recent generation Escalade was introduced for the 2015 model year, but its run is expected to be a short one. My guess is that the Riviera will debut by 2017 and the Omega-based Escalade by 2018.

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Cadillac LTS and Other Luxury Rumors

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A big sedan seems certain for Cadillac.

Cadillac Elmiraj
Add two more doors to the Elmiraj and you may get the Cadillac LTS.

The Cadillac brand’s US sales are down by nearly 1 percent through the first seven months of July 2014, in a market where some of its competitors are enjoying double-digit increases. While this trend is certainly not something GM is happy about, the long-term outlook for Cadillac seems bright.

In the interim, Cadillac has gained an all-new ATS Coupe, the next generation Escalade and a mild refreshing for the CTS sedan. Based on these changes its sales fortunes will most certainly reverse.

Flagship Cadillac LTS Sedan

What may be most significant for GM’s luxury brand are the persistent rumors about an all-new flagship sedan, one that could be based on the Cadillac Elmiraj concept coupe that headlined the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. With the 2014 Pebble Beach show coming up this weekend, rumors are once again heating up.

Such rumors have the so-called Cadillac LTS debuting at the 2015 New York International Auto Show next April. The auto blogs point to an unnamed source high up in the GM management chain as confirming the findings (maybe the “source” is a clerk working at RenCen).

Before we look at the possibility of a Cadillac LTS we need to examine the market. That market is dominated by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Lexus LS among its chief competitors. Mercedes prices its flagship from $92,000, much higher than the starting price for its competitors, which generally start in the $75,000 range.

See Also — Not Again! Cadillac’s Naming Convention Adds a New Designation

Prestige and Profits

Flagship models provide two attributes: prestige and profits. These are not simply “halo” models, but are the faces for their respective brands. A good “looker” at the top of the brand attracts customers who may aspire to someday own a top end model or at least enjoy the association. As for profits flagship luxury sedans provide profits that rival pickup trucks. That would give GM an edge that neither Ford nor Chrysler has.

The Cadillac LTS or similar model would be built on the upcoming Omega rear-wheel-drive platform, complementing the Alpha platform that underpins both the ATS and CTS. GM would spread the Omega’s cost across other brands with Buick (Riviera?) and Holden (Commodore?) also likely recipients. Badge engineering, thankfully, seems dead as News Hub observed.

Possible Technical Specifications

The LTS would most likely offer an all-wheel-drive option. The base engine could be the same twin-turbo 3.6-liter found in the Cadillac XTS. A new generation of V-8 engines seems possible as well. And with GM committing to supplying more diesels to the US market, that option also seems possible. An 8-speed automatic transmission would be standard across the model line.

As far as interior amenities go, all the goodies found in current Cadillac models would be included and then some. The latest iteration of magnetic ride control might be introduced and the LTS could be outfitted with more autonomous features than any Cadillac model to date. These “goodies” are not based on mere speculation, but are among the auto trends we’ve been seeing within Cadillac.

Placeholder Cadillac XTS

As far as the future of the XTS, its alleged role as a “placeholder” may not be true. There may still be room for this model in the Cadillac line up despite the XTS’ size rivaling the CTS. The XTS might offer an appealing “step” from a more moderately-priced CTS to a full-blown Cadillac LTS.

Another argument for preserving the XTS is that it shares its platform with the Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse, therefore its costs have been wrung out across three model lines. XTS sales are down in the US, but were up by 58 percent in China this July. An ATS-CTS-XTS-LTS line up could prove a powerful punch to once again elevate Cadillac to world-class status.

Related Reading — Thrice Teased: Cadillac Sixteen, Ciel and Elmiraj

Recalls: GM Sets the Narrative

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General Motors earlier this week announced a fresh series of recalls, going well beyond an earlier initiative to replace the ignition switch for select Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and four other models. On Monday, GM announced three separate recalls for more than 1.5 million vehicles and also took a $300 million charge off to pay for the repairs.

CEO Video Announcement

GM CEO Mary Barra
GM CEO Mary Barra.
The move surprised some analysts, including those still attempting to decipher the scope of the previous ignition switch recall announcement, a defect that has taken 12 lives. The most recent recalls were announced by GMs CEO, Mary Barra, in a video posted to the company’s website on Monday as well as in a statement to the press.

Though potentially damaging to the brand, GMs move allowed the automaker to set the narrative, avoiding what most certainly would have been a brutal dressing down by the media. Instead, Barra explained that the recalls followed a request for a comprehensive internal safety review, in response to the earlier recall.

GM Share Prices

In pushing these problems out to the light quickly, GM is one step closer to putting everything behind it. The financial write down gives the automaker credibility that they’re on top of the recalls, offering comfort to vehicle owners and shareholders alike. GM stock is selling for above $35 a share, up from $34 when the latest recall announcement was made, but down from its most recent high of $37.75 reached earlier this month.

The three separate recalls involve vehicles across GMs current brand structure as well as one model from retired Saturn.

Three Separate Recalls

The first recall involves 303,000 units of the 2009 to 2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans with a gross vehicle weight of under 10,000 pounds. Affected vans do not comply with head impact requirements for unrestrained occupants, requiring a rework of the instrument panel.

The second recall covers 63,900 units of its large 2013 and 2014 Cadillac XTS sedan. That model may experience engine fires if a brake booster pump issue is not resolved. To date, two unsold XTS models have experienced fires and two component meltdowns have been reported.

The third recall is the most comprehensive one and includes some 2008 and 2009, and all 2010 to 2013 GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave models, some 2009 and all 2010 to 2013 Chevrolet Traverse models, and all 2010 Saturn Outlook models. With this recall, a wiring harness for seat mounted side air bags must be replaced. Nearly 1.2 million crossovers are affected.

Response and Recall

In her video announcement, Barra stressed that the company wants to be judged today by the actions it takes to respond to problems by addressing customer concerns. The automaker has dedicated 50 people at its Warren, Mich., customer service facility to handle recall notices. Barra noted that notices for the ignition recall have already gone out with replacement parts becoming available by the second week of April. Recall announcements for the other affected vehicles are being readied as of press time.

Barra confirmed that two separate Congressional committees are looking at the ignition switch recall and noted that the U.S. Department of Justice has also launched an investigation.

In each case we have pledged to cooperate fully while we work to make the recall itself as smooth as possible for our customers, said Barra. She added, These are serious developments that shouldn’t surprise anyone. After all, something went wrong with our process in this instance and terrible things happened.

Making a Personal Connection

Barra noted her own responsibility as GMs CEO and her being a mother, demonstrating how the problems have hit home for her. The company has apologized and made assurances that the problem does not happen again.

By responding proactively, GM demonstrates that will be on top of its problems. More importantly, the video address tells people, we care. That is the takeaway that allows GM to set the narrative.

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Video quotes from General Motors.

Road Tripping With the 2014 Cadillac XTS VSport AWD Platinum

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Cadillac sales are on an upward trajectory, with year-to-date US sales up by 25 percent over 2012 through Sept. It is one of the fastest growing luxury brands with new models such as its compact ATS and midsize CTS sedans receiving rave reviews. A third sedan, the XTS slots above the CTS, and is a front-wheel drive model with optional all-wheel drive. The Cadillac XTS VSport AWD Platinum was a recent weekly driver, a five passenger sedan that took our family of four on a 554-mile adventure on the winding mountain roads of western North Carolina.

2014 Cadillac XTS VSport
2014 Cadillac XTS VSport (Photo copyright Cadillac).

 

Cadillac XTS Trim Levels

The 2014 Cadillac XTS is available in six trim levels: standard, luxury, premium, VSport premium, premium and VSport platinum. Its price ranges from $44,600 to $72,535, quite a span for one model. As tested, the XTS VSport AWD Platinum was priced from $69,095. Its white diamond tricoat finish and destination charge pushed the final price up to $71,015.

Vsport is not the V-Series. Cadillac has slotted this performance line below the V-Series, what seems destined for its American-styled models. Its European-inspired ATS and CTS models are likely to continue to offer V-Series variants.

You should consider the XTS as the replacement model for both the STS and DTS, Cadillac sedans that were retired in 2011. The STS was a rear-wheel drive sedan with optional all-wheel drive, the DTS was front-wheel drive only. Notably, the wheelbase of the XTS comes in at 111.7 inches, nearly three inches shorter than the 2014 Cadillac CTS. However, its overall length is six inches longer, thus the sedan can claim large vehicle status. It is built on the same platform underpinning the Buick LaCrosse.

What differentiates the XTS from the DTS is, well, just about everything. The XTS reflects current Cadillac design language with sharper angles, sweeping body lines and LED treatments. Inside, the latest technologies are applied including the Cadillac CUE infotainment system and an electronic instrument panel.

The tested model adds two features that make this model stand out: the Haldex all-wheel drive system and a twin turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 engine. It is the first twin turbo from GM and it makes 410 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 369 foot-pounds of torque at 1,900 to 5,600 rpm. Cadillac pairs this 24-valve engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The XTS has manual shifting capabilities with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters at the ready.

Luxuriously Appointed Cabin

To say that the Cadillac XTS is well-appointed may be an understatement. The test vehicle, of course, reflects the model lines top edition and convincingly demonstrates just what Cadillac can do with opulence.

For starters, the interior is bathed in ambient lighting, what provides a look that is at once soothing as it is elegant. The interior is draped in leather with perforated trim across all seating surfaces. Fine wood trim and chrome touches raise the luxury bar, but it just may be the electronic instrument panel and its customizable features that present the wow factor. It is a colorful display with three dials offering standard odometer, speedometer and trip information read outs. You can change that information to include vehicle range, fuel economy statistics, trip mapping and song information. Steering-wheel mounted controls make quick work of these changes.

Dominating the center stack is another screen, this one featuring Cadillac User Experience or CUE. It is the brands infotainment system, what controls the audio system, navigation and vehicle information. You can access this system by voice command or by touchscreen, the latter using swipes and other finger movements that tablet users understand. With a long trip ahead of us, I made a point to familiarize myself with the technology, finding it easy to use. Voice commands, however, were often misunderstood, a common complaint with these systems. Bluetooth connectivity (CUE can connect as many as 10 devices) worked out fine although there were two times when we had to disconnect and reconnect to get CUE to pick up the device. In all, CUE is a welcome respite from infotainment systems that are simply too complicated and are usually persistently buggy.

The Cadillac XTS driver is spoiled with numerous features that ensure ride comfort. This model is equipped with a tilt and telescoping steering column, a heated steering wheel, power adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a much welcome drivers seat extender, and lumbar support. Two full days of long driving took no toll on this drivers body; the seat heating element kept my muscles relaxed.

Other features found in the Cadillac XTS VSport AWD Platinum include a 14-speaker Bose audio system, Sirius XM satellite radio, HD radio, a head-up display, OnStar, automatic windshield wipers, three-zone climate control, a 110-volt outlet, and front and rear parking assist. A 60/40 split folding bench seat was in the rear, with a pass through to the trunk. The outboard rear seats have a heating feature and both positions come with sunshades. A panoramic sunroof and a power rear window sunshade were also included.

Show and Tell

As much as the interior offered more creature comforts than imagined, what I wanted to know was how this vehicle performed on the road. The cabin and the XTS exterior embellishments are for show; the performance and handling are for tell. And tell it did.

First, the standard engine for the Cadillac XTS is a 3.6-liter V-6. There is nothing extraordinary about this engine, but it is a reliable motor that has been used across GMs product line for several years. For the XTS Vsport, the engine was modified to include a pair of turbochargers. And the improvement jacks up performance from 305-hp to 410-hp and boosts torque from 264 foot-pounds to 369. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Second, Cadillac outfitted the XTS with a Haldex all-wheel drive system. Haldex, owned by BorgWarner, brings in an electronic limited-slip differential, what transfers power from front to back and from side to side along its rear axle. Add in the HiPer strut front suspension and Magnetic Ride Control real time damping and you come away with a sedan that always feels under your control. The oversteering and understeering you sense with front- and rear-wheel drive models respectively is absent. The AWD system and suspension upgrades add 209 pounds to the XTS, but it isnt especially burdensome considering the performance gained.

The Vsport Hits the Mark With the Cadillac XTS

View manufacturer details and pricing

On the Road

Our extensive road trip had us traveling from the relatively tame hills near Raleigh, NC, to the rolling mountain passes of the southern Appalachians, including sections of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway from Wilkesboro to Linville. The parkway with its low speed limits gives you zero opportunity to push the XTS, necessitating a move over to state and local roads.

Press the pedal and the Cadillac XTS hits 60 mph in about five seconds. Thats laudable for a large sedan and entirely enjoyable too especially as it kept its nose straight the entire time. Thankfully, the local foliage conditions were past peak, thus the usual leaf peepers were mostly out of the way and not hindering my best efforts to push the sedan to reasonable (and somewhat law abiding) limits.

Each twist and every turn of the road kept my confidence up with me not minding the technological assists that moved power to the correct wheel at the right time. And to keep everyone safe, active cruise control was employed liberally to maintain a safe distance between other drivers and to bring this vehicle to an automatic stop.

Yes, the Cadillac XTS is a semi-autonomous vehicle with radar, cameras and ultrasonic sonars working to improve crash protection. Driving purists wont like the many alerts and warnings, but it was fun to test how these features worked including the automatic braking system. I personally dread the day when fully autonomous vehicles roll out, but semi-autonomous technology is useful provided that it isnt too intrusive.

Cadillac XTS Thoughts

So, the question I am often asked is this one, Would I buy vehicle X if I was in the market for one? Given my previous swooning for the CTS, I can tell you that the answer for the XTS is, no. But, that takes nothing away from the refined and thoroughly enjoyable Cadillac XTS. Instead, it points out this drivers preference for rear-wheel drive sedans.

In all, the XTS is a good replacement for the STS and DTS, and a positive addition to the ever expanding Cadillac line.

2014 Cadillac XTS VSport AWD Platinum

  • Sticker price from $69,095
  • Price as tested: $71,015
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 3.6-liter Twin Turbo 24-valve V-6 engine
  • 410 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • 369 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,900 rpm
  • 3.70 inches bore by 3.54 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.2-to-1
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 111.7 inches
  • Length: 202 inches
  • Width: 72.9 inches
  • Height: 59.4 inches
  • Passenger volume: 104.2 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 18 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,000 pounds
  • EPA: 16 mpg city, 24 mpg hwy.
  • Premium grade gasoline required
  • Fuel tank: 20 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 4,215 pounds
  • Vehicle assembly: Oshawa, Ontario

Additional Cadillac Reviews

Substantial Luxe: 2016 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4×4

Cadillac CTS Vsport: Twin Turbo Performance

Attainable Affluence: 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe 2.0T

Cadillac ELR: 2+2 Luxury PHEV Coupe

Cadillac XTS photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Specifications of a 2013 Cadillac XTS

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2013 Cadillac XTS

The newest model in the Cadillac arsenal is its XTS sedan, a larger five-passenger vehicle powered by its front wheels. All-wheel-drive is optional. New for the 2013 model year, the Cadillac XTS replaces a pair of discontinued sedans: the STS and the DTS, formerly known as the Seville and the DeVille respectively. The all-new XTS advances Cadillac’s art & science design language; it also brings with it new technologies including CUE, a driver interface, and new safety features. Priced from $44,075, the Cadillac XTS tops out at $61,805.

Engine and Transmission

The 2013 Cadillac XTS is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine. This 24-valve motor is of aluminum construction and features direct injection to produce 304 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 264 foot-pounds of torque at 5,200 rpm. With an 11.5 to 1 compression ratio, this engine measures 3.7 inches bore by 3.37 inches stroke.
Cadillac pairs its engine with a next generation Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination is the sole offering for the XTS.

2013 Cadillac XTS

Fuel Economy

Ample performance does not come at the expense of fuel economy with the Cadillac XTS. Choose the front-wheel-drive edition and your sedan gets 17 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive model delivers nearly the same fuel economy, coming in at 17 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.

You get a 19-gallon fuel tank with the FWD XTS and a 20-gallon fuel tank with the AWD model. With a cruising range of approximately 560 miles, you can travel from San Francisco to San Diego on one tank of regular grade gasoline.

Model Dimensions

Cadillac’s XTS sits on a 111.7-inch wheelbase and is 202.0 inches long, 72.9 inches wide and 59.4 inches tall. The FWD model weighs from 4,006 pounds; the AWD edition from 4,215 pounds. Passenger volume measures 104.2 cubic feet and trunk space is 18.0 cubic feet. The XTS can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
Front head room measures 40.1 inches; there is 37.8 inches in the rear. Front leg room comes in at 42.8 inches; rear leg room is 40.0 inches. Front shoulder room measures 57.9 inches; rear shoulder room comes in at 56.3 inches. Front hip room is 55.1 inches; rear hip room is 54.3 inches.

Model Highlights

The 2013 Cadillac XT rides on 19-inch painted aluminum wheels with chrome insets. Polished aluminum 19- or 20-inch wheels are also available. All-season blackwall tires are standard.

Four XTS trim levels are offered including standard, luxury, premium and platinum editions. Standard across the model line is magnetic ride control, front Brembo brakes and a Bose audio system. Inside, each model features front bucket seats with 10-way power driver and front passenger seat adjusters along with 4-way manual head restraint adjust. Seats are trimmed in leather and include lumbar control. The rear seat is of 60/40 split-folding design with a lockable rear pass-through compartment to the trunk.

If you are not familiar with Cadillac CUE, the XTS and other 2013 Cadillac models will soon familiarize you with this new technology. CUE or Cadillac User Experience is an infotainment system featuring a customizable interface. CUE makes use of an 8-inch screen in the center stack and includes the faceplate below the screen along with its steering wheel controls. For people familiar with electronic gadgets such as Apple’s iPad, you can use similar hand gestures to adjust the screen. CUE also makes use of voice recognition technology.

The XTS also offers a 12.3-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster. You can go beyond the standard settings to choose one of four possible screen layouts. The information supplied includes readouts for fuel levels and speed, navigation, phone and entertainment information.

Every 2013 Cadillac XTS features keyless entry, push button start, a steering wheel with power rake and a telescoping feature, rear park assist and a universal home remote. Choose the luxury package and amenities such as a rear back up camera and daytime running lamps are included. The premium models includes CUE upgrades, a 14-speaker Bose audio system and tri-zone climate control. The platinum model brings in larger wheels, a panoramic sun roof, a rear window power sun shade and manual side rear window sun shades.

Safety Features

Safety features galore are available with the Cadillac XTS. Every model offers OnStar with its turn-by-turn navigation assistance, stolen vehicle slowdown and crash assist. A driver awareness package is standard on the premium and platinum editions and is available with the luxury model. These features include lane departure warning, forward collision alert, a safety alert seat that vibrates to warn you, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert and a reflected LED display.

A driver assist package is available beginning Fall 2012 and is standard with the platinum edition and available with the premium model. This package features the driver awareness package and brings in adaptive cruise control, front and rear automatic brakes, and automatic collision preparation. Other safety features include dual front seat knee airbags, a head-up display and more extensive adaptive cruise control.

2013 Cadillac XTS

2013 Cadillac XTS
2013 Cadillac XTS
2013 Cadillac XTS
2013 Cadillac XTS

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

See Also — Substantial Luxe: 2016 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4×4

Semi-Autonomous Cadillac Possible by 2015

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Advanced Cadillac XTS features Super Cruise technology.

Cadillac Super Cruise

Autonomous driving may still be about a decade away from arriving on the market, but that isn’t stopping General Motors from bringing semi-autonomous driving to its all-new Cadillac XTS. The large sedan, debuting this year, wont be outfitted with Super Cruise technology, but by 2015 it could become an option when you buy an XTS.

About Super Cruise

GM describes Super Cruise as technology that provides fully automatic steering, braking and lane-centering in highway driving under certain optimal conditions. The building blocks for Super Cruise can be found in the XTS and the all-new ATS compact sedan as part of each vehicles Driver Assist package. Driver Assist makes use of sensors to provide 360-degree crash risk detection and enhanced driver assist features.

Super Cruise is designed for interstate use and can work in bumper-to-bumper traffic such as what you might experience on a summer Saturday morning while heading down the Garden State Parkway on your way to the shore. It can also be useful on long, open road trips such on you might take on I-80 or I-15.

Cadillac hands free

Semi-autonomous driving allows you to take your hands off
of the steering wheel under certain optimal conditions.

“Super Cruise has the potential to improve driver performance and enjoyment,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “Our goal with advanced technologies, like this and our CUE system, is to lead in delivering an intuitive user experience.”

Building Blocks

The building blocks for semi-autonomous driving GM says are in place include rear automatic braking; intelligent brake assist; forward collision alert; full-speed range adaptive cruise control; a safety alert seat; head up display and automatic collision preparation. Also included are lane departure warning; side blind zone alert; rear cross traffic alert; adaptive forward lighting and a rear vision camera with dynamic guidelines.

Under semi-autonomous driving, lane-centering technology makes use of forward-looking cameras to detect lane markings as well as GPS map data to note curves and other road characteristics. Operational limitations for this system include weather conditions and just how well lanes are marked. When operating in less than optimal conditions, the driver must steer.

Said John Capp, General Motors director of Global Active Safety Electronics and Innovation, The primary goal of GM’s autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle development is safety. In the coming years, autonomous driving systems paired with advanced safety systems could help eliminate the crash altogether by interceding on behalf of drivers before they’re even aware of a hazardous situation. More than ever, consumers will be able to trust their car to do the right thing.”

Driver Appeal

GM says that interest in semi-autonomous driving appeals to some drivers, including those that participated in a study it conducted with its research partners and funded by the Federal Highway Administration. Drivers expressed interest in using the technology for long trips where lane-centering and full-speed adaptive cruise control might reduce the tedium experienced when traveling.

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

2013 Cadillac XTS Throws Down the Safety Gauntlet

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All-new full-size luxury sedan debuts this spring.

GM Sensor Fusion
The 2013 Cadillac XTS may very well represent a precursor to autonomous driving. Sensor fusion technologies will become available this fall with full autonomous driving expected by the end of this decade.

The 2013 Cadillac XTS will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive when it goes on sale this spring. The new model replaces both the DTS and STS, which were retired last year. This fall, several months after the XTS becomes available, a Driver Assistance Package will be introduced. GM says that this package will be the first of its kind to employ sensor fusion, technology that enables integration of a broad range of sensing and positioning technologies that can alert drivers of road hazards and help them avoid crashes.

Advanced Safety Features

Specifically, the system’s use of radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors enables advanced safety features, including:

  • Rear Automatic Braking
  • Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Intelligent Brake Assist
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Safety Alert Seat
  • Automatic Collision Preparation
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Adaptive Forward Lighting
  • Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines
  • Head Up Display

Active Safety Systems

“We believe sensor fusion will enable future active safety systems to handle a greater number of inputs to provide 360 degrees of crash risk detection and enhanced driver assist features,” said Bakhtiar Litkouhi, GM Research and Development lab group manager for perception and vehicle control systems.

“A system that combines the strengths of multiple sensing technologies and expertly manages those inputs can provide advisory, warning, and control interventions to help drivers avoid collisions and save lives,” Litkouhi said.

Sensor Fusion Signals

Importantly, sensor fusion demonstrates a direction GM has been traveling for some time, at least in vehicle testing. Specifically, the automaker says that this technology represents a building block in the development of semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles, which are designed to maintain lane position and adapt to traffic environments. Although it doesn’t fully integrate the technology, it could prove to be a gateway to semi and fully autonomous driving that is expected to be introduced by the end of this decade.

GM is a proven leader in autonomous driving technology too, as the automaker won the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Urban Challenge competition in 2007 with its fully autonomous Chevrolet Tahoe. That vehicle traveled approximately 60 miles in six hours in urban traffic, navigating through busy intersections and making multiple stops at stop signs and at traffic lights. GM has also been working on EN-V or electric networked-vehicle in China, collaborating with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. to develop autonomous electric vehicles that carry two people and light cargo. The EN-V uses global positioning system technology to connect autonomously while still offering manual driving capabilities.

The only drawback right now is that skyscrapers can interfere with GPS technology, as tall buildings can interrupt signals in certain urban locations. However, GPS combined with multiple sensors and linking technologies between vehicles and perhaps fixed on top of light poles on city streets, might eliminate these gaps.

Customer Choice

For customers interested in the XTS and the new technology, they’ll want to put off their purchase until this fall. When the XTS does arrive this spring, it’ll be loaded with technologies including Cadillac CUE, but its sensor fusion safety technologies wont arrive until after this five-passenger sedan makes its debut.

See Also — Specifications of a 2013 Cadillac XTS