CADILLAC ATS

Introducing the All-New Cadillac CT4

September 17, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

Cadillac CT4 shows marque’s renewed commitment to sedans.

Think the sedan market is dead? Think again. At least that’s exactly what Cadillac wants you to do. Most definitely, sedans sales have fallen steadily over the past several years and will likely see them fall further as consumers embrace utility vehicles in greater numbers.

For its part, Cadillac is hedging its bets by expanding its SUV offerings and rolling out new sedans. The first new sedan is the midsize CT5, due this fall. Early next year, the CT4 will make its debut, a compact model. The CT6, a large sedan, is still available. Previous models, including the ATS, CTS, and XTS will eventually depart.

Cadillac introduced the CT4 last week through a social media campaign, eschewing the usual press event. That’s a risky move, given that influencers aren’t always able to reach the intended audience. In any case, that event is in the past, therefore we’ll examine what the CT4 holds for GM’s luxury brand.

1. Out with the old. In with the new. The 2020 Cadillac CT4 jumps in where the 2019 ATS leaves off. Both models share a 109.3-inch wheelbase, although the new CT4 is five inches longer. That said, Cadillac makes it clear the new model isn’t a refresh of the ATS, but an all-new sedan with updated powertrains to go with it.

2. Compact and athletic. A bold grille, strong shoulders, and a sweeping roofline mark the CT4. Lots of detail changes extend to the exterior lights, rocker panels, rear deck, and the wheel designs.

3. Rear- and all-wheel drive. Cadillac stays with a rear-wheel-drive platform with available all-wheel drive. This arrangement puts it on par with some of the best sedans in the class, including the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Genesis G70, and the Lexus IS.

4. Turbo engines, all the way. You won’t find a V6 or a V8 under the hood of a CT4. Instead, Cadillac goes with the twin-scroll turbo 2.0-liter inline-four with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a dual-volute turbo inline-four with 309 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. Choose the V Series and this engine bangs out 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.

5. No manual transmission. Sadly, the 6-speed manual gearbox offered in the ATS doesn’t get a nod for the all-new CT4. Instead, the standard engine relies on an 8-speed automatic transmission for gear swaps, while the larger engine gets a 10-speed. The take rate for manual transmissions continues to fall, otherwise, you’d see one offered.

6. Feature-laden, as you would expect. Cadillac loads its vehicles with key features, including standard imitation leather seats, LED interior lighting, a premium audio package, and dual-zone climate control. Move away from the base model and leather seats arrive. On some models, you’ll find alloy pedals, a sport steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters, and a Bose audio system.

7. Advanced safety features, as you would expect. The name of the game with automakers these days is safety, as in driver-assist technologies. The base (Luxury) CT4 will offer an HD rear vision camera, but you’ll have to move up to the Premium Luxury, Sport, and V-Series models to gain everything else. These features include forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, a safety alert seat, rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, front park assist, adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, rear pedestrian alert, reverse automatic braking, and a head-up display.

Super Cruise and More

Cadillac says it will roll out its Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system sometime in the 2020 calendar year. Additional information, including pricing and release dates, will be offered later. We’ll also update our spec information at that time.

2020 Cadillac CT4 Specifications

Cadillac	2020 CT4
Segment	Compact Luxury Sedan
Price Range	TBD
Destination Charge	TBD
Engine No. 1	2.0-liter, twin-scroll turbo I4
Horsepower	237 @ 5000
Torque (lb.-ft.)	258 @ 1500 to 4000
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Engine No.2	2.7-liter, dual-volute turbo I4
Horsepower	309 @ 5,600 (premium luxury); 325 @ 5,600 (V-series)
Torque (lb.-ft.)	348 @ 1,800 (premium luxury); 380 @ 1800 (V-series)
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,461 to 3,616
Wheelbase (inches)	109.3
Length (inches)	187.2
Width (inches)	71.5
Height (inches)	56.0
Head room (f,r…inches)	38.3, 36.5
Legroom (f,r…inches)	42.4, 33.4
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	55.2, 53.9
Hip room (f,r…inches)	53.0, 52.5
Storage (cubic feet)	10.7
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Premium
Fuel Tank (gallons)	17.4
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	TBD
Manufacturing Plant	Lansing, Michigan

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

Photo copyright GM Company.

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

March 14, 2019 by admin

This 1960 Cadillac de Ville offers a classic design and a memorable name.

Remember when a Cadillac was easily identified by its model name? Among those vehicles, we had the Cadillac Eldorado, Coupe de Ville, Seville, and Escalade, with each one representing something distinct in our own minds.

Well, the traditional Cadillac naming convention was tossed in the early 2000s, as the Seville became the STS and the DeVille was renamed the DTS. Those changes brought a European-style nomenclature to GM’s luxury marque, aligning the brand with Germany’s finest, including Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

Naming Convention Theater

Once again, Cadillac plans to adjust its naming convention, something it already did a few years back when the previous three-letter nomenclature was replaced by a three-digit alphanumeric arrangement.

Thus, all utility vehicles, except for the Escalade, now begin with an XT, followed by a number (as in Cadillac XT4), while all car models are identified by a CT and are also followed by a number (as in Cadillac CT6).

The new arrangement will keep the current naming convention, but add a series of numbers, which will identify the engine, according to The Detroit News. As a result, the upcoming 2020 Cadillac XT6 has badging that’ll identify it as the Cadillac XT6 AWD 400. AWD, by the way, is for all-wheel drive.

The latter three-number designation explains the engine’s performance, although that number is rounded up. Perhaps of much more significance is that the new number is based on the engine’s torque as measured in newton-meters, not pound-feet. Torque represents an engine’s pulling power and is always mentioned after a vehicle’s horsepower, which is how we measure engine power at peak RPMs.

So, a Cadillac XT6 400 represents a model powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. How does the 400 designation fit in? Well, with metric the pound-feet becomes 373-newton meters, therefore Cadillac is simply rounding up as it badges this model.

From US Customary to Metric

Using newton-meters aligns Cadillac with the European style, with the latter based entirely on the metric system. It changes the current measuring arrangement, which blends the US customary (and imperial) measuring system with metric — engines are no longer measured in cubic feet, but in liters. Even so, most of a vehicle’s dimensions are measured in inches and feet, such as the wheelbase, a truck bed’s length, and interior legroom.

Oddly, just as Cadillac switches to newton meters, it is leaving the way it measures horsepower alone. Visit Cadillac’s media site and you’ll find two sets of numbers for horsepower. The second one measures it in kilowatts, thus 310 horsepower becomes 229 kilowatts. But that first number has no impact on badging. Only the torque does.

2016 Cadillac Escalade — The Cadillac Escalade is the lone model to escape the brand’s modern naming convention.

Here Come EVs

So, why the change? Is it simply to make our heads spin? According to GM, there is a method to this madness.

Indeed, there is. Like other automakers, GM is in the process of electrifying its fleet as it expands its EV offerings. Specifically, electric vehicles produce a tremendous amount of torque, a performance number GM will emphasize going forward.

That number will be fixed to the rear of its vehicles just as you’ll find the “400” label on the back of the XT6. Because engine displacement is not a factor with EVs, GM apparently believes it needs some way of easily identifying a performance number and affixing it to its electric-propulsion vehicles. Thus, it creates a common number that unifies its electric and non-electric offerings, and may aid in the transition from gas to electric.

Help Us, Please

GM believes that the expanded naming convention will assist consumers, while giving owners something to brag about.

At the same time, the change won’t cover every model. Thankfully, Cadillac’s performance V-Series will simply include the V as in the CT4-V. Oh, by the way, the CT4 will replace the current ATS sedan. Yes, yet another model name to remember.

GM Seeks to Breath New Life Into the Cadillac ATS

June 30, 2016 by admin 4 Comments

Cadillac’s BMW beater has fizzled.

Nearly four years have come and gone and the Cadillac ATS has failed to meet expectations. Once heralded as the first true small luxury car from GM’s luxury brand, the ATS was supposed to take it to the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Instead, Cadillac’s entry-level line has seen its sales slide every year since its introduction.

Two Engine Choices

For 2017, the ATS will return, but with some important changes. Chief among them is discontinuing the model’s current base 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, a normally aspirated power plant found in more pedestrian models such as the Chevrolet Malibu. That engine made 202 horsepower and 191 foot-pound of torque.

Cadillac will continue with the ATS’ other two engine choices — a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder and a normally aspirated V-6 displacing at 3.6 liters. The turbo makes 272 horsepower with an output of 295 foot-pounds of torque. The V-6 is rated at 335 horsepower and 285 foot-pounds of torque.

The turbo comes paired with either a 6-speed manual (rear-wheel drive only) or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 continues with the automatic only.

Combatting Declining Sales

Other changes will have everything to do with prices and trim packages. According to Automotive News, GM’s goal is to give the ATS more value without damaging residuals. Across the board, luxury car model sales have suffered extensively in the past year or two as consumers continue their wholesale shift to utility vehicles. Even the benchmark setting 3 Series has recorded double-digit declines.

With the turbo now the standard engine, the base price of the ATS will rise and come in slightly higher than the BMW. Instead of cutting prices, customers will find better-equipped models.

Indeed, the focal point of ATS’ group of advanced technologies is the Cadillac User Experience or CUE, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with advanced smartphone integration and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Beginning with 2017, these features are standard across the model line.

ATS and CTS Trim Levels

The ATS’ trim levels are also shuffled for 2017. Currently, customers can choose between Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium editions. For 2017 ATS, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Premium Performance trims are available. Other changes bring in a Carbon Black sport package, a pair of new exterior patinas, and new wheels.

Move up the product line one place and you’ll find the CTS. This model will also benefit from changes for 2017, including a new grille design upfront and an updated fascia at the rear marked by vertical exhaust orientation and valance panel modifications. Trim level changes accompany the 2017 CTS too — CTS, Luxury, Premium Luxury, V-Sport and V-Sport Premium. Cadillac says the changes are in line with what its two all-new models provide — the XT5 crossover and the CT6 sedan.

2017 Cadillac Line

For 2017, the Cadillac product line is composed of the following cars: ATS, CTS, XTS, and CT6. The ATS is composed of sedan and coupe models; the other three are sedans only. Both the ATS and CTS offer high-performance “V” lines. The plug-in hybrid electric ELR coupe has been discontinued.

As for utility vehicles, the XT5 replaces the previous SRX. The only other model is the Escalade, a model Auto Trends is currently evaluating and will publish a review next week.

Looking beyond the current models, a plug-in hybrid version of the CT6 sedan is in the works and will arrive in early 2017. Beyond that, any new models will be composed entirely of utility vehicles as Cadillac seeks to catch up with market changes as well as to match what its competitors are offering.

Turbo, V6 AWD Amplify Lexus RC Line

October 6, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Apparently, Lexus is listening to its customers. Toyota’s luxury brand, long a leader amongst premium marques, has been playing it relatively safe even as its European rivals continue to push the styling envelope along with a fun driving edge.

Operating within the careful confines of expertly crafted sedans and hybrids hasn’t hurt Lexus’ sales much, but it does mean that enthusiast shoppers haven’t had much to consider, especially amongst coupes. That’s begun to change as the Lexus RC line, including the performance RC F, represent an alternative to the likes of the BMW 4 Series and M4.

Introduced in 2015, the RC Coupe has made a satisfactory initial effort in the compact luxury category. But being “satisfactory” by no means is sufficient, particularly when you want to convince BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners to make the switch.

Second Year Updates

Beginning in 2016, some of the shortfalls inherent in the RC will be satisfied as a turbo four-cylinder engine is added to the product line as well as optional all-wheel drive with the V-6 engine. The only significant discrepancy remaining is a big one, namely a 6-speed manual transmission, and that’s one deficiency that will remain in place for at least another model year.

The new-to-the-RC engine is Lexus’ sole forced induction motor, introduced in 2015 in the all-new Lexus NX, a compact crossover SUV. It has since found its way to two other models: the IS 200t and the GS 200t. Yes, this model is known as the RC 200t.

The twin-scroll turbocharged inline four with an intercooler displaces at two liters and comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It makes 241 horsepower and throws down 258 foot-pounds of torque at 1,650 to 4,400 rpm. An F Sport trim level is available and offers optional orange brake calipers and a Limited Slip differential.

A Lexus RC 300 AWD model makes 255 horsepower and 236 foot-pounds of torque, and is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine. The engine, modified to handle all-wheel drive, comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Return of the RC 350

As before, the RC 350 leads the product line and is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine making 306 horsepower. It comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission along with a sports program direct shift to provide effortless acceleration, anticipated torque, and optimized fuel economy.

Like the 200t, a 350 RWD F Sport edition is available; this one comes with a standard adaptive variable transmission and an attainable Lexus Dynamic Handling system, which includes rear-wheel steering.

Pricing to be Announced Later

As important as these changes are for the RC, Lexus has not shared two very important bits of information about the 2016, including its release date and its base price. We do know that the 200t was developed to provide a lower cost gateway to the product line. Thus, a starting price of $39,995 seems reasonable. That’s about $500 more than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe (C250) and $1,500 below the base BMW 4 Series. Incidentally, the comparable Cadillac ATS Coupe is priced from $37,995.

As for the Lexus RC F, it returns for 2016 virtually unchanged, although the optional brake calipers available elsewhere can be had here. The RC F is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter, V-8 engine making 467 horsepower and 389 foot-pounds of torque. It comes paired with a close-ratio, eight-speed automatic transmission.

The RC F sits lower than the RC and is slightly wider and longer too. The sports car has a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. Auto Trends has reviewed both the RC F and the RC 350. We’ll share a 2016 model when soon after it completes its fleet visit later this year.

Photo copyright Lexus.

Grand Cadillac to be Built in Detroit

September 22, 2014 by admin 5 Comments

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.

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.

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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Swan Song: 2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe V-Series

May 14, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Chiseled sport luxury coupe gets a proper send off.

End of a production run:
2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe V-Series.

Say good-bye to the Cadillac CTS coupe. Or at least its current iteration.

The final model year for the current CTS coupe is 2015, a model that is one generation behind the sedan, itself updated for 2014. GM hasn’t said whether a new CTS coupe will follow in 2016 although we do know that the smaller ATS coupe will join the Cadillac line and most likely will replace the CTS coupe.

2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe V-Series

To mark its final year, Cadillac plans to produce a limited edition run of 500 V-Series models during the second half of this year. The special edition model will be outfitted with several enhancements including a dark finish V grille, satin granite wheels and red brake calipers.

Several exterior colors will be offered including Crystal White, Black Diamond ($995) and Phantom Gray. Priced from $72,195, including a $995 destination charge and $1,300 gas guzzler tax, the special edition CTS Coupe V-Series is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine paired with the customer’s choice of a 6-speed TREMEC manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Supercharged V-8 Engine

The supercharged engine makes 556 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 551 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. This 16-valve cast aluminum engine is outfitted with a 1.9-liter supercharger with intercooler and sequential fuel injection. Premium grade gasoline is required.

The V-Series is 2+2 rear-wheel drive coupe fitted with front and rear stabilizer bars and Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks. Power-assisted rack and pinion steering, four-channel stability control with brake assist and four-wheel Brembo disc brakes are included.

Inside, the final run of the V-Series will feature an ebony interior with contrasting red stitching, Recaro brand performance seats, metal pedals, Midnight Sapele wood trim, and a microfiber suede-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Other standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, power accessories, a rear vision camera, navigation system, heated front seats and an available sunroof ($700).

Next Generation V-Series

Even as Cadillac closes the chapter on the current run of CTS coupes, it is working on a next generation of models to follow. Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac, noted: “The special edition is a stepping stone to the next-generation V-Series, which will move to the next level with more dynamic design and technical sophistication.”

Auto Trends believes that the future CTS line will be composed of sedans only, with the coupe migrating to the ATS. The CTS wagon will also disappear, most likely replaced by an ATS model. These changes would align the ATS to compete more effectively with the BMW 3/4 Series, a family of smaller executive cars.

Through April, Cadillac sales are down 4.4 percent over last year. April sales, however, rose by 5.1 percent with the CTS line leading the way. CTS sales were up 36.4 percent for the month and are up by 6.5 percent for the year. Cadillac should see a sales boost as the year moves forward with two all-new models slated to debut: the ATS Coupe and its full-size Escalade sport utility vehicle.

Beyond 2015, Cadillac will update the SRX and its ELR hybrid. Likely, it will keep its large XTS sedan and may supplement its product line with a full-size sedan to take on the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and the Audi A8. Another option is to make its Cadillac Elmiraj concept a reduction reality.

Additional Cadillac News and Reviews

Cadillac ELR: 2+2 Luxury PHEV Coupe

Sleek Cadillac ATS Coupe Takes on Germany’s Best

Road Tripping With the 2014 Cadillac XTS VSport AWD Platinum

Bling it On: 2015 Cadillac Escalade

3 All-New Models for the Big Three in 2015

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

IHS: Head-Up Display Demand Set to Surge

July 8, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Head-up display, sometimes referred as heads-up display (HUD), has been rolling out across the auto industry: first with luxury vehicles and now to family cars. IHS, the automotive research firm, expects a seven-fold increase in HUD-equipped cars worldwide, bringing 2012’s 1.2 million units to 9.1 million units in 2020.

A head-up display in a GMC Acadia Denali.

Head-Up Display Technology

HUD systems provide important driver information such as speed, turn directions and in some cases road hazards on the vehicle’s windshield. The information appears to be floating above the hood and is located directly within the driver’s line of sight. It is believed that HUD reduces driver distraction as drivers do not have to veer their eyes to the instrument gauge or to the center stack to review certain information.

“Projecting an image that floats about 2.5 meters, or 7.5 feet, in front of motorists’ eyes, HUDs are the optimal display technology for cars—with studies having shown that this distance delivers the fastest response time for viewers,” said Ben Scott, technology solutions analyst for IHS Automotive. “Apart from showing speed and warning signals, HUDs are perfectly suited for displaying navigation information or advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) data, allowing drivers to access critical material while keeping their eyes on the road.”

Military Jet Origin

HUD technology is not new — it began to appear in military jets in the 1960s and in the first passenger vehicles in the late 1980s. But, the technology is expensive, adding more than $1,000 to the cost of vehicles equipped with HUD.

HUD units access information from a vehicle’s GPS system, with some systems enabling the driver to display a map, turn-by-turn directions and traffic information on a car’s windshield. Even advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can be incorporated, including blind-spot detection warnings. Some systems include tire pressure, oil level and incoming phone call notification, and are integrated with adaptive cruise control to notify drivers when they’re too close to the vehicle in front of them. Eventually, the IHS notes that HUD systems may occupy the entire windshield to present an “augmented reality” view to the driver. Advanced features such as pedestrian warning, blind-spot detection or night vision might eventually span the breadth of the windshield.

For $1,300 you can have a head-up display in your M6.

Auto Trends recently had access to a BMW M6 Coupe, a $123,000 model that offered HUD, but as a $1,300 included option. BMW’s HUD display provides local speed limit information and marries that to the vehicle’s speed. An advanced function can also be accessed, one that shows tachometer and gear position information.

GMC Denali HUD

GM has been touting its own head-up display technology, including what is offered in the GMC Acadia Denali. The Denali HUD arrangement includes vehicle speed, tachometer, turn signal gauges and radio information. Drivers can customize the Denali’s HUD or turn it off.

GM is also working on an advanced head-up display system, much like the futuristic systems that IHS envisions. A future HUD system might gather data from vehicle sensors and cameras, and “project images generated by compact ultra violet lasers directly onto the entire surface of the windshield.” The technology might also help drivers stay on course when thick fog is present by outlining the edge of the road.

Industry Suppliers and Models

Ford Fusion head-up display. Among the top suppliers of head-up display technology are Johnson Control, Continental, Delphi, Denso and Nippon Seiki. Various HUD displays are available today including in the Lexus RX350, the Audi A7 Sportback, Ford Fusion, Cadillac ATS and the BMW 7-Series. Not all manufacturers have jumped in, but HUD units may soon become an important purchase consideration for consumers especially as prices begin to fall.

Cadillac ATS at the Heart of Brand Revival

February 7, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

GM has made much progress in recent years to elevate its Cadillac brand back into luxury segment relevancy. Those changes began to kick in as far back as 2007 when the second-generation CTS made its debut. That sedan was followed by wagon and coupe body styles, a new SRX crossover and, most recently, the ATS sedan.

Cadillac ATS

The Cadillac ATS is a shining star for the brand, much in the same way that the CTS has always been. Last November, Auto Trends reported that the compact luxury sedans conquest rate was 70 percent, meaning seven out of 10 ATS buyers were new to Cadillac.

At the beginning of this month as GM released its Jan. 2013 US sales data, we learned that Cadillac ATS sales rose by 47 percent over December. Moreover, in January Cadillac had its best retail sales month in 23 years. GM also estimates that Cadillac market share increased by 3 points, for the largest increase of any luxury make.

See Also — Introducing the All-New Cadillac CT4

Retail Sales

Key for Cadillac is that it is relying much less on fleet sales and much more on customer sales. Fleet sales can push up the volume while also pushing down profits. Some 94 percent of Cadillacs sold last month went to individuals, just the sort of change GM has been striving to achieve for years.

Also selling well for Cadillac is its SRX crossover, a second-generation model that was refreshed and gained technological updates for the 2013 model year. This small crossover has been a delightful surprise for Cadillac, in a segment that continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Indeed, that is the reason why Lincoln fielded the MKC Concept this year: Ford wants in on the fastest-growing luxury vehicle segment.

New Cadillac Models

Two new models are slated to be released later this year and early next year. The third-generation CTS will arrive in the fall, a sedan. When pressed recently by this writer to reveal what plans that the brand has for the CTS line, a Cadillac spokesman was expectantly tight-lipped. However, Auto Trends believes that the Cadillac CTS will lose either its coupe or wagon body styles, with the ATS gaining at least one of these models in subsequent years.

The second model to be released this year will be the Cadillac ELR, a spectacular looking plug-in hybrid electric coupe that may prove to be the surprise halo product for the Cadillac brand. GM may only sell a few thousand copies annually, but then that alone may be enough.

Brand Analysis

With Cadillac selling more cars and therefore proving more profitable, GM is proving that its over-reliance on full-size pickup trucks will continue to shrink. Cadillac is adding new models and with an updated Escalade and a larger crossover in the works, GM will have Cadillac better positioned to take on Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, BMW and Audi, brands that will pose the biggest challenge for it through the remainder of this decade.

Semi-Autonomous Cadillac Possible by 2015

April 25, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

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.

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.