2013 Cadillac ATS revealed

The just-unveiled Cadillac ATS compact sports saloon has an important job to do for the brand.



As Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac, says, “the ATS aims to change the status quo of the European-dominated segment.” And that means it’ll have to steal customers from the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4... not an easy task.



The new arrival could also allow Cadillac to re-launch itself in Europe with a credible product offering. Apparently, it has been engineered to accommodate a diesel engine (although for North America three petrol engines will initially be available), and there’s even the possibility of a right-hand drive version.

Based on an all-new platform, the ATS is claimed to offer superior driving dynamics combined with lightness. Certainly, a kerb weight of less than 1,542 kg (3,400 pounds) is similar to the latest generation BMW 3 Series, and a 51% front / 49% rear mass distribution should help the car’s handling prowess. Buyers will have a choice of either rear- or all-wheel drive drivetrains.



The styling represents the latest interpretation of Cadillac’s ‘Art and Science’ design language, typified by taut, angular bodywork and strong vertical light clusters front and rear. It works well, and the long wheelbase and wide tracks give the ATS pleasing proportions.



While an on-sale date and pricing have yet to be confirmed, Cadillac has announced that as well as a standard version, the ATS will be available with Luxury, Performance and Premium Collection trim packs.

2013 Cadillac ATS - Preliminary Technical Specifications
Body
Type	4-door luxury sport sedan
EPA vehicle class	Small car
Construction	Unitised welded steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension
Drivetrain	Rear- or all-wheel drive
Engines
2.0 litre turbo DI VVT
Displacement	1,998 cc (122 cu. in.)
Bore and stroke	86 x 86 mm (3.39 x 3.39 in.)
Block material	Cast aluminium
Cylinder material	Cast aluminium
Valvegear	DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Fuel delivery	Direct high-pressure fuel injection
Compression ratio	9.2:1
Power	270 bhp (201 kW / 273 PS) @ 5,300 rpm (est.)
Torque	353 Nm (260 lb/ft) @ 2,400 rpm (est.)
Maximum engine speed	7,000 rpm
Recommended fuel	Premium unleaded recommended but not required
Estimated fuel economy	TBD
2.5 litre I-4 DI VVT
Displacement	2,457 cc (150 cu. in.)
Bore and stroke	88 x 101 mm (3.46 x 3.97 in.)
Block material	Cast aluminium
Cylinder material	Cast aluminium
Valvegear	DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Fuel delivery	Direct high-pressure fuel injection
Compression ratio	11.4:1
Power	200 bhp (149 kW / 202 PS) @ 6,200 rpm (est.)
Torque	255 Nm (188 lb/ft) @ 4,500 rpm (est.)
Maximum engine speed	7,000 rpm
Recommended fuel	Regular unleaded
Estimated fuel economy	TBD
3.6 litre V-6 DI VVT
Displacement	3,564 cc (217 cu. in.)
Bore and stroke	94 x 85.6 mm (3.7 x 3.37 in.)
Block material	Cast aluminium
Cylinder material	Cast aluminium
Valvegear	DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Fuel delivery	Direct high-pressure fuel injection
Compression ratio	11.5:1
Power	320 bhp (238 kW / 324 PS) @ 6,800 rpm (est.)
Torque	362 Nm (267 lb/ft) @ 4,900 rpm (est.)
Maximum engine speed	7,200 rpm
Recommended fuel	Regular unleaded or E85
Estimated fuel economy	TBD
Transmissions
Tremec M3L TR3160
Type	Fully synchronized six-speed manual with single overdrive
Gear ratios (:1)	First: 4.12; second: 2.62; third: 1.81; fourth: 1.30; fifth: 1.00; sixth: 0.80; reverse: 3.75
Final drive ratio	3.27
Hydra-Matic 6L45
Type	Six-speed, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch
Gear ratios (:1)	First: 4.06; second: 2.37; third: 1.55; fourth: 1.16; fifth: 0.85; sixth: 0.67; reverse: 3.20
Final drive ratio	3.27 (2.5L, 3.6L); 3.45 (2.0T)
Chassis
Differential	Open (FE2 suspension); mechanical limited-slip (FE3 suspension)
Front suspension	MacPherson-type with dual lower ball joints and direct-acting stabilizer bar; Magnetic Ride Control (FE3)
Rear suspension	Independent five-link with monotube shock absorbers; Magnetic Ride Control (FE3)
Steering type	ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable assist
Steering ratio	FE2: 16.8:1; FE3: 15.3:1
Steering turns, lock-to-lock	FE2: 3.16; FE3: 2.86
Turning circle	FE2 RWD: 11.09 m / 36.38 ft; FE3 RWD: 10.97 m / 35.99 ft; FE2 AWD: 11.60 m / 38.05 ft
Chassis control	Four-channel StabiliTrak with brake assist and traction control
Brakes
Type	Four-wheel disc with sliding calipers on base; four-channel ABS/TCS with DRP; Brembo brakes with fixed calipers on Luxury, Performance and Premium collections
Disc treatment	Ferritic Nitro Carbunized process for corrosion resistance
Disc size and thickness, standard	Front 300 x 26 mm (11.8 x 1.02 in.); rear 315 x 23 mm (12.4 x 0.90 in.)
Disc size and thickness, up-level	Front 321 x 30 mm (12.6 x 1.18 in.); rear 315 x 23 mm (12.4 x 0.90 in.)
Wheels / Tyres
Wheel sizes and types	17 x 8-inch aluminium (painted); 17 x 8-inch aluminium (polished); 18 x 8-inch aluminium (machined-face); 18 x 8-inch aluminium (polished)
Tyre sizes and types	P225/45R17 90H all-season; P225/45R17 90V run-flat all-season; 225/40R18 92V run-flat all-season; 225/40R18 88W / 255/35R18 90W run-flat summer-only; 225/35ZR19 88Y / 255/30ZR19 91Y run-flat all-season (LPO)
Exterior dimensions
Wheelbase	2,775 mm (109.3 in.)
Length	4,643 mm (182.8 in.)
Height	1,421 mm (55.9 in.)
Width	1,805 mm (71.1 in.)
Track	Front 1,512 mm (59.5 in.); rear 1,548 mm (60.9 in.)
Approx. curb weight	Less than 1,542 kg (3,400 lb)
Weight distribution	51 % front / 49 % rear
Interior dimensions
Legroom	Front 1,079 mm (42.5 in.); rear 851 mm (33.5 in.)
Headroom	Front 980 mm (38.6 in.); rear 935 mm (36.8 in.)
Shoulder room	Front 1,345 mm (55.2 in.); rear 1,370 mm (53.9 in.)
Hip room	Front 1,345 mm (53.0 in.); rear 1,328 mm (52.3 in.)
Seating capacity	2 front / 3 rear
EPA passenger volume	2,573 litres (90.9 cu. ft.)
EPA trunk volume	290 litres (10.2 cu. ft.)
Capacities
Trailer towing maximum	454 kg (1,000 lb) (3.6L)
Fuel tank	60.5 litres (16 US gallons)
Engine oil	TBD
Cooling system	2.0T 7.7 litres (8.1 qt.); 2.5L 6.7 litres (7.1 qt.); 3.6L 10.4 litres (11.0 qt.)

Images © GM Company.



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Escalade security improves

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Cadillac Escalade doesn’t make the top ten list of most stolen vehicles in the United States.



However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the big SUV isn’t an attractive target for criminal types, so Cadillac has decided to upgrade the Escalade’s security features for 2012.



The improvements include a strengthened steering column lock, an alarm-linked inclination sensor to detect when the vehicle is being towed or lifted, the PASS Key 3+ ignition key encryption system, better wheel locks and a shock sensor that reacts to sudden movements, for instance when a window is smashed.

All useful items then, even if it’s a bit surprising that such basic measures aren’t already fitted to the Escalade.



And the thieves’ favourite? That’ll be the 1994 Honda Accord:

Top 10: Most Stolen Vehicles in the United States
Position	Model
1	1994 Honda Accord
2	1995 Honda Civic
3	1991 Toyota Camry
4	1999 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
5	1997 Ford F150 Series / Pickup
6	2004 Dodge Ram
7	2000 Dodge Caravan
8	1994 Acura Integra
9	2002 Ford Explorer
10	1999 Ford Taurus
Data from the 2010 National Insurance Crime Bureau Hot Wheels report.

Image © GM Company.



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2013 Cadillac XTS revealed
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2013 Cadillac XTS revealed

The all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS has been unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.



Designed to sit above the CTS in Cadillac’s line-up, the XTS replaces both the STS and full-size DTS models. The focus may be very much on luxury and interior space, but the XTS also boasts some advanced technology.

2013 Cadillac XTS.

Scroll down for more images and technical specifications.

Magnetic Ride Control, for example, comes fitted as standard. Unlike conventional dampers, the shock absorbers are filled with a magneto-rheological fluid that contains minute iron particles. By applying a magnetic charge to these, the damping characteristics can be adjusted every five milliseconds in response to changing road surface conditions.



The chassis also features rear air suspension and a HiPer Strut set-up for the front. One of the claimed advantages of the latter is reduced torque-steer, which could be useful as the XTS is front-wheel drive (although a Haldex all-wheel drive system with electronically-controlled limited slip differential will also be offered).



For the time being at least, the only engine option is a direct injection 300 bhp (224 kW / 304 PS) 3.6 litre V6 that’s connected to a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers switching from the STS might miss their V8, but the XTS drivetrain promises to be much more efficient.



On the inside, the highlight is a new control system called CUE. Based around an eight-inch dashboard screen, it’s designed to respond to touch, voice and even gestures. One benefit is a less cluttered fascia, and consequently the centre stack has only seven buttons. Also available will be a 12.3” configurable display that allows the driver to select one of four themes.



Production of the 2013 Cadillac XTS is planned to commence during spring 2012. Pricing has yet to be announced.

2013 Cadillac XTS - Preliminary Technical Specifications
Body
Style	Four-door, five-passenger sedan
EPA vehicle class	Full-size sedan
Engine
Type	3.6 litre V6 VVT DI
Displacement	217 cu in / 3,564 cc
Bore and stroke	3.70 x 3.37 in / 94.0 x 85.6 mm
Block material	Aluminium
Cylinder head material	Cast aluminium
Valve gear	DOHC with four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing
Ignition system	Individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control
Fuel delivery	Direct injection
Compression ratio	11.5:1
Power	300 bhp (224 kW / 304 PS) @ 6,800 rpm (est.)
Torque	358 Nm (264 lb/ft) @ 5,300 rpm (est.)
Fuel	Regular unleaded
Emissions controls	Dual close-coupled catalysts and single under-floor catalyst; variable valve timing; evaporative system
Est. fuel economy FWD City	17 mpg US (20.4 mpg Imp. / 13.8 l/100km)
Est. fuel economy FWD Highway	28 mpg US (33.6 mpg Imp. / 8.4 l/100km)
Est. fuel economy AWD City	17 mpg US (20.4 mpg Imp. / 13.8 l/100km)
Est. fuel economy AWD Highway	27 mpg US (32.4 mpg Imp. / 8.7 l/100km)
Transmission
Type	Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic
Gear ratios (:1)	First 4.48; Second 2.87; Third 1.84; Fourth 1.41; Fifth 1.00; Sixth 0.74; Reverse 2.88
Final drive ratio	2.77
Chassis
Front suspension	HiPer strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; monotube Magnetic Ride Control struts
Rear suspension	Linked ‘H’-arm with air shocks and Magnetic Ride Control
Steering type	Hydraulic power; variable-effort rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio	15.3
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock	2.64
Turning circle	38.7 ft /11.8 m
Brakes
Type	Split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist
Disc diameter x thickness front	13.6 x 1.2 in / 345 x 20 mm (vented)
Disc diameter x thickness rear	12.4 x 0.9 in / 315 x 23 mm (solid)
Wheels and Tyres
Wheel size and type	19” painted aluminium with chrome inserts; 19” polished aluminium; 20” premium-painted aluminium; 20” polished aluminium with chrome inserts
Tyre size	P245/45R19 all-season blackwall; P245/40R20 all-season blackwall
Exterior dimensions
Wheelbase	111.7 in / 2,837 mm
Overall length	202.0 in / 5,131 mm
Overall width	72.9 in / 1,851 mm
Overall height	59.1 in / 1,501 mm
Track front	61.7 in / 1,567 mm
Track rear	62.0 in / 1,576 mm
Curb weight	FWD 3,995 lb / 1,812 kg; AWD 4,180 lb / 1,896 kg
Trailer towing maximum	1,000 lb / 454 kg
Interior dimensions
Seating capacity	5 (2 front / 3 rear)
Headroom front	39.0 in / 990 mm
Headroom rear	37.8 in / 960 mm
Legroom front	42.1 in / 1,069 mm
Legroom rear	40.0 in / 1,016 mm
Shoulder room front	57.9 in / 1,470 mm
Shoulder room rear	56.3 in / 1,430 mm
Hip room front	55.1 in / 1,400 mm
Hip room rear	54.3 in / 1,379 mm
EPA interior volume	122.2 cu ft / 3,458 litres
Passenger volume	104.2 cu ft / 2,949 litres
Cargo volume	18 cu ft / 509 litres
Fuel capacity FWD	18.6 gal. / 70.5 litres
Fuel capacity AWD	19.5 gal / 74.0 litres

Images © GM Corp.



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Cadillac confirms ELR
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Cadillac confirms ELR

Cadillac has announced that its striking Converj Concept will make it into production.



To be known as ELR - in line with the marque’s three-letter model naming convention - the 2+2 coupé will feature range-extender technology similar to that used in the Chevrolet Volt.

It’s still too early in the development process for even any provisional performance or efficiency data, though. Indeed, all Cadillac is saying for now is that the basic configuration will comprise a four-cylinder engine / generator, an electric drive unit and a large under-floor T-shaped lithium ion battery pack.



As with the Volt, electricity will be the primary propulsion source, with the internal combustion engine kicking in when the battery’s charge runs low.

Images © GM Corp.



Related post:

Cadillac teases ATS

Cadillac teases ATS

Cadillac has released a sketch of its upcoming compact executive car, which currently carries the ATS codename.

Due for a production start in summer 2012 with market launches soon after, Cadillac clearly has high expectations of the new model.



Mark Reuss, General Motors North America President, said: “The car we codenamed ATS is being developed to be a driver's car on an all-new Cadillac-specific RWD-AWD architecture. We have extensively and exhaustively studied the competitive segment, and we have benchmarked the best. And when this car comes out, that will be readily apparent.”



So the ATS is going to have established rivals such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS firmly in its sights. Cadillac hasn’t yet said whether the new arrival is to be sold in Europe but, if the ATS does come here, it’ll certainly need to make more of an impact than its predecessor, the exceptionally unpopular Saab 9-3-based BLS.



Related post:

Cadillac back in Europe

Black Diamond Cadillacs

There’s currently a growing trend for matte black finishes on cars. Cadillac, however, has gone in totally the opposite direction for its CTS-V Black Diamond Edition.

Available in Sedan, Coupe and Wagon guises, this special edition’s distinctive feature is its tri-coat black paint which is embedded with a silver pigment called SpectraFlair. Uniquely, SpectraFlair contains aluminium flakes encased in magnesium fluoride that give a more glitzy appearance than ordinary metallic paints would.

As standard, the CTS-V comes with a 6.2 litre supercharged V8 that produces 556 bhp (414 kW / 563 PS). To complement that engine, the Black Diamond Edition also includes additional performance-orientated specification.



On the inside, there are leather Recaro seats with micro-fibre suede inserts, while the dashboard gets Midnight Sapele wood trim. Externally, 19” Satin Graphite wheels are fitted, behind which are yellow Brembo brake calipers.



Available in the US from March onwards, the CTS-V Black Diamond Edition has an MSRP (including destination charges) of $69,190 for the six-speed manual, or $70,490 if automatic transmission is chosen.



Images © GM Corp.

World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year

• Audi A1


• Audi A8


• BMW 5 Series


• BMW X3


• Jaguar XJ


• Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Nissan Leaf


• Porsche Cayenne


• Volvo S60 / V60

Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.

The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car

• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi RS 5 Coupe


• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


• Ferrari 458 Italia


• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


• Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Porsche 911 GT2 RS


• Porsche 911 Turbo


• Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250

This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi A7


• Citroën DS3


• Ferrari 458


• Honda CR-Z


• Kia Sportage


• Nissan Juke

There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.

On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition


• Chevrolet Volt


• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid


• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell


• Nissan Leaf


• Smart electric drive

Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.

Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.

Cadillac drops turbo SRX

Cadillac is discontinuing the turbo versions of its SRX crossover, due to low demand.

Dropping the 300 bhp (223 kW / 304 PS) 2.8 litre V6 turbo motor means that the only engine now available for the SRX is a normally aspirated 3.0 litre V6, which produces 265 bhp (197 kW / 268 PS).



The reason for dropping the more powerful option can’t be because buyers are put off by its fuel consumption. Indeed, the EPA Highway rating of 22 mpg US (26.4 mpg UK / 10.6 l/100km) for the SRX turbo is barely any worse than the 23 mpg US (27.6 mpg UK / 10.2 l/100km) recorded by the 3.0 litre V6 with all-wheel drive.

Rather, it seems that Cadillac got the pricing wrong. Whereas the base non-turbo version with front-wheel drive has a price tag of $34,705 (including destination charges), the cheapest turbo SRX costs $50,790 - almost 50% more.



It’s unclear how this move will affect the forthcoming Saab 9-4X. Due to be launched in North America during May 2011, the 9-4X is based on the SRX and was going to share its engine line-up.



Images © GM Corp.



Related post:

Saab 9-4X unveiled

2010 Cadillac SRX Price

The 2010 SRX will begin production in Summer 2009 to be sold as a 2010 model, and will have a starting price of $34,155.


at the 2010 Cadillac SRX

2010 Cadillac SRX

2010 Cadillac SRX front angle

2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T: First

2010 Cadillac SRX Photo

Sales of the 2010 Cadillac SRX

of the 2010 Cadillac SRX,

The 2010 SRX builds on

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Marketing

The success of the CTS has been attributed in part to the car's placement in the 2003 sci-fi action thriller The Matrix Reloaded. The producers of the film were seeking a car to use for a chase scene in the film, and sought a car that would complement the film's atmosphere.



2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
General Motors suggested the then-unreleased CTS to the filmmakers, who accepted; ten prototypes damaged to different extents were used to represent the film's star car, a silver CTS.
2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Awards

In its first year of production, the CTS received the 2002 North American Car of the Year award.
The 2008 CTS won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award, and was selected to Car and Driver's 10Best Cars list.
In 2009, the CTS became the first Cadillac to be named to the Car and Driver 10 Best list for a second consecutive year.
The 2010 CTS was named to the Car and Driver 10 best list for a third consecutive year with the headline "Maybe the best American car ever made".


2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon:

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon sees

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

“The CTS Sport Wagon is an

First Look: 2010 Cadillac CTS

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport

Cadillac SRX Engines

Model Years Type Power, torque@rpm
V6 VVT 2009–present 3.0L V6 265 bhp (198 kW)@6950, 223 lb·ft (302 N·m)@5100
V6 Turbo 2009–present 2.8L V6 turbo 300 bhp (220 kW)@5500, 295 lb·ft (400 N·m)@1850




2008 Cadillac SRX photos

SEE ALSO: Cadillac Prices and

2010 Cadillac SRX Grows Up

2010 Cadillac SRX

2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover

Cadillac SRX Owners Manual

cadillac-srx-2010-leaked-

of the 2010 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac SRX Sport

2010 Cadillac SRX: First Drive