cadillac

It's a wagon-apolooza at the New York auto show

NEW YORK--Gearheads appreciate a good wagon, but they've been in short supply for decades. That sad fact seems to be changing, as four new wagons launched at the 2010 New York auto show. Ranging from a badass hauler to an economy hatchback, these wagons all feature good cabin tech and a whole lot of cargo space, without having to sit up at SUV height.

Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon Cadillac continues to expand the CTS lineup, having previously launched a sedan and coupe. And, as each one of those models got a high performance V model, so does the Sport … Read more

Cadillac CTS Coupe inspires iPad App

Cadillac and Cool Hunting today announced the launch of a new application for the upcoming Apple iPad. The application features exclusive content designed inspired by the all-new 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe.

The free Cool Hunting iPad app features content optimized for the iPad and will be available on April 3 in Apple's App Store. For the next 12 weeks, the app will also include exclusive Cool Hunting coverage inspired by the CTS Coupe's design and performance.

The 2011 CTS Coupe, available this summer, includes a 304 horsepower direct-injection engine that, according to Cadillac, reduces emissions.

Cadillac may gain future rear-drive hybrids

DETROIT -- General Motors Co.'s Two Mode hybrid powertrain, used only in trucks, will migrate to rear-drive cars in the next generation, said Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman of global product operations.

Last month GM said it is developing an electric motor that is 25 percent smaller and 20 percent more powerful than the motor used in today's Two Mode hybrid full-sized trucks. The new motor will debut in 2013 in GM's next-generation, full-sized trucks. "The new motor will be lighter. It will be more affordable," said Stephens. Because of the smaller size, he … Read more

Luxury's new look: Smaller and more practical

Five years ago, you knew what a luxury vehicle was.

It might have been a Mercedes-Benz S600 with a V-12 under the hood, or a Porsche Carrera S boasting 355 horsepower, or a massive, bling-dripping Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum.

Different as they were, those vehicles all displayed look-at-me styling, maximum horsepower, and a sense of self-reward. Fuel economy was an afterthought. The overall rating on the Escalade, for instance, was 13 mpg.

But a deflated economy and rising green consciousness are changing the definition of luxury. In the new era of inconspicuous consumption, rational factors play a greater role in purchasing decisions, brand executives say.

Luxury brands need new selling points to bring hesitant buyers into showrooms--and social correctness is a big factor. Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America, says sales of high-end luxury cars such as the Audi A8, BMW 7 series, and Mercedes-Benz S class have been hit especially hard.

For example, sales of the Lexus LS fell 44 percent in 2009. The Mercedes S class dropped 37 percent. BMW's 7 series and Audi's A8/S8 also posted big declines. "Those customers are the very people who are heading up corporations and small businesses, who are having to make tough decisions," de Nysschen says. "They might have the means, but it's just socially not the right time." … Read more

2010 North American International Auto Show's highlight reel

Normally I don't do things this way in this blog, but I figured what the heck--let's change horses midstream and take a look at some of the vehicles presented at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. With that in mind, I present you with today's Web video blog post--a short but sweet look at some of the noteworthy cars presented for knowledge and viewing pleasure at this year's event in Detroit.

What we have here today is another brief but informative video produced by the good folks at Inside Line that gives viewers a snapshot … Read more

Pause-and-play radio trickles down to Buick Regal, Chevy Cruze

Pause-and-play radio is a neat feature built into a few high-end General Motors models, such as the Cadillac CTS and SRX. According the GM, the Buick Regal and the budget-priced Chevy Cruze will be joining the ranks of vehicles that can benefit from this option. Pause-and-play allows you to pause live radio (AM, FM, or XM Satellite radio) for up to 20 minutes and resume playback later--sort of like a TiVo for cars.

The system even works when a vehicle is turned off. For example, if you're listening to your favorite talk radio program during your commute to work, … Read more

Dynamic duo of American muscle

DETROIT--The 2011 Ford Mustang GT and the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe may be an unlikely pair, but they were two great examples of American muscle at the 2010 Detroit auto show. The Mustang borrows looks from the past, but the CTS-V Coupe is something completely new.

Both are bruisers, the Mustang GT's new 5-liter V-8 making 412 horsepower, while the CTS-V Coupe's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 puts out 556 horsepower. The Mustang GT looks blue collar, while the CTS-V Coupe has a hint of European sophistication. And each delivers blistering performance.

Each car can also hold its own … Read more

Cadillac's XTS Platinum concept follows in Lexus' footsteps

DETROIT--Cadillac's latest concept, the XTS Platinum, looks like an attempt to compete directly with the Lexus LS 600h. Both cars have a hybrid power train, luxury interiors, LED headlights, and all-wheel-drive. If Cadillac brings the XTS to production, its competition will be ready and waiting.

One of Cadillac's stated reasons for building the XTS Platinum is to showcase its Platinum label, previously used for a special edition of the Escalade. Cadillac's Platinum cars get hand-built coachwork, with fine leather, wood, and metal. Given the European cars with which Cadillac wants to compete, this level of luxury is … Read more

Detroit show: An electric cavalcade

DETROIT -- With federal mileage standards rising, automakers next week will show a fresh group of fuel-efficient vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Ford will unveil the redesigned production Focus, and Honda will show the production version of the CR-Z hybrid hatchback. Toyota and Volkswagen will roll out hybrid concepts; Audi, BMW and Fiat will display electric concepts.

Show organizers are arranging various electric cars, including one from China's BYD Auto, in a space on the show floor called Electric Avenue.

But high performance will get its due. Judging by vehicles at the show, performance … Read more