F O R OVER 100 YEARS, CADILLAC HAS BEEN THE AUTOMOTIVE REPRESENTATION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM. A ROLLING HIGH FIVE. A TANGIBLE SYMBOL OF SUCCESS. BUILT FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW THAT HERE, IN THIS COUNTRY, IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOU CAME F ROM. IT ONLY MATTERS HOW FAR YOU WANT TO GO. AND HOW FAST YOU WANT TO GET THERE. IT’S AN OPEN ROAD, DRIVEN BY THOSE WHO HAVE THE COURAGE TO CHASE THE DREAM, CATCH IT AND LET IT GO. SO THEY CAN CHASE AN EVEN BIGGER ONE. BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT. THE PURSUIT.
I actually ‘got’ the “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit” campaign. Unfortunately not enough people resonated with it.
The V-Series is the pinnacle of Cadillac performance luxury engineering. Relentlessly tested on Germany’s notorious Nürburgring racing circuit, the XLR-V and STS-V are engineered to deliver both adrenaline-pumping high-performance driving experiences, and the level of luxury required when endorphins are not on the menu. With each offering 440+ horsepower, track-tuned suspension systems, high-performance braking systems, traction-control technology, stiff chassis, top speeds of over 150 miles per hour on the track and luxury amenities that rival any world-class sedan, manning the cockpit of either of these vehicles is a transporting experience in so many ways.
Cadillac puts every performance item they have available into the V-Series. Or rather every item that would make that automobile better on a track, and better for touring. Why search out and buy a V-Series Cadillac? Because these are the ultimate examples of performance without compromise.
PLEASE BE SEATED.
Every STS-V interior is as unique and luxurious as the supple natural leather trim that covers it. Hand-wrapped top-grain leather seating surfaces bring a luxe feel into the cockpit, while perforated sueded-fabric inserts help keep you firmly in place during sharp turns and quick maneuvers. Olive ash burl wood and kinetic aluminum accents round out the handsome performance-oriented driver’s cockpit. Air bag seams on the passenger instrument panel are virtually undetectable. Ergonomically positioned controls and instrumentation were specifically designed to communicate driver information quickly and clearly while maximizing driver focus. This is demonstrated in the Head-Up Display, which projects a digital image of your vital stats right on to the windshield, so you can keep your eyes focused on the road. Lane Departure Warning is a helpful feature that will alert you audibly and visually if you stray from your lane and Side Blind Zone Alert can notify you with visual cues if it detects a vehicle entering into your blind spots.
The STS-V entered production in 2006, and closed out production in 2009.
THE BALANCE OF POWER.
When you’re talking about 469 hp, you want to make sure all that muscle is put to its best possible use. So Cadillac engineers created a balance of power in the STS-V that does just that. Externally, an elevated rearward-positioned spoiler creates balanced, road-gripping downforce. Structurally, an optimized low center of mass improves weight geometry, while 18-inch front wheels ensure accurate steering and 19-inch rear wheels deliver abundant power transfer. Expansive stabilizer bars and muscular spring rates harness massive braking and cornering forces. And corresponding to its substantial horsepower and torque, the driver-selectable four-mode StabiliTrak stability control system has been tuned to provide an exceptional degree of control in even the most demanding situations.
One of my favorite touches is that the exhaust manifolds were extrude honed for better flow. One does not do that on a production item casually, but only with purpose — to make the most power possible out of a 4.4L supercharged V8.
With the arrival of the new CTS-V in 2009 with a 556 Hp Supercharged 6.2L V8, the 469 hp Supercharged 4.4L DOHC V8 in the STS-V was no longer the most powerful Cadillac ever made. Certainly it continues as one expression of the best engineered vehicle a high performance team can produce.
And that is really what it is all about. the Pursuit.
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I must like to shop, because I certainly take a long time in some cases to settle on my next purchase!
Today’s question, is a newer car inherently more fun than an older model?
One of the Corvette Designers, when asked which Corvette was the best one, replied, “One should always buy the newest model on can afford, because the latest Corvette is always the best one we know how to make” or similar.
The same is true for Cadillac as well — the latest models have the latest electronics, convenience features, and technology.
When choosing between a high-line 2008 Cadillac STS-V and a fully-loaded entry level 2010 Cadillac CTS Premium Model however, the older STS-V had a higher level of standard features. Options like Heads-Up Display, lane departure warning, and blind spot alert are included on the STS-V and still not available in the CTS even in the Premium Model.
But is the newer 2010 Cadillac CTS cooler just because it is NEWER? The nav system would have newer maps, the warranty will run longer, the exterior design is fresher.
Both cars cost about the same at the moment.
How much more FUN is NEW?
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The average new car sold in America goes for over $30K these days. What will US$30K buy you in a used Cadillac?
A 2004 Cadillac XLR with 16K miles, or a 2006 Cadillac XLR with 56K miles would both go for just under $30K. The Cadillac XLR was made from 2004-2009 and features the RWD Northstar V8 engine making 320 hp, a retractable hardtop, and every option Cadillac could fit on a convertible. They are fun cars to drive, and unique on the road.
The 2009 CTS Sedan choices are pretty wide at $30K. In the order book for 2009 the CTS was split into 1SA for the standard model, or 1SB for the more highly equipped 3.6L DI model. The fully loaded model was the CTS Premium Collection, but used cars are seldom advertised as a “CTS with Premium Collection”. The key components are: CTS Premium Collection, includes (Y40) Luxury Level One Package, (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package, (Y42) 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire Performance Package, (Y44) Seating Package, (UAV) Audio system with navigation, (C3U) UltraView sunroof, (B19) Wood Trim Package and (B20) Wood Trim Package. I would ask first for the Nav, then Ultra View, since those are likely to be mentioned in the ad, then investigate further to determine if a particular example is a Premium Collection, or instead if it offers the features you are shopping for.
One can also find a 2010 Cadillac CTS 3L Luxury Collection for under $30K. And of course there are a lot of choices in 2008 Cadillac CTS’ under 30K.
A 2008 Cadillac STS V6 is an interesting choice for under $30K. The STS has more rear leg room than the CTS. The V6 is the 3.6L DI V6, and was judged by contemporary magazine writers to be the better choice than the V8 Northstar based on the relative prices of the sedans. One can find the 2008 STS V8 for under $30K as well.
A 2008 Cadillac DTS can also be found for under $30K with 11K miles. Offering plenty of room and front-wheel drive for all-weather convenience, the DTS has V8 luxury with lots of trunk room and luxury appointments. The DTS likewise was split into different luxury levels, so one will have to examine each offering for the desired features.
For even more space, a 2008 SRX tall wagon is not hard to find for under $30K.
I did find one Escalade, a 2008 with 74K miles, or an EXT, a 2008 with 109K miles, for under $30K. So one would have to look earlier than 2008 to fit under the 30K budget.
Searching hints: For my survey, I went to cars.com and used this search:
You Searched For
Make
Cadillac
Year
2011
2010
2009
2008
Price
$26,001-$27,000
$27,001-$28,000
$28,001-$29,000
$29,001-$30,000
And even with these limits the search had 50 pages of results with 22K automobiles. Adding a lower limit seems counter-productive, but it does filter out selections that are not as desirable.
There are some terrific Cadillac selections out there for under $30K. Good hunting.
Tags: Used Cadillac for under $30K
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Hands down the Saffron interior — Ebony Leather Seating Surfaces with Saffron inserts is the best option to pick if you are only picking one. This is a no-additional cost signature interior option only available in the Coupe.
The single disadvantage is that it is not available with the Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior.
Wood Trim Package $600: This adds Midnight Sapele Wood trim pieces to the interior on instrument panel, center console, and door. They do look terrific.
Recaro Performance Seats – $3,400: Recaro with heated/ventilated sport performance driver and front passenger seats. This is the only way to get ventilated seats in the CTS-V. These are terrific seats; I loved them when I tried out a CTS-V Sedan with them. They seem to be a matter of taste, so please test drive a car with them prior to ordering.
You also have to order the Recaro Performance Seats if you want the Sueded Steering wheel and shift knob, a $300 option. These give a different feel/texture to the steering wheel and additional control for high dynamic driving.
Wheels, polished (instead of standard painted) $800. These will really make your V Coupe ‘pop’. Skip if you plan to add aftermarket wheels of course.
Sunroof $700. Adds some weight, but also adds some fun. The V has way more than enough HP not to worry about the ~100 lbs weight addition.
I think the Saffron interior is the must have, because it is a ‘signature’ interior. I would really love the Crystal Red Tintcoat however, so may be willing to fore-go the saffron for red.
The Recaro Seats and Midnight Sapele wood accents are worth the money, if you have the money. I know the polished wheels seem expensive, but they will make your V stand out among others; once consideration of course is that they are easy to add later.
Certainly the base V is already a supercar with no options added, so no worries if you are stretching to get into the V and don’t want to add any extras.
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So why is GM switching from R-134 to HFO-1234yf? The new refrigerant provides lower “global warming potential” (GWP), which is to say it is better for the environment. It cools as well or better than R-134.
Current automotive air conditioners use hydrofluorocarbon HFC-134a, which has a GWP of 1430. The European Union’s Mobile Air Conditioning Directive requires that, starting in 2011, all new vehicle models use a refrigerant with a GWP below 150, and by 2017, all new automobiles sold in Europe will be required to use a low-GWP refrigerant. The new refrigerant, developed by DuPont and Honeywell, has a GWP of 4, which is 97% less GWP than the new regulation requires.
Remember the old R-12? It had a GWP of 8100. So yes, R-134 was better than R-12, but HFO-1234yf is a large improvement over both.
The other alternative was CO2 (R744); here is a comparison of HFO-1234yf and R744:
HFO-1234yf: the better choice
|
HFO-1234yf |
CO2 (R744) |
| Environmental Impact |
Lower lifetime GHG emissions than 134a or CO2 |
20% more lifetime greenhouse gas emissions than 1234yf |
| Atmospheric Lifetime |
11 days |
>500 years |
| Compatibility with Current A/C Equipment |
Yes, with minor change |
No; new high-pressure system required |
| Cooling Efficiency |
Comparable to 134a in all climates |
Less efficient in hot climates where A/C is needed and used most |
| Ease of Adoption |
High; minimal additional design changes or delay |
Low; significant engineering and re-tooling required |
| Safety |
Safe for use in automotive air conditioning applications |
Safe for use in automotive air conditioning applications |
So it looks like HFO-1234yf is a good choice going forward. A concern has been the relatively high cost of the new refrigerant, but with widespread usage and new factories online that should resolve itself (supply and demand).
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OnStar and GM have expanded the abilities of applications on smart phones. Today’s news (see press release below) allows your smart phone to do everything your keyless remote can, but from a distance. Forgot to lock your car? You can lock it or unlock it from another city with your phone. Need your current odometer reading? Your phone knows it by asking your car.
Each brand will bring forward brand-specific additional features, so we’ll have to wait and see exactly what the Cadillac application does in addition.
Here are my ideas for additional features:
- I would like to see vehicle diagnostics brought to the cell phone. Show me if the car has a DTC (diagnostic trouble code) showing, and give me some background on possible causes for the DTC as well as info on the nearest Mr GoodWrench facility and scheduling info for my home Dealer.
- I would like to be able to see and record video from the rear-view camera remotely. Ideally be able to see video of the interior of the Cadillac and around the Cadillac, if additional cameras were added. The purpose would be to pull up live video from the car on my phone that shows me that the Cadillac is okay and unmolested.
- I would like my smart phone to track the patterns I drive and suggest faster routes.
- I would like to see a trip map that showed instant MPG along every part of my route along with average MPG for that trip.
- I would like my smartphone to be able to upload my trip to the internet for reference.
Do you have any ideas for additional features you would like to see in a smart-phone link to your Cadillac?
OnStar Expands Mobile App Technology Availability
Soon Available for 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles
Detroit – Owners of most new 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles will soon be able to control key vehicle functions from their smart phones, thanks to the power of OnStar.
Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC are leveraging OnStar technology to develop the most robust mobile applications on the market for new vehicle owners. Each of the brand-specific apps will allow owners to activate all of the functions available on a traditional vehicle key fob – remote start, horn and lights and door lock/unlock – securely from their smartphones. This means drivers will no longer have to be within a requisite distance, or even have their keys with them, to control these functions on their vehicles.
“Giving our customers control of their vehicles with smart phone application technology is a key advantage of OnStar’s in-vehicle connectivity,” said Chris Preuss, OnStar president. “This technology empowers drivers to make decisions about their travels well before they enter the vehicle, meaning their full attention can stay where it needs to be – on the road ahead.”
For example, say someone is racing to catch a flight and realizes at the gate that he forgot to lock his vehicle. OnStar’s mobile app technology allows him to log into his Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick or GMC app, enter his custom PIN and send a remote lock signal to his vehicle, giving him the peace of mind to go on with his trip knowing his vehicle is secure.
Or, for example, a family attending a baseball game on a hot summer day could remotely start their vehicle as they are leaving the ballpark, so the vehicle is cooled to a comfortable temperature by they reach it.
In addition, the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC apps will leverage OnStar’s unique connection to the vehicle to provide key diagnostic information, including fuel tank level and range, remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure and lifetime average miles per gallon . The diagnostic information is current as of the last vehicle start, giving OnStar subscribers an up-to-date health report of their vehicle anytime they need it.
Important vehicle information, such as current odometer reading, vehicle VIN and OnStar account number also will be readily accessible within the apps upon secure login. And should OnStar subscribers need assistance with something that the mobile apps don’t provide, they can one-touch dial to specially trained advisors, who are available to assist customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The OnStar mobile app services will be available to millions of drivers of the vast majority of vehicles in the 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC portfolios, including the just-launched Chevrolet Cruze and Cadillac CTS Coupe, and are currently functional on the iPhone and Android systems. The Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC mobile applications will offer a variety of other features tailored specifically for each brand’s customers that will be revealed in totality when the brands begin bringing their apps to market in the months ahead.
“We’re working aggressively to bring the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC applications to market as soon as possible,” says Joel Ewanick, vice president, GM Marketing. “Because we know that each brand’s customers have different tastes, wants and needs, the apps will be very specifically tailored to offer them the services they value most, leveraging these innovative OnStar features as a compelling mutual foundation.”
OnStar and Chevrolet announced the auto industry’s first working smartphone application for the Chevrolet Volt at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. The Volt mobile application is a unique app that will be available to customers in tandem with the launch of the vehicle, as previously announced.
Tags: phone apps, smartphone, telemetrics
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I am still watching prices on a few Cadillac Models. The used car market has been unusually strong this year, so normal trends are out the door.
The Cadillac CTS-V was redesigned in 2009, and has been very well received. The least expensive 2009 Cadillac CTS-V seems to float around $47K, keeping these out of my budget range. KBB.com retail is $55K.
The Cadillac STS-V stopped production in 2009, with low numbers in 2008 and 2009. The lowest lightly used model 2008 Cadillac STS-V are running $38K. That puts this model closer to my target but still not quite there. KBB retail with 24k miles is $39K.
I have also been looking at the 2010 Cadillac CTS Premium Models. These are still priced close to new of course with the 2011 models just getting out. The least expensive RWD CTS 3.6L Premium currently is around $38K. KBB retail with RWD and Premium package at 12k miles is $35K.
It may still be a horse race between the 2008 STS-V and the 2010 CTS RWD Premium for which reaches my budget first with the right car. A lot of shopping for used cars is being able to have a wide time window to shop and being ready with the money when you find the right car.
As the summer comes to an end the V cars may become more affordable, since they fall into the ‘fun’ car category. We’ll see.
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An Automobile can’t make you successful.
An Automobile can’t make you happy.
Owning a car does not change who you are, or who you want to be.
However,
If you appreciate fine things, a fine automobile can thrill you.
If you want to be more than you are, stepping into or out of a luxury automobile can help give you the confidence and bearing to do the things you want to do. A luxury car is like a formal dress, or a suit — you feel better about yourself when you arrive.
If fine craftsmanship, careful engineering, and exacting performance are things you appreciate, then spending time in a current Cadillac will stimulate your sensibilities.
An Automobile can’t MAKE you happy. Happiness does not depend on the things we own, but on our desires, and the dreams we dream.
Happiness depends on our dispositions, and not our circumstances.
Fine leather has a certain feel, and aroma. Wood touches when used to accent tastefully draw the mind to classic vehicles. Efficient, powerful engines quietly propel with confidence and surety in a straight line or around the corners of a racing facility. When you appreciate finer things, you want a vehicle that is elegant and stylish.
When you appreciate finer things, you are ready for a Cadillac.
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I have found again recently after managing to take a long wander though a small town that I need a navigation unit I can take with me on trips. Ideally one that would fit in my shirt pocket or portfolio, so if I fly in and get a rental car I can carry with. Yes, I know that National and other rental car companies offer nav units to rent, but at least at National it is another $11 or something a day, so I tend to pass even when someone else is paying; money is money.
I like Garmin units, but they make approximately infinity different models, and even with a matrix it is not clear to me what the various models do or don’t do. I do need USA maps, but unlikely to use in Canada or Europe. I do want text to speech street names, but all seem to have that. I do want small form factor. I do want lane assist, which is where the nav unit shows a diagram of intersections and which lane you need to be in for the upcoming intersection.
The latest Garmin models appear to be the 3750 to 3790T. These are about as thick as a pencil, but have the 4.3″ screen. The 3790 adds voice recognition for cue-ing. The least expensive 3750 is $312 today at Amazon, and the 3790T is $421.
I am lukewarm at that price point. These offer a lot of coolness, but let’s look at what can be had for say $150.
Down at around $150 we slide to the Garmin 265WT ($139) or the 1350T ($152). Now, in Garmin’s naming system “T” means that it includes traffic updates. The 265WT is 0.8″ deep and 6.1 ounces; the 1350T is 0.6″ deep and 5.7 ounces. Both have 480×272 pixel displays. The 1350 has lane assist, while the 265 does not — one of the main features I am looking for. The 1370T would add bluetooth, but pushes the price up to $199.
Which is the better value / gadget for the money: A Garmin 1350T at $152 or a 3750 at $312? The 3750 is only 0.35″ deep, and has a nice 800×480 pixel display — much better graphically. It weighs 4 ounces vs 6 for the 1350. Both offer speed limit indicator. The 3750 adds “locate” so that it marks its position when taken out of the car, to help find the car again in a parking lot or garage. Do these features make it worth another $160 (twice as much)? It likely depends on how much you plan to use the nav unit, and how much enjoyment and appreciation you have of newer gadgets.
Tags: car accessories, Garmin, Navigation units
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Chevrolet is now offering Corvette Z06 or ZR1 Buyers the option to go to the engine factory and build the engine (under supervision) that will go into their Corvette!
Would you want to do this with your Cadillac CTS-V? Actually, the Chevrolet option is enabled by the fact that the engines for these models are made by hand at the Performance Center, as the 4.4L S/C V8 in the STS-V was from 2006-2009. Offering the same option on other models would require a bit more thought. It is a special experience to help build your next car, and I hope that GM continues to develop this type of thoughtful interactive option.
DETROIT – For enthusiasts who want to be personally involved in creating their Corvette, Chevrolet’s new Corvette Engine Build Experience allows them to literally build the engine for their new car.
In what is believed to be the world’s most hands-on super car program, customers who order a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 can choose an option to help assemble their cars’ LS7 or LS9 engines at General Motors’ Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, Mich.
“Corvette owners are some of the most passionate – and most involved – enthusiasts in the industry,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The Corvette Engine Build Experience offers customers an unprecedented opportunity to participate, hands on, in creating the car.”
In addition to building their own engines, Corvette buyers can attend driving school in Arizona or Nevada, take delivery of their vehicles at the National Corvette Museum or watch their vehicles being built at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky.
“In a way, this is a dream program for a Corvette customer. I would have jumped at the chance to build the 427 in my ’67 ’Vette, and that didn’t have half of what goes into one of these modern precision engines,” said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, Global Product Operations. “Today’s LS7 and LS9 Corvette engines are pinnacle achievements in engineering, and to personally involve our customers in their final creation shows the depth of Chevrolet’s commitment to make lasting connections with the customer.”
The Engine Build Experience is an option with a suggested retail price of $5,800. When a customer selects the PBC option for a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 and the dealer submits the order to Chevrolet, a special concierge contacts the customer to verify participation and help coordinate arrangements. While travel arrangements to and from Metro Detroit are the customer’s responsibility, the Chevrolet concierge helps schedule the engine build; coordinates the customer’s activities at the Performance Build Center; assists with booking local lodging and meals, and arranges local transportation.
At the PBC, the customer doesn’t merely view the engine’s assembly; he or she builds it under the supervision of and support from skilled technicians. When the engine is assembled, a personalized nameplate is added to the engine next to the builder’s name. It is then sent to the Corvette assembly plant for installation in the customer’s car.
The Corvette Engine Build Experience is possible because of the hand-assembly processes used at the 100,000-square-foot PBC. Technicians hand-build the Corvette Z06’s LS7 7.0L engine, the Corvette ZR1’s 6.2L supercharged LS9 engine and a variation of the Corvette Grand Sport’s LS3 6.2L engine. The PBC incorporates the best practices of low-volume niche manufacturers and the established quality and manufacturing standards at GM to ensure the highest-quality specialized engines.
Like all engines assembled at the PBC, Engine Build Experience engines are covered by Chevrolet’s five year / 100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty.
The Engine Build experience is the latest program Chevrolet offers for Corvette owners. Other programs include:
- Corvette plant tour, where customers can follow their vehicle down the Bowling Green assembly line
- Corvette Museum delivery, where customers take delivery of their new Corvette at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green
- Corvette ZR1 Driving School, which offers complimentary attendance at either Bob Bondurant’s Corvette Driving School in Arizona, or Ron Fellows’ Corvette Performance Driving School near Las Vegas.
“Simply put, no other sports car manufacturer can match the level of personal customer involvement that Corvette offers,” Campbell said. “The Corvette Engine Build Experience takes this personal involvement to an unprecedented level.”
For more information, see facebook.com/corvette
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bwnunnally
