Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Encore the Conqueror: Buick Builds a Luxury CUV for Young Professionals

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Buick has been hard at work lowering the age of its consumer base, thanks to a raft of stylish new models it bills as "invigorating." While we wouldn't use that word to describe the all-new 2013 Buick Encore, the button-nosed, blunt-butt, sculpted CUV should help with the age thing. That said, Buick readily admits that in addition to the 30-something professionals it's targeting, another audience exists: empty-nesters looking to downsize, but not downgrade.

The Encore, which was developed by a joint Korean and American team, rides on a version of GM's Gamma II global small-car platform that also underpins the Chevy Sonic and Spark. It's powered by just one engine, GM's 1.4-liter turbo Ecotec four-cylinder making 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft at just 1850 rpm, mated to a small car-specific version of the automaker's Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic that mixes a short first gear with a long overdrive in an effort to improve initial acceleration and fuel economy (23-25/30-33 city/highway).

You can get your Encore in front-wheel drive or with an "Active On-Demand" all-wheel-drive-system highlighted by an electronically activated BorgWarner torque transfer case that keeps the rear axle's clutch engaged up to 37 mph. Above that speed and with no slip detected, the clutch will disengage, effectively switching the Encore to front-wheel drive. Torque bias is 50/50, front and rear.

With so little power on tap and roughly 3200 pounds to lug around, the Encore isn't fast, but it is decently quick thanks to its low-end turbo punch. Turbo lag is minimal and raspy engine notes (usually associated with a four-cylinder engine) are minimized thanks to the addition of Buick's Quiet Tuning suite of features, including an acoustically treated headliner and window glass and the brand's all-new Bose Noise Cancelling system, which pumps in sounds designed to be the acoustic opposite of penetrating noises via the stereo's speakers. It works no matter if the stereo is on or off.

Compared with the 100-pound-plus heavier AWD model, the Encore's front-drive chassis and Continental rubber transmit a tad bit of road feel through the lightly weighted, electronically boosted helm and cushy power seats. Its tallish body leans through corners, yet it remains planted and predictable, and the gearbox smoothly knocks through its cogs no matter the situation or driver haste. Is it sporty? Yes, but not when compared to the more expensive, more powerful, and athletically biased BMW X1 or Range Rover Evoque - and that's not a bad thing. With a 36.7-foot turning diameter, navigating parking lots is a breeze.

Outside, Buick brand traits abound, including blue-tinged headlamp projectors, waterfall grille, and tri-shield badge. The questionable hood-mounted portholes blend surprisingly well with the Encore's more rugged, cooler cues like gray-colored lower trim, silver "diffusers," hatch spoiler, roof rails, and standard five-spoke wheels.

It smallish exterior dimensions belie a capacious interior that veers little from Buick's current aesthetic, although Michael Burton, Buick brand director of interior design, said his team was going for an "optimistically premium" vibe with "inspired beauty" and "sculptural persuasion." Design jargon aside, the end result is clean, refreshing, and, yes, youthful.

Clean, sweeping lines decorate soft-touch plastics and leather; seats are stuffed with high-density foam; forward visibility isn't a problem.Lay the Encore's 60/40 rear bench seats flat, and there's 48.4 cu-ft of space (18.8 cu-ft with the seats up). Fold the front passenger seat forward, and there's enough room to hold a rolled-up 8-foot-long rug, Buick says. Numerous storage bins in the dash, doors, floor, and cargo area hold everything from pencils and spare change to water bottles and purses. The standard equipment list is impressive and includes power adjustable driver's seat, 7-inch IntelliLink multimedia system (USB, AUX, Bluetooth, XM), cruise control, rearview camera, heated mirrors, and roof rails, among many others.

A choice of three optional amenity packages -- Convenience (120V outlet, dual climate control, remote start, fog lamps), Leather (heated leather seats and steering wheel, driver seat memory package), and Premium (Rainsense wipers, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, cargo mat, front/rear park assist, 7-speaker Bose audio) -- keeps things simple for both the customer and the dealer. Specially ordered models will have to wait around 90 days as the Encore is built at GM's Bupyeong plant in South Korea. Those wanting all-wheel drive will need to budget $1500 more for the option (officials expect 25-30% of the Encore mix will be AWD).

By blending new tech with old philosophy and adding a dash of styling and sportiness, plus a heavy hand of practicality and relative affordability (base prices start just south of 25K), Buick may finally have the recipe to conquer the younger generation of luxury CUV buyers while snaring a fair amount of empty-nesters as well.

Courtesy of Motor Trend

Monday, December 17, 2012

Winter Driving Tips

If only driving home for Christmas had the mellow, laid-back vibe of the infamous Chris Rea song. The reality is more likely to involve long, stressful journeys on unfamiliar roads, often with overexcited children in the back. And then there's always the possibility of the ultimate festive nightmare – breaking down on Christmas Day.

Peter Rodger, chief examiner for the Institute of Advanced Motorists, says the best way to avoid this is by thorough preparation before setting off. "Get your battery checked, check the fluids and tyres. Remember that if you normally drive alone but on this occasion are loading the car with two adults, two children and lots of luggage and gifts, you'll need higher tyre pressure from the ones you have normally.

"It's also important to plan for the weather you'll be driving into – it might be mild in London, but if you're heading for Dundee you'll have to make sure you've got the correct levels of antifreeze and a winter motoring kit in the boot."

A surprisingly high percentage of breakdowns happen because the driver has simply run out of fuel, so fill up before you set off – don't be tempted to save money by only adding £20 worth of fuel. Motorway service stations are contractually obliged to be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but the more remote the area you're driving to the more difficult it will be to find fuel over the festive period.

It's important to keep some breakdown essentials in the car – a fully charged mobile phone, a torch, warm clothes, comfortable and waterproof shoes, hot drinks and snacks. According to AA figures, Christmas Day is the quietest day of the year for breakdowns, with 4,000 last Christmas compared with a daily average of 9,500. But if you're one of the unlucky ones, it can be a horrible experience.

"Every breakdown is stressful," says Brian Barnard, roadside patrol with Green Flag breakdown service. "But if it happens on Christmas Day it's especially difficult. People are often travelling to relatives for Christmas dinner, which tends to be at a set time and difficult to delay. Children can get very upset as they think they'll miss Santa. I was once called out to a priest whose car had broken down en route to taking a service. It wasn't possible to repair his car there and then, but I took him to the church and then got his car back to his home."

Rodger advises planning your journey in advance and not relying on your satnav. "Doing your own research will make life just that bit easier," he says. "Check online and via the radio for any traffic problems. If you're travelling with someone else then share the driving if you can. And if there's a spare adult in the car then arrange for them to be the one who keeps the children occupied so the driver isn't distracted."

Many people drive through the night at this time of year, partly to avoid heavy traffic and partly because children are more likely to sleep during the journey. But Rodger urges drivers not to travel overnight unless they absolutely have to.

"At 3am your body clock will be protesting strongly that you should be asleep and it'll be difficult to concentrate. It's vital to stop at least once every two hours and walk around."

Routes identified by motoring organisations as traffic hotspots for the festive period include the M1, A1 and A1(M) northbound, the M4 westboud to Wales and around Heathrow, the M3, A303 and M5 heading to the West Country, the M23 to Gatwick and the M11 to Stansted. The RAC points out that the M62 over the Pennines is often affected by snow, as is the A1079 between Hull and York.

Above all, don't forget to stay calm. Many people who usually only drive locally find themselves hitting the road for their annual pilgrimage to visit family. These drivers might not be as confident as more experienced ones, and are more likely to be hesitant.

"Don't let yourself get wound up by their behaviour," Rodger urges. "Give them space and let the festive spirit of peace and goodwill extend to other motorists."

Breakdown cover over the festive season

The breakdown organisations below will be operating a normal service over the festive season and on December 25. You can even join on Christmas Day. For other service providers, check before travel. Response times will vary if the weather is severe, but should average about 40 minutes.

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Courtesy of The Telegraph

Friday, December 14, 2012

2.0L Turbo for Cadillac ATS Makes Best Engines List

The 2.0L turbo I-4 engine that powers the all-new Cadillac ATS is one of WardsAuto.com 2013 “10 Best Engines” for North America.


The 2.0L turbo’s 272 horsepower is the highest specific output of any GM production engine, and at 136 hp per liter, is the most power-dense engine certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
“The 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder is a stout performer that impressed all the WardsAuto editors,” said Tom Murphy, executive editor of WardsAuto.com. “It muscled its way back into the winners’ circle with remarkable horsepower per liter, and the engineers deserve kudos for reducing engine friction some 16 percent, which means it runs smoother and more efficiently.”


Murphy added, “This engine gets four mpg better on the highway than the earlier version did a year ago in the Buick Regal GS, a former Ward’s 10 Best Engines honoree. That’s impressive. If the ATS can nibble into the market share of well-established German brands, the 2.0L turbo should get most of the credit.”


ATS’s lightweight and aerodynamic design allows it to accelerate from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds when equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, while delivering EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 city and 31 highway mpg.


Ward’s reviewed 40 engines from 16 automakers in this year’s competition. Winners were chosen based on several factors, including power, fuel efficiency, new technology, refinement, and comparative data for similar engines.


The 2.0L turbo engine includes the latest in technology combinations.
“Benchmark efficiency and refinement were our top priorities when developing the all-new 2.0L turbo,” said Mike Anderson, global chief engineer for Ecotec engines. “The team was focused on using technology to reduce friction and engine noise and also managed to take specific output to a new level.”
Among the 2.0L turbo engine’s highlights: a direct-injection twin-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing; twin-scroll turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler; forged-steel crankshaft with modular balance shaft system; and a two-stage variable-displacement oil pump with jet-spray piston cooling.


The 2.0L turbo has a wide torque curve, delivering 90 percent of its peak 260 lb-ft. of torque (353 Nm) from 1,500 rpm to 5,800 rpm – giving the ATS the feeling of immediate power, whether from launch at a stop light or during higher-speed maneuvers, such as passing.
The new 2.0L turbo engine is built in Tonawanda, N.Y.


The 2.0L turbo ATS is priced at $35,795, including destination (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees) and offers automatic and manual transmissions, and rear- or all-wheel drive. ATS also is available with a standard 2.5L four-cylinder, and a 3.6L V-6 is available.


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Courtesy of Bill Bentson

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Order Parts From Williamson Cadillac Buick GMC

Ordering parts has never been easier. Just click on the link, fill in the information you need and presto! Why wait? http://bit.ly/TVlwDg

Parts

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

2013 Encore Brings Buick Refinement to Smaller Package

When the 2013 Encore luxury small crossover arrives in early 2013, it will feature the same quiet, comfortable, refined characteristics that define larger Buicks – the result of advanced acoustic technology and attention to detail.

“Our goal in developing Encore was two-fold – to design a vehicle that sets a refinement standard in the segment for customers who are new to Buick, and to deliver a vehicle that current Buick customers interested in downsizing can get in and feel at home,” said Jim Danahy, Encore chief engineer. “Active Noise Cancellation technology is a smart way to maximize luxury, space and efficiency together.”

Encore features Buick’s first use of Bose Active Noise Cancellation. Like the popular headphones used by business travelers on airplanes, this system uses small microphones to gather and analyze sound information that’s then used to project “noise-cancelling” sound waves through the cabin.

Unlike the headphones, which fight noise over a broad spectrum of frequencies, Encore’s system selectively targets unwanted engine noise while allowing pleasant notes to pass through the cabin. The expected result is a luxurious and muted, yet still engaging drive experience.

Buick and Bose engineers worked together to use Encore’s existing in-vehicle speakers, including a subwoofer designed to fit in the center of the vehicle’s spare tire, maximizing space and reducing added weight, which helps save fuel.

Active Noise Cancellation in the Encore is always working, even if the audio system is powered off. It is standard on all Encore models regardless of whether a customer opts for the available $595 Bose audio system.

“Noise Cancellation is just part of a broader refinement strategy for Encore,” said Danahy. “We developed unique urethane spring isolators and hydraulic front ride bushings for handling characteristics that are both sporty and luxurious. We also made aerodynamic changes to smooth the air traveling around the car and quieted specific components like the alternator. Even the tires are Quiet Tuned.”

Encore’s signature QuietTuning features also include:

    Acoustically treated headliner with a tuned gap between it and the high-strength-steel roof panel
    Sound-absorbing materials in the cabin, under the hood and in the wheel house liners
    Aero-optimized outside mirrors
    Acoustic-laminated windshield and thicker, 5mm side window glass
    Foam baffles that insulate the opening of body structure cavities.

Encore arrives at dealers in early 2013 with a starting price of $24,950, including destination. Its EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 28 mpg with a standard six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive is the highest of any crossover from a domestic automaker. The EPA estimate equates to $2,100 in fuel costs saved over five years of ownership compared to the average new vehicle.

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan, Buick Verano sedan and the all-new 2013 Encore crossover. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.>

Courtesy of Buick Media

Monday, December 10, 2012

A big thanks to our customer Tess for sharing her feedback with us!

"My Loyalty Reward Balance from  Cadillac is the Hugs -Love -  Kisses - Kindness - Hospitality and Phenomenal Service!!! that the entire staff shares each & every time I come for my SRX to be serviced.
I cannot express the deep Love and Appreciation Manny & I have for this outstanding Cadillac Dealership. Warm Hugs and Happy Holidays to each of you and your magnificent staff. See you guys when we return from Hawaii. Respectfully, Tess Votlucka RN, PhD.”

Way to go team for receiving this outstanding feedback!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Cadillac Celebrates Launch of New Book

Cadillac celebrated the official launch of a new self-titled luxury book at New York City’s Lincoln Center Tuesday night. Cadillac, published by Assouline, features more than 200 full-color photographs chronicling the brand’s influence on American culture over its 110-year history.

“There is no doubt that Cadillac has played a role in defining what true luxury should represent in America and around the world,” said Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of marketing. “We are honored to have inspired Assouline to publish their first luxury book solely dedicated to one automotive brand.”      

In addition to the trade version of Cadillac ($75.00), 500 limited edition hand-numbered Cadillac luxury books will be produced, each housed in a black rubber slipcase with metal Cadillac plaque, retailing for $395.00.

Cadillac is available for purchase at Assouline.com, as well as Assouline boutiques worldwide.

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Courtesy of Cadillac Media

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

10% Off Service At Williamson Cadillac Buick GMC This Month!

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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

XTS and ATS Drive Cadillac Momentum

Cadillac’s new ATS sport sedan and XTS luxury sedan drove a 30 percent increase in total November sales with strong performances on both U.S. coasts. Retail sales were up 23 percent in California and 37 percent in the Northeast.

Retail sales of the all-new compact ATS increased 87 percent in November compared to October, and half of its buyers came from competing brands.

In November, ATS was named Vehicle of the Year Award by the Motor Press Guild, the largest association of automotive journalists, following accolades from Popular Mechanics and Esquire.

The XTS is a new formula for large luxury, with 96 percent of its sales coming from retail buyers. It is the first car to feature CUE, Cadillac’s new system for connectivity and control that is a finalist for AOL Autos’ Technology of the Year Award.

“The new ATS and XTS elevate and expand our portfolio,” said Chase Hawkins, vice president of Cadillac U.S. sales. “This is driving new buyers to our showrooms, which also benefits existing models like the SRX crossover.”

The SRX had its best November sales month ever, up 13 percent over the previous year.

November marked the sixth consecutive month of sales growth for Cadillac, and was the best November since 2007.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

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Courtesy of Cadillac Media