Design, Engineering Contribute to ATS Fuel Economy

Cadillac’s award-winning 2013 ATS sport sedan with the new 272 horsepower 2.0L Turbocharged engine today received an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 city and 31 highway mpg, evidence that its lightweight and aerodynamic design marries high performance and fuel efficiency.

The ATS is available with three engine options. The standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 202 horsepower offers an EPA rated 22 city and 33 highway mpg. The top-of-the-line 3.6L V-6 and 321 horsepower offers an EPA tested 19 city and 28 highway mpg.

ATS engines rank near the top of the industry for “power density,” or horsepower per liter. Unlike its European rivals, ATS takes regular unleaded fuel except for the 2.0L Turbo engine. And for that model, it is a recommendation not a requirement.  

“ATS is a no-compromise car,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “The traditional sacrifices no longer apply.” 

From a design standpoint, the vehicle’s sharp, swept-back styling allows the ATS to slice through the air with minimal resistance. On its front fascia, the vehicle features active aero grille shutters that automatically close when additional engine cooling is not needed. Underbody aero shields help redirect wind around and under the car, which also contributes to reducing cabin noise. ATS achieves a coefficient drag of .299.

With a base curb weight of 3,315 pounds (1,503kg) ATS is the lightest luxury sport sedan in the world contributing to the car’s quick acceleration and nimble handling. Its lightweight construction also benefits fuel economy.

Attention to detail during the design of its all-new body structure and chassis resulted in an architecture that is strong and lightweight. ATS uses advanced materials in many locations, including:

    Ultra high strength steels throughout the car.
    An aluminum hood and magnesium engine mounts.
    A laminated windshield that is lighter than traditional tempered glass.
    Door trim panels made from natural fibers are lighter than the standard-issue plastics.

Click here for a complete listing of fuel economy ratings for all ATS drivetrain combinations.

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.

Courtesy of Cadillac Media

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Cadillac ATS 2.0T EPA Rated at 31 MPG Highway

The Cadillac ATS is the American brand’s answer to the BMW 3 Series and it has now received an official EPA fuel rating of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway when equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine.

Three engine options are available in the car, starting with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 202 hp, and offers an EPA rated 22 city and 33 highway mpg. Next is the 2.0-liter turbo, that puts out 272 hp, and gets 21 mpg city 31 mpg highway. Finally, the largest engine in the lineup, the 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 321 hp gets an EPA rated 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Helping to improve the fuel economy of the ATS are active aero grille shutters that close when the engine does not need any additional cooling, as well as underbody aero shields, which also contribute to a reduction in cabin noise. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Chevrolet also uses the same features on the Cruze Eco to save gas.

The ATS starts at $33,990, and reaches to $42,090.

Courtesy of AutoGuide.com

Here's a Tip To Extend the Life of Your Car

Fix bad weatherstripping immediately.

If your weatherstripping is letting rainwater leak into the interior of your car, take a look at it and decide if you can repair it or if it needs to be replaced. Small leaks can be handled with brush-on seam sealers. Resecure loose sections, not otherwise damaged, with trim adhesive. Torn sections may be repaired with special caulking available at auto parts stores. You may also be able to extend the life of worn-but-intact sections by inserting foam rods, available at automotive stores, into the hollow section of the weatherstripping. If you decide to replace entire sections of gasket, don’t simply buy generic stuff such as you’d use around the house. Buy a product that matches your car’s original weatherstripping — it’s available in a wide variety of profiles from dealerships and automotive mail-order catalogues.

Cadillac ‘Virtual Bumpers’ Can Help Avoid Crashes

Three new Cadillac models, including the ATS sport sedan, have a new advanced safety system that can automatically stop the vehicle in low-speed conditions to help avoid crashes.

Cadillac’s Front and Rear Automatic Braking acts like a “virtual bumper,” slamming on the brakes as a last resort to help drivers in heavy traffic or even in parking lots and driveways where the driver might fail to see another vehicle or object in his path.

Automatic Front and Rear Braking is part of the new optional Driver Assist Package on the 2013 ATS sport sedan, XTS luxury sedan and SRX crossover. Relying on a network of sophisticated sensors and advanced electronics, the system can help drivers avoid crashes in low-speed conditions and reduce impact speed under higher speed circumstances.

“Radars, vision, and ultrasonic sensors in the vehicle are constantly analyzing data and working together to determine if a crash may be imminent,” said Charles Green, the driver performance specialist responsible for the development of the Driver Assist Package technologies. “Based on these calculations, the vehicle can automatically brake to avoid a crash or reduce impact speed, and if necessary, can apply the vehicle’s maximum braking capability.”

If the driver fails to respond to other alerts, such as the Safety Alert Seat vibrations, and a potential collision is imminent, the automatic braking is designed to apply the brakes and stop the vehicle.  The driver may override any automatic braking action taken by the vehicle. If the system brings the car to a stop, the electronic parking brake will hold the car in place until the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

In developing the technology, engineers had to finesse the system to avoid unwanted activations, ensuring that it is only a last resort.

“We have spent eight years researching driver behavior which has been incorporated into the design of automatic braking in the Cadillac ATS, XTS, and SRX,” said Green. “Our goal is to effectively provide an extra level of safety support while keeping the driver in complete control of the vehicle at all times.”

The Driver Assist Package will be available on Performance and Premium trim levels of ATS, XTS, and SRX. The package also includes side blind zone alert and full-speed range adaptive cruise control. ATS and XTS models will also feature a full-color, reconfigurable head-up display that helps keep the driver's eyes on the road.

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.

Courtesy of Cadillac Media

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Cadillac Donates First ATS to Duchenne Research

The first 2013 Cadillac ATS produced for a customer will be auctioned with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Team Joseph, a non-profit organization that funds Duchenne muscular dystrophy research.

The car was retained by Cadillac since it was built recently in Lansing, Mich. The ATS is on its way to Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas auction on Sept 20-22.

Barrett-Jackson’s collector-car show will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, broadcast nationally on SPEED. Barrett-Jackson will waive its commission fee from the auction so every dollar of the winning bid goes to Team Joseph.

In 2008, 5-year old Joseph Penrod was diagnosed with Duchenne, a disease that robs children of muscle function and ultimately attacks the heart and lungs. Joseph, now eight and living in Michigan, inspired the founding of Team Joseph and its mission to fund research for Duchenne treatments.

“There are therapies in development right now that could help this generation of children, but we have to keep the momentum going. Someday soon, when a child is diagnosed with Duchenne, it will not be a devastating disease but simply a manageable condition.” said Marissa Penrod, Joseph’s mother and founder and CEO of the non-profit. “Team Joseph is thrilled to be the recipient of Cadillac’s generosity through the donation of the first ATS,”

Duchenne is a lethal form of muscular dystrophy affecting one in every 3,500 male births around the world. Only through recent advances in care have some patients been able to live with Duchenne beyond their teenage years.

“Donating the first Cadillac ATS will allow us to raise money and awareness for a very important cause,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “It’s our way of supporting treatment for Duchenne, with some of that research occurring in our home state of Michigan.”

The crystal red, Premium-trim ATS up for auction will be fully equipped with a 3.6L V-6 estimated at 320 horsepower. The car will also feature CUE, Cadillac’s comprehensive in-vehicle user experience that merges intuitive design with industry-first controls and commands for information and media.

About Cadillac

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.

About Team Joseph

Team Joseph is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to aggressively fund cutting-edge research to find a treatment or a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.  Team Joseph’s focus is to rapidly move basic research into applications that can make a difference for the current generation of children afflicted with Duchenne.

Team Joseph is a founding member of the Duchenne Alliance, an international consortium of Duchenne organizations whose mission is to collaborate, share information, and co-fund research projects all in an effort to quickly bring a treatment or cure to Duchenne patients worldwide.  More information on Team Joseph can be found at www.teamjoseph.info.

Courtesy of Cadillac Media

GM named No. 1 automotive solar power user in U.S.

General Motors Co. is the No.1 automotive user of solar power in the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

The national trade association along with Vote Solar Initiative, determined the industry rankings by cumulative solar energy capacity.

“GM has set an example in renewable energy within its industry and beyond,” said Rhone Resch, CEO of the SEIA, in a statement. “Solar helps companies reliably manage their long-term energy costs, and our top 20 companies are going solar in a big way across the nation.”

Last year, GM committed to doubling its global solar output to 60 megawatts in the next three years, and to increase renewable energy use to 125MW by 2020.

In the U.S., 2.1 percent of the Detroit-based automaker’s energy consumption comes from renewable resources.

“We understand the environmental and business benefits of using renewable energy and we look forward to building on it with our new commitments,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of sustainability and global regulatory affairs.

According to officials, GM’s solar arrays will generate enough electricity this year to power 800 U.S. homes and that number is expected to double in 2013.

GM ranked thirteenth out of all U.S. companies for total installed solar capacity.

The top 10 companies in terms of on-site solar capacity included Walmart, Costco, Kohl’s Department Stores, IKEA, Macy’s, McGraw-Hill, Johnson & Johnson, Staples, Inc., Campbell’s Soup and Walgreens.

Combined, the top 20 corporate solar users’ installations generate an estimated $47.3 million worth of electricity each year.

Courtesy of Michigan Automotive News

The all new Cadillac ATS is here and ready to be seen!

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Williamson Buick GMC Kicks off the Season with the Palmetto Bay Broncos Football Association

Williamson Buick GMCof Miami is partnering with Palmetto Bay Broncos Football Associationto provide the league’s players and coaches with equipment, a monetary donation, and a chance to raise up to $10,000.

In support of Miami’s youth, Williamson Buick GMCwill provide Palmetto Bay Broncos Football Associationwith football kits which include equipment bags, footballs, water bottle carriers, yard marker set, helmet-sticker decals, and t-shirts.

Offering additional support to the community, Palmetto Bay Broncos Football Associationwill have the opportunity to raise as much as $10,000 through fundraising efforts where one lucky patron in the Nation will win a new 2013 Buick or GMC vehicle (MSRP not to exceed $30,000). Williamson Buick GMCand other GMC dealerships across the Nation are donating the vehicle to the participating leagues. One second prize winner will be selected from the sponsored league to win a Gas Grill. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to the participating leagues, and they can use the funds in any way they choose.  Some of the leagues have reported they plan to grant scholarships to families who cannot afford to enroll their children in the league, while others have said they will use the funds to improve fields and equipment.

“GMC and youth football. It’s a great combination,” says Mark Naszradiof Williamson Buick GMC. “We are proud to be able to help the kids in our community by donating equipment and giving them the opportunity to raise much needed funds for their league. We are excited to be part of the effort this year, and anticipate a fun-filled season of Palmetto Bay Broncos Football Associationfootball.”

 

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Powertrain Innovation Comes Standard on 2013 Regal

The 2013 Buick Regal luxury sport sedan arrives at dealerships this fall with a standard advanced eAssist powertrain and 36 highway mpg. Two powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engines give Regal one of the most technologically advanced engine ranges in the brand’s history.

“With eAssist, Buick is redefining what a ‘conventional powertrain’ means to customers,” said eAssist global chief engineer Stephen Poulos. “It changes the fuel economy – but not the experience – for the 97 percent of new car buyers who aren’t buying hybrids.”

Where a hybrid vehicle requires a complex system of large, heavy batteries and electric motors, Buick eAssist uses a compact lithium-ion battery and a small electric motor/generator in place of an alternator to achieve an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg for both the Regal and the LaCrosse luxury sedans.

The three main advantages of the eAssist system are its stop/start functionality, which turns the engine off when the vehicle is at rest; regenerative braking that gathers and stores energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, and an electric motor assist that reduces the gas engine’s work during acceleration or on inclines.

“It takes advantage of the best parts of a hybrid, and eAssist is now standard equipment for Regal,” said Poulos. “These new functions happen seamlessly, a requirement for Buick drivers who demand a refined driving experience. They’ll really only notice a difference at the pump.”

Buyers interested in more acceleration can choose from a no-cost option of a 220-horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine or the 270-hp Regal GS, both with variable valve timing and direct injection. In addition to one of the most power-dense engines ever certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers, the GS offers high-performance Brembo brakes, HiPer strut suspension technology and unique design cues inside and out.

Both Regal Turbo and Regal GS are offered with automatic or manual transmissions; Regal with eAssist is available exclusively with a six-speed automatic.

The Buick Regal name, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2013, is a powertrain innovation pioneer. In 1975, it was the only mid-size vehicle in the United States to forego a standard V-8 engine for a more efficient V-6, while remaining competitive in performance. Three years later, the Regal employed a turbocharger.

“In 1978, Buick was the only mainstream brand offering a turbocharged engine,” said GM Heritage Center Manager Greg Wallace. “Only small, performance-oriented brands like Porsche and Saab were experimenting with the same technology at the time. It was very progressive of Buick to offer a turbocharged V-6 in a mid-size luxury coupe in the late ‘70s.”

Regal powertrain engineers continued that innovation 19 years later, when the 1997 Buick Regal GS debuted with the brand’s first supercharged V-6, rated at 240 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It was among the most powerful and efficient vehicles in its segment and still achieved 28 highway mpg.

Today’s Buick Regal combines sport sedan handling with intelligent powertrain technologies. Regal with eAssist offers five more highway mpg than an Acura TSX and six more than a Volvo S60, while the Regal Turbo and Regal GS offer more power than turbocharged four-cylinder engines from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.

Courtesy of Buick Media

Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition

Don’t try to carry too much.

Never exceed your car’s roof load specifications or weight limits.You can find them in your vehicle owner’s manual. Check the weight limitation of your roof rack as well. Typically the range is from 150 to 200 pounds (68 to 90 kg). That’s the equivalent of eighteen 8-foot 2 x 4s (2.4-meter 38 x 89s) or three sheets of 3/4-inch (17-mm) plywood. If you have to deliver a heavy load from the home or garden center, consider having it delivered. It will save wear and tear on you as well as your car.

New Luxury Book Chronicles Cadillac’s 110 Years

Cadillac, which celebrates its 110th birthday this month, will be the subject of a new limited edition Assouline luxury book. When it debuts later this fall, Cadillac will be the renowned publisher’s first project dedicated to a single automotive brand.

Cadillac tells the history of America’s first luxury auto maker with 150 pages of images depicting the brand’s many landmark cars and the people who drove them, making Cadillac among the world’s most-revered luxury brands. 

“Cadillac is indelibly woven into culture, in America and around the world,” said Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of marketing. “Today, with Cadillac once again moving forward as a design and technology leader, we’re proud that our brand has inspired the artists at Assouline.”       

Only 500 hand-numbered Cadillac luxury books will be produced, each housed in a black slipcase with metallic Cadillac plaque and retailing for $395. A more conventional hardcover version with dust jacket will also be available and retail for $75. The book will be released in time for the holiday shopping season.

Known for their editions on architecture, fashion, design and travel, Assouline has published more than 1,000 luxury books since its founding in 1994. They have branded boutiques around the world including Paris, New York, Las Vegas, Seoul, and Lima.

Cadillac’s history dates to 1902, when it was founded by engineer and entrepreneur Henry Leland. As Henry Ford’s first attempt to establish an automobile company faltered, Ford’s investors asked for Leland’s appraisal of the assets of the failed Henry Ford Company. Leland instead convinced the investors to let him make a new company with cars powered by the single-cylinder engine he invented.  

Historians debate the actual “birthdate” of Cadillac. Leland’s original meeting with the Henry Ford Company’s investors occurred on Aug. 22, 1902, often cited as the “start” of Cadillac. The actual date of the founding of the Cadillac Automobile Company, in records filed in Detroit, is August 27, exactly 110 years ago today.

Using tools and equipment from his other firm, Leland and Faulconer, Leland’s first Cadillac was built on Oct. 22, 1902. The new company began production and sales in earnest in March of 1903.

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.

Courtesy of Cadillac Media