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Cadillac's sedan lineup in the future is going to look much smaller. Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen told Reuters in an interview that the ATS, CTS, and XTS will not be directly replaced when their lifecycles end in 2019. A new model called the CT5 will take their place and cost between $35,000 and $45,000. "We have to rebalance our sedan portfolio," de Nysschen. The CT6 will take care of the top end, while a new small luxury sedan (possibly named CT4) will handle the low end. de Nysschen reiterated plans of Cadillac building out their crossover lineup with the XT4 launching in 2019. de Nysschen also mentioned that Cadillac could be launching a range of electric vehicles in the latter half of the next decade. Source: Reuters View full article

The Cadillac XTS represents the last of an era of front-wheel drive based luxury sedans for the brand. You may think that it will not be too long before the XTS goes into the great parking lot in the sky. But that's where you be wrong as the brand is giving the XTS some big updates for 2018. The most noticeable change is the new face that makes the XTS look more like the CT6 - something we first learned about last month. There is a new front grille and headlights that have been moved up slightly. The rear comes with a new trunk and reshaped LED taillights. Inside, Cadillac has introduced the latest version of CUE which brings forth an all new user interface. There is much to report in the XTS' mechanicals aside from an updated chassis that is said to improve ride comfort. The 3.6 V6 with 304 horsepower comes standard, while the V Sport makes do with a turbocharged 3.6 V6 with 410 horsepower. Both engines come paired with a six-speed automatic. The 3.6 is available with front or all-wheel drive, and the V-Sport only comes with AWD. The updated 2018 XTS arrives at dealers this fall. Source: Cadillac Press Release is on Page 2 2018 XTS JOINS NEW GENERATION OF CADILLAC DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY NEW FOR 2018 Enhanced technology features with next-generation Cadillac user experience Improved chassis for even greater ride comfort Freshened front and rear appearance The Cadillac XTS is a spacious and comfortable sedan with confident handling and performance. For 2018, the XTS receives technical, chassis and appearance changes to heighten the appeal of this elegant sedan. Beginning with the enhanced next-generation Cadillac user experience, which debuted on the 2017 CTS sport sedan, the XTS now offers a dynamic platform that can be adjusted over time to meet a customer’s evolving connectivity needs, leveraging the cloud to enable personalization, available connected navigation and applications via the Collection app store. The updated chassis has revised tire designs for both 19” and 20” tires—improving ride comfort while reducing outside noise for a quieter more comfortable cabin. Drivers will find front-seat luxury much more comfortable thanks to changes to seat foam geometry, wire frame structure and heat pad redesign. An increased use of engineered sound insulators (to reduce exterior noise) reduces cabin sound to create an even more serene environment. New exterior styling features freshened front and rear fascias. Updated interior color and trim choices – including a Platinum-exclusive Maple Sugar with Jet Black environment – and new alloy wheel options highlight the updates to the XTS. The appearance change includes new fenders, front and rear fascias, grille, and the addition of LED headlights and taillamp in keeping with today’s portfolio. It also brings the overall length of the car to 200.9 inches (1.1” inches shorter than 2017). Also available is the XTS Platinum V-Sport, which takes performance to a higher level, driven by an exclusive twin-turbo engine and all-wheel drive. Standard and available features across the lineup include: Updated chassis with improved ride comfort Brembo front brakes standard Available advanced all-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled limited-slip differential Standard 19-inch wheels and available 20-inch wheels, with a new wheel design for Luxury and Platinum models Updated next-generation Cadillac user experience infotainment system with the fastest response time ever, updated graphics, personalized profiles, smartphone-like navigation, Wi-Fi and active connection Adaptive remote start Four USB ports Standard eight-speaker Bose audio system When it comes to trunk space, the XTS is in a league of its own, with 18 cubic feet (509 L), exceeding some midsize and full-size competitors — that’s more than the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The cargo advantage means room for five or more suitcases. View full article

It seems Cadillac has some updates in store for the XTS if some leaked pictures from Chinese website Autohome are the real deal. The pictures show the XTS taking some ideas from the CT6 and XT5. Up front is a broader, more upright grille with new headlights. Around back is a more sculpted trunk lid and L-shaped taillights. Powertrains are expected to carry over, meaning the U.S. will stick with the 3.6L V6 and twin-turbo 3.6L. Over in China, the XTS will stick with the 2.0L turbo-four. We wouldn't be surprised if there is an update for the CUE system. Source: Autohome View full article

Imagine a world where there isn't hearses and limousines wearing the Cadillac badge. According to GM Inside News, that will be happening when production of the XTS ends in 2019. Johan de Nysschen, head of Cadillac revealed that when the lifecycle of the XTS ends, there will be no replacement. This is due to the brand realigning their product lineup to better compete with the German automakers. With the upcoming loss of the XTS, this will also signal the end of Cadillac's livery business. "We will not have a car that will lend itself to these kind of modifications and we will probably withdrawal from those markets," said de Nysschen. Source: GM Inside News Pic Credit: William Maley View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 24, 2013 Stopgap. Standby. Stand-In. Makeshift. Temporary. Interim. Placeholder. All of these words in one way or another have been used to describe Cadillac's current flagship, the XTS. When the XTS was introduced back in 2012, it filled the gap left by the DTS and STS. It also became a vehicle to serve as the flagship until the long-rumored rear-wheel drive flagship appears. But do all these words hurt the XTS? Is it something more than a placeholder in the Cadillac lineup? I recently spent a week with a 2013 XTS Platinum AWD to answer this question. The XTS might be my favorite Cadillac design to date. The overall shape makes a callback to current crop of Cadillac vehicles, most notably the ATS and SRX. Up front is massive front grille with the distinct satin-chrome grille insert for Platinum models. On either side is a set of sweptback HID headlights that move when you turn the steering wheel. The headlights also feature LED lighting along the outer edge and another set of LEDs underneath. The side profile shows off a set of twenty-inch aluminum wheels, chrome trim along the door sills and windows, and illuminated door handles. The back features vertical taillights with some fin action to give homage to the late-fifties' Cadillacs and a stoplamp that doubles as a spoiler. Moving inside, the XTS is General Motors most ambitious effort on adding technologies to a vehicle. The driver faces a color display that offers four different gauge layouts and abundance of information screens that you can throw on to the screen. I found the display easy to read and very informative. Also new is a color heads-up display which displays your speed and other key information. Cadillac's CUE infotainment system is standard on the XTS Platinum and much like the SRX I had back in March, the system has been getting better. CUE is much smoother and the responsiveness is quick when you press the screen or capacitive buttons. Still, the distraction problem is very evident and it does take some time to fully understand how to use the system. Luxuries abound in the XTS Platinum's interior. You have leather lining the door panels, dashboard, and plush seats. Driver and front passenger get power adjustments, heat, and ventilated seats. In the back, you'll find an abundance of legroom, decent headroom, manual sunshades for the windows, rear climate control, and heated seats. Powering this big Cadillac is the venerable 3.6L Direct Injected V6 with 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic routes the power to either the front wheels or all four wheels. The 3.6L is not the right engine for the XTS. When you think back to the big Cadillacs of yesteryear, all of them used a big V8 engine with the torque arriving on the low end of the RPM spectrum. The XTS' 3.6L is the complete opposite. With torque arriving at 5,200 RPM, you really have to work the engine if you want to get moving. Add on a curb weight of 4,215 pounds for the XTS Platinum with AWD, and you're in for a world of hurt. Now General Motors has announced a new twin-turbo 3.6L Direct Injected V6 with 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque for the 2014 XTS. Lets hope this is the engine to give it some needed kick. As for the other parts of the drivetrain, the six-speed automatic works perfectly by delivering very smooth shifts. The Haldex all-wheel drive system was very unobtrusive whenever it worked its magic. Fuel economy is another disappointment for the XTS. The EPA rates the 2013 XTS Platinum AWD at 17 City/26 Highway/20 Combined. During my week, I averaged 19 MPG in mixed conditions. What does the XTS does uphold in big Cadillac tradition is excellent ride and comfort. General Motors went all out on the XTS' suspension by equipping Magnetic Ride Control and a rear air suspension system. These two systems paired together provided one of the smoothest rides I have ever experienced. Bumps and road imperfections seem to be ironed out. Steering also follows big Cadillac tradition; light and really no road feel. This is ok since it’s a big luxury sedan, not a small, sports sedan. One other feature I should mention is Cadillac's Safety Seat Alert. This system is tied in with a number of safety systems in the vehicle such as the lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert. If one the safety systems detect an obstacle or the car going over the lane, it will activate the safety seat alert and vibrate the bottom cushion to alert the driver. When I first experienced it, it made me jump. I wasn't sure what was happening until I looked at the window sticker and realized my tester was equipped with it. After that, I found the system to be a unique way to alert a driver what’s going on without using any buzzers or beeps. If you're wondering, you can turn the system off. So does the XTS deserve the placeholder sticker? The answer isn't that simple. On one hand, the XTS appears to be a stand in for the long-rumored Cadillac flagship that is reportedly coming out in either 2016 or 2017. Plus, the XTS doesn't follow the current convention that Cadillacs are supposed to attack the roads like their German counter parts. But the XTS is very much an old school Cadillac in many ways. The number of luxury appointments and tech will make you feel that you're in a very special car and the suspension setup provides one of the smoothest rides around. The only thing missing is an engine that can provide the smooth low-end power needed for it. It might be a placeholder, but it is one that is very deserving of the wreath and crest badge. Disclaimer: General Motors Provided the XTS, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year - 2013 Make – Cadillac Model – XTS4 Trim – Platinum Engine – 3.6L VVT SIDI V6 Driveline – All-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Transmission Horsepower @ RPM – 304 @ 6,800 RPM Torque @ RPM – 264 @ 5,200 RPM Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 17/26/20 Curb Weight – 4,215 lbs Location of Manufacture – Oshawa, Ontario Base Price - $60,385.00 As Tested Price - $64,695.00* (Includes $920.00 destination charge) Options: Driver Assist Package - $2,395.00 Crystal Red Tintcoat Paint - $995.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 24, 2013 As we reported back in May, the 2014 Cadillac XTS will now be available the option of the twin-turbo 3.6L V6 with 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Now, we know which models will be getting this engine and the pricing. The TT 3.6L V6 will be a part of the VSport package on the Premium and Platinum Collection XTS models and will start at $63,020 (includes destination). “The addition of the new Cadillac Twin Turbo expands and elevates the XTS luxury sedan. This is a compelling enhancement to what is already one of the most technically advanced sedans in our history,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president Global Cadillac. The 2014 Cadillac XTS begins rolling off the assembly line in August. Source: Cadillac William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 2014 Cadillac XTS Packs Twin Turbo Power New V-6 engine option produces 410 horsepower DETROIT – Cadillac will add a new option to its XTS luxury sedan: More power and torque. Starting in August, the all-new Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 will go into production as an optional engine for the 2014 XTS. The new Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 is also a signature feature of the upcoming all-new 2014 CTS luxury performance sedan. In the XTS, the twin turbo will produce an SAE-certified 410 horsepower (306 kW) and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm), making it one of the most power-dense six-cylinder engines among luxury cars. The engine delivers 105 lb-ft more torque over the standard V-6 from1900 to 5600 rpm, providing seemingly endless torque for vehicle responsiveness. “The addition of the new Cadillac Twin Turbo expands and elevates the XTS luxury sedan,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president Global Cadillac. “This is a compelling enhancement to what is already one of the most technically advanced sedans in our history.” In both the CTS and XTS product lines, the twin turbo will be the centerpiece of a new model offering called Vsport. The new Vsport is inspired by and slotted “underneath” Cadillac’s elite high-performance V-Series models. Vsport includes the best-performing technical elements inside the “regular” car line in a single model, headlined by Twin Turbo engine. The new Cadillac Twin Turbo is a comprehensive upgrade to the 3.6L dual overhead cam V6 that is standard in the XTS in the U.S. market. Almost every component is unique, including: All-new cylinder block casting Strengthened connecting rods Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength 10.2:1 compression ratio Patented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts Two turbochargers producing more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa) Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves All-new direct injection fuel system Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to quietness and smoothness. The cylinder heads are also unique. They feature a high-tumble intake port design that enhances the motion of the air charge for a more-efficient burn when it is mixed with the direct-injected fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber. Pricing for the 2014 XTS starts at $45,525, including destination fees, unchanged from 2013, with standard equipment including the 3.6L V6 engine that makes 306 hp, CUE, intelligent brake assist and Magnetic Ride Control. Three option packages are available: Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections. The XTS Vsport model will be offered only in the up-level Premium and Platinum Collections. In addition to the twin turbo engine, Vsport offers upgraded 20-inch wheels and a unique grille, with pricing starting at $63,020 including destination fees. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 15, 2013 As General Motors told us back in March and is now fact: The 2014 Cadillac XTS will get twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 engine that premiered in the 2014 CTS. In the XTS, the twin-turbo 3.6L produces 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque (down 10 horsepower and 61 pound-feet compared to the CTS). The twin-turbo 3.6L will be paired with a six-speed automatic. Models equipped with the twin-turbo will have a unique grille and deck lid identification. The current DI 3.6L V6 will remain as the XTS' base engine. Also new for the 2014 XTS is an optional Automatic Parking Assist which uses a ultrasonic sensors to find a spot and then the vehicle takes control of moving the vehicle into place. The driver controls the accelerator, brake, and transmission. Other changes for the 2014 XTS include electric power steering, Intellibeam headlights that automatically switch between high- and low-beam, optional rear-seat entertainment system, and number of other items. No word yet if the 2014 Cadillac XTS will see a price increase or not. Source: Cadillac William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Cadillac XTS - 2014 New for 2014 - Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 with 410 hp (306 kW) – SAE certified - Automatic Parking Assist (FWD models) - Electric power steering (FWD models) - Intellibeam headlamps - Rear-seat entertainment system - Front passenger seat memory feature - Revised rear-seat armrest with wood trim, radio controls and sunshade control (if equipped) - Opaque sunroof sunshade 2014 CADILLAC XTS OFFERS TWIN-TURBO V-6, AUTOMATIC PARKING ASSIST The Cadillac XTS is one of the most technologically advanced production cars in the brand's history, delivering the space, elegance and dramatic presence that are brand signatures in a unique package tuned for a new generation of luxury customers. Cadillac's all-new, power-dense Twin-Turbo V-6 engine highlights new features for 2014, along with technologies including available Automatic Parking Assist and Intellibeam, as well as electric power steering on all front-wheel-drive models. Additional new and revised features include: - An available rear-seat entertainment system with twin DVD screens that fold out of the backs of the front seats - Available front passenger seat memory feature - Revised rear-seat armrest with wood trim, radio controls and sunshade control (if equipped) - Opaque sunroof sunshade. XTS is offered in a well-equipped standard model and three optional collections: Luxury, Premium and Platinum. The XTS Platinum represents the highest level of technology and luxury, including a unique front appearance, wheels and interior colors, materials and trim. Highlights for all collections include: - Standard direct-injected 3.6L V-6 with lightweight features, including integrated cylinder heads/exhaust manifolds - Available advanced all-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled limited-slip differential - Magnetic Ride Control, rear air springs, HiPer Strut front suspension and Brembo front brakes – all standard - Standard 19-inch wheels and available 20-inch wheels - Capless fuel tank filler for easier, cleaner refueling - Folding rear-seat head restraints that enhance rear visibility - Safety Alert Seat that pulses to alert the driver - Intervening braking system that lessens or avoids potential collisions - Short- and long-range radar systems that support adaptive cruise control, front/rear automatic brakes and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. XTS is the only luxury sedan with standard Magnetic Ride Control – the world's fastest-reacting suspension – while the advanced all-wheel-drive system uses Haldex technology with an electronic limited-slip differential to transfer power front-to-back, and side-to-side, along the rear axle. It is available on all three collections. The XTS is also the most spacious Cadillac sedan, tailored to provide roominess in a more efficiently sized package. It offers more interior space than midsize luxury cars and is comparable to full-size sedans, particularly in the rear seat area, where it has 40 inches (1,016 mm) of rear legroom. That's about four more inches than the BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and about two more inches than the Audi A6. And when it comes to trunk space, the XTS is in a league of its own, with 18 cubic feet (509 L), exceeding both midsize and full-size competitors – more than Audi A6 and A8L, BMW 5 and 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E- and S-Class. For XTS customers, the cargo advantage means room for five or more suitcases. XTS design and exterior features XTS's hardware and spatial dimensions are the foundational layers that support exceptional surface detail. Multidimensional elements, including the grille, headlamps and accent lighting, coalesce to give the XTS a presence and attention to detail unlike any Cadillac that has come before it. The XTS's surface details also convey a more nuanced design philosophy, bringing elegance with refined, graceful forms and surfaces working harmoniously with established Cadillac linear forms. Additional features include: - Unique "Twin-Turbo" grille and deck lid identification on models equipped with the 3.6L twin-turbo engine - Premium chrome/satin-chrome grille finish on Platinum Collection - Intellibeam automatic headlamp control is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections - Illuminating door handles are standard on all Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections - Capless fuel-filling system is standard on all models - High-intensity discharge headlamps with Twilight Sentinel are standard on all models - Adaptive Forward Lighting is standard on Premium and Platinum collections - LED center high-mounted rear stop lamp is standard on all models - Heated outside mirrors with auto-dimming feature, turn-signal indicators and puddle lamps are standard on all models - Rainsense automatic windshield wipers are standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum collections - Nineteen-inch polished aluminum wheels are standard on Luxury and Premium Collections - Twenty-inch aluminum wheels with polished finish and chrome inserts are standard on the Platinum Collection - Eight exterior color choices: Radiant Silver Metallic, Black Raven, Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Graphite Metallic, Black Diamond Tricoat, Silver Coast Metallic and Sapphire Blue Metallic. XTS interior features Like the exterior, the XTS's cabin extolls a multidimensional philosophy in a bold, elegant design that is also very efficient in the ways it encompasses passengers and cargo. It represents Cadillac's new expression of luxury also in its use of authentic materials and unprecedented connectivity. Platinum Collection models feature a fully wrapped leather interior with microfiber sueded headliner, as well as premium wood trim on the steering wheel, console, center stack, instrument panel and door panels. Seating trim is offered with Soleil Keisel surfaces or premium Opus full leather – both with perforated detailing. Heated and ventilated seats are also offered. Additional interior features include: - Adaptive remote start is standard on all models - Audio system with Bose premium eight-speaker sound is standard on the base model and Luxury Collection - Bose Studio Surround Sound with 14-speaker system with energy-efficient amplifier is standard on Premium and Platinum Collections - Rear-seat entertainment system is available on Premium and Platinum Collections - SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with free trial period) and HD radio are standard on all models - Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard on Premium and Platinum Collections Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on the base model and Luxury Collection - Leather-wrapped IP and door trim top pad, along with the center console, is standard on the Platinum Collection - Color, reconfigurable 12.3-inch gauge cluster with driver information center is standard on Premium and Platinum Collections - Head-Up Display with color readouts is standard on the Premium and Platinum Collections - Illuminated entry and courtesy lighting is standard on all models - Accent lighting, including LED spotlights with light pipes, is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections - Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces with mini-perforated inserts are standard on the Standard model, Luxury and Premium Collections - Opus full-leather seats with mini-perforated inserts are standard on the Platinum Collection - Heated driver/front passenger and outboard rear passenger seats and vented driver/front passenger seats are standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections - Leather-accented steering wheel with wood accents and tap up/tap down transmission controls is standard - Heated steering wheel is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections - Power rear window shade and manual rear side window shades are available on the Premium Collection and standard on the Platinum Collection - Real wood trim is incorporated on all models - Six interior color/trim combinations: Jet Black, Shale with Cocoa accents, Medium Titanium with Jet Black accents, Caramel with Jet Black accents, Jet Black with Light Wheat accents and Very Light Platinum with Dark Urban and Cocoa accents. CUE details Cadillac CUE is standard on all models. Its heart is the standard eight-inch (203 mm) screen in the center stack, the faceplate below the screen and the steering wheel controls. Features include capacitive-touch control with proximity sensing, haptic feedback, gesture recognition and natural voice recognition. A 12.3-inch (312 mm) reconfigurable instrument cluster is standard on Premium and Platinum Collections. It features vibrant graphic displays showcased among four driver-selectable themes, ranging from minimal to extensive information. And while it is the prominent element in the XTS's technological character, CUE is part of a more comprehensive and layered approach to the car's design, capabilities and performance. XTS powertrains The new Cadillac Twin-Turbo 3.6L V-6 is available in the XTS, delivering SAE-certified 410 horsepower (306 kW) and 369 lb.-ft. of torque (500 Nm), making it one of the most power-dense six-cylinder engines in the segment. A pair of smaller turbochargers and an efficient charge air cooler help provide more immediate power delivery, while peak torque is sustained over a broad range – 1,900 to 5,600 rpm – for a confident feeling of power in almost all driving conditions, such as accelerating or overtaking traffic on the highway. The twin-turbo engine is a comprehensive upgrade on the 60-degree, 3.6L DOHC V-6 that is offered as the standard engine in the XTS. However, almost every component is unique. New features include: - All-new cylinder block casting - Strengthened connecting rods - Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength - 10.2:1 compression ratio - Patented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts - Two turbochargers produce more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa) - Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves - All-new direct injection fuel system - Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness. The cylinder heads are also unique to the Cadillac Twin-Turbo. They feature a high-tumble intake port design that enhances the motion of the air charge for a more-efficient burn when it is mixed with the direct-injected fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber. The XTS's standard 3.6L V-6 is rated at 304 horsepower (224 kW) and 264 lb.-ft. of torque (355 Nm). Lightweight features help reduce overall weight for greater efficiency and a more favorable front-to-rear weight balance. Examples include a composite intake manifold that saves approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) over the weight of a comparable aluminum intake and an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design that saves approximately 13 pounds (6 kg) per engine. The engines are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions with tap-shift control. XTS driving experience A layered approach to the driving experience relies on new and established technologies – all rooted in a stiff structure. The body is infused with strategically placed, ultra-high-strength steel for strength and crash protection, and serves as the foundation for the advanced chassis system. A smart all-wheel-drive system with Haldex technology – with an electronic limited-slip differential that splits torque between the rear wheels – complements an advanced HiPer Strut front suspension and standard Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping to give the XTS sure-footed, confident and comfortable ride and handling traits. A linked H-arm design with "air springs" comprises the rear suspension. HiPer Strut is based on the MacPherson strut front suspension design and features dual-path top mountings that separate the transfer of spring and damper loads to the body structure. It improves ride-and-handling characteristics in four significant ways: - Provides more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control - Improves impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces - Reduces torque steer - Improves vehicle sensitivity to tire irregularities and wheel imbalance. Magnetic Ride Control delivers precise body motion control – "reading" the road every millisecond and changing damping in just five milliseconds. It replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly. New for 2014, a premium electric, variable-assist power steering gear is employed with all front-wheel-drive models. It is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics, while enhancing efficiency by drawing energy only when the wheels are turned. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all models, along with variable-effort steering and four-wheel disc brakes (front Brembo brakes) with four-channel antilock brakes – all features that add important layers of control to the driving experience. Like Magnetic Ride Control, XTS borrows the Brembo braking technology from Cadillac's V-Series of high-performance models. XTS safety The XTS's technology fundamentally supports a range of advanced safety features, based on a "control and alert" strategy that extends the vision around the vehicle. It helps drivers identify potential crash situations and even intervenes when a crash threat appears more imminent, employing visual, audible and tactile (vibration) alerts, depending on the feature. The alerts are designed to identify obstacles with sufficient warning to give the driver time to react and make changes – including the Safety Alert Seat feature, which vibrates either the left or right side of the driver's seat cushion, depending on the location of the impending concern. The intervening features, including Automatic Collision Preparation and front and rear automatic brakes, take over if the threat appears more immediate or the driver does not react to previous alerts. The Driver Awareness Packageis standard on the Premium and Platinum Collections and available on the Luxury Collection. It includes: - Lane Departure Warning - Forward Collision Alert - Safety Alert Seat - Side Blind Zone Alert - Rear Cross Traffic Alert - Reflected LED display. The new Intellibeam feature automatically deploys high-beam headlamps when needed and instantly turns them down when oncoming traffic is detected. The Driver Assist Package is standard on the Platinum and available on Premium Collections. It includes: - The Driver Awareness Package - Adaptive Cruise Control - Front Automatic Brake - Rear Automatic Brake - Automatic Collision Preparation. Additional safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags, knee air bags, side-impact air bags, head-curtain air bags and seat side-impact air bags for outboard rear passengers. Also, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections. Head-up display and full-speed adaptive cruise control are available. The XTS also offers Automatic Parking Assist, which enables the car to parks itself in parallel spaces. It uses ultrasonic sensors to locate a suitable space and maneuver the car into the space. The driver is required to only engage reverse and apply the accelerator and brake pedals. XTS and OnStar One year of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on XTS. OnStar is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. OnStar's RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. An opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 4, 2013 Opel's interim CEO Thomas Sedran made some interesting comments concerning the Insignia replacement. “We will draw on developments from within the parent company for the Insignia replacement. This provides us with the advantage of being able to use technology from GM that is also earmarked for Cadillac,” said Sedran. This has lead Autocar to make the assumption that the Insignia replacement will have a sister car in the form of the next Cadillac XTS, both due out later this decade. While we're not quite sure that the Insignia and XTS will be sister cars, we could easily see the Insignia and XTS sharing some key components if the XTS sticks with FWD. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

July 23, 2012 Drew Dowdell - Managing Editor CheersandGears.com Cadillac is readying a 2.0 turbo version of their full size XTS sedan model according to a diagram obtained by a CheersandGears.com reader. The diagram, sourced from a U.S. Cadillac dealership parts catalog, shows the 2.0T badging along with the FlexFuel badge we are familiar with from other GM vehicles. When we first saw the diagram, we thought we were looking at evidence of a US bound livery model of the XTS similar to Lincoln’s MKT 2.0 Ecoboost. However, a source inside of GM informed us this was not the case, so do not expect to see the 2.0T version on the road if you live in the U.S. This version of XTS will be for sale only in China and likely be an eventual replacement for the Chinese only Cadillac SLS 2.0T. Being a cousin of the now departed Saab 9-5, we can expect the XTS 2.0T to have no less than 220 horsepower and 258 ft-lb of torque at 2000 rpm. The possibility exists for more performance as GM has been actively improving their 2.0T, so any engine spec between those above and the 270 horsepower 295 ft-lb of torque available in the Buick Regal GS is possible. All-Wheel-Drive is not expected to be offered. In other XTS news, we have confirmed that there are no plans to sell the XTS in Europe contrary to what had been previously reported by other outlets, making the XTS limited to the North American and Asian markets. Drew Dowdell is managing editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at [email protected] or on twitter as @Cheersngears View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 24, 2012 Cadillac has big ambitions for the European market, readying the ATS, CTS, and SRX to do battle. One car that was planning to stay was the XTS. Now, a new report from German auto news site, Auto-News.de, says the XTS could be the basis for a new Opel flagship. An odd pairing at first, bankruptcy documents from Saab reveal GM was hard at work on a new on a new flagship for Swedish brand named the 9-8, which was expected to use bits of the Cadillac XTS. However, when GM sold Saab and the events following thereafter left the 9-8's design hanging in the balance. Opel has apparently said that's ours with the 9-8 and is now reworking it into an Opel. The report says the vehicle will likely wear the Omega nameplate, a name that has adorned Opel's flagships from 1986-2003. Drivetrain will be FWD with the option of AWD. Power will either come from a 3.6L V6 or the 2.8L turbocharged V6 used in the Opel Insignia. A range of diesels are also expected. Source: Auto-News.de William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article