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The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is in production, on their way to dealerships and out for test drives around North America. Reviews have been very positive and people have a variety of love / hate it for the design. Even here on Cheers and Gears various members have a passion on how plastic is being used on the front and rear of the car. With that it is time to take a closer look at some of the tech on this newest CUV from Cadillac. I found sandyblogs.com and the writers Tech Link. Here they do a pretty good job of pointing out the various tech on new auto's. I wanted to bring this into C&G for discussion and see what you all think. Tech open for debate: XT4 Electro-hydraulic brakes Turbo Charged 2.0L engine Plastic Engine Oil Pan Multipoint Air filter sensors 9 speed transmission with shift by wire Active Twin Clutch AWD system Active Sports Suspension Next Generation Infotainment system Rotary Controller Driver Assistance systems Hands Free power liftgate 22 new specialty tools to work on the auto The XT4 is the first GM auto to use their new brake control system that takes up considerably less room under the hood compared to a traditional Vacuum assisted power braking system. This new brake system is 13 lbs lighter than the old one it replaces. There are new braking sensors, brake pad sensors, wheel speed sensors and a new Power up self test. This makes the braking system a very self aware system for faster response with greater safety. We then have the feature heavy 2.0L Turbo 4 motor with AFM (Active Fuel Management), SIDI (Spark ignited Direct Injection), DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), VVT (Variable Valve Timing) with this being the first new engine built on CSS or cylinder set strategy. This engine also uses an electric water pump using a built in local interconnect Network to manage cooling. Oil is the Gen 2 full synthetic SAE 0W-20 and uses a hardened plastic oil pan connected to the engine block. This oil pan helps to reduce the overall weight by a few pounds. The DIC in the auto is able to manage the multiple air sensor points on when you need to change the air filter. The 9 speed transmission is one of the smallest ever and uses electronics to shift gears via input from the EPS (Electronic Precision Shift). This does have a slightly different pattern over the XT5 as it is just a straight up and down only. The AWD twin clutch system is electronically controlled and allows a perfect 50/50 between front and back wheels and yet allows power up to 100% to be sent to the wheels with the best traction. The active Sport Suspension adjusts to the road every 2 milliseconds and allows the driver to change between tour, sport or AWD mode at any time. Cadillac is rolling out their next generation infotainment system. Higher quality graphics with a much faster more responsive system. faster to touch as well as voice. This system supports NFC (Near Field Communication) for easy pairing of your phone and the system. Besides touching the screen or a button, there is a rotary controller now allowing ease in access among the menus and feature function. Driver assistance systems is easiest to just post their long list of what this includes: Safety Alert Seat Rear Camera Mirror Surround Vision 360-degree Camera Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Front/Rear Park Assist Rear Cross Traffic Alert Front Pedestrian Braking Forward Collision Alert Forward/Reverse Automatic Braking Head-Up Display Automatic Parking Assist with Braking Final feature is one that Cadillac competitor has had for years, Hand Free power liftgate. When you are within 6 ft of the rear of the auto with the fob in your pocket, you can just swing your foot and it will open the rear liftgate. The final listed item is all the new tools needed to work on the XT4. You can review the list on the Tech Link 1. Tech Link 1 Tech Link 2

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is an important vehicle for the brand for a number of reasons. It's the first vehicle part of a major product offensive by Cadillac that will see them introduce a new/redesigned model almost every six months through 2021. It also gives Cadillac a contender in the growing small luxury crossover class. The overall design of the XT4 is very similar to the larger XT5 with sharp angles, large front grille, headlights that extend downward to the bumper, and taillights that run from the top of the tailgate to underneath the window. 18-inch wheels come standard, while larger 20-inch wheels are optional. The overall dimensions of the XT4 - 181.1-inch overall length, 109.4-inch wheelbase, 74.1-inches wide, and 64.1-inches tall - puts it between subcompact and compact crossovers. Inside, Cadillac went for a modern and clean look. An 8-inch touchscreen housing the Cadillac User Experience infotainment system is standard on XT4s. Like the CT6 refresh, the XT4 will have a rotary control knob to control the system. Cargo space measures out 22.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 48.9 cubic feet when folded. Powering all XT4s will be a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This will come paired with a nine-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. Cadillac estimates fuel economy figures of 25 City/30 Highway/27 Combined - we're assuming the numbers are for the front-wheel drive model. The suspension is comprised of a front strut and five-link rear setup. Sport models get the option of a Continuous Damping Control system that automatically adjusts the firmness based on a number of parameters. Pricing for the 2019 XT4 kicks off at $35,790 when it arrives at dealers this fall. Those interested can order an XT4 beginning at the end of this month. Source: Cadillac Press Release is on Page 2 Cadillac Introduces First-Ever XT4 All-new compact SUV delivers more for a new generation of luxury buyers At Cadillac House in Manhattan today, Cadillac unveiled the first-ever XT4, an all-new compact SUV tailored for the next generation of luxury customers. Developed on an exclusive compact SUV architecture, Cadillac’s entry in the industry’s fastest-growing luxury segment delivers expressive design, confident performance, spacious accommodations and new technologies. “The first-ever 2019 Cadillac XT4 expands our successful SUV lineup to a segment where Cadillac has never been before,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “And it sets off a dramatic expansion and elevation of the product range, that will see a new Cadillac virtually once every six months through 2021.” Simple and sculpted lines draw the customer in and accentuate the XT4’s powerful proportions and aggressive presence. The interior is the Cadillac design aesthetic distilled: the thoughtful and artistic integration of technology and appealing style. The cabin is exceptionally refined, with expected segment-leading rear-seat spaciousness. All models are driven by an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine that features new efficiency-enhancing technologies including Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission with next-generation Electronic Precision Shift. Cadillac also debuts its new global “Y” trim strategy on the XT4. Distinctive Premium Luxury and Sport models build from the well-equipped Luxury (base) trim. Specific content and styling cues tailor the Premium Luxury and Sport trims to different customer tastes and preferences. Cadillac will roll out this new trim strategy beginning with the XT4 and the 2019 CT6 top-of-range sedan. The XT4 will be priced starting at $35,790 including destination charge, excluding tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment, when it goes on sale in fall 2018. Starting at the end of March 2018, customers will be able to preorder their XT4s from participating U.S. Cadillac dealers nationwide. Additional XT4 highlights include: Cadillac user experience with all-new rotary controller Smart chassis features including available twin-clutch, decoupling all-wheel drive Available Active Sport Suspension featuring Continuous Damping Control and new electro-hydraulic braking assist STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE A team of young designers representing the heart of the XT4’s target customer demographic helmed the design, penning an expressive SUV that injects a higher degree of sculpture into Cadillac’s lineup — and today’s vehicle is very close to their original visions for the exterior and interior. “The XT4 has a great presence that is confident and poised,” said Therese Pinazzo, exterior design manager. “It exudes Cadillac’s DNA, but with a new boldness that speaks to the youthfulness of its team and its customers.” In keeping with Cadillac’s new “Y” trim strategy, the Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport models offer distinctive styling cues and trim finishes to create unique personas and greater choice for customers. XT4 Sport models feature a gloss black mesh grille inspired by Cadillac’s high-performance V-Series models, gloss black window moldings and specific Sport alloy wheel choices. Luxury and Premium Luxury models feature grilles with bright metallic accents, satin aluminum window moldings and satin chrome-accented door handles. All models feature advanced LED lighting technology front and rear, with front LED low and high beams and an LED-illuminated light blade for the daytime running lamps. Cadillac’s vertical L-shaped lighting signature is stretched horizontally, emphasizing the XT4’s width and confident stance. Standard LED taillights are housed in traditional red lenses on Luxury and Premium Luxury, while the Sport model receives tinted neutral-density (clear) lenses that complement the generally darker exterior color choices. Eight exterior colors will be offered on the 2019 XT4 at launch: Atlantic Metallic, Autumn Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Twilight Blue Metallic, Shadow Metallic, Red Horizon Tintcoat, Stellar Black Metallic and Radiant Silver Metallic. BOLD, REFINED AND SPACIOUS CABIN Echoing the exterior design themes, the new XT4’s cabin conveys boldness and strength with youthful athleticism. Sweeping arcs and tapered lines enhance the feeling of spaciousness and give it a taut, tightly wrapped appearance. The interior elements come together in a sophisticated and modern design. Intuitive technology includes available next-generation wireless device charging and an in-cabin air ionizer. “With the XT4’s interior, we distilled Cadillac to its essence,” said Phillip Kucera, Interior Design manager. “We’ve been able to be simpler and bolder than we have ever been before, giving the SUV attitude and a sporty connotation.” The all-new XT4 offers exceptional space for a compact luxury SUV, particularly for rear-seat passengers. It is expected to lead the segment in rear-seat roominess, with 39.5 inches (1,004 mm) of legroom. The XT4 also offers 48.9 cubic feet (1,385 liters) of maximum cargo volume with the rear seat folded. "The XT4 was envisioned holistically to deliver a dynamic sporty exterior without compromising comfort and functionality for passengers,” said Cadillac Exterior Design Director Jim Fleming, who helped create the vehicle’s architecture. “It’s a great balance that delivers style and comfort on long drives such as a weekend getaway to a favorite ski slope, while still offering excellent cargo room for that ski trip’s gear.” Additional interior features and highlights include: The thick, three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel is all new and was developed to enhance the sporty feel of the vehicle while maintaining driver comfort on long drives. Sport-inspired seating with prominent seat-bottom and seatback bolsters balances comfort with the kind of support typically found in sports sedans. A massage feature is available. Available white ambient lighting casts a sophisticated glow and highlights important features. Technology integration includes Cadillac’s first rotary controller for the Cadillac user experience and other vehicle features (see below for more information), along with streamlined vehicle controls for easier, more intuitive use. At launch, the 2019 XT4 will be offered in seven interior environments, based on Luxury, Premium Luxury or Sport trims: XT4 Luxury — Light Platinum/Jet Black with Aluminum Metallized decor trim XT4 Premium Luxury — Jet Black with Diamond-Cut Aluminum, Light Platinum/Jet Black with Linear Galaxy High-Gloss Wood, Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood XT4 Sport — Jet Black with Cinnamon Accents with Twenty-Two High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, Light Wheat/Jet Black with Red Accents and Morello Red High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGIES Led by the latest Cadillac user experience, the brand’s most advanced infotainment interface, the XT4 offers a connected environment. The Cadillac user experience is a dynamic platform that offers a smartphone-like experience with an intuitive interface, faster response and improved voice recognition that can be updated over time to meet a customer’s evolving connectivity needs. It leverages the cloud and available embedded 4G LTE connection to enable personalization, available connected navigation and news, marketplace and entertainment applications via the app store and a new rotary controller that offers users alternative ways to interact with the system. The new controller includes volume and seek forward/back controls for the audio system; shortcut buttons for fast access to the most frequently used apps such as Audio, Phone, Navigation (if available) and Home; and a large center dial to operate primary features of the most frequently used apps, scroll menus and lists and select other apps to be displayed. Additional XT4 technologies include: The 8-inch diagonal Cadillac user experience interface screen has 768p HD resolution Near-Field Communication, a Cadillac-first integration, greatly improves the process of pairing a phone (if compatible) with Cadillac user experience. Next-generation, 15-watt wireless charging is available and offers faster charging timesi . There are four standard USB Ports and three 12-volt accessory power outletsii. Models equipped with the available navigation radio also receive an SD memory card reader in the center console. The full suite of active safety features includes Surround Vision and second-generation Rear Camera Mirror (available)iii. XT4 DRIVING DYNAMICS The new Cadillac XT4’s confident, athletic appearance is complemented by great agility. It is characteristically Cadillac in refinement and responsiveness, but with a youthful edginess derived from the brand’s critically acclaimed sports sedans. It starts with an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine. This advanced, power-dense inline-four-cylinder — 118.5 hp per liter — features an industry-first tripower system. The system is designed to optimize performance and efficiency by having three distinct operating modes, including high and low valve lift and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). The engine also features a twin-scroll turbocharger to enhance torque production at lower speeds, as well as direct injection, active thermal management and stop/start technologies. Output is SAE-certified at 237 hp (177 kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm). A nearly flat torque curve gives the XT4 surprising responsiveness throughout the engine’s RPM range. A nine-speed automatic transmission is paired with the new engine, helping the XT4 achieve a Cadillac-estimated 30 mpg in highway drivingiv. The vehicle also features the next generation of electronic precision shift, which features an intuitive shifting sequence. When it comes to channeling the XT4’s power to the pavement, a strut-type front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension are tuned to balance refinement with responsiveness. The standard Driver Select Mode allows that tuning to be adjusted on demand for different driving styles and road conditions. A twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system is available and offers the convenience of decoupling entirely from the rear wheels when the driver chooses, eliminating drivetrain friction. XT4 Sport’s available Active Sport Suspension features Continuous Damping Control and takes driving dynamics and control to a higher threshold, using electronic sensors to monitor the road in real time and making damping adjustments every 2 milliseconds. The XT4 is also the first Cadillac to introduce electro-hydraulic braking assist, which supplants the traditional vacuum-assisted power braking system with an electro-hydraulic system that enhances fuel economy and takes up less space under the hood. KEY STANDARD AND AVAILABLE FEATURES (Premium Luxury and Sport content is in addition to or in place of Luxury content) XT4 LUXURY XT4 PREMIUM LUXURY XT4 SPORT STANDARD STANDARD STANDARD 18-in. 10-spoke alloy wheels with Bright Silver finish LED headlamps and taillamps Satin aluminum side glass moldings Leatherette trim 8-way driver/6-way passenger power front seats Aluminum metallized interior decor Rotary controller Rear Park Assistiii Teen Driveriii Cadillac user experience Four USB ports 60/40-split rear seat Dual-zone automatic climate control Adaptive Remote Start 18-inch 10-spoke wheels with Pearl Nickel finish Illuminated door handles with satin chrome accents Front and Rear Park Assistiii Power-folding outside mirrors Satin aluminum finish on roof rails Leather seat surfaces Ambient lighting Wood or aluminum interior décor Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alertiii Rear Cross Traffic Alertiii Safety Alert Seatiii Auto-dimming inside mirror Driver’s seat memory Power liftgate 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with Diamond Cut/Argent Metallic finish LED front turn signal and cornering lamps Tinted neutral-density taillamp lenses Gloss Black finish on the front grille, side glass moldings and roof rails Body-color door handles Front and Rear Park Assistiii Power-folding outside mirrors Leatherette trim with sport accents Ambient lighting Carbon fiber or wood interior décor Sport steering wheel and pedals Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alertiii Rear Cross Traffic Alertiii Safety Alert Seatiii Auto-dimming inside mirror Driver’s seat memory Power liftgate AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE Sunroof and roof rails Trailering package All-wheel drive Navigation radio and Bose audio system Cold weather package Sunroof Trailering package All-wheel drive Navigation radio and Bose audio system Cold weather package Comfort and Convenience package 20-inch Luxury wheels Driver Awareness Package Visibility Package Driver Assist Package Technology Package Sunroof Trailering package All-wheel drive Navigation radio and Bose audio system Cold weather package Comfort and Convenience package 20-inch Sport wheels Driver Awareness Package Visibility Package Driver Assist Package Technology Package Active Sport Suspension with Continuous Damping Control ### 2019 CADILLAC XT4 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS (North American specs, as of time of publication) OVERVIEW Model 2019 Cadillac XT4 Body Style 5 door, 5 passenger compact luxury SUV Manufacturing location Fairfax Assembly, Kansas City, Kansas EXTERIOR Wheelbase (in / mm) 109.4 / 2779 Overall length (in / mm) 181.1 / 4599 Overall width (in / mm) 74.1 / 1881 (excluding outside rearview mirrors) Overall height (in / mm) 64.1 / 1627 (including roof rails) Turning circle (feet) 38.0 Ground clearance (in / mm) 6.7 / 171 INTERIOR DIMENSIONS & CARGO VOLUME Seating capacity (front / rear) 2 / 3 Headroom (in / mm) 39.4 / 1000 (front) 38.3 / 973 (rear) Legroom (in. / mm) 40.4 / 1026 (front) 44.1 / 1121 (front, maximum) 39.5 / 1004 (rear) Cargo volume (cu ft) 22.5 (behind 1st row) 48.9 (behind 2nd row) WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES Curb weight (lbs / kg) 3660 / 1660 (FWD Luxury – est.) Max. towing capacity (lbs) 3500 (with available towing package) CADILLAC-ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City 25 mpg Highway 30 mpg Combined 27 mpg ENGINE Type: 2.0L Turbocharged I4 DOHC with Active Fuel Management, direct injection and stop/start Bore and stroke (in. / mm): 3.26 x 3.63 / 83 x 92.3 Block material: Cast aluminum Cylinder head material: Cast aluminum Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder with tripower system Fuel delivery: Direct injection with electronic throttle control Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 237 / 177 @ 5000 (SAE cert.) Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): 258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 (SAE cert.) TRANSMISSION Type: Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed electronically controlled automatic CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Front Suspension: MacPherson strut with coil-over spring; direct-acting stabilizer bar. Active Sport Suspension with Continuous Damping Control (avail. on Sport) Rear Suspension: Five-link independent with coil springs and fully isolated cradle Steering Type: Electric variable-assist power rack-and-pinion Brake Type: Four-wheel disc with ABS; electro-hydraulic assist Wheel Size: 18-in. alloy (std.) 20-in. alloy (avail.) View full article

Well, pretty simple, who wore it better?

Cadillac's infotainment system has been the bane of automotive writers and owners. CUE has been described as being difficult annoying to use, part of this due to the touch-sensitive 'buttons' which doesn't always recognized when pressed. But it seems Cadillac is going back to basics in terms of their infotainment system. Spy photos of the upcoming XT4's interior have made their way onto various sites today. Underneath the infotainment screen, there are rows of physical buttons for the climate control and various safety functions. We can also make out a controller behind the transmission, which may provide another method of controlling the infotainment system. Other details that can be made out include stitching around the touchscreen and paddle shifters behind the wheel. We're expecting to see Cadillac unveil the XT4 next month at the New York Auto Show. Source: Autoblog, Motor1 View full article

The Cadillac XT4 is an important model for the brand as it will give them a competitor in the lucrative compact luxury crossover class. It might also give one of GM's assembly plants some much needed good news. Bloomberg has learned from sources that General Motors has started producing test versions of the Cadillac XT4 at their Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City. This possibly hints that production of the XT4 could take place here. A GM spokesman declined to comment when asked about this. The Fairfax plant has been hit hard by the decline in sales for midsize sedans. Home to the Chevrolet Malibu, the plant has seen the third shift cut last year as Malibu sales dropped 18 percent. Source: Bloomberg View full article

In various reports about Cadillac's upcoming small crossover, we have been calling it the XT3. But recently at Geneva Motor Show, Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen revealed the actual name. “A new compact crossover called XT4 will debut in 2018 in the US and subsequently in Europe, with an entirely new series of efficient and powerful engines. Starting with the launch of XT4, a new Cadillac will be brought to market every six months, a total of five carlines in the space of two years,” said de Nysschen. It is expected that the XT4 will use the bones of the new Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Power will come from a 2.0L turbo-four paired with a nine-speed automatic Source: Cadillac View full article